Local Music Scene

June 2008 will once again see music, poetry, dance and visual art sweep across Leicester, with an emphasis on Hip-Hop.

As a cultural movement embracing MCing, DJing, Dance and Graffiti Art, Hip-Hop has been around for over 30 years.

But festival organisers from British Arts and Street Sounds (B.A.S.S.) want to take these things to an even larger audience, de-mystifying them in the process.

"Everyone has their own idea of what Hip-Hop is and this will give fans and sceptics alike the chance to explore these views, as well as watch a series of special short films on the subject," says Ian.

As a full time gigging DJ himself, playing Hip-Hop on a regular basis, what are the challenges he faces in today’s musical climate?

The ever-enthusiastic Beatmaster replies, "My music tastes are quite diverse and I spend a lot of time trying to keep track of what’s out there- lots of trawling through record shops.

"The beauty of Hip-Hop is that it embodies all forms of music. It mutates. I am a Hip-Hop DJ, but I also play an eclectic mix of R&B, Breaks & Funk.

"Crucially, I think B.A.S.S introduces urban music to people who wouldn't normally go to urban events. It's about opening minds to this music and dispelling misconceptions."

You can take part in the FREE 'What Is Hip Hop?' debate on Sunday 22 June at 17:00 at Firebug (Millstone Lane). Or see Ian in action as a DJ on Saturday 07 June, as part of Bug Out B.A.S.S Festival special at Esko, Humberstone Gate from 23:00.

B.A.S.S. Slam

Another guest at the festival will be Rakesh Parmar. He is a successful promoter and runs creative organisation Blue Monsoon. He will enable a fresh crop of local word-smiths to compete for a bursary of £500, in "B.A.S.S Slam" at the Peepul Centre.

What motivates him when dreaming up ideas for new events? "Not to repeat myself too often, find new minds to work with and help to evolve everyone's experience."

In a city with an already-thriving poetry scene, what is B.A.S.S slam about?

"Encouraging artists to express themselves, for audiences to react and to develop spoken word talent."

Far from being your average open-mic event, B.A.S.S Slam invites new poets with a style that is distinctly urban – where poetry and spoken word meets MCing.

B.A.S.S Slam is on at 20.00 Friday 27 June, at the Peepul Centre, Orchardson Ave. Anyone interested in performing should report to the registration desk at the Peepul Centre, 19:00 on the night. Tickets are £6 available from 0116 261 6000.

Flying the Flag

As an internationally acclaimed poet, music artist and playwright, Carol Leeming has long been flying the flag for Leicester's diverse arts scene. Carol will be a judge at this year's B.A.S.S Slam. 

Carol says, "The festival is important for Leicester because it offers opportunities for a wide range of people to come together and share the enjoyment of exciting art forms that have literally changed the world as we know it."

Poetry and Dance: the same?

Also appearing is John Berkavitch who specialises in Hip-Hop theatre – an emotionally exposed display of poetry, dance, music and storytelling.

Having made his name as the 2007 UK Slam Champion and with numerous other accolades, Berkavitch has much to teach new artists. With this in mind, the live artist is staging a seminar on the art of Hip-Hop theatre, as part of this year's festival.

John sees Hip-Hop theatre as something fluid:

"I don't separate my art forms," he says. "Dance and poetry are basically the same thing."

Hip-Hop is frequently misunderstood. Events like this will help audiences to appreciate Hip-Hop, as well as providing valuable guidance for up-and-coming artists.

Hip-Hop Theatre with John Berkavich is on 12:00-17:00 Saturday 21 June, at the Peepul Centre, Leicester. To book, please call 2Funky Arts on 0116 222 0639 or email: info@2funkyarts.co.uk (£2).

Events take place in a range of venues across the city and more information can be found on www.bassfestival.co.uk, or via the FREE B.A.S.S brochure, available now throughout the city.