A fun-loving and excited crowd gathered together at Pinot’s Palette in Lexington on a cold Friday night, but it was nothing but high temperatures inside! Din Check’s Open House Bollywood Holiday Party was held at the lovely and brightly colored paint and sip studio, and was the popular New England band’s way of saying thank you to the community for its support and encouragement over the years. Jointly hosted by the Din Check team and Pinot’s Palette owner Reshma Katwa, the event was open to the public but still had the warm feeling of a personal friend’s party.

Beginning with an open mic hour, guests were encouraged to bring a karaoke track and share a song with the crowd. Many talented local artistes were gracious enough to regale the audience with popular tunes while the encouraging crowd whooped and cheered along. The friendly environment boosted even the shyest singers to feel confident.

Then the party started off with a bang as the band took the stage, beginning with 90s hit “Koi Mil Gaya” from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. From there, they seamlessly moved from song to song, genre to genre and even language to language, blending several English and Hindi songs together in “mashups”. The crowd danced along to everything, from love ballads to upbeat Punjabi numbers. The rhythm section of Kamal Dasu on the drums and Mike Grover on bass deftly handled the transitions from disco to dholak beats and more, while keyboardist Anandini Sekhar and guitarist Sam Bhambhani rendered riffs and melodies that led from one song to the next.

Gregarious and dynamic lead singers Jolly Bhatia and Meenakshi Kulshreshtha kept the energy high and interacted closely with the audience. The team chemistry between members of the band was apparent, and one of the highlights of watching them perform. But no one in the audience could just watch – the entire crowd of approximately 100 guests were on the dance floor shaking it like Shammi.

The event was a free admission party, with guests encouraged to bring their own favorite bottle of wine. Din Check and Pinot’s Palette also sponsored some light snacks and wine while supplies lasted. Royal India Bistro, located next door to the studio, donated a tray of light fare as well. Younger audience members were able to participate in painting activities on the lower level during the event. Event photography was by Mustufa Taj, and videography by Kolam Media Creations.

We eagerly look forward to next year’s event, it is sure to be another great night of music and masti!

ABOUT DIN CHECK Din Check, named for the phonetic sounds of the tabla, was started in a suburban Massachusetts basement in 2011 by Sam Bhambhani, Jolly Bhatia and Sam Rao. Since then, the band has grown and expanded to include a variety of musicians and singers, but at its core features the current team of Sam Bhambhani (guitar), Jolly Bhatia (vocals), Kamal Dasu (drums), Mike Grover (bass guitar), Meenakshi Kulshreshtha (vocals & keyboards) and Anandini Sekhar (keyboards & vocals). Guest artists over the years have included seasoned violinist Kira Taj and tabla virtuoso Ajit Acharya, amongst others. Din Check has performed all over New England at private parties, weddings, expos, charity fundraisers and corporate events and has produced three major stage shows – 5 Decades of Bollywood (2013), Din Check Live in Concert (2014) and Phir Miloge Kabhi – O.P. Nayyar Night (2015). For more information visit www.dincheck.com.

ABOUT PINOT’S PALETTE Pinot’s Palette, owned by Reshma Katwa, is a BYOB paint and wine studio in the heart of Lexington Center. Pinot’s Palette offers painting parties where an instructor leads you step-by-step through a featured painting. You can sign up for public classes or host a private party – but is also the perfect venue for corporate events, holiday parties, team building events, girls night out, bachelorette party and birthday parties. Also available – kids birthday parties, kids camp and after kids school activities. For more information visit www.pinotspalette.com/lexingtoncenter .