The Eastwind Festival
Thankfully, no cover versions here. The Eastwind Festival, which also debuts on the music scene this year, aims to be the largest festival of contemporary and original Indian music. Over 200 musicians from across the country will come together in Delhi for a three-day music carnival. From rock to jazz to fusion, this fest covers all genres. Bands such as Thermal and a Quarter, Them Clones, Advaita, Skinny Alley, Parikrama, Imaad Shah and Raghu Dixit Project promise to make it one rocking party. “It’s exciting to see such a festival because normally one doesn’t see so many bands on the same stage. It will help promote original Indian music,” says Anindo Bose, keyboard player, Advaita. “It’s a great concept and should work well for musicians and the audience,” says Subir Malik of Parikrama. The organisers, Prospect, hope to make Eastwind an annual feature.
When: December 14-16
Where: NSIC grounds, Okhla
Industrial Area, New Delhi
Tickets: Rs 100 per day or Rs 250 for all three days.

Sharktooth Live Storms
This is the first year of the country’s longest traveling rock festival. The mosh pit has moved into pubs and stadiums across five cities in as many months. Organised by Bombay Rock Association and anECHO, the one big family of Indian rock will criss-cross the country to enthrall fans outside their hometowns. Forty-one gigs will take place in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Pune and Kolkata. The climax will be an outdoor show by the country’s favourite rock acts like Parikrama and Motherjane in February in Mumbai.
When: October 2007- February 2008
Where: Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Pune and Kolkata
Ticket: Pub shows are free, outdoor shows priced between Rs 150 and 200

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