Crocheting in 2024 Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Not long ago, when the city was still called Bangalore, its residents used to enjoy live music and karaoke nights, one of which used to be Opus Crooknights on Sundays. Those tuneful evenings were hosted by Carlton Braganza, who has brought the music back in a different avatar with Croaking.
Over the past five weeks, Crooking, in the form of a singing competition, has attracted more than 400 participants. This weekend the 12 finalists will compete for exciting cash prizes.
“The idea of crocheting was born from the croc matches I used to organize at Opus on Sundays. What started as a small competition grew bigger every year and spread across 10 cities with the grand finale in Bengaluru, but was discontinued a few years ago. However, with the Bangalore airport opening up for events, the idea of crocheting was revived,” says Carlton Braganza.
Carlton Braganza Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
He says that the turnout at The Quad by BLR at Terminal 1 in Bengaluru has been amazing.
“We have had around 400 registrations in the last two months and after five rounds of qualifiers, we are now in the semi-finals with 12 participants,” he added.
The finalists include a photographer, seventh grade student, software developer and music teacher. The panel of judges includes renowned names like Nikhil Chinappa, Vasundhara Das, Grace Maureen, Brian Carvalho and Niharika Parthasarathy.
“It is amazing to see past Opus participants now becoming industry names and superstars. Grace Maureen, who was last season’s winner, is now a judge, while a few others have taken on mentorship roles,” Carlton says.
Opus’ vocal alumni include Sanam Puri, Aditya Jassi, Thomson Andrews and Bengaluru’s Brayden Lewis, Behram Siganporia and Mark Lazzaro to name a few.
Crooking will also host workshops on voice and performance in collaboration with The Harmony School of Music and Brandmusik. A commemorative CD produced in partnership with Streamphony Studios will also be released to mark the occasion.
The grand finale of Croaking will take place on September 28 from 7pm onwards at The Quad by BLR in Terminal 1. Entry free.
published – September 27, 2024 02:28 PM IST
