Access The Unthanks Wall of Sounds Artistic Residency Online!

The Unthanks residency, part of our Wall of Sounds programme, has produced some amazing music featuring the Unthank sisters working over 5 days with 12 new and emerging artists from very diverse musical backgrounds.

While their live concert is sold out, we have a special portal set up by digital platform pioneers Pied Piper where musicians are posting video, photos, diaries, lyrics and more behind the scenes content, so you can have a sneaky peak too – you can access it here and see the highlights of the last 5 days.

Click here now to watch, read and listen!

Portal provided by

Wall of Sounds is a partnership between Brighter Sound and Band on the Wall.

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.

Band on the Wall Private Party Bookings Now Being Taken!

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

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!

Wall of Sounds Artistic Directors Series:
The Unthanks Present...

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

Watch Band on the Wall Concerts For Free At Home!

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.

William Ellis is widely recognised as one of the finest music photographers working today, and his work has been exhibited at international festivals and galleries in the UK and throughout the world including The Royal Academy of Arts, Amsterdam, Bremen, Cape Town, Havana, Hong Kong, and of course in Manchester at the Richard Goodall Gallery in the Northern Quarter.

Prints are available to purchase online from the Band on the Wall store, and we have a selection of images available ranging from recent Band on the Wall concerts and other photographs taken from William Ellis' archive. Artists include Miles Davis, Paul McCartney, Al Jarreau, Tim Booth (lead singer in Manchester band James) and many more.

As Band on the Wall's official photographer, William Ellis has been capturing on film some of the greatest artists to come through our doors, and what better gift for this festive season than the opportunity to take home a high quality, hand signed and individually numbered archival print. 

 A range of sizes, finishes and prices are available - visit the Band on the Wall store now for more information.

This is because Band on the Wall sits just outside the Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ). This means that you can park directly outside Band on the Wall and down Swan St (towards Royal Exchange Workshops and Crowne Plaza) for free AFTER 6PM. Spaces are limited though so get here early to bag a free place!

For further information on Band on the Wall including location click here now

Band on the Wall serves delicious food before every concert in our newly refurbished Picturehouse Cafe Bar adjacent to the main venue. Freshly prepared every day from 5.30pm, our new Autumn menu features classic dishes from around the world at great prices. Click here now to see a sample menu. No concert ticket purchase required - meals can be bought without seeing a concert but the kitchen will always close 30 minutes before a concert or event begins.

* Free Concert Tickets If You Book In Advance And Spend More Than £9 Per Head!

A great night out just got better. If you book a meal in advance, you will receive a free 'lucky dip' ticket for a future concert with every meal (multiple tickets for same concert available for groups and couples etc) providing you spend more than £10 per head! To book in advance all you need to do is email us at mealdeal@bandonthewall.org stating which night and what time you wish to eat (from 2 hours prior to concert) and how many in your party, and you can choose your food on the night. Spend more than £9 a head and you get a lucky dip ticket for a future concert* Possibly the best-value dining experience in the city!

* Tickets are for future concerts and NOT for the night you dine. Choice of concerts is non-negotiable but we only select ones we feel will be enjoyed by most people. We do not recommend you eat later than 45 minutes before a concert if you do not want to miss the beginning of the performance. Band on the Wall is in no way liable for you missing the start time so please always book as early as possible.

We've announced our 2011 Spring courses and classes including our acclaimed choir, guitar lessons, tap dancing, jazz and percussion courses and much more! Get down and get playing! We welcome people of all abilities so there really is something for everyone. All courses led by friendly and experienced tutors and musicians so click on the link below and see you at Band on the Wall very soon!

Click here now for full details of courses available!

Ticketwall - Buy Tickets. Build Music

www.ticketwall.org

Ticketwall is a pioneering new national online ticketstore where every ticket you buy directly supports music education and participation projects. Just as with any other national ticket store you can buy tickets for 1,000s of concerts in 100s of venues across the country. But what makes this site really special is when you purchase a ticket for a concert, club night or sporting event - For every £1 spent on Ticketwall, the registered charity Inner City Music will receive 3p towards developing local music projects and events - it might not sound like much but imagine an arena full of people on a ticket price of £50, this could generate around £20K! 

Bookmark the website and from now on buy all your music, sports, arts and event tickets from Ticketwall - you'll be making a difference to the future of music with every purchase.

www.ticketwall.org

For further information on the work of Inner City Music please click here now. 

For nearly every event at the venue (email info@bandonthewall.org on the day to check availability), you'll now be able to grab a ticket to see your favourite world-class artists for just £4! All you have to do is turn up at our box office on the night, show your valid student / international student card and you'll receive the discount. This means you can save a fortune and enjoy a night out at Band on the Wall - voted Best Small Venue in the North West by NME Magazine. Tickets are strictly limited by availability and capacity so make sure you check the terms and conditions below and see you soon at Band on the Wall - the home of real music.

Terms & Conditions - please read carefully

1. £4 tickets only available for certain events on the night of purchase - Always check with our box office to see whether stand-by tickets are available.

2. A valid NUS or International Student Card (ISIC) must be shown and must be the purchasers own card.

3. Tickets limited by availability and capacity - always check availability on the day by emailing info@bandonthewall.org or phone box office after 5.30pm on 0161 830 3891

4. One one ticket per person - if other people require tickets they must attend wioth you and be in possession of a valid student ID.

5. Tickets only available in person from Band on the Wall box office on the night.

6. Tickets cannot be reserved and are strictly limited and sold on a first come, first served basis.

7. Band on the Wall reserves the right to refuse sale of tickets or admission at its discretion.

Band on the Wall was recently shortlisted by NME Magazine in their search for the UK's Best Small Venue, and the great news is that we have WON the ragional round!

Voted for by readers of the magazine, Band on the Wall has beaten the competition to the prize of Best Small Venue in the North West! We'd like to thank all of you who voted for us, and the National award will be announced on June 21st.

Click here now to post your comments of support on the NME website.

We have full presentation facilities, catering provision and a range of spaces and equipment to make any event a great success. Whether it's a unique space for a fully supported corporate event or it's a wonderful space for your Christmas party, we have the perfect solution. 

Click here now to find out more!

Cocktails

Launching on Saturday 19th February at the Keni Burke show, we will be serving a delicious selection of cocktails in our Picturehouse Cafe Bar. Please find our menu below:

All cocktails are priced at £6, or enjoy two for just £10!

Band on the Wall Signatures

Fizzy Gillespie

Our very own house special - a dynamic blend of spiced rum, sweet lychee and fiery ginger.

Gini Hendricks

An aromatic and flavoursome mix of Hendricks gin combined with elderflower topped with fresh lemon and finished with a splash of soda.

Muddy Waters

An indulgent blend of milk, silky smooth cream and fine brandy.

Classics

Margarita

The timeless combination of tequila, orange liqueur and a twist of tangy lime.

Whiskey Sour

The original tongue-twister! Makers Mark bourbon combined with a balanced mix of brown sugar and fresh lemon.

Vodka Bramble

A fruity favourite, made with Stoli vodka, blackberry and lemon.

For more information visit the Arts & Business website by clicking here.