Friday, March 27, 2009
NIGHTSCENE
the weekend
7
Pubs join up for charity push Legends date A QUARTET of popular Sizzling Pub Co pubs in the area have joined forces to pledge their support for Marie Curie Cancer Care. The Highfield in Marton, Newton Arms at Normoss, The Windmill in Layton and The Blossoms in Ansdell, have all been holding regular fundraising events over the past months. But they are urging their regulars to put the next few dates in their diaries and help continue the support, which is all part of a larger fundraising initiative by Sizzling Pub Company North to raise much-needed funds for Marie Curie Nurses, who provide free care to patients with terminal
cancer and other illnesses in their own homes. The Blossoms on Woodlands Road is holding a hot band night tonight with Hard To Handle entertaining guests late into the evening with a mixture of pop, rock and soul classics. The Windmill on Westcliffe Drive in Layton will be following this month’s successful disco karaoke evening with a second instalment on April 4. And the fundraising doesn’t stop there; the Newton Arms on Staining Road is planning a Mystery Pig Racing event on Good Friday, April 10. Whilst the details of the event are being held close to the pub’s
chest, curious locals are being encouraged to visit the pub on Good Friday, where all will be revealed. Finally, after holding a number of charity events throughout March, The Highfield on Highfield Road will be hosting an 80s themed school disco on April 24. The pub, which has already raised £150 through various raffles and games, is hoping locals will continue supporting their fundraising efforts. Meanwhile, nine members of the Sizzling Pub Co operations and marketing teams, are bravely trekking more than 90 miles across the Scottish highlands on the West Highland Way Walk in aid of the charity.
Blaze-hit Venue rises from ashes
the helm of all affairs FAC 51 as the head honcho of The Haçienda Tour, heads up the rest of the DJ bill. Mancunian techno pioneers, 808 State also appear with a DJ set that will remain true to their roots with both modern and back in the day classics. Rounding off the extensive line up, original Haçienda resident and mainstay of the legendary “Hot” night, Jon Dasilva, also brings his superb deck skills to close off what is a not to be missed, FAC 51 event. ■ The Official Haçienda Tour 2009 @ The Syndicate, Church Street, Blackpool. Sunday April 12-8pm to 5am. Tickets £10 advance / Members free before 11.30pm– £10 after. Non members: £10 before 11.30 / £12.50 afterwards. Details, (01253) 753222 or www.thesyndicate.com and www.myspace.com/fac51the Haçienda
Teen dreams
BLACKPOOL superclub The Syndicate has re-launched its younger themed Detenshun nights. The night– which is open to over 14s and under 18s – will take place once a month with the next one being on April 29 featuring DJ Ironik. The first one saw Lee Jester Watson in Level 1 providing an Indie, Chart soundtrack whilst upstairs Syndicate resident Jason Fubar hosted the Main Arena show with chart stars Platnum and Chipmunk (right) making personal appearances. All Detenshun customers must be over 14 and under 18 - ID may be required. Dress code - no tracksuits or football shirts (trainers welcome). The all inclusive admission price includes free soft drinks all night. Detenshun runs from 7 to 10.30pm.
By Robin Duke Entertainment Editor
T
he Venue, on Cleveleys North Promenade is back in action with live bands and entertainment from next weekend, fully restored after its Christmas Day blaze. Following a £750,000 re-furbishment The Venue, previously voted by Gazette readers as Best Live Venue on the Fylde Coast two years in a row, is back bigger and better than ever. A new sound and lighting system has been installed on a greatly enlarged stage area, along with a new DJ booth and larger dance floor. Aesthetic lighting has also been extended to create a night-time atmosphere throughout the room. It has also been transformed with a new colour scheme, new furniture and carpet, new and improved toilets and a new featured bar area. Getting the show under way, a line-up of top local bands have been booked with The Good Machine playing next Friday, April 3, and Ashes to Ashes on Saturday, April 4. The Easter line-up features Smokin’ Monkey on Good Friday, Rupert Fabulous on Easter Saturday and a special Easter Sunday show featuring Black Pearl. The Venue is also on the look-out for top quality new talent. New bands are being sought to extend the live scene and anyone interested should make contact with business development manager, Peter Wills, as soon as possible. “We are also looking for good quality young and talented solo musicians,” said Peter. “In the hope of a good summer to come, we are seeking musicians to enter-
AFTER the success of last October’s gig, FAC 51 is bringing back an even bigger Haçienda reunion at The Syndicate on Easter Sunday. Twenty years on from the fabled “Madchester” era and following a successful first visit to Blackpool’s The Syndicate last October, FAC 51 The Haçienda Tour returns with a line-up that brings DJ sets together from members of three of the greatest Mancunian acts ever – The Happy Mondays, New Order and 808 State – along with original Haçienda acid house resident, Jon Dasilva and an extra special PA by Shaun Ryder. The rare live PA from Happy Mondays’ Shaun Ryder – who also has long standing cohort Bez in attendance – will see him turning in one of his unique DJ sets. To complement the PA from Shaun, New Order’s Peter Hook, himself now back at
Back in time HOT DATE: Smokin’ Monkey play on Good Friday at The Venue (above left) tain our guests both inside in our new restaurant and outside in our alfresco dining areas. Guitarists, keyboard players, saxophonists, accordionists and violinists will all be of interest. “With the right weather and the fantastic new promenade right outside our door, we feel this will really add a continental touch to Sunday lunchtimes and evenings.” Interested musicians should contact Peter with details on (01253) 852143 or drop in a demo CD and biography. The Venue bands list: Friday April 3 and 24 and May 29: The Good Machine
Saturday April 4: Ashes to Ashes Friday April 10: Smokin’ Monkey Saturday April 11 and May 1: Rupert Fabulous Sunday April 12 and May 15: Black Pearl Friday April 17: The Jeps Saturday April 18: The Heat Saturday April 25: The Accused Saturday May 2: Groovebreaker Friday May 8: The Little Organisation Saturday May 9: Electric Echo Saturday May 16: On The Edge Friday May 22: Souled Out Saturday May 23: The Love Rats
IT’S a weekend of reminiscence at Blackpool superclub The Syndicate with a double header of classics-based events. Tonight another private promoter takes over the club with an amazing night of Hardcore classics in form of Rewind Presents This Is Old Skool. DJs on the night are Slipmatt, Awesome 3, Altern 8, DJ Sy, Stu Allen, Mix Factory, Butty + Recca, Cano, Old Skooler, Danny Murphy, Tony Jay plus The Worx Tickets are on sale at the
club and on our website www.thesyndicate.com priced £10 plus booking fee or £15 on the door on the night. This Saturday it’s the official 209 launch party of Back To The Old Pool. Old Skool heroes K-Klass are back as well as an old Blackpool legend Johnny Fresh, with Jason in support. Signed to Deconstruction Records, and later to Parlophone, the full K Klass membership is Andy Williams, Carl Thomas, Russ Morgan, and Paul Roberts.