Voices for Gaza at Band on the Wall
Johnny James, Managing Editor
This May, Band on the Hall is hosting an evening of artistic solidarity, bringing together Palestinian, Irish and Mancunian musicians as part of a benefit concert for Gaza.
Raising funds for local NGOs working on the ground supporting the people of Palestine to access food, medical care and other basic human rights, this event sees a melting pot of artists come together in what promises to be a powerful evening of music and solidarity.
Topping the three-strong bill is renowned Palestinian oud player, Reem Anbar. Gaining a reputation as Gaza’s first female oud player in the early 2000s, Anbar absorbed the lessons of older generations of oud players before forging her own path, which bridges tarab – the ecstatic traditions of Arab regional music – and the Palestinian heritage of song. Within her music, she carries stories of war, displacement and resistance – stories she’s told on stages around the world, whether as a solo artist or with her duo, Gazelleband, who are based here in Manchester.
Joining Anbar is BBC Folk Singer of the Year, Ríoghnach Connolly. Wearing her Irish family heritage on her sleeve while fronting numerous successful band projects – from “folk-hop and barrelhouse-pop” collective Honeyfeet to heavy-hearted folk project The Breath – Connolly is a creative tour de force, and a truly gifted singer. She returns to Band on the Wall with Manchester-based guitarist Ellis Davies, her longstanding co-conspirator, with a set of traditional and original tunes.
Completing the bill, Séamus Óg is a singer-songwriter hailing from Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland. Drawing inspiration from an upbringing of traditional Irish music, storytelling and island life, his music is full of rich harmonies and vocal layers, and stories that sweep you into a dream state, lingering on adventures taken, and mapping those to come. With his second album Terry’s Síbín freshly released, Seamus’ appearance marks the last stop on an acclaimed tour, featuring harp, cello and double bass alongside his vocal and guitar work.
All three acts are well worth watching, and tickets are only £15, with every penny going towards an incredibly important cause.
