In my opinion… – Tony Green’s pick of upcoming gigs not to be missed in Leeds

Here’s a monthly rundown of gigs I don’t want to miss. The ones outside of Leeds may be a struggle with a newborn, but the intent will be there. As always, hat tipped to the promoters who make these shows happen to enhance our cities and towns cultural landscape and bring like minded people together.

Hit me up on [email protected].

22nd May @ Brudenell
OWINY SIGOMA

West African duo signed to Giles Peterson’s Brownswood label. Seeing this at the Brudenell is going to be a WOW moment. Think I better choose between this and Gold Panda. If neither gig had been on I’d be trying to get to Open Mike Eagle at The Hi Fi.

26th May 2016 @ The Brudenell
Gold Panda

Never seen Gold Panda, so this could be the opportune moment.

3rd June @ Hi Fi Leeds
AWESOME TAPES FROM AFRICA

Digging around and playing beautiful African music on cassette. Whats not to love? There’ll be tape collectors kicking themselves they didn’t think of this before. Maybe AWESOME HIP HOP TAPES FROM NEW YORK will be next. Can’t wait for this one.

7th June @ Sound Control Manchester
EPMD

Its a heritage act you probably will NEVER see again. So Watcha Saying, Strictly Business, Boon Dox, Crossover – classic after classic. Sounds a bit pushy-promoter speak, but i know how last minute hip hop fans are and then they hit you up with ‘Sorry i didn’t attend, i didn’t know it was on’, then in the same breath moan about a lack of hip hop shows. YOU KNOW EPMD IS ON. GET TO IT and make it a night you never forget!

10th June @ The Belgrave
Femi Kuti

I saw his show at Leeds Uni around five years ago (a New Bohemia special) and it was every bit as incredible as you could ever imagined it to be. Maybe a trip to Awesome Tapes From Africa a week before will spur a whole new audience and generation to check the son of Fela a week later.

1st July @ The Belgrave
Saul Williams

Its Saul Williams!!! SAUL WILLIAMS!!!

4th July @ Brudenell
Victor Wooten

Heading to this with Chris Dawkins. When he says we gotta check an artist, we gotta check an artist!

Future planning

8th August @ Belgrave
Sun Ra Arkestra (if it’s not sold out already)

21st October @ Brudenell
KIKO BUN

Fun poppy really well done reggae. Might not go see it but thought it could be a happy night out with friends to throw in at the end.

27th October @ Leeds University Union
Nao

29th October @ Belgrave Music Hall, Leeds
AKALA

When Akala comes to town you go see him. Politically, intelligent hip hop, a welcome voice for the people.

12th November @ Trades Club (Hebden Bridge)
ADRIAN “SHERWOOD AT THE CONTROLS” (HEBDEN BRIDGE)

I’ve never seen Adrian Sherwood play, so really going to make the effort to see this one. He used to play Leeds at the Soundclash parties in Leeds the 90s.

Tony Green is a long-standing promoter and DJ in Leeds. Check his record label www.released.co.uk/ [email protected].