THSH: What's On — World Music & Folk events

Nitin Sawhney: London Undersound

Tue 28 Oct Town Hall

From bizarre justifications for war to issues of race, nationality, religion and cultural identity, we are saturated with information and second-hand opinion. Since the bombings of 7/7 and the shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes, Nitin Sawhney feels that London’s heartbeat - that collective consciousness, the uniting hum of disparate voices - has changed. London Undersound, the tour of the album due for October release, captures the zeitgeist and reflects the common humanity that pervades superficial divides in a city of immense diversity, imagination and beliefs. Post-concert conversation with BBC Asian Network's Adil Ray and Nitin Sawhney £17.50 By arrangement with Primary Talent International Ltd Supported by Sampad and Shaanti

John Martyn plus support

Wed 12 Nov Town Hall

John Martyn will revisit his classic album, _Grace and Danger_, for a very special UK tour. He will also be showcasing new material as well as playing some of his best loved songs. This year legendary singer-songwriter John Martyn received the lifetime achievement award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. Martyn was presented the award by his friend Phil Collins and in a special message, Eric Clapton described Martyn as: "So far ahead of everything, it's almost inconceivable." Martyn has romanced generation after generation for more than 40 years with his powerfully heartfelt song-writing, as relevant now as ever, thanks to the homage paid by a new movement of folk artists. Fuelled by his huge voice and staggering guitar playing, there is always a near-religious intensity to a John Martyn show. Don't miss this rare opportunity to see the Scottish song-writing genius. £24.50

Amjad Ali Khan In Concert Supported by Sampad. In association with Radio XL

Sun 23 Nov Town Hall

The world-renowned sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan is a living legend. His playing is renowned for its deeply expressive vocal tone and its combination of heady sensuousness and profound spirituality. He has collaborated with Ravi Shankar, Yehudi Menuhin, appeared at WOMAD, and has performed several times for Prince Charles. _“Amjad Ali Khan casts a kind of charm on audiences, sending out ripples of excitement.”_ *New York Times* £10, £15, £20, £25

Omara Portuondo

Sat 13 Dec Town Hall

*Omara Portuondo:* *Diva of Buena Vista Social Club* Omara Portuondo is of the world’s legendary female voices • the seductive sound of old Havana. She has had a hugely successful career since the 1950s, and from 1995 she and Ibrahim Ferrer were the vocal heart of Buena Vista Social Club. Her central part in its success secured her a whole new fan base, wooed by her romantic tenderness, her latino rhythms, and her Piaf-like passion. This autumn she tours her new album, Gracias, with her core band members from Cuba and Brazil.

Town Hall presents Bellowhead with support In association with Moseley Folk Festival

Tue 16 Dec Town Hall

Bellowhead have taken the festival scene by the scruff of the neck over the past couple of years. Voted best group and best live band in the 2007 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, their euphoric live shows are much more than just folk, taking traditional songs to modern places with a wild invention, wit and energy that defies categorisation. “Wild, joyous, perverse, bold, crazed, full-blooded, intricate, fearless, funny, epic and mostly BIG . . . Bellowhead don't disappoint. Prepare to be amazed.” fRoots “They sweep all before them into a heady mix of great tunes, innovative arrangements, rampant imagination and brazen front . . . Extraordinary.” Mojo £18.50 stalls standing or circle seated
The support acts are as follows: The Old Dance School and Dave Swarbrick

The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra

Sat 27 Dec Town Hall

The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra returns to Town Hall, following last year’s sold-out concert, with a lively concert for the festive season. The unique arrangements of traditional items, mixed with John Mmason’s original compositions, are performed by an orchestra of fiddles, flutes, cellos, basses, accordions, piano and pipes, and augmented by the incomparable organ of Town Hall. Jigs, reels, marches, songs and other dance music will keep your feet tapping and have you joining in with the performers. Programme will also feature some poignant slow airs and the orchestra’s unique and stirring rendition of Highland Cathedral. This will be a night to remember for all the family, and especially for anyone with Scots connections. £10, £14, £18, £22.50, Choir benches £7.5
*John Mason MBE* conductor/musical director *Colette Ruddy* soprano *Dennis Haggerty* tenor *Jim McColl* compere

Richard Thompson: 1000 Years of Popular Music

Thu 29 Jan 2009 Town Hall

Displaying his trademark humour and uncanny genius, Richard Thompson takes you on a personal journey through his list of the greatest songs of the Millennium. From the ballads of the early middle ages, to more modern songs originally made known by such artists as Nat King Cole, Nelly Furtado, Gilbert & Sullivan and The Who, "_this as much a journey through Thompson's virtuosity as through a millennium of song._" The Guardian £20, £25
with *Judith Owen* (vocals, piano) and *Debra Dobkin* (percussion, vocals)

Juan Martin Flamenco Ensemble

Thu 5 Feb 2009 Town Hall

Voted into the top guitarists in the world by US Guitar Player magazine, Juan Martin brings his line up of the finest dancers and musicians. Martins ensemble is at the vanguard of modern flamenco with a unique style of music that succeeds in embracing classical, jazz and modern harmonies. An evening of exhilarating music and dance not to be missed. £10, £15, £20

Tom Paxton

Tue 24 Feb 2009 Town Hall

Tom Paxton's songs are known and loved around the world: _The Last Thing On My Mind_, _Ramblin Boy_, and _Bottle Of Wine_, just a few of his truly timeless works. His generosity to both audiences and fellow musicians is renowned, and his passion for justice and the ties that bind people together is unwavering: for all this and more, Tom Paxton ranks as one of the most revered musicians of his generation. "_I think we are all born singing Tom Paxton songs_" *Nanci Griffith* "_Tom's songs are fine songs in anyone's book_" *Uncut*

Fairport Convention Winter Tour 2009 plus special guest

Sat 7 Mar 2009 Town Hall

What's On — World Music & Folk events