The Mahindra Group, known for their commitment to cultural initiatives, is all set to launch the Mahindra Percussion Festival in Bengaluru. This one-day festival, scheduled for tomorrow (March 18th, 2023), promises to bring a diverse range of percussion sounds from the streets of India and around the world to the iconic Jayamahal Palace. The festival aims to celebrate the genre of percussion and create a mainstream cultural conversation around it.
The Mahindra Percussion Festival has unveiled an exciting line-up of homegrown and international percussion artists, who will grace the festival stage with never-seen-before collaborations. The festival’s curator and performing artist, world-renowned versatile percussionist Ranjit Barot, brings over three decades of experience in the music industry. He will be joined by prominent multi-percussionist A. Shivamani, known for his work on Bollywood and Kollywood films like Rang De Basanti, Swades, and Guru.
The festival will also feature legendary percussionist of Carnatic tradition and leading kanjira player of his generation, V. Selvaganesh. Adding to the excitement, the Chemmeen Band and Kerala’s popular Chenda percussion band, Aattam Kalasamithi, will share the stage.
Other artists like Pulse Conversation ft. Gino Banks, Vinayak Pol and Jai Row Kavi, alongside Mohini Dey, pianist Arka Chakraborty, and LA-Mumbai-based saxophonist Mark Hartsuch, will set the attendees’ pulse racing with powerful performances. The Ta Dhom Project by Viveick Rajagopalan will blend Konnakol, a unique vocal percussion derived from the sounds of Mridangam, and rap, creating a sound that respects its cultural origin while having its own identity.
Celebrated global artists like multi-avant-garde instrumentalist Arto Tunçboyacıyan and Spanish percussionist Paquito Gonzalez will be part of the Paquito Ensemble, along with Spanish guitarist Jose Quevedo “Bolita” and Flamenco dancer Antonia Molina “El Choro”. Their enthralling performances promise to mesmerize audiences.
The Mahindra Percussion Festival is not just about individual talent but a celebration of the rich and varied percussion music traditions from India and around the world. Established and emerging performers will bring their own creative styles rooted in their respective cultures to the stage, creating a testament to the power of music in connecting and uniting people across cultures and borders.
Moreover, the festival promises a wholesome, immersive experience with art, interactive installations, photo-ops, food and beverage experiences, and more, all with a resounding percussion beat at its heart. The Mahindra Percussion Festival is not to be missed, and it’s a chance to witness the magic of percussion music like never before.
