Buz Magazine June 2016

FREE ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE FOR MERSYSIDE

www.thebuz.co.uk

MAY 2016

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this month...

Editor: Diane Tremarco Tel: 0151 558 1007 M: 07772475445 Email: diane@thebuz.co.uk Twitter: @thebuzmag Facebook: Get Out More 2 Web: www.thebuz.co.uk

Welcome to the Buz Magazine. We are now in print, online and on social media platforms - follow us and keep up to date with music and entertainment on Merseyside.

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04 // Jackobins 08 // Amy Chalmers 12 // King of Swing 14 // Richie Noonan

Sales/admin: Jade Tremarco Email: jade@thebuz.co.uk

17 // Connie Lush 23 // Lyn Staunton

Publisher: Mouse Media

24 // Amazing Kappa 27 // Ian Prowse

Special thanks to our contributors: Bill Elms Pauline Daniels Connie Lush Ian Prowse Lyn Staunton Amy Chalmers Richie Noonan Alex McGrath John Owen Front page: Paul Kappa Photographer: thirdgenphotography. co.uk/ Disclaimer While precautions have been take to ensure the accuracy of the contents of our magazine, neither the editors, publishers or its agents can accept responsibility for damages or injury which may arise there from.

Mouse Media reserves the right to edit comments or choose not to publish selected comments, whether in printed, mobile or digital format. No part of any of our publication, whether in print or digital may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, photocopying, electronic, mechanical or otherwise without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.

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28 // Vanessa Murray 31 // Through a Glass Onion review 32 // ElďŹ n Bow 35 // Pauline Daniels 37 // Alex McGrath 38 // Cigar Box Guitar Man 40 // A Night of Dirty Dancing

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42 // Bill Elms 43 // Theatre Listings 46 // John Owen’s Folk

To advertise email: sales@thebuz.co.uk For features email: hello@thebuz.co.uk

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The next issue will be JULY 2016. All adverts and payments must be completed by 20th JUNE. If you would like to be featured in a future edition feel free to contact us via email, website or telephone.

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Formed in 2014, dubbed by Fred Perry Subculture and This Feeling as “Big in 2016” The Jackobins have taken Liverpool’s and the U.K’s music scene by a storm, headlining and selling out prestigious venues such as Liverpool’s O2 Academy, EVAC, Magnet and Camden’s Barfly alongside smaller dates in Leeds, Manchester, Leicester, Sunderland, Stoke and Grimsby, whist completing their 40 date tour.

So guys, describe your music for anyone who has yet to hear you.

A beautiful euphoria of sonic frequencies beating to the rhythm of freedom.

‘Waiting On The Sun’ gained the support of The View, Twisted Wheel, This Feeling and members of Hurts and Jake’s Bugg’s touring band to name but a few. Who would you love support from this time, idol-wise?

2015 saw the band supporting the likes of The We love positive feedback from absolutely anyone – it’s Enemy, Reverend and The Makers and The Riffles especially nice when it comes from another musician. whist appearing on Tramlines, Strawberry Fields, It would be cool if Kasabian or The Stone Roses gave Northbound, X & Y, Party In The Pines, Liverpool Hasty a listen. Ultimately, there’s only one person’s Calling, Boondock, Blackthorn, FestEvol and events opinion we’d love to hear and that’s Noel G. We had such as Soccer Six and Football Rocks. the fantastic Sugarhouse (Ady Hall and Lee McCarthy) produce Hasty, and Ady has the same dry sense of The Jackobins have been featured in over 100 humour as Noel Gallagher. He loves the track so I’m sure publications and blogs last year such as It’s All Indie, if he does then Noel G would! FYI, if you’re in a band and Louder Than War, GigSlutz, Candid Magazine, Von Pip’s Musical Express, Music Manual, Get Into This and Indiependant and many others and have already been confirmed for several festivals in 2016.

THE JACKOBINS 4

you’re looking for producers, we recommend Sugarhouse Where is the best place your music has taken you up 100%. We’ve never had a more enjoyable time recording to now? and we’ll definitely be using them again in the future!

That’s a hard one. Music has certainly been a driving force for us all and it’s the main reason why we visited so ‘Ghosts’ was a great success, hitting the top ten on many beautiful places and more importantly it’s helped iTunes for Alternative Rock on it’s release date. When us meet some incredible people, which we are honoured can we expect the new album? to called fans. You can’t really identify one place in The Ghosts E.P was just a little taster of the musical particular, but it’s given us the freedom to live and not possibilities we were exploring at the time. Since then the simply exist, right now we’re just riding the wave and band has moulded into more of a unit on and off stage hoping there’s plenty more to come. and our sound gets more defined with every gig we play.

However we don’t like to limit ourselves so we’re always What is the best perk you have had as a musician? searching for something to spice things up with. You can The best perk of being a musician is probably the touring. expect a few more singles like ‘Hasty’ packed up with Visiting new places and meeting new faces. We’re large quantities of energy. As for the debut album, there always looking for somewhere new to explore and Britain are no plans yet. We’d like to create a bigger fan base isn’t the biggest place in the world so touring Europe is and do more writing before we release one. You’ll have to the next step and then the dream is to visit the world! We wait and see at this point! make a lot of friends when we’re touring and it’s always nice to see the regular faces too.

Have you ever been mistaken for someone else?

Veso got mistaken for Tom from Blossoms several times

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despite the fact that he looks absolutely nothing like him – must be the long hair, but it’s still cool because we love their stuff.

Funnily enough he actually got mistaken for himself once, with some weird fan being adamant that he wasn’t in the band!

Who do you most like to wind down with after a gig?

We always hang out with the crowd after a gig – as long as we don’t have to rush off to another one. We’re always highly appreciative of anyone who comes down to watch live music and so we like to show that gratitude after a gig. We have groups of people from different parts of the country that like to come to as many gigs as possible and we love having a drink before the gig and a lot of drinks after!

Do you have any pre gig rituals?

None of us really have any pre-gig rituals. If you’re

The Jackobins are: Vocals - Dominic Bassnett Lead Guitar - Veso Rhythm Guitar - Andy Pink Keys - John Whittingham Bass - Chris Marriott Drums - Patrick McGuinness

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doing the same thing before and during a gig, it can get boring. It also means you concentrate too much on the performance. Every time we go on stage we take it as it comes; every gig is unique and we like the crowd to take in every gig differently.

What is happening this year for Jackobins?

We’ve already had an exciting start to the year; we have acquired Paddy on drums and Andy on rhythm guitar. We played Live at Leeds and the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, among other gigs in cities and towns such as Scunthorpe, Sheffield and Preston. Looking forward to the second half of the year, we have quite a few festivals lined up so far and several more to be announced. We will be releasing our new single ‘Hasty’ around mid-July with an accompanying video, and then a single or an EP in the autumn with a big tour to support - so watch this space!

Facebook: The Jackobins Twitter: @thejackobins Instagram: @thejackobinsofficial

LOOKING AT THE FENDER STRATOCASTER WITH APOLLO MUSIC The Fender Stratocaster is a model of electric guitar designed in 1954 by Leo Fender, Bill Carson, George Fullerton, and Freddie Tavares. The Fender Musical Instruments Corporation has continuously manufactured the Stratocaster from 1954 to the present. It is a double-cutaway guitar, with an extended top "horn" shape for balance. Along with the Gibson Les Paul, it is one of the most often emulated electric guitar shapes.

The Stratocaster is a versatile guitar, usable for most styles of music and has been used in many genres, including country, rock, pop, folk, soul, rhythm and blues, blues, jazz, punk, and heavy metal.

Why Choose a Stratocaster?

With all the electric guitars available, why should you choose a Strat? While only you can determine if a particular guitar is a good fit, there are compelling reasons the Stratocaster has proven to be the guitar of choice for so many players. With its 3-pickup array and 5-way selector switch, the Strat offers players a variety of options to achieve the sound they want. From bright and twangy to mellow and moody, the Strat covers many colors on the tonal palette.

Aside from tone, the Strat offers a very smooth, comfortable feel. The contoured body and neck joint make the Stratocaster easy to hold and play, and its deep cutaways give the player ready access to the entire fretboard. With several neck profiles to choose from, there’s a Strat to match just about everybody’s hand and playing style.

Basic Stratocaster Features The Fender Stratocaster comes in many variations, but the following features are generally found on most Strats produced under the Fender and Squier nameplates:

• • • • • • • • • •

A double cutaway contoured alder or ash body offers excellent resonance, comfort, and playability.

3 single-coil pickups with a 5-way blade switch accesses 5 different pickup configurations: Neck, Neck/Middle, Middle, Middle/Bridge, and Bridge.

Master volume and 2 tone knobs control the output signal and the treble frequencies of the Neck and Middle pickups.

A bolt-on maple neck provides strength and stability, while being easily removed for repairs or replacement Maple or rosewood fingerboard for tonal definition and durability Nitrocellulose lacquer finish (vintage and Custom Shop), Urethane or Polyester finish (modern) Synchronized tremolo bar 25-1/2” scale length 7-1/4” fretboard radius (vintage) 9-1/2” (modern) Classic “C”-shaped or “V”-shaped neck

American Standard Series The American Standard Stratocaster is the time-honored workhorse of seasoned pros and discerning hobbyists alike.

• • • • • • •

Traditional alder body for classic Strat tone Popular C-shaped neck with gloss fingerboard and smooth satin back 3 full-sounding Fender Custom Shop Fat ’50s pickups Delta-tone no-load circuit for more midrange and hotter output Copper-infused cast Strat bridge block Aged plastic parts Fender SKB hardshell case

Apollo Music, Birkenhead – Prices from £399.00

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amy chalmers

You are spoilt for choice for culture and entertainment this June! Here are my top concert tips for this month…

Amy is a violinist and vocalist who works with a variety of acts that play folk, country, pop and classical music.

She is currently writing and recording an album with her acoustic duo.

She also works in music education on the Wirral.

@AmyVChalmers

1. Klezmerish @ Williamson Art Gallery, Birkenhead. 2pm, Sunday 12th June. The band’s tagline is “what happens when classical musicians let their hair down”. A riotous mixture of traditional music from Jewish weddings to the Scottish Highlands. This is part of the Williamson’s Sunday Serenades concert series that will run throughout the summer from now until the end of August. See www. williamsonartgallery.org for details of other concerts 2. Oxton Secret Gardens @ Oxton Village. Sunday 19th June. A lovely way to spend a Sunday...

Wandering around the gardens of Oxton, being entertained by various musicians along the way. There will be plenty of other things happening in the village too. (I recommend the cake that will be on offer at the Hub!) 3. Aled Jones @ Liverpool Cathedral. 7.30pm, Monday 20th June. Who can resist Aled’s beautiful voice and wonderful way with an audience? This is sure to be a special evening not to be missed.

4. Swan Lake @ Empire Theatre, Liverpool. 7.30pm, 1st-4th June. The Scottish Ballet is bringing this popular production to Liverpool. They have commissioned award-winning, international choreographer David Dawson to create a new “Swan Lake” for a new generation.

The Telegraph review said “Dawson takes the classical steps and bends them in a way that perfectly appeals to a modern audience.” Guaranteed to be a special show.

5. British Summertime @ Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool. 7.30pm, 16th June. This gorgeous programme of favourites by British composers such as Holst, Elgar and Purcell will be just the ticket on a summer’s evening.

Last month….

I had a fantastic time watching Footloose at the Empire! What an amazing production. Every single cast member put their hearts and souls into the show. The most incredible aspect of the performance was the fact that most of the cast were not only acting, singing and dancing, but playing numerous instruments too.

The stand out performance was from 911’s Lee Brennan – he was seriously good. I am usually skeptical about using big (non-musical theatre) names to draw in a crowd. (Marti Pellow – this is partly your fault for murdering the part of Che in the West End production of “Evita”.) However, Brennan was perfect for the role of Willard. Funny and sweet, with spot on vocals, he certainly proved himself to be way more than just a boybander. A thoroughly enjoyable night.

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My month will include…. …playing Irish tunes and dancing a merry jig with “Tony Q & The Twocans” on 10th June in The Irish House, and 26th in Shenanigans, Liverpool.

SPOTLIGHT ON...

…gigging with my duo “Two Black Sheep” (www.twoblacksheep.co.uk) at Elephant Coffee in Parkgate on 20th June. We are also recording a couple of our own songs this month for the Narrowboat Sessions.

Check out our songs (and the music of lots of other fantastic artists) on the Narrowboat Sessions Facebook page. …singing and playing fiddle with Folk/Country act The Bogtrotters at the Little Manor, Thelwall on 18th June.

...RICHARD AND ADAM 1. How do you think the tour has gone?

The tour has been amazing! We have the best team in place from sound to musicians making things very easy and enjoyable which is so important. We have had fantastic audiences at each venue that really does make all the difference.

2. Tell us a little bit about your album that’s out at the moment.

We decided along with the record company Sony that we would make an album based around traditional inspirational songs that have inspired us both growing up into the world of classical music. Our all time favourite singer is Mario Lanza so we were so excited to sing ‘I’ll Walk With God’.

3. What’s coming up next for you both?

We are planning a tour for 2017 which we are again really excited for after the response from this year’s tour. We also are travelling on cruise ships around the world for a few weeks which will be a lot of fun.

4. How can people keep up to date with forthcoming gigs, etc?

Our fans have been so amazing in supporting us both and we cant thank you all enough! Please checkout our Facebook page or website for information on upcoming shows and events.

Good luck with your future projects boys. I hope to work with you again soon.

…appearing at the Oxton Secret Gardens as part of acoustic duo “Two’s Company” on 19th June. The talented students from the school I teach at – Birkenhead High School Academy – will also be performing there. …supporting and accompanying more students from BHSA at their Live Lounge events on 28th and 29th June. These are happening at Constellations in Liverpool, and will be well worth coming to see and hear.

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THE SHAKERS IN CAHOOTS

Available for pubs, weddings and special occasions.

Contact: 07854571991 or 07740972229 Facebook: /InCahoots

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OPEN M C NIGHT

FREE ENTRY! Starts at 8pm.

Have you got talent? Come & show it off here.

Make sure you bring your family & friends to support you!

GIGS IN JUNE

In Cahoots are a unique five piece band covering almost every genre of music from contemporary pop to soul, easy listening to R&B, rock, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and stomping Irish tunes!

Something for everyone!

BAR & GRILL at

MAXIMUM MERSEYBEAT AT THE

CAVERN CLUB EVERY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY www.facebook.com/ shakersliverpool

THURSDAYS ‘One free drink for every performer’.

T 0151 328 5690 | F 0151 327 4601 | W theocclub.co.uk 28 BRIDLE ROAD, BROMBOROUGH, WIRRAL, CH62 6AR

BIRKENHEAD FAKE FESTIVAL SAT 09 JULY 2016 | 12.30 - 11PM BIRKENHEAD PARK | www.fakefestival.co.uk The UK’s only touring tribute festival is coming to the Wirral for the first time this summer, and is celebrating its 10th anniversary. All the fun kicks off at Birkenhead Park on Saturday, 9th July, with five local support bands hitting the marquee stage from 12:30 onwards.

Birkenhead Fake Festival is a brand new date on the Fake Festivals tour, and licensees Gary Hunt and George Thomas are excited to be part of it.

“I decided to become involved after attending a festival and seeing people having such a great time,” explains Gary. “I imagined developing a new event in a new area as fun and exciting.”

“We’ve been amazed with the response from all areas of the Wirral since bringing the tour to Birkenhead. It’s got people talking and has brought an air of excitement to the whole area. Birkenhead has a great community spirit, and the event will encourage people to get together and meet friends they may not have seen for years.”

The 10th anniversary celebrations will be going on all day and night. The festival will take place inside a massive marquee, ensuring everyone is protected from the elements of the British weather.

There will be the main bar inside the marquee and a variety of food TRIBUTE BAND INFORMATION Kings of Lyon are widely acclaimed as the most authentic tribute to the original band. Having featured on Channel 5, Q Magazine and the NME, the band have played shows worldwide from Dubai to Belfast.

The band play an untouchable, exciting live set encompassing all the hits and fans’ favourites from Kings of Leon’s last five albums.

and entertainment stalls within the outside arena will ensure a true festival atmosphere.

“We hope that by holding the Festival at Birkenhead, we can create an annual live music event that is suitable for all ages and families, and that will benefit the whole community,” continues George.

“It will give the Wirral a chance to experience a live, outside festival atmosphere with music from some of the top tribute bands in the UK.” 2016 will see world-class tributes to Queen, Oasis and Kings of Leon hit the stage, along with five local support bands.

“Fake Festivals is pretty well represented in the north of the UK, but the Wirral seemed to represent a gap in the market, hence why we chose to put a festival on for the local community. We hope everyone will embrace it, and come along and have a great day.”

Our well maintained, clean toilets and a highly experienced security team provide the comfort and peace of mind to ensure that the day can be enjoyed by both the young and more senior members of the Wirral communities.

FREE BAR DRINK Please have a drink on us!

Enter the festival before 2pm to receive a free drink token that can be exchanged for 1 bar drink or 2 soft drinks

Oasish have fine tuned their show so much so, that fans are now hailing them as being better than the real thing. Unlike other Oasis tributes, Oasish are a full 5 piece band and also play every single song note for note as it is on all of the albums. They have the look, the sound and most of all the ability to make any venue rock to the sounds of one of the most influential bands in history.

FLASH are widely regarded as the UK’s most authentic live QUEEN tribute act.

Our headline act have worked with some of the World’s leading brands, including: Hard Rock Café, Chevron Texaco, Mercedes Benz, Ford, Visa and are still the only Queen tribute band used by Harley Davidson, Europe.

Flash were also the band chosen to perform on BBC Television’s primetime programme ‘The One and Only’ presented by Graham Norton.

When these guys hit the marquee stage you could almost convince yourself you were watching the real thing…

For more information and ticket sales, please visit www.fakefestivals.co.uk 11

of

The King

Swing ASA MURPHY

B

orn in Liverpool, Asa was one of seven children; six boys and one girl, he always had a love for music and his father Peter bought him a guitar when he was 10 years old.

As a teenager Asa sang with friends in a local band performing at weddings and family gatherings but never imagined that this might lead to a serious career.

His life-long friend Kenny Harrison always encouraged him to write and perform, and in 2002 he did so at a friend’s dinner dance. The set consisted of half an hour of Swing music from Bobby Darin, Sinatra and Tony Bennett.

The show was such a success that Asa thought he just might have a future as a professional singer. At that time, Asa was a care worker looking after people with different health issues, although he liked his job and had a great relationship with the people and families he cared for, he still dreamed of singing for a living.

Kelly his wife encouraged him to make a demo CD and she took it to her workplace a hairdresser salon in Liverpool. A local restaurant manager was having his hair cut and asked who the singer was, this led to his first ever paid show at La Barbacoa in Crosby, July 6, 2002.

After that, booked by Tony West Entertainments Asa began to build a reputation as a lively and exciting act. Over the next few years he performed in bars and clubs, working his way up to corporate events and then major cruises.

In January 2008 he made his debut at London’s internationally-renowned jazz club Ronnie Scott’s.

Once again it was a major success and he was given a standing ovation and great reviews from the attending press including this quote from The Times “Asa really is Britain’s answer to Michael Bublé”.

This was followed up by a sell-out concert at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall in May 2008 with an audience of nearly 2000, ending with a 10-minute standing ovation.

In July 2008 Asa played to his biggest audience so far in the Liverpool Echo Arena singing with his full ensemble “The Danny Mannix Swing Band” to over 8000 people. Directly after the show he entertained at Colleen McLoughlin’s (Rooney) hen party, it 12 doesn’t get much better than that.

To keep up to date with Asa, please check his Facebook page. His new CD is available there too.

Cool as...

The Wack Pack are appearing at The International Mersey River Festival on Sunday 5th June 2016 at the Pier Head, Liverpool. Asa is joined on stage by Steve Charles, Jamie Somers, and Joe Speare. The boys are truly back in town.

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CD Review by Richie Noonan ‘My Fault Anyway’ Jade Tremarco With a long list of hugely impressive live performances throughout the Wirral and beyond to her credit, Jade Tremarco has now earned, in both a solo setting and in her appearances with other musicians, a fully-justified reputation as not only a fine guitarist but also as a prodigiously gifted singer. It was with the March 25th 2016 release of this EP, however, that another facet of her talent, namely her songwriting ability, is now unveiled.

This EP consists of five tracks with all music and lyrics by Jade Tremarco. With a band of stellar musicians that includes Jade Tremarco herself on vocals, Glyn Williams on piano and Hammond organ, Martin Byrne on bass guitar, Adam Goldberg on drums and the legendary Brian Jones on saxophone what we have here is what can only be defined as a stunningly impressive debut.

With Alan Crooks also on board as producer, Jade’s choice of personnel has clearly been an inspired one. The recording sessions took place at Hound Dog Studios.

The EP itself is a wholly professional product from the high-end production values down to the packaging and sleeve notes.

While the exemplary musical performances from the band are hugely impressive, what elevates this collection to the higher echelons of what must be regarded as ‘essential listening’, however, is Jade’s vocal prowess. Throughout all of the tracks on offer here, Jade’s voice is a seamless amalgam of blues, soul, country-rock and pop influences that shift easily from breathtaking virtuosity to melodic musings. In essence, she possesses a strong, clear, pliable vocal instrument that transcends musical categories. It is readily apparent from listening to this EP that her voice has an emotional depth and range that enables her to breathe truth across the full musical spectrum. This is an

incredible, albeit rare, talent possessed by only a very small selection of performers. Displaying flawless vocal technique and control throughout, Jade also reveals impeccable taste whereby she imperceptibly manages to extend musical boundaries without ever overstepping.

The opening track, My Soul Is Back At Home, oozes quality and proves to be a portent of what is to follow. With its driving rhythm underpinned by some classy soulful saxophone parts by Brian Jones, it is an excellent piece of work. This is followed by Ain’t Impossible, a track that builds quite magnificently. The title track, My Fault Anyway, meanwhile, is a hook-laden piece of classic funk that, while recalling bands such as Jamiroquai at their very best, is never derivative.

The remaining two tracks Back On Track and Sweet Blues ensure that the benchmark of quality is maintained.

Overall, with exceptional performances from both Jade and also the musicians who feature, My Fault Anyway stands as a tremendous debut collection from a hugely talented singer/songwriter., For any music fans looking to enjoy local Wirral talent at its very best I highly recommend you obtain a copy – you won’t be disappointed.

Details for how to purchase this EP can be found at www.jadetremarco.

With some highly anticipated appearances with the Pink Floyd tribute gig planned for this August at New Brighton Floral Pavilion, anybody wishing to check out Jade Tremarco in a live setting is already viewing this as an unmissable event.

Further details of Jade’s various other upcoming gigs can also be found at www.jadetremarco.

JUNE 18th JADE TREMARCO BECOMES JADE THUNDER WE WISH YOU ALL THE HAPPINESS IN THE WORLD AS YO 14

JADE TREMARCO and

GLYN

WILLIAMS are

GLADE Friday 3 JADE TREMARCO Oxton Bar & Kitchen, Oxton Village 9.30-11pm Saturday 4 JADE TREMARCO West Kirby Festival – time tbc followed by

JADE TREMARCO Misty Blues, Wallasey 9.30-12.30am

EP OUT NOW! www.jadetremarco.com

R AS SHE MARRIES ROBERT THUNDER! OU BEGIN YOUR NEW LIFE TOGETHER.

Sunday 5 JADE TREMARCO Tanks Bar, St. Helens 5-7pm Friday 10 GLADE – Oxton Bar & Kitchen, Oxton Village 9.30-11pm Thursday 16 JADE TREMARCO Tanks Bar, St. Helens 9.30pm Saturday 18

Jade’s Wedding Day!

Jade will be on her honeymoon for the remainder of June!

Glade will be back to normal after 4th July.

For all updates please check www.jadetremarco.com

TO BOOK: 07983208887

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connie lush Connie has been recognised as one of the finest Blues singers in the UK today. The winner of “Best Female Vocalist UK” no less than five times has earned Connie her place in the Gallery of Greats, alongside Alexis Corner and Eric Clapton to name just two. Her incredible stage presence and powerful vocal have also been recognized overseas as she was twice voted “European Blues Vocalist of the year” by the “Blues Trophies Awards” Pride of place is her award from the people of Liverpool for “Performing Arts”....

/connielushband /connielushband /connielushband

Hello Babies! Back from tour, exhausted, happy, you know you missed me! I have been reliably informed that we did at least 3000 miles by road, Austria, Germany, France and Switzerland. You may gasp but really it’s quite the norm and have done many, many, more in the past. We are back over in November but this time only small, taking in Belgium and Holland over six days. We have always travelled by overnight ferry from Hull over to Rotterdam and then taken it from there.

Europe at your feet bleary eyed at am in the morning......

The biggest thrill was being back in Austria and catching up with everyone.

The Linz gig where we have played many times is always up and on it, our old friends and record label make it special.

The next day Vienna Spring Blues Fest, which lasts for 30 days with a huge catalogue of Blues stars but still manages to keep it real. Again, we have done this gig quite a few times. This time we met up with the Blues Caravan ladies in the bar. Tasha Taylor, Layla Zoe and Ina Forsman...they had just driven from Italy and were happily drinking proseco even though they had a breakfast show at 5am !...I hate to say it but they looked like they had just stepped out of a spa. Glad they popped in to see us...We on the other hand went back to our hotel to chat with the friendly parrot at reception...it was the only living thing I could get any sense out of.... then off into the depths of Austria the next day.

The Blues Garage Gig in Austria was just that....a massive garage with state of the art equipment and tech....the bar was a huge flight case..it was also the night of Liverpool v Dortmund and all we had were phones and texts to keep score.... we had the whole gig on our side and as Terry and Roy are huge Liverpool fans there was quite a bit of celebration and shenanigans going on! I won’t mention what!

But someone was looking up at the stars!

The Austrians and Germans always have quirky gigs which blow your mind...one of our gigs in Germany which we have done before, has a guitar plugged in so you can play it on the toilet! Saxophones that pull pints..skeletons under the stairs...I dont know why but bongos in the ladies toilet! We then had the amazing drive up the Tyrol mountains where we played in

an old restored “Kino” which is a picture house converted into a theatre. We had a night off there and managed to look at the stars again! I have to say by then my voice was starting to say “Can we sleep?”

I have to abstain from alcohol mostly.... Its a sin how much alcohol I refused!!! The coffee kept me going although some of it is like drinking mud...but the cakes make up for it...and maltesers...

One of my staple five vegetables on tour is Maltesers... boxes only! I have a malteser suitcase and only I have the key! It helps the voice..Ha! Also trying to keep quiet! I find that hard! Its always a joy going back to gigs where the moment you open the door everyone is smiling and at Switzerland gig not only where there smiles but chocolate and the best kept secret of all Swiss wine!! It was the last gig and they threw a party for us afterwards.

Lots of the ladies had red hats on and my first thought was “Hen night” but they wore them for me. We stayed in a typical Swiss hotel by Lake Constance complete with sleighs and underground vault. Lake Constance is vast and beautiful and every year a magnificent stage is built for the specific purpose of performance of Opera.

One of my things to do list..... So the Swiss wine was drunk white and red and we partied till 3 although we had to get up at 6.30 to catch the ferry from Rotterdam home. It was worth the hangover!

Along the way I always get presents.

Never had a chocolate CD before and of course lots of Swiss wine came home. We managed to grab a couple of sunny days off in Mulhouse, France on the border.

There are negatives, tiring yes! stressful yes! hate the guys sometimes yes! they hate me sometimes yes! frustrating yes!

One or two of the gigs annoy for whatever reason yes! The list of negatives go on but the one thing above all is the audience.

They have the power to make all that disappear in a second and they didn’t let us down. After all thats the biggest reason we all do it for. I think you may have noticed I dont go into detail about tech or music etc....I leave that to others.

Performance and an audience is all I want. I luv it!

Thanks for listening babies......needed to say that Connie

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STANLEYS CASK

Marshall Hearts

WALLASEY

HEIDI

(Solo) Performing Modern Covers

T: Mark Whiteley 07719454559 or Steve Lawson 07906246241 https://www.facebook. com/themarshallhearts/

For Booking enquiries contact Danny on 07780835618 or Tequiladuo@yahoo.co.uk

For details of where Tequila are performing add them on social media Facebook.com/ tequilawirral and @tequiladuo on Twitter.

THE LAW OF THREE

Acoustic Trio Performing Modern Covers

For Bookings M: 07584 194497

E: heidi@thepurpleroom.com Facebook:/HeidiPurpleRoomWirral SoundCloud: /heidisingerwirral

Every Tuesday THE TAP, BIRKENHEAD 6-11pm Every Thursday BEERKEG, LISCARD Friday 3rd NETTIE’S BAR, WARRINGTON 9pm Saturday 4th PRIVATE PARTY Sunday 5th THE BROMBOROUGH 6pm Friday 10th THE COCK & PULLET, OXTON 9pm

Every Tuesday RECKLESS ELBOW 9pm

BRIAN HARDMAN 07429590575

ALL FRIDAY AND SATURDAY GIGS ARE 9.30PM SUNDAY 6.30PM Friday 3rd CIRCUS FREAK Saturday 4th AWAKE Sunday 5th THE RETURN Friday 10th THE BUMPER BLUES BAND Saturday 11th THE HEXMEN Sunday 12th PHIL JONES (7.30pm) Friday 17th AMAZING KAPPA Saturday 18th Z3BRA 3

Saturday 11th THE ARMCHAIR, MORETON 9pm

Sunday 19th FORTY 4

Sunday 12th THE CLAUGHTON 6pm

Friday 24th HERBIE POPS OUT

Saturday 18th POULTON VICS, WALLASEY 9pm

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Five Cask Ales

Every Thursday QUIZ & SCOTTISH BINGO

ROCK, POP, MOTOWN & SOUL Pubs, Weddings, and Parties

T: 01516911093

Facebook: Stanleys Cask

Sunday 19th ROCKS, LISCARD 6pm Friday 24th OAKLANDS, CHESTER 9pm

Saturday 25th TBC Sunday 26th THE EMMAS

TANK BAR WESTFIELD STREET, ST. HELENS

TANK BAR LIVE MUSIC EVERY THURSDAY 9:30 PM START June 2nd KYE JONES & NICOLA HARDMAN 9th June SEAFOAM GREEN Friday 10th June ADRIAN GAUTREY BAND Sunday 12th June JAZZ JAM TBC 16th June JADE TREMARCO 23rd June JOEY SHEILDS AND THE WHEELS

Over the past year this small but lively bar has entertained us with anything from classical guitarists to Heavy Metal, a very eclectic live venue.

Hosting bands from afar afield as Canada, prog rockers Diatessaron to local favourites such as Deified and Bandit & Butler.

Sunday nights we have an earlier start 7:30pm with our monthly original poetry/open mic night and the Jazz Jam with local guitar legend Greg Davies.

The amazing Paul Kappa is a regular player at Tank as is Adrian Gautrey and his Band. https://www.facebook.com/TankBar39/ Over 70 bands and singers playing in 16 bars and pubs.

Street food, outdoor acoustic stage, children’s fun fair, Katumba drum band, Brazilian Dancers plus many other attractions at THE WESTFEST - see below

WESTFIELD STREET FESTIVAL 2016, SUNDAY 5TH JUNE 12:30PM START Into its 3rd year and the “Westfest” and still FREE - VARIOUS VENUES IN ST. HELENS

https://www.facebook.com/Westfield-Street-Music-Festival-1386015461663324/

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YOUR CHANCE

TO BE IN THE

SPOTLIGHT

JAM NIGHT WITH LANCE DONNELLY

STARTING WEDNESDAY 27 JULY 2016 The Olde Red Lion, 307 Chester Road, Little Sutton, Ellesmere Port CH66 1QQ

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JUNE GIG LISTINGS FRIDAY 3RD STRIDER SATURDAY 4TH Z3BRA3 SUNDAY 5TH SPEAKEASY BOOTLEG BAND 5pm - 7pm THURSDAY 9TH JOKE CLUB COMEDY NIGHT (TICKETS £5)

SUNDAY 12TH THE DANSETTE ALLIGATORS 5pm - 7pm FRIDAY 17TH DRIVE

SUNDAY 26TH THREE WHEELS ON 5pm - 7pm THURSDAY 30TH SYNCHRONICITY

SATURDAY 18TH LIL DEVIL SUNDAY 19TH TBA 5pm - 7pm

FRIDAY 10TH STORM STEALER

FRIDAY 24TH DUNN N DUSTED

SATURDAY 11TH SOUL REVOLVER

SATURDAY 25TH INSANITY BEACH

onday Every M

The Olde Red Lion, 307 Chester Road, Little Sutton, Ellesmere Port CH66 1QQ

0151 339 2496 21

John Alfred Anderson Colin Mark Ashcroft James Gary Aspinall Kester Roger Marcus Ball Gerard Bernard Patrick Baron Simon Bell Barry Sidney Bennett David John Benson David William Birtle Tony Bland Paul David Brady Andrew Mark Brookes Carl Brown David Steven Brown Henry Thomas Burke Peter Andrew Burkett Paul William Carlile Raymond Thomas Chapman Gary Christopher Church Joseph Clark Paul Clark Gary Collins Stephen Paul Copoc Tracey Elizabeth Cox James Philip Delaney Christopher Barry Devonside Christopher Edwards Vincent Michael Fitzsimmons Thomas Steven Fox Jon-Paul Gilhooley Barry Glover Ian Thomas Glover Derrick George Godwin Roy Harry Hamilton Philip Hammond Eric Hankin Gary Harrison Stephen Francis Harrison Peter Andrew Harrison David Hawley James Robert Hennessy Paul Anthony Hewitson Carl Darren Hewitt Nicholas Michael Hewitt Sarah Louise Hicks Victoria Jane Hicks Gordon Rodney Horn Arthur Horrocks Thomas Howard Thomas Anthony Howard Eric George Hughes Alan Johnston Christine Anne Jones Gary Philip Jones Richard Jones Nicholas Peter Joynes Anthony Peter Kelly Michael David Kelly Carl David Lewis David William Mather Brian Christopher Matthews Francis Joseph McAllister John McBrien Marian Hazel McCabe Joseph Daniel McCarthy Peter McDonnell Alan McGlone Keith McGrath Paul Brian Murray Lee Nicol Stephen Francis O'Neill Jonathon Owens William Roy Pemberton Carl William Rimmer David George Rimmer Graham John Roberts Steven Joseph Robinson Henry Charles Rogers Colin Andrew Hugh William Sefton Inger Shah Paula Ann Smith Adam Edward Spearritt Philip John Steele David Leonard Thomas Patrick John Thompson Peter Reuben Thompson Stuart Paul William Thompson Peter Francis Tootle Christopher James Traynor Martin Kevin Traynor Kevin Tyrrell Colin Wafer Ian David Whelan Martin Kenneth Wild Kevin Daniel Williams Graham John Wright

Saturday 23rd November 2013 Crowne Plaza Liverpool

Variety, the children’s charity

honours the

96 hillsborough

Silver Ticket: £75.00 Gold Ticket: £100.00 Platinum Ticket: £125.00

For tickets and further infomation please call 0161 236 0500

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lyn staunton

96 REASONS WHY I AM SO PROUD OF VARIETY, THE CHILDRENS CHARITY.

All over the UK there are children who have to cope with sickness, disability or disadvantage. It’s tough. Really tough.

Variety, the children’s charity, provide practical, tangible help that makes an immediate difference to those children and their families.

If you can help in any way, please contact Lyn Staunton or one of the team at the North West office on: 0161 236 0500 or e-mail Northwest@variety. org.uk /VarietyGB

Finally, Justice for the 96 came to the families of those desperate campaigners who fought so hard and dedicated their own lives for 27 years with dignity and determination to be the voice of the innocent 96.

The four Sunshine Coaches help Sick Disabled and disadvantaged children in Liverpool to enjoy fantastic fun days out, school trips, and make memories that will stay with them throughout their lives, and all in the name of the 96.

I met Margaret Aspinall CBE, Chair of the HFSG in the early part of 2013 to ask her permission to stage a Gala Dinner in honour of the 96, and I can tell you that this lady eyed me with suspicion, gave me the third degree, and asked who would benefit from this Dinner, I told Margaret “ Children less fortunate than others , Children some of whom had never seen the seaside, or been able to join in the fun with other Children due to an illness or a disability “…It was then and only then Margaret relaxed, and invited me to sit down and discuss the event.

I had promised Margaret that Variety would raise enough funds for one Sunshine Coach, but I had not reckoned on the fantastic support I would be given by the people in Merseyside, the two football clubs Everton FC and Liverpool FC , the City Council, The Mayor of Liverpool, Local Radio stations, BBC Merseyside & Radio City and the presenters, THE Liverpool Echo The fantastic Artistes and celebrities who gave their time and talent free of charge, and most of all the HFSG who gave their all to make this a great success and a legacy to the 96.

I am very privileged to say that for that special time in 2013, I felt humbled to be just a very a small part of the 96 being close to Margaret, and observing how this wonderful lady protected the families of the 96, whilst working tirelessly for the HFSG.

I have been so very lucky in my life with Variety to have been part of some of the most amazing events , and also as a guest at other events, but I can tell you with hand on my heart , never have I been so proud and honoured to stage any event as I was in staging ,“Variety honours the 96 “

Today four Sunshine Coaches, giving Children “Miles of smiles “ are driving around Liverpool, you cannot miss the Bespoke Sunshine Coaches in the Colours of Everton FC and Liverpool FC .

Please look out for the Sunshine Coaches, and when they pass by, just say a prayer of thanks that finally JUSTICE FOR THE 96 has been achieved.

Today I am very proud to say that Variety, the Children’s charity Raised enough funds, to put not ONE but FOUR Sunshine Coaches on the Roads of Merseyside as a moving memorial to the 96.

23

AMAZING KAPPA 24

G

uitarist and singer Paul Kappa created Amazing Kappa Band in 1998. For the last fourteen years they have held a twice weekly residency in Liverpool’s famous Cavern Pub and Club on Mathew Street, thrilling a local and international crowd, of literally thousands a week.

A brick in the wall of fame on Mathew Street honours their contribution to the music scene on the sacred stones of Liverpool’s music Mecca.

In terms of influences and diverse directions think; Led

Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Cash, Motörhead, Dolly Parton and Ravel. It doesn’t make sense, but it does when you see them play.

The mix is eclectic, but amazing. The powerhouse rhythm section of Maria Alan on bass and Laura Gilchrist on drums complements the frontman perfectly. And what a frontman. Kappa will play the Bolero on guitar behind his head, whilst strutting the moves. He will rock out to Zepplin and cram emotion and enthusiasm into a song were you never thought possible.

25

Originality of style is also matched by a wealth of the band’s own material, with more than ten albums of original tracks behind the band, ready to be thrown into the mix, you won’t be able to tell where the classics end and the originals begin.

The success of The Amazing Kappa Band as a Liverpool legend has meant the opportunity to tour has

26

been scarce. Apart from fleeting US and European dates this band has not travelled much in the UK. Just know that if you haven’t caught one of their epic performances yet, then you are missing out. If you want your music to hit you in the face, slap you around a little and rock to the very core of your soul, go and see them as soon as possible.

ian prowse It’s been yet another wonderful month for our Monday Club. Each week I make the journey to Mathew Street ( I live nearby so I can crawl home if need be) and I wonder what is in store for us? Who will show up?

What delights will unfold?

Rock and Roll singer and songwriter with Amsterdam. Formerly with Pele. Infected with the Celtic soul.

Amsterdam are: Ian Prowse Vocals and guitar Johnny Barlow Guitar Dave Mastracola Bass Kevin Spurgeon keyboards Anastacia Worrel Violin Fiona McConnel / Helen Maher Accordian Eimear McGeowan Flute

No two Monday Clubs are the same.

Last week for example we had artists in from Australia, Southampton, Newport, Anglesey, Lymm, Manchester, Crosby, Aigburth and Prenton.

The only unifying factor is you’ll probably get to hear the now famous ‘Hide The Sausage’ song from The Southbound Attic Band, almost like the House band.

We keep waiting for that tune to not capture the audiences imagination, just one night perhaps, but it never fails. It must have been played over 150 times now and it’s one of the great joys of Monday Club to see the audiences faces change as they take in all of the lyrics.

Sometimes people stroll into the venue just as the chorus hits, maybe they are tourists with only a flimsy grasp of English, to be confronted with an entire venue swearing about sausages. Priceless.

very exciting, absolutely anybody might walk through that door, why not the next Lennon, Weller, Gallagher? I love standing there waiting for the first song to start up not having a clue what to expect.

The Monday Club is also a forum for other art forms, we’ve had many poets and I’d like to encourage more, it gives the night an extra edge, a different vibe. We love having comedians too, it’s a hard gig to do and you’ll learn soon enough if you’re any good at Monday Club!

For the many people who ask how they can perform at Monday Club the answer is simple. Just turn up! We have an information page on Facebook ‘Ian Prowse Monday Club at the Cavern Pub’ if you want to let us know you are coming.

We have also announced our 5th birthday party will be on Monday 18th July. It will be a hell of a night.

On a personal note - I thought I might just slip in that the Companeros Live DVD will be released in mid July.

I’m always amazed by the steady flow of new blood. Every week 2 or 3 people turn up who’ve heard about our fine reputation and wish to play. You’d think the river would run dry but it never does. This is

/amsterdamuk

Local Live Dates Ian Prowse (Acoustic) Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room Friday 15th July

£12

Ian Prowse & Amsterdam (14 piece band) Arts Club Saturday 3rd December

Available to buy from amsterdam-music.com

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28

V

anessa Murray, a singer/songwriter from Liverpool has been described as ‘a small girl with a big voice’. Her sophisticated and emotive songs have helped her win nationwide competitions, awards and have captured the attention of many, including Sandie Shaw who praised Vanessa’s musicality as ‘Astonishing’, Paul Carrack who described Vanessa as a “Great New Artist” and Jo Dipple CEO of UK Music who described Vanessa’s songwriting ability as “Incredible”.

Vanessa has been involved in the Liverpool music scene for the past 4 years and released her debut EP ‘It’s About Time’ on iTunes in November 2015. ‘It’s About Time’ was rated 8/10 by legendary music blog ‘Louder Than War’ and has since received radio play on Indie Scene Radio in Rhode Island USA, as well as local stations across Merseyside.

Vanessa will soon be graduating from The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts and will be spending the summer writing brand new songs, as well as hosting weekly live music nights at American TV themed coffee shop, Ameriesko. Vanessa is always looking to support upcoming talent. If you’re interested in performing at Ameriesko, please contact vanessa@ameriesko.com

“Talents like this don’t come along too often” 8/10 Paul Scott-Bates,Louder Than War “The five songs, I Don’t Want To Lose You Like This, the excellent Fire That Burns within,World’s Apart, Thanks To You and the EP’s title track, are not just tracks burned in hope, played with ambition, they are a demand placed down and to be taken notice of.” 4/5 stars Ian D Hall, Liverpool Sound and Vision.

Social Media links: www.vanessamurraymusic.com www.facebook.com/vanessamurraymusic www.twitter.com/vanessamurray1995 www.soundcloud.com/vanessamurray95

Catch Vanessa: Every Tuesday - Open Mic Night @ Ameriesko, Bold Street Every Thursday - Live Music Night @ Ameriesko, Hatton Garden Every Friday - Spotlight Sessions @ Ameriesko, Bold Street

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

447 Cleveland Street, Birkenhead

JUNE DATES SUNDAY 5th

SUNDAY 12th

SUNDAY 19th

SUNDAY 19th

RIGSBY’’S

CAT JULY “VAL & GARY WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE GRAHAM & KAREN ON THEIR WEDDING ON WEDNESDAY 15TH JUNE. TO CELEBRATE, TWOS COMPANY WILL BE PERFORMING FROM 3PM.”

SUNDAY 3rd

  453 Cleveland Street, Birkenhead EVERY FRIDAY 4PM IAN HELLON 80’S HOUR

GUEST ARTISTS WILL BE COVERING 3RD & 10TH

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EVERY FRIDAY 5.15PM

TWOS COMPANY

‘Through A Glass Onion’ – Daniel Taylor. The Epstein Theatre April 29th 2016 reviewed by Richie Noonan On December 8th 1980 John Lennon was shot and killed on the steps of his Dakota apartment; an event that reverberated around the globe and signalled, for many, the end of an era. At the time of his murder, Lennon was in the process of making a heralded return to the recording studio following a five-year hiatus. As a member of The Beatles, of course, and also as a solo artist, his musical legacy and position as the ‘spokesman for a generation’ remains undiminished.

With his production of ‘Through A Glass Onion’, writer John Waters has delivered not only a celebration of some of Lennon’s greatest works but also provided a fascinating and perceptive insight into the early formative years of the ex-Beatle’s life.

With a beautifully paced script that while revealing tragic events such as the early death of Lennon’s mother and the absence of his father never shies away from , and indeed goes some way to explaining, the often acerbic nature of Lennon’s personality. Opening with a tremendous version of the title song ‘Looking Through A Glass Onion’, for the first half of tonight’s show, dovetailed into the narrative were a selection of timeless Lennon-penned Beatles’ classics including Help, You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away, I’m So Tired, Nowhere Man, Strawberry Fields Forever, Julia, the autobiographical The Ballad Of John and Yoko, Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds and the anthemic All You need Is Love. Throughout, Daniel Taylor’s performance as Lennon was truly remarkable. With his own acoustic guitar and accompanied by the hugely impressive Stewart D’Arrietta on piano and occasional backing vocals, Taylor’s vocal style and delivery was flawless with a strident urgency and energy that even the most die-hard Lennon fan would have approved of.

Displaying a level of stagecraft attained by very few performers, Taylor’s powerful presence and innate ability to connect with his audience was further enhanced by the almost total absence of stage props and the skilful use of some highly empathetic lighting.

The second half of the show was no less enthralling and provided an overview of Lennon’s post-Beatles solo career and personal life where songs such as Woman, (Just Like) Starting Over, Working Class Hero, Whatever Gets You Through the Night, Watching The Wheels and Beautiful Boy, were again effortlessly interwoven with the narrative. A rendition of How Do You Sleep, Lennon’s thinly disguised attack on Paul McCartney released at

a time when the fallout from the Beatles breakup was still running rampant was particularly thought provoking. Lennon’s later mid to late 1970s New York-based life where he imperceptibly faded from the music frontline to concentrate his efforts instead on the dual roles of house husband coupled with acting as doting father to Sean and also his temporary split from Yoko and his infamous eighteen month ‘lost weekend’ were dealt with superbly. A glorious version of Jealous Guy deftly focused the audience on Lennon’s state of mind at this time. Following a haunting and heart-achingly poignant yet impeccably written narrative section where Lennon’s final hours were recounted, the show closed with a magnificently plaintive and wistful version of Imagine. For Daniel Taylor and Stewart D’Arrietta, a richly deserved standing ovation by the packed house at The Epstein followed the curtain call.

In summary, ‘Through A Glass Onion’ is highly recommended not only to die-hard Beatles or John Lennon fans but also to anyone seeking to gain an insight into the often-misunderstood and invariably enigmatic human side of the creative artist. In an exploration of the classic nurture versus nature debate, the show astutely avoids portraying Lennon as a flawless iconic figure preferring instead to consider him as a somewhat tortured musical genius often left battling his own demons and insecurities. As frequent runs on Broadway and beyond would testify, ‘Glass Onion is a production that not only resonates with audiences worldwide but is perhaps now the definitive Lennon stage tribute. For Daniel Taylor, while he has appeared regularly in Blood Brothers and is now currently on tour with his own tribute to comedy legend Tommy Cooper, this Lennon performance must surely be his defining tour de force role and the one that deservedly leads to him becoming firmly established as one of the leading lights of British theatre.

Through A Glass Onion will be returning to the Liverpool stage sometime in 2017.

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Elfin Bow

32

I

f music is a journey of discovery to be savoured and enjoyed, then Elfin Bow is carving out her own exciting and unique path and loving every moment. With imagery that blends her twin passions of music and art, her songs and stage presence exude colour, charisma and a gentle charm. She loves to pen her own unique songs as well as collecting jewels from the musical history books to reinterpret in her own way, playing guitar, mandolin, violin and piano.

A multi instrumentalist and singer-songwriter, early influences were 1970’s Sunday school songs and the family folk group, The Beukemas, singing three part harmonies with her sisters and improvising violin harmonies with the church band. With her classical training on the piano, it was the romantic Aria’s by Sterndale Bennet and the well-known themes of Mozart, Chopin and Sibelius that gave her a grounding in subtle emotion and poignant melodies. Her musical horizons widened further as she discovered Tori Amos, Bjork and PJ Harvey, artists whose rebellious spirit touched a nerve and empowered Elfin Bow to develop her lyrics, individual song writing style and artistic direction.

At Art school, she developed a respect for the writings of Allan Kaprow and the ‘happenings’ of the 1960’s, where art began to imitate life. Boundaries were blurred between art, music and performance and Elfin Bow began to use multi-disciplinary methods to express her ideas. More recently, it was the writings of Elle Luna, Brene Brown and Tara Mohr that helped to ‘free’ Elfin Bow from the clutches of secondary teaching and to confidently launch her career as a full time artist and musician.

Energetic and driven, Elfin Bow has always embraced new challenges and welcomed collaboration in all its many forms. From the formation of various groups and musical initiatives such as the Dawn Chorus Collective (improvised music workshops for women and young people), the folk-rock duo Nighthowl, the gentler, yet no less heartfelt, Kearney and Williams and folk collaboration, Grace and Danger, she has also worked with her husband, musician and producer, Gary Edward Jones, both as backing singer, manger and artistic director. She provided vocal harmonies for his debut album, ‘The Cabinet Maker,’ and regularly performs with him up and down the country.

Website - www.elfinbow.com Facebook - www.facebook.com/elfinbow/ Twitter - www.twitter.com/elfinbow Instagram - www.instagram.com/elfinbow/ Indiegogo - www.indiegogo.com/projects/elfin-bow-debut-album#/ Soundcloud - soundcloud.com/elfinbow Youtube - www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwObbDdCFBg Gig List - June: June 18th 2016 Lymm Festival, The Boot Room from 8pm. On the bill with Jim Bazley and Gary Edward Jones.

June 23rd 2016 The Globe, Glossop. Supporting Robin and Bina Williamson (Incredible String Band) June 30th 2016 The View Two Gallery, Liverpool. ‘Elfin Bow and Friends’ with Victoria Wasley, Saydyko Fedorova and Oscar South, Bryony Elizabeth and Jonny Darnell.

Photographs: Michael Cusick Photography

Elfin Bow has supported the Sam Kelly Trio, Harp and a Monkey, James Findlay, Tom Kitching and Mississippi artist, Bonwynne Brent at The Atkinson in Southport. She has performed live sets and interviews on BBC Radio Merseyside with Jenny Summers and Wirral Radio with Chris Currie and is currently recording her debut album, which features bass and digital performance technology by Oscar South, Sakha vocalisations of nature sounds by Saydyko Fedorova, vocal harmonies by her sister Victoria Wasley and Muireann McDermott Long and percussion

by Daniel J. Logan. It will also feature fiddle by Tom Kitching and banjo by Jamie Francis. Her album is being recorded at Hound Dog Studios and produced by Gary Edward Jones.

Elfin Bow has launched an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign to enable her to finish her album to the highest standard. To boost the campaign, she will be releasing her first single, The Wisdom, in early June, with an accompanying video by Brian Roberts, shot on location at Lowther Castle and Gardens in Cumbria.

Elfin Bow has been described as a ‘juggernaut’ of passion, energy and drive - an essential quality for any independent musician - and whilst her presence may be gentle, she doesn’t plan to launch her music on the world with anything other than a loud, and very artistic, roar.

Continued overleaf

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Indiegogo crowdfunding appeal: About it all: This Indiegogo campaign is about raising the funds to help Elfin Bow record her debut album. The entire process will be expensive and require help from a variety of people that includes anyone from a recording engineer to producer.

By contributing to this campaign you will not only help me achieve a great album but hopefully a name that will be recognized in the music community.

What We Need & What You Get: This full length 13 track album will require £5,000. The money will be distributed to the recording studio, producer, engineer, studio musicians and cd duplication company.

For the amount you contribute, based on your donation, you will receive anything from hand-illustrated lyric sheets to a song written just for you.

If we somehow don’t reach our goal, the funds will be used for the recording and people whom have helped in the production of the album.

The Impact: I truly believe in this project and how it will affect other people’s lives. You are joining in my journey to ‘follow the music’, combining my twin passions of art and music and to share my creativity with the world. Whether that is in the tales about the social outcasts I encountered as a child or singing about love and renewed hope in difficult times. My narrative for imagination is also yours.

Some achievements I’ve accomplished in the last few years of my life include performing with my husband, Gary Edward Jones, working closely to record and make his self-produced debut album, running the Bow’s Folk concert series, appearing on BBC Radio Merseyside, Wirral Radio and other local internet stations. I have supported Bronwynne Brent, The Sam Kelly Trio, Harp and a Monkey and Tom Kitching. I hope to make this campaign another successful chapter that I can share with other people.

Throughout this campaign I hope to make real connections with people, most of whom I’ve never meet before, so that I can bring value and meaning to their lives in terms of new music. I want to build a community with people and gain their trust as an artist.

Going The Extra Mile: For this campaign I wanted to go above and beyond the typical Indiegogo campaign in terms of what I put into it in order to get the most out the campaign.

I wanted to overcome the many hurdles of a typical Indiegogo campaign by offering a unique array of creative perks that will be

34

exchanged for donations that clearly demonstrate how my art and music are inextricably entwined. I want people to believe that the kind of quality and creativity they see in these offerings is the kind of quality and creativity they will see in the album.

I also plan to pair this campaign with the release of a music video for my song ‘The Wisdom’, filmed at Lowther Castle and Gardens in the Lake District. Again, I hope that this will give a taste of what is to come on the album as well as creating as much of an impression or buzz from the music video in order to keep a constant momentum throughout the whole campaign.

I’ve already put a great deal of time into the production of the music video and campaign.

But I believe going the extra mile will help me achieve my goal.

Other Ways You Can Help: Even if you can’t contribute, that doesn’t mean you can’t help...

Make some noise about the campaign - share it with as many people as possible through social media, email etc.

Remember to use the Indiegogo share tools that are located on the campaign page.

I appreciate anything that you are willing to do for this campaign. Never stop chasing that dream.

Gig List - June: June 18th 2016 Lymm Festival, The Boot Room from 8pm.

On the bill with Jim Bazley and Gary Edward Jones.

June 23rd 2016 The Globe, Glossop. Supporting Robin and Bina Williamson (Incredible String Band) June 30th 2016 The View Two Gallery, Liverpool. ‘Elfin Bow and Friends’ with Victoria Wasley, Saydyko Fedorova and Oscar South, Bryony Elizabeth and Jonny Darnell.

pauline daniels

Pauline Daniels is the first lady of comedy.

Her reputation goes before her when it comes to entertainment as she is also an accomplished actress and an incredible singer. /paulinedaniels

Well I thought that after coming home from the South America cruise that I would be nice and quiet for a while at least but no, well I am not complaining because I’ve had a ball in the last month, I got a phone call from a director who i had worked with in the past an loved and she wanted to know if I was available to do a play in Hornchurch, that’s right Essex, I wasn’t really available because I had set aside some time to go and have my bulb replaced in my headlamp, (a boob reconstruction ) anyway i said yes after I had read the play.

It was written by Nichola Mcauliffe f “Surgical Spirit” fame, I have to be honest I never watched it but you can’t say that to actresses they get a bit shirty, so you just pretend you did, although I did recognise her as soon as I saw her and she was a delight. My dressing room mate was a fantastic girl by the name of Kim Ismay and I can now reveal that while we were there she auditioned and got the part in Wicked of Madame Morrible and is about to conquer the world, the tour is going to Hong Kong, The Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and it all starts in …….Bradford, I know it doesn’t sound so glamorous but the Alhambra Palace in Bradford is an amazing theatre.

Anyway the first thing I had to do was to find digs, I was sent a list from the theatre and perused a while and close Mrs Scanes. I was there 7 weeks and all I can say was that she had a fabulous house, very big, my own bathroom and a double room but whenever I went into the kitchen she seemed to be behind me so it was a nightmare cooking for myself as she watched my every move, weekends during rehearsals were great because I could come home. We rehearsed in Greenwich which took me an hour on the bus train and Docklands Light Railway, a lovely journey to be honest but really expensive which annoyed this new “twirly”, I always thought you could use your bus pass anywhere in the country, well if you haven’t got a red rose on it……YOU CAN’ T. In the cast was Peter Straker, now I had heard of Peter from quite some years ago but for anyone who doesn’t know the name, he was best mates with probably the finest showman in the business on this side of the pond ever, the one and only Freddie Mercury. Wow, so fabulous stories, he was working with Andy Bell while we were rehearsing, because he is still a producer but I googled him then got the live performance of “Barcelona” and there in the middle of Freddie and Monserrat, singing backing vocals was Peter.

He had some fabulous visitors during the run and spent the whole three weeks of production and

four weeks of rehearsal drinking Champagne, now that’s rock and roll.

I enjoyed the job which was a fab play called “Silver Gym”, which was all about a run down hall having been bought by an ex army fitness freak who had a small group of GP referrals and a couple of women who really just came to get away from the house. I played Cerise, who was a gangsters Moll, well her gangster “Kray” style husband had died and she was a lot of fun to play, originally written for a cockney actress who couldn’t do the job and so she became a loveable scouser, I did offer to change my accent but well you know what southerners are like, they howl with laughter at a scouse accent so it worked.

We had a great first night party at Joe Allen’s it’s we’re all the west end Wendy’s go I used to go loads when I was working there a few years ago and of course we had lots of famous people come to see the show Christopher Biggins did a voice over and I want to tell you he was a pain but he wasn’t he was a delight. Other celebrities included Sheila Reid, Madge from Benidorn and Doctor Who Sylvester McCoy.

I was sad when it finished but then a few days before the end I got a phone call from the Everyman, it was the season for Everyword, the time when they have rehearsed readings for plays they might consider doing in the future. This play was called “Star” because anyone who knows their history will know that The Playhouse used to be called the Star theatre and its 150 years old this Xmas and it was a major player in the world of Music Hall, I had a fantastic week with Micky Starke and Alan Stocks and Danny O’Brien re creating those wonderful Music Hall songs and it went really well with an audience so, fingers crossed they do it and fingers and toes crossed that I get the job.

I’ll close this month, I’m just packing ready to go on another cruise, I am off to the Baltics so I’ll have more tales next month for you. I didn’t want to start with this but I still have a heavy heart from the loss of Micky Finn and I would ask God to please leave it out eh! I lost two of my hero’s year before last in Joan Rivers and Robbin Williams and now one of my other heroes nearer to home, the amazing Victoria Wood, there’s one thing that is a cert, Heaven is a fun place to be so that’s a positive!

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LIVE LOUNGE Join us for a fabulous night introducing the following original artists: LAUREN DAVENPORT JAMIE CLAGUE CAL RUDDY MARK POUNTNEY GARY STEWART SMITH MONDAY 6 JUNE 2016 - 8pm West Kirby Social Club, 98 Banks Road, CH48 0RE

www.thebuz.co.uk

MLC BAND ROCK, BLUES AND COVERS

Thursday 9th LANIGAN’S – Ranelagh Street, Liverpool 7.30pm Saturday 11th THE ALBION – Bootle 9.30pm Sunday 12th THE BIRKERS – Southport Private Party Friday 17th THE OLD BANK – Crosby, Liverpool 9.30pm Thursday 30th THE BIRKERS – Southport 6.30pm mlcliverpool@hotmail.com

M: 07954 405306

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alex mcgrath

“YOU GET WHAT YOU EXPECT AND YOU DESERVE WHAT YOU TOLERATE”.

Mark Graban

Alex forms one half of the duo Rigsby’s Cat, that’s Rigsby’s Cat. Steve Lloyd and Alex have been performing on the Merseyside circuit since their teenage years and are well respected both on and off the stage.

Alex has a out-andout quality, stadium rock voice and Steve is the technical guru of the guitar. Together they are magical and extremley funny. A must see.

Starting this month with an interesting quote I came across (whilst not and I repeat NOT searching for plate spinning dwarf porn) all will become clear as we go along, I hope! (At this juncture I would like to point out that I have no idea where this is going and it will be as much a surprise to me as it will be to you).

Have you ever walked out, for whatever reason, in the middle of a band’s gig? I’m talking local pub/club gig, not something you actually had to pay to see. Well, what were those reasons? Too loud? Too quiet? Terrible sound? Not enough songs you know? The short fat, balding singer was putting you off your drink because of the amount of sweat dripping off him?(Hang on who wrote that???) For whatever reason it seemed to have spoilt your evening or made you go watch someone else and have a good time. Let’s take a look at the issues involved.

Too Loud! This is an age old problem and will never go away as long as the people involved are allowed to get away with it. Most of the bands either don’t realise it’s hurting people’s ears, so please let them know because some of them will turn it down (don’t hold your breath), some won’t care and have an ego so large that they know best and how dare you tell them because you can’t play this music that quiet and

Too Quiet. Well...erm...ah...hmmm...got nothing here...no hang on, I have! A gig we did not too long ago in a pub not too far away had this problem. A coach party had booked a meal which took place at the same time as an acoustic gig we were playing. Now let’s get some perspective on this. It was an acoustic gig for crying out loud, time to be mellow and laid back. Obviously not mellow and laid back enough for some! After half an hour of being glared at and asked repeatedly to turn down, we gave up the ghost and had a break and put some unfeasibly quiet background music on while we waited for the occupants of God’s waiting room to finish their meal. A few people had left, we were informed later, as they couldn’t hear the music and had no idea if we were actually playing (we get that second one a lot...lol).

Terrible Sound. This one is usually reserved for fellow musicians or sober punters. We are supposed to have a discerning ear for this sort of thing and when the band do not get the sound right it’s noticed as soon as they start. Overly booming bass, teeth itching high mids and ear splitting top end (some of you are now wondering what the hell I’m talking about, well don’t, just have another shot or jaeger bomb or whatever you are drinking and go back to messaging your friend across the table) which make us want to leave or put in the ear plugs we knew we would need to make the night bearable.

Not Enough Songs You Know! This one is self explanatory and the favourite of the “one too many” brigade, who only want songs they know regardless of how well you play them.

“Play one we know!” This was levelled at us at a gig recently, during a set of bona fide crowd pleasers and medleys of 70’s and 80’s hits, after every song. Enough was enough and the response from me was “If you didn’t know any of them then I suggest you go home and listen to some music you f**king MORON!” Cue round of applause from the crowd I had in the palm of my hand.

This brings me full circle to the quote at the beginning. People, when they are drunk, don’t care if you are too loud or have a terrible sound as long as you play something they know and don’t have to think too hard about it. And now you know why we all play a lot of the same songs!

To some this may seem like a sweeping generalisation and they would be right, but what do you expect in 800 words or less? My 80,000 word doctoral thesis on the subject will be available online when dick docks as my Mum used to say.

“Don’t you know who I am? Now sod off while I finish this drink, shout obscenities at the audience, wail tunelessly some more and carry on with my rambling guitar solo with my amp on 11!”

Till next month Have a safe journey home Alex

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I’ve played guitar since I was 13 years old and have been in a couple of bands with friends, playing local pubs and the occasional jaunt into Liverpool, doing the Zanzibar and The Cavern.

I first came into contact with cigar box guitars via Facebook. A video popped up by a guy called Christoper Ameruoso, the song was called ‘Runaway Train’. When I watched, I was gobsmacked! It blew me away, one guy, three strings and his foot stomping on a box. I thought, I want one of them. I showed the video to a friend, he said he could build one...so he did. The guitar was made from parts of an old desk from my old school and a table leg. The other bits I had in my spares box.

I learned a few tunes on it, but it was a bit tricky as I’d never played slide guitar before. But once I got into it, I couldnt put it down. I then thought I’d have a go at building my own... One problem though, I was useless with tools and DIY. I didnt have a cigarbox either, so I made a basic 38

box out of scrap wood that I’d found at work; old pallets and an old shelving unit, for a neck, I needed hard wood, so I went to Beers building supplies and got some there. I ordered the hardware such as tuners, fret wire and a pickup from Ebay. There’s a lot of information on building this type of instrument on YouTube. There’s numerous Facebook groups and pages on them too, so there’s a lot of help out there.

I just followed the instructions from there.

I fancied making another one, and I had a cutlery set in a wooden case. As soon as I saw the case I thought guitar. So again, I bought all the bits from Ebay, this time I went at it without YouTube, and I was really happy with the results.

I’d been doing the odd little slot at Elephant Coffee in Parkgate playing some Blues and Country guitar, so I introduced the odd cigar box guitar tune into the set and found that the instrument immediately caught people’s attention. I decided to build a whole act on the

cigar box guitar. I built up a good 45 mins of covers of The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and tunes I’d created myself.

Soon after, I was taking some old wood to our local tip and as I threw it in something caught my eye.

A wooden Alhambra (Phillipines cigar company) cigar storage box. I thought Im getting that so I practically threw myself into the skip and grabbed it, lobbed it in the car and off I went, absolutely over the moon.

Me and my wife were in Chester, and we passed a shop called Turmaeus Tobacconists, I popped in and asked if they kept the empty cigar boxes, they said they sold them on for £5, so I grabbed four. I really wanted to make some proper cigar box guitars now. So I again went up to Beers for my wood, ordered my hardware from ebay.

One Saturday I started making the neck for the guitar, but as time wore on I managed to build the entire instrument in a day, and as you would expect the experience had really helped and I had again built a pretty decent instrument.

There’s a load of great cigar box guitar music out there too. Obviously there’s Seasick Steve who has helped bring this sort of thing into the mainstream. But there’s also some great stuff from Mike Snowden, Shane Speal, Chickenbone John, Hollowbelly, The Texas Rattler, Christopher Ameruoso, Matt Isbell, and there’s many more I am hoping to sell a few guitars in the near future. I may take one or two to gigs with me as well.

I have a Facebook page dedicated to my cigar box guitar music - Carl Robert Ashton: Cigar Box Guitar Rock Music. I regularly post videos there.

Up until now I’d only made three stringers, so I thought I’d have a go at making a four string from my new box, and as I’d tried to take a little more time on this to make it perfect, the result was great, it has turned out to be a very, very good guitar.

I have a SoundCloud profile too, search Carl Robert Ashton. I post all of my home recordings here.

I am hoping to get some more gigs now around the Wirral, or if there are more likeminded folk who want to form a stomping blues band then I’m bang up for it!

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A NIGHT OF DIRTY DANCING

THE ULTIMATE TRIBUTE SHOW

Friday 22 July 2016 ~ 8.00pm Floral Pavilion Theatre Marine Promenade, New Brighton, Wirral CH45 2JS Tickets: £21 Concessions: £19 Box Office: 0151 666 000 www.floralpavilion.com www.easytheatres.com Facebook.com/ANightOfDirtyDancing/ Twitter.com/GoDirtyDancing

No film has captured the hearts of a generation like Dirty Dancing. Relive the passion, indulge in the romance and celebrate the greatest movie soundtrack of all time. Recast and re-scripted for 2016, it’s all down to Kellerman’s end of season show.

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COMPETITION

We have teamed up with Easy Theatres for the chance to win a pair of tickets to go and see Pavilion on July 22nd and meet A Night of Dirty Dancing at the the cast before they perform Floral live on stage.

Ever wondered what life is like behind the scenes of an Easy Theatres production? Well now’s To enter please answer this simpl your chance! e question: The film Dirty Danc ing starred Jennifer Grey and answer and contact details to which other famous actor? Subm DD Competition, The Buz Maga it your zine, 50 Christchurch Road, Oxton T&Cs apply. Buz Magazine will CH43 5SF. contact winners once drawn on June 15th 2016.

Revel in the moments you loved, the memories you made and music that’s resonated throughout the years: She’s Like the Wind, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Hey Baby, Wipeout, Do You Love Me, Be My Baby, Hungry Eyes and, of course, the Oscar-winning (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.

Don’t be the one sitting in the corner. Immerse yourself in the timeless, theatrical treat. Take a trip back to the summer of ’63, relive Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey’s sizzling performance in the ultimate coming of age romance. Please note this show is not affiliated with ‘Dirty Dancing: The Classic Story on Stage’ currently on tour in the UK and worldwide.

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bill elms Bill Elms has worked in the theatre and entertainment industry for over 25 years, both locally and nationally.

Since 2008 he has run a successful marketing and PR company, Bill Elms Associates based in Liverpool City Centre which specialises in the Arts and Entertainment industry. He has also successfully stepped into the world of producing with a growing portfolio of productions which have performed in theatres across the region and in the West End. /BillElmsAssociates @BillElms

Heartbeat| Floral Pavilion | 6 - 11 June.

For the first time ever ITV’s popular Sunday evening 60s police drama, HEARTBEAT, comes to the stage starring members of the TV cast. Now it comes to the stage in this touring production which, with use of video footage and a clever set, recreates the atmosphere of the1960s rural Yorkshire settings. See David Stockwell, Gina Ward, PC Geoff Younger and a number of other of the most popular characters in a two-hour live stage production with all the great music which was always a feature of the TV series.

Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme| Liverpool Playhouse | 8 - 25 June.

On 1 July 1916, the 36th (Ulster) Division took part in one of the bloodiest battles in human history. The Battle of the Somme. One hundred years on, Everyman & Playhouse present this modern classic in a major co-production with Abbey Theatre, Citizens Theatre and Headlong, directed by Jeremy Herrin. In the extraordinary circumstances of World War 1, eight ordinary men are changed, changed utterly… This iconic war play by Frank McGuinness is a powerful portrayal of mortality, love and loss.

American Idiot | Liverpool Empire | 21 – 25 June.

Newton Faulkner will play the role of Johnny in American Idiot. One of the UK’s finest contemporary singer-songwriters, Newton will join X Factor finalist Amelia Lily in Green Day’s explosive award-winning Broadway musical. Winner of two Tony Awards® and the 2010 Grammy Award winner for Best Musical Show Album, American Idiot is the story of three boyhood friends, each searching for meaning in a post 9/11 world. This thrilling new musical has had Green Day fans in rapture and introduced a generation of theatregoers to their powerful and moving musical style.

And This Is My Friend Mr Laurel | Epstein Theatre | 21 June.

Fulfilling a long held desire to pay tribute to his hero Stan Laurel, Jeffrey Holland (Hi-De-Hi fame) tells this intriguing, funny and often poignant tale of friendship, love and dedication about one of Hollywood’s great film comedians.

This one-man show is set in the bedroom of a sick Oliver Hardy the show takes place during Laurel’s visit to the dying man.

Stefan Pop | St George’s Hall | 25 June.

The Liverpool Opera – Four Seasons® introduces stars of Plácido Domingo’s Operalia, the World Opera Competition. Four brilliant, widely acknowledged opera singers will be presented during each theatrical season. For the third concert in the series is the sensational Stefan Pop. He regularly appears at the Royal Opera House, La Scala Milan, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Opera di Roma to name a few. The exciting programme will feature the world’s most popular tenor hit songs

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LOOKING AHEAD… The Story of Skiffle – St Georges Hall 28 - 30 July A dramatised presentation of the greatest teenage craze to sweep this country is to be presented in the city where it all started, the Catacombs have been chosen for the action, by promenade performance.

Chicago The Musical – Empire Theatre 12 – 17 September “Murder, greed, corruption, exploitation, adultery and treachery… all those things we hold near and dear to our hearts” So begins the international award winning Broadway and West End musical, Chicago, starring West End and EastEnders actor John Partridge as Billy Flynn.

Liver Birdsong – Epstein Theatre 29 Nov - 3 Dec World premiere production to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Liverpool Blitz. Join Liverbirds Maggs, Carla, Daisy Mae and Lil as they battle not only the Nazis but also their own threats and fears.

THEATRE LISTINGS THE EMPIRE THEATRE 0844 871 3017 Scottish Ballet: Swan Lake 1st – 4th June Smile I’m your baby 5th June Save The Last Dance For Me 6th – 11th June That’s Entertainment 14th – 18th June American Idol 21st – 25th June Jackie The Musical 28th – 30th June THE EPSTEIN THEATRE 0844 888 4411 Celebration Cilla 2nd June Martin Simpson, Andy Cutting and Nancy Kerr 8th June Annie Meets Danny ‘La’ 10th June Le Bouge Néon 11th June MD Productions Presents A Book of Tales 12th June The Ambition 18th June …And This is My Friend Mr Laurel 21st June The Blues Band 23rd June The Life and Music of Mario Lanza 25th June Treat Student Showcase 26th June Joe Lycett - That’s the Way A-Ha A-Ha, Joe Lycett 29th – 30th June THE ROYAL COURT THEATRE (LIVERPOOL) 0151 709 4321 Shout!

20th May – 4th June The Royal 17th June - 16th July

UNITY THEATRE 0151 709 4988 Urinetown 2nd – 4th June Wave 3rd June Preggers 7th – 8th June Forget Me Not: The Alzheimer’s Whodunnit 9th June Raz 10th – 11th June Roseacre 14th June

The Diary of A Hounslow Girl 16th June Rights of Passage 17th June Identity Crisis 22nd – 24th June Then, Now and Neon Lights 25th June ST HELENS THEATRE ROYAL 01744 756 000

The Johnny Cash Roadshow 2016 5th June The Simon & Garfunkel Story 16th June The Kilkennys 17th June

History Live 10th – 11th June British Summertime 16th June Haunted Sleepover 18th June Crime and Punishment Tours 18th June Organ Recital 21st June String Devotions 22nd June Stefan Pop 25th June Wind Serenade 28th June LIVERPOOL PLAYHOUSE 0151 709 4776 Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme 8th – 25th June

THE FLORAL PAVILION 0151 666 0000 THE EVERYMAN THEATRE

0151 709 4776 Kids on Stage 2nd June May Half Term Drama Fun The Giants Loo Roll 30th May – 3rd June 3rd June The Government Inspector Heartbeat 6th – 11th June 1st - 11th June Ken Dodds Happiness Show Liverpool Jazz Club 12th June 1st June F: Rated Comedy (Blue Work Bard, Play Bard Lounge) 12th June 12th June A Lovely Word Naked Truth 13th – 15th June 13th June Samantha Barks 16th June Pro-Patria Mori – Kitchener The Bee Gees Story – Nights and the Ulstermen on Broadway 14th June 17th June Young Da Da Fest – Perform The Paul McCartney 14th June Anthology (Blue Lounge) Gramophone Ray Gun 17th June 16th June Only Fools and Courses – The Dinner Show THE PHILHARMONIC HALL 18th June 0151 709 3789 Billy and Wally’s Surfin’ USA Variety Show Joel Savoy, Jesse Lege and 19th June the Cajun Country Revival Dancing Queen 24th June 1st June Rhythm of The Dance Little Notes (workshops for children, 10am) 25th June 2nd June Dance Fever 2016 Toddler Tunes (workshops for 26th -27th June children, 11.45am) The Performance 2016 2nd June 30th June Supersing! 2nd June Sarah Jane Morris & Antonio ST GEORGE’S HALL Forcione 3rd June 0844 800 0410 Discover the Classics: Tim Lihoreau on The Rite of Where There’s A Will – The Spring 4th June Tempest Adam Ant (Sold Out) 3rd – 4th June 4th June RGC Concert Promotions Varttina 5th June presents FASCINATING The Chills 7th June RTHYM Liverpool Philharmonic 5th June Experience Tour: Delve Deep Friends of St George’s Hall 9th June Tea Dance The Rite of Spring 8th June

9th -10th June Florence Foster Jenkins 14th June Ben Folds With yMusic 15th June Karen Matheson 16th June China Crisis (Extra date added) 17th June At the Movies: Celebrating the Music of John WIlliams 18th June Dancing in the Streets 19th June George Benson in Concert (sold out) 20th June Schools’ Concert Key Stage 1 2016 – Mermaid 22nd - 24th June The Lil’ Jimmy Reed Band 22nd June Heatwave 25th June Ensemble of St Luke’s 27th June Burt Bacharach 29th June THE ECHO ARENA 0844 8000 400 Championship Boxing – Liam Smith V Predrag Radosevic 4th June Elton John 14th June WWE Presents NXT Live!

15th June Barry Manilow 17th June THE LANTERN THEATRE 0114 255 1776 Matchbox Comedy Club 8th June Bread and Circuses 9th – 11th June Sutty and Sweep 15th – 19th June Tapestry/ Blue: 45th Anniversary Concert 22nd June The Lima Syndrome 23rd – 24th June Merseyside Academy of Drama Showcase 28th – 29th June Days of Wine and Bruises 30th June – 2nd July

Sponsored by Bill Elms

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The truly “Out of this world” band “Solar Flame” are a five piece pop rock band originally from Keplar, now residing on both sides of the creative shores of the River Mersey.

Brought to you by Incunebula productions/Fairplayed Media Ltd the band consists of;-

The band are currently filming their music video for the forthcoming single release of “Downdload my Love”, with Half Cut, and have recorded with top producers such as Jim Spencer of Charlatans fame and Jon Withnall (Elbow/ Coldplay)

Valesca Nova (Lead Vocals) Nexi Neutrino (Vocals/Keyboard/acoustic guitar) Caelum Atollo (Vocals/Electric guitar) Robus Aphelion (Drums) Theyo Epsilon (Bass)

Hailing from the comic book visions of leading comic illustrators Leigh Gallagher of 2000ad and Gary Erskine of Judge Dredd fame, together with our very own homegrown talents of ThelifeofTotti, Solar Flame truly need to be seen to be believed.

Solar Flame have a distinctive and unique sound, combining elements of retro rock and modern indie to create what some have termed “Space pop”.

For the first time ever, the band will be joined by Astraya Estel, a fellow musician and Keplar survivor, as part of the “Return to Earth” event at World Museum, celebrating British astronaut Tim Peake’s return to Earth after a six month mission on the International Space Station.

Upcoming appearances: World Museum, William Brown Street Liverpool, L3 8EN, Saturday 18th June 2016 Tim Peake “Return to Earth” special event Performances at 2.30pm & 3.30pm http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/wml/ 45

Solar Sphere Astronomical & Music Festival Aug 2016 http://solarsphere.events/EventPlan.html For further info check/like us on FB https://www.facebook.com/solarflameband

john owen’s folk Hello there. I begin by asking you a few questions.

Do you live in Merseyside/Cheshire/North Wales?

Is folk and acoustic music your bag? You may well be a regular at your local folk club. If you are I am obviously preaching to the converted.

To those who have always wondered about the folk scene - Do you know where folk music can be found? To those of you have no idea at all then read on, as in the first instance, I am about to mention some of the best places to visit on the Wirral peninsular and its surrounds.

Firstly, forget the word ‘club’ in the title ‘Folk Club’. These venues are not elitist. You do not require membership.

There are some excellent venues on the Wirral and of course it would be remiss of me not to start off by spotlighting my own club at The Whitby Club, Chester Road, Ellesmere Port, CH65 6QF. The Hungry Horse Folk Club meets every Thursday evening and presents - Singers Nights - some with Themes and others with specially selected acts performing BIG Spots. These nights take place in the President’s Lounge with no amplification. The good thing is that there is no admission charge. An intimate and friendly atmosphere prevails with a deal of humour thrown in by audience and performers alike. One Thursday a month we move into the larger Oak Room where concerts take place. Specially booked professional artistes entertain there. Our next such evening on 23rd June, will feature one of the UK’s most favourite acts - The Houghton Weavers from Lancashire. Ticket admission or pay on the door for this type of night.

One of the best and most long lasting clubs is Parkgate Folk Club that for many years has been at The Boathouse pub/restaurant, The Parade, Parkgate. Unfortunately a few problems with the safety of the room has meant that my great friend Eddie Morris, the organiser, has had to find an alternative venue. Huw Williams was the first guest act on 26th May, at the Parkgate & Neston URC Community Hall, Neston, CH64 6UZ. I wish Eddie well for the future at the new venue.

Bromborough Folk Club takes place every Wednesday night at The Bridge, Port Sunlight Village. The format is mainly Singers Nights with occasional Guest act night concerts. Free admission, this club is very well patronized with a large number of singers and musicians attending.

Every Sunday evening in the upstairs room of The Nelson, Grove Road - Wallasey Folk and Acoustic Club takes place.

Like Bromborough FC this club is mainly a Singers club with on occasional Guest act nights a small door charge.

Further afield the following excellent clubs can be found: • The Everyman at The Cross Keys, Earle Street, Liverpool city centre • The Cornmarket also in the city centre at The Old Ropery, Fenwick Street • The Mucky Duck at the Social Club, Old Mold Road, Ewloe CH5 3AU • The Raven at Lower Bridge Street, Chester and The Cross Keys at Llanfynydd, Wrexham, Flintshire, LL11 5HH • Frodsham FC, 74 Main Street, WA6 7AU • Folk at the Prospect at The Prospect Inn, Weston Road, Weston Village, Runcorn, WA7 Nearly all of these venues have websites that are well worth a visit for more information.

That’s all for now. If you require any further information then feel free to email me on - folksingerjohn@aol.com.

Many thanks for reading this article. I hope you have found it useful.

John Owen Secretary - Folk North West

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DEBUT EP

COMING SOON www.calruddy.com

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BIRKENHEAD 3 TOP ‘FAKE BANDS’ HEADLINE:

TRIBUTE: FLASH

TRIBUTE:

OASISH

TRIBUTE: KINGS OF LYON

+ 5 LOCAL SUPPORT BANDS: DR STRANGELOVE,PROBLEM CHILD, THE CLAN, THE HAVOCS, TABLE 73

SAT 09 JUL 2016 12.3011.00PM  BIRKENHEAD PARK INSIDE GIANT MARQUEE  INFO/TICKETS: www.fakefestivals.co.uk

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