'From the Caribbean 2 Coventry' at Barbican Music Theatre until 25 May 2024

For the fans, by the fans: 'From the Caribbean 2 Coventry' is a fascinating collection of the positive influences on British youth culture. This is an extraordinary selection of facts, photos and music that should give you even more reason to visit the brutalist marvel that is the Barbican centre.

At 'From the Caribbean to Coventry' with Gary Crowley and Tony Minvielle

I was fortunate to attend the official opening of the exhibition and meet up with some friends with a mutual love of the music and the ethos behind 2 Tone Records, which makes up at least part of this fascinating story.

Jazz Fm presenter and writer Tony Minvielle has an incredible story to tell about music in the UK and beyond and there was a panel displaying his family history that shed some light on his influences. His voice and his words have popped up frequently in my own musical education and it was great to spend time chatting about music and musicians.

It was also a delight to catch up with old friend Gary Crowley, who I first knew back in the 1980s when he was a young and hip DJ and I was playing in some great bands and with some brilliant musicians. Also a pleasure to catch up.

You may not bump into the great and good when you visit the Barbican Music Library, but you won't find a better free exhibition in London this spring. If you like music, you'll love this exploration of Jerry Dammers' contribution to music with 2 Tone Records, and everything along the periphery of that label.

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Hilary Seabrook - writer, podcaster, musician

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