Real Music

Marley Connecting with others through music can be a very uplifting activity and when viewed historically has been present in every human society. In our modern world we often observe that this relationship takes the form of one listener receiving a semi secret communiqué of ticks and thumps via headphones from an iPod secreted about their person.
In this report we would like to share some of the musical offering of the city which takes inspiration from earlier traditions. The Caledonia or “Cali” as it is affectionately known has been developing as a live music venue with a difference for about 5 years. It is a public house situated on Catherine Street and is 5 minutes walk from another prestigious music venue in the city, the Philharmonic Hall. Seldom a day or night passes when something with a musical flavour is not taking place within its more Spartan surroundings. It may be in the public bar area which has an improvised stage area at the far end or in the upstairs function room with the added privacy allowing for more studious activity. Either location the costs mean that few people will be unable to participate in what’s on offer.
The project has been presided over by the landlady Laura King throughout this time. She is a musician herself and clearly understands the culture within the music loving world. A clear appreciation for her efforts to steward this eclectic space was exhibited during a recent successful campaign to challenge a proposed closure of the pub for a new housing development for students.
The musicians contributing to the regular program of activities are a real mix; geographically they are mainly Liverpool based however visitors from all parts of the world find there way to the tiny stage, the visitors usually travelling light as itinerant musician always have. There is also a wide age range of musicians, 18- 80+ showcase their talents on a regular basis and women performers too are well represented perhaps being inspired by Laura’s example. Check out their website for all the upcoming events 

One thought on “Real Music”

  1. Marc Fraser says:

    I’m glad the campaign was a success. I have only been to the Cali a couple of times now – once to use the rehearsal space upstairs, and once on a night out for Halloween. It would be a great pity to lose such a space.

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