FOUNDATION @ THE FORUM MUSIC CENTRE

Words: Tom Astley

On Tuesday 6th June, Darlington Film Club present a screening of Rise Above It: The Story of Stone Foundation at The Forum Music Centre. The Midlands soul band celebrate their 25th anniversary by teaming up with director Lee Cogswell to produce a documentary detailing the band’s quarter-century of musical connections. Cogswell’s previous directorial work includes a similarly chronological account of soul-influenced band The Style Council. And the connection to Paul Weller runs deeper, with the Modfather collaborating with Stone Foundation, initially on a single track, which blossomed into a full album –2017’s Street Rituals – on which Weller co-wrote, played piano and guitar, as well as contributing his signature smoky vocals to the excellent track Your Balloon Is Rising.

As well as the 90-minute documentary, the night will include a question and answer session, and an acoustic set from co-founders and songwriters Neil Sheasby (bass guitar) and Neil Jones (vocals and guitar). Seeing Jones and Sheasby strip back the lush soul-influenced orchestration of their tunes, that deliver foot-tapping horn sections, percussion, subtle tremolo electric guitars and grounding, groove-laden bass riffs, will be worth the price of admission (seven quid) on its own.

Rise Above It: The Story of Stone Foundation + Q&A and performance takes place at The Forum Music Centre, Darlington on Tuesday 6th June. www.facebook.com/darlingtonfilmclub

MUSIC KELIS @ SAGE GATESHEAD

Words: Cameron Wright

Throughout her career, Kelis is at her best when she is experimenting, and each of her records are a testament to her creative talent. 20 years after its release, who can resist screaming along to the iconic opening lines from 00’s anthem Milkshake. And who isn’t forced onto the dance floor by the infectious grooves of Millionaire?

The singer-songwriter has always explored genre, tinkering with new sounds in a way that leaves each record feeling energised and eclectic. Bouncing from harsh, industrial pop to slick neo-soul, albums like Kaleidoscope and Wanderland are full of fresh, funky innovation that has seeped across the genre as a blueprint, influencing the next wave of R&B stars. All of which makes Kelis’ gig at Sage Gateshead on Tuesday 20th June a real must see.

Supporting Kelis on her venture into the smooth and sultry world of modern soul is none other than local legend Dylan Cartlidge. The Teesside star has been building his suave, soulful melting pot of music with beautiful results, which has seen him recently feature on the 2022 Black Thought/Dangermouse album. Cartlidge’s summertime sense of sunshine and optimism will be an endearing addition to what is sure to be a wonderful night of talent.

Kelis and Dylan Cartlidge perform at Sage Gateshead on Tuesday 20th June. www.iamkelis.com

MUSIC THE MIXER @ THE FIRE STATION

Words: Claire Dupree

An experimental and intriguing event featuring an array of highly talented musicians comes to Sunderland’s Fire Station on Friday 30th June. Entitled The Mixer, the event is spearheaded by the internationally-renowned Ligeti Quartet, who present two unique and adventurous sets; a minimal performance of Steve Reich’s seminal avant garde piece Different Trains, which uses ‘speech melody’ as a tool for melodic development and was one of the first classical music compositions to include digital sampling; while for their second set, they’ll perform music by award-winning artist Anna Meredith.

The supporting cast is no less exciting, and includes some of the region’s most respected artists; The Peter Brewis Trio will debut songs from the Field Music songwriter’s new album, Blow Dry Colossus, which focuses on contemporary instrumental music and synth-based compositions; plus there’s an interesting collaboration from The Futureheads’ Ross Millard, who’s fast becoming a sonic innovator with musical and theatrical projects under his belt, and composer, improviser and saxophonist Faye MacCalman. Ross explains of their collaboration: “I’ll be playing the electric guitar and Faye will be on her saxophone and together we’ll be looking for patterns, motifs and rhythms in an improvised ten-minute piece.” www.thefirestation.org.uk

The Mixer featuring performances from Ligeti Quartet, The Peter Brewis Trio, and Ross Millard and Faye MacCalman takes place at The Fire Station, Sunderland on Friday 30th June.