When I left the Gallery of Modern Art that day (link), I ambled down to the Merchant City Festival. Always an exciting event in Glasgow with all sorts of entertainment spread over a two week extravaganza.
As I walked through the streets the crowds became thicker, such a great atmosphere with everyone having a good time. I watched a few of the street entertainers over the heads of the crowd. But then I became aware of a vision dressed in silver walking right past me through the throng. And then another, and another — about ten of them all in a row. They were all dressed in silver, black and white. I followed behind them and managed to get a viewpoint at the front of the crowd as they set up their instruments.
Their music was brilliant (ska and jazz). A street band from Bradford, called ‘Peace Artistes’. But it wasn’t just a musical treat, they were a visual treat as well. Just brilliant!!
Click on any image to enlarge








Their chosen monotones and the distracting colours in the background pointed me in the direction of Mono images and I also chose quite a contrasty treatment that seemed to go with their style.
I’d love to see them back in Glasgow again.

What a great group to happen upon. Judging by the instruments I would have loved their music. I enjoyed your b&w portraits as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, Anne, they really were fun.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The close ups in monochrome are fantastic . I can imagine what a treat it must be not only to see but hear them as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!
LikeLike
You’ve given us a great visual treat, James. I love the masked man with the goggles.😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Patti. My favourite was the guy on the clarinet
LikeLike
Sorry not a clarinet – alto sax – star shaped glasses anyway!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very Elton Johnish.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A fabulous treat indeed! B&W brilliant!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Leya
LikeLiked by 1 person
WOW! Excellent. A real treat indeed!!!
LikeLike
Thanks John!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brilliant! Excellent choice with the high contrast B&W. I can imagine how much of a treat it was – both for the entertainment at time & the fun discovering the pictures after.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! There is something about photographs – the way they let you relive experiences.
LikeLiked by 1 person
An amazing treat indeed James – loved your use of B&W for these as their costumes were very entertaining without any enhancement needed. I’m sure the music was really a treat as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Tina. It was the highlight of the day, and getting there early to get a good position always helps
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your images are so effective in B&W – I agree they work well for this subject matter. And it sounds like a great experience!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Sarah! It was a very enjoyable afternoon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice choice of mono and the instruments even have a different vibe with this format. Also – sorry you lost the data with a computer change – I lost photos and one of a kind videos when we cleared a hard drive – it sucks but we do move on eh? Let the music play….
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! I’ve even searched the internet for their details- to no avail.
LikeLiked by 1 person