Aakrisht
Aakrisht is a high energy and virtuosic classical dance and music collaboration by the next generation of UK-based artists. Solo performances and interactive dialogue between musicians and dancer, Aakrisht will take you on a spiritual journey where you will experience the very best in Hindustani classical music and dance in its most nuanced and enriching forms.
The line up includes Tabla virtuoso Sanju Sahai, accomplished Kathak dancer Jaymini Sahai, the melodious vocals of Chandra Chakraborty and and the enlightening sounds of the Santoor by Kiranpal Singh Deora. Together they will demonstrate the intricate relationship between Indian Classical Music & Dance.
www.aradhana.org.uk
AKA Academy
AKA Academy is an urban fusion dance group, who were formed in 2007 and have taken part in competitions throughout the UK. AKA consists of 20 group members all from different backgrounds and cultures over the Bradford area. The Academy is run by a mother and daughter partnership, mum Kathryn organises the day to day running of the group whilst daughter Itziar is the choreographer of all AKA Academy's innovative dance routines. Itziar enjoys combining different styles of dance together to unite different cultures.
Ann Drury
Ann Drury, a seventeen year old local singer songwriter from Keighley, has already made an impression within the northern music scene. Ann is managed by Mike Heaton from the successful band Embrace and also by Brian Leach, owner of Keighley’s well known rehearsal studios 'Jam On Top'. Ann has spent the last year performing in local venues showcasing her repertoire of original songs performed solo on keys. Plans are already in place for the future and currently Ann is producing and recording new material. One of her songs has recently been used as a soundtrack in a independent film which will be premiered in London in July 2010.
www.myspace.com/anndrury
Annapurna
The magical Annapurna Indian dancers proudly present a choice garland of traditional dances and stories - MonsoonTales – Join in this beautiful journey to mystic India and explore the legacy of its rich cultural heritage through storytelling and ancient temple dancing. Annapurna Indian Dance company specialises in traditional dance forms famous for their intricate foot work, beautiful hand gestures, stylised facial expressions and epic stories which are full of rich allegories. Depending on the nature of the project the company blends in storytelling, use of masks and artefacts, puppetry (both shadow and marionettes) drumming and original music with elegant costumes.
www.annapurnadance.com
Artworks: UDOT (aka Under Dogs On Top)
Formed in early 2010 by youth music mentee-turned mentor; rapper JSN (20), beatboxer and rapper Fat Smoke (21) and rapper Provident (21) (all from Bradford), UDOT are an ever expanding hip-hop group promoting a positive and intelligent message in a music scene of negativity and self-deprication. New additions include Youth Music Mentor regular, Tapestry (19), who has done a large volume of work with Artworks and the Youth Service, and hosted his own radio show on BCB. Also on the team are new Youth Music Mentees Ross "MC Steady" Brown (15) and female vocalist Kim Lumb (18). Additionally, Hassan Ditta (20) is now a member, an ex-Youth Music Mentee who. Together UDOT are a force to be reckoned with, a number of young people who have come together through hip-hop music and are now realising their potential as young adult artists in a challenging music industry.
www.artworksbradford.org.uk
Bombay Baja
Bombay Baja are one of Europe's first Indian brass bands, and have created their own unique style by combining popular Indian melodies together with the powerful rhythms of the dhol based on traditional brass bands from the Indian sub-continent. The eight-piece brass band consists of musicians from a variety of musical backgrounds ranging from Bhangra to Jazz and Classical, they play a range of instruments including, trumpets, trombones, saxophones, dhol players and percussionists, and dress in eye catching outfits.
Can't Kill The Heat
Can’t Kill The Heat are a new electro-rock indie three piece band from Eastburn in the Yorkshire Dales. Members of ‘Can’t Kill the Heat’ have been involved in the music scene for many years as members of Boys with Beaks (Small Town Records) and Every Second of Everyday. Out of the ashes of the break in of their studio and the theft of most of their musical equipment during Christmas 2008, the Can’t Kill the Heat project began. Initially started in the small beginnings of a bedroom, Cant Kill the Heat are now out to take on the world.
www.cantkilltheheat.co.uk
Cecil Zinyuku
Cecil Zinyuku has a musical career spanning 25 years and has been involved in most genres of music in terms of playing and production and as a singer songwriter.
He has toured worldwide performing his own material before finally settling more in a music production role. A multi-instrumentalist, he returns to the Mela with his percussive explosive and vocal filled acoustic sound, after last year’s resounding revues and feedback.
Chinese Ribbon Dance
Ribbon dance is a traditional dance that originated in China 2,000 years ago. With its gentle, floating movements and brightly coloured silk ribbons, it is still a widely performed and beautiful form of traditional dance, favoured particularly during Chinese New Year celebrations. The performance features a colourful demonstration and stunning costumes and is led by Jih-Wen trained in both Chinese and contemporary dance in Taiwan.
Jih-Wen Yeh trained in both Chinese and contemporary dance at the Taiwan Junior College and at the Laban Centre, London. Jih-Wen has worked extensively to raise the profile of Chinese performing culture and arts at its highest level to as wide an audience as possible, through productions and educational projects.
Dance Bradford Network
The Dance Bradford network aims to make high quality dance more accessible to all and to coordinate the provision of development, training and support for aspiring professional dancers and to ensure opportunities for community dancing as a tool for empowerment, fun and well-being.
Dance for Life
Dance for Life is a Bradford based project focusing on improving health through dance, that offer classes and training for young people across the Bradford district, in all different styles of dance. As well as workshops and classes Dance for Life also has a performance team who perform at events across the district. All expertly trained and highly accomplished, the performance team are always highly acclaimed and put on a great show!!
Darren Dutson-Bromley
A composer, arranger and professional musician, Darren has performed with many musicians as diverse as Jools Holland and Girls Aloud. For many years he has been a regular performer at the Edinburgh Festival, Southport Jazz Festival, and many of the notable Jazz celebrations both UK and internationally.
Desi Bravehearts
The group consist of 9 young people from Scottish, Indian, Chinese and Pakistani backgrounds. The group were trained by the much sought after choreographer in the Bollywood Film Industry Pratap Shetty. Pratap was one of the choreographers for Nach Baliye 3 equivalent to Strictly Come Dancing in the UK. The shows were aired on Star TV and his pair was the runners up in the final. The group will be performing dances including a Mujra style (Girls only) and Bollywood freestyle (mixed).
DJ James Walker
James Walker is steadily becoming a favourite in the dance music scene, regularly playing at high profile clubs in the north of England and supporting some of the biggest names in house music. James' mix CD series have gained him much exposure and proved very popular with discerning music buyers and club-goers across the north.
www.myspace.com/waxworksbradford
Ed Machin
Ed Machin is a fresh faced individual hoping to make an impact on the music scene in the very near future. Combining emotive songwriting with laughter and showmanship keeping you on the edge of your seat throughout performances. Ed has fronted several bands but is now concentrating on his solo performance.
www.myspace.com/edmachinemusic
Explosive Dhol Players
An experienced group of 6 dhol players who have performed across the UK and internationally in prestigious events such as Liverpool Capital of Culture finale celebrations and Diwali in London at Trafalgar Square. Their set uses the latest bhangra beats mixed with urban and explosive sounds of the Dhol players to create a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.
Fiona-Katie Roberts
Fiona Katie has been designing and building her own harps for over 17 Years. Dynamic, jaw-dropping harpist with a difference. Fiona Katie plays, designs and builds her own harps as well as composing unique music using influences from Celtic, Flamenco and Latin. She continues to deliver time after time giving show-stopping, foot-tapping performances at both concerts and festivals across the UK. Currently involved with working on a number of new projects including " A symphony for Yorkshire". 'With rings on her fingers and bells on her toes' (well ankles actually) the effect is a full 'orchestral' sound - to be seen to be believed...
Foxwood Steel Band
Originally formed in 1983 at Foxwood School in Seacroft, Leeds, to promote a positive experience of black culture, this steel pan band have gone from strength to strength. The Foxwood Steel band play regularly at TUC rallies, and carnival events all over the North of England.
Gods of Hellfire
Currently cutting a swathe through the musical scene of Bradford and the North of England are battle-hardened metallers, The Gods of Hellfire. This newly formed collection of grisly lovers of the riff are ready to take the country by storm with their no holds barred, down tuned, pedal to the metal riff assault. Taking their cues from veterans such as Trouble and Black Sabbath, as well as adding the contemporary sound of more modern bands such as Grand Magus and High on Fire, the band wear their influences on their sleeve without ever falling into the trap of being clones. Originally spawned as the brain child of ex-Lazarus Blackstar guitarist Rich Savage.
www.myspace.com/godsofhellfire
Haji Ameer Khan
Ustad Haji Ameer Khan and brothers come from one of the Indian sub-continent’s most ancient and respected musical families. Since moving from Karachi to London, they are one of the few groups in Britain singing traditional Qawwali, the intense devotional style associated with Sufi Muslims, well-known following the success of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Although the brothers are steeped in the tradition of classical music, they are also keen to collaborate with contemporary musicians from different cultures.
The Hall Brothers & John Carey + special guest Michelle Plum
Yorkshire-born brothers Nick and Duncan Hall are best-known for their instinctive, haunting harmonies, intelligent, mature song-writing and unique, intricate guitar-playing. They have supported acts as diverse as Fairport Convention and The Wedding Present with their unique brand of folk/rock. The brothers have had a long association with ace fiddle-player John Carey (ex-Magna Carta) who will be joining the brothers this weekend. Their special guest; Michelle Plum began her musical career with the highly successful duo ‘The Accidental Tourists’, was also in the popular ‘woman-band’ (!) ‘Waking The Witch’ before joining chart-band ‘Chumbawamba’, singing lead vocals and playing keyboards. Since ‘Chumbawamba’ went ‘folk’, Michelle has been concentrating on song-writing and playing as a solo artist.
The Heavens
Best described as a blend of British & American Psychedelia, Rock & Roll and 90's Brit-Rock, The Heavens are Richard Green (vocals and guitar), Davey Fairbrother (drums and vocals), James Heggie (bass guitar) and Mark Drury (organ and guitar).
http://www.myspace.com/theheavensband
Heera
Heera one of the pioneers of British Asian music was formed in 1980 by Jasvinder Kumar and Palvinder Dhami and 8 other musicians. They had their big break in 1981 when they released their first album ‘Bhabi Te Nanaan Nachdi’. Their next album followed in 1984, then in 1986 came the smash hit album titled 'Diamonds from Heera' produced by Deepak Khazanchi & Pete Ware. This broke all barriers in Indian Music as it was the first ever Punjabi Pop album worldwide. It cleverly fused the eastern sounds along with the vocals of Kumar & Dhami topped with the western beats - the results were amazing! Many music shops couldn’t keep up with the demand and were constantly running out of stock disappointing customers. Heera appeared on BBC’s Blue Peter as well as many other national TV programs exposing Bhangra to everyone in the UK. After taking up solo careers for 6 years the band decided re-formed in 2009, and now Heera are back as strong as ever. Listen out!
Hussain Brothers
The British based Hussain Brothers are steeped in over 100 years of Qawwali tradition. Leader of the group Imran Ahmed was taught by his grandfather, the late Ustad Haji Latafat Hussain Khan, the musical legend who also taught so many greats like Sabri brothers, Indian music director Noshad, Bashir Khan and many more. They sing a variety of styles of Qawwali and are famous for incorporating many different languages into their songs, such as Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu and Persian.
Imani Hekima
Imani is a Bradford based singer-songwriter/pianist. Performing his quality reggae influenced soul originals with full live band, expect memorable songs with warm vocals over laid-back grooves and an intelligent, socially conscious lyrical message.
www.myspace.com/imanihekima
Jasmine Kennedy
Jasmine Kennedy is 17 and from Batley. She started writing songs when she was 8 and at the age of 16 she recorded and released her debut album ‘I Don’t Have An Uncle Pat’. She tries to be as original as possible but in the past she has been likened to Tracy Chapman and Joan Armatrading.
www.myspace.com/jasminekennedy
Kala Sangam
Kala Sangam is a leading arts organisation with roots in south Asian culture. They work with local and international artists to create and deliver cross collaborative work throughout the community. Through creative, innovative and accessible programmes of work including performances, classes, workshops and training, they aim to establish a beacon centre of excellence for South Asian arts heritage and culture in the North of England - based in Bradford.
Karma Dance
Led by choreographer Zoobin Surty, karma dance is a dance troupe who educate, enrich and inspire through Indian classical, contemporary, bollywood dance culture in the region and inspires others to dance and create performing opportunities for all ages. Zoobin runs his classes all over the region with Saa-uk and promotes Indian dance in schools, colleges, Universities & dance education for people with learning difficuties. Karma dance is a part of South Asian Arts and is mentored by Keran Virdee.
Kawa Circus
Founded by Hameed Khan Kawa in 2000, and dedicated to promoting the music and performing arts from the North of India and particularly from Rajasthan at an International level. Their inventive show, features a fusion of live music, dance, puppetry, theatre and circus skills. It celebrates the street performers of India, arguably the bearers of one the most ancient mystical and magical circus since centuries. Featured artists include a delightful dancer, three vibrant street performers including an acrobat, an acrobat and pole-vaulter and an acrobat and funambulist, and a musician.
Performances from Kawa Circus were one of the undoubted highlights of the 21st Anniversary event, and they make a welcome return to Bradford in 2010.
The Lighthouse Group Music Academy Allstars
The TLG Music Academy Allstars are all under 16 and formed in March 2010, on a music residential. Most of the line up had never played an instrument before but decided that the best way to get good quick would be to form a band and rehearse weekly at the TLG Studio. They mix R 'n' B, vocals with a rock style rhythm section. Their set is made up of well known cover songs with a couple of songs that they have written themselves. Please give your support to these debutant rookie RnB Rockers!!!
Liquid Cooled
A four piece blues band playing an eclectic mix of their own material and some covers from the 50’s through to modern era. The band has been together for over 3 years and have an increasing body of loyal and enthusiastic fans. Liquid Cooled say “there’s nothing better than being able to play the music we love, see the crowd having a great time – we love it!”
http://www.facebook.com/quadcorelive#!/pages/Liquid-Cooled/308494968439?ref=ts
Luminaries
The Luminaries are a 5 piece indie band that formed in early 2008 influenced by the likes of The Smiths, Tokyo Police Club, Operahouse and Bombay Bicycle Club. In 2009 they won the Airedale Battle of the Bands and have played numerous respected venues across Yorkshire, most recently The Brudenell Social Club. Earlier this year The Luminaries headlined the support for The Maccabees DJ set aftershow party in Brixton and are currently finalising their EP ‘So Called Glamour’.
Manasamitra
Manasamitra, an artist led organisation based in the Yorkshire region was formed in 2005 to promote traditional Asian music and dance.Their objective is to create awareness of the rich cultural heritage of South Asian Arts, and to promote British based and international, musicians, artists and dancers, through concerts, events, exhibitions and workshops. Immerse yourself in music, dance and art that transport you to beautiful, vibrant India, steeped in colour, culture and history. Informed by India’s incredibly rich cultural heritage, Manasamitra offers up beautiful melodies and pulsating rhythms that intertwine with flowing dance and dazzling storytelling and inspiring art to take you on a journey that will delight your senses and lift your spirits.
Mighty Zulu Nation
The Mighty Zulu Nation is a cast of dancers and singers from the South Africa who have toured relentlessly, showcasing the dynamic traditional Zulu culture. The amazing voices, with their brilliant harmonies have delighted audiences throughout the world. The powerful, traditional splendour of dance sequences, accompanied by 'pulsating' Zulu drums, guarantees to hold any audience spellbound.
Milun
Meaning ‘a meeting of two musical traditions’ this performance explores both Indian and Irish musical traditions. SAA UK present four musicians that come together in a deep musical conversation to create music that captures the haunting sound of the Indian Alaap and the pounding energy of Irish reel on the Sitar, Tabla, Bodhrán (a type of Irish drum played with a stick), fiddle and accordion.
Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers
Thundering rhythms on huge taiko drums in a spellbinding display of fluid grace, precise choreography and sheer athleticism, brought to you by Europe’s foremost exponents of this ancient art-form. Through their 15 years of rigorous touring, Mugenkyo have developed a gritty passionate style that is uniquely their own. Retaining the traditional spirit of taiko, yet creating a thoroughly contemporary sound, Mugenkyo are forging a new path with their innovative approach.A highly focused, perfectly synchronised, thrilling spectacle, and an unforgettable experience.
www.taiko.co.uk
Nachdha Panjab
Originally established in the 80's, Nachdha Panjab performed throughout the north of England at a range of events such as carnivals, melas and weddings. Nachdha Panjab has since been revived in late 2008 by a young, creative and energetic team that all share a passion for traditional Bhangra dancing. Taking some of the original dance moves and choreography from the old routine and incorporating it into an electrifying and explosive new routine. The performance consists of a traditional northern Indian form of bhangra dancing with a new age uk form of bhangra dancing.
www.nachdhapanjab.com
Nachda Sansaar
Nachda Sansaar are a group of Punjabi Folk Dancers based in Birmingham (U.K.). Since 1984 they have excelled themselves and spearheaded a campaign to keep the art of traditional Bhangra dancing alive. They choreograph a contemporary routine using traditional Bhangra moves, with a western flavour. ‘Bhangra Freestyle’ is a spellbinding combination of traditional costumes, modern music and fusion dance.
www.nachda-sansaar.com/
Poorboy
Poorboy are a Leeds-based outfit borne out of the desire to form a no-nonsense, groove-laden blues band. Staying true to the raw earthiness of the Chicago masters, the band strives to bring a contemporary edge and energy to the music they perform. All seasoned musicians, each member draws from a wealth of musical experience and love of the blues to shape the band’s sound. As a collective, Poorboy deliver the rootsy power of the blues, infused with a healthy dose of rock ‘n’ roll kick.
www.myspace.com/poorboyleeds
Quiet Rebellion
Quiet Rebellion is a new project featuring the acclaimed singer-songwriter Shaun T Hunter, who has, over the last few years, carved a strong reputation as a performer and writer of a singular intensity and originality. Shaun has moved on from the guitar plus vocals approach in his stunning live shows to incorporating rhythmic loops and effects into his musical palette. A former acoustic roots award winner, with Classic Rock describing him as 'the first true original of this millenium'.
Roop Singh
Roop Singh is often described as a charismatic and entertaining Sikh raconteur by many teachers and pupils. His distinct appearance complements his unique style that exudes a charisma which rivets audiences of all ages to his stories and descriptions of Sikh life and customs. In fact his storytelling is so compelling that he's capable of telling stories in Punjabi to a non-Punjabi audience and not only do they enjoy it - they understand it!!
Samandar Manganiar Group
Samandar Manganiar and troupe hail from the western desert of Rajasthan and the Jaiselmer district. Manganiars are professional hereditary caste musicians who are internationally acclaimed for their music. Samandar has a large repertoire of traditional songs which he renders with great verve and sensitivity, and has been recognised as one of the most outstanding folk singers and Khartaal players of the region. Along with his group they represent the meeting point of the folk and the classical traditions, and the coming together of styles typical of Gujarat, Sindh, Punjab and Rajasthan. Their tour is promoted by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and they are leading children's workshops in Rajasthani music and dance in Bradford in advance of the performance.
Shakti Arts
Shakti Arts is an energetic, diverse, female dance group founded in 1995, which is based within the community of Derby. Their main aim is to teach, promote and deliver various dance styles: Bollywood, Folk, Bhangra, Ghoomar, Garba/Dandia, Semi-Classical and Western Fusion. Starting out as a hang-out for young kids with the same interest, Shakti Arts has now blossomed into a dance group that has become widely recognised nationwide, with dance performances that are both unique and reviving.
Sham D
Sham D is the new kid on the block and only a year into his solo career he’s managed to get his first number 1 chart hit on Sunrise radio as voted by the listeners (now at no 1 for over 6 weeks)– Sham’s first single, “I Know” features the street credible Mumzy is being played across the UK in cars and clubs – the new kid of Brit Asian pop is here and watch out for his new solo single called Make It Alright which is produced and written by Rishi Rich & Veronica – Exclusive news!
Silk and Bamboo Ensemble
The Silk and Bamboo Ensemble is a world renowned string and wind group based in the UK, and represents a typical, traditional Chinese musical form. The Silk and Bamboo Ensemble varies in size and instrumentation, but often includes strings such as fiddles, lutes, dulcimer as well as flute, mouth-organ and percussion instruments such as clapper and drums. The group features wonderful expert musicians and plays regional, traditional and contemporary music as well as enjoying cross-culture and cross genre musical ventures.
Solar Ghost
Solar Ghost are a four piece alternative outfit hailing from West Yorkshire. A band born from a love for music a willingness to experiment and push boundaries, while at the same time employing catchy hooks and melodies. Over the last year Solar Ghost have refined their sound and recent name change (formally Cyclone Pink) has been the beginning of a new era for the band. Solar Ghost today are a tight and concise sounding band who have managed to keep the energy and passion often missing in live acts cutting their teeth in the overly saturated world of popular and alternative music.
http://www.myspace.com/solarghostuk
Spice Entertainment
Spice Entertainment are considered to be one of the North's leading Bollywood entertainment companies. Starting as a small dance troupe, founded through Sunrise Radio in 1999, they are progressing to becoming the most well known Bollywood company in the north of England. Spice Entertainment has been involved with some of the biggest events in the UK, and are regular performers at Bradford Mela.
Stax Mafia
Stax Mafia are a nine piece band specializing in traditional soul and R&B. Put together by the former members of The Gangsters of Soul and Kool Jerx they have a line up of male and female vocalist, guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, trumpet, tenor saxophone, and baritone saxophone. As individuals they have played all over the UK, Europe, and the USA working with Paul Jones, Desmond Decker, Wilson Picket, Paul Young, Alexis Korner, Jimmy Vaughn, Roy Woods, Delbert McClinton, and Eric Bell to name but a few.
Sukshinder Shinda
Sukshinder Shinda is a well-known singer-songwriter and producer in the Bhangra industry, having worked on over 200 albums and producing numerous hit songs since 1989. He is also known for having produced all of the albums of popular Bhangra artist Jazzy B and helping him become one of the best-selling artists in the genre. Since branching out as a solo artist in 2003 he has become more recoginsed by Bhangra fans, and he has also provided soundtracks for some Bollywood films. His reputation for musical excellence has earned him the title, The Music Man.
http://www.sukshindershinda.com
White Light Parade
After plays on BBC Radio 1 and 6 Music, songs storming into the official UK indie charts at number 17 and number 6, collaborations with punk/reggae favourite "Itch" from King Blues and one of their songs being used as a soundtrack to the multi million selling game Grand Theft Auto 4, White Light Parade were named as ones to watch. Their debut album gained extensive coverage and rave reviews from the likes of Kerrang, Big Cheese and Rocksound. WLP* started 2010 with a 2 week UK/Europe tour with well known rockers FIGHTSTAR and INME and caused quite a stir in the European rock scene. The band are now writing and recording their second album so keep a look out for a date near you!!
www.myspace.com/whitelightparade
Yakshagana
Yakshagana is a rare and unique theatre of India and has a recorded history of five centuries. Being a rich artistic blend of racy music, forceful dance, extempore speech and gorgeous costumes this art combines feature of open area as well as drama the characteristics of moral education and mass entertainment. The session will explore the mythological tales
of Lord Krishna and will bring alive the customs, traditions and heritage of ancient India.
