Something for your weekend: Monocle’s global selection includes Danish design in Dalston and ethnic beats from Mali.
- Handpicking musical influences ranging from jazz to Balkan folk to indie pop, Beirut has made a name for themselves creating melodies unbridled in their sense of worldly curiosity and romance. Their latest album, however, nudges our thoughts and musings inward – honing in on brass, ukulele and piano to champion a more focused, contemplative sound. The Rip Tide sees Beirut maintain the lilting essence of their wide-eyed nostalgia, but with added maturity and finesse.
Beirut “The Rip Tide” is out now.
beirutband.com
- The Canadian province of Manitoba is home to the largest Icelandic expat community, Gimli, but it’s Winnipeg, 90km away, that’s played host to the Icelandic contemporary arts festival Núna (Now) for the past five years. This weekend, the festival debuts back in its land of cultural origin, with Icelandic and Canadian dancers, musicians, artists, writers and filmmakers in Reykjavik and Hofos. Look out for dance by Freya Björg Olafson (pictured), and Reykjavik’s own Ingibjörg Magnadóttir in a one-woman theatre act.
Núna (Now), at various locations. 2 – 5 September in Reykjavik, 6 September in Hofos.
nunanow.com
- Opening with a modestly priced yet perfectly curated selection of Danish design in London this Saturday will be Chase & Sorensen, on Dalston Lane. Among the modern period sofas, storage units, ceramics and art, Danish and Spanish-American expats Signe Sorensen and Brent Chase will be serving hard-to-find Scandinavian foods and fresh coffee.
Chase & Sorensen, 238B Dalston Lane, London. Open Monday to Saturday 08.00 – 18.00, and Sunday 11.00 – 17.00.chaseandsorensen.com
- Recorded in the heart of the Tassili N’Ajjer desert in southern Algeria, Malinese band Tinariwen’s fifth album is a departure in many ways. The nomadic group had to relocate to Algeria from their base in northern Mali as degrading circumstances in the region did not allow for their guest musicians to travel safely. Echoing the surrounding turmoil, the music reflects a desire to return to their roots: heavy on percussion and more acoustic, the Saharian bluesmen have never sounded more poignant.
“Tassili” is available now.
tinariwen.com
- What better way to wind down at the end of the weekend than a feast of sumptuous seafood complemented by an uncontrollable fit of laughter? J Sheekey’s new season of Sunday night comedy and performance curated by Scottish comedian Hardeep Singh Kohli ranges from improvised musical acts to the theatre of the absurd. It’s relaxed, it’s playful, it’s delicious. Reservation a must.
J Sheekey Oyster Bar, 28-34 St Martins Court, London. Sunday 4 September, 19.30 – 22.00.
j-sheekey.co.uk
