When Gary Lawyer was still an impressionable young boy in school, he suddenly realised that his seniors had started wearing their hair as high puffs
Elvis hasn't left the buildingOn Saturday (June 11), 7 pm
Where National Centre for the Performing Arts, NCPA Marg, Nariman Point.
Call 22824567/ 66548135
Tickets Rs 550, Rs 750, Rs 1,000
When Gary Lawyer was still an impressionable young boy in school, he suddenly realised that his seniors had started wearing their hair as high puffs. That was Gary's first brush with the King of Rock and Roll. And for the boy who would go on to be known as the 'man with the golden voice', a lifelong love affair with the music churned out by the cultural icon ensued.
Following successful tributes to Elvis Presley in Pune, Gary Lawyer is bringing his tribute concert to the city this weekend. "Elvis had brilliant singing abilities, great looks, super songs to work with and charisma to carry it all off. We had such an arsenal of his songs that we were confused about what to choose for this concert," Gary tells us. Early in his career, Gary was also part of a musical called Are You Lonesome Tonight, in which he played the part of a young Elvis. "Elvis is so special to me because he is so special to the rest of the world."
Though you can expect popular favourites to take over the evening, Gary might surprise you with some of Elvis' little-known songs too, including Gospel music. "My personal Elvis favourite, though, has to be I'll Remember You. It was written by a Hawaiian singer and has the most beautiful lyrics and melody."
In an irony of sorts, Gary's wife had suggested that they buy tickets to a live Elvis concert a couple of days before the legend passed away. "I was living in New York then and working in The Bronx. I was about to leave for work when the news reached us. It was one of the darkest days I have ever seen ufffd in terms of the melancholia and the weather too. Everything became hushed. Radio stations were playing nothing but Elvis, and people were selling Elvis merchandise on the streets," remembers Gary. Would you ever emulate an Elvis pelvic thrust or dress up like The King, we ask him. "Impersonation is a joke. It's all fun and games. I am only paying tribute to the musician; I am not trying to step into his shoes."
In Pune, Gary performed a two-hour set without any breaks and with the audience singing along. Though NCPA as a sit-down venue seems a little too stiff for a Rock and Roll concert, Gary seems hopeful. He says, "I wouldn't be surprised if people start jumping around; Elvis' music is just so powerful."
Give birth to a superheroOn Saturday (June 11), 12 noon to 3 pm
Whereu00a0 Mocha Mojo, Hill Road, Bandra (W).
Register 9167727782
Now is the time to give a touch of reality to your deep, dark fantasies. No, not the naughty ones. We mean the comic book that you always had in you, but did not know how to turn into a reality. Mocha Trip in association with online graphic novel, comics and Manga library Leaping Windows, has organised an afternoon in which you will be encouraged to make your own comic. Bring your trusty tools if you want. Else, these good fellas will lend you a few of their own. Draw up a comic of any length you desire, and it doesn't need to have all fancy comic characters. Stick figures are as welcome. Themes will be picked out of a hat, and, mind you, they might border on the absurd too. The afternoon will also feature a special comic quiz; all the questions will be from books in the Leaping Windows library. The prize up for grabs? A three-month free membership to the library.
Save a life this sundayOn Sunday (June 12), 8.30 am to 5.30 pm
Where Ram Wadi, Chandavarkar Lane, next to Napoo Hall, Matunga Market, Matunga (Central).
Call 9869465818
Sunday Friends, an organisation that is quietly encouraging denizens to donate their skin and eyes after death, is organising its 30th blood donation camp this weekend. With a track record of 700 to a 1,000 units of blood collected every year, this camp rates as one of the best organised ones. Do your bit to save a life by stepping out of your house and donating blood this Sunday. Blood, after all, is replaceable. Life is not.
Malmal mela and Kitsch bazaarOn June 10 to 12 (The Shop) and June 10 and 11 (Zenzi)
Where The Shop, Drego House, Ambedkar Road, Pali, Bandra (W); Zenzi, Waterfield Road, Bandra (W).
Call 26487887 (Malmal Mela);
9820980428 (Kitsch Bazaar)
We loved The Shop the minute we set our eyes on it, despite its rather unimaginative name. Nestled in a bylane that also houses Pali Village Cafe, it is stocked with delightful goodies ufffd soaps, crockery, clothes, vintage clocks ufffd each room throwing up organic or eco-friendly surprises. This weekend, the store goes supersoft with a Malmal Mela. It will have a range of colourful clothes (tops, crushed skirts, harem pants, dresses and nightwear for women; cool kurtas and shirts for men), accessories, home furnishings, bags, toys and quilts, all crafted in mal, a fine, soft muslin. Our suggestion? Don't just pick up a white saree, no matter how much the soft mal tempts you. That is, unless you desire your own Mandakini moment.
Another great sale in this suburb comes in the form of Kitsch Bazaar at Zenzi, in whichu00a0 ten designers are selling all things kitsch, from apparel to artifacts and quirky knick-knacks.
