PREVIEW: BASS Festival 2019
BASS Festival 2019 - October 22nd - 27th - Birmingham
Birmingham might not be known for its festival scene, but BASS is one festival you should know about. Now in its thirteenth year, BASS is celebrating “the future” with a stellar line-up of black musicians and creatives over five days.
Every year, BASS (British Arts and Street Sounds) shines a spotlight on a musical genre, theme or group of people, and this year, it’s all about the future of black Brits, highlighting those from Birmingham, the Midlands and the UK, but also globally.
So, what can fans expect this year? The event will kick off on Tuesday 22nd with an exhibition launch from multimedia artists Emmanuel Unaji, Najma Abdulle and photographer Adama Jalloh at Arch 21.
The next day, art and music lovers can unite at a secret Digbeth location to witness the unveiling of BASS’s 2019 mural. Following a Steel Pulse mural in Handsworth in 2018, this year will capture Birmingham’s scene leaders and influencers in the black music and culture scene.
Thursday hots up with a bespoke screening of Future Masculinities from 8 Club at Arch 21, where viewers can listen to men discuss masculinity and the issues they face in modern society, whilst Friday brings the fan with a talk from Since 93 Music label founders, Glyn Aikins and Riki Bleau unpacking the future of the music industry. Ladies, look out for the Heaux Noire event at Medicine Bakery and Gallery featuring artists Layfullstop, Anais, KMu and Ru.
The weekend brings even more fun with a conceptual conversationalist music show hosted by Weyland McKenzie and Reuben Arthur and a cameo special guest appearance from Bake Off’s Liam Charles, as well as an evening event showcasing Big Zeeks, Jevon, Randy Valentine, Cali P, Italo Skarcha, Jazad, Jamie Rodigan, Immortal Sound System and Aleighcia Scott. For those who don’t want to go home, Quantum will be opening its doors from 10am to 4am to host Sharnie, Timma T, Sham Steele and Dem Tew, as well as a special PA from 808ink.
To finish off, Sunday will see another evening event at The Vault. For those of us who aren’t ready to give up the festival vibes for winter, we’re ready for the BASS!
