One of Bengaluru’s most cherished music traditions, Freedom Jam, is set to make a grand return on August 14 at the Bangalore International Centre in Domlur. Staying true to its ethos of offering free gigs, this year’s edition will continue the legacy of 26 years of live, independent music. Since its first appearance in 1997, Freedom Jam has built its reputation as a significant contributor to the city’s vibrant music scene.
Traditionally, the event has been held on key national holidays, such as Independence Day and Republic Day. This year, it promises to be an unforgettable mid-week jam session featuring four diverse bands spanning multiple generations and genres. As always, the event remains true to its unofficial motto, “no bread!” — indicating there are no ticket sales or commercial sponsorships, inviting music lovers to come together purely for the love of music.
Headlining the event is the Sarjapur Blues Band, a group famed for its eclectic blend of rhythm and blues. The band is fronted by Dr. Shekhar Seshadri, a well-known psychologist from NIMHANS, who handles vocals and guitars, alongside the talented guitarist Vinoo Mathews. Their original songs, such as ‘Don’t Drop Your Ego,’ ‘Bounce It,’ and ‘Lady Nicotine,’ perfectly resonate with Freedom Jam’s theme of delivering unique, original compositions.
Joining the lineup is The Unknowns, a seasoned rock band who will be paying a heartfelt tribute to their late guitarist, Stephen Joseph, known affectionately as Steve. Their set will feature tracks from Steve’s Carnatic fusion album “Welcome To The Journey,” providing a fusion of different musical traditions in a way that only Steve could have imagined. According to the organizers, Steve’s contributions went beyond music; he was an innovator, redesigning the electric guitar to emulate the sounds of traditional Indian instruments like the veena, mridangam, and violin. His legacy continues through his sons and nephews, who are set to captivate the audience with their grasp of advanced fusion techniques under Sunil Steven’s direction.
Baja, another mainstay of the Freedom Jam scene, will inject a lot of fun into the event.
. The band includes one of the founders of Freedom Jam, Siddhartha Patnaik. Known for their distinctive style, Baja prides itself on original compositions and remixes such as ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Surangani,’ as well as their iconic tracks like ‘Money Runnin Out’ and ‘AlooGobi Rhythm.’ Baja’s style is best described as a fascinating confluence of desi ‘tapankuthu’ rhythms intertwined with rock blues chord patterns, making for a performance that is as unique as it is enjoyable.
Adding a bit of fresher sound to the playlist is Giddy Hoo, a local rock band that has become a recent fixture in the Freedom Jam lineup. Although they only have four tracks available so far — ‘Why Should I Scare,’ ‘Mount Rock,’ ‘Fatus,’ and ‘Pilgrim and the Creed’ — their popularity is soaring. With their debut album currently in production, they are anticipated to bring their infectious energy and catchy arena rock style to the event. Described as a group of two brothers from the South and two from the Northeast, Giddy Hoo has garnered a reputation for exciting performances that can sway any rock audience.
The Freedom Jam event has earned admiration over the years, not just for the quality of its music but also for its inclusive approach. Live performances have previously been held in a range of public spaces and local pubs, sometimes sprawling over multiple days and venues. The event has hosted a myriad of prominent bands and artists from the indie music sphere, including Raghu Dixit, Thermal And A Quarter, prog rock band Rainburn, and many more. Its commitment to providing a platform for independent music from the city remains unwavering and celebrated.
This year’s Freedom Jam on August 14 promises to be yet another vibrant chapter in the story of Bengaluru’s live music history. The event is free to all, and those interested can RSVP for free entry via freedomjam.in. For all those who cherish live music and the spirit of independence, this is an event not to be missed.
