Laos, with the lam saravane style being most popular, while the city of Luang Prabang is known for a slow form called khaplam wai. An extremely popular form developed in Thailand is called mor lam sing, and is faster and electrified. Regional music of Laos Each of these traditions is influenced by regional playing styles, which can be separated in three different areas: Luang Prabang in the north, Vientiane in the center, and Champassak in the south. Luang Prabang In Luang Prabang, classical Lao court music developed to high estate and vanished. Unfortunately, most of the instruments are collecting dust in the royal museum, but showpieces like bronze drums of the Dong Son age show the influence of ethnic minorities which were often from the mountainous areas. Vientiane In Vientiane, the actual regional style shows Thai influences. The governmental school "Natasin" which was closed 1975 was reopened 1990 and educates and provides some ensembles for festivals, marriages and other purposes. Champasak The southern region of Champassak is not only influenced by Khmer traditions, but is typically a mixture of Khmer, Thai and indigenous Lao traditions. Popular music In the 1960s, Thai lam nu and lam ploen contributed to the development of lam luang, which is a form of song (and dance) which often has narrative lyrics. Instruments The most distinctive Lao musical instrument is a bamboo mouth organ called a khene. The instrument was supposedly invented by a woman trying to imitate the calls of the garawek bird. The woman took the new instrument to her king, and he told her it was fair, but that he wanted more. She modified the instrument and he replied "Tia nee khaen dee" (this time it was better). References Clewley, John. "Beyond Our Khaen". 2000. In Broughton, Simon and Ellingham, Mark with McConnachie, James and Duane, Orla (Ed.), World Music, Vol. 2: Latin & North America, Caribbean, India, Asia and Pacific, pp 170–174. Rough Guides Ltd, Penguin Books. . External links Audio clips: Traditional music of Laos. Musée d'ethnographie de Genève. Accessed November 25, 2010. The traditional music of Laos Alexandra Bounxouei music and videos www.laomusic.la www.laomall.com/artists Archives of Traditional Music in Laos Plain of Jars website Laotian culture