Concerts and more

After a rocking Princeton show, Ganga Groove had a kinda crazy gig at Tapan Desai's farmhouse on Saturday, May 27, at a 4-band concert organised by Congo Square. Booze being free, we saw quite a lot of mayhem — off and onstage.
The sound inside was really crappy — the monitors to my left and right were showpieces, imagine that! — , but we managed to manage everyone in the house get up and shake it with our set. I played one of the best Sex Machines ever. We introduced two of our originals at the show: a cool pop-punky tune that Doi wrote, and the very drive-by Picture of a Kiss penned by Yours Truly. Suman, our kid piano-player, had two large pegs of rum prior to the show (obviously inspired by Doi's 6!) and does it show in the video. I personally have never witnessed Doi go so berserk on stage, and it was an experience by itself. Though Pupu's still a little irritated about the whole deal, I guess it's gonna be okay. Now, for the weekly gig again.

U-Turn

It's funny how life changes and takes its U-turns without a second's warning. Only, this time, it wasn't fun.
My Choto-kaka passed away this Sunday morning. He was the youngest of siblings (my father being the eldest), and was only 45. He has a son who's 10, and is autistic: he can't speak or hear anything, nor comprehend his father's death.
Choto-kaka never had a medical history of heart disease. The attack took him away in seven minutes flat. He was only absent from office for the last two days because he had a mild viral fever. I spoke to him the day before, and wanted to ask him to come with me to play TT at Princeton, where they have Stiga boards. I never can now. He was ranked 2 in the state back in his college days. He taught me how to play TT, and was instrumental in getting me familiarised around the Maidan and the YMCA.
Being the eldest nephew, I had to carry out his funeral rites — anoint him with ghee, do the puja, and then, the mukhagni. It felt like shit.
My Choto-kaka was one of the most tolerant, loving, honest, genuine human beings that I have ever come across in my life. Looking at his room now, I just have one question: why HIM?

I need some new music

Here's the catch: I know what I wanna hear, but I don't seem to be able to GET it! In any manner, whatsoever.
Like I wanna hear the new Galactic record.
Jing Chi, with Jimmy Haslip, Vinnie Colaiuta and Robben Ford
Ozomatli
Afro-Celt Sound System, Volume V
Idris Muhammad's solo work
The new Nickelback record (with Save Me and So Far Away on it, you know?)
Aquarium Rescue Unit
The last Phish show