As usual, there is a lot happening in the City of Joy this weekend. On February 10, celebrations for the Chinese New Year were held in Kolkata, which is the only city in India with a Chinatown. As part of the celebrations, the community paid a visit to Achipur, named after Tong Achew, who was the first Chinese to settle in Calcutta (which is the old name of Kolkata) in the late 18th century. This weekend, you can go on a guided walk to Achipur to learn more about its history. If you are a fan of house music, globally renowned artist Kilimanjaro will be making his debut in The City of Joy with his electrifying take on Afro/House/Amapiano. Or if you love the blues, don't miss a live performance by the Mel Samuel Blues Band at Skinny Mo's in an atmospheric Art Deco house. Kolkata Port is one of the oldest major riverine ports in India, and you can explore it via a heritage cruise on the river aboard a steamer deployed by the port. Bengali comics are known for their art and characters, and you can explore the genre through a one-of-a-kind exhibition presented by Kolkata Centre for Creativity.
Spend the Saturday evening with the Mel Samuel Blues Band which plays a variety of blues music, including both standards and original compositions. The venue is an experience in itself. Skinny Mo's is a jazz club located in a restored Art Deco building in Kolkata, dedicated to celebrating the city's love of jazz. Tickets are available for either a dinner and concert or a concert-only experience. The dinner ticket includes a three-course European meal provided by oMo Bistro, but pre-booking is required. Book tickets here.
What: The Mel Samuel Blues Band Live
When: Saturday February 17, 2024 at 6:30 pm
Where: Skinny Mo's Jazz Club, 91, Manohar Pukur Rd, Manoharpukur, Kalighat, Kolkata, West Bengal 700029
This Saturday, experience globally renowned Kilimanjaro's electrifying take on Afro/House/Ampiano as he makes his debut in The City of Joy. Born in the UK with a Zambian heritage, Kilimanjaro is known for combining Afro-centric rhythms with Western elements to create genre-bending records. He has collaborated with Fred on the legendary Boiler Room stream together (with over 1.2 million views on YouTube and counting). He has performed at some of Europe's biggest festivals and clubs, including Glastonbury, Kappa Futur Festival, Circo Loco at DC10 and Warehouse Project. His music has been played out by the likes of Jamie Jones, Pete Tong, Skream, and many more, while his monthly show on the world-famous Rinse FM goes from strength to strength. Book tickets here. Or call +91 98363 11220.
What: Kilimanjaro at Miss Ginko
When: February 17, 8pm to February 18, 2pm
Where: Miss Ginko, 3Floor, CITI MART, 169, Rash Behari Ave, Ekdalia, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019
Kolkata Port is one of the oldest major riverine ports in India. Explore it via a heritage cruise on the river aboard a steamer deployed by the port. The aim of the initiative is to showcase the city, and its port heritage, and take you on a steamer ride to explore the port's historical landmarks and watermarks. The cruise is a collaboration between Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port and Kolkata Explorers, a division of Green Step Tourism. It will be led by senior officials of Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port and by people from Kolkata Explorers. More details here.
What: A Voyage through Time and Tide - Kolkata Port Heritage Initiative
When: Saturday, February 17, 12:30pm to 4pm
Where: West Bengal Tourism Jetty, Strand Rd, Fairley Place, BBD Bagh, Kolkata, West Bengal 700001
Bengali comics are known for their art and characters. Explore the genre through a one-of-a-kind exhibition presented by Kolkata Centre for Creativity in collaboration with Comics Culture Collective, and on till March 9 at the KCC Amphitheatre. The exhibition sheds light on the evolution of Bengali comics from its inception in the 1920s to the present day. The wide array of exhibits include prints of rare newspaper strips, magazines, comic books, and some original artworks. Immerse yourself in the captivating stories, iconic characters, and illustrations—from horror and detective comics to advertisements and adventure comics—that have won the hearts of millions. The exhibition is also a tribute to the brilliant minds behind these masterpieces, namely comic book illustrators including Narayan Debnath, Kafi Khan, Mayukh Chowdhury, Sailya Chakraborty, Sufi, Pratul Bandhopadhyay, and Tushar Chatterjee who honed their skills through regular publications in Bengali periodicals like Mouchak, Nabakallol, Suktara, Sandesh, and Kishore Bharati, among others. Whether you are a seasoned comic enthusiast or new to this captivating world, this exhibition promises an unforgettable experience. The event will include talks by well-known writers and artists. More details here.
What: Comics in Bengal
When: Ongoing, till March 9
Where: Kolkata Centre For Creativity, Dipak Road, Eastern Metropolitan Bypass, Anandapur, Adarsha Nagar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700107
The origin of the Kolkata Chinese settlement dates back to the late 18th century when Tong Achew a tea trader settled near present-day Budge Budge and started the first sugar mill in the country. The place later came to be known as Achipur after Tong Achew and the Kolkata Chinese still consider him as their God-father. After the Chinese New Year the Kolkata Chinese folk to Achipur to pay tribute to the first Chinese settler of the country. Take a tour of the area with city-based Immersive Trails. Among other things, you will visit the abandoned gun powder magazine - a place for storing gunpowder for ships approaching the Kolkata port. The walk will be led by travel writer and photographer Rangan Datta. Book tickets here.
What: Achipur and Budge Budge Trail
When: February 18, 8am
Where: The starting point is Balwant Singh Dhaba, 10/B, Harish Mukherjee Rd, Bhowanipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700025
