Ethos Public Relations Manchester

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