Following a successful launch in 2012, the 2nd Annual Kasauli Rhythm and Blues Festival 2013, was held over Easter weekend, March 29-31, 2013 at Baikunth Resort in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh. Live performances by some of India’s most popular musical talent, set against the gorgeous backdrop of the hills of Himachal, made for another memorable weekend for all who attended. The success of the event was made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, Jack Daniel’s, Micromax, Mini India (BMW India), Group Loyalty One and Pepsi Co India.

Over the weekend move than 300 music lovers from different parts of the county gathered in Kasauli, to be a part of this festival. The festival featured performances by folk rock artists such as Mrigya and The Raghu Dixit Project, who returned for a second time. Post-pop duo Sridhav/Thayil, who haven't been on stage together since their album launch tour last year, performed. The festival lineup was complete with Hindi pop rock band Ankur Tiwari and the Ghalat Family, gypsy psychedelic rock band Peter Cat Recording Co, blues/rock ‘n roll band Big Bang Blues and a collaboration titled Desert fink, featuring folk singers from Barmer, Rajasthan and Kolkata indie funk band Neel and the Lightbulbs.

After a brief spell of vain, with the setting sun and the cool mountain breeze, the festival opened with a swinging performance by Big Bang Blues. A blues band from Delhi, Big Bang Blues played songs that were an interesting blend of Jazz, Blues, and Rock $ Roll. Their vocalist Ipshita Roy, kept the crowd mesmerized with her spirited and voice. Mrigya, a fascinating contemporary group, stretched the boundaries of music through a unique fusion of blues, funk, folk, latino, Indian Classical, and jazz. Ankur Tewari and the Ghalat Family struck the right chord with the audience, and had the crowd singing and dancing along with them. Papon and the East India Company were the last performance of the day. Papon’s electrifying voice and its effect on the audience was very evident. The energy was awesome and the audience did not let them leave stage without many encores.

On a perfect sunny Saturday afternoon, the second day of the Festival kicked off with some jamming. Applied for, a group of very talented CEOs had the crowd enthralled with their music. Peter Cat Recording Co took the stage next with their unique and innovative music compositions. Regardless of the hot afternoon sun, the crowd was enjoying the music.

Indie meets folk with Desert fink, a collaboration between four stunning Rajasthani musicians and the Indie Band- Neel and the Lightbulbs. They gave a contemporary edge to the age old form of Rajasthani folk music. The crowd loved it and could not get enough.

The last performance of the festival was by The Raghu Dixit Project, their music ethnic and rooted at the cove, is at the same time global. Raghu opened with the popular ‘Hey Bhagwan’ and soon had the crowd jumping and chanting in Kannada.

On the last day, a brunch at the Kasauli Club with panoramic views, the Pipers and the Army Band playing, was a fitting end to an amazing festival.