UPDATE – AUGUST 2012
PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE EVENTS NO LONGER TAKE PLACE
PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE EVENTS NO LONGER TAKE PLACE
Open mic with Roy and Big Phil
20.00 – 23.00 every Thursday
at Barcelona Bar, Renshaw Street
Roy and Big Phil have been running an open mic slot in the Barcelona Bar for a number of weeks but this night has been passing largely unnoticed. What is clear is that those who attended this night enjoyed it and that the potential is there for this colourful bar to attract more and more talent and fans of acoustic music.
A significant strength of the evening stems from the relationship between the host of the night, Roy and Phil, and the managers of the venue, Sean and Jen. Friendly banter between performers and songs gives this night an edge over other venues that can often lack the engagement and encouragement that this night offers.
Also of note is the musical expertise that Roy and big Phil possess. Technical superiority in both guitar and vocals with a top sense of tone and passion marks them out as performers and it’s a pleasure to listen to them.
A performance from Villy Raze of punk band, the Dead Class was perhaps the highlight of the night as he played a couple of songs from his solo repertoire. Another act, who had turned up courtesy of the ‘Liverpool Acoustic’ website, demonstrated enough talent to earn a spot on the weekly acoustic showcase on a Tuesday night at the same venue. Prices are certainly cheap enough for performers to gain Dutch courage with £2 pints amongst the drinks offers.
It was a slow week and the last couple of turnouts have been slow but significantly there is no sense of disappointment during the night as a real feeling of community and some top acoustic performance left everyone grinning. All the ingredients are there for this night to be a success as word catches on.
Indeed, in Tuesday and Thursday, Barcelona Bar host two nights that complement each other well with the potential for the bar becoming a key venue for acoustic enthusiasts and talent in Liverpool.
Barcelona Bar Acoustic – Tuesday Night Showcase
19.00 -23.00 every Tuesday
19.00 -23.00 every Tuesday
The launch of this weekly event witnessed a strong turnout with the variety of musical styles on offer bringing variety to the crowd. Over 3 hours of acoustic music from 5 acts for free with cheap drinks offers on at the bar made this night a joy from start to finish.
Seven Years Behind kicked off the night with accomplished self reflexive song-writing full of honesty and heart, setting a precedence of originality and openness for the night.
Jessica West is a local favourite and brought a large support with her. Her gorgeous voice and original songs are a joy to listen to and her cover of ‘red red wine’ is sung with perfect tone and feeling.
21st Fret have been playing acoustic nights in Liverpool for years and their passion for music remains as strong as ever. A huge, soulful voice from John Barry is complemented beautifully by Andy Hodgy’s lead playing in a rock n roll delivery.
Dave O’Grady is a great Irish songwriter who has been performing in Liverpool for 5 years now. His blues-folk voice reveals his John Fogerty inspiration and his wealth of songs gets better every show.
Louise Distras rounded off the night with a superb show, showcasing songs from her newly released EP ‘Heartstrings on a Hand Grenade’. Her punk roots shine through with her passionate voice, sophisticated, critical lyrics and will to engage with the crowd. Well worth checking out for those who don’t know her music
With the emphasis on original song writing, the night hosted strong acts with an engaged crowd. The eye catching design of the interior and the relaxed atmosphere in the bar complements the venue’s independent status and attitude. A major advantage for this venue is that it has managers who are keen to promote local live music. Such enthusiasm, matched by the promoter, the acts and the crowd afforded an ideal atmosphere for the performers. With acts booked up for the coming weeks, Barcelona Bar looks set to become a focal point for acoustic music in Liverpool.
Acts booked in: Tom George, Jess West, Rob Gough, 21st Fret, Dave O Grady, Shannen Bamford, Seven Years Behind, Evil Piccolo, Barbieshop, The Lees…
Further info: Facebook: Barcelona Bar Acoustic, barcelonastocker@gmail.com
© 2011 Owen Day – liverpoolacoustic.co.uk