In partnership with Colchester Arts Centre, Firstsite is mixing contemporary electronic music, short performance and spoken word into a relaxed, late-night vibe.
Friday nights in Colchester are about to become a whole lot more interesting with the launch of Late Lounge @ Firstsite. On three selected dates – 17 November, 1 and 8 December (all Fridays) – the iconic gallery’s café bar will transform into an experimental space, filled with ambient DJs and live art performances throughout the evening. More dates are planned in 2024.
The inaugural event (17 November) promises an extraordinary fusion of live ambient soundscapes, expert DJing from electronic duo Don Quöng, plus a live music set exploring the relationship between rhythm and noise by sound artist, Dhangsha.
Don Quöng – AKA friends Matt and Rich – are known for their innovative and captivating live performances, skilfully employing an array of samplers, synths, drum machines, and FX to create unique and improvised soundscapes that transcend traditional DJ sets.
Under the alias of Dhangsha (Bengali for ‘destruction’), sound artist Aniruddha Das works at the interface of bass culture and experimental electronica, creating what he calls a kind of “mutant dancehall”, where distorted ‘alien’ motifs evolve over sparse but heavy beats. We just call them absolute bangers!
The doors open at 8pm and throughout the night (until midnight) you can let your mind explore with further performances from artist Vijay Patel and Colchester’s own thriving poetry community, Poetry At Events.
Based in South London, Vijay is a live/performance artist whose work crosses forms into cabaret and installations. He has previously dealt with such themes as the complexities of being of mixed Indian/British heritage and what that means within the contemporary condition.
As their name suggests, Poetry At Events organise opportunities for poets and spoken word artists to perform in front of enthusiastic audiences in Colchester, in turn building a passionate following around this ancient art form.
Sally Shaw MBE, Director of Firstsite says: “It’s been fantastic to work with the Colchester Arts Centre team on this new evening event. Late Lounge @ Firstsite will provide Colchester with an exciting, new space in which to chat and unwind; explore live art and music; enjoy some food and have a dance; or just settle down with a cocktail and take in the atmosphere. It also offers a platform for talented performers to engage with a new, open-minded and creative audience. It is going to be brilliant!”
Not only that, but there’s also a chance to enjoy Firstsite’s fabulous, free-to-see exhibitions; Claire Cansick: You and I Are Earth (until 14 April 20244), YAK: Zero Contract: Zero Contact (Until 26 November), Wyrd Flora, YAK and Motanafas Collective: Power of Place: Earth, Gather, Form (until 14 January 2024) and Lucy Harwood: Bold Impressions (2 December – 14 April 2024).
The following event, on Friday 1 December (8-10pm) will feature a live set from Masal, lounge DJ A’Bear, along with performances from Gemma Garwood, Mary-Ann Ambrose and Pete Kennedy.
In the final Late Lounge of 2023, on 8 December (8-10pm) come along to experience live ‘neon-hued and jagged art-pop weirdness’ courtesy of Lia Mice, Alien DJing a lounge set, plus Performances from Alice D’Lumiere, Pissabed Prophet Unplugged and The Wrong Film Club Goes Pop.
Anthony Roberts, Director at the Colchester Arts Centre says: “We are delighted to be working with Firstsite on this venture – it means together we can showcase the talents of even more artists and performers and provide even more fantastic and unique events across the city for everyone to enjoy.”
For more information about Late Lounge@ Firstsite, including details on the contributing artists, DJs, performers and poets, and to book tickets, visit firstsite.uk.
More dates are already planned for 2024, to be the first to find out new dates and line ups sign up to the Firstsite mailing list at firstsite.uk, follow @firstsite on X, @firstsitecolchester on Instagram or TikTok and like the Firstsite Colchester Facebook page.
