Have a musical merry Christmas with The Jingle Jays

Freddy Koikaran’s Stagefright Productions returns with their first ever music concert
Joe Rajadhas from The Jingle Jays
Joe Rajadhas from The Jingle Jays

It started at Swiss Hutte last Christmas when Freddy Koikaran and a few others from his performing arts company Stagefright Productions suddenly decided to surprise diners with an impromptu jig. The occasion was the annual confectionery festival of the Continental restaurant at Thousand Lights. “The performance was received well, so we decided to do a repeat this year, but with a more official approach, that is a bigger band and obviously more songs,” says Freddy, talking about his first concert under the banner of Stagefright Productions which will be held today.

They have christened the band as The Jingle Jays. The reason behind the name is a simple one. “Five of the seven people who will be performing have their names starting with the alphabet ‘j’, hence the name,” says Freddy, adding that they will be doing covers of songs by artistes like Michael Bublé, Lady Antebellum, Mariah Carey, Hootie and the Blowfish, Rascal Flatts, James Taylor, Boney M, and others. The band is made up of Joe Rajadhas, SM Jayaker, and Freddy Koikaran on vocals, Sherjin Joel on bass guitar, Jonathan Stephen on acoustic guitar and vocals, Allen Joel on keyboards, and Jason Kennedy on percussion. Expect songs like Jingle Bell Rock, Feliz Navidad, Rockin Around the Christmas Tree, A Holly Jolly Christmas, Mary Did You Know, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, and more. “We are expecting a crowd of around 60 people,” he says.

“The performance will again coincide with this year’s edition of Swiss Hutte’s confectionery festival, which will be held two days after the performance. Diners can have their dinner and enjoy the performance at the same time,” he says, adding that the performance will last around two hours. Will this concert mark Freddy’s return to stage next year? “It has been difficult this year, as I was occupied with personal commitments. However, there is also the prevailing issue of shortage of sponsors,” he admits, adding, “Besides the big groups like The Madras Players, companies like mine are affected by this conundrum.” That said, Freddy reveals that he does have some ideas for shows next year. “Till then, I am focused on this concert,” he says.

December 21. 7.30 pm onwards. Tickets at Rs. 800 (Rs. 600 redeemable). Details: 98841-91844

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