x.trax | street and circus


PUBLIC PERFORMANCES - ALL WELCOME Street Festival Lowry Plaza, Salford Quays Sunday 4th May from 1pm – 11pm Presented in association with Manchester International Arts A one day festival of culturally diverse street performance featuring music, circus and visual arts from across the UK and culminating in the night time processional performance Runga Rung. The festival will take place in the beautiful setting of Salford Quays against the backdrop of the Lowry Centre and the canal network. There will be lots of food and drink on site, so spend the afternoon and evening soaking up a unique festival atmosphere that features elements of carnival, mela and European fiesta.
		Noir Femmes music/street - on stage 1pm Gail Thompson premieres her all black women's touring big band, playing a dazzling selection of new compositions. Featuring some of Britain's best black women musicians Noir Femmes looks set to become a stunning new musical force on the international circuit. Born in Britain of Trinidadian parentage, Gail has made an indelible impression on the British jazz scene. As well as founding the Jazz Warriors with Courtney Pine she also played baritone sax with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers – making her the only female Messenger ever – before setting up Jazz Africa, an ensemble comprising the cream of South African expatriates and British jazz players. [Showcase delegates can see Noir Femmes perform on Saturday night at the Zion Centre]
		Achanak music/street - time tbc Born in 1989 Achanak is 6 piece band who have reached the upper echelons of the Bhangra industry, the fastest growing music form in the world music market. A fusion of Asian and Western rhythms , Bhangra was brought to the UK from India by the first generation of immigrants. Now transformed by 3rd generation South Asians into the most explosive Indian – British music phenomena. Put your dancing shoes on!
		Shiva Nova music/street - on stage 9pm An opportunity to see Shiva Nova, performing a heady mix of new pieces created by renowned composer Priti Paintal, it combines jazz and dance music with classical and traditional music sounds, in a show that is nothing short of phenomenal.
		Yaa Asantewaa Arts present Yaaafrican Movement of the People Yaaafrican tells the story of the journeys of African people to the Diaspora and how their presence through dance has influenced the emergence of new cultures. The production integrates dance, narrative, costumes, music and drama all rooted in the interactive carnival spirit. Winner of the 2001 Notting Hill Carnival Best Band On The Road Presentation this dynamic show features 16 musicians and 25 dancers and masqueraders. A new concept in Carnival Theatre.
		Maharajahs Banquet A new Asian Circus project featuring stilt walking costumed characters, Dhol drummers and Bollywood style dancers.
		Black Eagles A group of totally stunning acrobats from Tanzania now resident in the UK, that will have the audience gasping in amazement.
		Spearfish presents OPEN SPACE graffiti arts A live performance of the numerous disciplines of graffiti art from some of the leading exponents of the art form in the UK. 8 artists paint live on 'canvas cubes' around the site. Abstract letter forms, characters, stencils and doodles fill the 12ft by 8ft canvas panels, transforming white backgrounds into explosions of colour and energy. Artists include: Seize, Astec, Juice, Mac1, Dreph, Tak, Sunil Pawar, Prime / Artful Dodger
		Rangoli designs are captivating mosaics originating in India - we have two very different Rangoli artists to demonstrate some of the versatility of this intriguing art form. Ranbir Kaur has presented her work in many settings, permanent and temporary, outside in street festivals all over the world, as well as in galleries. She works mostly with natural materials – flowers, fruit, grains, rice can often be found in her beautiful designs. Each is unique and specially made for the occasion. Ashok Mistry combines tradition with contemporary techniques and influences. Using beautifully coloured crushed glass and light boxes he will create a multi sensory installation.

Manchester School of Samba – featuring Special Guest Xumo Nounjio
Manchester's best loved samba band joins forces with visiting Cameroonian percussionist and dancer Xumo Nounjio (performing in the showcase with Nzi Dada).

Lemn Sissay – un-missable performance from the inimitable poet.

Marc Matthews - Caribbean tales full of rhythm, energy and wit that will delight and intrigue you.

Bollywood Brass Band – Bollywood meets Bhangra from the UK's leading Indian wedding band – funky drummers , a hot 6 piece horn section and dhol drummers.

Emmanuel - combines traditional African acrobatics with Chinese circus influences.

Plus delicious food, rickshaw rides, stunt skateboarding demonstrations, African and Indian craft stalls, henna artists, hair braiders and creative workshops in dance, puppet-making, African headwraps and windsocks.

Emergency Exit Arts present Runga Rung Parade - starts at 10pm
The evening culminates in a fantastic finale of colour, music and fire from Emergency Exit Art. Follow their breathtaking Runga Rung parade, including a troupe of Rajastani style horsemen, a life size steel elephant, Carnival characters and huge Indian puppets. The spectacular finale features a mobile cinema screen and stage, contemporary Asian dancers performing to a backdrop of Bollywood movie hits, stilt walkers, fabulous carnival characters and a daring fireworks display.

Parking is available on site
Metrolink – Harbour City
For full travel information go to www.thelowry.com