Was Canceling the Jewish Band Gig a Mistake for the Venue?

A music venue in Bristol, Strange Brew, has admitted it was a "mistake" to cancel a scheduled gig by the Jewish band Oi Va Voi following pressure from activist groups. The venue's reversal highlights ongoing challenges surrounding free expression in the arts, particularly regarding the treatment of Jewish artists in the UK.

Last updated: 12 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Strange Brew's decision to cancel the concert in May has drawn significant attention, especially given the venue's recent acknowledgment of the implications surrounding their actions. The venue has expressed regret, stating that the scrutiny faced by Oi Va Voi was primarily due to their Jewish heritage and the participation of Israeli singer Zohara. This situation underscores the ongoing tensions between artistic expression and activist pressures, making it a focal point for discussions about antisemitism in the UK.

Key takeaways

Strange Brew cancelled Oi Va Voi's gig due to complaints from activist groups.
The venue has since admitted that the decision was a mistake.
Oi Va Voi faced significant backlash and financial repercussions following the cancellation.
The incident highlights the complexities of supporting minority artists in the face of activism.
Strange Brew has committed to antisemitism training and supporting Jewish community initiatives.

Timeline: how we got here

Here is a brief timeline of key events surrounding the cancellation of Oi Va Voi's gig:

May 2023: Strange Brew cancels the gig by Oi Va Voi following complaints from activist groups.
October 2023: Strange Brew issues a statement recognising their mistake in cancelling the concert.
October 2023: Oi Va Voi releases a statement expressing the emotional and financial impact of the cancellation.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Strange Brew's recent statement reflects a significant shift in the narrative surrounding the cancellation of Oi Va Voi's concert. The venue's admission of mishandling the situation marks a critical moment for discussions about antisemitism and the treatment of Jewish artists in the music industry.

What was already established

Oi Va Voi has been a notable band since the early 2000s, celebrated for their contributions to klezmer music and Jewish culture. The initial complaints leading to the gig's cancellation were rooted in unfounded claims about the band and their music, as noted by the members themselves.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

This incident has implications for consumers and households, particularly those who appreciate diverse musical expressions. The cancellation of a Jewish band due to external pressures raises questions about the availability of varied cultural experiences in the UK, especially in music venues.

Businesses and jobs

For music venues, this event serves as a cautionary tale about the potential repercussions of caving to activist pressures. Strange Brew's commitment to antisemitism training and community support may become a model for other venues navigating similar challenges.

Policy and regulation

The incident could prompt further discussions around policies regarding artistic expression and the responsibilities of venues when faced with activist demands. It may also lead to increased scrutiny of the treatment of minority artists in the arts sector.

Numbers that matter

330: The capacity of Strange Brew, highlighting its role as an intimate venue for diverse acts.
20%: An estimated increase in reported antisemitic incidents in the UK over recent years, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by Jewish communities.
£5,000: A potential financial loss cited by Oi Va Voi as a result of the gig cancellation.

Definitions and jargon buster

Klezmer: A musical tradition of the Ashkenazi Jews of eastern Europe, often characterised by expressive melodies and lively rhythms.
Antisemitism: Hostility to or prejudice against Jewish people.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, music venues may need to assess their policies regarding bookings and the pressures they may face from activist groups. The fallout from this incident may also lead to more public discussions on the role of venues in supporting minority artists.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the conversation around this issue evolves, venues may implement more robust policies to protect artistic freedom and diversity. This may include training for staff and a commitment to transparency in their booking processes.

Signals to watch

Increased dialogue within the arts community about supporting minority artists.
Policy changes among venues regarding how they handle activist pressures.
Future bookings of Jewish artists and the reception they receive.

Practical guidance

Do

Support diverse musical acts to foster a rich cultural landscape in the UK.
Engage in discussions about antisemitism and its impact on the arts.
Attend events featuring minority artists to show solidarity.

Don’t

Allow activist pressures to dictate the cultural narratives of venues.
Ignore the importance of diverse representation in the arts.
Make hasty decisions without considering the implications for artists and audiences.

Checklist

Assess your local venues for their commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Stay informed about the treatment of minority artists in the industry.
Support initiatives that promote understanding and tolerance within the arts.
Engage with artists directly to understand their experiences and challenges.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

This situation highlights the complex dynamics between activism and artistic expression. There is a risk that further scrutiny on Jewish artists could lead to increased tensions in the arts community. Additionally, the effectiveness of antisemitism training and other measures taken by venues remains to be seen, as the outcome of such initiatives can vary widely based on implementation and commitment.

Bottom line

The cancellation of Oi Va Voi's gig by Strange Brew serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by minority artists in the UK. As venues reassess their policies, it is crucial for the arts community to uphold the values of diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all artists have the opportunity to share their work without fear of reprisal. Support for Jewish artists must be reinforced to prevent similar incidents in the future.

FAQs

Why was the Oi Va Voi gig cancelled?

The gig was cancelled due to complaints from activist groups, which the venue later acknowledged were largely driven by the band's Jewish heritage and the presence of an Israeli singer.

What impact did the cancellation have on Oi Va Voi?

Oi Va Voi experienced significant financial loss, reputational damage, and emotional distress due to the cancellation and the backlash they faced from activist groups.

What steps has Strange Brew taken since the cancellation?

Strange Brew has implemented antisemitism training for senior management and made a donation to the Community Security Trust, demonstrating their commitment to addressing these issues moving forward.