Fest of times

Music aficionados are certain to have a great time as there’s an array of events coming up in the next few months. From a multi-art culture grind to a desert party and a classical extravaganza, here’s what’s in the offing.

Music aficionados are certain to have a great time as there’s an array of events coming up in the next few months. From a multi-art culture grind to a desert party and a classical extravaganza, here’s what’s in the offing.

The Journey
What: A multi-art cultural festival, featuring performances, workshops and interactions by artistes — musicians, film-makers and performers. “Today’s consumer is a multi-faceted personality, who is passionate about a lot of things. We have kept that in mind. All artistes at the festival have an interesting story to tell and that is what makes it unique,” says Bhavesh Somaya, marketing director, Diageo India, the organisers.
When: December 14
Where: Mehboob Studios, Bandra (W).
Artiste line-up: Alan Parsons Project (UK), Handspring Puppet Company (South Africa), Shane Carruth (USA).
USP: A melange of performers come together for a one-of-a-kind event.

Ragasthan
What: An experiential music festival held in the sand dunes near Jaisalmer. The debut edition of the festival in 2012 received a mixed response. Let’s hope the organisers are over their teething phase and are able to live to expectations.
When: February 13-16, 2014
Where: Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
Artiste line-up: Yet to be announced.
USP: The impressive location, and collaborations between local and global artistes.

Swar Naad
What: A week-long Indian classical music festival featuring popular artistes. Talking about the event, sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, who will be part of the event, says, “We look forward to performing at the fest. Both my sons, Amaan Ali and Ayaan Ali, will perform with me as part of the sarod trilogy.”
When: December 9-15
Where: Chitrakoot Grounds, Andheri (W).
Artiste line-up: Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia (flute), Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Amaan Ali Khan and Ayaan Ali Khan (sarod), Ustad Rashid Khan (vocals), Pt Rajan and Sajan Mishra (khayal) and Lata Shikhar (thumri, tappa, dadra, kajri and holi).
USP: A conglomeration of popular names from the Indian classical music circuit trained under various gharanas (music schools).