The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, SoBo's most vibrant 9-day cultural festival kickstarts today, with a percussion group urging the audience to create music with them
The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, SoBo's most vibrant 9-day cultural festival kickstarts today, with a percussion group urging the audience to create music with them
The have performed for Hollywood celebrities Nicole Richie, Paris Hilton and Nicole Kidman, and now they are coming to Mumbai's streets to perform for the aam aadmi at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival. With dancers and musicians from South Africa and India coming together, Drum Cafe promises a gig like the city has never seen before. 
Usually, the group performs for an intimate audience and gets the entire crowd going by handing them djembes (skin-covered hand drums meant to be played with bare hands). But since the crowd at Kala Ghoda is expected to be way too large, the djembes, dun-duns and other African drums will remain on stage, while the audience will be egged on to clap, snap and click. "It's all about interacting with the audience and getting them involved in the performance. We will create music together. This is not a performance where you sit back and watch what's happening on stage," says Aliya Hasal of Drum Cafe.u00a0 
This is the group's first public performance in the city. African performers Mpho Rasenyalo, Lovers Sipho Vilakazi, Amanda Lehlogonolo Sibanyani and Simon Letsoela will jam with their Indian counterparts Amit Dhuri and Vikrant Sonik. Expect percussion-oriented, foot-stomping music with African sights and sounds reflected in the dance, costume and music.u00a0
On: Saturday, Amphitheatre, K Dubash Marg, Kala Ghoda. 5.30 pm
EAT
One lane away from all the action stands a coffee shop (that was once a stable). Kala Ghoda Cafu00e9 has a tiny menu that serves sandwiches, salads and some super strong coffee. We recommend Egg-Mayo Sandwich, Soya Macchiato (espresso with soya milk foam) and Ginger Cake.
At: 10, Ropewalk Lane, opposite Trishna.u00a0
It's rare to be able to enjoy Japanese, Malaysian, Indonesian, Mexican, Balinese, Chinese, Italian, Thai and desi fare all in one place. So dig into some Aloo Chaat at the Chetana stall, then try the Balinese Clay Pot Curry from Oriental eatery Joss, move on to some wok-tossed noodles from Noodle Bar and top it up with the Lemon or Peach Iced Tea from Bombay Blues. Cheap thrill factor: you get to take home the huge Iced Tea glass, which makes for a perfect beer glass too!
SHOPu00a0
The festival offers a chance to go street shopping at its best. Check out products made by NGOs from across the country. Endorse the Save the Tiger campaign and buy a designer tee from NGO Jungle Lore. In the retail section, look out for sarees and dupattas by Mora, and funky travel bags by Limited Edition.u00a0
KIDS
Play Games of Yore
Ami Kothari, a multi-sensory teacher who runs No Boundaries, loves to explore new ways of interacting with children. So, when the organisers of KGAF informed her that this time the theme was Presence of the Past, she decided to teach kids how to make a traditional Chinese game: Catching 7 Pieces. If time permits, she will also teach them how to play the Season Game and Pallanguli (a number game played in Tamil Nadu), two traditional games from Southern India.
On: Sunday, 5 pm at the Kala Ghoda parking lotu00a0
INSTALLATION
Gateway of India merges with a steel almirah
The Visual Arts section at KGAF is a real treat, especially since all the artwork comes tumbling out of art galleries on to the footpath and parking lots. Furnishing designer Krsna Mehta will create an ambitious piece of installation art. He will combine the two most poignant symbols of Mumbai's undying heritageu00a0-- The Gateway of India, and the Godrej Almirah, in his artwork. Watch how the two come together in his installation that will be set up at the KGAF entrance.u00a0
On: Today, 5 pm onwardsu00a0
ADVERTISEMENT
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
