2018 Smithdown Road Festival Guide

FREE ENTRY TO ALL EVENTS

2nd to 7th May 2018

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VENUE KEY 1 - The Secret Place

321a Smithdown road // f - secretplaceliverpool // i - secretplaceliverpool

2 - The WILLOWBANK

329 Smithdown road // f - willowbankpub // T - willowbankpub

3 - CAFFEE ORO

349 Smithdown road // f - CAFFEEORO // T - CAFFEEORO // I - CAFFEEOROLIVERPOOL

4 - DEFEND VINYL

150 smithdown road // f - defendvinyl // t - Defend_vinyl // I - defendvinyl

5 - KELLY’S DISPENSARY

154 - 158 Smithdown road // f - KELLYSSMITHDOWN // T - KELLYSSMITHDOWN // I - KELLYSSMITHDOWN

6 - BELZAN

371 smithdown road // f - BelzanLpl // T - belzan_lpl // I - belzan_lpl

7 - CRAFT TAPROOM

174 Smithdown road // f - CRAFTLIVERPOOL // T - CRAFTLIVERPOOL // i - CRAFTLIVERPOOL

8 - FRANK’S BAR

186 Smithdown road // 0151 733 2303

9 - EVIL EYE

208 Smithdown road // f - evileyebar // T - evileyeburrito // I - EVILEYELIVERPOOL

10 - NAKED LUNCH

431 smithdown road // f - Naked Lunch CafE // t -NakedLunchCafe // I - nakedlunchcafe

11 - MESQUITE

449 Smithdown road // f - MESQUITESMITHDOWN // T - MESQUITE_UK // I - MESQUITELIVERPOOL

12 - THE HANDYMAN

461 Smithdown road // f - HANDYMANPUB // T - HANDYMANSUPERMARKET // I - HANDYMANBREWERY

13 - THE BROOKHOUSE

467 smithdown road // f - TheBrookhouseLiverpool // t - brookhouse.liverpool

14 - HILL 16

329 Smithdown road // f - HILL16LIV // T - HILL16LIVERPOOL // I - HILL16LIVERPOOL

15 - BEAN THERE COFFEE SHOP

376 Smithdown road // f - Beantherecoffeeshop // T - BeanThere_LPL // I - Beantherecoffeeshop

16 - QUAKER GARDENS

93 ARUNDEL AVENUE // f - QBGGardenL17

17 - UNITARIAN CHURCH

57 ULLET road // f - UlletRoadUnitarianChurch

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BIGGER AND BETTER FOR 2018! it’s our fourth year, and we are so happy with how this has grown to be something really special!

Ever since the first festival, we had always wanted a big outdoor area for music and family entertainment, and so we are delighted to finally have the mystery for our main stage area!

With acts as varied as beardyman, krafty kuts, turbowolf, JOHN POWER, stealing sheep and space all set to grace the stages , alongside over 180 other bands and artists - not to mention a dedicated children’s area and a huge outdoor market - we are confident that this will be the best smithdown ROAD festival yet. See you all there!

FESTIVAL GUIDE CONTENTS PAGE 8 PAGE 10 PAGE 12 PAGE 14 PAGE 16 PAGE 18 PAGE 20 PAGE 22 PAGE 24 PAGE 29 PAGE 30 PAGE 34

- THE MYSTERY - MAP AND INFORMATION - THE MYSTERY - KRIS EALEY STAGE (SAT) - THE MYSTERY - BAR STAGE (SAT) - THE MYSTERY - KRIS EALEY STAGE (SAT) - THE MYSTERY - BAR STAGE (SAT) - THE MYSTERY - KIDS AREA - BELZAN - THE BROOKHOUSE - CRAFT TAPROOM - DEFEND VINYL - EVIL EYE - FRANKS 7

PAGE 36 PAGE 40 PAGE 42 PAGE 46 PAGE 48 PAGE 51 PAGE 52 PAGE 54 PAGE 57 PAGE 58

- THE HANDYMANS - HILL 16 - KELLY’S DISPENSARY - NAKED LUNCH - ORO - GETINTOTHIS HANDPICKED - THE SECRET PLACE - BIDO LITO HANDPICKED - BEAN THERE COFFEE SHOP - MERSEYSWING

facebook.com/smithdownfestival twitter.com/smithdownfest • instagram.com/smithdownfestival

AT THE MYSTERY 5-6 May 2018 11am - 9pm we did it! We finally managed to get a big outdoor area on wavertree playground - aka the mystery!

It’s looking brilliant too. We’ve got two stages, a dedicated, covered kids area, a market marquee featuring craft and vegan markets, a street food market, a wrestling ring and loads more throughout the site, on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th may. read more about the events we have planned, over the next few pages...

DRIVERS! JUST SO YOU KNOW THERE IS NO PARKING AT THE MYSTERY. BUT THERE IS A BUS STOP RIGHT OUTSIDE. JUMP ON AN 86, 80, 75, 699 or 60 bus to get to SMITHDOWN ROAD.

MYSTERY SITE MAP

saturday

kris ealey stage the @ the mystery 7.40pm

beardyman

london’s finest Multi instrumentalist, vocalist, comedian and all round super producer beardyman is renowned for his beatboxing and live looping skills and it’s not hard to see why. having wowed crowds from coachella to glastonbury and EVEN SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE, we are thrilled to welcome him to smithdown road festival for what we’re sure will be a legendary headline set!

beardyman

6.00pm

krafty kuts with dynamite mc

He’s worked with fatboy slim, hot chip, JURASSIC 5, the prodigy and even the clash amongst many many more. mr kuts is an absolute legend of dance and breakbeat and he’s headed to smithdown road with his partner in crime dynamite mc to get the mystery going totally wild.

krafty kuts

5.40pm - HATCHETT - big tunes from the up and coming dj, get your dancin’ pants on.

4.50pm

the lancashire hotpots

ey up! LANCASHIRE’S FINEST WILL BE JOINING THE PARTY ON THE MYSTERY FOR A VERY SILLY SINGALONG. with such modern day classics as he’s turned emo, chippy tea and I FEAR IKEA...amongst many many others!

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THE LANCASHIRE HOTPOTS

3.50pm

SILENT K Angular safari park punk from Knowsley. FEATURING mythical legends Pineapple King, Zanius and Vincent Valentine. Profound, direct, impassioned and self proclaimed "DO YA MA'S HEAD IN MUSIC".

SILENT K

3.00pm

MAMADOU and the lekette Senegalese musician Mamadou has been a hugely influential figure on the merseyside music scene for many years now. his somewhat legendary drumming will have the whole crowd dancing.

MAMADOU

2.30pm & 3.30pm - MERSEYSWING TASTER CLASSES - get your dancin’ pants on and learn to swing dance in the market marquee, ahead of the swing dance social at the unitarian church on Saturday night.

2.00pm

SNAKES EVERYWHERE Punk influenced three piece snakes everywhere have been gaining plaudits from all sides with their big riffs, boy/girl vocals and big catchy harmonies. still largely an enigma online, they are well worth catching live.

SNAKES EVERYWHERE

1.20pm

VERY SPECIAL GUESTS

???

We don’t want to ruin the surprise, but it’s a goodun! we are looking forward to a big singalong with this lot.

12.00pm

UKEBOX

Five UKULELE WIELDING CHAPS FROM liverpool, that bring the spirit of george formby into some full on pop classics. expect a combination of bruno mars, tina turner and erm, toy story, to make an appearance!

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UKEBOX

saturday @ the mystery

the BAR stage PLUS BIG BAD NOLAN DJ SETS ALL DAY

7.30pm

GAVIN MARTIN TALKING MUSICAL REVOLUTIONS Northern irish music journalist Gavin MARTIN has had a fascinating career working for the likes of the NME, uncut and the guardian amongst others. now his spoken word performances reflect some of the incredible experiences, to music from family jools, coquin migale and more. HIILARIOUS AND INCITEFUL, NOT TO BE MISSED.

GAVIN MARTIN

6.30pm

THE MYSTERINES One of liverpool’s worst kept secrets, the mysterines have enjoyed massive underground success while keeping a low profile online. PLUS BIDO LITO have picked them as one of their top bands for the weekend!

THE MYSTERINES

5.30pm

tAKOTSUBO MEN FORMER CECIL FRONTMAN STE WILLIAMS IS ONE OF THE MOST PROLIFIC AND UNDERRATED SONGWRITERS OF HIS GENERATION, AND THESE GUYS ARE UNDENIABLE PROOF OF THAT.

TAKOTSUBO MEN

4.30pm

THE BOSTON SHAKERS heavy beats, fuzzy guitars and engaging hip hop vocals make for a super fun, super danceable electro set from the honorary french-scousers.

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THE BOSTON SHAKERS

3.30pm

drifting classroom

PLAYING SONGS FROM THEIR DEBUT ALBUM 'OBLIETTE', released by elbow's guy garvey as well as showcasing new material from their upcoming album.

2.30pm

HANNAH’S LITTLE SISTER

drifting classroom hannah’s little sister

LO-FI AT ITS VERY FINEST, HANNAH’s little sister BLEND A GRUNGEY aeSTHETIC WITH BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED POP MELODIES...AND AN UNAPOLOGETIC BURNLEY ACCENT!

1.30pm

HUSHTONES up and coming band fusing soulful harmonies, catchy melodies and poignant lyrics. CHARMING, CHARISMATIC AND EXCITING TO WATCH LIVE.

hUSHTONES

infinite wrestling midday til 2pm

There are few things in life more ridiculous and fun than watching grown men and women in spandex throw each other around a wrestling ring. EXPECT BOOS, CHEERS, TABLES AND CHAIRS TO GO FLYING AROUND THE BIG SQUARED CIRCLE for two of the most enjoyable hours of the weekend!

MAKERS MARKET 11am til 6pm - MARKET MARQUEE

we’ll have loads of stalls in the market marquee selling a variety of locally handmade items - from clothes and jewellery, to artwork, prints and toiletries. fantastic for gifts, or just to treat yourself!

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Sunday

kris ealey stage the @ the mystery 7.40pm

SPACE

After they completely packed out the sefton park palm house at last year’s festival (LITERALLY, SPACE WE COULDN’T FIT ANYONE ELSE IN!), we had to ask festival favourites space back to headline this year too! EXPECT Tommy, ALLAN, PHIL AND FRAN to belt out indie classics such as the female of the species, me and you vs the world and of course neighbourhood.

7.10pm - BRING THE FIRE PROJECT X KATUMBA PARADE 6.20pm

JOHN POWER

Having first made his mark on the UK pop scene in the late '80s and early '90s with renowned Liverpudlian quartet The La's, Power left the group to form a new group called Cast. The timing was perfect, chiming with the mid-1990s rise of Britpop and, with guitar-based kindred spirits such as Oasis and Blur dominating the charts, Cast's first two LPs, All Change and '97's Mother Nature Calls both sold over 1,000,000 copies.

JOHN POWER

5.20pm

EDGAR JONES and the joneses EDGAR JONES ORIGINALLY MADE HIS MARK ON THE UK INDIE SCENE WITH INFLUENTIAL THREE PIECE THE STAIRS IN THE EARLY NINETIES. currently recording second Album with Skeleton Key Records, THE local legend brings his full band for a mid 60's detroit motown influenced live show.

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EDGAR JONES

4.20pm

THE MARLEY EXPERIENCE Widely considered the uk’s best bob marley and the wailers tribute act, we couldn’t turn this one down! the whole park will be dancing and swaying along.

THE MARLEY EXPERIENCE

3.30pm

THE PETE BENTHAM AND DINNERLADIES liverpool punk legend pete has been a festival regular since day one, and if you caught their show at the palm house last year you’ll know why we wanted them back!

PETE BENTHAM

and the dinnerladies

2.40pm

ORGAN FREEMAN Quite possibly the silliest band you’ll ever see. organ freeman are not only incredibly entertaining, but they write some brilliant pop tunes too. don’t miss em!

ORGAN FREEMAN

1.50pm

THE BUFFALO RIOT THIS AMERICANA INFLUENCED QUinTET PRODUCE HUGE RIFFS AND HEART MELTING VOCAL HARMONIES. THEY MIGHT BE LOCAL, BUT YOU’LL THINK YOU’RE IN SMALL TOWN TENNESSEE.

12.50pm

MALIK and the O.G’s ENSEMBLE

THE BUFFALO RIOT MALIK AND THE O.G’s ENSEMBLE

GIL SCOTT-HERON PROTEGE MALIK SPENT YEARS TOURING THE JAZZ CIRCUIT WITH HIS MENTOR, ALONG WITH THE LAST POETS, AS HE HONED HIS SKILL AS A SPOKEN WORD ARTIST AND MUSICIAN.

12.00pm

D’UKES OF HAZZARD a 20 PIECE UKULELE ORCHESTRA TO KICK OFF THE DAY’S FESTIVITIES? WELL IF YOU INSIST! EXPECT SINGALONGS AND DANCING APLENTY FROM THIS ROWDY BUNCH. 15

D’UKES OF HAZZARD

Sunday @ the mystery

the BAR stage curated by

7.30pm

THE DANTEVILLES Hailing from Stockport, it is not just an upbringing these guys share with Blossoms. As England's industrial noise dissolves, Dantevilles sing songs for a new north. With an ear for a tune, and a memorable stage presence this is one not to be missed.

The Dantevilles

6.30pm

THE VAN TS

One of the finest live acts in the country, this band should come with a health warning as your heart rate is going to soar - propelled by a heady mix of rock n roll.

THE VAN TS

5.30pm

FOND OF RUDY It's a long way north from Brighton, but the band are at home on stage in Liverpool playing their fourth gig in a year in an L postcode.

fond of rudy

4.30pm

LITTLE BROTHER ELI With a songbook crafted UNDER the influence of a lifetime's listening, Little Brother Eli have something for everybody.

little brother eli

Keep up to date with the latest new music! Check out www.poppedmusic.co.uk 16

3.30pm

BERRIES Soon to become one of your new favourite bands, it is an absolute pleasure to be part of the audience at a Berries gig. You will be whistling along to them the next day.

BERRIES

2.30pm

THE GOLDEN AGE OF TV It could become a golden age of music if this Leedsformed quintet fulfil their potential as an art rock gem. A TREAT FOR ANY SUNDAY AFTERNOON.

1.30pm

THE GOLDEN AGE OF TV

KULA BAY

Indie pop at it's very finest Kula Bay are going to bring sunshine no matter the weather. Which is PROBABLY for the best, SEEING AS IT’S MAY AND WE’RE ALL OUTSIDE...

KULA BAY

12.30pm

OVVLS Combining alternative styles with electronic pop, OvvLs (PRONOUNCED OWLS) are a duo who know exactly who they are and where they want to be.

OVVLS

ANOTHER VEGAN MARKET 11am til 4pm - MARKET MARQUEE

NORMALLY A QUARTERLY SPECTACLE AT smithdown’s own CRAFT TAPROOM, ANOTHER VEGAN MARKET COMBINES THE BEST IN LOCAL VEGAN FRIENDLY PRODUCE WITH SOME OF THE MORE WELL KNOWN VEGAN NAMES FROM AROUND THE UK. Expect tons of favourites such as Purple carrot, cakehole vegan bakery, gluten free pie company, vegan choc shop and loads, loads more. get down early to avoid a sell out!

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ANOTHER VEGAN MARKET

kids

area

curated by

5th & 6th May at The Mystery

SATURDAY 11.30am

MUSIC IN UNISON £5 per family

bespoke music sessions to ensure your child has the best educational start. Music in Unison has the remit to educate the parent as well as the child.

1.00pm

LINGO TOTS FREE

Where language learning is child's play! Award winning Spanish classes for little learners.

1.00pm

UCRAFT FREE (£1 SUGGESTED DONATION)

Loads of fun craft activities with the ucraft folks! grab a cuppa and keep the kids occupied for a while.

2.30pm

SING A LONG A TOTS £3 per child/£2 siblings

serious musical fun for toddlers and their parents and carers. REDISCOVER THE FUN OF SINGING AND MAKING MUSIC WITH YOUR LITTLE ONES.

4.00pm

MADE BY ME CRAFTS FREE

CRAFTING TO INSPIRE CREATIVITY in your child. Painting and pom poms, strings and things. who knows what crazy concepts the made by me lot will come up with at the fest!

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SUNDAY 11.30am

BLISSFUL BABIES YOGA FREE

baby yoga and massage class designed to strengthen the bond between you and your baby. Stimulating their senses and supporting transition between milestones.

1.00pm

CONSCIOUS CATERPILLARS FREE

MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION FOR KIDS. Every child is like a little caterpillar growing and working towards their butterfly wings so that they can fly on their own.

1.00pm

UCRAFT FREE (£1 SUGGESTED DONATION)

2.30pm

SING A LONG A TOTS £3 per child/£2 siblings

MORE serious musical fun for toddlers and their parents and carers. REDISCOVER THE FUN OF SINGING AND MAKING MUSIC WITH YOUR LITTLE ONES.

4.00pm

LIVLAMODE £7

PROBABLY THE MOST FUN YOUR CHILD CAN HAVE WITH A BOWL OF SPAGHETTI, A BOX OF SAND, A BUCKET OF WATER AND A WHOLE LOAD OF TOYS! Maybe bring a spare vest with you THOUGH...

5.30pm

MARMALADE SKIES BABY RAVE FREE

GET READY TO THROW SOME SHAPES WHILE DJ RIKKY PLAYS ALL THE HITS TO SEND THE KIDS WILD.

PLUS

MINI MAESTROS!

COMPLETELY FREE FUN MUSIC AND CRAFT SESSIONS THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND, TIMES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON SO CHECK AT THE KIDS AREA AND BOOK YOUR PLACE!

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BELZAN

371 SMITHDOWN ROAD

THURS 3RD MAY

6.00pm - An EVENING OF JAZZ & FOOD BOOKING IS A MUST AT THIS CHILLED OUT INTIMATE EVENT. HEAD TO THEIR SOCIAL PAGES TO GRAB A TICKET SOON!

JOHNNY SANDS

FRI 4TH MAY

8.00am - 5.00pm - MOTOWN BRUNCH PARTY DELICIOUS BELZAN BRUNCH ACCOMPANIED WITH THE OLD SCHOOl SOUNDS OF DETROIT, ALL DAY!

6.00pm - 9.00pm - JOHNNY SANDS AND FRIENDS ACOUSTIC SESSIONS FROM LOCAL LEGEND JOHNNY SANDS, AND HIS MUSICAL FRIENDS.

9.00pm - 2.00am - MELODIC DISTRACTION DHARMA COLLECTIVE DJS, FEATURING SETS FROM JOSH AND JAMES OF THE MELODIC DISTRACTION, AS WELL AS THE BELZAN BAR DJS.

GRINGLEPIES BBQ SERVING ALL NIGHT!

SAT 5TH MAY

9.00am - 5.00pm - MOTOWN BRUNCH PARTY 6.00pm - TO EVA HANDPICKED BY BIDO LITO AS ONES TO WATCH, THIS IS CHILLED ELECTRONICA AT ITS FINEST. 20

8.00pm - BIDO LITO PRESENTS...LUNA Marrying storytelling with sample infused soundscapes to create captivating shows

9.00pm - MELODIC DISTRACTION ANOTHER FANTASTIC NIGHT OF DJS AT BELZAN, FEATURING LUPINI & GIOVANNA (PRICKLY PEAR), TOM LYE AND THE BELZAN BAR TEAM (BRANDY N COKE GARAGE MIX).

LUNA

GRINGLEPIES BBQ SERVING ALL NIGHT!

SUN 6TH MAY

9.00am - 5.00pm - MOTOWN BRUNCH PARTY 5.00pm til late - JOSEPH KAYE AN ALL THAT THE PARTY CONTINUES WITH DISCO VIBES FROM BERNIE CONNOR, JOSEPH KAYE AND BUDDY KEENAN, LIVE STREAMING THE NIGHT TOO. FOLLOWED BY THE BELZAN BAR TEAM (EXCLUSIVE WINE UP YER BODY BASHMENT SET) GOING LATE B2B WITH TOM WHITE!

GRINGLEPIES BBQ SERVING ALL NIGHT!

MON 7TH MAY BELzan presents...the hangover repair centre

9.00Am - 5pm FEATURING POSSIBLY THE BEST LINE UP OF THE WHOLE FESTIVAL! EXPECT BLOODY MARY MENU BACON ON EVERYTHING AVOCADO FOR DAYS BRUNCH, BOOZE AND TUNES FROM CHILLED OUT ACOUSTIC MUSICIANS GET INVOLVED! 21

THE BROOKHOUSE 467 SMITHDOWN ROAD

SAT 5TH MAY 9.00pm - TONY BELLEW V DAVID HAYE The rematch that all boxing fans have been waiting for, shown on the big screen here at the brookhouse.

SUN 6TH MAY 7.00pm - JACK MCALLISTER

SPLINTERED UKES

CATCHY MELODIES AND SOCIALLY OBSERVANT LYRICS WITH ALT ROCK, COUNTRY AND PSYCHEDELIA

8.30pm - SPLINTERED UKES Splintered Ukes leap from Daft Punk to Van Morrison, then lunge from The Rolling Stones to Amy Winehouse, Kings of Leon and Fleetwood Mac. So Much fun to watch!

MON 7TH MAY

3.00pm - SPECIAL GUESTS

WHO COULD IT BE? keep checking facebook to find out

4.00pm - YARBO Uplifting, anthemic, arms in the air indie rock from the scouse five piece.

5.00pm - JOHN JENKINS AND THE JAMES STREET BAND one of the city’s most respected musicians, even john peel was a fan back in the day.

6.00pm - THE JJOHNS mersey influenced ROCK N ROLL AT ITS FINEST FROM THE POPULAR LOCAL LADS 22

7.00pm - COLOUR we’re delighted to welcome the hugely talented math-rock quartet back to the festival!

8.00pm - DEAD HOUSES huge vocals, brain melting guitar parts and enormous catchy choruses. can’t ask for more.

9.00pm - THE LOTHARIOS WITH A STAGE SHOW TO RIVAL THE scissor sisters, expect this frankly ridiculous nine piece to finish the night in full party swing. last time we saw them, they had a dancing robot onstage. just saying...

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CRAFT TAPROOM SPONSORED BY GOOSE ISLAND

174 SMITHDOWN ROAD

CHE BURNLEY’S MUSIC QUIZ 8.00pm

WED 2ND MAY

Comedian CHE Burnley presents his brilliantly ridiculous music quiz, WITH A FEW VERY SPECIAL FESTIVAL SURPRISES IN STORE!

THURS 3RD MAY

THE LOOSE MOOSE STRING BAND 9.00pm

THE AMERICANA SKIFFLE LEGENDS ARE BACK AT CRAFT FOR ANOTHER RIP ROARING EVENING THAT’LL HAVE THE WHOLE CROWD DANCING THEIR THONGS OFF.

FRI 4TH MAY

TURBOWOLF + RIVAL BONES + MAD ALICE

We are incredibly excited to welcome Bristol rock gods turbowolf to smithdown road, to kick of the weekend in style. support from the brilliant riff laden Rival bones & MAD ALICE.

SAT 5TH MAY POPPED MUSIC PRESENTS...

2.00pm - Indigo club bright indie pop by this London act will get you in the mood for a good day AT THE FESTIVAL.

3.00pm - VITO If garage rock is what you are searching for, your quest is Complete.

4.00pm - TURBULENCE When songs are crafted this finely, you will find yourself thinking you already know them.

SCARLET

5.00pm - EASTCOTE

Get ready for some excitement when this local INDIE PUNK trio take to the stage.

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6.00pm - POST ROMANTICS THEIR MUSIC IS LIKE A LABOUR OF LOVE, and you will likely love their labours.

7.00pm - PUPPET THEORY UNITING the clans of Liverpool and Manchester like a rock version of the East Lancs Road without the cones.

8.00pm - THE HONEYMOON SUITE always the site of a wild, emotional, and memorable night, you can also stay in one when you get married.

9.00pm - CAVE PARTY You are all invited to this party which blends artistic sensibilities with pop tunes AND great entertainment.

10.00pm - Life AT THE ARCADE

TURBOWOLF

With their big sound, this quartet will make Craft feel like the Pyramid Stage at Glasto.

11.00pm - SCARLET fun-filled, high octane rock which will make you punch the air and join in with the chorus.

12AM TIL LATE - PLASTIQUE FANTASTIQUE DJS FUNK, SOUL, GARAGE, SKA AND PUNK UNTIL THE EARLY HOURS FROM THE RESIDENT TAPROOM DJS

SUN 6TH MAY

3.00pm - FERAL FAMILY THE BASTARD SONS OF NIRVANA AND THE PIXIES, MAKING BIG WAVES WHEREVER THEY PLAY.

4.00pm - I, THE LION DESCRIBED AS “AMAZING” BY KERRANG, CHELTENHAM’S FINEST HAVE BEEN LIKENED TO AT THE DRIVE IN

5.00pm - SEWAGE FARM THE NEW PROJECT OF FORMER NINE BLACK ALPS MAN SAM FORREST IS SET TO ABSOLUTELY ROCK craft.

6.00pm - VILLY RAZE ADOPTED IRISH SCOUSER VILLY HAS BEEN AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE MUSIC SCENE HERE FOR YEARS, WITH DEAD CLASS, SHEEPY AND WANWEIRD TO NAME A FEW. AN INCREDIBLE SONGWRITER NOT TO MISS. 25

7.00pm - MEMORY GIRL THE WONDERFUL NATALIE MCCOOL PLAYS HER FIRST SHOW WITH A FULL NEW BAND, VERY EXCITING!

8.00pm - VOO ONE OF THE MOST HIGHLY RATED AND ACCLAIMED LOCAL BANDS OF THE LAST DECADE, AND ONE OF THE FEW TO REALLY BREAK OUT.

9.00pm - LIVERBEARDS COMPETITION! GREAT BIG BUSHY BEARDS. LOADS OF THEM. BEING JUDGED BY OTHER PEOPLE WITH SIMILARLY IMPRESSIVE FACIAL FUR.

10.00pm - VERY SPECIAL GUESTS WE HAVE A SURPRISE HEADED YOUR WAY FOR THIS MAIN SUPPORT SLOT, SO DON’T MISS OUT ON WHAT COULD BE AN INCREDIBLE SET.

28 costumes

11.00pm - 28 COSTUMES

A HIGHLY ANTICIPATED AND LONG AWAITED RETURN FROM THE SCOUSE INDIE PUNK HEROES.

11.40pM TIL LATE - GROOVEYARD DJS SoUL, JAZZ, LATIN AND FUNK ARE THE ORDER OF THE DAY FROM THE OLD SCHOOL DJ COLLECTIVE

MON 7TH MAY MAGUIRE’S PIZZA BAR PRESENTS...PUNK HOLIDAY MONDAY 2.30pm - ED POOLE HIS LIVE PERFORMANCES GAIN PLAUDITS FROM ALL SIDES, WE’RE DELIGHTED TO HAVE HIM HERE

3.30pm - STADT SKULLS FUGAZI MEETS WEEZER MEETS BOYRACER MEETS GREEN DAY (WHEN THEY WERE GOOD). BOSS.

4.30pm - SPQR ART NOISE PUNK ROCK FROM THE SCOUSE TRIO. THEIR LIVE SHOW IS AS ENGAGING AS IT IS IMPRESSIVE.

5.30pm - SALT THE SNAIL ABSOLUTELY, COMPLETELY AND TOTALLY BANANAS. CAN THEY TOP LAST YEAR’S SHOW? LET’S SEE.

LOUISE DISTRAS 26

6.30pm - GOOD GRIEF A Hi-octane fun-loving techy punk rock band THAT HAS CARVED ITS NAME IN THE DIY PUNK SCENE.

7.30pm - DARKO TIME TO TURN THE AMPS UP TO 12, and probably nail all the furniture to the floor.

8.30pm - SHEEPY we love these guys more than our own mums. perfect poppy punk played properly.

9.30pm - SPECIAL GUESTS MAGUIRE’S HAVE A GOT A FEW SNEAKY PUNK ROCK TRICKS UP THEIR SLEEVES FOR THIS ONE.

10.30pm - LOUISE DISTRAS DESCRIBED BY KERRANG AS ‘THE ONE WOMAN SOUND OF REVOLUTION’, THE BRODY DALLE OF THE NORTH WILL BE HEADLINING OUR PUNK STAGE THIS YEAR WITH THE FULL BAND BEHIND HER. WE’RE VERY EXCITED FOR THIS ONE!

11.30PM TIL LATE - MAGUIRES PIZZA PUNK DJS A KICK ASS SET OF KICK ASS PUNK TUNES, SERVED UP ON A BIG PIZZA PAN BY THE MIGHTY MAGUIRES DJS.

CRAFT TAPROOM

Y ING UARPEN JANHAP WHAT’S tuesdays pick 4 fancy beers for £12 quiz with che burnley wednesdays music 8pm - free entry - win a £20 bar tab

sundays the Sunday quiz

8pm - free entry - win a £25 bar tab and various other boozy prizes

first Thursday the loose moose string band of the month monthly residency from everyone’s favourite bluegrass meeses.

first friday plastique fantastique of the month soul, funk, garage, ska and punk from the vinyl loving monsters

Smithdown Road // Liverpool

open 4pm til midnight every day (2pm at weekends)

delicious handmade burgers served daily. loads of vegan, veggie and meaty options

JANUARY

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DEFEND VINYL 150 SMITHDOWN ROAD

SAT 5TH MAY

8.00pm - ED POOLE Ed Poole has mastered the art of catchy, sing-along, punk-rock/emo-inspired acoustic songwriting. For fans of Kevin Devine, Into It. Over It AND The Menzingers.

8.45pm - GINTIS

PETER J SMYTH Gintis hail from Abergele AND Liverpool, and specialise in melodic, country-influenced pop/melanchodelia. Touchingly nostalgic, understated three-minute ditties.

9.30pm - PETER J SMYTH Former Mugstar frontman Peter J. Smyth brings his intricate fingerpicked folk to the Defend Vinyl Stage. Playing songs from his acclaimed solo record 'Black Smoke'.

10.15pm - PUZZLE Puzzle was born out of many a night out talking about, AND disagreeing on, the best albums to come out of the '90s indie scene. It seemed only natural to go onto form a band and mix guitars, choruses, hand-drawn art, AND a rose-tinted view of PUZZLE summers long gone. They'll have a new album out once it's finished & not a day before. Usually a trio, for this year's festival Lucy AND Dave will be playing acoustic.

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evil eye

BEER & BURRITO SHACK

208 SMITHDOWN ROAD

WED 2ND MAY

EVIL EYE OPEN MIC 8.00PM

Something OF A STAPLE ON SMITHDOWN ROAD THESE DAYS, EVIL EYE’S OPEN MIC DRAWS IN MUSICIANS FROM FAR AND WIDE AND IS ABSOLUTELY OPEN TO ALL. COME JOIN THE FUN!

THURS 3RD MAY

MUSICAL BINGO 8.00PM

This isn’t your typical hairnets, blue rinse and tabards kinda bingo! you’ll get a card full of song names, and when you hear a snippet you mark It off. it’s always a great night!

FRI 4TH MAY 7.30PM

DAN THE MAN (THE WOMBATS)

BY DOC HORRORS HAUNTED HOUSE + MIDAS FALL FOLLOWED OF ROCK

Daniel Haggis, aka Dan The Man, is the drummer and multi-instrumentalist in the Liverpool BASED band, The Wombats. NoW He’ll BE DOING ALL THE VOCALS AND INSTRUMENTS TOO. SCOTTISH DUO MIDAS FALL COMBINE elements of electronica, post-rock and alternative rock with progressive and gothic undertones. INCREDIBLE WAY TO KICK OFF THE FESTIVAL AT EVIL EYE.

SAT 5TH MAY

LIVERPOOL NOISE X ICYMI TAKEOVER

3.00pm - JESSICA RAY indie/rock ARTIST from the best pools in the North (Blackpool, Liverpool). DEBUT SINGLE DIY IS OUT NOW!

3.45pm - SPARK SINCE THE ROCK FOUR SOME FORMED IN SEPTEMBER 2017, THEY’VE TOURED RELENTLESSLY AND GAINED A BIG FAN BASE.

4.30pm - MARY MILLER described by Bido Lito as “the sweet spot between retro groove and futuristic sparseness”. WE LOVE it!

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DAN THE MAN

5.15pm - VIOLETS CLASH MAGAZINE CALLED THE LONDON ALT POP TRIO ‘one of the country's more curious pop talents'. YOU CURIOUS?

6.00pm - THE DEBT STARS A BAND BUBBLING UNDER THE SURFACE FOR SOME TIME NOW, THE DEBT STARS ARE SET TO MAKE BIG LEAPS THIS YEAR.

6.45pm - THE CHEAP THRILLS CHAMPIONED BY SPOTIFY AS ONE OF THEIR HOT NEW BANDS, THESE GUYS ARE MAKING WAVES AROUND THE COUNTRY.

7.30pm - ELEVANT

POLO

the band for the freak scene. elevant play hard hitting epic bluesy rock to make you smile.

8.15pm - DEAD NAKED HIPPIES a wall of sound, all driving guitars, booming percussion, AND powerful FEMALE vocals.

9.00pm - HANOVER Electro/pop outfit from Liverpool with influences of The 1975 and Flume.

9.45pm - POLO Yorkshire outfit Polo might hail from Leeds, but the band's glacial atmospherics and lush, r'n'b-tinged pop are an ethereal world away from the spit'n'sawdust DIY scene that the city's best known for.

10.30pm til LATE - DOC HORROR’S HAUNTED HOUSE OF ROCK

SUN 6TH MAY

4.00pm - GIRLS WITH NO FACES ACOUSTIC SET FROM THE GWNF FRONTMAN. HIS SOLO STUFF IS INCREDIBLE AND WELL WORTH A LOOK.

5.00pm - MANALISHI Brain-compressing-soul-distressing-rock FROM MANCHESTER.

6.00pm - CRAPSONS A TWO PIECE PUNK ROCK EXPLOSION. THINK DEATH FROM ABOVE WITH EVEN BIGGER COJONéS. 31

7.00pm - DISASTRONAUTS if Pavement, Fugazi, Fleetwood Mac, and Sonic Youth had a baby, this would PROBABLY be the result.

8.00pm - SPECIAL GUESTS KEEPING THE ROCK VIBE GOING with some kick ass tunes from one of the city’s finest.

9.00pm - OCEANIS

OCEANIS

Insane riffs, outrageous time signatures and vocals that could cut livestock clean in half.

10.00pm TIL LATE - WAX MUSEUM DJS dance the rest of your night away to hip hop, northern soul, funk and 60s garage classics.

MON 7TH MAY 3.00pm - GEORGE FELL HONESTLY ONE OF THE BEST GUITARISTS WE’VE COME ACROSS SINCE THE FESTIVAL BEGAN.

4.00pm - LUCY MAYHEW BLUESY FOLK SONGS PLAYED BY THE WONDERFUL LUCY MAYHEW. PERFECT FOR ANY SUNNY MONDAY AFTERNOON.

5.00pm - ASTLES LIMF ACADEMY GRADUATE ASTLES HAS BEEN CARVING HIS NAME IN THE MERSEYSIDE SCENE FOR YEARS.

6.00pm - JUAN SINOVAS FUN FUN FUN FROM THE SPANISH SONGWRITER. EXPECT A ROUSING SET, WRITTEN IN HIS NATIVE LANGUAGE OF COURSE.

7.00pm - EMILIO PINCHi

TONY WRIGHT

A beautiful, authentic performance that never sounds like it's trying too hard.

8.00pm - NICOLA HARDMAN ONE OF THE BEST SETS FROM LAST YEAR’S FEST, NICOLA’S ALMOST THEATRICAL STORYTELLING THROUGH MUSIC IS AN ABSOLUTE PLEASURE TO WATCH. 32

9.00pm - TONY WRIGHT THE TERRORVISION FRONTMAN, AND ALL ROUND 90'S BRITROCK LEGEND TONY WRIGHT IS COMING BACK TO EVIL EYE FOR ANOTHER STORMING SET OF TUNES INCLUDING TEQUILA, PERSEVERANCE AND OBLIVION. ALTOGETHER NOW, DOO Wop, BOP BA DOO Wop...

10.00pm TIL LATE - HOWL AT THE MOON DJS HOT SAUCE, HOTTER TUNES FROM THE MAIN MAN HIMSELF MR FLOREK.

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FRANK’S BAR

186 SMITHDOWN ROAD

FRI 4TH MAY

FRANK’S FRIDAY NIGHT KARAOKE

SOMEWHAT LEGENDARY ROUND THESE PARTS, THE FRIDAY NIGHT KARAOKE HAS BEEN GOING FoR YEARS. With locals taking it in turns to belt out the classics with a pint or three in hand!

SAT 5TH MAY

6.00pm - MICHAEL BENNETT FESTIVAL VETERAN MICHAEL ACTUALLY HOLDS THE HONOUR OF “FIRST EVER PERSON TO PLAY AT SMITHDOWN ROAD FESTIVAL” AS HE KICKED THINGS OFF BACK IN 2015! A FANTASTIC SINGER AND GUITARIST WITH A CRACKING REPERTOIRE.

7.00pm - JUKEBOX DURIE

JUKEBOX DURIE

AN Experienced live Liverpool Musician who plays a wide range of Classic and Alternative songs from past and present. MR DURIE WILL BE KEEPING THE PARTY GOING RIGHT UP UNTIL 9PM.

9.00pm - TONY BELLEW V DAVID HAYE It’s the rematch you’ve all been waiting for. can bellew prove that he beat haye fair and square last time? or will haye make a huge comeback? franks will be showing it on all their screens, until the wee small hours!

FRANKS BAR IS OPEN MIDDAY TIL 11PM - 7 DAYS A WEEK! PROBABLY THE BEST AND CHEAPEST PLACE TO WATCH SPORTS ON SMITHDOWN ROAD. 34

SUN 6TH MAY

4.30pm - CHELSEA V LIVERPOOL THE RACE FOR SECOND PLACE IS STILL ON, AND FRANKS IS THE PLACE TO CATCH IT.

7.30pm - MATT REEKIE LOCK UP YOUR DAUGHTERS, THE HANDSOME BARD MR REEKIE IS HERE TO BREAK YOUR HEARTS.

8.30pm - TONAL SELECT SUPER FUN SKA AND CLASSIC COVERS WITH A FULL BRASS SECTION. FRONTED BY THE EVER ENERGETIC KATY MCGRATH YOU CAN EXPECT THE PLACE TO BE BOUNCING FROM THE WORD GO.

9.30pm - THE RICS Get your vespas and parka jackets on as the rics smash their way through a mod set of the Jam, small Faces and the who. Perfect for a bank holiday Sunday.

TONAL SELECT

10.30pm - TONAL SELECT

ANOTHER SET FROM THE BRASS MONKEYS THEMSELVES. FINISHING THE NIGHT WITH A MASSIVE BANG.

MON 7TH MAY

6.00pm - Dave o’grady seafoam green front man and all round irish musical heart throb dave o’grady will be entertaining the masses with his americana blues covers and originals.

7.30pm - THE LOOSE MOOSE STRING BAND WHAT A WAY TO FINISH THE FESTIVAL HERE AT FRANK’S! THE AMERICANA SKIFFLE LEGENDS WILL HAVE YOU DANCING TIL YOUR FEET CAN’T TAKE IT anymore 35

THE LOOSE MOOSE STRING BAND

THE HANDYMAN’S 431 SMITHDOWN ROAD

WED 2ND MAY FILM: THE REVOLUTION WILL BE LIVE 7.30pm with Gil Scott-Heron, The Last Poets and Benjamin Zephaniah - a rare pop-up screening followed by a poetry recital and percussion from the legendary curtis watt.

THURS 3RD MAY

THE JESSE JANES 9.00pm

Funky folk, blues, americana, skiffle, Country and Irish Trad band. Very sassy, very lively, guaranteed to have ya dancin' the night away!

FRI 4TH MAY

EDGAR JONES DJ 9.00pm

The indie legend heads over to handyman’s for an evening of funk, RHYTHM AND BLUES, AND OF COURSE A GOOD BIT OF NORTHERN SOUL TO START YOUR WEEKEND JUST RIGHT.

SAT 5TH MAY 3.00pm - SATURN UTD post punk FIVE piece influenced by Television , Patti Smith and 60s garage.

3.50pm - MATT BARTON & DAVE OWEN songs about being upset by minor problems other people would have dealt with much more easily. THEIR WORDS NOT OURS!

STEALING SHEEP

4.40pm - KATIE MAC BAND WITH comparISONS to the likes of Patti Smith and PJ Harvey, one to watch from liverpool.

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5.30pm - PAUL CROWE Universal, classic song-writing with razor sharp delivery from the ex-The Aeroplanes/The City Walls man.

6.20pm - MEL BOWEN AND THE ORIGINALSERIES No Nations, No Borders, Just People, Love Peace & Melody!

7.10pm - GREEN SEAGULL Taking their name from a mis-heard Rolling Stones lyric, Green Seagull are the latest band to burst out of London's burgeoning neo-psych scene.

THE JESSE JANES

8.00pm - TVME from psych-folk to cinematic instrumentals to dance pop. EXPECT a special live show.

9.00pm - THE CUBICAL THEIR LIVE SHOWS Have left audiences Foaming at the mouth AND trembling at the KNEES.

10.00pm - SILENT K aFTER TAKING THE MAIN STAGE BY STORM, THEY ARE BACK AT THE HANDYMANS FOR A HEADLINE SHOW!

11.00pm - STEALING SHEEP Djs THE TRIO WILL BRING THEIR EXCITING MIXTURE OF DANCE, ELECTRO AND HIP HOP. HAVING WOWED AUDIENCES AT INDEPENDENT VENUE WEEK, WE’RE REALLY EXCITED FOR THIS.

MIDNIGHT TIL LATE - SILENT DISCO ft. HATCHETT & BEN HINCHLIFFE FINALLY, SOMETHING FOR THE NEIGHBOURS TO REALLY GET BEHIND! GRAB YOUR HEADPHONES AND GET YOUR GROOVE ON WITH THE BRILLIANT MIXES FROM HATCHETT AND BEN HINCHCLIFFE.

SUN 6TH MAY

3.30pm - TOM BLACKWELL KICKING THE BIG SUNDAY OFF WITH SOME country-fried gospel soul blues FROM MR BLACKWELL.

4.20pm - THE MEXICAN WALKING FISH Think Wilco and Bright Eyes with a touch of punk and brass and you’re not far.

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5.00pm - THE GOOD HOST this group celebrate eclecticism with a fun and musically adventurous live show.

5.50pm - ONLY CHILD a poetic heartbeat that comes with the search for truth, legitimate candour and dedication to discretion.

6.40pm - PETER AND THE WEREWOLF In Russia, men bite Werewolves. EXPECT Howling guitars, Americans in London...

KILLAFLAW

7.30pm - VULPES URBANA

playing avant garde beats and heavy bass licks with distorted guitar, poem and song.

8.20PM - COW Catchy melodies and moody lyrics, complemented by chugging guitars and noisy solos.

9.10PM - THE LUKA STATE With 4 Million YouTube views and 2 Million Spotify streams, catch them before they break.

10.00PM - BRIBES THREE battle worn scouse rock and rollers that make a big RACKET.

11.00PM - KILLAFLAW Killaflaw are a high octane dance rock duo - think The Prodigy meets Soundgarden.

MIDNIGHT TIL LATE - SILENT DISCO FT. BIG BAD NOLAN MORE FUN WITH YOUR HEADPHONES ON, AS BIG BAD NOLAN TAKES TO THE DECKS FOR THE AFTER PARTY.

MON 7TH MAY

3.00pm - FAMILY COMEDY WITH CHE BURNLEY AND CO. SO Who says comedy has to be full of swear words and rude stories? che presents a brilliant set of comEDIANS FOR FAMILY FUN. 38

CHE BURNLEY

7.00pm - DAWN AND THE EMBERS well-crafted, catchy pop songs, about love, loss, wistful dreams of the future and trees.

7.50pm - VIDAR NORHEIM Vidar creates AMAZING songs on his vibraphone mixed with synths, beats and vocals.

8.50pm - MAMATUNG like something you'd stumble upon in an empty field. Like witches singing sweet EARTH songs.

9.40pm - NICK ELLIS Using a blend of rhythmic attack and finger-quick lucidity, his sound has been described as “a conversation between Elvis Costello and John Martyn.”

HANDYMANS IS A BREWERY TOO! CHECK OUT PAGE 59 FOR DETAILS 39

HILL 16

329 SMITHDOWN ROAD

SUN 6TH MAY 9.00pm - TONY BELLEW V DAVID HAYE WAVERTREE’S OWN TONY BELLEW TAKES ON THE HAYEMAKER IN THE GRUDGE REMATCH YOU’VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR!

SUN 6TH MAY

8.00pm - EVIL PINK MACHINE

Combining electronica, alternative rock and psychedelia through a lo-fi scope, Evil Pink Machine crafts a unique rich and warm sound. Now working on a fantastic live show that can not be missed for any reason!

SPILT

9.00pm - DOUBLE ECHO DOUBLE ECHO transport you, quickly, into a smoky, dimly lit basement club in the middle of The 1980's. Familiar, dance insistent, synth patterns and baritone vocals consume the room as you make come-get-me eyes at a fellow, rhythmically challenged, post-punk night dweller

10.00pm - SPILT spilt have been blowing the roof off venues across the city with their brand of psychedelic grunge. Recently signed by Anvil Records they are ready to take their sound to new levels!

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KELLY’S DISPENSARY 154-158 SMITHDOWN ROAD

WED 2ND MAY

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI FINAL 7.45pm

EXCITING FOOTBALLL ACTION AS LIVERPOOL TAKE ON ROMA FOR THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI FINAL. CAN ROMA OVERTURN THEIR POUNDING THE WEEK BEFORE? WILL LIVERPOOL PILE ON MORE PRESSURE?

THURS 3RD MAY

QUIZ ON KELLY’S WITS 9.30pm

KELLY’S QUIZ IS SO LEGENDARY THAT IT WAS EVEN ON THE TELLY ONCE. NOW HOSTED BY SMITHDOWN FEST’S OWN SOPHIA, YOU CAN LOOK FORWARD TO A FUN AND LIVELY EVENING WITH THIS LOT.

FRI 4TH MAY

NIGEL CLARK (DODGY)+ DAVE SILCOCK 9.00pm

THE 90'S BRITPOP ICON NIGEL CLARK IS RESPONSIBLE FOR 12 TOP 40 SINGLES, INCLUDING INDIE ANTHEMS SUCH AS GOOD ENOUGH, STAYING OUT FOR THE SUMMER AND IN A ROOM. EXPECT A SELL OUT.

SAT 5TH MAY LAND CLOUD RECORDS PRESENTS...

3.00pm - DAN AND THE COUNTERFACTUALS THE CUBICAL MAN IS captivating and stunning in the style of Leonard Cohen and Nick Cave

3.50pm - IAN LANE AND THE MOMENTS OF SHAME No frills pop nonsense with a dollop of existential angst.

NIGEL CLARK (OF DODGY)

4.40pm - ALEX AND THE BOSS JOCKEYS Garage Merseybeat from Alex Gavaghan backed by notorious rhythm section Ste Bass and Percy Face 42

5.30pm - uncle jane THREE piece garage/post-punk from Liverpool

6.20pm - SAMURAI KIP a young jazz/funk/soul influenced band bringing sweet Grooves and good times to the ears.

7.00pm - ANTELOPES A THREE Piece Lo fi band from Manchester, who like to mess with your nasties and get the blood pumpin' hard.

7.50pm - FERAL WHEEL Four minds. Eight hands. Psychedelic pop music for fans of the deep sea and outer/inner space

8.40pm - EYESORE AND THE JINX

OHMNS

Darkly-comic and at times brutal, the bands frantic live shows have seen comparisons with the likes of The Cramps, The Gun Club and Parquet Courts.

9.30pm - OHMNS brutal, unhinged scouse punk rock sucker punch anthems, AND AN INSANE LIVE SHOW.

10.20 - STRANGE COLLECTIVE THE KINGS OF THEIR SCENE, scatty garage shred heads. Debut album dropping this summer.

11.20 - YAMMERER ABSOLUTE, TOTAL MADNESS FROM THE ENGAGING GARAGE PUNKS. A RECENT REVIEW Io GETINTOTHIS INCLUDED THE LINE “A drummer wearing a Lady Di / Mother Teresa apron almost steals the show, until a singing caped chicken glides through the slim audience clucking out inaudible lyrics.”. FANTASTIC.

SUN 6TH MAY

3.00pm - HILLHOUSE tHESE GUYS TELL Tales of bad advice, mental health and social issues.

3.50pm - ABSENT FATHERS aBSENT FATHERS ARE An acoustic collective of poets and beat makers from the NortH. 43

4.40pm - SILVERMOON electronica, alternative rock, psychedelia and the drones and tones of shoe gazing

5.30pm - MAJOR MAJOR Major Major have once again found the time to return to the Smithdown Road Festival for their annual LAST EVER GIG. Expect chantable choruses, frantic fingerwork and oversharing on the mic.

6.20pm - THE FLUORESCENTS real songs with infectious beats and stirring ballads

GINTIS

7.10pm - GINTIS Fresh out of the studio with Bill Ryder- Jones, THIS IS beautifully crafted country/pop.

8.00PM - HUSHTONES AN INCREDIBLE band fusing soulful harmonies, catchy melodies and poignant lyrics.

8.50PM - THE SHIPBUILDERS DESCRIBED BY GETINTOTHIS AS “Liverpool’s finest gypsy-surf-rock band since, well… nobody, we guess?". THE SHIPBUILDERS BRING FULL SCALE MERSEY-WEIRDNESS TO THE PARTY.

9.40PM - SUNSTACK JONES BEAUTIFUL SUNNY SHOEGAZING HARMONIES THAT’LL MAKE YOU LONG FOR THE SUMMER TO COME SOON.

10.30PM - SUPER SPECIAL GUEST HEADLINERS WHO KNOWS WHO IT COULD BE? WE ARE EXCITED TO LET YOU KNOW SOON. KEEP CHECKING SOCIAL MEDIA.

11.30PM TIL LATEMACHINE FUNK DJS SPINNING KELLY’S CLASSICS UNTIL THE EARLY HOURS FOR A MASSIVE KELLY'S PARTY

SUNSTACK JONES 44

MON 7TH MAY LIVERPOOL IRISH FESTIVAL PRESENTS....

2.00pm TIL 8.00PM - IRISH FESTIVAL ACOUSTIC feat limerance, simon herron and hosted by alan o'hare (only child). COME ALONG AND GIVE IT YOUR ALL.

8.30pm - ROSSA MURRAY AND THE BLOWIN’ WINDS FIVE Piece playing out of Liverpool combining Folk, soul and blues with a heavy Irish influence and Springsteen-esque storytelling.

9.30pm - CONLETH MCGEARY Irish folk singer, AND story telling songwriter THAT GETS THE CROWDS WILD EVERY TIME.

KELLY’S IS OPEN MIDDAY TIL MIDNIGHT - 7 DAYS A WEEK! and we officially serve the best pint of guinness in liverpool 45

NAKED LUNCH 174 SMITHDOWN ROAD

FRI 4TH MAY

I KNOW YOU WELL - AN EXHIBITION OF UNSEEN SHACK PHOTOGRAPHS FROM 7.30pm

It’s 1990, and the band are in rehearsals and writing sessions for what would become the widely regarded classic album, Waterpistol. Liverpool photographer Paul McCoy was invited to capture the sessions for press use at the time, and took the band on a life risking adventure across the fragile, unsteady roof of Liverpool's Central Hall.

7.30pm - MEL BOWEN AND THE ORIGINAL SERIES Mel Bowen & The Original Series bring Love, Peace & Melody through jazz inflected grooves AND pop infected moves. Their songs are steeped in folk/jazz roots grown in the melting pot of community. No Nations - No Borders - Just people.

8.30pm - NICK ELLIS Nick Ellis is dedicated to the concept of “Song” and “Melody”.

Some people call it folk, some just call it good old fashioned song craft. Currently based in Liverpool, Ellis blends streetscape narrative-noir with a classic British acoustic SHACK approach. Using a blend of rhythmic attack and finger-quick lucidity, his sound has been described as “a conversation between Elvis Costello and John Martyn.”

9.15pm til close - LUKE GARCIA DJ SET This young DJ from Liverpool has taken his residencies in Newington temple to new levels. he will be closing out our first festival night at the exhibition.

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SAT 5TH MAY

7.30pm - LOUISIANA DUO Acoustic roots and blues. Jangling 12 string, harmonica and vocals steeped in traditional folk, rock, blues and country.

8.15pm - DAVE OWEN AND ANWAR ALI The sound they produce is a unique blend; steeped in Swahili and East African musical heritage, and underpinned by a British folk sensibility. Dave's acoustic guitar complements Anwar's oud, with the artists' shared passion and intensity producing a haunting and emotive sound.

JON BYRNE

9.00pm - JoN BYRNE pulling no punches on delivery with 'finger on the trigger' social commentary wrapped in black humour & songs of tender truth that pull at the heartstrings. SO SAYS NME.

9.40 - TERRA BLUES BAND Infectious, fun and groovy Blues, rock and soul from Liverpool. Led by Brazillian singer songwriter Joao Terra

SUN 6TH MAY

8.30pm - RACHAEL JEAN HARRIS Rachael Jean Harris is a songwriter and vocalist who combines visceral storytelling with intricate melodies, jazz influenced harmony and soulful grooves.

9.15pm - LONG DOLLY SHOT New wave folk pop with visionary desert guitars, layered harmony and distant soundscaping from one of the cities leading songwriters.

9.45pm - ROBERT VINCENT Robert Vincent is an award-winning singer/songwriter from Liverpool – having received the inaugural Emerging Artist Award from “Whispering” Bob Harris in 2016 and UK Americana Music Association's UK Album of The Year in 2018.

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349 SMITHDOWN ROAD combining cutting edge electronica with tinges of blistering hip hop and bombastic jazz. one of the most promising rappers in the UK today, JackCity is able to transport between break neck party vibes to chilled out funk laden grooves Merseyrail Sound Station winner for 2018, its all about Infectious rhythms and soul fused delights

surfer grunge together with drops of Death Metal make one of the most exciting and loudest acts AROUND.

OH WELL, GOODBYE

7.20PM - PROBES an audio chameleon of addictive INVENTIVE sounds that command your attention from the off.

8.20PM - THE FLOORMEN Mind bending psych splendour AS IF sent from the musical gods themselves.

9.30PM - SEPRONA Seprona are a rock and roll juggernaut that will show you no mercy.

10.20PM - OH WELL, GOODBYE Layered with darkened post-punk magnificence and beautifully intriguing emotive textures.

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SUN 6TH MAY 3.00pm - TWO BLACK SHEEP duo from the wirral featuring guitar and violin, and some incredible vocal harmonies.

4.00pm - SARAH JONES 18 year old pianist Sarah regularly performs a mixture of her own creations and a few covers. impressive stuff.

5.00pm - CATHY CARTER Liverpool’s Linnet, collecting sounds from Irish Folk through to the reverbal sounds of the 60s

6.00pm - GRACE KIM GRACE KIM is a soul R&B dedicated singer-songwriter exploring musical fusion rooted in Neo-soul.

7.00pm - KEITH THOMPSON

THE YELLOW BELLY STRAGGLERS

The swingin’ bricks frontman plays his foot stompin, ass shakin skiffle tunes.

8.00pm - THE YELLOW BELLY STRAGGLERS EXPECT a rip roaring rockabilly jive set to get you moving your dancing feet, nice.

9.00pm - SIREN LOFI INDIE PSYCH FROM THE UP AND COMING MANCUNIANS. CATCH EM WHILE YOU CAN.

MON 7TH MAY

1.00pm - JORDAN JONES PERCUSSIVE ACOUSTIC GUITAR PLAYED STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART.

2.00pm - Herringbone John and the Kipper Doctors original music inspired with a blues feel also covers from classic rock and blues genrE

3.00pm - BIRD AND FAMILY BRYAN alternative pop group with exciting synth lines twisting over close vocal harmonies

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4.00pm - DYR SISTER the multi-instrumentalist conjures up surreal tales with a viola, a mandolin and her voice.

5.00pm - BILLY KELLY Champion of local music and stalwart of the acoustic scene, billy is sure to impress.

6.00pm - SOFT WHITE GLow The brains behind soft white glow, matt webster is actually playing at this festival about 4 million times in different bands. this is his solo project though, and is really quite special.

The

SECRET PLACE Wine Bar, Grill & Italian Restaurant

SECRET PLACE 321A SMITHDOWN ROAD // F - SECRETPLACELIVERPOOL // I - SECRETPLACELIVERPOOL 50

GETINTOTHIS HANDPICKED SUN 6TH & MON 7TH MAY

SPILT – SUNDAY 10PM at HILL 16

Having made their festival debut last year in the Palm House, the teenage trio from Runcorn are back to take Smithdown Road Festival by storm. SPILT signed to Anvil Records earlier this year and are part way through a schedule of releasing six singles in six months. Recently securing a prestigious support slot with LA punk wildcats Fidlar, their fiery brand of punk-psych will hit you harder than a runaway train. You've been warned!

MEMORY GIRL – SUNDAY 7PM at CRAFT

Memory Girl is the solo project of Natalie McCool. A festival regular, Natalie is a fantastic singer songwriter and guitarist and anyone seeing her set in The Handyman bar last year will confirm what a talent she is.

Natalie McCool in such an intimate venue is a real treat.

SIREN – SUNDAY 9PM at CAFÉ ORO

Siren is a Manchester-based alt-rock trio fronted by Kate McKenzie, who originally hails from Huyton, Kate writes, sings, plays guitar and is the major creative force of the band. Despite only forming last October, Siren have influences from Joan Jett and The Runaways and Deap Vally.

MAMATUNG – MONDAY 8.50PM at HANDYMANS If you crave something quite different, then check out THE self-proclaimed merchants OF psychedelic, freak-folk.

Their graceful music has a spiritual feel, involving winding harmonies, melodies and chants over hypnotising sounds. Mamatung's music could be termed New Age Old Folk.

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THE SECRET PLACE 321a SMITHDOWN ROAD

SAT 5TH MAY 7.30pm - JENNIFER VAUDREY With well-crafted lyrics and a soaring ethereal vocal that demands attention alone, Vaudrey is one to watch.

8.30pm - MADDIE STENBERG BAND STILL ONlY YOUNG, MADDIE HAS THE VOICE AND ON STAGE ATTITUDE OF STEVIE NICKS WITH ELEMENTS OF WINEHOUSE THROWN IN THERE. SHE’S BRING HER FULL BAND ALONG, AND YOU Don’T WANT TO MISS IT.

9.30pm - GAZELLE JAZZ INSPIRED SOUL POP FROM THE LIMF MOST READY WINNER, WHO IS TIPPED FOR VERY BIG THINGS. WITH TUNES THIS BIG IT IS EASY TO SEE WHY.

10.30pm - UKEBOX IT’S GOOD TO BE HAPPY, DOES WONDERS FOR YOUR SOUL. WELL UKEBOX PLAY SUCH UPLIFTING COVERS ON THEIR UKULELES THAT IT’S HARD NOT TO FIND YOURSELF SMILING.

UKEBOX 52

SUN 6TH MAY

7.00pm - DOROTHY BIRD Indietronica/Art Pop with a voice that shines a light out of the dark, ANALOGUE SYNTHS.

8.00pm - LUCY MAYHEW THE COMPLETELY ENGAGING LUCY MAYHEW PLAYS HER FIRST OF TWO SETS THIS WEEKEND AT SECRET PLACE.

9.00pm - SARA WOLFF STORYTELLING POP MUSIC WITH A LITTLE BIT OF JAZZ THROWN IN. SARA’S FULL BAND WILL BE PLAYING THIS.

10.00pm - MERSEY WYLIE

MERSEY WYLIE

DESPITE BEING BORN INTO SCOUSE ROCK ROYALTY, MERSEY HAS CARVED HER VERY OWN HUGE IDENTITY OUT INTO THE LOCAL MUSIC SCENE. ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL JAZZ INSPIRED MUSIC.

11.00pm - JON COLEY ACOUSTIC SINGER SONGWRITER FROM CHESTER, THAT WILLL BLOW PEOPLE RIGHT OUT THEIR CHAIRS.

JON COLEY 53

New Music and Creative Culture

HANDPICKED SATURDAY 5TH MAY THE MYSTERINES THE MYSTERY BAR STAGE - 6.30pm Wirral wunderkind THE MYSTERINES are a back-to-basics rock and roll trio whose live set already features a string of radiofriendly bluesy rock bangers, AND have supported the likes of PEACE. We can expect big things in the future.

GAZELLE THE SECRET PLACE - 9.30pm One of LIMF Academy's 2017-18 Most Ready artists, Gazelle's back story is an intriguing one featuring chemistry degrees and Paris art communes. Her music is no less interesting: jazz, soul and hip hop with silky, smooth vocals.

HANNAH’S LITTLE SISTER THE MYSTERY BAR STAGE - 1.30pm The wonderfully named HANNAH’S LITTLE SISTER features Burnley native Meg Grooters, who deals in bittersweet lyrics about being young and growing up in an often-forgotten enclave. HLS are a lo-fi pop sensation in waiting.

MARY MILLER EVIL EYE - 4.15pm MARY’S trip-hop infused tracks bring to mind the likes of Ghostpoet, and offer a sound that is not widely heard in the current Liverpool live music scene. SHE is just one of a number of exciting musicians making their mark on this city.

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LUNA BELZAN - 8.00pm LUNA expertly fuses samples and live sounds in performances that both mesmerise and get the audience dancing. As a Merseyrail Sound Station finalist and LIMF Academy alumni, the future already looks bright for LUNA

TO EVA belzan - 6pm Electronic duo TO EVA has been quietly causing a stir for some time now. LOSE YOURSELF AND Escape the busyness of the festival with their beautifully, melancholic sound.

LATEST ISSUE OUT NOW bidolito.co.uk • @bidolito Bido Lito! is a monthly magazine for and about Merseyside's thriving creative community. All about the here and now – the musicians, artists, makers and creative minds that make the region's independent scene stronger than it's ever been.

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BEAN THERE

376 SMITHDOWN ROAD

SAT 5TH MAY

3.00pm - ALI HORN acoustic The strange collective man and will be performing a variety of modern classics in this intimate acoustic show. Ali Horns material twinkles with a tighter sunshine vibe that sits somewhere on the line that joins Kurt Vile and Jason Pierce. we hesitate to term it as cosmic surf, but that's the closest anyone will be able to get to describing his languid style in two words.

SUPPORT FROM WILL AND KEITH

THE DREAM TEAM, RIGHT HERE AT BEAN THERE COFFEE SHOP.

SUN 6TH MAY

4.00pm - CALLUM THOMPSON OPEN MIC AT ITS FINEST. WATCH CALLUM DO HIS THING AND THEN GET UP THERE AND TRY TO UPSTAGE HIM IF YOU DARE!

MON 7TH MAY

2.00pm - CATHY CARTER OPEN MIC SESSIONS THE IRISH LINNET HERSELF WILL BE TAKING THE HELM AS SHE HOSTS OPEN MIC SESSIONS FROM 2PM TIL 5PM.

ALI HORN 57

MERSEY SWING FREE TASTER CLASSES AND SWING DANCE SOCIAL The wonderful lindyhopping merseyswingers are back at smiithdown fest again this year for a couple of taster classes on the mystery, followed by a swing dance social at the unitarian church!

FREE TASTER CLASSES SATURDAY AT 2.30pm & 3.30PM

AT THE MARKET MARQUEE on the mystery

LEARN TO DANCE THE CHARLSTON, LINDYHOP AND more WITH THE BEST IN THE NORTH WEST, AS MERSEY SWING OFFER TWO FREE OUTDOOR CLASSES ON THE MYSTERY.

SWING DANCE SOCIAL

WITH LIVE MUSIC FROM AMANDA BROWN AND THE COMMON EARS SATURDAY AT 8.00PM FREE ENTRY AT THE unitarian church, ullet road

HEAD ROUND TO THE BEAUTIFUL UNITARIAN CHURCH ON THE CORNER OF ULLET ROAD AND YORK AVENUE FOR A SWING DANCE SOCIAL TO REMEMBER! FEATURING THE AMAZING TALENTS OF AMANDA BROWN AND THE COMMON EARS, YOU’LL BE ABLE TO MINGLE WITH THE LOCALS AND PROFESSIONALS AND JUST HAVE A BRILLIANT NIGHT! IT DOESn’T MATTER IF YOU LEAD OR FOLLOW, THERE’S ALWAYS SOMEONE THERE TO HAVE A DANCE WITH.

HEAD TO www.merseyswing.com FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THEIR NORMAL CLASSES AND MORE! 58

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HUGE THANKS As you might know, smithdown road festival relies entirely on sponsorship, grants, local business contributions and donations in order to run. as a totally non-profit organisation, every penny generated is spent on improving the festival for the whole community as well as other smaller events throughout the year. we also endeavour to raise as much money as possible for our chosen charity the whitechapel centre, which looks after the needs of thousands of homeless people across merseyside.

With that in mind, we give huge, unrelenting thanks to Particularly Cllr Wendy Simon and Mayor Joe Anderson, plus SEAN DURNEY And the Culture Liverpool Team

NOT FORGETTING OUR BRILLIANT LOCAL COUNCILLORS FOR GREENBANK AND WAVERTREE WARDS