The pouring rains, the blocked roads and the traffic jams did not deter celebrations of World Music Day on 21^st June at the Sofitel at the Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai. Celebrated all over the world each year, the day also marked Fathers’ Day with the Sofitel observing the day with a special afternoon Brunch. But the evening was set to music. From the time it made is presence in Mumbai; the Sofitel has played a big role in blending music and food.

The musical affair saw a variety of live performances in four of the hotel’s restaurants. At the open restaurant Pondichery Café on the lobby level, you had Western Music performed by Lynn D’souza and her band, singing unplugged versions of popular hits right from the super duper ‘80s, to the 90’s retro hits and much more. Besides the music, you could take a culinary tour and check out the scrumptious cuisine spread out on tables, laden with musical instruments like guitars, clarinets, violins and saxophones. Delectable and appealing, the spread was nothing less than inviting. The mainly continental cuisine had bread shaped in the form of a guitar. Quite innovative we’d say. Besides alcoholic beverages from around the world, you had the pastries lined on one end, topped with musical notes like the treble cleft, the eighth note and other musical notations. The ground floor also had musical instruments like box and electric guitars placed at strategic places.

Bringing the house down with soulful beats and lyrical songs was the versatile Indian Ghazal singer Satyam who set off some amazing melodies at Jyran restaurant on the fourth floor. As much as its cuisine is worth tasting, the eatery’s interior, the large bar area, and the seating area, all made it a cozy place. A special dining area for special guests was bang opposite the stage area.

Music is a blend of numerous styles and keeping that in mind, if you were looking for an Indian city that savors its multifaceted culinary identity and its music, then Tuskers on the first floor was the place to be. With a Rajasthani setting, the vegetarian restaurant served authentic Rajasthani cuisine. If you were a novice and did not know what to choose, the very helpful steward would be the best to suggest one of the many flavored options for vegetarians. Once again you had music while you dined, with a well attired folk duo on harmonium and tabla singing unplugged songs of Bollywood hits to Rajasthani folk music. It surely was a treat to the ears.

Lastly you had the Artisan restaurant, where you had singer Clarry Devisser playing an acoustic set on box guitar. Devisser played a wide variety of genres from Bob Dylan to The Beatles which added sparks to the musical atmosphere all around. The Artisan offers a wide variety of alcoholic beverages and an array of sumptuous starters and main course meals to activate your taste buds.

It was a day of free music, where musicians - local and amateur performed their music. Of course, in Mumbai we would have to shut down by 10 pm, but still, it’s a fabulous day to celebrate the spirit of music in all its forms.

There would be hardly anyone who wouldn’t love music. Some like it loud while some prefer soft and soothing numbers. Music is undoubtedly the essence of life. It is a way of expressing your emotions and feelings when you fall short of words.

The Sofitel Mumbai celebrated it in style through food and music.

Photos and Text by Verus Ferreira