The Blues Was Felt and How at The Mahindra Blues Festival 2024

This year, the Mahindra Blues Festival held at Mumbai’s Mehboob Studio celebrated its 12th edition and it did so with a groundbreaking twist – an all-women lineup that brought the house down and raised the bar for blues enthusiasts across the nation.

For two electrifying evenings, on February 10th and 11th, Mehboob Studio transformed into a haven for blues aficionados who gathered to soak in the soul-stirring tunes of some of the finest female artists in the genre. From the haunting ballads of the Mississippi Delta to the gritty rhythms of Chicago, the festival showcased the diversity of blues music, weaving together tales of love, loss, and redemption.

As the sun set over the Arabian Sea, Mumbai came alive with the sounds of Tipriti Kharbangar, the longtime vocalist of Shillong blues band Soulmate, whose raw energy and powerhouse vocals set the stage on fire. Joining her was Mumbai-based singer Kanchan Daniel, whose soulful singing hit all the right spots.

Vanessa Collier’s mesmerizing saxophone solos added a touch of jazz to the proceedings while Dana Fuchs‘s epic performance put the icing on the cake on day one. The festivities continued on day two with Samantha Fish’s electrifying guitar riffs and Sheryl Youngblood’s powerhouse vocals, leaving the audience spellbound and craving for more.

But the Mahindra Blues Festival isn’t just about celebrating established acts – it’s also about nurturing new talent and ensuring that the blues legacy endures for generations to come. This year, the festival provided a platform for emerging artists like New Delhi’s Big Bang Blues and The Beatz Crew, showcasing their undeniable talent and adding a fresh perspective to the genre.

Beyond the music, the festival offered a holistic sensory experience, with attendees indulging in specially curated culinary delights and exploring exclusive merchandise stalls. The festival also showcased moving paintings by renowned artists, highlighting the deep cultural significance of blues music in India’s diverse artistic landscape.

As the curtains fell on another unforgettable edition of the Mahindra Blues Festival, one thing became abundantly clear – the blues isn’t just a genre of music; it’s a way of life. And in Mumbai, where the hustle and bustle never seem to cease, the Mahindra Blues Festival provides a much-needed escape.

Looking ahead, the Mahindra Blues Festival promises to continue pushing the boundaries of creativity and inclusivity, cementing its status as one of the premier music festivals in the country. And as long as there are hearts yearning for the soulful strains of the blues, Mehboob Studio will remain a beacon of hope.