WHO ARE THE PEACE ARTISTES?

THE PEACE ARTISTES is a stunning street band from West Yorkshire, UK made up of approximately 15 musicians: percussion, saxes and brass, all rocking with rhythm and pulsating with passion.

THE PEACE ARTISTES have built a reputation all over Europe for vital, energetic performance at festivals, carnivals and indoor events. Their irresistible blend of African, Salsa, Folk and Funk will always get the party partying. Or as one fan put it - "There's too many of them and they're much too loud!"

THE PEACE ARTISTES were formed in Bradford 1983 to perform on marches organised by the Peace Movement.

Back in 1987 they played at a rally organised at Bradford City football stadium to welcome Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who referred to them as "Those Wonderful Peace Artistes".

More recently, a passer-by in Bradford city centre referred to them as "Those bloody left-wing trouble-makers'.

What is a street band?

Street music is a neglected genre, particularly these days: city centres are for shopping in, and not much else. Time was, you went into Leeds on a Saturday and there'd be at least three bands playing throughout the day to liven up your retail experience. Not any more.

A South American samba band is a community enterprise in which a group of musicians produce a powerful and exciting sound by small contributions from each of the players. The whole is much greater than the sum of the parts. You can find street bands on this model wherever there are streets: Soweto, Amsterdam, Bombay, Rio, Berlin ...and Bradford.

The Peace Artistes' music and performance is inspired by this rich tradition, drawing musical influences from South Africa, Nigeria, Central and South America, Jazz, the music of central and eastern Europe, cabaret and pop.

Members of the band show a similar diversity of backgrounds and musical experience and share an enthusiasm for very colorful performance.