With palm-tree woods on one side of the white sands and gently lapping waves on the other, the Goa Rhythm & Blues 2015 ended on a high today. Organised by Genesis Foundation, the two-day-long music festival was held in the picturesque Bay View Lawns of Vivanta by Taj-Fort Aguada to support medical treatment of 15 critically ill under-privileged children. GoaRnB wrapped on Saturday and hit high notes with renowned bands belonging to different genres including Rock, Pop, Folk Fusion & Sufi and saw an attendance of more than 350 guests.

Electrifying performances on day 1

Day 1 of the event began with buzzing anticipation which only intensified when Herman Abreo Blues Band took the stage. The band gave a rocking opening to the festival, setting the tone with their power packed performance. If that wasn’t enough, together Aviv Pereira Project featuring Spencer Maybe Pearce, Divine Raaga, Soulmate, and Sun enthralled the audience with their spellbinding performances and continued to rock the stage.

Day 2 and the magic continued!

The day 2 of the event saw a large number of people eagerly waiting for the performances to begin. The Goan Serenaders took no time in getting the audience up and dancing with Goan folk tunes. MoonArra, The Doors of Perception, Ministry of Blues and Shilpa Rao continued to sway the audience with their spectacular performances. 

Prema Sagar, Founding Trustee of Genesis Foundation said, “The response to the first Goa Rhythm and Blues Festival has been tremendous. We would like to thank all our supporters, partners, attendees and the incredible bunch of artists who joined hands with the cause. There are 15 little lives that will get a chance to live to their full potential because of this. The euphoria, the spirit, and the level of participation in its first year itself is very encouraging and we look forward to make it an annual affair.”

The festival garnered rave reviews across the board. 

The Goan Serenaders said, “We are loving the energy at the festival. It’s great to be here.”

Shilpa Rao who got the audience groovingwith her Bollywood numbers said, “It’s great to be in Goa for Goa Rhythm and Blues. We really appreciate the cause that GF supports and are happy to be here. What’s a better way to bring people together than music. Hope everyone enjoyed our performance.”

Philip Haydon from Ministry of Blues said, “We are honoured to play for Genesis Foundation which is doing a fabulous job of healing people. All the band members who otherwise pursue their career in various fields come together to play for the cause. We played some great blue rock.”

Ralph Blaser, Country Head, Safilo India, “I have been to Kasauli Rhythm and Blues and now can’t stop going there. It’s happening for the first time in Goa and my experience has been fantastic. It’s good to be a part of such a good event and contribute to it by being here. It’s absolutely fantastic.”

The extravaganza and the entertainment at Goa Rhythm and Blues festival was absolute. Moreover, the most gratifying feeling that came along with its success was the fact that 15 under-privileged kids suffering from cardiac disorder, thalassemia, cancer and deformity; the cost of the treatment of which is excessive, would receive the medical care that their families could not have afforded.

In order to raise awareness and resources to facilitate medical assistance to GF Kids, Genesis Foundation has created unusual and unique participative fundraising events involving music, art and food. Some of these events are Kasauli Rhythm & Blues Festival, CEOs Cook for GF Kids, Music for Life events, among others. GF is also the beneficiary of CEO’s Got Talent, produced by FremantleMedia.