Ethos Public Relations Manchester

Band on the Wall announces it’s very first Christmas party packages

by Ethos public relations

Band on the Wall, Manchester’s legendary music venue is challenging Christmas party organisers to ditch soulless venues for a bespoke and unique event with a full live band.

The world famous city-centre venue, which can hold up to 320 guests, can help you hold the party of a lifetime, with full live band, delicious food and welcome drinks for as little as £19.50 per person. *

The award winning venue offers all the latest facilities whilst including some unusual additions like a Sound studio, an AV Studio and High Definition Video Cameras. Additionally you can let the team at Band on the Wall arrange everything for you while you sit back and enjoy professional musicians playing a range of music from genres including Latin, Pop, Jazz R&B, Funk, Soul and the Blues.

Najia Bagi, Development Manager at Band on the Wall, said “Planning any event can be stressful - and Christmas parties are even more so. That is why we offer a bespoke service where we can sort everything out for you – letting you enjoy the unique style and perks that Band on the Wall has to offer – all at a great price.

“We have been voted Best Small Venue in the North West (2011 – NME) and Manchester’s Best Night Out (2010 - Manchester Tourism Awards) so you know that you are guaranteed to have a great time here.”

To find out more about Band on the Wall and booking your party visit www.bandonthewall.org and contact Najia Bagi, Development Manager, on 0161 830 3883 or at najia.bagi@bandonthewall.org.

Band on the Wall - The Inspirational Choice For Your Event

* Dependent on size of party

For more news from Band on the Wall click here.

Posted at 18^th October 2011

Get the real X Factor with Band on the Wall

by Ethos public relations

Band on the Wall, Manchester’s legendary music venue, is encouraging any budding singers, dancers and musicians to sign up to their Learning and Participation Programme.

With talent shows such as the X Factor and Strictly Come Dancing appearing back on our TV screens, the not-for-profit venue, which is run by registered charity Inner City Music, has launched its Autumn Programme of music courses.

The Programme offers a range of inspiring, interesting and challenging opportunities for non-formal, hands-on learning for people of all ages and abilities.

Courses this season include:

•    Tap Rhythm Project
•    Harmonica Class
•    Jazz Improvisation Course
•    Picturehouse Choir
•    Beginner Guitar Course
•    Jazz Guitar Course
•    Jazz Foundations Course
•     Global Grooves: Pernambucan Percussion

Tim Chatterton, Learning and Participation Officer at Band on the Wall, said: “Our courses are a great way for everyone to learn more about music. You get to acquire a new skill, in a fantastic venue, while meeting new friends.

“Whilst we have regular courses like singing classes and guitar classes, the Learning and Participation Programme – like the venue itself – champions many genres of music. With tap dance and harmonica classes – there really is something for everyone.

“As a charity, all the money we make from the venue goes back into programmes like this. These programmes benefit the community and enable everyone and anyone to enhance their experience of music and I encourage as many people to take part as possible.”

To find out more about Band on the Wall and its Learning and Participation Programme, visit www.bandonthewall.org.

For more news from Band on the Wall click here.

Posted at 14^th September 2011

Wigan Casino founder and Northern Soul legend launches new club night at Band on the Wall on landmark date

by Ethos public relations

Russ Winstanley, founder of the legendary Wigan Casino and champion of Northern Soul music, is launching a new club night at Manchester's iconic Band on the Wall on 23 September – 38 years to the day after the Casino hosted its first ever Northern Soul all nighter.

Russ Winstanley's Heart of Soul is a monthly club night that will also see the BBC Radio Lancashire DJ joined by well-known names from the Casino era.

Speaking about the residency, Malcolm Duffin, Director of Marketing at Band on the Wall, said: “We can’t wait for Russ Winstanley's Heart of Soul to kick off. We have a history of championing all genres of music at Band on the Wall and are delighted that Russ will be DJing at the venue.

“Over four million people passed through the doors at Wigan Casino and it was once voted the world's number one club by Billboard magazine – while Russ was crowned the world’s No 1 soul DJ. In our view this reputation continues to this day.

“Russ Winstanley's Heart of Soul will be a great night and we encourage all soul enthusiasts to dust down their dancing shoes and get their tickets as soon as possible!”

Heart of Soul launches on the 23 September and will kick off at 10.30pm when well-known broadcaster, writer and musician John Robb will be having a live "In Conversation..." with Russ and his guest DJs.

To learn more about the event and about Band on the Wall, go to www.bandonthewall.org.

For more news from Band on the Wall click here.

Posted at 31^st August 2011

Search is on for the UK’s best new music talent

by Ethos public relations

Up and coming bands and solo artists from across the UK are being given the opportunity to perform at legendary music venue Band on the Wall in a new competition to find the UK’s best new talent.

Ticketwall New Music Competition is open to acts from across the UK looking to hit the big time. The successful artist will not only win a nationally promoted gig in 2012 at legendary venue Band on the Wall, which has played host to thousands of international artists, but will also have their gig filmed and will have the opportunity to meet industry professionals who could help their career.

Entering the competition couldn’t be easier. Artists are being encouraged to go to www.ticketwall.org and upload their original tracks.

This competition marks the launch of Ticketwall - the UK’s first online ticket store where every ticket bought directly supports the development of music making in Britain.

When tickets are purchased on the website, 3p from every £1 spent will go towards supporting and nurturing the development, performance and enjoyment of music across the UK through projects, courses, classes and events.

Gavin Sharp, CEO of Band on the Wall, said: “Ticketwall New Music Competition is a great opportunity for an up and coming act to begin their journey to become a professional artist. The chance to perform at Band on the Wall is one that I am sure will excite many aspiring musicians. We are really looking forward to hearing all the great music that will be sent in and encourage as many acts as possible to take part.”

Nominations for Ticketwall New Music Competition are now open and will close on 31 December.

Ticketwall sells tickets for thousands of musical, comedy and sporting events across the UK with the same level of service as other online ticket shops. To find out more, visit www.ticketwall.org. Follow the Ticketwall New Music Competition on Twitter @ticketwall.

To learn more about Band on the Wall, go to www.bandonthewall.org.

For more news from Band on the Wall click here.

Posted at 12^th July 2011

New online ticket store music to the ears for charity

by Ethos public relations

Iconic Manchester live music venue Band on the Wall, is launching a pioneering national online ticket store to raise funds to support music education and participation projects.

Ticketwall is the first of its kind and tickets for any music, sporting or comedy event can be purchased from the website, with a portion of the booking fee going to support Band on the Wall’s charitable activities.

Speaking about the launch, Gavin Sharp, CEO of Band on the Wall, said: “Just as with any other national ticket store you can buy tickets for thousands of concerts in hundreds of venues across the country. But what makes this site really special is that every ticket bought supports great music projects which help build a brighter future for music – something that we can all be proud of.”

When tickets are purchased on Ticketwall, 3p from every £1 spent will go towards supporting and nurturing the development, performance and enjoyment of music across the UK through projects, courses, classes and events.

Gavin added: “We believe in live music and Ticketwall is just one of a number of ways that we can help to promote and nurture new live music and up and coming bands.”

To find out more about Ticketwall - which is brought to you by registered charity Band on the Wall and Ticketline, one of the UK’s largest ticketing agents - visit www.ticketwall.org.

To learn more about Band on the Wall, go to www.bandonthewall.org.

For more news from Band on the Wall click here.

Posted at 5^th July 2011

Band on the Wall wins the NME Best Small Venue in the North West award

by Ethos public relations

Band on the Wall - Manchester’s legendary music venue – has been voted the North West’s Best Small Venue by readers of national music magazine NME.

Over 70,000 people voted online for their most beloved venues in each region of the UK and Band on the Wall came out top in North West. They now face other regional winners from around the UK to find Britain’s Best Small Venue.

The UK’s winning venue will be announced on 21 June after a panel of music industry experts deliberate. The experts include former Undertones front man and head of the UK Music organisation, Feargal Sharkey, Festival Republic boss Melvin Benn, Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens and Friendly Fires.

Malcolm Duffin, Marketing Manager at Band on the Wall said: “There are many great venues across the region and we are proud that gig goers have voted us the North West’s Best Small Venue. We feel that the diverse acts that the venue attracts and the atmosphere that it generates is second to none and we will keep our fingers crossed for the national accolade.”

Since its relaunch in September 2009, Band on the Wall, a registered charity promoting live entertainment, has welcomed thousands of concert goers, not only to its Swan Street premises but increasingly to venues across the UK. It has developed innovative programming for the likes of the Pleasance Theatre in Edinburgh, The Wardrobe in Leeds and the Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal.

To find out more about Band on the Wall, visit www.bandonthewall.org.

For more news from Band on the Wall click here.

Posted at 15^th June 2011

Band on the Wall announce new Winter into Spring 2010 season

by Ethos public relations

After the successful 'Back To Our Place' opening season legendary Manchester venue Band on the Wall are delighted to announce their new season of 2010 concerts.

The new season, entitled 'Winter Into Spring 2010, kicks off with Justin Adams, who worked with Robert Plant for eight years, being joined by Juldeh Camara, on 15 January.

Acclaimed musician, composer and producer Nitin Sawhney then takes over the venue for 10 days when he and an internationally assembled group of singers, instrumentalists and MCs from Manchester, Genova and Marseille come together to create a unique concert from scratch on 30 January as well as special club night and a special talk by Sawhney about his life as a musician.

Also in the season legendary Yes guitarist Steve Howe brings his Trio to the venue (11 March) and Dan Berglund, former e.s.t. bassist, releases his first solo recording and will showcase it with Dan Berglund's Tonbruket (25 March).

Rising world music star Yasmin Levy, 1980s icons Swing Out Sister, the great American soul singer Marlena Shaw and internationally acclaimed trumpet player, composer and producer Nils Petter Molvaer all play at the venue in the coming months.

And of course Mr Scruff continues his 'Keep It Unreal' monthly residency at the venue on the first Saturday of every month.

Mike Chadwick, Music Programmer at Band on the Wall said: "The programme we have out together for the first season of 2010 is one that should keep every music fan happy. We have Mercury Music Prize nominees, MOBO winners, artists that have had phenomenal success in the past and artists that are bursting on the scene and making their mark across many genres of music.

"They will all take to the stage at one of the country?s most historic venues and bring their own unique music styles to fans and I for one can not wait!"

To receive advance event notification of gigs at the venue and to find out how to obtain discounts, sign up to the mailing list at www.bandonthewall.org, or call 0845 2 500 500 to buy tickets.

Artists playing in the second season at Band on the Wall:

January 2010

Fri 15 January - Justin Adams & Juldeh Camara - £12.50
Sat 16 January - Denis Jones - £8
Tue 19 January - John Escreet Band - £12.50
Sat 23 January - Aftershock feat. Nitin Sawhney+Abraxxxas+Matt Halsall+Fyzah DJ Sets - £6
Tue 26 January - Nitin Sawhney In Person - A Musician's Life - £5
Sat 30 January - Aftershock International - Artistic Director Nitin Sawhney - £12

February 2010

Tue 2 February - Marconi Union - £10
Fri 5 February - The Bittersweets - £12.50
Sat 6 February - Mr Scruff Keep It Unreal - £11 Adv, £12 Door
Mon 8 February - Ian King - £8
Tue 9 February - Yasmin Levy - £15
Thu 11 February - Kit Downes Trio & Troyka - £12.50
Sat 13 February - Dick Gaughan - £12.50
Tue 16 February - Stornoway & Beth Jeans Houghton - £10
Thu 18 February - Gwilym Simcock Trio feat Gerard - £15
Fri 19 February - Gizelle Smith & The Mighty Mocambos - £10
Sat 20 February - Jonatha Brooke Band - £14.50

Mon 22 February - Swing Out Sister - £16.50
Tue 23 February - Swing Out Sister - £16.50
Thu 25 February - Nils Petter Molvaer - £15
Fri 26 February - Spiro - £10
Sat 27 February - The Sound Stylistics - £14
Sun 28 February - Buffalo Collision & Trio VD - £15

March 2010

Mon 1 March - Kathryn Williams - £14.50
Tue 2 March - Baby Dee - £12.50
Thu 4 March - Dave O'Higgins & Eric Alexander Quintet - £14
Sat 6 March - Mr Scruff Keep it Unreal - £11Adv / £12 Door
Tue 9 March - Nic Bartsch?s Ronin - 315
Thu 11 March - Steve Howe Trio - £17.50
Fri 12 March - Dennis Bovell Dub Band - £14.50
Sat 13 March - Skip 'Little Axe' McDonald - £12.50
Sun 14 March - Portico Quartet - £10
Thu 18 March - Jose James - £14.50
Fri 19 March - Joshco Stephan - £12.50
Sat 20 March - Marlena Shaw - £20
ue 23 March - Tunng - £12.50
Thu 25 March - Dan Berglund (e.s.t) - £15
Fri 26 March - Sierra Maestra - £14.50
Sat 27 March - Introducing plays DJ Shadows Endtroducing - £10
Tue 30 March - Andy McKee - £12.50

Posted at 21^st December 2009

Nitin Sawhney takes over Band on the Wall

by Ethos public relations

Acclaimed musician, composer and producer Nitin Sawhney is taking over Manchester's legendary venue Band on the Wall in January.

Nitin launches Aftershock International on 23 January with a club night and he will give a talk on 26 January about his life in music. This is all in the build up to an extraordinary concert on 30 January.

The concert is a unique musical collaboration between Nitin and an internationally assembled group of singers, instrumentalists and MC's from Manchester, Genoa and Marseille. They will be working intensively for 10 days - from 21-30 January - at the venue to create an incredible new one-off performance.

Matt Halsall, Denis Jones, Pascal Daniel, Abraxxxas and Roberto Tiranti are just a few of the artists who will come together and mix soul and R&B with experimental electronica and French hip-hop blends with folk and jazz.

Nitin, who will be the artistic director for the event has made eight studio albums, for which he has been nominated for a Mercury Music prize, won a MOBO, 2 BBC Radio 3 awards and a Southbank show award, amongst 15 others. He is also now a judge for The Ivor Novello Awards, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards and the British Independent Film Awards.

Nitin said: "Aftershock has always been one of my favourite projects. It's refreshing and inspiring to be able to work alongside such amazing new talent. What's really important is that we all expect the final event to be a proper gig, not a workshop showcase, so there's pressure to deliver but the intensity is one of the many things that make Aftershock so enjoyable"

Mike Chadwick, Music Programmer at Band on the Wall said: "We are delighted that Nitin is coming to Band on the Wall and the whole experience will be amazing for everyone involved and everybody watching.

"Band on the Wall has a history playing music from many genres from across the globe and having this mix of genres and artists coming together to play together epitomises what the venue is all about."

To receive advance event notification of gigs at the venue and obtain discounts, sign up to the mailing list at www.bandonthewall.org, or call 0845 2 500 500 to buy tickets.

To find out more about Aftershock and the musicians go to www.aftershockproject.com.

Artists playing at Aftershock International:

- Fyza - Singer (Liverpool)
- Denis Jones - Guitarist Songwriter (Manchester)
- Hannah Peel - Flute/Violin/Vocals (Liverpool)
- Matt Halsall - Trumpeter/ Producer (Manchester)
- Amandine - Singer (France)
- Abraxxas - (MC) (France)
- Pascal Daniel - Keyboard/Vocals (France)
- ILA - Guitar/Vocals (Italy)
- Marika Pellegrini - Percussionist (Italy)
- Roberto Tiranti - Singer (Italy)

Posted at 16^th December 2009

'See' the music at Band on the Wall

by Ethos public relations

Manchester's legendary music venue Band on the Wall has installed a unique equaliser which allows passers by to 'see' the music that is being played inside the venue.

The equaliser, which was made and designed from scratch by Pop Empires and Lee Donnelly, has 16,000 LED lights and uses half a kilometre of wiring. The equaliser was a year in the making and allows people outside the venue the see the music that is playing inside the venue through and series or bars that light up as you would see on a radio.

Mike Trainor of Pop Empires said: "It is so good to see the equaliser up and running at Band on the Wall. Lee and I have designed, made and installed the equaliser from start to finish and we hope the people of Manchester get as much joy out of it as we did. It is a unique production and we think it takes 'the pulse of the city'. It is also quite environmentally friendly in that - even though it is very light - it does not use up much power due to the fast switching LEDs"

The equaliser, which covers the entire outside top corner of the building, will be on most afternoons and evening. During the afternoon it will play the sound and noises coming from the Picturehouse and during the evening it will play the sounds of the artists inside the venue. The equaliser can also be transferred so that it plays the sounds coming from outside the venue - meaning ambulance sirens and people talking can have an effect on the lights on the equaliser.

Mike Chadwick, Music Programmer at Band on the Wall: "As well as being a wonderful artwork, the equaliser not only acts as a visual gateway to the city's vibrant Northern Quarter, but also we hope as a symbol of the revitalisation of Manchester's music scene with the reopening of Band on the Wall."

Ceri Aston, who was at the launch of the landmark piece of public artwork, said: "The equaliser looks cool and it certainly lights up the venue and the streets! People were going past honking their horns at it and I can see people having a lot of fun with it."

To find out more about the venue, receive advance event notification and obtain discounts please visit the Band on the Wall website at www.bandonthewall.org.

Posted at 2^nd December 2009

Mr Scruff to 'Keep it Unreal' at Band on the Wall

by Ethos public relations

Manchester's acclaimed DJ and producer Mr Scruff is moving his popular club night, Keep It Unreal, to the city's legendary venue Band on the Wall.

The long running Manchester residency, which brings a mix of jazz, soul, hip hop, funk, disco, deep house, reggae, dubstep, afrobeat, breaks, latin to the venue is just one of a number of club events that promises to warm up gig goers this winter.

The first Keep It Unreal night is on 28 November and will be followed with a Keep It Unreal New Year's Eve party.

Mr Scruff, a supporter of Band on the Wall, said: "I was delighted when I heard that Band on the Wall was reopening. The venue supports a wide range of quality music, plus the new sound system is spectacular! I can't wait to bring Keep It Unreal here."

As well as Mr Scruff a whole host of club nights are planned in the near future at Band on the Wall which will feature some of the world's best DJs and artists with many nights featuring live sets. December highlights include Massive Attack's Daddy G, original Jazzanova DJs Alexander Barck and Claas Brieler, Television actor and DJ Craig Charles and, straight from New York, Qool DJ Marv.

To receive advance event notification of gigs at the venue and obtain discounts, sign up to the mailing list at www.bandonthewall.org, or call 0845 2 500 500 to buy tickets.


Club nights/Late Night Events performers and prices:

- Friday 13 November - Salsa Celtica Aftershow Party feat. DJ Lubi - £6 (Free with Salsa Celtica concert ticket)

- Saturday 14 November - Salsa Celtica Aftershow Party with Latin/Brazilian DJ sets - £6 (Free with Salsa Celtica concert ticket)

- Friday 20 November - Breakestra plus Funk Club late night party - £12.50

- Saturday 21 November - Step Up feat. Sneaky Live plus DJs - £6

- Friday 27 November - Soul:ution feat. Marcus Intalex + Calibre + Doc Scott + MC DRS - £8

- Saturday 28 November - Mr Scruff - Keep It Unreal Housewarming Party - £11 advance/£12 door

- Friday 4 December - Curve feat. Geeneus + Grievous Angel - £8

- Saturday 5 December - D3K 1st Birthday feat. Trus' Me album launch plus Qool DJ Marv and Nick Sinna - £6/more on door

- Friday 11 December - Blood and Fire present Daddy G (Massive Attack) & Dom Go Head To Head - £6 (Free entry for Macka B ticket holders)

- Saturday 12 December - Festa Brazil presents Dancin' Me Socks Off - £6

- Sunday 13 December - Bahia Beats And Boogie - £6

- Friday 18 December - Jazzanova - Alex and Claas DJ Set - £10

- Saturday 19 December - Haggis Horns + Craig Charles DJ set - £10

- Thursday 31 December - Mr Scruff New Year's Eve Keep It Unreal - £23

Posted at 11^th November 2009

Winter Jazz at Band on the Wall

by Ethos public relations

Manchester's legendary music venue Band on the Wall has announced a dazzling Winter Jazz season in the lead up to Christmas.

The venue - which earlier this year was nominated for the Brecon Jazz Blue Plaque Award for its outstanding contribution to UK Jazz - welcomes Mercury Music Prize nominees Polar Bear and jazz titan Jerry Bergonzi (pictured) and many others to its stage over the coming weeks.

Avant jazz quintet Polar Bear are joined by the legendary The Profound Sound Trio in a spectacular double bill on 24 November while Jerry Bergonzi brings his awesome technique, elastic lyricism and breathtaking, tour-de-force live sets to Band on the Wall on 3 December.

Helge Lien Trio, Empirical and Some Other Country are also a few of artists that will be using the venue's state-of-the-art sound system to wow audiences.

Mike Chadwick, Music Programmer at Band on the Wall and himself a jazz DJ, said: "Many musical genres are catered for here at Band on the Wall - be it jazz, soul, reggae or funk to name a few. The jazz artists that are playing in the next few weeks are a great mix of established world class musicians alongside young pioneers causing a stir of excitement on the international jazz scene."

To receive advance event notification of gigs at the venue and obtain discounts, sign up to the mailing list at www.bandonthewall.org, or call 0845 2 500 500 to buy tickets.

Full details of artists for the Winter Jazz season:

- Thursday 12 November - Empirical - £12.50

- Tuesday 17 November - Michael Wollny - £12.50

- Thursday 19 November - Helge Lien Trio - £12.50

- Monday 23 November - Bass Day UK presents The Poogie Bell Band plus Adam Nitti - £10

- Tuesday 24 November - Polar Bear + Profound Sound Trio - £12.50

- Thursday 3 December - Jerry Bergonzi - £12.50

- Thursday 17 December - Some Other Country - £14.50

Posted at 10^th November 2009

Donation is music to the ears of legendary Manchester venue

by Ethos public relations

Manchester's iconic music venue - Band on the Wall - has received its biggest individual cash donation to date from composer, musician and saxophonist, Pete Thomas.

Pete Thomas, a long-time supporter of Band on the Wall raised £3,000 via sales of CDs, DVDs, mouthpieces, sheet music, advertising revenue and donations on his website and also on his saxophone site and forum.

The money raised will go towards several projects in the city, including an initiative with school children in Gorton as well as the Band on the Wall's own learning and participation project - SoundRoutes - which is already up and running in Manchester's Northern Quarter.

Receiving the cheque, Tim Chatterton, Band on the Wall Learning & Participation Officer, said: "As a registered charity operating as a not-for-profit company, such generous donations and support from the public make a huge difference to our education and community work. We are immensely grateful to Pete for allowing us to make this important side of Band on the Wall's main programme even better."

Pete Thomas recently attended the re-launch of Band on the Wall in September, and it was while he was there that he generously gave the venue a further donation to support its work with young people who may not usually have access to out of school activities in the Arts.

Pete Thomas said: "As a musician and a huge supporter of Band on the Wall, I am delighted to be able to give something back to the community in this way and am thrilled that my donation will really help to make a difference to the lives of youngsters across Manchester."

More information about Band on the Wall can be found at www.bandonthewall.org.

Posted at 30^th October 2009

Club nights and late night events announced at Band on The Wall

by Ethos public relations

Manchester's iconic music venue Band on the Wall has announced a host of club nights and late night events as part of it's 'round midnight' programme.

The venue, which closed almost five years ago for major renovation, will be transformed into a dancefloor Mecca when it plays host to television and radio star Craig Charles this month who is playing at the venue with Lefties Soul Connection.

Many other DJs will spin music at the venue - namely Hewan Clarke, Hacienda original and titan of the Manchester soul scene, who plays on 3 October, and Cooly G, Joy Orbison and Jon K vs Samrai who will play funky, dubstep, juke and streetrave on 9 October.

Mike Chadwick, music programmer at Band on the Wall said: "We have got a great line up of artists playing at the venue and the DJs playing on the club nights and late night shows will defiantly get the crowds jumping at Band on the Wall."

To receive advance event notification of gigs at the venue and obtain discounts, sign up to the mailing list at www.bandonthewall.org, or call 0845 2 500 500 to buy tickets.

Club nights/Late Night Events performers and prices:

- Bongo Mondo - 2 October - £6 (Free with Kanda Bongo Man concert ticket

- Sunburst Club feat. Hewan Clarke plus Irfan Rainy DJ sets - 3 October - £6 (Free entry with Sunburst Band concert ticket)

- Curve - 9 October - £7 Advance / £8 Door

- Lefties Soul Connection feat. Corrina Greyson The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show - 10 October - £10

- King Cosmic Sound Meets Blood & Fire Feat. Country Culture - 16 October - £6 (Free entry with Mad Professor concert ticket)

- Festa Brazil feat. The Republic of Swing Bateria - Live Set - 17 October - £6

- Speakeasy Is 10 - 23 October - £5 Advance/ £6 Door

- Step Up feat. Matt Halsall Live Set - 24 October - £6

- Soul:ution - 30 October - £8

- Trus'Me and Nick Sinna present D3K (Disco 3000) - 31 October - £6 (Free with Kaidi Tatham concert ticket)

Posted at 6^th October 2009

Iconic Manchester venue reopens

by Ethos public relations

Manchester's iconic music venue Band on the Wall reopened at the weekend, almost five years after it was closed for a £4m overhaul.

Soul diva Mica Paris and jazz pianist Julian Joseph joined forces for a one-off performance for a crowd of 300 at a venue which has hosted the likes of Joy Division, Simply Red and Buzzcocks in the past.

Julian Joseph, musician and patron of the venue, said: "Band on the Wall is an institution where one expects music and musicians of the highest calibre. All artists established or blazing a new trail have a home at the Band on the Wall and the venue will foster and fuel even greater expectations in performance, service and artistry in the future."

Using cash from the Arts Council England, Heritage Lottery Fund and Manchester City Council, the not-for-profit venue has transformed itself into a 21st Century centre for music. New facilities include a new sound system, audio-visual and sound studios, multi-use social space The Picturehouse and education suites from where a series of initiatives will be run.

CEO Gavin Sharp acknowledged the crucial role of funding in bringing the venue back into use. "A huge thank you for the support of the Arts Council England, Heritage Lottery Fund and Manchester City Council which have made Band on the Wall's come back possible," he said.

"But the launch is just the beginning and we look forward to providing Manchester with a platform for some of the best local, national and international music and, in doing so, reclaiming our place as one of the cornerstones of the North West's music-scene."

Band on the Wall's opening showcase continues until 31 October with performances from an array of accomplished and respected artists and musical genres from around the world, including 2008 Mercury Music Prize nominated The Unthanks, 10-piece band Jazzanova, soul singer Eric Roberson and internationally acclaimed Malian ngoni player Bassekou Kouyate.

To receive advance event notification and obtain discounts sign up to the venue's mailing list at www.bandonthewall.org or call 0845 2 500 500 to buy tickets.

Posted at 2^nd October 2009

Legendary music venue reopens doors to the North West

by Ethos public relations

After a four year major renovation, Manchester's legendary music venue Band on the Wall is back.

The venue, which reopens on the 25 September, secured itself a place in music history where the likes of Joy Division, Bjork, Simply Red and Buzzcocks performed some of their very first concerts. As a powerhouse for music, fans came from all over the North West to see UK and international artists perform live at the venue.

Deborah Drinkwater, aged 47 and from Hope, recalls the unforgettable atmosphere of the venue, including a particularly memorable night when she got chatting to Manchester United star Eric Cantona in the audience watching some jazz.

"As a huge Cantona fan, it was amazing to see him standing by the bar - like any other regular - at Band on the Wall," said Deborah. "After a couple of drinks, I finally summed up the courage to go over to him and tell him how much I liked him, which would be fine, but I did it in French! Not a good idea when you can hardly speak a word of the language," she laughs.

"Band on the Wall was hands-down my favourite Manchester club in the 80s and 90s - with no other venue able to top it for entertainment, atmosphere, bands and mix in age groups. I can't wait for the doors to be reopened!"

Cyril Hyland, 66 grew up on Cross Lane in Salford and his job installing food machinery in flour mills across the country in the 70s and 80s meant that he would travel all over the UK. He spent his time after work visiting different jazz venues.

"Band on the Wall beat other legendary venues at the time, such as Ronnie Scott's in London, because of its unique atmosphere," said Cyril. "You were so close to the stage and all of the action and the artists performing there also seemed to feel so at home."

The not-for-profit venue has been awarded £4 million in combined awards by Arts Council England, Heritage Lottery Fund and Manchester City Council to transform it into a 21st Century centre for music.

New facilities include a new sound system, audio-visual and sound studios, multi-use social space The Picturehouse and education suites from where a series of initiatives with local schools and colleges will be run.

Gavin Sharp, CEO of Band on the Wall acknowledged the crucial role of funding in bringing the venue back into use.

"We would not have been able to do any of this without the support of the Arts Council England, Heritage Lottery Fund and Manchester City Council," said Gavin. "We are incredibly grateful for their help, and for the support of all our other sponsors, and look forward to reclaiming our place as one of the cornerstones of the North West's music scene."

Band on the Wall relaunches with Back To Our Place - a month-long international music showcase which will run from 25 September - 31 October. Highlights include soul diva Mica Paris performing a one-off concert with legendary jazz pianist Julian Joseph, 2008 Mercury Music Prize nominated The Unthanks, sonic dub master Mad Professor with The Ariwa Posse and internationally acclaimed Malian ngoni player Bassekou Kouyate.

With its new facilities, Band on the Wall will not just be a platform for international artists, but will be a centre for visitors young and old from around the North West and beyond.

"We have developed the building next to the main auditorium, The Picturehouse, so that the public can access our archives on music, artists who have performed here and on the fans who came to see them," Gavin added.

"We also have a new Learning and Participation programme which will offer activities for everyone regardless of age, experience or ability.

"So we're really sure that the new, improved Band on the Wall won't disappoint."

To receive advance event notification and obtain discounts sign up to the venue's mailing list at www.bandonthewall.org or call 0845 2 500 500 to buy tickets.

Posted at 23^rd September 2009

The sounds of Africa at Band on The Wall

by Ethos public relations

Soukous legend Kanda Bongo Man, award winning Bassekou Kouyate and Africa's finest jazz orchestra the African Jazz Allstars are to appear at Manchester's iconic music venue Band on the Wall.

The venue, which closed four years ago for major renovation, has a reputation for showcasing an array of accomplished artists and musical genres from around the world, and has seen the likes of Zimbabwean superstar Thomas Mpfumo play there in the past.

The first season at Band on the Wall will see Soukous music star, and inventor of the Kwassa Kwassa dance move, Kanda Bongo Man return to the venue on 2 October. He last performed there a decade ago and he also played at the first ever WOMAD festival in the UK in 1982.

African Jazz Allstars, with celebrated guitarist Lucky Ranku at the helm, will appear at Band on the Wall on 15 October. The 12-piece orchestra includes musicians from Tanzania, Nigeria, Uganda, Congo, Ghana, Cameroon and South Africa.

Bassekou Kouyate completes the African theme playing at Band on the Wall on 22 October. His album 'Segu Blue' was one of the most celebrated African releases of 2007 and it won album of the year at the BBC World Music Awards last year. His band Ngoni Ba has become one of Mali's most influential bands of the 21st Century.

Mike Chadwick, music programmer at Band on the Wall said: "We have a policy here of bringing the world's best music to perform at the venue and so we're thrilled to have these legends on centre-stage in the UK."

To receive advance event notification of gigs at the venue and obtain discounts, sign up to the mailing list at www.bandonthewall.org, or call 0845 2 500 500 to buy tickets.

Kanda Bongo Man, 2 October £14.50
African Jazz Allstars, 15 October £14.50
Bassekou Kouyate, 22 October £14.50

Posted at 10^th September 2009

Music for all folk at Band on The Wall

by Ethos public relations

Band on the Wall reaffirms itself as a major platform for folk music as the legendary venue announces its opening season.

Rising star Jim Moray, Mercury Music Prize nominees The Unthanks and even Pentangle legends, John Renbourn and Jacqui McShee, are just some of the artists bringing folk in all its forms back to Band on the Wall when it reopens at the end of the month.

The iconic music venue, located in Manchester, closed 4 years ago for a major renovation. With a reputation for showcasing an array of accomplished artists and musical genres from around the world from every genre, including jazz, soul, funk and reggae, it has also seen many folk artists, including John Martyn, Norma Waterson and Maddy Prior, play there in the past.

As well as The Unthanks and Jim Moray, the venue's launch season will see performances by one of folk music's greatest innovators, Martin Carthy, TV comedian Ade Edmondson's folk punk band The Bad Shepherds, plus the world-renowned flute player Michael McGoldrick.

Female singer-songwriter's are not ignored either with Thea Gilmore, Devon Sproule, Lucy Kaplansky and Lamb's Lou Rhodes taking to the stage during the Autumn.

Mike Chadwick, music programmer at Band on the Wall said: "We've a real history of putting on great folk music and so we're delighted to have been able to secure some of the best known names in folk, and its new rising stars, to play at the venue in our opening season."

To receive advance event notification of gigs at the venue, buy tickets and get exclusive offers, sign up to the mailing list at www.bandonthewall.org or call 0845 2 500 500 to buy tickets.

Folk, Americana and related music at Band on the Wall:*

Ade Edmondson & The Bad Shepherds, 30 September 314.50
Michael McGoldrick Band, 9 October £16.50
Lucy Kaplansky, 10 October £14.50
Devon Sproule, 13 October £12.50
Gwyneth Herbert, 17 October £12.50
In the City & The Odbod Collective present Kirsty Almeida + special guests, 18 October Free
The Unthanks, 19-20 October £12.50
Jim Moray, 23 October £12.50
Edward II, 7 November £12.50
Salsa Celtica, 13-14 November £15
Emily Loizeau & Liz Green, 16 November £12.50
Erik Mongrain, 20 November £12.50
Chris Wood?s Handmade Life, 21 November £15
Martin Simpson, 27 November £14.50
John Renbourn & Jacqui McShee, 29 November £12.50
Lou Rhodes, 30 November £12.50
Thea Gilmore, 1 December £12.50
Martin Carthy, 4 December £12.50
Paul Barrere & Fred Tackett, 5 December £14.50
The Oysterband, 8 December £14.50

* This is only one part of the venue's programming. To see the full list of artists playing in the launch season, go to www.bandonthewall.org/events.

Posted at 9^th September 2009

Reggae at The Band on The Wall

by Ethos public relations

Reggae superstars Yellowman and Mad Professor and the Ariwa Posse are to appear at Manchester's legendary music venue Band on the Wall.

Band on the Wall, which closed four years ago for major renovation, has a reputation for showcasing an array of accomplished artists and musical genres from around the world, and has seen the likes of Burning Spear and Lee 'Scratch' Perry play there in the past.

The first season at Band on the Wall will see reggae rub-a-dub star Yellowman perform his subversive lyrics and infectious Jamaican grooves. He is recognised as a major influence on hip hop, with artists such as Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur recycling his work.

Sonic dub master Mad Professor is a prolific producer, contributing to or producing nearly 200 albums in his lifetime. Born in Guyana in South America, he is considered one of the leading producers of dub music's second generation.

Mike Chadwick, music programmer at Band on the Wall said: "Both Yellowman and Mad Professor are international stars that have performed at dance halls, venues and festivals all over the world and so we really welcome them to Manchester and look forward to bringing reggae back to Band on the Wall."

To receive advance event notification of gigs at the venue and obtain discounts, sign up to the mailing list at www.bandonthewall.org, or call 0845 2 500 500 to buy tickets.

Mad Professor and the Ariwa Posse, 16 October £14.50
Yellowman, 6 November £14.50

Posted at 4^th September 2009

Jazz at the Band

by Ethos public relations

Jazz fans are in for a real treat when Manchester music venue Band on the Wall reopens at the end of September featuring 15 jazz acts in its first season.

Band on the Wall, which closed four years ago for major renovation, has a global reputation for showcasing an array of accomplished jazz artists from around the world and has seen the likes of Art Blakey, Courtney Pine and Slim Gaillard play there in the past.

The first season at Band on the Wall will see Mercury Music Prize nominees Polar Bear in concert as well as Berlin-based collective Jazzanova performing nu jazz, broken beat and jazz house styles over a two night residency. Other highlights include pianist and electronics wizard Bugge Wesseltoft, Finland's Five Corners Quintet, Africa's finest jazz orchestra African Jazz Allstars and many more.

Mike Chadwick, music programmer at Band on the Wall and Jazz FM presenter said: "We've a real history of putting on great jazz and this is a tradition that we aim to continue."

One of the cornerstones of Manchester's music scene since the 1970s, the public recently voted Band on the Wall as the second most influential venue in the history of British Jazz.

To receive advance event notification of gigs at the venue and obtain discounts, sign up to the mailing list at www.bandonthewall.org, or call 0845 2 500 500 to buy tickets.

Jazz at Band on the Wall:

The Bays, 27 September £12.50
Bugge Wesseltoft + Stuart McCallum, 1 October £12.50
Jazzanova featuring Paul Randolph, 5 & 6 October £15
Mike Walker Sextet, 8 October £12.50
Five Corners Quintet, 14 October £12.50
African Jazz Allstars, 15 October £14.50
Eivind Aarset, 24 October £12.50
Azymuth, 10 November £12.50
Empirical, 12 November £12.50
Michael Wollny, 17 November £12.50
Helge Lien Trio, 19 November £12.50
Polar Bear & Profound Sound Trio, 24 November £12.50
Partisans, 26 November £12.50
Jerry Bergonzi, 3 December £12.50
Some Other Country, 17 December £14.50

Posted at 3^rd September 2009

New website is music to the eyes

by Ethos public relations

Manchester music venue Band on the Wall has launched a new website which promises to provide a unique user experience for music-lovers.

The site combines the facility to buy tickets with a social network to help users discover new music, review artists, upload and share images, watch concerts and contribute to the venue's ongoing archive.

Malcolm Duffin, Marketing Manager at Band on the Wall said: "We really wanted to produce a site where users could explore, enjoy and expand into an international platform for the best music from around the world.

"By joining the venue?s social network - Bandwidth - we are able to see what kind of music you enjoy and use that information to send you recommendations for similar artists and events."

Ben Holden, Creative Director at Cahoona, the agency behind the new website said: "The brief supplied by Band on the Wall really captured our imaginations - it's great to see a live venue paying such close attention to their audience. We decided to use the latest web technologies, and looked to sites such as the BBC iPlayer, Facebook and Last.fm to inspire the social functionality."

"It's not just about the social web" adds Jon Grant, Project Director at Cahoona, "it's also about developing a platform that Band on the Wall can use to archive their extensive materials online. There's plenty in their stores such as old tickets, photographs and video. Users of the new website are also able to contribute to the archive by submitting materials they have from past gigs."

Unlike many other venues, Band on the Wall not only wants to bring crowds through the doors but is determined to let its fans influence the music it plays and the way it develops as a venue.

"It's the fans that make Band on the Wall what it is," said Malcolm. "They play a crucial role in telling us what they want to hear, artists they like and how we can improve and, in doing so, will help make us the best venue in the country."

Band on the Wall has an archive of material from the last 30 years containing images, audio and video and, by making it available to users who can add their own comments and memories, they will help build on that as well as create the future archive.

Users can also buy a Band Pass to get a free or discounted entrance on concerts and sign up for courses in tap-dance, improvisation, percussion and choir.

To get a preview of what?s to come when Band on the Wall reopens on 25 September, go to www.bandonthewall.org and click on Spotify to listen to the venue's own playlist for free.

Posted at 2^nd September 2009