One-way train to entertainment central with Ash Chandler

Ash Chandler
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

“Some of the most foot-tapping music you haven’t heard in a long time and some surprises — that’s all I can say,” says Ash Chandler talking about The Ash Chandler Experience scheduled this weekend. The entertainer, as he likes to call himself, prefers to describe the event as a broad experience for audiences.

The multi-faceted performer, who is no newbie to the world of entertainment, says he has always been a man of humour and sees it as an opportunity to work with an audience. At their event in Bengaluru, Ash will be performing with musician Salim John Sadiq from Siliguri.

Ash describes Salim as one of the best Blues musicians in India. “We do a lot of Spanish and Italian music together. And now, we are bringing it to Bengaluru too. I was among the first to bring stand-up comedy to India about 25 years ago, so between the music and songs, we will present stand-up as well as other great stuff.”

The show, Ash says, will be a presentation of the best of music from the last hundred years. “While the first segment will be easy listening, the second is going to be a high-energy, rocking one.”

Ash’s performances are always freshly brewed for audiences, be it the music or jokes. “It will be a complete entertainment package. Stand-up works based on how attentive the audience is. If they are already in a party mood and dancing, then we have to adapt to that because it is not theatre where they have been seated and listening all along.”

Though it is all about entertainment and having fun, Ash says humour is part of his life and something he loves to do. “The buzz is always high which is good, but eventually when I have their attention, I will present them with something humourous because that is what I love to do.”

Jazz and jokes apart, Chandler is working on a Broadway-type musical that is expected to hit theatres towards the end of the year.

“The play is titled That’s Life and I have co-written it with my wife, Maria Chandler. It is an English play and we have written the music, with one song in seven languages. We are in talks with one of the best theatres in Asia and hopefully it will be staged later this year. I’m not allowed to discuss more right now.”

The idea, Ash says is to take the show across India and the world. “The message of the play, about accepting life and not getting stuck in the plans you made, is universal.”

The Ash Chandler Experience is on March 21 at Olive Beach, Ashok Nagar from 8 pm. Entry is free, but table reservation is required. Call 9945565483.