NEWS BLAST #11 [9/9/11]

NEWS BLAST #11 is not quite as epic as the last one, but there’s still enough news to keep us ticking over.

• PHIL UP WITH £1 TICKETS – Those lovely people over at the Royal Philharmonic Hall have announced a Phil-tastic Special Offer. 100 tickets for 10 shows are being placed on sale for only £1 each. Tickets must be bought in person from the box office between 12pm and 3pm on Sunday 11th September, and they’re on a strictly first come, first served basis. The selection of shows include Martin Carthy, Dave Swarbrick and Lau (29th September), The Raiding Party – Braebach & Calan (23rd October), plus other contemporary and classical concerts. Tickets are limited to 4 per person, and payment is by cash only (not difficult at £1 per ticket!). For full details visit liverpoolphil.com

• GIGS-ON, GIGS-OFF – Gigson is a new company offering a Groupon-style site bringing together artists, venues and fans. It’s still in the planning stages at the moment but if you’re a musician or band and would like to get involved or just find out more then contact Nik Turner on 01244 538 735 or nik@gigson.com

• TIME AND TOM WAITS FOR NO MAN – Time is upon us once more as the 21st September deadline for the International Songwriting Competition 2011 fast approaches. Prizes include cash, equipment and website subscriptions, and judges include the aforementioned Tom Waits, Ozzy Osbourne, Kelly Clarkson, Tori Amos, Simon Le Bon, Roger Taylor, Keane, Michael W Smith, John Mayall and many more leading industry figures. Full details of how to enter can be found at www.songwritingcompetition.com

• HUNGRY HORSE MOVES TO GREENER PASTURE – This one only just missed out on being mentioned in September’s newsletter so we thought we’d mention it here instead rather than wait another month. The Hungry Horse Folk Nights have moved to the Whitby Sports & Social Club (formally the Shell Club) on Chester Road in Ellesmere Port. It’s still every Thursday night from 8.15pm to 11.15pm, and still features Singers Nights, plus a selection of special guests from the wonderful and diverse world of folk. Full details can be found at hungryhorseacoustic.com

• ONCE MORE, WITH PASSION – Singer songwriter Emma Lou is looking for a passionate and experienced guitarist to form an alternative folk duo. Inspirations include Bat for Lashes, Fleetwood Mac, Joy Division, Mumford and Sons. You can check out her music here and reply to her ad here.

• BACK TO BASS-ICS – Eddie is looking for a bass player to join an acoustic duo to enhance their sound. They play modern day classics and some of their own stuff too. You can reply to the ad here.

• ONCE MORE, WITH CREATIVITY – Female singer looking for an acoustic guitarist for open mics and paid gigs. Must have experience and creativity. Reply here.

• FREE FROM STE – Stephen Langstaff has made one of his EPs available as a free download from Soundcloud as part of the publicity for his O2 Academy headlining gig on 30th September. Check it out here or see the player below (not available for email subscribers).