Manchester Jewish Museum might not be the first place you think of as somewhere to catch intriguing new music, film and cross-over events. This November, however, sees the launch of a new syna-gig (geddit?) season, which aims to bring secular entertainment to the historic former synagogue innorth Manchester. Over the next few months, alongside its faith-based events, there will be an eclectic mix of gigs, comedy and video shows. The beautiful setting of the city’s oldest synagogue is sure to make for an atmospheric concert space. Here is our pick of the Autumn programme…
100 Years of Bollywood
The Bollywood Brass Band will be celebrating 100 years of Indian cinema. This six-piece horn section – plus some Punjabi drummers – will be playing in sync with some classic movie dance numbers. The whole history of Bollywood is celebrated, from the very early films of Dadasaheb Phalke – the father of Indian film – right thorough to recent blockbusters. The band fuses Indian classical and Bhangra, with some Brazilian samba to make a heady musical mix.
Sun Nov 8, 7pm – 9pm, £8, www.manchesterjewishmuseum.com
Video Jam
Video Jam is a regular multimedia event which, much like the concert above, blends movies and music. Several musical acts play live to create original soundtracks to a selection of short films. Befitting the venue, this event explores different kinds of faith, worship and ritual. Taklif, a film that looks the effects of arranged marriage, will be set to music by Metaphysical Human, a drum ‘n’ bass/trip-hop duo from Chorlton. The nature documentary Baraka will be scored by Flamingods, a five-piece band based in London and Bahrain who blend pop, psychedelia and freak folk.
Thu 12 Nov, 8pm – 10pm, £5, www.manchesterjewishmuseum.com
Karima Francis in concert (pictured)
The Blackpool-based singer-songwriter Karima Francis is coming to the museum this November as part of a major UK tour. She has been a critical darling for the last few years, and her soul-bearing songs and live performances have drawn comparisons to the likes of Jeff Buckley. Following releases on major labels like Mercury and production from the likes of Flood, Karima has funded her new record herself, with the help of PledgeMusic and her loyal fan base. The album, Black, is available to download here.
Thu 26 Nov, 7.30pm – 10pm, £6, www.manchesterjewishmuseum.com
Manchester Jewish Museum, 190 Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester M8 8LW. Tel: 0161 834 9879, www.manchesterjewishmuseum.com
- Words:
- A. James Simpkin
- Published on:
- Tue 24 Nov 2015
