blueFROG: Mumbai

After opening in late 2007, Mumbai’s blueFROG has grown to be one of the best concert halls the city has to offer. Part of this success is due to the face that blueFROG is a chameleon of a venue, naturally transitioning from restaurant to lounge to club and back, all while featuring an eclectic range of music from around the world.

I had the opportunity to check out the club last summer when I went to see Talamasca, the French psytrance group. The location is a 6,000-square-foot space, a defunct warehouse in Lower Parel that has been redesigned with acoustics in mind. Glowing, circular booths called pods surround the stage and dance floor, rising up like an amphitheater and changing color with the music. The décor gives the place a very space-age look that is mesmerizing when the lights and music are going.

The back end opposite the stage is a full-length bar and open kitchen, though they are difficult to access when the place gets packed during peak hours. One of the great features of this venue is its weekend brunch, which costs $45 and is all-you-can-eat. Live bands are featured on stage, giving blueFROG a chill lounge atmosphere. There is also an international dinner menu, offering seatings at 8:30 and 10:30 pm, letting patrons enjoy the night’s headliners from their pod.

Talamasca put on a great show, only boosted by the audience filled with patrons of Mumbai’s psytrance scene. The design of the club was sonically noticeable, with its open design and acoustic paneling enhancing the superb sound system. BlueFROG’s popularity has resulted in large crowds, which became a nuisance once we hit peak hours. Thankfully, there was a mini-bar on the edge of the dance floor, which let me get drinks without wading through the crowd back to the main bar.

Be sure to check out blueFROG’s website for their calendar. The venue’s strength lies in its adaptability, showcasing genres that range from jazz to hip-hop to electronic. Cover charge is 300 rupees on weekdays, but will go up to 800 on weekends depending on the act.

blueFROG: Mumbai

Mathuradas Mills Compound

Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel

Mumbai 400 013, India

Tel 91 22 61586158