As the city thrums with excitement, Bengaluru is prepping to host an array of live performances that promise to deliver an adrenaline rush to music lovers. The coming weekend, starting from March 17th in the afternoon, will see a confluence of genres, from metal to techno, merging into a symphony of melodies and rhythms at various venues around the city.
The stage is set at Fandom at Gilly’s Redefined in the bustling district of Koramangala, ready to kick off the weekend with the third installment of the revered multi-genre gig series, Catharsis. This edition sees the explosive arrival of Pune/Kolkata thrash metal band Splinter, who are set to unleash their high-octane debut EP. Their heart-racing brand of metal, infused with influences from the rapid riffs of the ’80s Bay Area scene, Teutonic thrash, South American extremities, and the profound roots of old-school death metal, will be showcased to the eager ears of the city’s metal aficionados. Sharing the stage is Arav Krishnan’s alter-ego ArK, whose band promises to match the intensity and round out the heavy end of the Catharsis musical spectrum.
But Catharsis doesn’t stop there. It has something in store for every musical palate. The lineup also features the rock band Vinyl, who draw inspiration from an eclectic array of legendary artists including Billy Joel, The Beatles, and Pink Floyd. To balance the rich aural mix, solo acts like singer-songwriter Ramyaa Hariharan and the psychedelic silhouettes cast by Himalayan Sky will embody the true spirit of Catharsis. For an entry fee of ₹499 via Insider.in, plus a cover charge at the door, attendees are invited to “embrace the spirit of discovery” and lose themselves in the euphoria of live music.
Meanwhile, Windmills Craftworks in Whitefield continues its weekly affair with international jazz, hosting the Obradovic-Tixier duo from France. On March 15th and 16th, starting each evening, jazz connoisseurs can indulge in the futuristic jazz tunes of French pianist David Tixier and Croatian-French drummer Lada Obradovic. With the recent release of their fifth album, “The Only Thing That Matters,” the duo offers an explorative journey into the sphere of jazz using a blend of traditional instruments accentuated by digital sampling, percussions, bass synths, and vocoders. Audiences can secure their seats for ₹1,500 or opt for the standing experience at ₹499 available via their website.
Taking a turn towards a wider cultural festivity, the travelling culinary and cultural gala, Zomaland, pitches its tents in Bengaluru at NICE Ground, Madavara. Starting each midday, on March 16th and 17th, it welcomes a powerhouse lineup of artists such as hip-hop/pop sensation KING, Indo-Canadian songstress Jonita Gandhi, the folk-indie quartet When Chai Met Toast, high-voltage rapper Hanumankind, and an array of other performers. Entry tickets are up for grabs starting at ₹899 per day via Insider.in. Adding a dose of laughter to the mix, the comedic stylings of Atul Khatri and Gaurav Kapoor will turn Zomaland into an all-encompassing entertainment bash.
Lastly, the recently inaugurated One8 Commune on MG Road heightens the weekend’s musical journey on March 17th with an unforgettable evening spearheaded by none other than DJ Viking Soul, the dynamic alter-ego of DJ-producer Rinaa Shah. Her soul-stirring set marries the primal resonance of tabla and sitar with futuristic Afro-house and techno beats. This audiovisual extravaganza is further elevated by the presence of the Totem Tribe—an ensemble that intertwines dance and visual spectacles into its performance. The event, bolstered by the drumming prowess of Arun Sivag and an array of DJs, is free to enter, offering an experience that is truly unique to Bengaluru’s vibrant nightlife.
As the weekend dawns, Bengaluru stands at the precipice of a musical odyssey, ready to envelop residents and visitors alike in a symphony of genres that goes beyond mere performance, creating a community bound by an unwavering passion for live music.
