With two big music festivals kicking off next week - Weekender in Pune and India Music Week in New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore - music aficionados will be torn between deciding what to catch. The big-hitters range from Grammy winner Imogen Heap to a DJ set from Basement Jaxx, Parikrama, Pentagram and electro giants Midival Punditz and Jalebee Cartel. TOI-Crest handpicks 10 acts that promise to provide a great aural experience.


ANKUR TEWARI AND THE GHALAT FAMILY
Making melody is what Ankur Tewari does best. A self-taught guitarist, Tewari's interactive approach with the crowd makes it difficult to dislike him or his band's take on Hindi rock 'n' roll! His smooth voice on the acoustic guitar in the open air is likely to be one of the highlights of your weekend in Pune. We guarantee you won't be disappointed.

Where |
The Dewarists Stage at the Weekender, Pune

When |
Nov 19

THE SKA VENGERS
You'll find it hard to resist this Delhi band. The Ska Vengers will make you dance and sway with their grooves and hooks, but do pay attention to their lyrics. Narendra Modi's name should pop up. Plus, they might just be the most welldressed band you've ever seen.

Where |
India Music Week at the Lodi, Delhi;Pepsi Dub Station at the Weekender, Pune

When |
Nov 19;Nov 20

RAGHU DIXIT PROJECT
Who hasn't fallen under the spell of his magical voice and giggling ghungroos? If you're one of the minority, here's your chance to catch RDP either in Mumbai, Delhi or Pune. A little birdie told us that along the old favourites - Hey Bhagwan and Ambar - there will be new fare as well.

Where |
India Music Week at Blue Frog (Mumbai) and at Turquoise Cottage (Delhi); The Dewarists Stage at the Weekender, Pune

When |
Nov 16 and Nov 17;Nov 19

THEM CLONES AND ADVAITA (UNPLUGGED)
One has been around for a decade and the other is a heartwarming amalgamation of trad and mod. They are two of Delhi's favourite bands. The Unplugged session at the pool side includes both the Clones' brand of rock and Suhail Yusuf Khan's spirited sarangi playing.

Where |
100 Pipers India Music Week at Sheraton, Delhi

When |
Nov 17

BUJAZZO
This is a German orchestra with a twist. Young musicians of the German Jazz Orchestra keep pace with leading exponents of South Indian music - RA Ramamani, TAS Mani, Karthik Subramaniam and percussionist Ramesh Shotham. Achtung, baby!

Where |
India Music Week at the India Habitat Centre, Delhi;Germany + India 2011-2012 : Infinite Opportunities at St. Andrews Auditorium, Mumbai

When |
Nov 18;Nov 23

BOBBY FRICTION
If you've heard his show on the BBC Asian network, you'll understand why we're excited about hearing him play live. This radio presenter-cum-DJ is heavily involved with the British South Asian club scene - many an Asian act owes him and his show for its big breaks. The man knows how to get the desi heart thumping like no one else.

Where |
Eristoff Wolves Den at the Bacardi NH7 Weekender, Pune

When |
Nov 19

JAHCOOZI
JahCoozi's Sasha Perera, a Sri Lankan, London-born, Berlin-based resident describes the band as an avant garde mash-up of electronic pop music with vocals. "It's an amalgam of something that didn't exist before. " Intrigued? Check out their gig in Delhi.

Where |
India Music Week at Circa 1193, Delhi

When |
Nov 19

PAPON EAST INDIA COMPANY
This band from Assam has been MIA for a while, so missing the electrifying energy of Papon and mates would be a crime. Whether it's Sufi anthems with electronic swishes or a traditional Bihu song, you won't be able to sit still. We promise.

Where |
The Dewarists Stage at the Weekender, Pune

When |
Nov 20

JEFF LANG & BOBBY SINGH
If you thought Kylie Minogue was the best thing to come out of Australia, wait till you hear Jeff Lang. Lang's music is deeply rooted in the blues and folk. With Bobby Singh on the tabla and India's best blues band Soulmate from Shillong to complete the cocktail, the evening promises to be explosive.

Where |
India Music Week at Lodi, New Delhi

When |
Nov 16

IMPHAL TALKIES
Bands from the North East don't get their due but this protest rock band from Imphal has the musicwallahs jumping with excitement. Vocalist Akhu Chingangbam has stuff to say, so listen carefully.

Where |
The Other Stage at the Weeekender, Pune

When |
Nov 20