International Jazz Day: Where to experience live jazz music in Mumbai this weekend

Every year, the world celebrates International Jazz Day on April 30. Image for representational purpose only. Photo: istock

Get out of the boring confines of your homes and experience live music again as the city slowly gets back to its old self after the Covid-19 pandemic. If you are one who loves the good ol' jazz from greats like John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holliday and don't mind the fusion that has been produced over time, it is time to head out this weekend.

Every year, the world celebrates International Jazz Day on April 30. While hosting live music performances wasn't possible earlier due to the pandemic, there is a lot happening this time around. So, if you are a jazz music enthusiast, then hear it from some of the best in Mumbai and India this weekend.

Here are some of the live music performances you can attend this weekend:

Music by the bay
National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) is hosting the 11th edition of their International Jazz Day celebrations, with a curation of performances and music by the legendary jazz musician, Louiz Banks. More than 20 artists will perform at this three-hour long celebration of the genre. All those attending should maintain Covid-19 protocols of wearing a mask and maintaining social distance.

Where: Tata Theatre, NCPA, Nariman Point
When: April 30
Time: 6:30 pm onwards
Entry: Rs 500 onwards

Into the rhythm
If you don't feel like travelling as far as Lower Parel, head over to Veranda in Bandra for ‘Saturday Night Live', a jazz music special. Taking the stage will be vocalist Shreya Bhattacharya, who will be joined by Vaibhav Wavikar on the drums, Clement Rooney on the keyboard, Avishek Dey on bass guitar and Amandeep Singh on guitar. The ensemble will be performing an engaging set that will keep you swaying to the music all night.

Where: Veranda, Bandra (West)
When: April 30
Time: 9 pm onwards
Entry: Free

Jazz all night
City-based musician and composer Adil Manuel has curated a night of performances for International Jazz Day. Apart from the Adil Manuel Collective, there will be performances by DCF_Shapes, Second Sight and ARM Trio, who will all be performing some of their most favourite tunes from all-time greats along with their original works too.

Where: antiSOCIAL, Lower Parel (West)
When: April 30
Time: 8 pm - 1 am
Entry: Rs 800 onwards

Swinging Sundays
If you aren't able to enjoy International Jazz Day this Saturday, fret not because jazz band Jazzafools along with Chirag Todi & Heatsink will continue the celebrations on Sunday evening. They will be playing some of their favourite tunes as they perform at the Bandra Fort Garden near Mount Mary in Bandra. While the show is free, donations to the artists are highly encouraged.

Where: Bandra Fort Garden, Bandra (West)
When: May 1
Time: 5 pm - 6:45 pm
Entry: Free