No Bread No Butter, only Jam

Driving along the Kanakpura road, just after the Metro, on Sunday 3rd feb, one would come across the blue neon lights spelling out “Shankara”. On the compound wall, there was a black banner titled “Sunday jam”. On entering the premises, the walk was dark and silent. About 100 meters in, and one could hear beats and could see bluish lights beyond the hillock. As soon as one went around the hillock, the scene would suddenly change.

Lights. Loud rocking music. And about 100 odd youths sitting casually on the amphitheatre steps slightly moving their heads to the beats emanating from the speakers down on the stage. Welcome to a unique phenomenon-“The Sunday Jam”

The first Sunday evening of every month, the music heads of the town get together to celebrate the music. No one pays. Its all free. All this happens because of two people-Gopal and Geeta Navale. Ever since they started in 1996, Sunday jam has been conducted regularly and with great success. “Kannada activists and the ‘moral police’ have always created problems for us, but the brilliance of music and the zeal of the youth has prevailed”, says Gopal Navale.

This month’s jam was no different. It was undoubtedly a huge success. The occasion provided a platform for amateurs to gain some experience, and also the professionals to showcase themselves. Bhoomi, the town’s band that needs no introduction was the headlining act for the evening, and they showed why they are what they are. Belting out their originals like ‘inside story’, ‘uncultured’ etc, they rocked the audience into a thrilling frenzy.

“Black Rubber Band” was the prime example of what encouragement does to performing talent. Minutes into their act on stage, they were looking a little weary of themselves. But soon, their confidence grew and suddenly they looked like a different unit all together! Another example was “Malice”, and band which, probably for the first time, had a bagpipe on stage! They looked like pros as they thrashed out blazing numbers, including “Wherever I may roam” of the Metallica. And to think this was their maiden performance!!

The evening more rock oriented, with a couple of death metal bands making lasting impressions. Among them were Kashmora and Crucifix Guide, who, though being the last band for the evening, managed to get the crowd standing in front of the stage in just five minutes of performance!

The talent of Bangalore really does have a lot of potential and needs a lot of encouragement. Long live Sunday Jam!