Dream Again with US band - Nashville-based Difference United to perform over weekend

Members of American pop-rock band, Difference United

Jan. 4: Shillong may be the most rocking place in the Northeast but Guwahati does not want to be left behind.

A month before Pentagram rocks the Assam Engineering College campus, an American pop-rock band Difference United will take the stage tomorrow and on Sunday.

The Nashville-based group’s performance in Guwahati is part of its India leg of the Dream Again tour.

Both evenings’ live performance — on Guwahati Medical College ground — will be free for music lovers, an organiser said.

Difference United’s music has gained international acclaim for its cutting edge fusion of American rock and European dance music.

“Through these live concerts the band desires to have a positive impact on the community and make a ‘difference’ in the lives of those they come in contact with,” the organiser added.

The band performed to a huge crowd in Shillong on January 2 for a New Year bash.

And this is not the first time the band is performing in the city. It toured, albeit on smaller scale, parts of the Northeast — Aizawl, Shillong and Guwahati.

“Difference United has toured several parts of the world performing largescale outdoor concerts, spreading the message of hope to a generation of young people. The members of the band are excited to have the opportunity to perform in the Northeast,” the organiser said.

A promo in the band’s website said: “Their live concert performances have been televised across Europe and India and offer an unforgettable experience to people of all ages. The songs from the bands album Dream Again feature dynamic performances and memorable hooks that will make you want to get up and dance!”

The members of Difference United include Whitney Lynn Smith (lead vocalist), Aaron Miller (keyboard), David Lowry (lead guitar), Craig Woelber (bass) and Chad Sylva (drums).

The theme song of the album Dream Again was written a week after the tsunami hit the Indian, Sri Lankan and South East Asian coastlines a couple of years ago.

Aaron Miller, the founder of Difference United, described how he was devastated to see death and destruction in Sri Lanka.

“I wanted to do something. I wanted to encourage the people, to give them hope, but did not know how,” Aaron wrote later. One night Aaron composed the song Dream Again in his hotel room.

A music-mover of the city, Rakesh Baruah, who was in Shillong for the band’s performance, described Dream United’s music as “soul touching”.

“Only after I heard them sing I realised how good they are. And surely I will be there tomorrow for the show,” he added.