Music / Colston Hall
Preview: Bristol Takeover at Colston Hall
In 1867, Bristol’s largest and most prominent music venue opened its doors to the public for the first time. 150 years later, Colston Hall is still nestled comfortably at the vanguard of Bristol’s music scene.
In keeping with this local spirit, on Saturday October 7 they’re throwing a one-day festival to celebrate the anniversary. The aptly-named Bristol Takeover will host an eclectic assortment of DJs, musicians and labels, all with a local connection.
Following the release of their newest album Moonshine Freeze, folk-rock band This Is The Kit will be headlining the main stage. More local successes will follow, including community-led project The Fantasy Orchestra, established through their all-embracing selection of esteemed movie soundtracks and jazz tracks.
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The jazz talent doesn’t end there, as No Go Stop, comprised of a selection of Bristol’s top-quality jazz musicians, will channel their finesse in percussion with funky Afrobeat tunes. Brit Award nominee Beth Rowley will also be flexing her vocal chords, employing full-bodied blues and gospel melodies.
The Fantasy Orchestra will play at the Bristol Takeover
The original 1950’s box office will be revamped for 24 hours to host a program of nonstop live music. The assorted fun continues as groups such as trip hop duo Smith & Mighty, dubstep artist Pinch and electronic producer DJ OM Unit take their slots, courtesy of SWU FM.
The multitude of Bristol-based acts certainly induces a sense of pride within the community, but it doesn’t take away from the anticipation of the DJ set from London-based Indietronica band, Hot Chip. Frànçois and the Atlas Mountains offer a more serene vibe with a balance of local loyalty and international influence – French musician Frànçois popped up in Bristol nearly 15 years ago, and is returning with his four-piece band to showcase soft French lyrics with vibrant African rhythms.
Frànçois And The Atlas Mountains
It promises to be an excellent day of local music, and an altogether great rounding off of a season of birthday events for Colston Hall, which will temporarily close in 2018 as it undergoes a multi-million pound revamp and much publicised name change.
Bristol Takeover take place on October 7 2017. Tickets cost £13.50 including a booking fee. To buy a ticket, visit
www.colstonhall.org/shows/bristol-take-over or call the box office on 0117 203 4040.
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