A new home for the jazz, soul, poetry and hip hop night...
Situated near the ice arena and usually home to Panthers fans, Saltbox has taken on more artistic feel to host the first instalment of a weekly series in collaboration with Acoustickle, an event created to showcase independent jazz, soul, poetry and hip hop artists from our local area. After grabbing a couple of two for one cocktails and a share plate of nachos I settled down as the DJ started off the night.
It’s probably worth pausing here for a minute to mention the very important detail that it was a costume party. Alongside the normal Acoustickle vibe of intimate candles and plenty of incense, there was also a room full of people dressed as ‘Gods and Goddesses.’ Myself (somewhat half-heartedly) included.
Saltbox has a stage at the front of the room surrounded by tables and a bar. First on was Mama Soulchild, comparing troubles to shades of blue in her eloquent commentary on life and emotion. Joined by her baby girl halfway through the set, there was a feeling of community and celebration that continued over the whole night.
A variety of different artists took the stage including Birmingham singer songwriter Chanelle Deborah, bringing in some deep heavy beats and Marita Metelia with her acoustic guitar. Sharing a personal story about being a kid soaking in creativity growing up and how it led her to passion, finishing with the fact that she felt ‘so blessed’ to be here tonight.
Even Acoustickle organiser Parisa East had her own set, mostly dedicated to ‘a boy from St Anne’s’ who I wouldn’t like to be with lyrics ranging from ‘you are lies’ to ‘nobody likes you.’
The feeling of the night was a really chill one, all about sharing music and relaxing together with the celebratory edge of free cake. By no means is Acoustickle really sleek and fancy, the mic cutting off a couple of times at least. Instead it’s comfortable and organic, just about music and creating, as shown by the concept of Soul Cypher, artists coming together with good beats to freestyle and see what they can create.
Acoustickle Gods and Goddesses Themed Launch Party was at Saltbox on Friday 25 August 2017.
The next Acoustickle event at Saltbox takes place on Friday 1 September 2017. Facebook event.
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