ROCKLAND — On Saturday, March 14, the Farnsworth Art Museum’s [Collective] membership group will host its fourth annual BASH. David Troup, the museum’s Communications Officer said: “Annie Brown, our special events manager, felt strongly that we needed to move our annual bash from October to March for two reasons. One, we’re not a Halloween party and two, by March, we’re all ready for a celebration — this year probably more than ever.”

Drawing inspiration from the Hindu festival of Holi, the Collective’s group plans to model the party after the spring festival of colors. During Holi, people of every age and caste play, chase each other and throw dry colored powder all over one another. It’s a uninhibited free-for-all, signifying a spiritual victory of good over evil and a joyful embrace of spring after a long winter.

Sounds just about perfect for the Midcoast right about now.

The Collective BASH, which is open to members and nonmembers alike, will take place at the Farnsworth's Wyeth Center, on the corner of Union Street and Grace Street in Rockland.

“The Wyeth Center is closed right now for the season and all the art is off the wall so we can use this amazing space and completely reinvent it with art installations by local artists,” said Troup.

The main highlight of the party will feature live music in the form of Red Baraat, an eight-piece brass band from Brooklyn, New York. The Village Voice characterized it: "Red Baraat have the locomotion of an army... they're nonstop revelry for any light soul who can match their boundless energy, a fiery blend of raucous Indian bhangra and funky New Orleans brass. The result, needless to say, is completely riotous. Their debut CD, Chaal Baby is an unstoppable blend of Bollywood hijacks and funk freakier than anything Madlib picked up on his trip to India."

“This is considered one of the hottest bands out of Brooklyn,” said Troup. “They’re just incredible, through the roof. They’re on an international tour right now and will be coming back to the U.S., hitting Maine on the way.”

A dance floor, Indian-themed snacks and two bars will round out the festivities. Party goers are encouraged to wear colorful attire. Tickets to this sure-to-be-sold out event are free for Collective members and $20 for nonmembers. The event starts at 8 p.m. For more information or to purchase a ticket, please visitwww.thecollectivebash.com.

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com