The Band on the Wall, a major jazz club in the mid-1970s and later a punk venue in Manchester, ENG, is reopening in September after a major renovation that has taken four years.
The club was the early home for bands such as the Buzzcocks, The Fall and Joy Division. Over the years, Björk, Art Blakely, Carleen Anderson, Richie Havens, Courtney Pine and countless other graced the stage.
The relaunch is expected for September 25 with UK soul singer Mica Paris and jazz pianist Julian Joseph.
The renovation cost £3.2 million, including improvements to the existing main space and installation of a new sound system, as well as specialized restoration of original 19th Century features and extensions to the existing balcony.
Band on the Wall is operated by Inner City Music, a registered not-for-profit charity.
“I’m overjoyed to be at Band on the Wall,” said CEO Gavin Sharp on a post on the club’s Web site. “It’s one of the most important music venues in the UK, and when it relaunches it will not only be a great place to enjoy live music, but it will be a fantastic arts, education and social space too.”
