Nepalese fusion band Upendra and friends must have gotten a favorable reception at Fuji Rock last year because they were back this year bringing the beautiful sound of the tabla drums and other exotic instruments from that region to the valley of peace that is The Gypsy Avalon. These drums are used extensively in Indian and Nepalese music and for this performance the tabla player was positioned in the middle of the stage to give the crowd a clear view of the lightning fast hand movements that sent percussive waves out into the relaxed crowd. This area is all about relaxation and reflection on issues that are of desperate importance to the organizers of Fuji Rock. Every year this area of the festival site doesn’t just play host to some great world music and independent artists but it also acts as a meeting ground for people to share ideas about the environment, nuclear energy and peace. The entire space is powered by solar and biodiesel fuel and after every band the MCs from the stage come up and remind everyone listening that it is up to them to make the world a friendlier and happier place to live.