According the the history books, “The century-old bandstand culture is unique to Mumbai. Among the bands that played regularly from the 1850s were those of the Marine Battalion, 9th Regiment, the Mumbai Volunteer Rifle, the 113th Infantry, the GIP Railway Volunteers, BB & CI Railway and the Governor’s Band. The services of regimental and private bands were engaged and the dates and venue were advertised in daily newspapers. A remarkable bonhomie among the spectators was evident at each recital.”
So good news if you haven’t had enough live music in the great outdoors, over the next few months the Hanging Gardens at Malabar Hill will play host to over 25 local bands as the India Tourism and the Bombay Chamber of Commerce & Industry revive this tradition in an effort to carry on the cultural legacy of the city! We owe all this action to Kenneth Lobo from the Bombay Elektrik Projekt and Stuart DaCosta from Something Relevant (both of whom were at the Sula Fest this year!) who have partnered on the Space Cadets project. Sounds exciting, and as Stuart posted on Facebook, “Bring your Frisbee and Picnic basket. There’s grass all around. =)”
P.S. It’ FREE!
When/Where etc. The bandstand at Hanging Garden, in South Mumbai’s Malabar Hill every Saturday evening from 5.30 p.m. until May 30, 2010,
Psst! Those who like their music old-style will appreciate old Bollywood melodies, on March 13.