Nh7 Weekender, Pune | Exclusive Pictures

Bacardi NH7 Weekender kicked off in Pune last night, at a brand new venue. Walking in, you were greeted by the epic Rockness Monster installation, lots of green grass to picnic on, colourful flags and you knew this was going to be a memorable weekend. The first day saw 5000 festival go-ers party hard between The Dewarists Stage, Jack & Jones Other Stage, Eristoff Wolves Den and Pepsi Dub Station. 

NH7 :: The Future featuring Rohan Rajadhyaksha and Ankit Dayal of Spud In The Box Rachel Varghese, Krishna Jhaveri of Goddess Gagged, Aditya Ashok (Ox7gen), Neil Gomes (Tough on Tobacco) on the saxophone and Bradley Tellis of (The Color Compound) on guitars proved why these young ones are definitely going to be musicians to look out for in the future, and included covers by Dave Matthews Band and Jack White.

Day Two of Bacardi NH7 Weekender saw 8500 people, with all 6 stages on, as festival go-ers danced at the Eristoff Wolves Den, moshed at the Bacardi Black Rock Arena, chilled on the grass at The Dewarists Stage and Jack & Jones The Other Stage, jumped around at the Pepsi Dub Station and caught some super music at the Bindass Fully Fantastic Stage. 

Day Three of Bacardi Nh7 Weekender had Jinja Safari and Seun Kuti and Egypt 80 on The Dewarists Stage, Indus Creed and Karnivoolat the Bacardi Black Rock Arena, Michal Menert and Arjun Vagale at Eristoff Wolves Den, Vir Das' Alien Chutney and Bombay Bicycle Club at Jack & Jones The Other Stage, Delhi Sultanate and Million Stylez at Pepsi Dub Station, and Peter Cat Recording Company, Gandu Circus and Heems (Das Racist) at the Bindass Fully Fantastic Stage. 

NH7 Weekender | 2011

The epic indie music weekend is back in Pune - better, bigger and brighter! Here is a song devoted to the fest done by Sidd Coutto A genuine voice and lyrics that has touched MASI's heart.

See you at Nh7 at MASI's tent!

Book your tickets here -- http://nh7.in/weekender/tickets/

Nh7 Weekender | India's first Indie Music Festival

Past weekend what India (to be specific -- Pune) experienced was something quite unexpected for an average dude who attends concerts or gigs in India. The Nh7 Weekender Festival/Party was the brainchild of India-based Only Music Louder and two UK-based industry bigwigs, festival organiser Martin Elbourne (Glastonbury, The Great Escape and Lovebox are some of the fests he’s worked on) and artist manager Stephen Budd. From the sound, lights and visual backdrops on stage to the security arrangements on the ground, everything was executed as smoothly and painlessly as it is at festivals abroad. It truly set the mood for the weekend.

The organisers also made an effort to give each of the three outdoor stages—there was one each for rock, electronica and folk/fusion—a distinct vibe. There was the wall of cassette tapes at the bar for the Bacardi Black rock stage; the white-sheeted gaddas at the Dewarists (folk fusion) stage; and the giant disco balls at the entrance of the Eristoff Wolves Den (for electronica).

The event was not only about attracting a typical niche crowd but also the youth who believes in Independent Indian music -- be it rock or alternative or electronica or dubstep or new age -- the performers were fully amped to give intimate performances.

The vibe got better when Susheela Raman & her band were requested by MASI after the concert got over to do a song 'Yeh Mera Diwana Pan' from the movie The Namesake. Susheela immediately agreed and started singing with her band. After few minutes when the crowd didn't exactly knew what was going on we were joined by Indian Ocean who sparked off a great jugalbundi. The music was generously provided by Aref Durvesh on tabla, Tom on guitar, Kutle Khan & Georgie Pope.

To name a few bands which MASI got to attend were -- Susheela Raman, Shaair + Func, Faridkhot (pakistani band), Asian Dub Foundation, Indian Ocean, Lounge Piranha., Tempo Tantrick, Raghu Dixit Project, & Swarathma.

Enjoy the music from the EPIC WEEKEND!

Text - MASI

Sources - Mumbai Boss.com & Billboard.com

Picture courtesy - NH7