The all-acoustic music festival, SOS – Spaced Out Spirits, The Bloomville Saga saw a successful combination of music in a camping set up lived up to the audience expectations.

In addition to music and camping experience, guests took part in fun backyard adventure in form of a ‘slip and slide’ activity which was enjoyed by the audience of all ages.

The bands played acoustic music which ranged from Classical, to Sufi, to Fusion and the eclectic artist line-up engaged with the audience by playing their request songs all night.

The land of Bloomville was converted into a party land with people mingling and having the time of their lives on the banks of the Pawna Dam. The folks at SOS had done all the spade work with the camps all set up with all the patrons left to do was settle with their belongings and explore the beautiful location.

Mutt Hutt a pet grooming café commenced their workshop as all dog lovers gathered around in a circle to attend an informational workshop in to understanding their dogs better.

Meanwhile the other guests were free to explore the area. Come evening and transcendental music took over.

The two day festival had a mystical touch, music under moonlit sky gave that effect. Those who attended not only interacted with the artists but they made the weekend even more special by letting them give a demo session. Talk about having the time of their lives.

There was an eclectic line-up of artists on both days and for the day 1 which was on Saturday, saw;

Gandhar Bhalerao  (Flautist)

As a young flautist, Gandhar Bhalerao played flute with a grace that was hard to not notice. His piece was concluded with a thunderous applause. 

Boombay Djembe Follas (West African Drum Ensemble)

The session was more than just a drum session with the audience gathered and clapping vigorously to the beat of the drums. It was an energetic and engaging performance which was liked by the audience.

Rock (i)N Raga (Indian Raga Fusion Act)

With songs like Duma Dum Mast Kalandar, and a fusion drums beat, the audience had to ask for a request, such was the intensity of the performance which made many present ask for more.

Sound of the Sufis (Theatric Sufi Troupe)

The electric combination of music and storytelling added a dash of variety as the audience was hooked on each word they spoke. And that’s how day one ended; it ended on a surreal note as each guest then went on to their camps, and called it a night.

Day 2:

Second day started with an energetic morning drum session with Boomby Jembe Folas in the cold November morning. It infused much needed energy into those joined the group. playing with drums and clapping. At the same time in the other corner, Mutt Hutt, a pet grooming workshop was taking place in full swing. After the session, the adorable puppies ran around in the stunning natural open space while their dog parents looked on. As the drumming session concluded, it was time for some stories. Anubha Rastogi, a professional story teller told some interesting stories in a group circle which had the many particpants following her every word. Something about camping and stories gels so well. It was then the time for fun backyard adventure activity. ‘Slip and slide’ activity took a major part of the afternoon which reminded a few of their childhood days. After the activity, it was then time for afternoon naps and the lazy hammocks took over. Come evening and the session started with;

Milind Tulankar  (Multi-instrumentalist)

Milind Tulankar produced classical Indian ragas with a pleasant characteristic tone and played the Jaltarang set which ranged from light and graduated to pacey melodies. His piece was concluded with a thunderous applause.

Anshika & Friends (Classical Fusion Ensemble)

The Sitar players with a jamming session from Tabla won many hearts as the classical fusion ensemble went on to create foot tapping music. After the session a thunderous applause ensued.

Bramha Naad (Classical Fusion Act)

A fascinating classical fusion act got many to jon in clapping to the beats of music produced by the group that merged well right under the moonlit sky.  

The Hoodwink Circle (Alternative/Funk Act)

This act was loved so much that a request was made and they had to comply even as hands clapped to give musical act an already energetic performance even more exciting.

Neeraj Arya’s Kabir Café (Sufi Rock)

The night ended with a bang as the high octane musical performance by the group ensured that each member of the audience claps and sings along the energetic Kabir verses. 

Collated by Verus Ferreira