9.29°C This editorial currently features in the May 2011 issue of The Colchester Circle, available throughout the town right now.
Keep Colchester Cool recommends…
Here are just some of the events taking place this month that you can attend, safe in the knowledge of hearing some great music.
Ben Howard
There’s plenty of choice in Colchester on Sunday, 1 May. Straws is taken over for an all-dayer organised by Arts Not Apathy featuring New Town Kings, Housework, Slopes, Animal Noise, We Are Embassy, The Jon Cook Blues Band, Rak, Holsten Cadaver, Kill the Party, Danny Lodge (Kuru Smile) and Barabbus. Mayday Mayhem takes place at V Bar with Angry Vs The Bear headlining. If Tech House and Techno is more your thing, head to Open at The Curve Bar where DJs Rob Perfect, TC Brown and Andy Burr host a free party.
Devilish Presley comes to town on Saturday, 7 May. The gothic punk band from East London, who have previously toured with The Meteors and The Damned, play The Twist promoting their fifth album, The Dark Triad. Support comes from Hollywood Doll and Trash Monroe.
If you were a fan of The Seahorses, who topped the album chart in 1997 with their debut Do It Yourself, you’ll want to catch former frontman Chris Helme performing at The Bull for The Raging Bull on Friday, 13 May. The singer-songwriter is supported by Ady Johnson and The 633.
Villagers have enjoyed a successful couple of years. The Irish band were nominated for the 2010 Mercury Prize for their debut album Becoming A Jackal, described by judges as “a record of great charm and mystery”. The folk outfit have appeared on Later… with Jools Holland, played many major festivals and earlier this year supported Elbow on their arena tour. They arrive at Colchester Arts Centre on Thursday 19 May, fresh from appearances at Camden Crawl and The Great Escape Festival in Brighton.
Another band that has previously played – and sold out – Colchester Arts Centre is Dreadzone, although this time they head to SubZero at the University of Essex. Widely regarded as pioneers of UK bass culture, the band have built a huge fan base over the past 17 years. Having seen them live at festivals and the Arts Centre, I can vouch for the fact that you won’t stand still to their fusion of reggae, ska, dub, dancehall, hip hop, breakbeat and jungle. On Saturday, 21 May, New Town Kings join them on what promises to be a seriously dance-filled night.
Tin Pan Alley continues its mission to bring quality bands from across the UK to Colchester, while also showcasing the best local acts. On Friday 27 May, London’s Green Collective perform music inspired by Grant Green and other artists from the legendary Blue Note label. The group aim to bridge the gap between funk and jazz, creating improvised music full of groove and memorable hooks.
The Minories hosts another festival on Sunday, 29 May, with “peace and love” as the theme at Lovestock Festival. Nine hours of music are planned featuring Jukebox Fury, Animal Noise, The Family Dickens and Broken Heads, alongside DJs Roachie and Dread Ben-Jammin. Stalls, a fully licensed bar and barbecue, a drum workshop, a kids’ area and a fancy dress theme inspired by the Summer of Love, psychedelic or bohemian style all add to the atmosphere.
The following day, Bank Holiday Monday 30 May, sees the wonderful Wivenhoe May Fair take place on King George V Playing Field. “Wivstock” began as a peace festival in 1982 and remains true to its roots as a free event that raises money for local, national and international charities while promoting green, organic and sustainable lifestyles. Live music comes via the Main Stage, the Sunrise Music Stage and the new Open Mic Stage. See you there.
