Guest blog by John Allsopp
Musicport, the indoor festival that’s sure to inspire
Happy people are open to new experiences and Musicport packs so many into one weekend you’ll have joyful stories to tell forever.
Our major coup this year is Hugh Masekela, one of the iconic figures of African music and an important figure in South Africa’s struggle against apartheid. His 1987 hit “Bring Him Back Home” became the anthem for Nelson Mandela’s world tour following his release from prison and Masekela played at the opening of the World Cup last year. “Music”, he says “makes life simple because it goes to the heart and the mind.”
Those who saw “Goldie’s Band” on TV earlier this year experienced moving television. Drum ‘n’ Bass pioneer Goldie scouted the country for 12 young musicians whose talent and passion for music was helping them overcome difficult circumstances. The result is 12lve (Goldie’s Band) and we welcome them for one of only two shows this year.
The Amsterdam Klezmer Band’s first UK performance is sure to get everyone dancing. Combining a Jewish Klezmer heritage with the intensity of a punk band and inspiration from Gypsy and Balkan dance music, this is one of Europe’s finest festival performers.
Chris Wood is winner of a clutch of Radio 2 folk awards, one of which he won this year for best original song for Hollow Point about the shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes. You can get close to him on Saturday.
Mercedes Peon has taken inspiration from the traditional songs and instruments of Galicia to produce a stunning number one album, SOS, “the way those Galician women play is formidably strong and tribal”. This is an exclusive UK performance of her one woman show that stunned the industry last year.
The Sunday Times said when Mary Coughlan sings “I made it through the hard times / now I sing the blues” she really means it. Expect a riveting set.
For light relief, The Third Policeman is a steam punk neuropera by Ergo Phizmiz (“A musical equivalent to Chris Morris” – BBC Radio 3). Also The Boy With Tape on his Face is an absurd one-man show that Time Out describes as “Utterly spectacular. Endlessly inventive. Hysterically funny”.
Mari Boine is a truly international artist and brings a Sámi heritage fused with jazz, rock and electronica to create a powerful live experience.
If Kanda Bongo Man brought the world the Kwasa Kwasa dance, was championed by Andy Kershaw (also here) and makes some of the most joyful, irresistable music you are ever likely to hear.
There’s also a full programme of film, workshops for song, dance, cookery and harmonica.
What Musicport delivers consistently, however, are magical moments that you just didn’t expect.
Musicport is held in Bridlington Spa from Friday 4 November to Sunday 6th. Tickets are available on the door.