aaamusic | On 09, Nov 2011

CRUNCH 2011: THE ART AND MUSIC FESTIVAL AT HAY

Produced by the Institute of Art and Ideas and held annually in Hay-on-Wye, Crunch brings together leading artists, philosophers, commentators and art world professionals from the principal to the subversive in a dissection and celebration of the arts in contemporary society. Set on the weekend of November 18 – 20, the programme features an eclectic mixture of debates, talks, workshops, exhibitions and live performances.

British Sea Power, national icons and purveyors of forward-thinking indie rock, will perform a semi-acoustic set of BSP favourites and rarities arranged specially for the Globe at Hay (a converted 18th century chapel at the core of the festival grounds).  This is likely to be their last show of the year.

65daysofstatic’s Paul Wolinski will present his new solo project Polinski, playing a heady science-fiction inspired soundscape of beats, hooks and noise. Debut album Labyrinths was released October 31 via Monotreme Records. This is one of his only three solo UK shows this year.

Featuring elsewhere on the line-up are Beaty Heart, who have been setting hearts and minds abuzz with their cascades of ‘psychedelic drum pop’, the critically acclaimed Mara Carlyle, singer-songwriter and political activist Chris T-T, former keyboardist with the Hold Steady Franz Nicolay, Client’s Kate Holmes at the DJ decks, rootsy folk outfit Emily Barker & the Red Clay Halo, former tour DJ with the Clash DJ Scratchy, Dan Hayes of the JJ Horns (oft-seen with Man Like Me and the Pogues) bringing his own brand of gobby folk as yoB + more. Plus comedy, spoken-word and more from Book Club Boutique founder Salena Godden, Spats writer John-Luke Roberts, masters of sketch comedy Max & Iván, satirical culture experts the Gentlemen of Leisure + more.

Talks and debates are set to feature artists Susan Hiller, Jake Chapman (of the Chapman Brothers), and Cedar Lewisohn (curator of Tate exhibitions Street Art and Rude Britannia); Serpentine Director Hans Ulrich Obrist, author of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time Mark Haddon, former RSC Director Adrian Noble, Arts Council Wales chair Dai Smith, film director Nicolas Roeg, controversial art historian Julian Stallabrass + many more, debating everything from the individual artistic process to  the arts’ power (or lack thereof) as a political tool. Meanwhile, the Crunch Art Pavilion will showcase some of the best of contemporary art with exhibitions from leading galleries including Paradise Row, Poppy Sebire, and EB&Flow.

For full programme information and tickets, visit www.artfestivalathay.org .