This Thursday, 24th November, Salford's historic Sacred Trinity Church hosts a musical event to remember - a gathering of great acoustic acts, who have been hand-picked to raise funds for two great charities in an awe-inspiring location.
Acoustic Amnesty began in 2013 and has been staging regular fundraisers featuring the cream of the region's music and spoken word talent ever since. Its events raise funds and awareness for Manchester Amnesty and other great local charities, and proceed from what promises to be a spell-binding night this week will be divided between Manchester Amnesty and Greater Manchester Night Shelter.
Originally from Glasgow, organiser Steven Lindsay happily refers to himself as an `adopted Mancunian', and he is a passionate about the area's growing arts movement. He personally selects the acts from the rich Salford and Greater Manchester scene; "As you know, there are so many talented performers in the area", he says.
The performers are only too happy to oblige for a great cause, particularly in such great venues which add to the drama. All this means that Acoustic Amnesty has one hell of a roster of talent, but Steven is also keen to discover new acts and allow the event to constantly evolve.
Meanwhile, the Sacred Trinity Church has been an impressive Salford landmark since 1635 and has become a multi-functional space that continues to be a relevant and important community hub. Recent years have seen the church regularly transform itself into a stunning and spiritual concert venue which has hosted all types of music, from folk to goth, punk, electronic, hip-hop and even the odd classical gig, featuring numerous musicians including Liam Frost, Jens Lekman, Robbie Cavanagh and local starlet Ren Harvieu
"People often ask me when we started doing gigs at Sacred Trinity and I say `1635'" rector Andy Salmon explains "Churches and live music go together, but I suppose it's unusual to have a bar selling beer as well. When Sounds from the Other City started in Salford in 2005 it sold out very quickly. In conversation with the organisers I offered the church for `next time', so the next May we were one of the venues.
"People love coming to a gig in a beautiful building and are often more attentive to the music" he adds "At some of our gigs you could hear a pin drop during the performance. The ones that work the best for me are probably the quieter gigs where the interplay between music and setting are more obvious. I've loved being in the church with music washing over me and a rapt audience all around."
Acoustic Amnesty is keen to ensure a respectful atmosphere, and that the performers and the venue are given due reverence. The bar, run by church volunteers, is kept separate to keep any extraneous noise away from the artists, and the performances are truly acoustic. Acts rely on their talent and the incredible ambience of the space to convey their songs. It is definitely a night you would not want to miss.
Acoustic Amnesty
Thursday 24th November 7pm
Sacred Trinity Church, Chapel Street
Performances from Tracey Browne, Leonie Kate Higgins, Chris Flynn,
James Carson, Iain Till, Nolan Watkinson, Hawker Reunion
Tickets £8 are available from http://www.wegottickets.com/event/379719
Words by Ian Leslie
Main photo shows Hawker Reunion
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