NEWS BLAST #8 [15/06/11]

It’s been a while since our last News Blast but we hope #8 has been worth the wait!

• HELLO, MR AMERICAN PIE – American singer-songwriter Don McLean is coming to the Liverpool Philharmonic on Thursday 23rd June. Best known for the generation-defining anthem American Pie, McLean’s string of hits also includes Crying, Vincent (you know… ‘Starry, starry night’!), And I Love You So, It’s Just The Sun, and Castles In The Air. Full details from liverpoolphil.com

• REVIEWERS RESULT! – Thanks to everyone who responded to the call for new reviewers for the Liverpool Acoustic news and reviews page. It’s great to know that there are so many people interested in contributing and we look forward to reading their reviews in the coming months.

• JAPAN THANK YOU – Many thanks to everyone who supported the recent fundraising efforts for Japan. The Japan Fun Day on 2nd May raised an amazing £6000 on the day, which went up to £8000 when the ongoing donations from Etsu customers were added. The Smiles for Japan day was also a success thanks to the effort of all those who took part and donated.

• ACOUSTIC BANDS OR SOLO ARTISTS WANTED – We know that lots of musicians follow the news and reviews, so here’s an opportunity for you to have a great gig and to help out a good cause at the same time. The Anthony Walker Foundation (AWF) began after Anthony’s tragic death in July 2005 and now does fantastic work promoting equality and diversity, working with young offenders, providing emotional support following hate crime, and promoting the Young Ambassadors programme. The AWF are holding two events on 2nd July and they’re looking for musicians to play the acoustic night at Leaf on Bold Street. If you’re interested then contact Kim Adams on adamskimm@hotmail.com

• THE WELSH HILLS ARE ALIVE – Yes, they’re alive with the sound of folk music, or at least they will be on 8th July when the Llangollen Eisteddfford holds its Friday Folk Day. Amongst the artists performing are Emily Smith, Martyn Joseph, Kerr & Fagan, and Janie Smith’s Mabon. £5 half price ground tickets are available until 17th June. You can find more information here. Neal Thompson is putting together the lineup for the Open Mic Stage so if you’re interested in playing drop him an email at neal@lateralarc.com and tell him Liverpool Acoustic sent you.

• OPEN MIC UNDER THE COVERS – Here’s a different kind of request for you. The person who posted this ad is looking for someone to help start an open mic night in Liverpool with a view to moving on to doing paid cover gigs. If you can get a decent tune out of more than one instrument, and you’re over 25 and looking for a new challenge, then this might be the one for you. Check out the Gumtree advert here.

• ANY FRIEND OF AMY’S – Lucy is organising a family fun day with music to raise money for Amy and Friends, a charity that helps kids with the life-shortening condition cockayne syndrome. If you’re interested then you can contact Lucy direct via the Gumtree advert here.

• MEL-HIGH, MEL-LOW – If you’re a band or performer looking for a rehearsal room then why not try upstairs at MelloMello on Slater Street? They charge £7.50 per hour, or £5 for sessions longer than 3 hours, or bookings of more than 4 sessions. You’ll also have access to some of the best organic food and drink in the bar downstairs. Check out the facebook event (?) or email info@mellomello.co.uk

• LEVFEST AND DYLANFEST – Once again they guys over at the Levenshulme Festival have put the call out for musicians and bands to take part. You can find full details at levenshulmefestival.co.uk and email Tony Hennigan rockfest24@hotmail.com – In particular they’re looking for 
1. A support slot for Vinny Peculiar on Saturday 22nd October. Check out Vinny’s website to see if you fit his style. 
2. Dylanfest on Friday 4th and Saturday 5th November. Acts do at least two Dylan covers plus their own set (or all Dylan if you prefer). Friday is Irish and Country to link with Dylan’s Clancy Brother’s connection, and Saturday is blues.
3. Want to put on your own gig at the festival between 21st October and 6th November? Get in touch.

• ABOVE THE BEAT ON-TRACK – Plans are well under way for the Above the Beaten Track festival on Saturday 27th August at The Bluecoat. The mainstage headline acts have been announced as Mike Badger and The Shady Trio, and the Loose Moose String Band. More details will be announced soon, including the headliners for the Liverpool Acoustic stage. You can register your interest on the facebook event page and there’s also a trendy twitter hashtag #atbt2011 alongside the website at abovethebeatentrack.co.uk

FUTURE PERFECT – We’ve been gazing into our Liverpool Acoustic branded crystal ball and amidst the indistinguishable swirling cloud shapes we’ve spotted some future gigs that you might just be interested in.