KutcheriBuzz says: The December Season of music and dance is usually between the second week of December (from around 14th) to the first week of January. However some sabhas begin their fests as early as Dec 1st and in January, most sabhas host exclusive dance fests which may go on till about January 20.

We're yet to receive the details of the December Season. As and when we get them we should be poting them on our website. Meanwhile, we will also bring out a Season guide book with the kutcheri schedules. Details on this will also be up on our website soon.

Transport to Sabhas

Dear KutcheriBuzz, are there special buses to all sabhas during the December season? What mode of transport would you suggest we hire in Chennai?

- R. K. Ramkumar, Singapore

KutcheriBuzz says: The city does not run buses specially for the season. Autos are your best bet but the drivers often demand fancy fares. If you get a fair idea of the auto fare from hotel desks or friends, then you can convince the drivers to settle for them.

KutcheriBuzz says: While sabhas, which host the concerts, finalise the main artistes by September, they have to juggle with the accompanists. And hence, sabhas say they do not wish to make public their concerts schedule. We have tried to convince the sabhas that a schedule listing the main artistes, if published in Sept/Oct. will generate more traffic to concerts, especially of people from abroad. Mmmm . . .

Can you arrange tours?

Dear KutcheriBuzz, we are a group of Bharatanatyam students in Pune and would like to be in Chennai during the 'season'. But because of our budgets, we need cheap accommodation, a guide who can arrange visits to dance gurus and places like Kalakshetra and entry to concerts, for about 3 days. Is there some person who can organise such tours?

- R. Sucharita, Pune

KutcheriBuzz says: At present, we are not aware of anyone who hosts such a tour. But KutcheriBuzz has ideas to help organise such a tour for young artistes from outside Chennai in December. Look out for details in late October on this web site.

Mylapore hotel needed for stay

Dear KutcheriBuzz, I am based in France and would like to be in Chennai for the festival. I have heard that Hotel Karpagam is a simple budget hotel in Mylapore where we can stay. Do you suggest it to us?

- J. Radha, France.

Kutcheribuzz says: Hotel Karpagam is the nook for artistes as well as guests. Its a simple, budget hotel, near the Sri Kapali Temple. Staying here will allow you to get a 'feel' of Mylapore life. And it it close to many sabhas.

The Music Academy's fest

Are The Music Academy's programmes on or off this year (2004). Please send details if any.

- Krishnan

KutcheriBuzz says: Do keep a tab on our website. We hope to post details on the Academy's fest as and when we get them. We'll keep you informed too.

Can I meet leading artistes at the halls?

- S. Shivakumar, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu

KutcheriBuzz says: There are no formal face-to-face sessions with the artistes that are arranged at the halls. Rasikas like you have to be content with saying hello backstage after a concert. But do look out for surprise annoucements! Last year, KutcheriBuzz hosted three face-to-face evenings with six leading artistes. Plans are on to have them this year too!

Is the season a good time to also shop for music albums?

- V. Visweswaran, New Delhi

KutcheriBuzz says: At least two huge sales of music albums are held at central locations in Chennai where even discounts are offered on many albums. The AVM-promoted sale, usually held at Sri Sankara Hall in Alwarpet (near Narada Gana Sabha) presents products of all music companies.

Can we buy albums featuring 'live' recordings of season concerts?

- R. Ramachandran, Colombo, Sri Lanka

KutcheriBuzz says: Chennai-based music company 'Charsur' brings out a few albums of 'live' recordings of some of the kutcheris. These albums come out a few months after the season closes. Good buys.

Will R. R. Sabha hold a festival? We hear the hall is to be pulled down?

- Shyamala Ganesan, Kolkatta

KutcheriBuzz says:The hall has stopped hosting events for many months now. The hall is to be pulled down and a new multi-purpose hall is to be built. So there may not be any festivals at one of the city's oldest halls.

Are hotels booked in advance in Chennai in December?

- Suniti Narayanan, Thiruvananthapuram

KutcheriBuzz says:December is a busy season. The tourist arrivals care high. Most hotels in the Mylapore area are booked by regulars at the December music/dance season. But there are many budget hotels in the city now. Rates - Rs.500 to Rs.1000 per room per day.

Are there tickets which allow us to attend concerts at different sabhas?

- R. Ramanathan, Malaysia

KutcheriBuzz says: Sadly no!

When does the dance fest at Mahabalipuram commence?

- Krishnaveni Ramachandran, New Delhi

KutcheriBuzz says: This fest is hosted by the state-run Tourism Department at the seaside and heritage site of Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram), some 54 kms from Chennai city. It normally begins in mid-December and ends in early January. Bharatanatyam, Kuchpudi, Odissi and Mohiniattam dances are presented. The shows are ticketed and tickets can be bought at the venue (Arjuna's Penance bas relief). The setting is great.

Are there any free concerts during December?

- A. Ayyappan, Kochi

KutcheriBuzz says: Some sabhas host concerts to which admission is free. You need to look up the daily newspapers to locate those.