A Friday Night at the Opus

I wish I was one of those people who could get into a conversation with someone and start off with something like, ‘You know this one time in school/college...’ or whatever the case may be and get into this long narration about this unpredictably cool story. Frankly, those tales are dreadfully difficult to come by since I didn’t do a lot of cool things when I was younger. But now I realize that it just takes treading out of the house, preferably after dark.

That said, Friday night’s show was a blast! Absolutely beyond brilliant! The day was warm but the evening was breezy cool and the scales were tipped in the Das’ favor.
We arrived at some point in the 8 o'clock hour and it wasn't particularly packed. Events like these don't really get packed unless it’s past what my late grandfather would call ‘a decent bedtime’. After finding a seat at the table right next to the stage and ordering a Screwdriver, I got myself comfortable on a white cushiony mattress for a four-act night of soft alternative-friendly music. Soon friends, colleagues and friend’s friends arrived, filling up the place and we were in constant motion to make some room at the table for the newcomers.

From here, there are a couple roads to take.

A) The Place- The show was at the Opus. It was the kind of place you expect to sit in if you had an open mic night. Dim lights, the sound of a ready audience and the excited band filled the air, and there was not enough room to take my jacket off. There was not much between the performer and the audience- which made it all the more special!

B) The People- You had all of them, the artsy types, the ones in jackets and jeans, the ones who even looked like they had come for a hip-hop rush. One guy in particular....we weren't really sure if he knew what kind of music was going to be played. His obviously clueless look made me want to guffaw but the night was not about him so I spared him the foul look. Then there was everybody else who was so very much in the middle of the music.
As soon as the music started up, there was this willingness and readiness to just sink into it regardless. There was head bobbing and looks of approval from the listeners, rising with every song. For me, I do little more than tap my foot and hoot aloud after every number. I work like a radar at these situations cos I know I will be writing about it later. Also, every so often I turned to the people sitting next to me- Yuvi, Ruan and my favorite blogger Pete, to make a comment and to watch them respond to the sounds in their own little space. They looked happy.

C) The Music- Like I had mentioned before, this was a mellow music night type thing. Our buddies there, Tony Das, Chris Das and Judy Das and Avinash Grubb were outstanding. And while my opinion might be a tad bit biased, other spectators tell me all four were fantastic, in fact.
The show started with Judy’s rendition of Corinne Bailey Rae’s ‘Girl put your records on’. Snow
Patrol’s ‘Run’ and Sara Bareilles’ ‘Love song’ were dedicated to yours truly, who became quite famous by the end of the night. One song in particular was pretty catchy, "Englishman in New York" and when I uploaded the track on my last post I had no bloody idea that they were going to be singing it. Pretty weird! By the end of the first set the band had definitely and undoubtedly gotten the crowd’s undivided attention and could do no wrong.
The second set had the band sounding pretty good on tracks like Ingrid Michaelson’s ‘take me the way I am’, Eagles’ ‘New York minute’ and Chris’ original composition ‘Breathing memories’ and I thought to myself that this was one of those performances that actually lived up to it’s buildup. It was a pretty cool night and the Das’ had done it with enough spunk to be entertaining without being overdone.
Anyway, this entry is longer than I intended, but it was a good night and it was great to go out and hear great music from people that I love. There's so much more to tell, but your attention span is probably disappearing right now. For more of Chris Das’ music head over to http://www.chris-das.com/. But before you do so, below is a recording of Chris’ version of ‘Run’ (should give you a feel about the show). Stay tuned, kids and thanks to those who made it!

This Friday will be fantastic, because I’ll be going to see the Das’ (Tony, Chris and Judy) do their thing, which I’ve been waiting for so many months now so you can imagine my excitement! I’ve been trying to get a little scoop about the show that’s going to happen and I’ll be spilling some of the details in this post. I have a feeling that this show is going to be even better than their previous appearances together cos it not only has Tony and Judy Das performing but his brother- Chris Das (who’s part of my crew) and Avinash Grubb- a pianist who would make any show worthy of sweeps.

As far as music goes, there are few things better than seeing a band live and realizing that they sound better than the stuff you hear on the radio or on CD. In a world of faltering, peevish, and weirdly assertive singers, it was like someone had thrown the door wide open to let in some air and that’s precisely what this band offers - excellent vocal clarity that perks your ears, good vibes between the band members, they relate to each other as one might imagine they would if they were playing in someone's home. From my point of view, I can't even begin to explain how much impact that has on stage presence. None of them had to try overly hard to provide some sparkling sense of humor, they’re just naturally witty and hilarious and it just makes them seem like very likable people.

I don’t want to get y’all excited, apart from the fact that secretly I do.


My crew and I will be the guests of the Opus event, to watch the brother-sister band (who, may I add, is incredibly easy on the eyes). The concert kicks off in the evening at 8 at Opus in Bangalore city on Feb 27th. It's going to be a wonderful evening and I'd be thrilled if you joined us.
If the very gorgeous family, gorgeous music and gorgeous place aren't enough incentive for you, then hold on to your hat. All this can be yours for a minimal cover charge. If anything it’s the best way to spend your Friday night. There will be songs from artists such as Ingrid Michaelson, Snow Patrol, One Republic and The Wallflowers along with one of Chris’ own compositions.
Let me know if you'll be in the audience so that I can look for you afterwards.

Hope to see you there!

Signing out with a an old favourite - 'Englishman in New York'by Sting

And the sick days are almost over...

I suspect I’ve eaten more mints over the last week than ever in my life. But the past week was also great (even with being sick and all). I’ve been experiencing all these feelings that I haven’t felt for over a year, something I normally feel awkward about when people ask me to explain and I feel like hiding behind a strand of hair that I place in front of my eye.

Things in my life are yet to be repaired, and it makes me cringe every time I walk into a moment of my past, so I spend all my time with earphones tucked into my ears. Every day, I’d wake up, go to work, eat, watch movies, and then fall back asleep. Sometimes, I’d be with friends or do things if only for the sake of getting out. On the weekends, I’d open the curtains in my room and let some of the sunlight pour in, just so I could know that there was something out there, outside of my little globe.

I’m glad to be back to living. I was feeling so apathetic and cut off, doing things without any motive or intention. In an odd way now, I feel rejuvenated, if only because the past week was spent without a regular schedule. So I’ve decided that I need to throw my life into a bit of bedlam so I can put it right again. Amongst work and TV shows that have been occupying most of my time lately, I went to see Tony Das perform with his side band ‘Bhoomi’ at Mount Carmel College on Saturday. I'm quite thrilled that they sound so strong live. They seem like they would be sensational. I don't know if I will ever own a record of theirs. You see, they don't have a label, or even an LP. Sadness. Admittedly, when I was first told about them I was mostly expecting a metal band, and the huge fan base in B’lore didn't do much to influence me otherwise. Heavy metal is not my favorite genre by any means so; I really didn't know how I was going to feel about this band.
Fortunately, what I found were some very solid (non metal) sounds with great guitar rock and the best harmonies and vocals. Few local live bands have enough skill to make it sound like anything more than cheap imitations of the greats or the kind of crap that should never go past the walls of a bathroom.
                                                            Tony at the Bhoomi Show

So, what I am saying to you is this, check these folks out. You won't be sorry and you've got to know that I don’t put my hand in the fire for just anyone.

Besides, we could all use a little more awesomeness in our lives.

It's been a while since the brother-sister band had done a show. But they're back, baby. Anyhoo, the show will take place this month end at Opus. A little bit long but you've got to go for it. I had written about the band last year, so you can check out the review by clicking here for a helping of musical truth.
Ladies and gentlemen, this is officially a reason to dance. I was worried I wouldn't get to see them. I would post the dates, but I don't know them myself. Deal with it.

In other news: my phone has finally given up on me. It is indeed a sad day.

Shout outs:

To LG for the coolest mobile I’ve had all year.

To Christopher Meloni, the coolest guy I’ve spent my days, nights and dreams with.
Give me one good reason why you shouldn’t have a crush on him. To the strange little circle of dedicated Meloni fans.

To my sidekick, Ash. We’ll be together someday, baby. Someway, somehow. Don’t worry your pretty little head about it.

And to you, gentle reader. It’s so good of you to check back regularly. Even better when you send me an email or leave me a comment, though.