The denizens of Manchester are enjoying these
weekend festivals. Following the popularity of Manchester Day, it’s no surprise
to find that Albert Square was thronged for the opening weekend of Manchester
International Festival.
In glorious sunshine illuminating the festival
tent, balcony bar and acoustic stage, it's not just the food stallholders and
ice-cream sellers who have smiles on their faces.
Throw in four sets of musicians to perform from early afternoon to evening and it all added to the relaxed atmosphere that people savour. The downside for a musician is that an open-air arena, with young children freely running around and taking advantage of the kid friendly area, is not the best location to demonstrate the quality of your works. Mix that with the background chatter and the performers are relegated to the level of sideshows.
Throw in four sets of musicians to perform from early afternoon to evening and it all added to the relaxed atmosphere that people savour. The downside for a musician is that an open-air arena, with young children freely running around and taking advantage of the kid friendly area, is not the best location to demonstrate the quality of your works. Mix that with the background chatter and the performers are relegated to the level of sideshows.
Playing an instrument called the handpan, Matthew
Bailey eschews vocals to focus on comfortable, percussive sounds that match well
with the atmosphere. To the untrained eye, the instrument looks like two
distorted cymbals taped back to back, but the sounds are languid and fluid.
Charlie Cooper appears in different guises, both as
a solo artist or part of a band, and for this afternoon event she was supported
by Rachel Lasham on drums. It turns out be a wise choice that provides
substance to support Cooper’s keyboards which could have otherwise rapidly
floated away in the warm air.
Josephine, minus her surname Oniyama, is well-known
and respected amongst the music followers in the northwest area, but when it
comes to competing with the chimes of the town hall clock, first at 6pm then 7pm,
even she will come off second best. The first time she used the
interruption to signal the start of her set, but the second time, occurring mid-song,
pretty much destroyed the effects of her stories.
Still, it’s a positive move to promote local talent
of varying styles, and the approach will be replicated during the remainder of
the festival at its Albert Square base.
Words & photos: Ged Camera
The Festival Square Acoustic
Stage schedule continues until Sunday 19 July.
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