REVIVAL OF THE BANDSTAND CULTURE IN MUMBAI

(March – May 2011 between 5.30-8:00 pm)

In an age, where the significance of ‘music’ is restricted to Bollywood, the Bombay Chamber of Commerce and Industry presents an alternative: a colourful mélange of music by youth bands of Mumbai, through its Bandstand Revival Project. Thousands of young Mumbaikars experiences the old world charm of live music in a bandstand during 26 weekends in 2007-08 and during 17 weekends in 2010. 

As a part of the Chamber’s commitment to the theme of Corporates as Citizens, we are now launching the third year of the Bandstand Revival Project. Our aim is to extend the project across the city to reach larger sections of the population. Unlike in the previous years when the programme was restricted to performances in Malabar Hill, this year we shall feature live band performances at three locations i.e. Malabar Hill - Kamla Nehru Udyan, Dadar Chowpatty Bandstand - Veer Baji Prabhu Deshpande & Sant Dyaneshwar Udyan (Next to Kirti College, Near Shivaji Park) and Bandra – Carter Road Amphitheater. 

The principle objective is to promote traditional and cultural links in the city by recreating an environment from the 1800s, by reinstating live bands performances in open areas in the evening hours. Besides it is also an attempt to encourage outdoor gigs in the city, other than those available at a price in commercial establishments. We wish to provide a platform for youth bands to showcase their creative talent to a diverse audience while at the same time bring the music to people who cannot visit pubs or clubs to watch live performance, free of charge.