Merseyside music night shines light on young local artists

Here at Liverpool Acoustic we’re all for supporting the younger generation of talented musicians emerging onto the scene, and we’re always pleased to support others who share the same outlook.

One such person is Merseyside businesswoman Pat Wordley who is opening the stage to local emerging musicians to perform their songs alongside the regions’ veteran artists at an Open Mic night in Sefton. Pat is the co-owner of Woodwards Wine Bar in Formby which hosts the night every Thursday for anyone and everyone to come and showcase their skills. From saxophonists to folk musicians, all types of performers are welcome at the bar, which has developed a reputation as a hub of live music in the region since its launch several years ago.

Now a new calendar of events has been released, and there are more chances than ever for the stars of tomorrow to show what they’re made of. Talent scouts from BBC reality show The Voice have been known to linger in the audience looking for the next big thing, and the evenings always draw huge crowds. Pat, who is chair of the Formby Live Festival committee and Christmas Lights Appeal, said it is an important part of a musician’s development to perform in front of an audience. She said:

“All the tops artists of today will have honed their skills at Open Mic sessions just like ours. Our Open Mic hosts are professional musicians, providing and managing the sound system so that everyone who performs is getting the support they need to sound great. Thursday night is my favourite time at the bar, the Open Mic events are very popular and for me it is a privilege to offer local artists a platform to show what they’re all about as they’re all so talented.”

But it is not just young artists that perform in Woodwards, as Pat explains:

“We also have a group of three older gentlemen called The Over The Hill Mob who come in and perform every month. They play all the old classics and have a very loyal following. The group have sung together for years and everyone loves having them in Woodwards as it’s a great atmosphere and something a little different.”

Woodwards Wine Bar, the creation of Pat and her daughter Louise, has become a hotspot in Formby over the past few years, bringing in crowds from across the region to enjoy the regular live entertainment. It is a diverse venue in the heart of Formby village that has a relaxing café atmosphere in the day and transforms into a live music venue serving cocktails, wines and beers in the evening.

Anyone wanting to take part in the Open Mic night can e-mail Pat at patwordley@aol.com for more information and availability. Why not ask to be added to their weekly email bulletin list so you know each week what’s going on? And you can find them on facebook here.

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Merseyside music night shines light on young local artists