MUMBAI: The upcoming Seagram's 100 Pipers live music property Play for A Cause, conceptualised by Parikrama's keyboardist Subir Malik will aim at raising aid and awareness for the recent earthquake that hit Nepal and some regions in India. The event is scheduled to take place at Striker Pub and Kitchen in Delhi on 10 May, and will feature a number of big names in Indian music.

When asked when the plans first started for the event, Malik said, "We started discussing this event with our sponsor Seagrams' and its representative Kartik Mahindra last year when Parikrama celebrated its 23rd anniversary. We have been performing in places to earn money and doing stuff for ourselves, but we decided to do something for other people. Production for this year's event started last Saturday and the preparations have been challenging, but fun."

According to recent statements, the Nepalese Government has prohibited monetary donations to the country. Therefore, Malik said, "Instead of sending money, we will now buy supplies from all the money that we earn and send these supplies to Nepal. There are 1000 tickets being sold for the event, each priced at Rs. 1000. When I said all the money earned will be used to help the Nepal cause, I meant it. We will be buying supplies from even the entertainment tax that is levied on the ticket."

The event boasts an impressive line-up, which includes Indian and Nepalese musicians like Vishal Dadlani, Susmit Sen, Indian Ocean, Shilpa Rao, Parikrama, Ehsaan Noorani, Agnee, Farhan Akhtar and Hari & Sukhmani. Joining them will be Nepalese music acts Adrian & Frendz and Abhaya and the Steam Injuns. When asked how he put together the line-up on such short notice, Malik said, "I sent a message to all the artists briefing them about the event a couple of days ago and asked them if they would be open to coming to Delhi to perform. Within five minutes of reading the text, each and every one of the music acts responded affirmatively. That was incredibly encouraging."

Malik further added that he has plans to take this property to places such as Bangalore, Mumbai, Pune and Hyderabad.

Play for a Cause is being organised by Seagram's 100 Pipers, Striker Pub and Kitchen and Parikrama Inc, which is Malik's own artist management agency. "We formed the agency a few years ago, but had not named it. Through this agency, we aspire to promote up-and-coming independent bands in the country," he said.

Parikrama Inc's roster currently includes Susmit Sen, Hari & Sukhmani, Astitva, and several String Quartets and jazz artists such as the Jazz Connection.

Malik also added that post Play for a Cause, Parikrama will start work on a new music video for the band's new track 'Life is Certain'. The video will probably be released between September and October this year.