395 ALIVE is a weekly, authored performance work that fuses live music, voice, movement and audience participation within a two-act dramaturgy. Presented as an art experience (not a club night), it translates improvisation into form, surfaces new voices, and documents outcomes for artists’ portfolios.

Every month is shaped through three evolving lenses — Hip Hop → 140 & Grime → Singers & Instrumental — culminating in Week 4: Showcase, a single, coherent piece composed from the strongest short works that emerged during the month.

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How it works (every Wednesday)

Act I — The Pit (21:00)
A directed participatory phase where contributors test ideas within set motifs and tempi. Flow, call-and-response, and handovers are steered in real time by the Performance Conductor to explore texture and contrast.
• Open cypher/jam: anyone can jump in, show what they’ve got, and earn their place.
• Participation invited but optional; respectful listening and care are essential.

Act II — The Stage (22:00)
Short-form performance sequences distilled from Act I and prior weeks, ordered and paced to form one authored piece. Lighting/sound cues and transitions are authored in advance, with live adjustments on the night to shape perception and energy.
• The best artists from The Pit are invited back to perform on stage at future events.
• Week 4: Showcase presents a single cohesive work built from the month’s strongest material.

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Artistic intent

To convert improvisation into authored form; to surface emerging voices; and to document the work so artists can build professional portfolios. It’s a curated, competitive, and welcoming platform that strengthens community and celebrates Bristol’s music culture across genres.

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What you get with every ticket
• A free shot on entry
• Free professional photography
• Free videography
(Photography/filming occurs for documentation of the artwork.)

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Audience & care

If you have access needs, please email [email protected] in advance so we can support you. Participation in Act I is optional; kindness to performers and fellow audience members is non-negotiable.

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Good to know
• Where: Bristol, UK — professional public presentation suitable for critical review
• When: 20:00–23:00 precise running times (Doors from 17:30)
• Act I – The Pit: 21:00
• Act II – The Stage: 22:00
• Tickets: £3.95 — keeps the work accessible while sustaining documentation and artist development
• How to attend: Grab a ticket in advance or pay on the door
• Who it’s for: MCs, singers, producers, instrumentalists, movers — and everyone who loves live, authored performance

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Credits
• Artistic Director & Creator / Author & Director: Ridwanul Kabir Shakib (Ray)
• Performance Conductor: Prince Alfy (directs Act I flow and on-the-night handovers)
• Lighting & Sound Direction: authored by Ray; cues and transitions are part of the artwork
• Visual Documentation Artists: house photography/video team (documentation for the public record of the work)

Entry requirements: 18+, any under 18s accompanied by 21+ adult 1:1 ratio — Read more — Read less