 |
Links
|
 | |
|
All in the name of Brass |
|
There’s
nowhere better suited in the world to
spread the word about Europe’s fastest
growing brass festival than Brasside in
County Durham. The little village was chosen to announce the next chapter of this year’s BRASS: Durham International Festival as the website www.brassfestival.co.uk has officially gone live. The website contains detailed information about the massive showcase of performers taking part in July that reads like a who’s who of the vibrant world music scene as musicians are flocking to Durham from as far a field as Austria, Canada, Ireland, Finland, France, Germany, Holland, Iceland, Macedonia, Mexico, Nigeria, UK and USA. Durham will be jumping to the sounds of Afrobeat, Afropop, funk, ska, jazz, gypsy, soul, hip-hop, traditional brass and wait for it… Austrian polkarockpop-punk! The fresh, energetic feel to BRASS aims to vary the festival’s audience and bring a whole new generation to the world of brass-based music. The headlining acts include Black Dyke Band (6th), Jimi Tenor (8th), Mnozil Brass (12th), Femi Kuti and Positive Force (13th), Jóhann Jóhannsson and Band (14th), Issie Barratt (16th), La Bottine Sourriante (17th), Hypnotic Brass Ensemble and Hot 8 (19th). BRASS: Durham International Festival is being brought to the world’s attention by Durham County Council with support from Arts Council England, North East and culture10 Playing a local tune: Peterlee-based euphonium player Brad Long has joined in the celebrations by putting his full support behind this year’s stunning festival. Brad (aged 50) is an auxiliary nurse at the University Hospital of North Durham and is married to wife Janice and has two children Craig and Adele. Brad has been playing the B flat euphonium for over 30 years and in that time he’s performed with seven bands to national competition standards, namely with Patchogue Plymouth (amoco) Band, Blackhall Colliery Band and the Durham Constabulary Band. He was bitten by the brass bug at an early age after accompanying his father to band rehearsals as a boy; his dad played sop cornet for the Fishburn Band in the 60’s and 70’s. The region’s heritage is in his blood as his father and both grandfathers all plied their trade as miners. Brad explains what it is about brass music that has got him hooked for life. He said: “I adore the sonorous sound of brass and the whole sense of camaraderie associated with being a bandsman.” Brad thinks it’s great for Durham to have its own internationally flavoured festival dedicated to the values of brass music; helping to boost and raise the profile of brass in a region that has seen the demise of brass bands over the past few years. Neil Hillier, strategic manager Heritage and Culture services for Durham County Council, said: “The launch of our festival website means our international doors are open to the online community for people from across the world to find out more about BRASS and to be amazed by the spectacular range of performers being attracted to this year’s festival. Neil continued: “BRASS: Durham International Festival is the perfect event to utilise the region’s cultural assets and provide people with an opportunity to enjoy a showcase of music from around the globe – building on the success of a festival that is becoming recognised as being on the frontline of international music programming. “BRASS is something special and totally exclusive to Durham. It’s hoped the magical blend of entertainment and heritage can attract visitors from far and wide and at the same time go a long way to enforce the cultural ambitions of the city.” The fastest growing brass festival in Europe kicks off with a double dose of free sizzling entertainment as the celebratory Streets of Brass returns to the city and plans to awash every nook and cranny with the addictive sound of brass. The event’s popularity at last year’s festival has inspired the introduction of other exciting outdoor ‘Streets Of…’ events throughout the city, and this year sees ‘Streets Of Brass’ events at Bishop Auckland and Darlington Town Centre proving the influence BRASS has on encouraging music performance in the region. Everything you need to know about BRASS: Durham International Festival can be found at www.brassfestival.co.uk (line-up, dates, times, ticket prices and offers) – alternatively please call the festival ticket hotline 0191 332 4041. Don’t miss out this July and play your part in BRASS: Durham International Festival (4-19 July). |