Unearthing the music underground

Islamabad

When a small coffee outlet of Islamabad first thought about introducing the live rock performance in the restaurant, they never expected an overwhelming response from the residents of the town famous as 'culturally dead city.'

Contrary to their expectations, the effort to unearth the music underground received a positive response. Anticipating the revivalist activity may propel the lost sound of the 80’s and ‘90s back on to the frontline, the small coffee outlet turned every Saturday night into a mini rock fest.

For Rock and Roll lovers, this is a treat and for entertainment seekers, an escape from boredom, a venue to socialise, and hear the classics that have influenced musicians today.

This Classic Rock Coffee (CRC) initiative is definitely bringing a new dimension to the Islamabad’s culture especially the music filled Saturday nights with live performance of Rocklite, an Islamabad based, English rock band. The doors open at 7:00 p.m. and remain open till everyone leaves satisfied and happy.

It’s not the first musical event hosted by CRC. Asif Waheed, Managing Director of the small coffee outlet has been experimenting with the idea since CRC’s inception in 2014. It wasn’t till May 2015 that he decided to go main stream media to highlight the event not because the purpose was to increase footfall for CRC, but to give the people enjoyment, social activity, and entertainment.

"These rock nights are linked to the recent live music sessions that were brought back and hosted by Classic Rock Coffee in a way to help promote the concept of live music in the city”, says Waheed. He adds, “If given proper media coverage, we will be able to garner more support to expand the music horizon and people starving for such entertainment will relive the last two decades of twentieth century when everyone used to have fun.”

The initiative calls on all performing artists and musicians seeking a platform and CRC is willing to assist in catapulting talent to kick start an otherwise dwindling music scene.