Ten years ago, a group of men and women, nostalgic about the heydays of rock and roll during the swinging sixties and seventies, banded together to celebrate the music that had shaped their youth. Naming themselves Hard Day’s Night (HDN), they embarked on a mission to organize concerts in Thiruvananthapuram, tuning into the chartbusters that defined their teenage years and days as students. These concerts not only catered to the aficionados of the genre but also provided an invaluable platform for budding bands to showcase their talents.
Tommy Cherian, one of the founding members of HDN, reminisces about their journey, particularly the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Woodstock. “We marked the occasion with a concert that brought together local bands, reminiscent of the grandeur and the spirit of Woodstock itself,” Tommy recalls with pride.
The journey of HDN took another interesting turn when one of its members attended a concert by Rear Admiral (retired) Nirmala Kannan. Nirmala, whose soul-stirring voice rendered some of the biggest hits of that memorable era, left such an indelible impression that the members of HDN decided to organize a concert featuring her in Thiruvananthapuram. In a serendipitous twist, Nirmala’s husband, Vice Admiral (retired) Bhagavatheswaran Kannan, happens to have familial roots in Thiruvananthapuram, adding a personal touch to the concert planning.
Slated for June 8, Nirmala will grace the stage at Trivandrum Club for a charity concert aptly titled “Hope and Harmony.” This concert will not only see a mesmerizing performance by Nirmala, but will also feature a subsequent performance by the musicians of HDN. The concert is designed to be more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane; it is a heartfelt initiative aimed at making a meaningful difference.
Sankar Krishnan, a management consultant and member of HDN, emphasized the altruistic intent behind the concert. The group has decided to direct the proceeds of the concert to the Rotary Institute for Children in Need of Special Needs in Thiruvananthapuram. This institute, which has been a beacon of hope for special needs children for over five decades, currently faces financial challenges.
. “The Institute, catering to more than 100 students from economically underprivileged backgrounds, is in dire straits,” Sankar explains. “The principal, Beena AR, along with a team of dedicated teachers and caretakers, have been keeping the institute operational against all odds.”
The concert event is structured to be an evening filled with music and goodwill. It will kick off at 6:30 PM with a recital by the children of the Institute, showcasing their talents and setting a poignant tone for the night. This will be followed by Nirmala Kannan’s performance at 7:00 PM, immersing the audience in the golden melodies of yesteryears. From 8:30 PM onward, the stage will be taken over by the musicians of HDN, promising an unforgettable night of rock and roll. The musical extravaganza will conclude with a sumptuous dinner, providing a perfect end to a night dedicated to music and charity.
The event is expected to attract music lovers who have a penchant for classic hits. Attendees will not only enjoy a trip down the memory lane with some wonderful oldie goldies but will also have the satisfaction of contributing to a noble cause. The passing moments of the concert will echo with melodies that have stood the test of time while serving to uplift an institution that desperately needs support.
For those interested in contributing to this cause and being a part of this musical journey, passes can be obtained by contacting 9947289036.
In essence, this concert by Nirmala Kannan and HDN is more than just a celebration of music; it is a confluence of art, nostalgia, and charity. It’s about the community coming together to support the Rotary Institute for Children in Need of Special Needs, ensuring that the institution continues to provide care and education to those who need it the most. As the melodies of the night blend with the collective spirit of goodwill, this concert promises to be a landmark event in the cultural and social calendar of Thiruvananthapuram.
