A new exhibition celebrating the music that formed a unique bond between two transatlantic cities
Liverpool International Music Festival
www.limfestival.com
The ‘Liverpool Next Stop New York’ exhibition investigates the links between these two famous cities and how this special relationship was enhanced by a love
and appreciation of Black American music and culture. Curated by RedHouse Originals gallery from the 7th – 23rd August, a group of renowned visual artists with links to both cities will offer an insight into the incredible impact the music had on Liverpool from the 1940s onwards. Many of the artists involved are successful musicians in their own right, providing a unique perspective on the effect of this revolutionary movement.
Private preview takes place 6th August at View Two Gallery. For more information please visit www.nextstopnewyork.org.
In the 1950s, the merchant seamen working on the cruise liners sailing from Liverpool to New York, mostly as cooks and waiters, became known as Cunard Yanks. The Cunard Yanks saw themselves as fugitives from bombed-out austerity Britain. America represented liberation. They were entranced by the music they discovered there – Doo-wop, Soul, Rhythm & Blues – and hung out at jazz clubs where they heard Count Basie, Nina Simone and Dizzy Gillespie.” Taken from Vertigo Magazine
Highlights include an exclusively commissioned sculpture by Mike Badger (The La’s) and original paintings by Horace Panter (The Specials). The exhibition also features work by acclaimed artists Dudley Edwards, Pete McKee, Low Coney and The Studio of Ezra. A selection of original paintings, print-making and sculpture will be complemented by a range of historical and documentary photography, dating from the 1940s to the early 90s.
The exhibition precedes a weekend long celebration at Sefton Park’s Palm House featuring seminal DJs Greg Wilson and Les Spaine. Full details will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information please visit www.nextstopnewyork.org.
Yaw Owusu, LIMF Curator comments, “I am really pleased with the addition and announcement of this element of Liverpool, Next Stop New York. Like music, art really captures the zeitgeist and adds a personal touch to any retrospect and it seems really fitting that this commission includes visual art too.”
LIMF is an inherently different festival representing the latest chapter of an ever-evolving global music city. Presenting its most ambitious and vibrant programme to date, Liverpool welcomes artists, creatives and music-lovers for a celebration like no other and one not to be missed.
The five-day programme will encompass Commissions, Partnerships, the LIMF Academy and the grand finale, LIMF Summer Jam, and will take place over several iconic Liverpool venues including Sefton Park. The programme will continue to cement Liverpool International Music Festival as the must-visit musical event of the summer.
LIVERPOOL: NEXT STOP NEW YORK
Location: View Two Gallery, 23 Mathew Street, Liverpool L2 6RE
www.viewtwogallery.co.uk / www.redhouseoriginals.com/exhibitions/liverpool-next-stop-new-york
Exhibition Dates: 7th – 23th August 2015
The gallery is open Friday & Saturdays 12:00 – 17:00 and at other times by appointment
Preview: Thursday 6th August 2015
Event website: www.nextstopnewyork.org
