Ishmael Ensemble to headline The Loco Klub's long-awaited comeback

Ishmael Ensemble to headline The Loco Klub's long-awaited comeback

Posted on: 28 Oct 2020

The venue are preparing to host their first live event in more than seven months.

 

The Loco Klub have announced details of their first gig since lockdown was introduced back in March, with revered Bristol-based group Ishmael Ensemble set to headline a special evening of live music on Saturday 14 November.

 

Ishmael Ensemble, led by esteemed saxophonist Pete Cunningham, will be joined on the night by two carefully-selected guests, multi-disciplinary artist Alabaster dePlume and hotly-tipped experimental duo Mermaid Chunky.

 

As part of a carefully-curated, COVID-safe format, the 150-capacity audience will be separated into three seated groups of 50, with each act performing a 40-minute set for each group.

 

 

Announcing the show on their Facebook page, the Loco Klub team said they were "delighted to present a show that allows us to employ so many people whose professional careers have suffered immensely since lockdown.

 

"From sound crews and bar staff to security and performers," the post continued, "this is a very special event and a moment to support the culture that we all love so dearly." 

 

Headliner Ishmael Ensemble certainly need no introduction in Bristol, having gone from strength to strength with their acclaimed debut A State of Flow and features on a string of well-received jazz projects fronted by the likes of Soul Jazz and Gilles Peterson.

 

Alabaster dePlume has also been the subject of some glowing reviews from broadcaster, DJ and label boss Peterson, who described his album To Cy & Lee: Instrumentals Volume 1 as "the perfect therapy for the planet right now".

 

Forward-thinking duo Mermaid Chunky, meanwhile, have got a new album of their own on the way, due for release seven days before their eagerly-anticipated performance at The Loco Klub. 

Inside The Loco Klub.

Set over three rooms, Ishmael Ensemble Presents will see the audience split into three groups, with each act performing in a different space within the venue.

 

The uniquely-programmed event will see each band perform a 40-minute set, with a focus solely on music as it's supposed to be enjoyed: loudly, and with your undivided attention.

 

The three rooms - Tunnel 1, Tunnel 2 and The Social Club - will be set up differently to one another to keep things fresh and offer a different audience experience in each space.

 

Tickets are available in pairs, with a maximum of three pairs (or six people) per booking. Similarly to theatre performances, arrival times are strict, with set intervals allocated for smoking and moving attendees between spaces.

 

Tickets are still available at the time of writing, but are expected to sell out well in advance - find out more and get yours via Headfirst.

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Article by:

Matt Robson

 

Editor - 365Bristol.com & LOUD Magazine
 

Matt is a Journalism graduate and writer, passionate about supporting Bristol music, art and independent business. Get in touch via email at matt@365bristol.com.