The Mahindra Blues Festival has long been a cornerstone of India’s growing blues scene, and this year’s edition kicked off in spectacular fashion across three diverse stages. Day 1 set the bar high, offering everything from fresh, youthful energy to seasoned blues mastery, leaving the audience in awe.
A Grassroots Beginning on the Open Lawn Stage
The evening began on an intimate, cozy open stage nestled on a lawn—a perfect setting to ease into the festival’s groove. The opening act, a band of high school kids, was a revelation. Though young, their stage presence and musicianship belied their years. They struck the perfect balance of raw passion and technical brilliance, creating a mesmerizing opening moment for the festival. Their set paved the way for the much-anticipated performance of Salim John, the All-India Band Hunt winner. John, known for his smooth yet powerful blues riffs, delivered a performance that was both soulful and electrifying, setting the tone for the night ahead.
Queen of Blues Takes Over the Enclosed Concert Room
The second stage, a more intimate yet dynamic enclosed concert hall, brought the audience even closer to the music. The VIPs had their reserved seats on either side, but the true privilege lay with the non-VIPs, who had the chance to stand close to the stage and experience the performance up close.
It was here that Ruthie Foster, the undisputed Queen of Blues, cast a spell with her rich, powerful vocals. The moment one stepped inside, the atmosphere was thick with anticipation. Foster’s voice, smooth yet commanding, resonated through the room like a force of nature, drawing gasps and applause in equal measure. She took the audience on a journey through deep, soul-stirring melodies, her storytelling as compelling as her singing. The crowd—ranging from young enthusiasts to senior blues aficionados—swayed and sang along, enthralled by her artistry.
A heartwarming sight at the festival was the presence of many senior citizens, who not only attended but stood, danced, and absorbed the music like the most dedicated of fans. Understanding the needs of its diverse audience, the festival organizers had thoughtfully set up a room just behind the stage, equipped with chairs, a large LED screen, and even a bar—allowing attendees to enjoy the experience in comfort without missing any of the action.
The Teskey Brothers Ignite the Main Stage
The third and largest venue was an enclosed concert hall bathed in brilliant lights and backed by massive LED displays that amplified the grandeur of the stage. It was here that the Teskey Brothers took over, their performance an explosive celebration of blues at its finest.
With an eight-member ensemble, including two incredibly talented women on saxophone and trumpet who doubled as backing vocalists, their presence was dynamic and engaging. They performed some of their biggest hits, including crowd favorites like Shiny Moon and Carry Me Home, transforming the venue into a euphoric, blues-infused dance floor.
One of the most electrifying moments of the night came when the Teskey Brothers launched into an impromptu jugalbandi—a gripping duel between the harmonica and guitar. The energy was palpable, with the audience roaring in appreciation as the two instruments playfully conversed in a display of sheer musical brilliance.
An Unforgettable First Day
From the fresh promise of young musicians to the depth of blues legends, Day 1 of the Mahindra Blues Festival was nothing short of extraordinary. The diversity in both the lineup and the audience proved that blues music transcends generations, resonating with anyone who feels its deep, aching pulse.
As the night came to a close, there was an unshakable sense of anticipation in the air—because if the first day was this powerful, the rest of the festival was bound to be nothing less than legendary.
