“A musical garland”, “A musical bouquet”, “A musical wreath”... the metaphors fly fast and thick as the members of Udalveli try to explain what their forthcoming concert, Kovaiyil Isai Kadambam, is all about. Finally Shivendra Prem says, “It’s a people’s concert. All the artistes are from the city; so it’s for and by the people of Coimbatore.” Six of the 11 artistes have gathered at Clusters Institute of Media and Technology along with actor Dharanidharan to talk about the performance.
The group came together thanks to the various events organised by Udalveli. When they started, it was just two or three people jamming at Leon James’ house. “Bala joined us after the didgeridoo workshop,” says Dharani, waving at a bashful Baalamurugan Nagarajan. “Shiven came as a member of the audience first and then joined us. Charu and Leon worked together in a school....” What unites all of them is a common desire to “reclaim entertainment,” as Shiven puts it. “We have to start creating spaces not only for performing artists from elsewhere but also for those from the city.”
Dharanidharan, founder of Udalveli
While they’ve been some time planning this show, their practice sessions began just two months ago. Music has been a part of all Udalveli workshops and Shiven says they noticed that everyone was most excited by this aspect. “We would stay back and jam. Even if it was a 6-7 hour meeting, three hours would be for music,” adds Dharani.
Speaking of how they lit upon the concert’s name, Shiven says, “As a default setting, each of us sings a different genre. Like the kadambam string, we are bringing a multitude of genres to the same stage. Our performance styles are also very different.” Leon chips in, “We are all doing our own thing on stage but it all comes together.” Charumathi Muralidharan adds, “We don’t have a plan or rule that each of us has to sing in a particular way. For example, Surendar and I have a musical dialogue based on the koothu tradition.” Leon adds sotto voce , “Surendar doesn’t need a mike.” Charu continues unruffled by the interruption: “I have a Native American lullaby to which we have added elements of rock.”’
- On July 20 from 6.30 pm at Clusters Media Institute, Kamarajar Road, (near Hopes College Junction), Peelamedu
- The line-up of artistes is Leon James, Surendar, Tamilarasan, Sathyamoorthy, Karthick Raja, Charumathi Muralidharan, P Archana Shree, Shiven Prem, Shreyal Sanchayyan, S Pradeep and Baalamurugan Nagarajan
- Open for all. No entry fee. There will be a space for those who want to dance to the faster numbers
- Contact 9894350810 or 6374459644 for more details
The range of songs is pretty impressive: a Carnatic-based number, a Baul song, folk songs, original compositions and more. Exotic instruments like darbuka, chowdki, didgeridoo, cajon and kazoo will have their place on stage alongside the guitar and the drums. The choice, Shiven explains, was made “so that it would be new yet familiar. We were also looking at what each of us would bring to the table.” Dharani likens it to cooking: “adding new ingredients to the final dish,” he says, as the others dissolve into laughter.
As he talks of taking this concert to other cities, Shiven and Leon are drawn into a debate about whether having a set repertoire is a good thing. The former feels it would help them move to other places while Leon thinks it’s important to keep exploring or experimenting. “That’s how you keep creating new music,” he says forcefully.
Practice sessions are at someone’s house or at Clusters; all of them gratefully mention how the space has been made available to them. Bala says a few cafés have now started calling them to perform. “Sathya and I are students of the Government Music College in the city. Sometimes people ask us if there really is such an institution.” This last is said indignantly.
Given that the concert is free for all, I ask about paid performances, setting off yet another discussion on the available entertainment options, marketing and scheduling. “No point doing anything during IPL or World Cup time,” says Dharani ruefully. “Are we able to offer something that people will not get anywhere else?” asks Shiven. “We have to create a name before we can charge for our shows,” says Leon. They take a breath and look at each other. Shiven then says, “The question is how do we let people know that there is quality entertainment available.” Leon adds, “We want to show the city that there are people here who do different things. All we want is a chance: for them, to experience — and for us to do — something new.”
- Udalveli has big plans for the future, of which the most important is a Children’s Theatre Festival in January 2020.
- In an attempt to raise funds for this event, Udalveli is hosting a concert by Vidwan TM Krishna on August 3, 6.30 pm, at the Mani Higher Secondary School Auditorium.
- Tickets ranging from ₹2000 to ₹500 are available at bookmyshow.com
- Contact 9894350810 or 6374459644 for details
With that, they shelve all talk and fall to making music, with the table for percussion, a chowdki and a guitar.
