Manchester venues respond to terrorist attack
The city’s jazz and funk clubs will remain open this week
Manchester music venues have been reacting to the terrorist attack in the city overnight.
Jazz and funk club Matt & Phreds is only 800m from the Manchester Arena, but management have said the venue will remain open as planned this evening (Tuesday) with free entry to the Grammy nominated guitarist Neil C. Young with his trio. The venue used social media to say “Matt & Phreds will be open tonight. Not as usual, but with stoic Mancunian spirit and love and respect for our beloved city and all affected by last night's attack.”
Nearby Band on the Wall will be closed until Friday – cancelling their new music showcase. The club has announced increased security checks, with immediate effect. This includes bag searches and compulsory cloakroom use, and tickets will not be sold on the door, only in advance. Management will announce a long-term security plan after this weekend.
Manchester Jazz Festival, which runs 28th July – 6th August will go ahead as planned, including a number of free events in Albert Square.
Manchester born singer-pianist Jeremy Sassoon shared his initial reaction to the atrocities with London Jazz News: http://www.londonjazznews.com/2017/05/in-sadness-manchester-in-mourning.html