Feb 08: A joint initiative of the Bombay Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Indiatourism Mumbai (Ministry of Tourism, Government of India) have organized every Saturday starting February 6, until May 2010 between 5.30 -7.30 p.m. at the Sir Pherozeshah Mehta Udyan (Hanging Gardens), Malabar Hill ‘Revival of Historical Bandstand Culture’.

The Bombay Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been seeking to promote culture and heritage, in a bid to sustain historical relevance of the city of Mumbai. The regimental tunes in the 1850s were great attractions for public and were played every evening after the sunset in the Mumbai Green. With growing interest, the bandstands were constructed in various gardens across the city - a very unique feature of this city.

As a joint initiative with Indiatourism Mumbai (Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India), Bombay Chamber has taken the initiative to revive this unique culture in Mumbai, by restoring live band performances at the Hanging Garden, where the performances week after week received overwhelming response during the previous session in 2007-08. The performances starting February 6, 2010 are once again free to the public. People from all strata of society are invited.

Earlier in 2007-08, the revival was initiated with traditional folk performances and dances from various States in Mumbai to add the cultural essence to this initiative. The focus this year will be on youth and college bands, and has a specific objective to provide a platform to showcase upcoming talent.

The initiative has been wholeheartedly supported by Tata Sons, Standard Chartered and Tata Docomo and the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, which granted permission for use their property for these events. We also received support from Furtados, Blue Frog in progressing this project. The support from the Radio Mirchi and Bombay Elektric Project, will greatly help in spread the information amongst masses and the youth. Malabar Hill Residents' Association too, has extended unstinted support towards this endeavour.

Last but not the least there has been a overwhelming response from the youth bands, consequent to which two bands will perform each Saturday. Besides the Inde Rock bands, a Jazz band from France will also perform at the Hanging Gardens. Acoustic performances will be by song writer and singers.

Mr. Abdul Khan- Advisor to the MD, Tata Teleservices (Maharashtra) Ltd. And Head- TATA DOCOMO Marketing stated “Tata Docomo, the fastest growing mobile services operator, is very happy to be associated with the revival of the bandstand culture in Mumbai. We strongly believe in inspiring people to simply do; to do things close to their heart and to unleash their creativity in a bid to bringing people together. These multi-dimensional facets are well entrenched in today’s iconic celebration of music. We salute Mumbai’s heritage and are happy to be a part of this movement.”

Bandstand Events

Schedule (February – May 2010)

Date
Performance
Feb 6
Ruhh & Altered Reality
Feb 13

Open act by Anurag Dhoundiyal& RANG
Feb 20

Kamaal ke Phool &
Anurag Dhoundiyal (Sufiana)
Feb 27

Something Relevant
& Police Band
Mar 6

Pia Sukanya &
Anushka Ananad (Noush like Sploosh)
Mar 13
Oldies night – Bollywood Melodies
Mar 20

Open Act
& EOL TRIO, France
Mar 27
RADIO MIRCHI select band
April 3
Naina Kundu & Dischordian
April 10
Spook & Tough on Tobacco
Apil 17

Nisvann &
Translucent
April 24

Open Act
& The Colour Compound
May 1
Coshish & Seher
May 8
Roesemary
May 15
Ehsaas & Radio
May 22
Dwani
Finale Ceremony
29th May

BAND COMPETETITION

30 May FINALE CEREMONY