MUMBAI: blueFROG Bangalore, which was unveiled just last week, will host American electronic duo- The Crystal Method’s debut performance in India this September. Confirming the performance, blueFROG Bangalore co-owner Raksha Ram said that apart from psychedelic and trash metal, the live venue will showcase music talent from all genres of music.
The venue presented artists from varied genres of music over the weekend of its launch, i.e., from 19 to 21 June. British electronic group, Dub Pistols spearheaded the launch with a performance on Friday, 19 June, followed by an electronic dance music party with DJ collective – AXO, as well as other local DJs the next day. Wrapping up the weekend launch was Rajasthani folk group Kutle Khan Project which performed on Sunday, 21 June.
During these performances, blueFROG Bangalore witnessed an audience that almost reached its maximum capacity. “While on Friday, we had 300-400 people, on Saturday, we had almost twice the number. There were about 650 people on Saturday night, surpassing everyone’s expectations,” said Ram. “Now, we are confident that blueFROG Bangalore can accommodate as many 700 people,” he added.
Related Post
To accommodate such a large number, blueFROG Bangalore opened its elevated first level that has a balcony-style view of the area, an additional feature compared to its Mumbai and Pune counterparts. In addition to the mezzanine floor, the venue also has a ground level performance area and an al fresco area, similar to what is present at blueFROG Pune. Inspiration to create a mezzanine area, Ram said, was his idea. “I wanted to create an exclusive place for music lovers,” he added. He also said to achieve the ambitious design of blueFROG Bangalore, he had help from Mumbai-based Busride Design Studio and Munro Acoustics. Another additional feature is that it is the first blueFROG venue which operates all day long, as opposed to the one in Mumbai and Pune.
Construction of blueFROG Bangalore started on 1 December last year and wrapped up on 4 June 2015 stated Ram. “We were working on a tight schedule and hopefully, it will be smooth sailing henceforth,” he added.
Ram started Byram Holdings, with his brother Sunder Ram, and Prashant Clayton in 2008. It handles the construction in Bangalore for various big institutions such as JP Morgan, IBN, HSBC and Goldman Sachs. Along with that, Byram Holdings also owns the Rasta Cafe in Bangalore, which was the Vh1 Fab Hangout for four consecutive years since 2009. Ram is hopeful that, just like Rasta, blueFROG would also be a Vh1 Fab Hangout, some day.
In addition to blueFROG Bangalore, Ram said, Byram Holdings is in talks to get a major F&B hospitality brand from Ibiza and develop its centres in India. “We will first open a centre in London later this year, and soon after that will open one in Mumbai, followed by one in Bangalore late next year.” Ram is also partners with hotels in England, including Park Avenue Belgravia, Park Grand and The Astor Hotel, among others.
He also said that there is a 360 degree marketing plan for blueFROG Bangalore, with promotional activity over radio, television, print and outdoor, meant to roll out in the course of the next six months.
blueFROG Bangalore will also be the official after-party venue for this year’s Bacardi NH7 Weekender Bangalore.
