Freedom Jam event is a major musical gathering organised in Bangalore in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, every year, on the occasion of the Indian Independence Day, which falls on the 15th of August. The event was initially held at Cubbon Park in the city of Bangalore, which witnessed the live performances of talented musicians, particularly on Sundays. Freedom Jam is a continuation of this very musical tradition here, which is presently organised at Palace Ground. During the year 1997, this tradition was restored in the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the independence of the nation, which comprised performances of various musicians belonging to different genres. The musicians used to assemble at the rear part of Ravindra Kalakshetra, Bangalore, to commemorate the freedom of expression through music and art. Organised on the first Sunday of every month, the event is termed as `Sunday Jam`. It continues late into the night, starting on the eve of Indian Independence Day.
Legendary musicians including Konarak Reddy, Human Bondage and a combination of music from Threnody, David Rothenberg, Lucky Ali, Steve Tallis, Bhoomi, Kryptos, Thermal and a Quarter, Vasundhara Das, Esperanto, Sarjapur Blues Band and several have delivered power plugged performances at Freedom Jam. Over 10, 000 people throng the event to be a part of this majestic musical episode and more than 40 music bands perform at the event. Sunday Jam as well as Freedom Jam are interesting platforms which offer a firm launch-pad to numerable amateur musicians and singers, especially metal and rock bands and has also been major sources of motivation for successful singers based in Bangalore. Recently, Freedom Jam is also observed in the city of Chennai. During 2013, Freedom Jam took place at YMCA, buck`s theatre on 19th August.
The Freedom Jam - Pondy Music Festival is organised in Puducherry, on the coastline of the Bay of Bengal, which is situated at a distance of nearly 150 kms away from the southern part of Chennai since the last six years, organised by the Department of Tourism. Today, it is observed on the weekend of Republic Day, in the month of January, which is famous as the `tourist season`. A unique mix of different styles of music is beautifully blended in the Pondy Music Festival which also consists of performances of Indian rock music. A `morning raga` is recited during the morning, which is complete with the performances of bands. Bands like BAJA, Matt Littlewood Group, Ministry of Blues, Alan Rego and others had performed in Pondy- Music Festival, 2010. This musical movement has spread to Chennai too.
