Bon Jovi’s ‘Always’ at a school fair's DJ booth in 1995, with a dedication broadcasted out to that “cute boy in the red hoodie". That was the last time and place we requested a song.

Now, thanks to the Shillong Chamber Choir, you can feel like you’re at a school jam session all over again. This group of singers – famed for performing at the Rashtrapati Bhavan for Michelle and Barrack Obama – is doing their first Mumbai show on April 7, and they’re taking requests. Their marketing team calls it the first “personalised concert” which may be taking things a bit far, but it’s still a fun idea. Here’s how it will work:

The Shillong Chamber Choir, whose repertoire ranges from Western Classical to English pop and Bollywood songs, will put up their track list on a Facebook page this evening. From these, you can nominate your favourite by writing the track name on their wall (even add a dedication), and the most popular requests will finally be performed at the Mumbai show.

The Song and Short of It

Yesterday, bpb got its hands on part of the song list that will be announced on Facebook today. It’s no bpb Boombox selection, but it would be interesting to hear their rendition of a Sholay hit, arranged by Neil Nongkynih, composer, pianist and conductor who’s taught a whole bunch of cool people including the drummer for Brit band Radiohead. Their list:

1.    Queen Medley from tracks by Queen
2.    Kabi Aar Kabhi Paar  from Aar Paar
3.    Ye Dosti from Sholay
4.    Tu Hai Aasma Mein from Jhankaar Beats
5.    Mama by The Spice Girls
6.    Kal Ho Na Ho from Kal Ho Na Ho
7.    Der HolleRache by W.A. Mozart
8.    Ngi Wan Kynduh by composer Neil Nongkynrih, excerpt from Opera Sohlyngngem.

PS: Three lucky winners can even get songs dedicated to their favourite people on stage.  In case ours gets picked, here’s how it will go: The Shillong Chamber Choir dedicates its rendition of Ye Dosti to all bpb subscribers. Consider this a friend request.

Getting there: On April 7 at Shanmukhananda Hall, Sion (E), 8 to 10 pm, request songs on www.facebook.com/liveindigo, tickets available at bookmyshow.com, Rhythm House (Kala Ghoda), Cafe Coffee day outlets at Shivaji Park, Sion and Matunga from April 1, passes range from Rs 300 to Rs 2,000.