- Tue, 2013-02-19 16:33
This year the fourth Reel Iraq festival will once again explore the contribution of art, culture and creativity to Iraqi life in a time of conflict.
"Decades of turmoil, unrest and pain brought on by civil and international wars have only served to strengthen the resilience of its people and their connection to music, film, literature and art."
From 21-25th March the festival will take place across nine UK cities: London, Edinburgh, Bristol, Glasgow, Derry, Newcastle, Stirling, Leeds and Dumfries.
The festival will play host to a series of Iraqi musicians including Khyam Allami who recently appeared alongside Blur during their 2013 summer tour and internationally acclaimed Iraqi Oud player Ehsan Al Emam. See the music listings below.
The festival will also offer a diverse programme of film, poetry, exhibition and discussion, see the full listings for each city at http://www.reelfestivals.org
City of Salt www.soundcloud.com/cityofsalt
"An experimental and startlingly contemporary Arabic three piece who combine the oud, clarinet and electric guitar to explore Middle Eastern traditions through jazz, noise and improvisation. Their performances at Reel Iraq coincide with the international release of their debut album ‘Towers Open Fire.’ Live visuals by Parine Jaddo, director of film ‘Broken Record’, previewing at the festival.
22/03 Edinburgh, Summerhall, 21:00 – 23:00, £3
23/03 London, Richmix, 20:30 – 23:00, £5
24/03 Bristol, The Cube 14:30 – 23:00, £7/£5 conc. (as part of all day event)
(All dates with Leila Albayaty, London date includes Khyam Allami))
Lord Erragal http://www.facebook.com/Erragal.band
"Spawning from the rising emo, punk and gothic subcultures coming out of Baghdad, Lord Erragal is a multi instrumentalist who specialises in re-creating soundscapes against a backdrop of eerie piano melodies and haunting vocals.
21/03 Edinburgh, Forest Café, 21:00 – 23:00 FREE EVENT
22/03 Dumfries, Greyfriars Church, 20:00 – 23:00, FREE EVENT
23/03 Glasgow, Glad Café, 20:00 – 23:00, FREE EVENT
(All dates with Hasan Bressm)
Khyam Allami www.khyamallami.com
Recently appearing alongside Blur during their 2013 summer tour, Khyam Allami is a virtuoso oud player, serial collaborator and musical explorer.
Hasan Bressm
Hasan Bresm makes his debut UK performance at Reel Iraq 2013. Highly regarded in Iraq and with many TV appearances under his belt, Hasan Bressm plays the oud and other lutes and has made eight albums since his debut recording in 1987. He’s previously played concerts in the Netherlands, Germany, Poland and France and will be playing solo shows for his UK performances.
21/03 Edinburgh, Forest Café, 21:00 – 23:00 FREE EVENT
22/03 Dumfries, Greyfriars Church, 20:00 – 23:00, FREE EVENT
23/03 Glasgow, Glad Café, 20:00 – 23:00, FREE EVENT
(All Dates with Lord Erragal)
Leila Albayaty www.leilaalbayaty.com
Leila Albayaty is of Iraqi French origin and divides her time between music and movies, directing, composing and performing. At Reel Iraq, she will perform songs taken from her first feature film ‘Berlin Telegram’ and album of the same name. The songs are about love, loss and hope.
22/03 Edinburgh, Summerhall, 21:00 – 23:00, £3
23/03 London, Richmix, 20:30 – 23:00, £5
24/03 Bristol, The Cube 14:30 – 23:00, £7/£5 conc. (as part of all day event)
(All dates with City of Salt, London date includes Khyam Allami)
Ehsan Al Emam https://www.youtube.com/user/EhsanEmam
"Ehsan Al-Emam is a recognised master and internationally acclaimed Iraqi Oud player. He has taught many of the world's best players and toured internationally based on a lifelong mission to widen the reach of the
beautiful music of his home country to new audiences.
21/03 London, Rich Mix, 21:00 – 23:00, FREE EVENT (as part of opening event)
