Week 1 of a four week course.

Are you a folk fiddler wanting to branch out and learn a new style? Ever felt as a classical violinist that you are tied the dots? Or just wanted to be able to play without worrying about perfection? Playing from ear can be very enriching and liberating for all musicians. If you want try and experience learning and playing in a different way, Emma Sweeney and Thea Spiers are forming a team as teachers from two very different backgrounds (classical and folk) to try and bring folk fiddle playing to a new bunch of people or build confidence to people who have done some before.

In each of the four classes the pair will examine trad music from Ireland and Scotland (with Graham MacKenzie), as well as Old-time and Bluegrass music from America. The lessons will have a heavy emphasis on learning by tunes by ear, and how to develop this, and using recordings already out there as a teaching tool to help students develop a feel for the music. They will teach bowing and ornamentation as part of the learning process, and tricks to get the 'feel' for the music.

 It recommended that participants bring a recording device such as a phone or mp3 recorder to the lessons if they have one, if not they will have tunes e-mailed to them as a reminder. In each lesson Emma and Thea will teach a tune by ear, then split into 2 smaller groups to concentrate on finer details such as bowing and ornamentation and give people a chance to play on their own or in smaller groups. Then all participants come back together as one group and all play together.

Venue: Education Room 1 at Band on the Wall

Day: Wednesday

Times: 7.30-9.30pm

Dates: Feb 15th, 22nd, March 14th, 21st

Cost: Full £40, Conc £32 (Full time student, OAP, unwaged), Per Session, £12

(Concession places are subject to production of proof of eligibility at first session)

Featuring a full band, this very special concert is only one of two dates that sees Malaysia’s singing superstar, Ning Baizura, perform in the UK. Described as Malaysia’s Soul Queen, the performances will be an intimate showcase of Ning’s classics over her 20-year career, and will also include songs from Ning’s latest, indie album, Dewa.

In Dewa, Ning explores new genres of music, including rock, dance and urban: “This album is very personal to me. In fact this album is a definition of my rebirth as a person with a new direction. Dewa is a liberated album. And ‘Dewa’ in Sanskrit means light. With this album I personally hope to bring light and share it with my audience.”

Ning is best known for her live stage performances. She is vibrant and super energetic on stage, and has always mesmerized her audience with an extensive repertoire and her versatility. Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of these exclusive shows!

This event will begin at 7.30pm but our Picturehouse Cafe Bar is open from 5.30pm for delicious food and drinks.

Special Offer! Book your meal in advance and get free 'lucky dip' tickets for a future concert - click here now for details

Alexis McLean

Hailed by Elbow's Guy Garvey as 'A fantastic songwriter', Alexis McLean is one of the most popular names on the Manchester acoustic scene.  With her truly unique voice, Alexis weaves modern day folk tales of beauty and simplicity. Accompanied by the brilliant David Faitala on classical guitar, this is one not to miss!

Taylor and the Mason

"Like two Joni Mitchells on speed", Taylor and the Mason are an acoustic duo based in Manchester, made up of singer-songwriters Sally Mason and Becky Taylor. With their breathlessly energetic performances and tight knit harmonies, these girls are fast becoming a hit with audiences on the Manchester gig scene and beyond!

Rik Warren

Rik Warren has been a regular player on the Manchester folk and blues circuit for many year’s, featuring in numerous line ups including Ernie’s Rhythm Section and Honey Feet. Rik’s beautiful solo material is now taking centre stage and wowing audiences around the city.

Naymedici

Naymedici play folk as it should be played, loud. Combining gypsy licks, Irish reels, punk guitars and thrashing drums, Naymedici have burst on to the UK and Irish music scene with an original fresh sound that is both in your face, and a lot of fun!

Emphemetry

Emphemetry is the musical guise of Richard ‘Biff’ Birkin, a musician from Derby and founder of Time Travel Opps. Sometimes taking the form of intimate folk songs, ambient soundscapes, instrumentals, piano pieces, audio tinkering or post-rock; the music is more often than not inspired by the liminal, quiet timelessness of a city at night and the reflections or flights of imagination that happens then and there.

 SOUL HEAVEN Featuring:

 NEIL PIERCE

Neil Pierce is a name that has become and will continue to be synonymous with the Soulful House scene in London. He’s carved out a name which has come to represent quality underground dance music with nothing but Soul. It was during his time as manager at record shop ‘Release The Groove’ that he was asked to warm-up for Paul Trouble Anderson at the legendary Loft parties at HQ in Camden. Not long after, Neil was asked to be a Soul Heaven resident where he continued to refine his style and develop technical skills that soon became the one of the earmarks of his sound. It was also whilst managing the record shop that Neil met Dj Aaron Ross and in 2003, together they formed the successful production duo the Fanatix. Since then, the pair have consistently pushed out quality Soulful House music in both the booth and in the studio. Just some of the amazing artists the Fanatix have worked with over the years form a mixture of talent from across the globe such as Blaze, Kimara Lovelace, KOT, Kenny Bobien, Roy Ayers and Stephanie Cooke, as well as homegrown talent such as Terri Walker, Kele le Roc, Jamiroquai, Alex mills, Don-E and Sunburst Band and have seen releases across major House labels including; Sony, Defected, BBE, Ricanstruction, ZR, Def Jam, Soulgroove and of course Soul Heaven Records. And as if that wasn’t enough, in 2005 Neil decided to form his label Hustle Music which has seen releases featuring artists such as Franck Roger, Jihad Muhammed, Muthafunkas and Reel Soul to name a few. Neil has also been a regular on the underground club scene both at home and around the globe, playing for long-standing and respected promotions such as Garage City, The Southport Weekender, Need2Soul, Miami Music Conference, Soulogic, To the Manor Born, Angel Deelite and Soul City. Neil is also one of a handful of Brits to have graced the decks at the legendary Shelter in New York. In the last few years, he has had the pleasure of taking his sound global, seeing him play in countries such as Italy, Ibiza, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Sweden, Dubai ,Australia, Russia, Norway and the USA.   

 SY SEZ

Soul Heaven Resident, 1 half of AphroDisiax and Colourful Radio presenter Sy Sez is a London DJ , Producer and Radio Host, who’s journey began playing on many of London’s pirate radio stations . Along with his radio shows he began playing at local house & warehouse parties. On his journey since then, he has graced many of the London’s best club venues including holding residencies at Ministry of Sound, Neighbourhood, Herbal, East Village, Matter (O2 Arena), Plan-B, and more.....as well as travelling world-wide to showcase his talent.

In 2005 Sy Sez caught the eye of infamous house-music duo ‘The Fanatix’ (Aaron Ross & Neil Pierce) and earned him a place on their monthly residencies at top London venue – Neighbourhood. This notorious residency was a very popular night and created a dedicated following and had been moved to London hotspot - Herbal, where he continued to be their resident. Due to his continued hard work, dedication and talent - Sy was then proudly welcomed into the Fanatix as their official third member and to begin joining them in the studio on their productions.

Soon after his baptism in production with the Fanatix Sy teamed up with fellow London DJ - Gavin Peters and formed the production outfit AphroDisiax - who have now caused a storm on the house music scene with their productions and remixes, having releases on labels such as Soul Heaven, MN2S, Tribe, Seamless, Universe Media, Soul Shine more. 

In 2007 his DJ skills earned him a place on the Soul-Heaven lineup on its return to the Ministry of Sound featuring Terry Hunter & Terissa Griffin and also a repeat booking at Soul Heaven for Tony Humphries 50th Birthday.....2 great parties later and Sy was asked to join the heavy-weight in-house lineup as a fully fledged Soul Heaven resident, where he now travels the world flying the flag for Soul Heaven, playing alongside the superstars of the music!

SUPPORT BY MANCHESTER'S ZACHARIA SOUL

This event begins at 9pm but our Picturehouse Cafe Bar is open earlier for good times.

Led by bassist, composer and producer Michael League, Snarky Puppy features a collective of nearly 30 musicians, referred to as The Fam on their recordings and tours. The musicians perform on a variety of instruments including guitars, keyboards, saxophones, brass, percussion and strings. Astonishing live they've become a mainstay of stages and festivals across the US where critics and fans alike have embraced their unique musical style - referred to by League as Jafunkadansion.

"Snarky Puppy is one of the most inventive in sound and funk since Maynard Ferguson's fusion years." The New Face of Jazz

Support tonight comes from special guests The Fix.

This event will begin at 8pm but our Picturehouse Cafe Bar is open from 5.30pm for delicious food and drinks.

Special Offer! Book your meal in advance and get free 'lucky dip' tickets for a future concert - click here now for details

From breakbeat to drum'n'bass,  Laboratorio Brujo draw on new original material, classic flamenco anthems and adapted dancefloor versions of Ojos de Brujo's songs to keep you dancing from start to end.

This concert will begin at 9pm but our Picturehouse Cafe Bar is open earlier for delicious food and drinks.

Special Offer! Book your meal in advance and get free 'lucky dip' tickets for a future concert - click here now for details

The Unthanks In Conversation
Thursday 9th February7.30pm 

The Unthanks are widely considered to be one of the finest and most important folk bands to have emerged from the British Isles in the last 30 years. Taking place in our Picturehouse Cafe Bar, this is a unique opportunity to hear the internationally-acclaimed Unthanks discuss their craft, artistic influences and current residency at Band on the Wall. 

Currently at the venue as part of their Wall of Sounds Artistic Directors residency - you might even get to hear the premiere of the odd song or two from this truly engaging and charismatic ensemble before their concert on Friday. Tickets will fly for this so advance booking strongly recommended.

Click Here For Info & Tickets!

The Unthanks In Conversation is part of a very special 5-day residency at Band on the Wall where they have been working with local musicians as part of the Wall of Sounds Artistic Directors Series. The resulting work is being performed by The Unthanks as a full concert tomorrow Friday 10th February. Click here now for more info

Wall of Sounds is a partnership between Brighter Sound and Band on the Wall offering a range of exciting opportunities to explore music through artist residencies, courses, master-classes and performances.

A Band on the Wall Fundraiser Event.

Naturally 7
Monday 6th February, 7.30pm

Naturally 7 take classic close-harmony style to stratospheric new heights, mixing beat boxing, basslines and uncanny instrumental imitation with rap and hook-laden soul, pop and jazz. This is a vocal group in a league of its own, and their genuinely fresh use of the voice and astonishingly versatile talent have garnered diverse fans including Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Jay Leno and Brian Eno.

RNCM in association with Serious.

Click Here For Info & Tickets

Win a pair of tickets by answering this question:

Q: What’s the name of the album Naturally 7 released in 2009?

Please send your answer no later than 5pm Friday 3rd February to competition@rncm.ac.uk

Box Office Opening Hours 

Mon - Sat: 5pm - 9pm

Sun: Closed (open on concert evenings)

Other Outlets

Easter Bloc Records: Soul:ution and other selected clubbing tickets can be purchased from Eastern Bloc Records at ‎5A Stevenson Sq, Northern Quarter, Manchester, M1 1DN

Teacup: Mr Scruff Keep It Unreal tickets can be purchased from Teacup at 53-55 Thomas Street, Manchester M4 1NA telephone: 0161 832 3233

Leeds Tourist Information Centre
Leeds City Station, Leeds, LS1 4DT Telephone: 0113 242 5242

The Band Pass

Support Band on the Wall by purchasing a limited edition Band Pass and get the following:

• 20% discount on most concerts*
• Free entrance to all concerts after 9.30pm (10.30pm Fridays and Saturdays) **
• Advance notification of tickets going on sale

Price: £50 annual subscription. Limited edition and only available through our online store

* Free entrance subject to ticket availability on the night.
** Does not include entrance to club nights.

Click Here Now To Purchase A Band Pass

We have just announced a special four week course for Flamenco enthusiasts, plus an amazing opportunity to work with the world renowned master guitarist and composer Paco Pena and his accompanying artistes. The course incorporates elements of guitar, dance and percussion with leading exponents and tutors of this visceral and emotional art form.

Tutors:

Flamenco Guitar: Nick Wilkinson

Dance: Gloria Lopez-Castejon

Percussion: Adam Warne 

Venue: Band on the Wall Main Venue, Picturehouse Bar, Education Rooms

Days: Saturdays

Times: 9.30am-3pm

Course Dates: 10/03/2012, 17/03/2012, 24/03/2012, 31/03/2012

Fiesta Workshops and Performance Day: Saturday 21/04/2012

CONCESSIONARY RATES ARE ONLY AVAILABLE ON PRODUCTION OF  VALID ID WITH PROOF OF STUDENT/OAP/UNWAGED STATUS AT BOX OFFICE AT FIRST SESSION.

A small number of special bursary places are available on application. Email learning@bandonthewall.org to register your interest in a bursary application.

To enrol and find our more, click here now.

Sponsored by Levanter Fine Foods.

Call Out to emerging and mid career musicians 

We are looking for musicians  to take part in a 5-day intensive music residency with The Unthanks to create and produce a unique showcase event at Band on the Wall.

Dates: 6th – 10th February 2012.  
Public performance: 10th February at Band on the Wall.

Expenses: £100 and accommodation provided.

To apply: Please send an expression of interest of no more that 500 words; an MP3 of your work; a short biog and a photograph to Info@brightersound.com marked WOS 'Expression of Interest' no later than 6th January 2012.

 Please contact Wall of Sounds residency producer Jeremy Davies  for further information and advice on 0777 589 2780.

Wall of Sounds is a partnership between Brighter Sound and Band on the Wall offering  a range of exciting opportunities to explore music through artist residencies, courses, master-classes and performances.

Supported By:

Thomas, a professional musician, songwriter and composer who has worked with artists including Sir Elton John, R.E.M, The Proclaimers, PJ Harvey and Barrington Levy, as well as writing music for film and television (including working on film scores with George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola, plus production credits on BBC Top Gear and The Cosby Show) has chosen to support Wall of Sounds - a programme offering a range of exciting opportunities to explore music through artist residencies, courses, master-classes and performances - with a large donation enabling the project to improve and expand.

Through his established and successful career in the commercial music sector, Pete Thomas has recognised the need for further support in music education projects to produce the next generation of songwriters, composers and musicians - particularly in the North West due to the recent shift in media attention to the area with MediaCityUK and The Sharp Project being based in Salford and Manchester.

Wall of Sounds was recognised as the No.1 choice for support, due to its innovative new approach to development and participation through industry links and its focus on opportunities for emerging artists and young people within the region and nationally.

To find out more about Band on the Wall's charitable status and how to support us, visit our Support Us section. 

Find out more about the work of Pete Thomas at www.petethomas.co.uk

Fancy having the party of a lifetime at Manchester's world famous, city-centre venue? Hire Band on the Wall for your private party with full live band, delicious food and welcome drinks included for £33 or less per person! (£33 based on attendance of 150. Larger parties receive further discount - a champagne reception, live music, full buffet and a band can be as little as £19.50 a person!)

Booking your Bespoke Event is easy...

We can sort everything out for you from helping you select a fantastic band that's perfect for your event, to providing a range of delicious food and drink options - all hosted and managed by our expert and friendly team to ensure your event runs exactly how you want it to. We can even provide all those special extras such as cakes and decorations should you require them. Please find our range of packages below, and if you would like any more information simply contact our Development Manager, Najia Bagi, who will help you create the perfect event at najiabagi@bandonthewall.org  or call 0161 830 3883.

We do advise you book early as available dates are filling up quickly. 

Music To Your Ears!

If there's one place in the world that knows about great live music, it's us, and choosing your live band couldn't be easier. We welcome you to select from a list created by us who we think will be perfect for your night - or simply talk to us and we'll suggest who we think suits your event best. Subject to availability, you just choose one of the following great bands and its all included in the price!

- LaTinto Bros (Latin, Salsa)
- Doctor Truth (Blues)
- Rory Duffy Trio (Brazilian, Pop, Jazz, Latin)
- The Compass Roses (R&B, Jazz. Funk, Soul)
- Extra Love (Reggae)

Food, Drink & Music Packages

Please find our range of packages listed below. All packages include live music and are based on an average of 150 attendees. We can cater for up to 320 guests, and the larger your party the bigger the discount - a champagne reception, live music, full buffet and a band can be as little as £19.50 a person! So if your party is larger (or smaller) just let us know and we'll tailor the package and costs accordingly to suit your event. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to contact Najia Bagi at najiabagi@bandonthewall.org / 0161 830 3883

1. Private Party Package

- Live Band
- Champagne Reception
- Buffet

£25 per person (based on 150 people but less if you bring more people!) 

2. Three Course Meal Package

- Live Band
- Champagne Reception
- Three Course Meal

£50 per person (100 guests max)

Enquiries

All packages can be bespoke and include cakes, decorations and extras you choose. So just contact Najia Bagi, Band on the Wall's Development Manager, to find out how we can give you the party of a lifetime at najiabagi@bandonthewall.org / 0161 830 3883

Enjoy Band on the Wall concerts for free from the comfort of your armchair. As part of our ambitions to make our live music programme as accessible as possible we now have official YouTube and Vimeo Channels. All performances on the channels have been filmed in hi def using our own state-of-the-art cameras and sound studio. Plug in and enjoy!

Completely free to subscribe if you have either YouTube or Vimeo accounts (also free), you can now enjoy Band on the Wall concerts in hi definition from the comfort of your home or office.

Subscribe to Band on the Wall's YouTube Channel by clicking here now

Subscribe to Band on the Wall's Vimeo Channel by clicking here now

Band on the Wall TV Coming Soon - Watch This Space!

Band on the Wall aims to provide live music content for the new Internet TV platform which is anticipated to available on your TV or mobile device very soon. Join our free mailing list here and we'll let you know about this and other developments at the venue as they happen.

Band on the Wall Archive

These online platforms are an addition to Band on the Wall's acclaimed online archive - accessed via our website by clicking here where you can already access and enjoy this footage.

Band Pass Card

Band on the Wall is a charity run on a not-for-profit basis and we rely on your help to continue our work. You can support Band on the Wall and it's innovative education and community programme by purchasing a limited edition Band Pass membership card. In return you get the following fantastic benefits:

• 20% discount on most concerts*
• Free entrance to all concerts after 9.30pm (10.30pm Friday & Saturday nights) **
• Free tickets to 4  Band on the Wall Recommended Concerts  a year for you and a friend (Worth Up To  £150 a year!)
• Exclusive invitations to VIP events at Band on the Wall
• Discounts and special offers throughout the year - currently includes £1 off Cornerhouse Cinema tickets! ***
• Advance notification of tickets going on sale
• Free Band on the Wall T-Shirt worth £15 (while stocks last)

Price: £30, annual subscription. Only one ticket per concert, per card. Only available through our online store.

* Please check individual concert ticket purchase pages for applicability

** Free entrance subject to ticket availability on the night. A valid Band Pass must be shown with ticket on entrance to guarantee admittance

*** Terms & Conditions apply - please click here to read

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings have come a long way since their humble beginnings nearly a decade ago. Steeped within the gilded and gritty sounds of gospel, soul and funk, this nine-piece Brooklyn collective has continued to electrify fans, disc jockeys, critics, record collectors, and bloggers the world-over with their authentic, heart-felt sound. The band’s critically-acclaimed albums including Dap Dippin’, Naturally and 100 Days, 100 Nights – recall an analog era led by iconic studios like those at Motown and Stax Records.

As distinguished as their recordings may be however, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings have truly become renowned thanks to their incredible live show, not to mention their relentless touring. And though it’s certainly no easy task to keep such a vast ensemble on the road, the band continues to pack hundreds of clubs worldwide, from legendary venues like New York’s Apollo Theater, Beacon Theater and Central Park’s SummerStage to their show-stopping sets at Coachella, Lollapalooza, Roskilde, Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits and WOMAD.

AGMP and Band on the Wall are now delighted to present this great band at Stylus, Leeds University. A Band on the Wall Fundraiser Event.

Tickets are on sale now and are likely to sell very quickly - advance booking for this show is strongly recommended.

Click Here For More Info / Tickets!