MUMBAI: After the live scene in Bangalore got a life-giving boon of extended pub timings till 1.00 am, now seems to be the perfect time to whip up a good old fashioned Blues Festival. An Ode To The Blues, in its fourth edition, starts on 18 April and ends on 26/ 27 April, giving the city nine days of heady Blues music. The festival saw just over 750 attendees in 2013 and is looking at a larger number this year. Organised by folks at the popular pub CounterCulture, this edition carries on the tradition that began as a celebration of father of the Blues Robert Jouhnson’s 100th Birth Anniversary in 2011. Festival Director of An Ode To The Blues and Programme Director at CounterCulture Guru Somayaji speaks to Radioandmusic.com about what makes this year’s edition.
What is different about this edition of An Ode To The Blues?
An Ode To The Blues is in its fourth year now. This festival took shape in 2011 to celebrate Robert Johnson’s 100th Birth Anniversary. Given that Robert Johnson is considered the father of the Blues, it was befitting to call it An Ode To The Blues. This year the festival will see a Texan Blues legend – Guitar Shorty, known to have inspired and taught Jimi Hendrix and Buddy Guy a trick or two. This year for the first time will also see two stages.
On what basis were the artistes for the line-up booked?
Can you play great 12-bar Blues?? If so, shoot us a mail and maybe you could get a slot next year. But, honestly, this festival has been about honing, recognising and showcasing largely Bangalore Blues bands. Without support of our local Blues scene – Ministry of Blues, The Chronic Blues Circus, Windoze, By2Blues and many more musicians, the festival wouldn’t be possible. In addition Soulmate, BlackStratBlues and, of course, Guitar Shorty, make for a fantastic line-up.
What exactly can be expected in 'Blues Around town'?
Blues Around Town is a festival within a festival. This living and breathing festival goes to various venues and public spaces across the city. The busks are a great way of introducing Blues to the masses without them really expecting it. This year we have over 15 artistes as part of Blues Around Town; Blues Conscience, Sylvester Trio, By2Blues, Velvet Mojo and more.
Which films are you planning on screening?
Given the logistics involved this year, a film screening is not possible. However, one never knows we could maybe slip in a film or two.
What is the Blues scene like in Bangalore?
Blues in Bangalore is like fish to water. We Bangaloreans like our drink, and Blues is a great combination. But that apart, how can one not like the Blues. There have been many champions in the cause of the Blues music scene in Bangalore and they continue to tirelessly push Blues music in various quarters.