Watch the sun set over the Queen's Necklace as Hindi Funk-Rock band Rang performs at the bandstand of Mumbai's terraced garden
Watch the sun set over the Queen's Necklace as Hindi Funk-Rock band Rang performs at the bandstand of Mumbai's terraced garden
The energy couldn't have been anything less than romantic. The five young members who are the force behind the band Rang, find the open-air setting of Hanging Gardens appealing; an orange-hued sunset playing the perfect backdrop is an added bonus. "We couldn't have asked for a better location. An open-air gig promises a diverse crowd, and it's fun to get the passerby interested in your music," says Ronit Chaterji, vocalist and guitarist.
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Band members gather at Hanging Gardens for a dekko before the show. Pic/ Shadab Khan |
Rang was born in 2007, when the band members (all Xavierites) got together for a performance for the college's annual festival Malhar. With Ronit and Arjun Nair on the helm of vocals and guitars, Ajay Menon plays the bass, Neil Gomes on sax, violins and 13 other instruments, Paul Paul on drums and percussion. The diversity in musical backgrounds has worked as an advantage. "When different sensibilities get mashed up, it brings a rare quality to the music. The entire experience of creating music is refreshing," says Ronit.
The three-year old band has already charted out their performance plan: four original songs along with the release of a brand new track, Jaago. The line-up will also feature "mash-ups", medleys and remixes, and the band's signature take on popular Bollywood and English songs. "The idea is to introduce our genre of music to the audience."
The relatively fresh concept of organising performances at Hanging Gardens Bandstand is a deliberate effort by music lovers to open up newer spaces for gigs. "Stuart D'Costa from Something Relevant approached us to help create a consolidated Bandstand music scene. It's a pity we don't encourage outdoor gigs in the city, despite the fact that we have amphitheatres available at prized cultural hubs," says Kenneth Lobo, co-founder of Bombay Elektrik Project. The group will coordinate the gigs for the next four months.
On: Today, 5.30 pm at Hanging Garden Bandstand, Malabar Hill.
