‘Corn Riot Knees Up’ in association with Muse

James Qualtrough | September 20, 2012 | 0 Comments

Jersey Muse Presents ‘Corn Riot Knees Up!’

Jersey’s very own Jèrriais-singing pop-folk band, Badlabecques will be launching their debut studio album at this month’s very ‘Jersey’ themed Muse night in the Royal Square on Friday 28th September from 17.00 – 21.00. The event, hosted by Jersey Heritage will showcase a selection of traditional and contemporary local music, dishes and dancing, whilst telling the story of the Jersey ‘Corn Riot’ which took place this day in 1769.

Known for their mission to rekindle the traditional language of Jèrriais amongst Islanders, Badlabecques are gaining great momentum on the local music circuit with their catchy melodies and clever lyrical spins. It seems a natural decision then, that they should launch their debut album ‘Hécque Badlabecques!’ in conjunction with Jersey Muse, the series of cultural events hosted by Jersey Heritage as a direct response to the wishes of young Islanders wanting to engage with their cultural roots through a new and vibrant programme of events.

Muse Presents ‘Corn Riot Knees Up!’

Billed as a ‘Corn Riot Knees Up!’, the event will also feature up-and-coming bands from La Motte Street Studios, as well as local acts The Centeniers (indie/rock), Jersey Bob (acoustic), and a short story about the historical significance of the Jersey ‘Corn Riot’ on 28th September 1769. In keeping with the Jersey theme, there will also be bean crock and other local dishes available. Badlabecques will then take to the stage as a nine-piece band at around 7:30pm and showcase the songs from their album.

It is hoped that the event will bring together the whole community to celebrate the band’s debut album, which features a collection of traditional and contemporary folk songs with upbeat pop and folk influences from around the world. Lead singer and co-founder of the band Kit Ashton says: “It’s been a real privelage to lead this project and make what is a truly unique, fun-filled album. I’m still just learning Jèrriais myself but thankfully Geraint Jennings has been guiding me through and I’m excited to present these songs to the Jersey public. I should also thank Music Core who have helped us record the album – they’ve just been amazing – and very patient while I got my pronunciation right! We chose the 28th September for our launch because of its historical connection and it’s great that MUSE is helping us to highlight that – hopefully Badlabecques can contribute in a small but significant way to our own historical and cultural tradition.”

Martin Coxshall, keyboard player, says: “I hope that through the music of Badlabecques, the work of education and L’Office Du Jèrriais, that future generations of children will recall some of these great Jèrriais songs with the same familiarity that we presently recall songs like ‘Frère Jacques’.”

Charity Involvement:
Badlabecques have also received support from L’Assemblieé d’Jèrriais and the Don Balleine Trust and are in fact still fundraising to pay for the album production and marketing so donations to the project are very welcome through L’Office Du Jèrriais.

50% of the proceeds from the sale of ‘Hécque Badlabecques!’ will go to local community projects – 25% to L’Assemblieé d’Jèrriais, for the promotion and development of the Jèrriais language, and 25% to La Motte Street Studios, to help support local young musicians.

Event Details: Jersey Muse Presents ‘Corn Riot Knees Up!’
Location: The Royal Square
Date: Friday 28th September 2012
Time: 5PM – 9PM
Entry: FREE to all. Jersey Heritage members get VIP access. Jersey Heritage membership starts at just 85p a month. Membership entitles guests to free access to Muse and Jersey Heritage events and exhibitions as well as a ‘key to the castle’ to roam all Jersey Heritage sites at their own leisure.