MUSIC THE GLOBE SUMMER FESTIVAL 2023

Words: Lee Fisher www.theglobenewcastle.bar

Although it’s only happened twice – either side of the pandemic – the Globe Summer Festival has become something of a highlight of the city’s musical calendar, Friday 30th June-Sunday 2nd July will see some of the best local talent and some acts from further afield. As with previous years, the festival is loosely themed: the Friday focuses on folk and global acts, Saturday the more indie end of things, and Sunday is jazz.

Friday’s line-up – starting at 7pm – includes Brierdene, a young group who grew out of the folk community based around Sage Gateshead; La Sonora Boreal, who marry Colombian music to other styles originating from the Caribbean to Pacific coasts; and Ostar Sound, a Glasgow meets Newcastle project from Ross Hull and Nicky Kirk that throws the folk music of Scotland, Ireland, North Africa and the Middle East into a big melting pot along with beats, synths and plenty of dancefloor sounds. Starting at 4pm, Saturday is particularly packed; there’s Tommy Arch, Holy Moly drummer but gifted songsmith in his own right; fiddle-augmented singer-songwriter magic from Anna Hughes & Jessie Howard; the wonderful Iris Brickfield, a fairly new, fairly excellent indie pop outfit emerging from the fertile scene around the Cumberland Arms; rootsy singer and guitarist Memphis Gerald; indie rock outfit The Timewasters; Americana-tinged Newcastle band Lovely Assistant; and garage punk upstarts Pink Poison, plus No Wow DJs till 3am. Then Sunday’s line-up – kicking off at 4.45pm – includes Scottish outfit Figiro Quartet, popular local trio Abbie Finn Trio, almost telepathically connected duo James Birkett & Bradley Johnston and headliners Origin, a new and already acclaimed jazz fusion quartet pushing the boundaries of UK jazz.

The Globe Summer Festival takes place at The Globe, Newcastle from Friday 30th June-Sunday 2nd July.

Events

LET’S CAPER @ BALTIC

Words: Hope Lynes www.thecaper.co.uk

Bringing live music, stand-up comedy and street food together, Let’s Caper (formerly known as the Great Market Caper at the Grainger Market) gets a new venue and a new lease of life for its next event on Friday 16th June. BALTIC will be the new home for the North East event, with a series of mini-festivals planned in the coming months to celebrate all things culture, music and food!

Each Caper hosts its own programme, with the June event featuring the likes of soul singer-songwriter Sisi, guitar pop artist Cortney Dixon and funky pop outfit Moon Wax taking to the stage. Aside from live music, Catherine Young hosts the comedy offering, alongside some of the region’s best comedians including Mike Milligan, Sascha Lo and Howka Charvaz. Want to get involved with the Caper fun yourself? Take part in salsa dance lessons, dance the night away with DJ BeauJack, browse the art and vintage stalls and settle down for a film screening, all within the glorious setting of the BALTIC’s exhibitions. All this, plus some of the region’s most exciting street food chefs will provide sustenance, and there’ll be five bars serving local beers and cool cocktails. Organiser Sean Bullick reiterates that the Caper is all about having fun as a community: “The Caper is all about having a good time and not taking ourselves too seriously in a welcoming, fun and safe environment.” Open late after hours, get down to the Baltic this June to collectively celebrate the culture of our region. Let’s Caper takes place at BALTIC, Gateshead on Friday 16th June.