Ten years ago, a group of music enthusiasts who had their formative years during the illustrious days of rock and roll in the swinging sixties and seventies decided to reunite. They aimed to revive the essence of their favorite tunes and share it with a broader audience. Calling themselves Hard Day’s Night (HDN), this eclectic assembly of men and women began hosting concerts in Thiruvananthapuram, featuring chart-topping hits from their youth. Additionally, they became a vital platform for emerging bands, allowing them to display their musical repertories to an eager and appreciative crowd.
Tommy Cherian, one of the founders of HDN, reminisces about their initiatives, particularly recalling the grand celebration of Woodstock’s 50th anniversary. This event featured performances from various local bands, mirroring the eclectic vibe of the original Woodstock festival.
“Recently, one of our members happened to attend a concert by Rear Admiral (retired) Nirmala Kannan. She performed some of the biggest hits from our era, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia among those who listened. We were instantly captivated and decided it would be wonderful to organize a concert featuring her in Thiruvananthapuram. Incidentally, her husband, Vice Admiral (retired) Bhagavatheswaran Kannan, has roots here in Thiruvananthapuram,” says Tommy Cherian, recounting the serendipitous discovery that led to this upcoming event.
Nirmala Kannan is scheduled to perform on June 8 at Trivandrum Club for a concert aptly named ‘Hope and Harmony’. This event is designed as a charity function, with the involvement of HDN’s musicians. Management consultant Sankar Krishnan, who is also a member of HDN, shared that the proceeds from ‘Hope and Harmony’ will go towards supporting the 50-year-old Rotary Institute For Children In Need of Special Care in Thiruvananthapuram.
“At present, the Institute is facing severe financial constraints. It serves more than 100 students, most of whom come from economically challenged backgrounds. The principal, Beena AR, along with the dedicated teachers and caretakers, have been doing their best to sustain the Institute despite the significant difficulties they face,” Sankar stated, highlighting the pressing need for financial aid.
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The event promises to be an evening filled with heart-warming performances and cherished melodies. It will commence precisely at 6.30 PM with a recital by the children from the Rotary Institute. This will be followed by Nirmala Kannan’s much-anticipated concert at 7 PM. Her performance will shine under the spotlight for about an hour and a half. From 8.30 PM onwards, the HDN musicians will take the stage, promising to deliver a night of unforgettable tunes. The evening will conclude with dinner, offering attendees a chance to discuss and reflect on the performances.
For the music aficionados, this concert is not just an opportunity to relive the golden oldies but also a chance to contribute to a noble cause. By purchasing passes to the event, attendees can ensure that the Rotary Institute receives much-needed financial support, directly impacting the lives of its students and the dedicated staff who work tirelessly to educate and care for them.
Each ticket to ‘Hope and Harmony’ represents more than just admission to a concert; it symbolizes a beacon of hope for a deserving institution in need. As Sankar Krishnan elaborates, “The event is a way for us to give back to the community, by doing what we love—celebrating music and spreading joy. We anticipate a good response from the public because they get to enjoy a night of classic hits while contributing to such a worthy cause.”
For any music enthusiast who cherishes the golden tunes of the past and wishes to make a difference, this event is the perfect combination of nostalgia and philanthropy. Come join HDN and Nirmala Kannan in this extraordinary evening to create waves of melody and support a noble endeavor.
For passes and more information, contact: 9947289036.
