In Pics: This Rhythm & Blues Festival Celebrates Music for a Cause

Rhythm and Blues Festival 2017: Eleven different bands come along to save “little hearts”.

Rhythm and Blues Festival 2017, Delhi

Photo: Rajesh Pal

Eleven different bands, all of varied genre, came on one stage for a cause so noble that Delhiites couldn’t help but stand together. Rhythm and Blues Festival came to Delhi for the first time, showcasing power-packed performances by Neeraj Arya’s Kabir Cafe, Ministry of Blues, Swarathma, Prem Joshua and Band, Shillong Chamber Choir, and Sami Sisters feat Usha Uthup.

Prema Sagar, founder of Genesis Foundation, lost a child to a heart ailment in 1983. She subsequently pledged she would do her bit to help those little hearts born with an ailment.

At 1,349 and still counting, Prema told The Quint that every time she hears about a child’s successful treatment, it lights up her faces instantly. It’s been 34 years and she says she is at it with all her heart and soul.

But why Rhythm and Blues? Music brings together people and over the years Genesis Foundation has built trust with bands all over India who have tagged along every time the foundation needed to raise money for the cause.

The Quint spoke to Prema Sagar and Neeraj Arya’s Kabir Cafe before the event on 4 November. Listen in here:

Prema Sagar, Founder, Genesis Foundation(Photo: The Quint)

The Rhythm and Blues Festival is especially curated for a community of festival-goers who want to enjoy two days filled with music that resonates with goodwill and the need of making a difference by saving little hearts. Hundred percent of the funds raised are used towards the treatment of critically ill, underprivileged children suffering from heart disorders. 

Prema Sagar, Founder, Genesis Foundation

The Ministry of Blues at Rhythm and Blues Festival 2017.Photo: Rajesh Pal

We have been associated with Genesis Foundation for the last 6 years. We appreciate and salute what the foundation is doing for little children who have serious disorders. It makes it worth all the trouble and time we pull out of our professional lives.

Philipe Hayden, Guitarist, Ministry of Blues

Some stills from the event:

Rythm and Blues Festival 2017, Delhi. (Photo: Rajesh Pal)

Neeraj Arya’s Kabirs Cafe Performing at Rhythm and Blues Festival 2017, Delhi(Photo: Rajesh Pal)

Prem Joshua performing at Rhythm and Blues Festival 2017, Delhi.(Photo: Rajesh Pal)

Neeraj Arya (Kabirs Cafe) performing at Rhythm and Blues Festival 2017, Delhi.(Photo: Rajesh Pal)

Stay tuned as we bring you more stories from the event soon!