– Canada’s largest South Asian music concert desiFEST (presented by Rogers) celebrates 5 years of chart-topping artists performing from 11 AM to 11 PM on Saturday May 28, 2011 free for audiences at Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronto.

Taz and Stereo Nation, a legendary UK bhangra funk band will be headlining, with exciting South Asian artists from across Canada including Roach Killa, Parichay, KatEyez, Avalla (Toronto) ; TheBilz & Kashif, Indy Sagu (Montreal) and Ray Gill (Vancouver). UK R&B sensation Navin Kundra will be returning, while Denmark’s Anita Lerche, a household name in India thanks to being the first non-Indian woman to record an album in Punjabi, will be marking her first time debut in Toronto at desiFEST.

desiFEST’s lead-up to its 5^th year anniversary event included producing South Asian showcases for both Canadian Music Week and Junofest this past March. This year’s line-up is sure to be a tribute to its five years of inception, with a mix of new artists and a tribute to veterans that have been making moves locally and internationally in the music industry.

Come kick-off the summer with thousands celebrating South Asian artists and arts. desiFEST (presented by Rogers) features contemporary indo-jazz fusion, global beats and cutting edge performances boasting 12 hours of foot-tapping music. Included in the celebrations are South Asian delicacies in the food market, artisans in the merchant market and a kids zone entertaining kids with a popular bouncy castle.

"Five years is a great accomplishment for our team and the artists’ community,” expresses Sathish Bala, President and Founder of desiFEST. “The past five years, we have helped create awareness for South Asian music across Canada, and inspired a new generation of youth to continue creating music and showcasing Canada in the global music scene. Our 5 year show is a celebration of veterans and new artists performing on the desiFEST stage, with music that will keep everyone dancing!"

“As a family-owned, proudly Canadian company, Rogers is committed to being present in the lives of the diverse communities who are the fabric of this great country,” says Susan Gordon, Vice President, National Marketing and Marketing Services, Rogers Communications. "Rogers lends its support by sponsoring events like desiFEST, which connects these communities to what matters most to them.”

“We invite Canadians and visitors to Canada across the country to come join us and experience 12 hours of spectacular music, as we celebrate 5 years,” says Kala Patel, Vice President, desiFEST.

“desiFEST has been a platform that brings music, culture and diversity all together, helping contribute to building the South Asian music industry.”

“desiFEST” (presented by Rogers) is Canada’s only national South Asian music Festival. Creating opportunities for South Asian artists and South Asian inspired music, the event strengthens local communities, inspires youth, and supports the arts community in Canada. The festival has toured Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver showcasing over 75 incredible artists and over 24 hours of music each year.

For more information visit www.desifest.ca.