Renowned multi-instrumentalist Baluji Shrivastav OBE, a pioneering force in world music and a champion of inclusivity in the arts, will perform at the Royal Albert Hall’s Elgar Room on 13th July. His performance is part of the acclaimed Mehfil series, presented by DAYTIMERS. Following his performance there last year, Baluji returns to the iconic Royal Albert Hall—this time with an intimate and spellbinding collaboration featuring tabla maestro Vishnu Vijayan and rising double bassist Theo Archer Lees. Their performance will conclude an inspiring afternoon celebrating South Asian poetry, spoken word, and music. Mehfil, the signature live event from DAYTIMERS - the collective at the heart of the re-emerging Asian Underground - draws on the rich traditions of historic mehfil gatherings, where poetry, Sufi, Qawwali, and Hindustani classical music were performed in intimate settings. Now bringing this cultural experience to a new generation, Mehfil has become one of London’s most sought-after showcases for South Asian artistry. This July’s edition marks Mehfil’s second takeover of the Elgar Room, following a string of successful shows at venues including Somerset House, Rich Mix, and Conway Hall. The programme features some of London’s brightest poetic voices, with open mic slots available for new and emerging artists – particularly from marginalised communities. Poets are invited to sign up at 1:30pm on the day, bringing one poem and a content warning, if applicable.