To celebrate years of Indo-German friendship, the Goethe-Institut has organized the Indo-German Urban Mela. The ten-day long mela features pavilions, cultural performances, live music, workshops and more. The Mela has been to four cities over the past year, and makes its last stop in Pune from January 11 to 20. The Pune edition of the Mela includes some of the best Indian indie acts in the scene.
MidivalPunditz: January 11, 8pm – 9.30pm
The Delhi electronic duo composed of GauravRaina and Tapan Raj have been making fusion-inspired electronica since 1997. They’ve now become one of the most in-demand producers in the country, and have released three studio albums to date: MidivalPunditz (2002), Midival Times (2005) and Hello Hello (2009). The Punditz have played at countless venues and festivals around the country, as well as a live show at the Glastonbury Festival in. They’ve collaborated with the likes of Anoushka Shankar, Norah Jones, Salim-Sulaiman, Sting and Karsh Kale. The MidivalPunditz soundscape is a crossover of Indian classical sounds and electronic grooves.
The Raghu Dixit Project: January 15, 8pm – 9.30pm
Formed in 2007 by composer-singer-songwriter Raghu Dixit, this Bangalore folk-rock act combines elements of ethnic folk music, traditional Kannada sounds, Sufi and classical music to create a high-energy, engaging performance. The group’s debut album, Raghu Dixit, released in 2009 and was the highest-selling non-film album of the year. The Raghu Dixit Project has also written scores for two Kannada movies, making them a household name in Karnataka. The quintet has played at several Indian and international music festivals, including WOMAD in 2009 and the Glastonbury Music Festival in 2011, and has also played at the Diamond Jubilee Pageant in 2012. The pageantcelebrated 60 years of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne of England. The Raghu Dixit Project’s trademark folk-infused sound coupled with their innovative stage act makes the group a delight to watch.
Dualist Inquiry: January 17 – 7pm – 8pm
Dualist Inquiry is the electronic project of Delhi producer SahejBakshi. Since his debut, the producer has quickly ascended to the top of the indie electronica scene in India. His debut EP, Dualism, was released in 2011, and since then he has performed gigs relentlessly around the country, with slots at the Eristoff Invasion Festival, in 2012, and The Great Escape festival in Brighton. He also opened for Fatboy Slim at his 2012 performance in Delhi. Bakshi has also released his first Bootleg Remix series, and his first full-length album is scheduled to release soon.
Shaa’ir + Func: January 17 – 8pm – 9.45pm
Mumbai electro-rock Shaa’ir + Func comprises vocalist Monica Dogra (Shaa’ir) and guitarist-producer Randolph Correia (Func). With three studio albums to their name, the duo is known for their energetic, engaging live performances. The duo have played gigs all over the country, and in North America and Europe as well. In recent times, their live lineup has come to include Rohit “P-Man” Pereira on bass and prolific drummer Aditya Ashok.
Indian Ocean: January 19 – 8pm – 9.45pm
The Delhi fusion-rock band are considered amongst the pioneers of the Indian independent music scene. The band’s current lineup comprises Rahul Ram, SusmitSen, AmitKilam, TuheenChakravarty and Himanshu Joshi. The band has released five studio albums and have also composed music for films including Black Friday and Peepli Live.Indian Ocean is one of the first fusion rock acts to come out of India, and have a massive fan following all over the country.
Karsh Kale Collectiv: January 20 – 8pm – 9.45pm
Formed by Indian-American multi-instumentalist and producer Karsh Kale, Karsh Kale Collectiv comprises a heavy lineup including Benny Dayal, ShilpaRao and Monali Thakur on vocals, Warren Mendonsa on guitars, Johan Pais on bass, Jai Row Kavi on drums, JayantLuthra aka Jitter on electronics, Pt. Ajay Prasanna on the flute, and Kale himself switching between keys, vocals, guitar and tabla. The band was put together for Kale’s set on Season 2 of Coke Studio @ MTV, and played their first live gig in October 2012. The group believes in pulling people out of context, and keeps the audience guessing with the songs and arrangements in their live sets.
About the Indo-German Urban Mela
The concept behind the Indo-German Urban Mela combines design elements from both countries with state of the art textile technology, thereby creating a symbiosis of art, architecture and technology.
Some Facts & Figures of the Indo-German Urban Mela:
– The “Indo German-Urban Mela” aims at showcasing the potential of Indo-German cooperation in various fields of urban development especially in mobility, energy, sustainable urban development, architecture, cultural space, education and urban art.
– The set of pavilions consists of six differently shaped modules. They will be arranged and adapted to the local conditions to create a unique temporary festival venue.
– The pavilions will host interactive presentations by various German corporations and organisations on topics and solutions related to “StadtRäume – CitySpaces”.
– In addition, a comprehensive programme, including cultural performances and conferences, will be held at the venue. The Beergarden will be a food and beverage area allowing the visitors to get a taste of special delicacies from the German kitchen.
– The Indo-German Urban Mela has attracted approximately 4,00,000 (4 lakhs) visitors during its first four stopovers.
