In the blistering summer of 2009,Delhi-based musician L (Mama) Tochhawng along with 60 friends took off to the hills of Uttarakhand and,once there,they all gave vent to their thoughts through music and art. Ever since,a trip to Naukuchiatal,a picturesque hill station in Uttarakhand,has become an annual ritual for indie bands,music lovers and everybody else,who wants to chill amidst art. Called the Escape Festival of Art and Music,the latest edition of the festival is being held till May 23,and is thronged by people,who have found all reasons to come here. More than 200 artistes will present their acts,among them indie bands such as Menwhopause,Reggae Rajahs,Barefaced Liar,Five8,Half-Step Down,Dhruv Sangari and Rooh. Among the up-and-coming names will be solo singer,Alisha Bhatt,guitarist Antoine and Kolkata-based band Turf. We expect around 1,000 people attending every day,exponentially higher than previous years, says Tochhawng,who is the 42-year-old member of Delhi band,Babylon Extension,and founder of the Escape. The day passes for the festival are priced at Rs 1,200 This year,Escape is not just about music and art. We have also included a mini tattoo convention,yoga sessions,adventure sports,painting workshop by designer Nitin Bal Chauhan and photography lessons by glamour photographer Tarun Khiwal, says Tochhawng. Isnt that taking the focus away from music? Its a question that many Escape fans are asking. There is too much on the plate,and it might not work out, says Rishabh Ghelani,23,who will,nonetheless,attend the festival. Ritnika Nayan,28,founder of artist management company,Music Gets Me High,a partner of the festival,however,says,Art and culture blend together and music fests are a common thing these days. Escape is about combining different art forms. At any rate,the festival promises sleepless nights - of course,it will be at a lakeside camp under the stars,with music playing all around.
