One of Bengaluru’s most beloved music staples, Freedom Jam, is set to make its much-anticipated return on August 14 at the Bangalore International Centre in Domlur. Embracing their ethos of a free gig—aptly captioned “no bread!”—Freedom Jam has been a cornerstone of live music in the city for 26 years, having formally begun its journey in 1997.
Traditionally, Freedom Jam’s performances are woven into the cultural fabric of India’s significant national holidays, including Independence Day and Republic Day. This year, the long-standing concert series promises a mid-week musical extravaganza featuring four dynamic bands, each representing different generations and genres. These include the iconic Sarjapur Blues Band, the seasoned rock ensemble The Unknowns, the eclectic Baja, and the recently acclaimed Giddy Hoo.
Headlining the concert is the Sarjapur Blues Band, founded by the multifaceted Dr. Shekhar Seshadri, a renowned psychologist from NIMHANS, who doubles as the band’s vocal and guitar maestro, alongside talented guitarist Vinoo Mathews. The band describes itself as the “workingman’s, underground, back-street, original, eclectic, rhythm and blues kind of band,” and will delight the audience with originals like ‘Don’t Drop Your Ego,’ ‘Bounce It,’ and ‘Lady Nicotine.’ These tracks, emblematic of the band’s distinct style, align seamlessly with Freedom Jam’s commitment to showcasing original music.
Joining the Sarjapur Blues Band is The Unknowns, a seasoned rock outfit whose performance at this year’s Freedom Jam will pay homage to their late guitarist, Stephen Joseph, affectionately known as Steve. The organisers have revealed that The Unknowns will perform pieces from Steve’s Carnatic fusion album, “Welcome To The Journey,” ensuring his innovative spirit lives on.
“Steve had not only established The Unknowns as the city’s premier classic rock band, but he also pioneered numerous innovations to make the electric guitar mimic traditional Indian instruments like the veena, mridangam, and violin,” the event notes. Continuing this legacy, Steve’s multi-talented sons and nephews will take the stage, with Sunil Steven showcasing his adept fusion techniques.
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Adding a generous dose of fun to the festivities is Baja, a group featuring Freedom Jam’s founder Siddhartha Patnaik among its members. Baja prides itself on its unique remixes, offering energetic renditions of tracks such as ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Surangani,’ alongside their long-time hits like ‘Money Runnin Out,’ and ‘AlooGobi Rhythm.’ Baja’s distinctive style is a vibrant blend of desi ‘tapankuthu’ rhythms and rock blues chord patterns, providing a refreshing auditory experience.
Also contributing to the musical mosaic are Giddy Hoo, a local rock band that has quickly become a staple at Freedom Jam. With only four tracks released so far, titles like ‘Why Should I Scare,’ ‘Mount Rock,’ ‘Fatus,’ and ‘Pilgrim and the Creed,’ they are already working on their debut album. The band, comprised of two brothers from the South and two from the Northeast, is known for its high-energy performances and infectious arena rock sound, ready to captivate audiences once more.
In its storied history, Freedom Jam has graced a variety of venues, from public spaces to local pubs, and has even embraced a multi-venue, multi-day format on occasion. Esteemed artists like Raghu Dixit, Thermal And A Quarter, and prog rock sensation Rainburn have appeared on its stages, helping solidify Freedom Jam’s reputation as a bastion of independent music and unbridled fun.
For those eager to witness this unique blend of musical talents, free entry is available by RSVPing on the Freedom Jam website, freedomjam.in. The celebration kicks off at the Bangalore International Centre in Domlur on August 14, promising an unforgettable evening of music that honors both Independence Day and the enduring legacy of live, original music.
Join the celebration and be a part of the musical tradition that has defined Bengaluru’s independent music scene for over two decades.
