21 October,2010 07:08 AM IST | | Prachi Sibal and Nicholas Stone
Here's your chance to soak in gigs from around the world, dig into some grub while you sip up the magical brew
If beer is your chosen poison, it hardly gets bigger and better than this. The Great Indian Octoberfest is back in town and brings you music, music and more music with lots of beer to boot. Octoberfest 2010 has indeed raised the bar higher by bringing in a line-up of international and coveted national bands across genres. From the city's very own folk rock boys Swarathama to the Italian metal band Lacuna Coil, this fest promises you a musical ride like never before and oodles and oodles of beer.
The guide takes you through the three days of music, food and knocking back endless mugs of chilled beer. Cheers to that we say!
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DAY 1
The Other People
Formed six years ago in Mumbai, this edgy and experimental group has a reputation of wowing audiences. Performing versions of classics from Elvis to the Beatles, they add their own, distinct Rock n Roll sound. Make sure you're watching, because these guys love to dance.u00a0
DJ Swingu00a0
Well known on the local scene, DJ Swing will make sure that the dancing shoes get a work out as he belts out the latest in great house music. Technically brilliant and known for having fun, he has performed worldwide with artists like Shaggy. It just might take a bit of effort to get him off stage, as this DJ is in the Guinness Book of world records for playing at the World's Longest Dance Party in New Delhi, which went on for 55 hours.
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DAY 2
Slain
In only a couple of years, Slain have become one of the most sought-after Melodic Progressive Metal bands in the country. Their aggression is tempered by thoughtful melodies that make their music powerful and contemplative. Theseu00a0 locals will be a real treat to see.
| Munich Oktoberfest |
| The 'real' Oktoberfest is a 16-18 day festival held in the German city of Munich annually, beginning in late September and closing on the first weekend in October. With more than 5 million people attending each year, it is considered the world's largest fair of this kind. Unlike the Indian version, there are no major bands that attend the festival and the only music you hear is traditional German ballads and beer-drinking songs, performed by the in-house bands. There are over a dozen beer tents, with each one representing a different brewery and their products. The tents can be crammed with over 5000 people at any time, singing German songs, drinking their one-litre 'steins' of beer, and eating traditional German meals like Steckerlfisch (grilled fish on a stick) or Schweinshaxe (pork-knuckle). Needless to say, there are a lot of headaches in Munich in late September. |
Swarathma
This Folk Rock band hailing from the city will be one for fans of the local music scene. One of the most original and interesting bands to emerge in recent times, Swarathma have won numerous local competitions and awards. They are well-known for their use of Kannada in many of their songs and music that finds its way to your soul.u00a0
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DAY 3
De Profundis
Coming back to town after a show with the legendary Iron Maiden here last year, De Profundis from the UK will bring their bleak, stark, atmospheric rock to the Indian Octoberfest stage. Renowned for their musical presence and enthusiasm, their hard rock style is sure to provide one of the highlights of the weekend.
Lacuna Coil
These metal veterans from Italy are arguably the most famous band on the bill. Formed in 1994, they have pleased audiences around the world with their dark, gothic style. This band is made for large festivals and their fusion of heavier metal edginess combines nicely with a dynamism to make them one of the must-sees of the weekend's partying.
Something for everyone
If beer isn't quite enough to keep you feeling fulfilled, there's more to this festival than the beer and music. Here's what to do when you aren't drinking.
Cuisine crawl
A food festival is here to keep your tongues tingling. Choose from 22 different food stalls that dish up cuisines from around the world. South Indian, Chinese, Hunani, fast food- you name it, they have it.
Vintage journey
For all those automobile freaks, here's your chance to take a trip down that vintage lane as eight individuals are out to show off their rare and priceless wagons.
Adventure calling
Choose from sports like rock climbing and a series of adventure sports activities. If this isn't enough to give you the adrenaline rush, a mini F1 track with remote controlled cars is sure to set you racing.
Artistically inclined
In this arena, a rare spectacle awaits you as well-known artist VB Hire Gowdar comes together with artist Vilas Naik in a an art jugalbandi over the music of a DJ and the beat gurus- a group of ten percussionists. The 15 minute presentation will feature coordinated movements of the artists and the musicians.
At: Thripuravasini, Palace Grounds
On: October 22 to 24, 12pm onwards
Call: 2558 9100
For: Rs 300 on Friday and Rs 400 on Saturday and Sunday
Mohit Chauhan on the Octoberfest
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What are your plans for the fest?
I have never been to an Octoberfest before, so the plan for now is of a great gig and having a good time.
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Which artists are you looking forward to watching at the Octoberfest?
This is my first time and I am here only for a day, I am not sure about how many gigs I will be able to watch.
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What bands would you want to watch live at an Octoberfest?
Indian Ocean, the Indian rock band. I would also love to watch a live act of Himalayan Folk music.
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What genre do you think fits a beer festival? How does your music fit in?
Beer is about having a good time and if music is involved, good music across genres is the only criterion.
| Schedule |
| DAY 1 DAY 3 |
| Artist Karsh Kale and Tapan Raj from the band Midival Punditz |
| How do you think this festival will compare to other music festivals around the world? |
