One of Bengaluru’s most beloved and enduring music traditions, Freedom Jam, is set to make its grand return on August 14 at the Bangalore International Centre in Domlur. Staying true to the motto of offering a free gig—cheekily tagged as “no bread!”—Freedom Jam has been a bastion of independent live music since its official inception in 1997, spanning an impressive 26 years of sonic celebration.
The eagerly awaited event has often been associated with the celebration of major national holidays like Independence Day and Republic Day. This year marks another splendid occasion as Freedom Jam is scheduled to feature four bands of varying musical genres and generations in a unique and dynamic mid-week jam session.
Taking the stage will be the Sarjapur Blues Band, whose pioneering members include Dr. Shekhar Seshadri, an esteemed psychologist from NIMHANS, on vocals and guitar, partnered with Vinoo Mathews on guitar. They dub themselves the “workingman’s, underground, back-street, original, eclectic, rhythm and blues kind of band.” Attendees can anticipate electrifying performances of originals such as ‘Don’t Drop Your Ego,’ ‘Bounce It,’ and ‘Lady Nicotine,’ all resonating seamlessly with Freedom Jam’s commitment to originality for this edition.
The Sarjapur Blues Band will share the spotlight with seasoned rock ensemble The Unknowns. Their set promises a poignant tribute to their late guitarist Stephen Joseph, known affectionately as Steve. This emotional homage will feature tracks from Steve’s Carnatic fusion album, “Welcome To The Journey.” According to the organizers, The Unknowns will celebrate Steve’s contributions not just as a guitarist but as an innovator who blended traditional Indian instrumentation with classic rock, making the electric guitar sound akin to the veena, mridangam, and violin. Continuing Steve’s legacy, his prodigiously talented sons and nephews will lead the performance, with Sunil Steven mastering the fusion techniques pioneered by his father.
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Adding to the lineup is Baja, a band that counts Freedom Jam’s founder, Siddhartha Patnaik, among its core members. Known for their inability, or aversion, to play cover songs, Baja instead delights audiences with fresh remixes of beloved tracks like ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Surangani,’ alongside their signature pieces ‘Money Runnin Out’ and ‘AlooGobi Rhythm.’ The band’s style ingeniously melds desi ‘tapankuthu’ rhythms with rock and blues chord structures, ensuring a lively and distinctive auditory experience.
Also slated to perform is Giddy Hoo, a more recent addition to the Freedom Jam lineups. With four released tracks under their belt, Giddy Hoo is expected to deliver high-energy renditions of songs like ‘Why Should I Scare,’ ‘Mount Rock,’ ‘Fatus,’ and ‘Pilgrim and the Creed.’ The quartet, currently engrossed in recording their debut album, is described as comprising two brothers from the South and two from the Northeast, their collective synergy and electrifying performances capturing the hearts of rock audiences with arena-rock vibes.
Historically, Freedom Jam has had a penchant for hosting live music across varied venues, from public spaces to cozy local pubs, and sometimes even adopting a multi-venue, multi-day format. The concert series has been a groundbreaking platform showcasing talent ranging from Raghu Dixit to progressive rock ensemble Thermal And A Quarter, and bands like Rainburn. Garnering love and praise for its dedication to fun and the promotion of independent music in the city, Freedom Jam stands as a celebrated pillar within Bengaluru’s vibrant music scene.
Music enthusiasts can mark their calendars and eagerly anticipate this no-cost musical fiesta. To attend the Freedom Jam on August 14 at Bangalore International Centre, potential attendees can RSVP for free entry through the event’s official site, freedomjam.in.
With its promise of soul-stirring performances, creative tributes, and an array of original music, Freedom Jam 2023 is poised to be an unforgettable celebration of both music and independence, paying homage to its storied past while looking forward to an exciting future of musical innovation.
