Ready to rock?

No Mercy, Osibisa and Strings. Three internationally acclaimed bands in the city. This May, get ready to rock at The Hindu May International Music Fest.

Osibisa will perform on May 1. The Afro pop band from Ghana returns to the city after its performance at The Hindu Friday Review November Fest in 2010. A rage in the 1970s, the band stood out for its unique fusion of African, Caribbean, rock, jazz, Latin and R&B music. Formed in London in 1969 by three Ghanaian and three Caribbean musicians, Osibisa played a central role in developing awareness of African music among European and North American audiences.

On May 4, popular rock band Strings will perform. Comprising Faisal Kapadia and Bilal Maqsood, talented singers with a large fan following in the country, Strings will perform its popular numbers such as ‘Dhaani’, ‘Koi Aanay Wala Hai’, ‘Mera Bicchra Yar’, ‘Chaaye Chaaye’, ‘Anjane’, ‘Sohniye’, ‘Najan Kyun’, and ‘Duur’.

American pop band No Mercy, known for a blend of guitar music and Euro dance elements, will perform on May 5.

The concerts will be held at Sir Mutha Venkatasubba Rao Concert Hall, Chetpet. Tickets are priced at Rs. 1,500 and Rs. 1,000 (gallery) and Rs. 750 (balcony). Passes are available for all three shows. Tickets are available on www.bookmyshow.com, www.indianstage.in, at Landmark (Ampa Skywalk, Apex Plaza, Spencer Plaza and Chennai Citi Centre).

The Title Sponsor for the event is VGN; Associate sponsor: Renault; Co-Sponsor: Star Health Insurance; Radio Partner: Chennai Live; Hospitality Partner: Hyatt Regency; Travel Partner: Parveen Travels; and Event Partner: I Ads & Events.

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YOCee, a news website, organises The Little People’s Festival . It is a day-long event of activities, entertainment and shopping for families. The activities include an art competition, pottery, art and craft workshops, interactive demos, caricature, live photo booth and live art. There will also be an organic store, homemade café and a cool bar.

The hand and wheel pottery workshop will be held from 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and the fee is Rs. 350 for a child. There’s an on-the-spot painting activity with Do-It-Yourself kits for kids and a craft corner. From 10.45 a.m. to 11.15 a.m. is an art contest with spot registration. Participants must being a chart paper and colouring materials. Between noon and 2.30 p.m. are story telling sessions, magic and group game. From 6 p.m. to 6.45 p.m. will be a performance and a sing along session by the Madras Youth Choir.

The market place offers a range of products such as handmade origami jewellery, handmade scrapbooks and beaded jewellery, ethnic clothes for boys, handmade smocking cotton dresses for girls, handmade hair accessories, hand-crocheted fashion and baby accessories, handmade soft toys and home décor, traditional art and craft kits, homemade candies, art on glass and stationery counter. The event will be held from 10.30 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. on April 27 at Gallery Sri Parvati, Eldams Road, Teynampet. For more information and registration for activities, call 98405-44629.