On December 7 band music aficionados in Dhaka were in for a great treat. The grand musical event banglalink Desh Music Fest 2007, was a commendable effort to lend a hand to the Sidr victims. The concert was held at the Birsreastha Shahid Sipahi Md. Mustafa Stadium in Kamalapur.

The event organised to raise funds for the victims of the devastating cyclone Sidr, turned out to be one of the biggest music festivals in recent times, with a crowd of about 30000. According to the organisers, proceeds from the concert will be donated to the Chief Adviser's relief fund. Channel-i, Radio Today, amadergaan.com and Carnival joined hands with banglalink in this initiative.

The concert brought together some of the big names in the band music scene, featuring three generations of musicians on a single stage.

There was Ayub Bachchu of LRB, James with his band Nagar Baul, the pioneer of rock music in Bangladesh Azam Khan, Miles, Sumon with his band Aurthohin, Black, Warfaze and singer Hyder Husyn.

The concert kicked off at 3:00 pm with Black's performance. Black performed five songs, starting with Proshnobodhok. Others songs included Amra, Poytrish, Porahoto and Blues & Roud.

Next were Sumon and Aurthohin. The band performed popular numbers -- Chaitey Paro, Amar Protichchhobi, Raater Train, Shurjo and Adbhut Shei Chheleti.

Performance by Hyder Husyn, Warfaze and Miles followed. Miles started their performance with their hit number -- Jala jala Jala. That was followed by Chand tara shurjo, Neela, Hello Dhaka, Frustration and Phiriye dao.

LRB and Ayub Bachchu performed six songs, starting with Mon chailey mon. Other songs played by the band were Ural dibo akashey, Ghumonto shohorey, Shei tumi, Hashtey dekho gaiety dekho and Sporsho -- a new song from the band's upcoming album.

Azam Khan rendered three songs -- Anamika, Ami jarey chaire and Rail-liner oi bostitey.

The last band to perform was James' Nagar Baul. Nagar Baul opened the performance with Bukey uthey toofan. It was followed by Diwana diwana, Goponey priyar kachhey and Mirabai.

Addressing the crowd, veteran rocker Azam Khan said, “I stand here not only as a performer but also as a responsible citizen. And as citizens of this country, it is our duty to do something for the cyclone victims.”

Sharing his views James said, “This is a positive initiative by banglalink and I feel great to be part of this. This music fest has provided everyone with an opportunity to do something for the Sidr victims.”

Ayub Bachchu said, “This event has brought us, the artistes, together on a single platform and the reason is laudable. It has also provided music lovers with the opportunity to help the cyclone victims as all the money generated from the ticket sales will be donated to the Chief Adviser's relief fund.”

Hyder Husyn said, “Charity concerts are held all around the world. Such events pull in huge crowds and also amass huge funds. But generating funds is only half the job. Proper distribution of the funds should be ensured; only then the purpose is truly served.”