COVENTRY Music Museum curator Pete Chambers BEM writes for the Observer.
‘From The Caribbean to Coventry’
On January 12 ,The Barbican Music Library in London will open its free temporary exhibition entitled ‘From The Caribbean to Coventry’ and will plot the course of Ska music from its West Indian roots to the rise of the Coventry based 2-Tone phenomena of the late 1970s and the early 80s.
The Coventry Music Museum and the 2-Tone Village have contributed to the exhibition.
This free-to-enter Barbican exhibition is a journey that starts in France and Belgium at the time of the Great War and ends in 1980s Coventry.
The exhibition explores the hugely positive influences on British youth culture that Caribbean immigration has brought, and is bringing to Britain.
Using music genres and fashion as the timeline touch points the show includes architecture, art and literature as well as personal contributions from fans and ‘faces’ alike.
An exhibition for the fans by the fans going some way to explaining not just what 2-Tone is but who, why and how we got there.
The Barbican, a renowned arts and cultural complex in the heart of London, is a celebrated architectural gem known for its striking Brutalist design.
This iconic venue houses a wealth of creative spaces, including concert halls, theatres, art galleries, cinemas, and more, making it a vibrant hub for a diverse range of performances and exhibitions.
With its rich history and commitment to fostering artistic expression, the Barbican has become a focal point of cultural significance, attracting visitors from around the world who seek to immerse themselves in the dynamic and captivating atmosphere it offers. This exhibition runs from January 12 to May 25.
Mississippi Smith
Mississippi Smith – you must know the name by now and with that name is the reputation to create some great and more to the point original songs.
I was blown away with his last offering, ‘The Westway EP’ and here he comes along with a new single and it does not disappoint.
‘Every Word You Whisper’ is the new single and I love the Latin groove he has got going on here.
Very authentic, I really believe that 2024 could be the year for Mr Smith to break big time.
Godiva Festival
Great to see that Godiva will be back this year from July 5 to 7 and this one will celebrate 25 glorious years and they promise it to be unforgettable.
Tickets go on sale in March.
