All at sea at city’s ‘Shanty Clash’
On an unusually cold, still November night, the city’s cultural quarter came alive with a fusion of nautical heritage and modern musical delight from Solent University’s Showcase Gallery at an experimental community event called Shanty Clash.
With neon jugglers, vintage gramophones, beatboxers, choral sea shanties and even an impromptu rap performance from a Solent University student, the innovative live event saw crowds of all ages come together to revel in Southampton’s rich maritime and musical history.
Off-set by the experimental sparring of ancient choral sea shanties and contemporary urban vibes, the rare get-together of these different generations acknowledged the 175thAnniversary of Southampton’s Port and the city’s growing music culture.
With the spectacular backdrop of Southampton Guildhall, onlookers were treated to live performances from Still Moving DJs, a Southampton-based electro swing-vintage duo and Treva Who, a local urban beat-boxer. The Shanty Clash community choir performed a unique and original folk song especially for the event.
Thought up by the university’s Showcase Gallery team and internationally renowned Swedish artist Annika Ström, Shanty Clash is part of the artSOUTH programme of events across the South Coast supported by Hampshire County Council, Sculpture Trust and Artswork.
Kate Maple, Solent Showcase curator and event organiser said: “Southampton is known for its maritime past and Guildhall Square has both a wealth of historic buildings and young skateboarders; Shanty Clash has really brought those elements together.
“This is a positive clash of two very different styles and it’s also a bit of fun.”
Fiona Funnell, choir coordinator and producer of the original score for the night said: “The Shanty Clash Choir didn’t exist until this event was created.
“The community has come together to celebrate the amalgamation of maritime and urban culture of Southampton.”
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE MEDIA OFFICE ON 023 8031 9642 or email events@solent.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
About Southampton Solent University
Southampton Solent University offers more than 23,000 students over 200 qualifications ranging from HND to PhD, in subjects such as maritime education and training, fashion and design, media and television, music, health, sport and leisure, business, IT and technology. The university was awarded the 2013 Quality Assurance kitemark for quality and standards of teaching and learning. Solent was voted one of the most creative universities in the UK in a Which? University 2013 poll of students.
About Solent Showcase
Solent Showcase's opening hours: Monday – Friday 11–6pm, Saturday 11–5pm. Admission free
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