arts


realism in TV drama that we now take for granted, and the notion that politically aware work can be both compelling and help to effect change. The Day The Music Died is a unique


and revealing behind-the-scenes story of his battles to bring brilliant, unforgettable programmes to the screen – a gripping account of the drama involved in making drama. http://tonygarnett.info/the-day-the- music-died/


MUSIC Masters of Tradition 17-21 August Bantry, County Cork Masters of Tradition has become one of the most popular festivals in the Irish traditional music calendar. Curated by the internationally renowned fi ddler Martin Hayes (pictured below with guitarist Dennis Cahill, who will also perform at the event), it celebrates traditional music in its purest form and creates the space to showcase the heart of the tradition. Taking place in St Brendan’s Church and the intimate, candle-lit library of Bantry House, the concerts enable audience members to hear unforgettable collaborations between some of traditional music’s fi nest performers. www.westcorkmusic.ie/ mastersoftradition/


Green Man Festival Crickhowell, Powys, Wales 18-21 August Green Man is an independent music and arts festival in the Brecon Beacons. Now in its 14th year, it has evolved into


Spotlight


The Tuts: ‘just us existing is a political statement’ “We are a three-tone,


A musical whirlwind is unleashed this autumn as The Tuts tour their debut album Update Your Brain. The uncompromising


pop-punk trio from west London are noted for their impassioned songs about sexism, feminism and everyday life-isms. They have appeared at


Glastonbury’s Left Field and played with The Undertones, The Saints, Thee Faction, Adam Ant and The Selecter, whose singer Pauline Black described them as “infectious guitar-led pop wrapped around fi ery drums, sharp tongues and splendid harmonies”. Bass player Harriet


Doveton told Arts with Attitude: “Releasing this album is the most important thing we’ve done in our lives and we’ve done it ALL off our own backs. “We can’t wait for


everyone to hear it and to play some sweaty, hair- whipping, out-of-control live shows around the UK.


intersectional feminist girl band. Just us existing is a political statement. So jump on board and come see us live in your town!” The Update Your


Brain tour starts on 14 September.


http://tinyurl.com/ tuts-update-brain


Book review The Racket: the power of the secret global elite


It was while he was working at the Financial Times that Matt Kennard began to feel a sense of deep disquiet about the massive concentrations of private wealth in corporations, banks and insurance companies. Hearing about a sit-in at the Bank of America, he went to take a look. Since then, he has travelled the


world to chronicle the rise of corporate power and the resistance to it. Kennard recently spoke about his


book, The Racket: a Rogue Reporter vs The American Elite, at Bookmarks Bookshop in London, alongside his father, photomontage artist Peter Kennard. This was the fi rst time


a four-day, 20,000 capacity event which includes live music, literature, fi lm, comedy, theatre and poetry. Ceilidhs, all-night bonfi res and secret gigs all add to the festival’s unique identity. Known for its non-corporate, ethical approach, it is the largest contemporary music and arts festival in Wales. This year’s line-up includes Belle and


Sebastian, James Blake, Wild Beasts, White Denim, Battles, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Jason Isbell, Julia Holter, Michael Rother, Floating Points, Songhoy Blues, Ezra Furman, Jagwar Ma, Cate Le Bon, Fat White Family, Miracle Legion, The


they had appeared together to discuss their work. He said: “The people who really


run our country – the racket – are a small collection of fi nanciers, bankers and businessman. They don’t do losing. They back all the horses. And, if they don’t back you – well, good luck. “They own our media, our


economy, our housing, increasingly our schools and hospitals and, most importantly, you owe them money. That’s your credit card and mortgage.” Kennard is no conspiracy theorist.


Whatever you think about his conclusions, this is a fi rst-class piece of radical investigative journalism.


Besnard Lakes, Nikki Lane, Phil Cook and the Guitarheels, Joan Shelley, Meilyr Jones, Daniel Norgren, Trader Horne, Formation, Mothers, Sunfl ower Bean, Kelly Lee Owens, Palace Winter, Ardyn and the Deep Throat Choir. www.greenman.net


EXHIBITIONS Wool Against Weapons – 100 Years of Women Campaigning for Peace Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh An exhibition highlighting the work of women campaigning for peace, starting with those who tried to bring harmony in the First World War – including Edinburgh’s Chrystal Macmillan – and ending with


samples of the Scottish section of 2014’s Wool Against Weapons seven-mile long peace scarf. http://tinyurl.com/wool-weapon


Grafters: Industrial Society in Image and Word


Until 18 September People’s History Museum, Manchester Grafters documents the rise in workers recording their lives in industry, bringing in a whole new era of social documentary photography. Then, as British industry went into decline, the exhibition examines the trend for photographers to journey to the gritty north to capture bleak post-industrial ruins, contributing to this stereotypical image of the area. Chris Burgess, curator at the People’s


History Museum, says: “At the heart of this exhibition is the worker, but what the worker actually represents changes throughout the images. Initially, we saw the exhibition as one of history, charting working lives in a Britain that now seems distant. “However, Grafters is so much more than a memorial to industrial life – it offers an evolutionary record of working life. The exhibition’s most recently taken photograph is from 18 December 2015 of the last shift from Kellingley, the last deep pit in the UK. “Grafters questions what the term


work and pride in it mean in 21st century Britain.” http://www.phm.org.uk


theJournalist | 25


The Racket: a Rogue Reporter vs The American Elite, Matt Kennard, £9.99, published by Zed Books, Review by Andrea Butcher


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