Bringing music to the people....on the streets!

The romantic charm of musicians playing on street corners is perhaps more reminiscent of idyllic times in a bygone era.  They would perhaps sound a discordant note in today’s hurried world.  But the team at Natural Streets for Performing Arts who launched their ‘Bringing Art to the People Campaign’ (2012) in public spaces in Mumbai believes differently. “Even if people do not stand to listen, but hear a strain of music or watch some art then the purpose is achieved. It will have made an impact, howsoever small,” avers Hazel Dias, Consultant Coordinator for Goa, while elaborating on the broader aim of the campaign.  “Finance Entrepreneur Ajit Dayal started this campaign with two main objectives.  One is to provide some sort of monetary support to budding artistes, as most are unable to pursue their passion due to a lack of funds.  And, secondly, to bring art to public spaces where there are the largest number of footfall.  In their aim to reach the common man, the artistes also get an exposure,” she explains.

“Right now we are focussing on music, but for the future we would be including other arts as well and taking the campaign beyond Panjim to which it is now restricted (at the market building, KTC and the garden square outside Cafe Bhosle),” informs Hazel. 

Ten budding and seasoned musicians have been roped in to perform at these designated areas in rotation for a one hour performance.  Their only restrictions are acoustic instruments, no Bollywood music and no accepting tips either. A novelty in Goa, responses to busking range from curiosity to overwhelming enthusiasm.  “In places like the market and KTC bus-stand which have been chosen for the fact that these are spaces with the most number of footfalls, people are invariably in a hurry.  So not many have the time to stand and listen, but at the garden square outside Cafe Bhosle, where people are on a leisurely outing, there are larger crowds,” explains Hazel, while pointing out that this nascent idea is yet to get a full-hearted response from locals and visitors alike. “Busking is not a familiar form of playing.  People like to watch, but very few actually participate.”

Appreciative of the artistes who are endeavouring to make the campaign a success, Hazel avers, “They love their music and do not mind taking it to public spaces.  Music has no boundaries after all.”

Drumming out some good old Konkani and Portuguese music on his Djembe, veteran musician Francis Azavedo (Putush) is encouraged by the response.  His trio members, guitarist Nixon Vaz and mandolin-player Morris Fernandes are equally happy with the experience. “Playing in the street is a nice feeling and it’s great to be a part of the project,” avers Nixon.  “Very often people applaud and some kids even dance. This is especially true of those who understand the old Konkani and Portuguese melodies, particularly Lorna’s songs,” reveals Morris. 

So next time you hear a musician on the street, stop and take a listen.  It’s sure to make a difference!