Durham County Council’s Brass: Durham International Festival runs from 5 to 21 July and Gala Theatre is proud to play host to four live music events showcasing the best of brass as you’ve never seen it before.
BBC radio favourites Hackney Colliery Band come to town to really shake things up on Friday 12 July at 7.30pm. Having supported the likes of Amy Winehouse, the band are responsible for bringing brass into a contemporary setting, adding their signature style to covers of songs by bands such as Kings of Leon, Beyoncé and even Prodigy.
Their eclectic mix of Balkan beats, contemporary hip-hop, rock and more is guaranteed to get the audience out of their seats and dancing along. Tickets are only £7, £6 for concessions, and the night will also feature an exciting new collaboration with young musicians from Durham County Youth Big Band and the Roundhouse in London.
Before then, The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra will have helped music lovers get into the swing of the festival when they perform In the Spirit of Duke at 7.00pm on Monday 8 July. Heralded as the UK’s best jazz ensemble, the performance will see them paying homage to the legendary Duke Ellington’s six decade legacy, performing classics such as Black & Tan Fantasy, Harlem Airshaft and The Single Petal of a Rose. Tickets are just £17.50 or £12.50 for concessions.
One of the highlights of the whole festival for lovers of traditional brass will occur on Sunday 14 July at 3.00pm when Grimethorpe Colliery Band, the stars of the hit movie Brassed Off, come to Gala.
Formed in 1917, arguably the world’s most famous colliery band will be performing an afternoon of spectacular classic brass and tickets are just £19.50 for this much in demand event.
On Friday 19 July at 7.30pm The Lake Poets and Stanhope Silver Band come together in a fusion of modern and traditional music. The Lake Poets, Sunderland born singer/songwriter Martin Longstaff, has shared the stage with the likes of The Futureheads, Jake Bugg and Get Cape, Wear Cape, Fly. In this special event he’ll be collaborating with one of the region’s leading bands to perform new material inspired by their traditional music heritage. Tickets are priced at £10 or £8 for concessions.
Robin Byers, programming and operations manager at Gala Durham, said: “Once again we’re delighted to play host to what will be some memorable performances as part of BRASS.
The series of live events at Gala will see some of the best musicians from across the UK coming to Durham. With a mix of the best in traditional and contemporary brass as well as the finest jazz sounds there really is something for everyone to enjoy.”
Tickets for all of the events can booked via the Box Office on 03000 266 600, online at www.galadurham.co.uk or in person at Gala.
