CDs : COMMISSIONS :ABOUT AIDAN :MUSIC FOR HOPE : ARCHIVE
DIARY
I can perform solo (with guitar and symphonie), or with Jilah Bakhshayesh (violin, kamanche, and voice) and Martin Milner (guitar,flute, percussion and voice). For some gigs we also perform with Nicki Dupuy (double bass and percussion), Lis Murphy (violin and voice) and Jaydev Mistry (percussion). We are now taking bookings fo2009.
This page gives information of all activities that I'm involved in, from community arts projects, to residencies and performances. For bookings, and confirmation of dates and times of public events please email contact[a]aidanjolly.com
If you would like to receive updates or information about Aidan Jolly, click here and put 'mailing list' in the subject line
"Well crafted contemporary roots" - Time Out
"A powerhouse songwriter with a big heart and a great voice" - Birmingham Post
“Songs for people, about people” - Phillip Kendall, St James’ Arts Centre, New Mills
“Aidan Jolly’s music is passionate, accessible and an absolute inspiration to listen to.” Ann Nicholls, Raise Your Banners Festival, Norwich 2005
2009
*New Album*
Aidan's second album 'State Of Hysteria', recorded live at the Grange Studios, Norfolk. Featuring nine new songs, some of them familiar to and well received by live audiences over the last year, with Aidan's customary thoughtful and hard-hitting lyrics and musically diverse arrangements from traditional English Folk to Jilah's Iranian influenced performances on voice, violin and kamanche. The album is available from this website, or at the gigs below, and in shops distributed by Proper Music.Gigs and events 2009:
Saturday December 5th 2.00pm - Working Class Movement Library
The Library is holding an afternoon of songs and readings which are linked to the Library's collection and inspired by working class struggles over the last 200 years - with Aidan Jolly, Ben Harker, Emily Weygang, Bernie Murphy and Maxine Peake.
Because space is limited, we'd be grateful if you could contact us by email to if you are interested in coming along - we'll come back to you and let you know if there are still places available.
Saturday December 5th 7.45 pm - Fundraising Social for Gaza
The Millgate Arts Centre, Delph, Oldham OL3 5DY £5
With Poetry by Nahida Izzat Ghaith - Palestinian Crafts
Eyewitness account from Palestine - Middle Eastern SupperThursday 10th December 8.00.pm - Benefit for Save The Woodhead Tunnel
Glossop Labour Club 11-13 Chapel Street Glossop SK13 8AT
with Jack CrowshawSunday 13th December - Global Grooves Christmas Weekender
7.30 pm Band On The Wall (with Virtual Migrants)
The Northern Quarter 25 Swan Street Manchester M4 5JZ
information from http://global-grooves.org/Been an' gone:
SUNDAY 4TH OCTOBER 2.00PM FREE at Arnolfini Gallery (with virtual migrants)
16 Narrow Quay Bristol, Bristol, Southwest BS1 4QA
virtual migrants live performance “Passenger 5: Climate Racism” Artists, guests and participants - live and recorded - discuss racial and imperialist backgrounds to climate change interacting with sampled documentary, interviews, music and video. Special Guests: Arun Kundnani (virtual) from Institute of Race Relations, and Guy Bailey OBE (live) originally of the 1963 Bristol Bus Boycott and vice-chair of the Black Development Agency. more information www.virtualmigrants.com
Saturday 10th October at Hoot, Huddersfield (free)
PIGS MIGHT FLY - FESTIVAL OF ARTS & MENTAL HEALTH
www.pigsmightflyfestival.co.ukSATURDAY 7TH NOVEMBER 2.00PM FREE at Arnolfini, Bristol as above
virtual migrants live performance “Passenger 6: Third Resistance”
A narrative montage combining live dialogues with sampled documentary, interviews, music and interactive video. This will evolve with new material continually added in response to global events that are yet to take place. Featuring interviews from the Declaration of Rights for Indigenous People Conference at the Pierian Centre (Bristol), 12th October 2009. more information www.virtualmigrants.comMonday 16th March 7:00pm Sounds Of Folk - Oldham Community Radio 99.7fm
live performances and an interview with presenter Ali O’BrienWednesday 8th and Thursday 9th April 7:00pm The Shaw Theatre (Foyer)
100 - 110 Euston Road, London, NW1 2AJ
A half hour performance in the foyer of the theatre before the show ’Maggie’s End’, about the death of Margaret Thatcher. For details about the play go to www.theshawtheatre.comWednesday 15th April The Musician
34 Crafton Street West, Leicester, LE1 2DE
supporting Robb Johnson and The Irregulars
for more information: www.themusicianpub.co.uk/Thursday 16th April Saki Bar
2 Wilmslow Road, Rusholme, Manchester, M14 5TB
tickets available from www.wegottickets.com/event/45454 Cost: £4
with Robb Johnson & The Irregulars and Al Baker & The Dole Queue
Wednesday 27th May 8:00pm CUBE Gallery
113 - 115 Portland Street, Manchester, M1 6DW
A performance with virtual migrants as part of the event "The Cosmopolitan City and Manchester Migrants". Check www.virtualmigrants.com for detailsSaturday 12th September 12 Noon, MMU campus Didsbury
Communities For Change EventProjects:
Virtual Migrants: The Centre Cannot Hold Part (1)
climate change, imperialism and displacement:
a major new project, beginning at The Arnolfini in Bristol (UK) - see www.virtualmigrants.comSecond Time Around: Age Concern Stafford Intergenerational Singing Project - leading up to a performance at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre on March 30th - for more information see www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
Work with Hoot Music, Huddersfield
Work with Drake Music Project
go to topWhat you may have missed in 2008!
Projects:
Sundial Project - celebrating a new sculpture in Stalybridge with a musical installation all about time - 24th July, Armentieres Square, Stalybridge
Ridgehill Heritage Project, Stalybridge
Saturday 27th September - ***Special DIY home town launch event***Roughtown Community Centre, Roughtown Road, Mossley, Tameside, OL5 0SG
with Jilah Bakhshayesh , Nicki Dupuy, Lis Murphy and Ben Lee + live projections from VJ Kooj
and support from KILBREIGE - “superb songs” B’ham Post
free entry, donation to cover costsFriday 26th September - Tower Of Song, Cotteridge, Birmingham - with special guest Kilbreige
Tower Of Song 107 Pershore Road South Cotteridge BIRMINGHAM B30 3JX (nr King’s Norton Station)
Tickets £3 - contact 0121 486 1300Saturday 20th September - Working Class Music Festival, The New Picket, Jordan Street, Liverpool
Tickets and details from the festival website as aboveSaturday 13th September - Take Five Cellar Bar, Norwich - With special guests the Red Flags
Cellar Bar, Take 5, 17 Tombland, Norwich NR3 1HF
Tickets £5/£3 from 01603 458222 (or on the door)Friday July 18th - Tolpuddle Festival, Dorset - 8.00pm, in the Martyrs' Marquee
24th May 2008 - Hay Festival Fringe, Hay Castle, Hay-On-Wye - details on: http://www.fourdogsmusic.co.uk/_P_764_events/
Previously in 2007:
Friday 26 January 8:00pm - Marsh Mill
Four Lane Ends, Thornton Cleveleys, FY5 3SZ,UK -
A solo appearance in a superb old Mill near Blackpool, converted to an intimate venueSaturday 27th January Glossop: The Lift, Glossop Town Hall 8.00pm
(supporting Mark Gwynne Jones and Psychic Bread)Tuesday 20th February Sale, Manchester: Bar Amp 8.30pm (solo)
Saturday 24th February New Mills: St James’ Arts Centre (with Martin Milner and Lis Murphy)
Thursday 15 March 8:00pm - The Late Room
23 Peter Street, Manchester, M2 5QR,UK -
CANCELLED - the Late Room had a change of management and bumped the hire charges from £130 to £470!
Friday 16 March 8:00pm - Thornton Little Theatre
Four Lane Ends, Thornton Cleveleys, FY5 3SZ,UK -
A return to Thornton with Martin and Jilah for a full evening's set
Friday 23 March 5:00pm onwards - The Green Room (with virtual migrants)
Manchester
National Launch of the Exhale DVD/CDSunday 20th May - 9.00pm onwards - One Lounge, Didsbury
Thursday 24th May - 9.00pm onwards - Ceol Castle, Balsall Heath, Birmingham
ON COMMON GROUND:
Saturday 23rd June - 2.00pm - One World Festival, New Mills
Friday 29rd June - 7.30pm - Art Theatre, New Mills
Saturday 30th June - 7.30pm - Art Theatre, New MillsVirtual Migrants, San Diego, USA (as part of the 'Global Eyes' event at Siggraph 2007
featuring Fabio Olivera (Brazil), Discos Invisibles (Tijuana), James Ilgenfritz (New York)
Saturday 4th August - 4.00pm - UCSD
Sunday 5th August - 2.00pm - UCSD
Sunday 5th August - 4.00pm - UCSD
Monday 6th August - 4.00pm - UCSD
Friday 31st August - 8.00pm - Acousticfest, M19, LevenshulmeSaturday 8th September - 4.00pm, Bragg Lecture Theatre, Martin Harris Building, Manchester University
as part of the 'Creolising Europe' conference
Virtual Migrants featuring Arash Fayazi, Segun Lee-French, Jilah Bakhshayesh, Aidan JollyMonday 17th September - 10.00pm - M19, Levenshulme
Wednesday 7th November 10.00pm - The Lounge, 478 Wilbraham Road, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 9AS(with Martin Milner)
Raise Your Banners Festival of Political Song, Bradford:
Saturday 10th November at the New Beehive 2pm to 5pm (we're on at 3pm ish)
Fusion, Hollow Horse, Aidan Jolly, Robb Johnsonfollowed by (5pm onwards):
David Ferrard, Alistair Hulett, Claire Mooney, Roy Bailey, Scarlet Heightsfor details about tickets and other events on during the week: www.raiseyourbanners.org
Saturday 1st December 8.00pm - Celebrating Radical England: St Mary's Parish Hall, Longlands Road, New Mills. Tickets £6 and £4
Previously in 2006:
Monday March 6th - High Peak Community Arts, New Mills Town Hall - with Jilah Bakhshayesh and Martin Milner
Saturday 25th March, Ashton-Under-Lyne Baptist Church, Wellbeck Street, Ashton 6.30pm - 10.00pm, Benefit for Innocent Nkung - food, speakers families welcome - with Martin Milner
Friday 12th May, Mossley, Roughtown Centre- Benefit for Innocent Nkung - with Jilah Bakhshayesh and Martin Milner
Sunday 28th May - Mossley Folk Festival (2.00pm) AND Longford Park International Festival, Manchester (4.00pm) - with Jilah Bakhshayesh and Martin Milner
Saturday 17th June - Middlewich Festival, 8.00pm Golden Lion - with Martin Milner. For tickets contact www.midfest.org, or call the box office tel: 0709 2390501Sunday 18th June - Middlewich Festival, 1.00pm White Horse- with Martin Milner. For tickets contact www.midfest.org, or call the box office tel: 0709 2390501
Sunday 25th June - Sunday 25th June - "A Small World In Salford" Refugee Week event, Salford Museum and Art Gallery, 12 - 4pm - Aidan, Martin and Jilah are doing a half hour set in a full programme of artists playing in a range of traditions including Ukrainain guitarists, a Rwandan dance group, Kurdish dancers, Bhangra drummers, with activities like Indian head massage, henna painting, Iranian face-painters, traditional costumes etc etc - it promises to be a really good day for the whole family - for more information contact Lis.Murphy@salford.gov.uk or ring 0161 778 0800
Friday 30th June - Workhouse Festival, Llanfyllin, Powys. with Jilah Bakhshayesh and Martin Milner. For tickets and info contact www.workhousefestival.co.uk.23rd July - Futuresonic 2006 Festival, Manchester,
The Late Room, 23 Peter Street, Manchester, M2 5QR
8pm Sunday 23rd July 2006
Tickets £6/£4 concessions and Futuresonic discount wristbands, free to people seeking asylum and Futuresonic Festival pass holders
Passenger X
Travels through deceit and denialconscious live music and multimedia projection by artists from Glasgow, London and ManchesterAn incredible range of creative expression exploring the stories and global situations of people denied status in the UK. Live music and projections play off each other in an experimental real time performance to produce a rich narrative and texture. A one-off prequel to the Passenger show touring later this year - not to be missed!
Featuring:
4D - award-winning young rappers from Glasgow
Poulomi Desai - international radical sound artist
Aidan Jolly and Jilah Bakhshayesh - acoustic folk and dissonant samples
Kooj Chuhan - digital artist creating live multimedia video projections
and the acclaimed artist Keith Piper's original interactive ROM work 'Stranger'
Workshops:
2.30pm: 'Electronic Disturbances' - ways of using digital and electronic sound in a radical context, by Poulomi Desai with Aidan Jolly
4.00pm: 'Writing Struggle' - getting lyrics to express our own experience and politics, by 4D, with Aidan Jolly
Free with ticket for the evening performance, or a small voluntary contribution.
Workshops take place at the Late Room - advance booking recommended - contact info@virtualmigrants.com13 August 2006 4:00pm - The Trades Club, Holne Street, Hebden Bridge, HX7 8EE 01422 845265
The Maize Field Tour - dates between 2nd and 20th October
There are now about twenty dates for this play about young people living in rural areas - if you would like more information, drop me a line as above21 October 2006 2:00pm - Big Pink Music
61 Thomas Street, Manchester, M4 1NA - Free
A Personal Appearance promoting the CD! phone 0161 833 0003 for details. Big Pink is the best independent shop in the area for world, roots, alt.country, jazz, folk etc18th November 2006 8:00pm - Watermans Arts Centre Brentford, London, TW8 0DS
A Virtual Migrants event, launching the DVD/CD 'Exhale' and featuring workshops in projection and sound by Kooj Chuhan and Aidan Jolly. Part of a whole evening's event from 4 to 10pm.23 November 2006 8:00pm - The Railway Folk Club (singers' night)
Lymm, Cheshire
I'm going to go along to the Singers' Night, contribute a couple of songs, and find out about one of the best clubs in the area
30th November 2006 8:00pm - Plymouth Arts Centre 38 Looe Street, Plymouth, PL4 0EB
A Virtual Migrants gig with Aidan Jolly, Jilah Bakhshayesh and other guests to be confirmed, launching the DVD/CD 'Exhale' - featuring live visual projections by Kooj Chuhan. Details tbc nearer the time.9th December 2006 8:00pm - M19 Bar, Levenshulme
With Jilah Bakhshayesh and Martin Milner. Contact Aidan for details.
13 December 2006 8:00pm - The Cavern Club
Mathew St, Liverpool, L2 6RE,UK - £4.50/£3.50 with flyer
With Jilah Bakhshayesh and Martin Milner. We'll be appearing as part of the Cavern's regular Wednesday band night - if you want to come and you want to save a pound, let us know and we'll send you a flyer
14th December 2006 8:30pm - The Topic Club (supporting Kieran Halpin)
The Cock & Bottle, 93 Barkerend Rd , Bradford, W. Yorks, BD3 - 01274 222305
with Martin Milner and Jilah Bakhshayesh15th December 2006 8.30pm - Take 5 Below, 17 Tombland, Norwich
phone 01603 451184 for information and details (or email the above address)
with Martin Milner and Jilah Bakhshayesh, and support from local heroes Red FlagProjects and commissions:
'Their Past, Your Future' project, completion date April 2006.
Beginning in April 2006, I will be working with Wear Purple in Cheshire and video artist Heather James, to create a music and video DVD that looks at how elders reflect on their lives.
During half term in February, I worked as part of the 'Animate' project led by Latent Productions, developing musical content for a website for looked-after children.
I am continuing to collaborate with the young musicians of Visyon, Congleton, and with Salford Start
Previously in 2005
'Our Town' event Friday 9th December, Ellesmere Port Civic Square
Raise Your Banners festival of political song in Norwich (11th, 12th, 13th of November)
July
Workshop residency at Salford Start
June
18th: Middlewich Festival: performances on the Fringe, and with Visyon. 5.00pm onwards, Boars Head
Workshop residency at Salford StartMay
1st May: Performing at Longford Park International Festival, Manchester20th May: The Big Gig- celebration event of one year of the ID Music Project, Burnley @ Burnley Mechanics 7.00 - 10.00pm
Workshop residency at Salford Start
March - April
Visit Neuva Esperanza, El Salvador, to work with Cumbia and Andeno musicians. Compilation CD of music will be available soon (July)Terminal Frontiers tour:
Waterman's Arts Centre, 40 High Street, Brentford, London, TW8 0DS, 020 8232 1010, www.watermans.org.uk
20th January - 6th March
Launch event and live performance with Jilah Bakhshayesh and others 27th JanuaryPlymouth Arts Centre, 38 Looe Street, Plymouth, PL4 0EB, 01752 206114, www.plymouthac.org.uk
12th March - 23rd April
Launch event and live performance with Jilah Bakhshayesh and Khasrow Mustafa 11th March
