Second year music student and pianist Manav Paul has reached the final of the University of Cambridge’s band competition ‘Take it to the Bridge’ with his band ‘East Street on a Tit’.
The five-piece band, formed a year ago, perform jazz classics and contemporary tunes. The other band members – on drums, bass, trombone and vocals - are from King’s, Fitzwilliam and Pembroke Colleges.
‘East Street’ will compete against three other student bands - Temor, Quasar, and Soft Crunchy Landing - for a chance to perform to thousands on the mainstage at the Cambridge Club Festival as part of a lineup of world-renowned artists including Chaka Khan, Sister Sledge, Melanie C, and Jessie Ware.
Manav, who also plays the saxophone and sings in Christ’s College Choir, said:
“It's a great honour to be able to perform our music, which brings us so much joy, to a wider audience in the final of 'Take it to The Bridge'.
It would be an incredible opportunity to take part in the Cambridge Club Festival, and it means a lot to us to have made it this far in the competition.”
Manav will also perform with two members of the band at a ‘Jazz Mass’ in Chapel on Tuesday 27 February at 6.15pm.
The judging panel for Battle of the Bands includes Sonita Alleyne OBE, Chair of the Centre for Music Performance and Master of Jesus College, Matt Fincham, Music Editor at BBC Radio 1, and Frazer Robinson, Head of Programming at Cambridge Club Festival.
The final is open to everyone and the judges’ decision will be informed by a live audience vote, with the winner announced at the end of the night.
Now in its second year, ‘Take it to the Bridge’ is the brainchild of the University’s Centre for Music Performance, which enables students, staff and local residents to make music in all its forms a part of life at Cambridge.
Simon Fairclough, Director of the Centre, said:
“We are delighted to bring this exciting competition back for a second year running. We believe music is a fundamental part of life and that everyone should be able to participate in music at Cambridge.
“‘Take It To The Bridge’ is just one of many inclusive activities we organise to offer opportunities for the whole community to enjoy live music. It promises to be an intense and electrifying night, showcasing the best of Cambridge's student talent.”
Tickets for the final on Friday 1 March at 7pm at J1, Cambridge Junction are £12.50, students and under-18s £7.50. It is a standing event.
More about the Cambridge Club Festival