Michael Learns to Rock in India

Just got news of this today from a friend. Here's what Rediff says:

MLTR will perform at the Palace Grounds, Bangalore, and MMRDA grounds, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai on September 25 and 28 respectively.

Read the full news piece here.

Freedom Jam on August 27th

It's official. It's been rescheduled. From the horse's Freedom Jam website:

The Levis Freedom Jam has been CONFIRMED to take place on Aug 27th, at Princess Academy, PALACE GROUNDS from 3 P.M. Onwards.

Thanks Mikhail for the heads up.

Freedom Jam on August 14/15

In keeping with my recent tradition of not going for any live music shows, Freedom Jam joins the list.

This time Freedom Jam's at the Palace Grounds, starting from 14 August, 3 pm onwards. Go to the Freedom Jam website for more information.

In case you've never heard of it, Freedom Jam is an event where a bunch of bands play on different stages, to celebrate Independence day. Different kinds of music too, so if you're in Bangalore, check it out.

Hippocampus

I cannot believe that I've written so many posts on this blog and not written about Hippocampus. So it's a place for kids, but it's a fantastic place and worth writing about, so I'm shaking my head. Still shaking.

Hippocampus is an experience centre, not a library. What's the difference? Well, they say it very well:

Hippocampus is not a library, or a club, a work shop, or a community center - it is all that and more. We call it an experience center - a treasure trove of information, knowledge, skills, activities and resources.

They have books, loads of them and if you visit the place, you'll wish you were a kid again. CDs, DVDs, computer games, computers, it's just an amazing place to be.

There's lots of space, and there beanbags around to sit comfortably and read books. You'll even see parents coming in there with little children and reading to them. There's even an outside area where activities are conducted.

They also have a TV room where they screen movies for kids. They have activities, they have clubs, in short, it's a hell of an experience if you're a kid, or if you have kids. They've got books that parents can read too when they come in with their kids. The good folks at Hippocampus have thought of everything.

For me, the best thing about Hippocampus is seeing children asking for books, reading books, and generally looking quite happy about being there.

The reason I'm writing about this today is that I went there to meet my friend and got roped into doing an activity with some of the kids. Everything was prepared, I was just the facilitator. We had a spelling game and then we had a "guess the word from the clues" game, and the kids were laughing, yelling, just being kids, having fun. I had a blast as well. The highlight of my weekend for sure and I've still got Sunday to go.

If you've got kids, or if you have friends who have kids, tell them about Hippocampus, and go visit there. The website has directions and contact info, and a load of other information.

PS: Just for the record, I do not work for Hippocampus. :-)

TAAQ Live

Got an email on the TAAQ mailing list about a show they're doing on Saturday, August 6th.

Live at Bangalore Medical College, Sat Aug 6, 7.00 pm

If you've been taking in all that wheezy radio music that comes with bad weather, it's time to heal thyselves.

On Saturday evening, we will play at Bangalore Medical College. Ask anyone for directions. On the menu is a luscious spread of covers, Thermalized for your listening pleasure. And lots of smoking new originals. All this on a big stage with lots of dhamaal-dhimeel.

It's a ticketed show (something like Rs. 50, which you can buy at the venue) and we'll be on at 7.30 pm. The trick is to turn up early and move up front so you can count our teeth as we grin and brrrrr it. Get a windcheater along if you don't have cuddle-company.

If I am going, all I've got to do is ask anyone for directions.

PS: I guess I could've posted the earlier post and this one together.

Galeej Gurus, Live at Barista Unplugged

This time it's Gajeej Gurus for Barista Unplugged.

Date: August 5, 2005
Location: Barista, St. Mark's Road
Time: 7 pm onwards

Not sure if I'll be able to make it. I want to, because I've heard about this band, but right now, it looks unlikely.

PS: Entry is free, like it has always been. But, I am sure you'll feel guilty and buy some coffee or something.