Musicport 25th Anniversary 2025 – Sunday
Co-Written / Photos by Ruben Stradling and Charlotte Brooke
MARIGOLDS: Theatre
Fay Gillanders, Gillian Edwards and Rowena Somerville are a phenomenally talented a capella trio. Having performed together for over 30 years, they know how to cultivate the most magical atmosphere. From their intricate arrangements of existing songs spanning from traditional classics to lesser-known gems, to their own original material, everything they perform boasts strong and entirely distinct vocals from all members with expertly blended tones.
The dynamic and varied set gave something for everyone; I’d urge anyone to see them when the opportunity next presents itself.
CHARLOTTE OLIVER: Blundabus
Charlotte Oliver is a tremendous woman and an absolute force of nature.
Each word she writes serves as a subtle reminder to really look around and find the beauty and humour in every day. Radiating a deep appreciation of whatever inspired each poem, her heart, curiosity and entirely idiosyncratic take on the world are wonderfully woven through her work. Her love of The North and all things East Coast is palpable, sharing poems inspired during her time working on Big Ideas by the Sea and as BBC York’s Saturday Poet Laureate ranging from local birds to the streets of Scarborough, Paradise to chips.
One of the most unique things about watching her perform is that the introductions to her poems are just as compelling as the pieces themselves. An easy, breezy, warm and inviting performance style paired with the intimacy of the iconic Blundabus ensures you leave feeling like you’ve just met a friend for life.
Watching Charlotte do her thing is like throwing on your dressing gown* and having that first sip of hot tea when you’re absolutely gagging for one after being drenched by the rain in socks and crocs.
(*Editor’s Note: Loving this little in-joke, folks: Charlotte Oliver’s published poetry anthology is titled How To Be A Dressing Gown )
MAMBO JAMBO:
Electrifying genre-defying duo Mambo Jambo (Pete and Frankie) took to the stage with their wonderful array of instruments. Joined by violinist extraordinaire Joe “Hot-Bow” Martin, the spontaneous set of joyful music romped across genres with ease and aplomb. By the final song, the Main Stage was packed to the rafters and the dance floor full of happy punters!
AKOLA TAMBA: Main Stage
This group brightened up the hall as soon as they came on stage with their vibrant traditional dress that couldn’t fail to turn heads. This was just a little taste of what to expect from their set to come. As those who were not familiar with Bullerengue music until this weekend, we can confirm we are now fans.
Afro-Colombian folk music based on traditional rhythms, dance and songs passed down through countless generations. Call and response vocal lines that were not jarring or repetitive in the slightest, which can sometimes be hard to achieve, but they had this technique down to a tee, as every line was melodically interesting and so naturally conversational. The pieces would ease you in at the start of the piece and build into an intense celebration. Start to finish, the performance was packed with infectious rhythms and kinetic energy. The dance and music held equal space and complimented one another perfectly. Combining these two things clearly served a purpose and seeped into the audience with such ease. Everyone, seated or not, was tapping, bobbing or dancing, truly embracing the communal spirit of traditional music.
MUITO KABELLA: Main Stage
Muito Kabella took to the stage, all nine of them piling on in matching black and white overalls. Hailing from Cologne, originally a single person project, they have since morphed into a powerhouse nonet. They provided a great energy as this was the last date of their recent tour. Packed with silky psychedelic guitar and synth lines accompanied by super tight horns and an unfaltering rhythm section. They were reminiscent of the current young London Jazz scene, blending classic jazz musicianship with a heavy influence of Latin and hip-hop grooves. Proving that jazz has a healthy future in young musicians across the world.
ASERE: Main Stage
The future of Cuban music is safe in Asere’s soulful, groovy hands. Formed in the late 90s these seven musicians united in the desire to create traditional roots music with a contemporary feel.
Mainly focused on their musical heritage in the “son style” – combining African rhythms with Spanish song structure, they wrote original songs with inventive arrangements all while staunchly respecting their forefathers. Also finishing up their UK tour, I would highly recommend keeping an eye out as to when you can catch them next.
THE HUB:
The Mesqualito Hub was home to DJs expertly wrangled by ‘Vinylmeister’ and head DJ, Mark Thompson. This area was keeping the vibe in check while people were taking a break, getting some food and drinks or simply wanting to enjoy the wonderful tunes dutifully provided all day.
The ‘Jazz Breakfast Jukebox’ was a perfect way to start the festival. The way it works is that the DJs place their records in ‘Jukebox’ crates and let the audience pick from them if they feel like it. This keeps the selection fresh and interesting all with the faith that the initial selection is impeccable to begin with. A particular highlight of mine was a track from ‘Trumpets of Michel-Ange’ by Ibrahim Maalouf, you should check the album out for sure!
Another highlight of the hub was ‘Jez’s Country Soul’ set. Classic songwriting with funky bass lines, harmonica and horn lines cutting through with pure American groove. It felt like strutting down a dusty road while letting the music absorb your blues and push you into the sunset. Jez’s selection transported you away from the grey cold and wet North Yorkshire coastline and into the sunny expanse of the southern states. Finally, the end of the festival was capped off just as perfectly as it started.
The Disco Disposition party meant that when the bands had finished but people wanted to keep the night alive, The Hub was there to bring the funk. From classic disco and northern soul to African and South American groovers. The floor wasn’t empty for a second. The feeling of joy, community spirit and love of music that the whole festival encapsulates was on full display by this point.
The whole atmosphere of Musicport 2025 was truly spectacular. A huge success by all the friendly revellers, staff, stewards, organisers, stall holders, performers, DJs and the delicious food truck! We only wish we had the chance to see more than we did and that we could have gone for the full weekend. We shall be changing this in 2026 for sure.
Check out YCG’s review of the Musicport’s Saturday 2025 here
