Why Mahindra Blues Fest is worth your Valentine’s Day weekend

Asia’s biggest blues festival is back in Mumbai – and it’s returning right on cue for the Valentine’s Day weekend. The 14th edition of Mahindra Blues Fest takes over Mehboob Studios for two days, bringing with it a larger-than-life celebration of blues, soul, Americana, gospel and rock-n-roll. 

Spread across multiple stages, the festival platforms a mix of local acts and international names, making room for both die-hard blues fans and the casually curious. It’s always been a great atmosphere for the Blues community, but you don’t necessarily have to be a loyal fan to have fun here, because the festival’s also known for copious amounts of booze, food, and fun booths that stock loads of records and artist merch. Very much a relaxed, beer-garden energy. 

Then there’s the venue itself. Mehboob Studios, the legendary Bandra recording space associated with the golden age of Indian cinema, adds a sense of history to the experience that negates a little bit of that hectic, packed music festival vibe. 

Here’s a glimpse of the weekend’s lineup of artists:

Saturday, February 14

Altered Five Bands Blues: A Milwaukee quintet known for hard-hitting original blues

Grace N’ The Cliches: A local band that won the Mahindra Blues Band Hunt  

Matt Schofield: British-born, multi-award-winning guitar virtuoso

Shemekia Copeland: Multi Grammy-nominee vocal powerhouse 

Sunday 15 February

Blackstratblues: India’s favourite Blues band, led by New Zealand-based Warren Mendonsa

DK Harrell: An emerging star from Louisiana, the freshest face of modern Blues 

Eric Gales: The left-handed guitarist beloved by legends Santana, Eric Clapton, BB King and more 

Kanakia Beatz Crew and Nanhi Kali Choir 

When: February 14-15 (Saturday & Sunday), 5.30pm onwards 

Where: Mehboob Studios, 100, Hill Rd, Ranwar, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050

Visit the official festival website here.