Arguably two of biggest crowd-pullers in Bengaluru, psychedelic/prog rockers Parvaaz and Carnatic prog rock band Agam will play their first international shows in Dubai and Muscat later this month, as part of the second edition of live show Raag ‘N’ Rock on March 31st and April 1st.

While the first edition featured Kerala pop and rock artists such as Job Kurian, Masala Coffee and Vidwan heading to Dubai in September last year, this year features imports that have made a much bigger mark in the Indian alternative circuit as well. After all, Agam have done everything from a stint at Coke Studio to performing to packed houses in Mumbai and Pune.

Parvaaz, who released their full-length album Baran in 2014, have been performing all over, from festivals in Lucknow and Srinagar to clubs in Mumbai and Chennai. Bassist Fidel D'Souza told us. "It's been a great experience and very encouraging to play new places. People want a good concept and good music." About their first international show, the bassist adds, "We first spoke to our friends and family who stay there and we hope to make this a fun trip."

Both bands have that right mix of a local influence mingling with a worn-on-their-sleeves rock inspiration, whether it’s Parvaaz with Led Zeppelin or Pink Floyd and Agam with Dream Theater.

Raag ‘N’ Rock is put together by Bengaluru-based artist and event management company Sound Awake, along with Dubai media agency Media21 and event planners Sunny Side Up. The gigs will be held at The Music Room in Dubai on March 31st and at Falaj Hall in Muscat on April 1st. Stay tuned for more details and find out more about the gigs on Sunny Side Up’s website.