9.29°C This editorial currently features in the August 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
The Easy Star All-Stars arrive at Colchester Arts Centre on Tuesday, 2 August. Regarded as one of the top international reggae acts since their live debut in 2003, the group have built a dedicated global following, uniting fans of reggae, classic rock, dub and indie. Combining musical versatility, instrumental prowess, beautiful vocal harmonies, and a superb rhythm section, they have gained a strong reputation through best-selling tribute releases such as Dub Side of the Moon – picked by MOJO as the second-best cover album of all time – along with Radiodread and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Their more recent album First Light focuses on original material. Easy Star All-Stars are also renowned for their work ethic on the road, reflected in their nomination for a UK Festival Award following their three-day, three-stage performance at Glastonbury 2009.
I’ve mentioned Richard “Benny” Benedetti before in this column, and I’m sure I’ll mention him again. For now, it’s worth noting that he seems to have more birthdays each year than Her Majesty the Queen. The upside is that he always throws a good party. His latest, titled The Sagittarian Club Summer Birthday Party, sees Animal Noise, Broken Heads, Holsten Cadaver and his own band The Raffles Gang take over The Soundhouse at The Bull on Friday 5 August.
The final of SoUNDAY Shopping takes place on Sunday, 14 August in Lion Walk. The series began on 1 May and, after 16 weeks, two acts will now go head to head in the shopping centre for the chance to play Colchester Free Festival. It has been a brilliant run of events, showcasing an impressive variety of performers and their quality. Bringing live music into the heart of the town has helped reach a wider audience than usual, which has been a real pleasure to see.
The London Community Gospel Choir, formed in 1982 as Britain’s first concert gospel choir, is known for its energetic gospel flair, swing-beat, R’n’B, and soulful arrangements. They’ve provided backing vocals for Blur’s “Tender” and performed at Live 8, Glastonbury, an FA Cup Final at Wembley and even on the soundtrack to Disney’s The Lion King. The Guardian once wrote, “You can’t listen to the London Community Gospel Choir without moving or smiling,” and you can experience them live at the Mercury Theatre on Saturday, 20 August.
And finally, what are your plans for Saturday, 27 August? If you’re in town and don’t head into the wonderful Castle Park, you’ll miss Colchester Free Festival. Running from 11am to 7pm, the festival once again showcases the very best of Colchester’s music and arts scene. For the full line-up and details of everything on offer, visit www.colchesterfreefestival.co.uk.
