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Saregama presents Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan & Group Simply Rahat
More Info Book TicketsMon 22 Mar 7:30pm Symphony Hall
Following the death of the great Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, an artist who reached out to millions of people across the globe, the mantle of Nusrat’s genius fell upon the shoulders of his nephew Rahat. Rahat’s ecstatic vocals are the result of years of training at the feet of his superstar uncle, and he's also world-famous for his forays into Bollywood. After a sell-out performance with the CBSO in autumn 2009, Rahat now returns with his group of twelve musicians to perform a mixed repertoire of memorable Qawwalis and his greatest Bollywood hits, from _Akhiyan Udeek Diyaan_ and _Saason Ki Mala Se Simroon Mein_ to _Jag Soona Soona Laage_ and _Jiya Dhadak Dhadak_ from blockbuster films _Om Shanti Om_ and _Kalyug_, respectively. Expect an unforgettable evening as he and his extraordinary ensemble transport you into the rapturous realms of spiritual discovery.
*Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan* _main vocalist_ *Wajahat Ali Khan, Farhat Ali, Asif Maqbool Chishti, Ghulam Abbas, Ali Raza* _chorus_ *Muhammad Shafique* _chorus & harmonium_ *Rashid Ali* _saxophone_ *Salman Ashraf* _bass guitar_ *Nadeem Ashraf* _drums_ *Suleman Ali* _keyboard_ *Amir Ali* _tabla_ *Ghulam Shahbaz* _dholak_
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Feast of Fiddles
More Info Book TicketsMon 5 Apr 7:30pm Town Hall
This concert is part of Feast of Fiddles’ 17th Spring Tour since the band first formed in 1994. What started as an informal get-together for Nettlebed Folk Club has gone from strength to strength with festival appearances at Cropredy, Broadstairs, Jersey, The Great British Beer Festival, Gosport and Marvellous in the Park. The line-up of fiddlers is a compendium of British folk stars: Phil Beer, Garry Blakeley, Ian Cutler, Tom Leary, Chris Leslie, Peter Knight and Brian McNeill are once again joined by Dave Mattacks, Hugh Crabtree, Dave Harding, John Underwood and Martin Vincent. Ticket holders are entitled to a third off the new CD _Walk Before You Fly_, when it is purchased at Town Hall on 5 April 2010.
Phil Beer, Garry Blakeley, Ian Cutler, Tom Leary, Chris Leslie, Peter Knight, Brian McNeill, Dave Mattacks, Hugh Crabtree, Dave Harding, John Underwood and Martin Vincent
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Arun Ghosh Sextet
More InfoFri 9 Apr 5:30pm Symphony Hall Foyer Bars
Conceived in Calcutta, bred in Bolton, matured in Manchester and living in London, Arun Ghosh’s musical vision and vocabulary reflects his rich geographical heritage. His Indo-Jazz Sextet play original music of South Asian origin with a contemporary jazz attitude, rocking urban beats, and the passion of punk. Sweet and timeless melodies give birth to soaring improvisations and raag explorations, driven by a heady mix of dub-reggae bass, tabla trickery and ferocious drum explosions. _‘What is this fiery music and where does it come from?’_ *Metro* _‘Extraordinary charisma and musicianship and a consistently riveting compositional skill’_ *Jazzwise* _‘A charismatic figure with a future’_ *The Guardian*
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Mother India Weekend
More InfoFri 9 Apr 7:00pm Town Hall
A journey through the musical heritage of Mother India in the company of a range of Indian musical masters - classical and contemporary, young and old, Asian and British-Asian. The weekend’s musical journey starts at the pinnacle of Mother India’s classical tradition, with a rare UK recital by santoor maestro and living legend Pandit Shivkumar Sharma. Then we encounter a younger generation of Indian musicians, Amaan and Ayaan Ali Khan. These gifted sarod players come from a distinguished classical lineage, but here they take the ancient classical tradition of Mother India on an East-West cross-cultural journey in collaboration with young British cellist Matthew Barley. Finally, we come right up-to-date in a cutting-edge event when young British-Asian artist DJ Tigerstyle explores his heritage and re-visions Mother India, a classic of Indian cinema, in contemporary idiom. Complementing these main-hall events, a pair of freestage events present young British Asian artists playing Indo-Jazz and the launch of Mid-day Mantra, a new, free monthly Saturday lunchtime series.
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Pandit Shivkumar Sharma (Mother India Weekend)
More Info Book TicketsFri 9 Apr 7:00pm Town Hall
The weekend’s journey starts at the pinnacle of the Indian classical tradition, with a rare UK recital by santoor maestro Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, one of its greatest living exponents.
*Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, Master of Santoor* With *Pandit Anindo Chatterjee*, _tabla_ *Rupinder Panesar* _sitar_ With *Upneet Dhadyalla* _tabla_
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Mid-day Mantra - Sanchita Pal
More InfoSat 10 Apr 1:00pm Symphony Hall Foyer Bars
Mid-day Mantra is a new free series presenting music from Mother India to uplift the spirit on a Saturday lunchtime. Escape the hurly-burly, as once a month we present outstanding Asian artists from the UK and the Indian subcontinent in relaxed, informal sessions. Chill out, take your shoes off, close your eyes and experience the richness and variety of Mother India’s musical heritage - with a few surprises and fusions thrown in for good measure! The Mid-day Mantra series opens with the magical singing of North Indian classical vocalist Sanchita Pal, who has performed extensively in India, Europe and the UK. Her voice has been used for a number of programmes by Channel Four, BBC TV and All India Radio. She is accompanied by internationally renowned tabla player Sarvar Sabri.
*Sanchita Pal* _Indian vocals_ *Sarvar Sabri* _tabla_ Tbc _harmonium_
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Amaan & Ayaan Ali Khan (Mother India Weekend)
More Info Book TicketsSat 10 Apr 7:30pm Town Hall
‘A bold and searching cross-cultural experiment between a Western classical cellist and top exponents of the sarod.’ Songlines Magazine on Strings Attached, best albums of 2003 ‘Matthew Barley . . . is a classical cellist who really can improvise with the masters . . . lush, arch-like cello melodies sit alongside decorative filigree on the sarod. Audibly inspired, the players pick up one another’s phrases and reinterpret them in their own way to end in dazzling fireworks.’ Evening Standard on the CD Strings Attached
*Amaan Ali Khan* _sarod_ *Ayaan Ali Khan* _sarod_ *Matthew Barley* _cello_
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Mother India - 21st Century Remix
More Info Book TicketsSun 11 Apr 7:30pm Town Hall
A dynamic audio-visual project that revisits the groundbreaking tour-de-force of Indian cinema, Mother India (1957). Experimental, yet true to the source, the film has been specially re-cut and remixed exclusively for this performance. DJ Tigerstyle, one of the world's leading Turntablists and electronic composers, reinterprets the score live for a contemporary audience. He is accompanied by the prodigious talents of cellist Matt Constantine, drummer David Shaw and visual editor Josh Ford. Post-show conversation between audience and artists led by Indy Hunjan from producers Kala Phool. Watch a clip from the performance "here":http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQNHjrZ2l3k Watch the promo video "here":http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-n37eMILkc
*DJ Tigerstyle* *Matt Constantine* _cello_ *David Shaw* _drums_ *Josh Ford* _visual editor_
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Tommy Fleming In Concert plus support
More Info Book TicketsSat 17 Apr 8:00pm Town Hall
Tommy is one of Ireland’s top entertainers and has had a hugely successful career over the past 16 years. He is famous for his own arrangements of _Danny Boy_, _Isle of Innisfree_ and _Hard Times_. He also covers songs from _You Raise Me Up_ to _Bridge over Troubled Water_, _Summer in Dublin_ and _Something Inside So Strong_. A Tommy Fleming concert is a musical experience not to be missed, he constantly receives the compliment that he sings better live than on his albums.
Plus support *John Carey Dance Academy* *South Birmingham Comhaltas*
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Paul Brady and Band plus support
More Info Book TicketsTue 20 Apr 7:30pm Town Hall
Paul Brady, singer, songwriter, musician and producer, has been at the forefront of popular music in Ireland for over forty years. His dramatic interpretations of classic traditional ballads such as _Arthur McBride_ and _The Lakes of Pontchartrain_ firmly established him as one of the cornerstones of the new wave of Irish music and song in the 1970s. He has since forged a reputation as one of Ireland’s finest singer-songwriters, releasing many popular and critically acclaimed records such as _The Island_, _Crazy Dreams_, _The Homes of Donegal_ and _Paradise Is Here_. Hiis songs have been recorded by artists including Tina Turner, Cliff Richard, Cher, Carole King, Art Garfunkel, Bonnie Raitt, Joe Cocker, Ronan Keating and Mary Black. Paul is known as a dynamic and passionate live performer whether in the company of his band or in the more intimate setting of solo performance. On this occasion he will be with his band to highlight the release of _Hooba Dooba_, his eagerly awaited collection of new songs and to revisit some old favourites.
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John Renbourn & Robin Williamson In Concert
More Info Book TicketsMon 26 Apr 8:00pm Town Hall
A John Renbourn (Pentangle, The John Renbourn Group) concert takes the listener into a rich musical landscape of warm vocals and witty asides. At the core is a revolutionary guitar style that explores the instrument's potential in unusual and beautiful ways. Robin Williamson (The Incredible String Band, Merry Band) is a songwriter of undisputed stature, a distinctive interpreter of traditional song, a published poet and novelist... amongst other things.
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Brit Asia TV Music Awards 2010
More Info Book TicketsSun 2 May 7:00pm Symphony Hall
Brit Asia TV, the UK’s only British Asian Music channel are set to smash the sound barrier by delivering an elaborate and much over due award ceremony to celebrate the success of Britain’s most accomplished artists within the British Asian Music Scene. Special Guest appearances will include Imran Khan, Jaz Dhami, and a long awaited Multi-tone collaboration from favourites including Malkit Singh, Alaap, Heera, Apna Sangeet and DCS. Doors open at 6.30pm. Smart dress code.
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English Originals Weekend 2010
More InfoFri 14 May 5:30pm Town Hall & Symphony Hall
Now in its third year, the critically acclaimed English Originals Weekend celebrates English music in all its diversity. From traditional folk to contemporary singer-songwriters; individuals all connected by a strong sense of place, identity and wit as well as possessing some fine musical talent. 'In less than two years, Birmingham’s reborn Town Hall may have already secured its place as the new spiritual home of English folk music' Birmingham Post, on English Originals Weekend 2009.
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N.O.M.A.D. English Originals Weekend & Rush Hour Blues
More InfoFri 14 May 5:30pm Symphony Hall Foyer Bars
Birmingham-based N.O.M.A.D. kick off English Originals Weekend with their uniquely enjoyable brand of folk-fusion. ‘The most enjoyable thing to happen to Donington Le Heath since Richard III slept there.’
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Grace and Danger: The Songs of John Martyn English Originals Weekend 2010
More Info Book TicketsFri 14 May 7:30pm Symphony Hall
It’s just over a year since the death of John Martyn, a musician of genius who walked a tightrope between the grace of his art and the danger of his personal demons. This special show is curated by bassist Danny Thompson, Martyn’s long time friend and collaborator.A range of special guests will pay tribute to the most soulful and innovative singer songwriter of his generation. Check back here for the latest artist updates.
Featuring special guests: *Badly Drawn Boy, Scott Matthews, Beverley Martyn, Eddi Reader, Beth Orton* and more tbc.
Curated by Danny Thompson
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Folk4Free English Originals Weekend 2010
More InfoSat 15 May 2:00pm Symphony Hall Foyer Bars
An afternoon of free folk music, curated by Moseley Folk Festival. *Dave Boddison* has been writing music for ten years and performing for seven. His solo acoustic sound hovers in the realms of ambient folk. 23-year-old *Abie Budgen* combines psychedelic, roots and blues sounds with finger-picking. As a child, *Deborah Hodgson* earned her first guitar by washing cars. Although not the most glamorous start to a career, she has now performed in festival fields, castles, a cathedral crypt and a major arena tour supporting 10CC. _‘Fantastic voice’_ Nick Britten, Daily Telegraph *Goodnight Lenin* caught the attention of audiences in Birmingham after releasing a YouTube video of a simple acoustic performance in which they sat perched on the counter-tops of their kitchen. The group attribute their sound to Bob Dylan and Elvis Perkins, mixing folk with a heavy American influence. 2010 is set to be a great year for the band as they supported First Aid Kit on the Birmingham leg of the duo’s UK tour and will be releasing their first limited edition single in the summer. Yet despite this, they can still be found performing amongst the pots and pans in kitchens. Growing up listening to Abba and Queen, *Megan Henwood* first performed at the tender age of nine. Turning eighteen she played her way round the world, singing to crowds in Venice, Thailand, India and Malaysia. After falling in love with Nepal, she has returned to Kathmandu twice to record with leading Nepalese musicians Nirmal Kulu, Binod Katal and Shyram Saram Nepali. In 2009 Megan won the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Musician of the Year Award.
2pm *Dave Boddison* 3pm *Abie Budgen* 4pm *Deborah Hodgson* 5pm *Goodnight Lenin* 6pm *Megan Henwood*
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The Graham Coxon Power Acoustic Ensemble English Originals Weekend 2010
More Info Book TicketsSat 15 May 7:30pm Town Hall
After last year’s triumphant Blur reunion tour, a range of special guests join outstanding singer-songwriter-guitarist Graham Coxon. The concert is based on his acclaimed solo album _The Spinning Top_, a narrative of a man’s journey from birth to death. The show features special video and projections made by director Chris Hopewell. ‘The Spinning Top is a revelation. A gorgeous album... that cements Coxon as a true icon in a day and age populated by unmagnificence’ BBC Music Magazine
Featuring guests Martin Carthy and Natasha Marsh, and friends
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Bellowhead + Jackie Oates English Originals Weekend 2010
More Info Book TicketsSun 16 May 7:30pm Town Hall
'Best live band we have. No contest' fRoots ‘The biggest, rowdiest and quite possibly, best thing to have happened to English music for a long while’ Q Magazine Bellowhead are a multi-talented group of musicians capable of playing a plethora of styles from around the world - big band to soul; jazz-funk to classical strings, yet retaining a unique sensitivity to English traditional music. Opening the evening is the critically acclaimed young folk singer and fiddler Jackie Oates. ‘Make room for an impeccable starlet-to-be' Word
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Anoushka Shankar: Sudakshini
More Info Book TicketsMon 17 May 7:30pm Town Hall
Anoushka Shankar, daughter of the legendary Ravi, believes in the timeless beauty of the ancient, classical Indian musical styles. _Sudakshini_ - loosely translated as "_A Beautiful Journey Southward_" - is her new acoustic project. With newly composed ragas interspersed with traditional South Indian Music, she explores the relationship between the North and South Indian traditions.
*Anoushka Shankar* _sitar_ *Tanmoy Bose* _tabla_ *Pirashanna Thevarajah* _mridangam, kanjira, ghatam_ *Ravichandra Kulur* _flute, kanjira_ *Plus other musicians*
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Roberto Fonseca
More Info Book TicketsWed 2 Jun 7:30pm Town Hall
_“Sensuous, fresh, modern - brings the piano dazzlingly to life.”_ The Daily Telegraph _“A genre-busting tour de force."_ The Observer _“Fonseca is a star.”_ The Independent On Sunday _"A fabulously gifted pianist, composer and band leader... a gift for melody that outshines more celebrated peers."_ The Guardian Roberto Fonseca is an extraordinary and charismatic young pianist from Cuba. He wowed audiences as a member of Buena Vista Social Club, where he was successor to Ruben Gonzalez, co-produced Ibrahim Ferrer’s last album, and released his debut album _Zamazu_ to global acclaim. His exuberant pianism draws on Cuban traditions, and his music is a vibrant, sexy and beguiling cocktail of Latin and Jazz, topped off with an unparalleled gift for melody.
*Roberto Fonseca* _piano/keyboards_ *Joel Hierrezuelo* _percussion_ *Javier Zalba* _clarinet, flute, sax_ *Ramsés Rodriguez* _drums_ *Omar Gonzáles* _double bass_
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