In the 1850s, Mumbai had a great tradition of performances in public bandstands by regimental and other brass bands. The Bombay Chamber has revived this historical tradition by organizing performances at the Hanging Garden Bandstand, Malabar Hill, in association with Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. This year’s performances, mainly by youth bands were organised every Saturday beginning on February 6 from 5.30 pm. The finale performance is scheduled to be held on 29 May. The bands that have performed during past three months are Ruhh, Rang, Ehsaas, Kamaal ke Phool, Inchlorofeel, Vajra, Shor Bazaar, Seher, Altered Reality, Something Relevant, Noosh Like Sploosh, Dischordian, Tough on Tobacco, The Mavyns and the jazz band from France EOL Trio. While the institutional Police Band regaled the audience with old patriotic numbers, solo artists - Pia Sukanya, Anoushka Anand, Naina Kundu, Rahul Pandey and Milind Jog presented acoustic performances.

The other bands which will perform next month are Moksha, Radio, The Pulp Society, Translucent, Highway 61, Spook, Bones for Bertie, Snatch D’Monk and Silman Kama Marak & band. Our radio partner’s - Radio Mirchi 98.3 FM organized two contests on its Club Mirchi show and had selected the bands – Coshish and Moksha for performance at the Hanging Gardens.