20 March,2022 08:17 AM IST | Mumbai | Nidhi Lodaya
Mount Mary church
Outdoor experiences stand out from even the swishest ones indoors, for this writer, and now post pandemic, possibly for everyone. As Mumbai opens up, it's heartening to see events move into open spaces, several of them open to the public for free.
A weekend paradise for art and culture lovers, these events have over the last few weeks been catering to varied interests including music, drawing and dance, and above all age an opportunity for the audience to socialise.
Here are four of our favourites:
IF you have visited the famous Mount Mary church, you couldn't have missed a flight of colourful steps on your way. Also known as St Stephen's Steps, the space was used as a garbage dump for 30 years until residents and government representatives reimagined the space as one that would support art and community. This multi-use space has ramps, making it accessible not only for the disabled but also for cyclists. Starting 2019, The Steps has been hosting art and community festivals featuring art, music and dance events, drawing and architecture workshops along with interactive sessions for all ages. The entry has been kept free and the artistes have been performing pro-bono. A foundation set up by the core team hopes to fund the area's upkeep, manage sound and light, and maintain the murals that decorate the steps, while covering the travel expense of participating artistes.
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COMING UP: At St Stephens Steps, Bandra West
WHEN: March 20, 4.30 PM onwards
FOLLOW: @thestepsbandra, Instagram
Aditi Bhagwat and Troupe. Pic/Pradeep Dhivar
An initiative by The National Centre for Performing Arts, NCPA@ThePark has hosted four events this month at Cooperage bandstand, Fort, including a poetry session (UnErase Poetry), Western and Indian classical music and dance performances and a jazz night. "I have spent so many good times listening to music at Bandstand," says NCPA chairman Khushroo N Suntook, sharing how he'd split time between concerts here and football matches at Cooperage grounds. "It was a shame no one was taking advantage of this space, so we spoke to government officials and they welcomed the idea." Held over weekends, these are free, and as Suntook puts it "for the people of Bombay, many of whom can't afford tickets at the moment. This way they can enjoy the first few months of free shows, which will also give them a taste of what to expect in future."
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COMING UP: At Bandra Bandstand
WHEN: March 25
FOLLOW: @ncpamumbai, Instagram
Earlier this month, Jio World Drive kickstarted a monthly music IP with Hindi rock band Ankur Tewari and the Ghalat Family. Called Jio World Drive Live, the event hopes to offer an amalgamation of art and music, while a market alongside lets visitors browse art pieces. "With everyone saturated with virtual events, our endeavour is to bring artistes in contact with our audience and feature local and homegrown talent," says a spokesperson. Scheduled on the first Friday of every month, the IP will see Hindi alt-rock band, The Yellow Diary perform next month.
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COMING UP: At Jio World Drive mall, BKC
WHEN: April 1
FOLLOW: @jioworlddrive, Instagram
A Community of music lovers has been hosting open-air gigs in parks across the city on Sunday mornings. Initially started at the amphitheatre at Dharya Garden in Cuffe Parade, Sound Rise has now taken the gigs to Bandra Fort Amphitheatre and the lawns outside Bombay Gymkhana. They are now looking at evening gigs too. While these gigs are free, the community encourages the audience to make donations as it helps them pay the musicians. A pet-friendly initiative, Sound Rise also boasts of local food stalls, and hopes to make it spread to every public garden in Mumbai.
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COMING UP: At Cooperage Bandstand garden, Fort
WHEN: March 20, 9.15 AM to 10.45 AM
FOLLOW: @soundrise.live, Instagram
