"That was amazing," Dhol Foundation founder Johnny Kalsi enthused in the Octagon yesterday.
The Punjabi drummers and Argentinian tango troupe ladoCiego had just been welcomed to Dunedin with a traditional Maori powhiri by Whanau Kotahi.
The launch of the 2010 Otago Festival of the Arts was a meeting of people and cultures from around the world, as demonstrations of Indian drumming and South American tango dancing followed the Maori greeting.
"It's our first time in the South Island and we already love Dunedin," Mr Kalsi said.
"We've already been to St Kilda beach, where the water was freezing cold, and we've climbed the steepest street [Baldwin St], and we also want to go and see the big albatrosses while we're here."
The Dhol Foundation launches the 2010 Otago Festival of the Arts in the Regent Theatre tonight.
"We're really looking forward to the concert and we hope Dunedin is, too. 0You're in for a real treat," Mr Kalsi said.
The Otago Festival of the Arts runs until October 17.
