Church Street witnessed a different kind of Friday evening as live music filled the popular stretch, with independent musicians performing in a public space as part of a new busking initiative launched by Bengaluru-based platform The Music Scene.

The programme, organised by Unboxing BLR, was inaugurated on Church Street and featured performances by Carnatic vocalist Ashwin Kurian with guitarist Debjit Sarkar, Tulu singer-songwriter Praveen Alva of Alva Kuuto, Bengaluru-based singer Loysum, and singer-songwriter Meghana Achar, who performs under the stage name Mangopickl.

Hari Menon, co-founder of BigBasket and chief patron of The Music Scene, said the initiative was envisioned as an integral part of the Church Street experience rather than a conventional concert. “People can meet friends, watch a performance, continue exploring Church Street and return to enjoy another artist,” he said.

Unlike ticketed concerts, the performances took place amid the street’s regular bustle, with shoppers, families and visitors stopping to listen before continuing with their evening, while others stayed for multiple performances.

Following the inaugural edition, The Music Scene will organise busking sessions every Saturday on Church Street.