NEWS BLAST #6 is of the mega variety and contains details of upcoming events, plus our normal miscellaneous bits and pieces from across the web.
- TRUST PERRI AND NEIL – No, it’s not a plea from a firm of solicitors… it’s singer/composer Perri Alleyne-Hughes and guitarist/composer Neil Campbell. Perri and Neil have had a busy 12 months writing new songs, recording an album, and performing across the North West, including support for jazz legend Courtney Pine, and playing at St George’s Hall for the recent Geek Chic ‘In Conversation With…. Peter Serafinowcz’. The duo have an intimate gig planned for Friday 15th April at the wonderful View Two Gallery (we would say that, wouldn’t we?) on Mathew Street. Tickets are £5 on the door, and the event runs from 8.00pm to 11.00pm.
- LISTEN TO THE BAND – Thomas-Joseph & Murphy have been developing a new sound for their new album, and will be playing it with the new band at The Zanzibar on Saturday 16th April as part of the Songbook Sessions from 8.00pm to 11.00pm. Entry is £5 on the door if you whisper the secret password “WE’RE HERE TO SEE T-J & MURPHY”. Also appearing downstairs are Secret Garden Gathering, The Lees, Donja Vines, Adam Richie and Michael Ryder. And the lineup upstairs sees Duncan Ewart, Phil Gemmel, Igga Cousins, Phil Daltrey and The Southbound Attic Band.
- RICH MAN, POOR MAN – You’ll know from the preview of the Leon Rosselson concert on Friday 22nd April at Sefton Park Palm House (see here for the full story) that the support is being provided by Rich Man’s Ruin. Gabi, Vinny and Alun are going to be warming up with a guest spot at the Folk at the Manor this coming Sunday 17th April at The Old Manor Club in Wallasey. Doors open at 8.00pm and the music starts at 8.30pm. Entry is £5 on the door, and full details can be found at the club’s website www.folkatthemanor.co.uk
- SET SAIL FOR ELLESMERE PORT – We reported in April’s newsletter that the Mersey Shanty Festival sank without trace with the collapse of the Liverpool Boat Show. This isn’t entirely true (see the next item) but before it was officially revived the guys at Shanty UK HQ got busy and arranged the first Shanty UK Easter Sea Shanty Festival. It’s taking place from Friday 22nd April to Sunday 24th (that’s Easter weekend) and features Hughie Jones (The Spinners), Bob Conroy (USA), Derek Gifford, Roy Clinging, Three Sheets to the Wind, Trim Rig & Doxy, Shanty Jack, LocTup Together, and many more performers from across the UK and Europe. Entry for the three days is only £6 (what a bargain!) and includes entry into the Boat Museum. Full details of this event can be found at www.shanty.org.uk
- BOAT SHOW LITE – So the Liverpool Boat Show is dead in the water, but the council’s events team have been working hard and have come up with Spring on the Waterfront. As part of this event, running from 29th April to 8th May, there is a Shanty Festival taking place on a floating stage at Salthouse Dock and on neighbouring ships and quaysides. It’s a shame that the official website doesn’t have a list of which acts are performing, where and when, so if you’re interested then it’s a case of “turn up and see”. Further details (?) from liverpoolonthewaterfront.co.uk/spring
- GOTTA BE QUICK… if you want to see Stephen Langstaff performing with his new backing band for the first time. He’s just about to sign for a new management company and the special one-off gig at the View Two Gallery on Saturday 30th April is the first chance they’ll have to see him play live. Of the 50 tickets available at £8 each there were only 18 left as of 10th April. If you want any message Stephen on facebook (if there are any left) facebook.com/stephenlangstaff
STOP PRESS – 14/4/11 @ 1.30pm – We’ve just been informed that this gig is now sold out. However… if you still want to see Stephen playing live you can catch him on Saturday 2nd July at the Chester Rocks festival on the same bill as Taio Cruz, McFly, The Saturdays, Sugababes, Eliza Doolittle, and The Christians! www.chester-rocks.com
- POD-TASTIC – Scarlet Tone is a brand new podcast brought to you by local musician Matt Swift. It features new and exciting artists in the north west and beyond. If you’re a budding or established artist or band then get in touch because Matt wants to play your stuff. You can listen to the first episode, and find contact details, by visiting scarlettone.podomatic.com
- POD-TASTIC 2 – Many of you will have come across Liverpool’s pinkest and most vibrant music magazine, Bido Lito! (don’t forget the exclamation mark…). But did you know there’s also a lovely little podcast that accompanies each issue? The Bido Lito! Podcast is hosted by Deke Hardman and features musicians and bands from the current issue of the mag. Deke is joined in the studio each month by editor Craig and deputy Chris, plus live sessions and interviews. You can find the show on iTunes.
- LIVERPOOL-BANDS.COM UPDATE – This new site is going from strength to strength as more is added to it on a daily basis. Check it out and let Tony know if there’s anything missing. liverpool-bands.com
- FREE THERAPY SESSIONS FOR DAMAGED MUSICIANS – This is actually a genuine ad! “Been through the industry machine and come out the other side ceatively and emotionally crippled? Fallen out of love with music because you’re sick of the egos, the bad attitudes, the arguments and the bullsh*t?… We’re looking for…” If you want to find out who is looking for what, check out the ad on Gumtree here. Ooh, the suspense!
- HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLF – Hungry Wolf Band Night has a new home in the Head of Steam on Lime Street. They’ve also got a brand new sound system and are looking for bands and acoustic acts to help re-establish it as a music venue. You can get in touch by replying to the ad here.
NEWS BLAST #6 [14/04/11]