Kiran Ahluwalia (pronounced KIR-un all-oo-WAHL-iya) is making waves with her innovative sound, melding Indian vocal traditions with influences as varied as Malian blues, rock, and jazz. Kiran Ahluwalia joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about her music and upcoming performance at the Levitt Amp Galva Music Festival on June 22, 2025. Raised in Canada, Ahluwalia leads a dynamic six-piece band, consisting of electric guitar, accordion, organ, tabla, bass, and drum kit, that brings her artistic vision to life. Her latest album, titled "Comfort Food," doesn’t just explore musical boundaries—it dives into pressing social issues, earning widespread praise from critics. As a two-time Juno Award winner, Ahluwalia continues to expand her global reach, inviting listeners into a rich tapestry of sounds and stories rooted in her diverse musical journey. Ahluwalia and her band will take the stage at 7:15 PM.

Kiran Ahluwalia stands as an influential force in the world of contemporary global music. Drawing from Sufi, Qawalli, Ghazal, and Punjabi folk traditions, she crafts a vibrant and boundary-crossing sound, blending Indian classical roots with elements of blues, jazz, and R&B. Her 6-piece ensemble features electric guitar, accordion, tabla, and more, offering a rich, dynamic backdrop to reflective and socially conscious songs. Ahluwalia’s latest album, "Comfort Food," includes collaborations with international artists and challenges rising Hindu fundamentalism and nationalism. Her achievements include two Juno Awards and the recent Canadian Folk Music Award for ‘Pushing Boundaries.’

“When I was growing up in India, there were concerts that people from all over would crowd into. These concerts featured a repertoire, language and content that was both demanding and beyond the experience of a child. I was, however, entranced by the sound and feel of the music, even from an early age. My father would play tapes of Indian music for me and we would also listen to Bollywood on the radio,” Ahluwalia recalls. “So when a song came on that I wanted to learn, my mother would quickly write down the lyrics for me and I would sing along to learn the melody."