We are back at Dalston Eastern Curve Garden for the rest of the summer, with Bristol-based collective Mesadorm and singer/violinist Alice Zawadzki.
This event will be operating with reduced capacity, and a host of measures to ensure that social distancing is observed and government guidelines are followed. For our full COVID-19 safety precautions, please click here.
MESADORM
Mesadorm's emotive and skilled melding of the pastoral and synthetic is the result of a unique combination of experienced musicianship, diverse cultural tastes and the strong bonds of friendship, with songwriting firmly aimed at the space between the piercing domestic observations of Suzanne Vega and the elemental other-worldiness of Bjork, drawing on contemporary influences including Caribou, Grizzly Bear and Sylvan Esso as well as legendary female luminaries like Carole King, Joni Mitchell and Kate Bush.
The band's 2018 debut album 'Heterogaster', produced by guitarist Aaron Zahl, forms a sublime melting pot of heartfelt anguish and celebration, combining shuddering electronica and tender instrumentation, balancing memorable hooks and leftfield themes. It both pops and fizzes, hurts and soothes.
Aside from the emotional heft of Mesadorm's music, the pedigree of its members is also not to be underestimated. Between them, Mesadorm's members have played with Paloma Faith, Goldfrapp, Rae Morris, Frank Turner, The Unthanks, The Magnetic North, toured with London Grammar and fronted major-label signing Vaults as well as singing on John Lewis' 2016 Christmas Ad. But whilst Mesadorm is a band founded on a history of professional musicianship and successes, it is now propelled forward by a renewed passion for creative endeavour and ambitious expression.
The album's emotional weight has been felt by audiences nationwide as the band toured the record throughout the last 2 years, before turning their efforts to the more delicate yet equally affecting 'Epicadus' released on Babylegs Records in April 2018 produced by Tim Allen (Bat for Lashes // Adrian Utley). This acoustic album illuminates the abilities of the band to wring universal sentiment from subtle arrangements: think of it as the subversive birdsong that follows 'Heterogaster's' epic downpour. The band are now working on their next album with Tim Allen at Invada Studios in Bristol.
In the space between the personal and the global, the throb of the night and the glint of the dawn, the crushing weight of a significant ending and the promise of a fresh start; Mesadorm's music awaits.
ALICE ZAWADKZI
Loosely connected to the jazz world but realistically inhabiting her own realm, Alice Zawadzki is a vocalist, violinist, songwriter and composer based in London, with considerable repute as “a genuine original” (The Guardian), and a distinctive and individual presence on the creative European music scene.
Alice’s rich musical background and “whimsical hyper-creativity” (MOJO Magazine) create a sound which draws upon her early exposure to New Orleans jazz and gospel with the legendary Lillian Boutté who took Alice under her wing and on tour as a teenager, an extensive classical training as a violinist, and a continuous exploration of improvisation, poetry, and folk music from diverse traditions, “all propelled in a voice of velvet suppleness and gutsy emotional power” (The Arts Desk).
She performs extensively as both a soloist and as a collaborator, with headline performances at major UK venues and festivals, including the Royal Albert Hall, Ronnie Scott’s, the London Jazz Festival, the Vortex, Celtic Connections, and internationally at festivals from Taipei International Jazz Festival (Taiwan) to Coventry Calling (Massachusetts, USA) to Sűdtirol Jazz Festival (Italy), Ottawa Chamber Music Festival (Canada), Musicá Impopular (Brazil), Usina Del Arte (Argentina) and many more.
Her 2019 release, ‘Within You Is A World Of Spring’ (Whirlwind Recordings), was described by Jazzwise Magazine as 'a cornucopia of delights', and features a who’s-who of celebrated players, including guitarist Rob Luft, bassist Misha Mullov-Abbado, pianist, drummer and producer Fred Thomas, taegum player Hyelim Kim, and the Amika string quartet. This second solo album was met with vigorous critical praise, including being awarded Contemporary Album of the Month by The Guardian newspaper in October 2019, making the Top 20 Albums of 2019 from John Fordham and Jazzwise Magazine, as well as a host of other warm national and international reviews, BBC and Jazz FM radio play, live radio sessions, and a nomination for British Vocalist of the Year from Jazz FM.
ABOUT THIS EVENT
Since our first season in 2013, our event at Dalston Eastern Curve Garden has always inspired audiences in a unique and thrilling way. This season of events captures the essence of a weekend rural festival in the centre of Dalston on a Tuesday evening.
The phenomenal surrounds of the garden combine with delicious pizzas from David Latto, and a supreme and ever-evolving roster of acts, to create a magical atmosphere which brings people together in a friendly and welcoming space.
It's a community of music-lovers joined to celebrate the warm months in a carefree and supportive atmosphere, with a compelling live soundtrack.
TICKETS
Limited seats are available in the auditorium, with a separation of at least 1m between each chair.
Tables can also be booked as a single block for groups which are cohabiting or in a 'bubble' together.
COVID-19
A full document regarding Covid-19 safety measures can be found here.
PLEASE NOTE that this is an outdoor concert which will go ahead regardless of the weather. Please bring appropriate clothing, including waterproofs if rain is forecast.