A few recommended highlights for the end of the year at Liverpool’s Tung Auditorium.

We had our first visit to the Tung Auditorium (situated within the Yoko Ono Lennon Centre) in Liverpool earlier this year to catch the Fairport Wintour. Our first visit, a note was hastily made to seek out opportunities from the wide variety of offerings for a return to the very splendid concert hall.

Heading towards the end of 2024, we’ve picked a few shows of particular interest:

 Ex Easter Island Head – guitars and mallets from the minimalist noise artists.

The UK-based experimental musical collective , who compose and perform music for solid body electric guitar, percussion and other instruments.will be joined on stage by extra special guests Charles Hayward and Lola De La Mata, presenting their own wildly original music as solo artists and joining the group for open-ended explorations of material from the 2024’s Norther album.

The extraordinary Hejira  celebrate the legacy of Joni Mitchell,

The seven piece band set up to celebrate and honour the masterpiece works of Joni Mitchell, mostly from her late ‘70s “jazz period”. Thier appearance coincides with the iconic songwriter’s 80th birthday.

They’re fronted by the brilliant Hattie Whitehead who not only has, in her own way, assimilated the poise, power and beauty of Joni’s vocals, but also plays guitar with Joni’s stylistic mannerisms.

Desert Slide created and led by GRAMMY award-winner Vishwa Mohan Bhatt.

Created and led by GRAMMY award-winner Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, a distinguished disciple of Ravi Shankar, Desert Slide stands out as one of the most accomplished and revered ensembles of Indian Classical and Rajasthani folk music. The group comprises five other exceptional musicians, and the captivating ensemble’s unique blend of instruments creates a harmonious fusion that beautifully intertwines Rajasthani Manganyar folk and Indian Classical music.

Loads of exciting things are already programmed for 2025 including Bellowhead members and hugely acclaimed folk pairing Spiers & Boden, The John Martyn Project (also set for an appearance at Manchester Folk Festival), Thea Gilmore (last seen touring with Richard Hawley) and Starsailor with strings.

Meanwhile, just down the road at another venue we like to frequent…

Rajeeb Chakraborty & Kousic Sen at the Philharmonic Music Room

The soulful sounds of the sarod return with world renowned musician Dr. Rajeeb Chakraborty joined by highly-acclaimed tabla maestro Kousic Sen.

A celebrated musician, composer and educator, Rajeeb’s mastery over the instrument is unparalleled. His performances are renowned for their emotional depth and technical brilliance, effortlessly transporting listeners to the heart of Indian classical music.

Here’s taster of Hejira’s music:

The Tung Auditorium online: Website / Facebook / X-Twitter / Instagram

Keep up with At The Barrier: Facebook / X (formerly Twitter) / Instagram / Spotify / YouTube