A Kool Street Party

When Kool & The Gang played India in February, the band was so struck by the poverty in the city of Mumbai that they collected the backstage catering and took it outside for a street party.

Georg Leitner from the Vienna-based GLP Artist Marketing, which organised the act’s first trip to the country, said about 50 people – mostly women and children – showed up to enjoy the sharing of what the catering rider described as “a full dinner for 38 people.”

“We packed it in bags and started the party under the bridge that’s just around the corner from the Sheraton. I’ll never forget the bright smiles from the children. It was a humbling experience.

“We all realized how blessed we are and the band has asked me to focus on more shows that can be of benefit to the larger community,” Leitner said.

The “after-show party” came after K&G’s gig at the 6,000-capacity MMRDA Grounds February 11th, which was promoted by the local Oranjuice Entertainment.

The band then moved on to Sri Lanka for another outdoor show with BPA Promotions at the 15,000-cap Ceylonese Rugby Club February 14th.

–John Gammon