Yorkshire Gig Guide

Good stuff this Feb at 7 Arts...

2012-01-28T06:46:00.000-08:00

Wicked Words Open Mic

01/02/2012

Wicked Words is the longest running live literature event in Leeds and we’re entering our 10th year! Come along to listen to an eclectic mixture of poetry and words on the first Wednesday of every month and get the chance to read your own literary musings.

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Seven Jazz - Zoe Rahman

02/02/2012

Popular and highly acclaimed pianist Zoe Rahman shot to wider public awareness when her luminous album Melting Pot was nominated for the 2006 Mercury Music Prize, returns to Seven with her fifth album Kindred Spirits, part of an extensive UK tour.

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LBA presents Leeds Finest - 2 Nights of Word, Rhyme and Song

03/02/2012

Singers Night featuring Vixxen, Rae Rae, PJ, Tyrone Henry, K-One, T & T, Marqus Romelle, Cherie Johnson and Bianca Gerald backed by Unbound. Hosted by Gemma Lake.

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Sunday Jazz - Nikki Allen Sextet

05/02/2012

Nicki Allan is back in Leeds at Seven Arts by popular demand for another round of hot arrangements from her legendary sextet. With a new album under her belt she will sing some new songs, some original and standard favourites but always with the classic stamp of unique brass and syncopated jazz to flavour them.

Jamilah Barry - Lost In The World

05/02/2012

Jamilah Barry is a talented 16 year old Singer/Songwriter from Leeds. With original songs and covers, this will be an unmissable evening, showcasing a range of impressive local talent. Special guest is Tom Milner.

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Screen Seven - True Grit

06/02/2012

True Grit beats a path back to the original Charles Portis novel to spin the tale of 14-year-old Mattie Ross, a pig-tailed angel of vengeance, hellbent on finding the man who robbed and killed her father.

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NUEMusicTheatre - Raise Your Voice

07/02/2012

An evening of song and dance plus small section of songs from NUEMusicTheatre's upcoming production of 'Bare: A Pop Opera.'

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Leeds University Theatre Group - Look Back In Anger

09/02/2012

Look Back in Anger (1956) is a John Osborne play about a love triangle involving an intelligent but disaffected young man (Jimmy Porter), his upper-middle-class, impassive wife (Alison), and her haughty best friend (Helena Charles).

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Leeds University Theatre Group - Look Back In Anger

10/02/2012

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Leeds University Theatre Group - Look Back In Anger

11/02/2012

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Afternoon Jazz - Yoruba

12/02/2012

Pianist/composer Aron Kyne was been awarded Jazz Futures funding by Jazz Yorkshire to help him develop as a jazz musician here in Yorkshire. Anyone who saw Yoruba at Seven in June last year will understand how well deserved that award was.

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Screen Seven - The Big Picture (L'homme qui voulait vivre sa vie)

13/02/2012

In this Highsmithian thriller, Romain Duris is on intense, smouldering form as Paul, a wealthy corporate lawyer who secretly despises his own bland, conformist life; he has artistic longings and a general discontent exacerbated by dislike of his neighbour: a dishevelled, bohemian individual whom he suspects of having an affair with his wife.

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Black Film Club

14/02/2012

Black Film Club is an independent organisation screening films on the second Tuesday of each month at Seven. Please tell someone or bring someone with you.

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Ellen and the Escapades

15/02/2012

Ellen and the Escapades play a special gig at Seven to celebrate the success of their pledge campaign. Each ticket comes with a free download of their debut album 'All the Crooked Scenes', available from the 6 February, 2 months in advance of general release.

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Seven Jazz - The Jim Mullen Reunion Band

16/02/2012

Jim Mullen moved to London from Glasgow in 1969, going on to work in the groups of Pete Brown, Brian Auger, Vinegar Joe and Kokomo. In 1975 he met sax player Dick Morrissey and began a 15 year association.

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LBA presents Leeds Finest - 2 Nights of Word, Rhyme and Song

17/02/2012

Lyricist Lounge featuring Dread Man, J Bravo, Dialect, Asher Don, Jay Grant, Nathaniel Benson, Leeds Young Authors, Kama Kazie, Triple M, Jay C-Town and K-One. Hosted by Saima Bouden.

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Urban Sprawl - Wrecked

18/02/2012

Urban Sprawl, Yorkshire’s only homeless theatre company presents the world premiere of new play, Wrecked.

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Sunday Jazz - The Fruit Tree Band

19/02/2012

Fruit Tree are favourites of the Seven Jazz audience led by the skilled and energetic pianist (and Garforth Festival organiser) Dave Evans. They take on grooves and at times semi-free excitement equally to create a thrilling array of sounds.

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Screen Seven - Brighton Rock

20/02/2012

An adaptation of Graham Greene's classic novel about a small-town hood who marries a waitress who witnessed him murdering a rival thug in order to keep her quiet. As his gang begins to doubt his abilities, the man becomes more desperate and violent.

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Cafe Psychologique - Conversations in the Art of Life

21/02/2012

Chat and think over a drink hosted by Chris Powell with special guests, Dr Fiona Thorne and Dr Andrew Wilson.Café Psychologique builds on the idea of the Café Scientifique movement and other Cafés such as Café Philosophique.

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SAA-UK - An Evening of Sacred Music

23/02/2012

An evening that brings together two award-winning international musicians, Ustād Harbhajan Singh (winner of Sangeet Natak Academy Award 2010) and Ustād Sukhvinder Singh Namdhari (featured on the Grammy Award winning CD “A Meeting by the River” in 1994).

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Chance Theatre Company - The Importance of Being Jeff

24/02/2012

Jeff is about to die. He knows this; he planned it. What he didn't plan was spending his last few hours in the company of two strangers debating the finer points of his soon to be ex-existence.

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Chance Theatre Company - The Importance of Being Jeff

25/02/2012

Jeff is about to die. He knows this; he planned it. What he didn't plan was spending his last few hours in the company of two strangers debating the finer points of his soon to be ex-existence.

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Sunday Jazz - Centre-Line

26/02/2012

Centre-Line are a fresh, vibrant and creative jazz group that prides itself on the spontaneity, creativity and empathy among its musicians. The group is directed by Darren Altman and features Leeds favourite and LCM tutor Russell van den Berg on sax.

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Screen Seven - Armadillo

27/02/2012

The film depicts six months in the posting of a handful of young soldiers and includes a frightening sequence in which a patrol faces a Taliban ambush. The hellish skirmish ends with a Danish hand grenade killing several insurgents.

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Kill for a Seat Comedy

29/02/2012

Another rip-roaring line-up introduced by genial host, Silky. Buy tickets either at Seven or via www.ticketweb.co.uk early to avoid depression!

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Baby it's cold outside.....

2012-01-24T04:58:00.000-08:00

Dear Yorkshire Gig Guide… but February nights don’t have to be gloomy! Why not come and warm your cockles (and anything else you want) at our Seven Jazz gigs at Seven Arts Leeds? Two evening highlights to choose from this month – acclaimed pianist Zoe Rahman with her “Kindred Spirits” group on 2^nd February and guitarist Jim Mullen’s Reunion Band who will be visiting Seven Arts on 16^th February. Our Sunday afternoon gigs also offer you everything from seven piece Cuban Band “Yoruba”, top jazz vocalist Nikki Allen with her sextet, pianist Dave Evans and his mercurial Fruit Tree band and contemporary jazz from saxman Russell Van den Burgh and drummer Darren Altman’s and their band “Centreline”. But to start with this coming Sunday…

Sunday afternoon 29^th January: Corey Mwamba/Dave Kane/Alexander Hawkins

This is a free improvising acoustic trio on the cutting edge of British Jazz. The language they use mixes popular, folk and art music from all over the world. Corey Mwemba is a vibes player who as well as having made four electro-acoustic albums, is on two albums made by Quantic, one by Arun Ghosh and one by Ty. Dave Kane is a Leeds based double bass player and composer who had been feted for his work with pianist Matthew Bourne and Stephen Davis and has a fantastic duo with the trumpeter Alex Bonney which performed with Ken Vandermark in 2008. Alexander Hawkins is a pianist who mines a rich vein from the free jazz seam, mixing music from Steve Lacy, Roscoe Mitchell, Dudu Pukwana and Ornette Coleman with his own compositions. "absorbing, intriguing and at times downright exhilarating music" ~ Vortex Jazz Reviews. Listen at http://trio.coreymwamba.co.uk/ £5/4 concessions, kids under 16 free, doors open at 1pm, music 1.30-4pm

Thursday evening 2^nd February 8pm – Zoe Rahman’s “Kindred Spirits”

Zoe Rahman piano, Idris Rahman clarinet, US drummer Gene Calderazzo and bassist Davide Mantovani (picture of Zoe at Seven Arts taken by Phil Songa). Our second evening concert of the season will be stunning – it features the popular and highly acclaimed pianist Zoe Rahman. Zoe shot to wider public awareness when her luminous album Melting Pot was nominated for the 2006 Mercury Music Prize. She returns to Seven with her fifth album Kindred Spirits, part of an extensive UK tour. Released on 23 January on her own Manushi label the music continues her vibrant exploration her English, Irish and Bengali heritage combined with her sparkling contemporary piano work and framed by her strong melodic composing style. Her brother Idris (best known for his own groove-heavy band Soothsayers) joins her on clarinet alongside her fine regular rhythm section of London-based US drummer Gene Calderazzo and bassist Davide Mantovani. Do book early -this will be popular. Tickets £15/12 concessions in advance from Seven Arts 0113 26 26 777 or on the door. Stand by tickets for full time students are £5 on the door only. Doors open 8pm for the concert, music is 8.30-11pm.

Sunday afternoon 5 February: The Nicki Allan Sextet

Nicki Allan Vocals, Joel Purnell Tenor Sax, Mark Chandler Flugel/Trumpet, Graham Hearn, Adrian Knowles Double Bass, Ronnie Bottomley Drums. Nicki Allan is back in Leeds at Seven Arts by popular demand for another round of hot arrangements from her legendary sextet. With a new album under her belt (You're gonna hear from me - 33 Records) she will sing some new songs, some original and standard favourites but always with the classic stamp of unique brass and syncopated jazz to flavour them. £5/4 concessions, kids under 16 free, doors open at 1pm, music 1.30-4pm

Sunday afternoon 12 February: Yoruba

Greg Nichols trumpet, Ben Lowman alto sax, John Waugh tenor saxophone, Aron Kyne piano, Sam Vicary bass guitar, Ali Mac percussion, Tim Carter drums (photo taken at Seven Arts by Tom Swire). Pianist/composer Aron Kyne was been awarded Jazz Futures funding by Jazz Yorkshire to help him develop as a jazz musician here in Yorkshire. Anyone who saw Yoruba at Seven in June last year will understand how well deserved that award was. The jazz/salsa/fusion band are back united by their love for high-energy Salsa and Jazz. Yoruba are a powerful 8-piece band intent on producing a tight driving sound. Led by Aron and comprising of some of the hottest young talent from around the Leeds area this band draws together a diverse mix of influences. They have created their own fusion of Jazz-Salsa-Samba, blending beautiful harmonies with syncopated rhythms, killer solos with a massive horn section sound. £5/4 concessions, kids under 16 free, doors open at 1pm, music 1.30-4pm

Thursday evening 16 February 8pm – Jim Mullen’s Reunion Band

Jim Mullen guitar, Gareth Williams piano, Mick Hutton bass, Gary Husband drums. This, our third evening concert came about from a conversation between Seven Jazz, Sheffield Jazz and bassist Mick Hutton. The result was the reunion of a Quartet that was in existence for six years from 1996 and was one of the most powerful and exciting bands ever to appear on the UK Jazz Scene. It's members are amongst the most experienced jazz musicians in the country and the group developed an extremely powerful musical identity. They recorded five cds: We Go Back (1996), Live In Glasgow (1997), Burns (2000), Animation (2001), Somewhere In The Hills (2002). Now reformed for this two-week tour the band will be playing a mixture of new music specially written for the tour and some of their older repertoire. Again do book early- this will be a popular gig. Tickets £15/12 concessions in advance from Seven Arts 0113 26 26 777 or on the door. Stand by tickets for full time students are £5 on the door only. Doors open 8pm for the concert, music is 8.30-11pm.

Sunday afternoon 19 February: The Fruit Tree Band

Dave Evans piano, Kenny Higgins bass, Alex Wibrew drums. Fruit Tree are favourites of the Seven Jazz audience led by the skilled and energetic pianist (and Garforth Festival organiser) Dave Evans. They take on grooves and at times semi-free excitement equally to create a thrilling array of sounds. Tart and sweet by turn, but never syrupy, you’re enticed to taste and enjoy. Real jazz original - all their tunes are composed by Dave Evans and arranged with the band. £5/4 concessions, kids under 16 free, doors open at 1pm, music 1.30-4pm

Sunday afternoon 26 February: Centreline

Darren Altman's Centreline with Russell van den Berg - sax, Jez Franks- guitar, John Harvey- electric basses. Centre-Line are a fresh, vibrant and creative jazz group that prides itself on the spontaneity, creativity and empathy among its musicians. The group is directed by drummer Darren Altman and Leeds LCM tutor Russell van den Berg on sax. £5/4 concessions, kids under 16 free, doors open at 1pm, music 1.30-4pm

The Jazz Workshops at Seven Arts continue in February on Saturday 4 February and Saturday 18 February, 2-30 to 4-30 pm. Learn to play jazz in convivial surroundings!   For further information & bookings contact Jean Watson by email at jeanwatsonlifeskills@hotmail.com or phone 0113 237 0700. The workshops are at Seven Arts, 31 Harrogate Road, Leeds, LS7 3PD (0113 26 26 777) and cost £10/£8 concessions.

Dominic Moore also runs a jazz workshop/improvisation group at the Methodist Centre, Chapel Allerton on the following Friday dates (£5 per session) 7.30-10pm : 10 Feb and 24 Feb. Contact Dominic dominicgmoore@hotmail.com.

Jazz Yorkshire’s 2012 jazz awards will be held on March 19^th at Dean Clough. If you like Seven Jazz or any of the artists you have seen over the past year, then please do take a little time to say so by adding your vote before 19 February… the link is http://www.jazzyorkshire.org/awards/

The categories for the awards are:
music and musicians
•        musician of the year
•        young musician of the year
•        vocalist of the year
•        band of the year
•        album of the year
•        big band of the year
•        youth big band of the year
•        composer/arranger of the year
where it happens
•        pub of the year
•        club of the year
•        venue of the year
•        festival of the year
•        promoter of the year
•        supporter of the year
education
•        educator of the year
media
•        website of the year
•        media award
fundraising / sponsorship
•        business supporter / sponsor of the year
•        fundraiser of the year
special award
•        lifetime achievement award

For all details of all our events and latest news updates see us on www.sevenjazz.co.uk, follow us on Twitter or befriend us on Facebook. Look forward to seeing you soon at Seven Arts, 31 Harrogate Road, Leeds LS3 3PD

Steve Crocker
Seven Jazz Leeds.
Seven Jazz is supported by Jazz Yorkshire and PRS

The multi award winning Stacey Kent to headline the 6th Burton Agnes Jazz and Blues Festival

2012-01-23T12:27:00.000-08:00

The multi award winning Stacey Kent to headlinethe 6^th Burton Agnes Jazz and Blues Festival

July 6^th,7^th and 8^th 2012

www.burtonagnes.com

The Burton Agnes Jazz andBlues Festival returns for its sixth year set in the award winning grounds andElizabethan Hall of Burton Agnes, East Yorkshire, YO25 4NB. Organised by theHall’s sax-playing owner, Simon Cunliffe-Lister,the festival runs over three days showcasing some of the UK’s hottest jazz and bluesacts in the most stunning and serene of surroundings.

“Possibly the most enjoyable jazz concert I've everattended.” The Independent

Grammy nominated andmulti award winning Stacey Kent,including the British Jazz Awardand BBC Jazz Award for 'Best Vocalist', is a sublime singer, rightly famed for her peerlessinterpretations of the Great American Songbook, but equally adept singing inFrench or Portuguese. Her beautiful tone and wonderful phrasing bring a freshbeauty to everything she sings and she sings from the soul. She tells us her stories with faultlessphrasing and a lucid, enchanting voice and it is her beautiful version of Hushabye Mountain that has bewitched TV viewerson the recent Dreams Bed campaign. After eight studio albums, her current album Dreamer In Concert isher first live album and the first album that captures her magical onstagepersona.

Burton Agnes Jazz and BluesFestival are delighted to announce that Stacey will headline their festival onthe main stage - Saturday 7^th July.

"Stacey Kent is a revelation. There is nobody singingtoday who can compare with her. She has the style of the greats, like BillieHoliday and Ella Fitzgerald. And she sings the words like Nat Cole - clean,clear and almost conversational with perfect phrasing. And that's as good as itgets." Three-time Oscar-winning songwriter, Jay Livingston

"Devastatingly stylish...a beauty in anycircumstances" The Observer

"A delight" The Guardian

Moreartists are to be confirmed over the coming weeks.

Held over three days,with performances both inside the stately Elizabethan Hall and outside in the Hall’s beautifulgrounds, the Burton Agnes Jazz & Blues festival presents a varied line upof funk, traditional jazz, hard blues, dreamy vocals and everything in between.

“Tis the musical equivalent of a Sunday stroll throughthe grounds of a stately home… you won't find more beautifully serenesurroundings this side of Woodstock for such an experience” All Gigs - Festivalreview

Themain stage on the lawn hosts the festival’s headline acts. With rolling fields behind and pristine woodland tothe side, you couldn’t ask for a more stunning setting for some of theUK’s top Jazz and Blues artists to perform. Inside the Hall, intimateacoustic performances mix with original Elizabethan carvings and FrenchImpressionist art to create an inimitable festival experience.

On Friday and Saturdayevening the Wolds Top beer tent plays host to the Beverley Arts Trust’slate night sessions of folk, jazz and rhythm ‘n’ blues.

Local food and drinkfeature heavily at the festival. At the tea tent and food lawn, festivalgoerscan indulge in home-baked treats, barbecued local meats, freshly preparedcurries, and salads grown in the neighbouring walled garden. In the beer tentaward winning Wold Top beer is on tap, brewed just five miles away from thefestival site.

A campsite in the fieldadjacent to the Hall offers welcome hot showers and panoramic views of theYorkshire Wolds for those wishing to pitch a tent for a night or the wholeweekend.

Burton Agnes Jazz &Blues Festival welcomes families of all ages with its safe, easy-going vibe.There is plenty on offer for children including a Children’s Corner withplay area, 15 acres of magical gardens to explore including a walled gardenwith maze, jungle garden and giant games and a woodland walk with forestcreatures to find. Freeface painting and balloon artistry caps off the entertainment.

Built between 1598 and1610 by Sir Henry Griffith, Burton Agnes Hall is an Elizabethan stately homethat has stayed within the Cunliffe-Lister family for more than four hundredyears. Fifteen generations have filled the Hall with treasures, frommagnificent carvings commissioned when the Hall was built to Frenchimpressionist paintings, contemporary furniture, tapestries and other modernartwork in recent years.

The charm of the house isthat it is clearly a loved and lived in home and visitors are welcomed openlyby the family in joining them to spend many enjoyable hours at Burton AgnesHall.

‘Burton Agnes Hallranks among the finest, and best presented, houses in England. It is the perfectEnglish house, embodying the climax of the final great age of domesticarchitecture’
Simon Jenkins, Chairman of the National Trust, journalist and author of England'sThousand Best Houses

2012Festival Tickets info:

Weekend Advance Ticket

Friday 6pm –midnight, Saturday 11am – midnight, Sunday 11am – 6pm

£40 before 1^stJune / £50 after 31^st May (Concessions £38 / £48)

Concessions: OAP’s, Season ticket holders, students,children 12-15 years

Children under 12: FREE with an adult

Day Ticket: Saturday 11am – midnight

£30 before 1^stJune / £35 after 31^st May (Concessions £28 / £32)

Day Ticket: Sunday 11am – 6pm

£25 before 1^stJune / £30 after 31^st May (Concessions £23 / £28)

Evening Ticket: Friday 6 pm – midnight or Saturday 6pm –midnight

£20 EACH DAY before 1^stJune / £25 EACH DAY after 31^st May (Concessions £18 / £23)

Camping Voucher: Camping open Friday 3pm – Monday noon

£30 before 1^stJuly / £35 after 31^st May

Available online at www.burtonagnes.com and from the Festival Ticket Office Tel: 01262 490 324

Or Visit Burton Agnes Hall and itscourtyard shops.

Centre Stage 2012 - Still time to register

2011-11-29T10:16:00.000-08:00

Sarah an Michelle

The Centre Stage launch was held on the 24th November at the O2 Academy (Leeds). Sarah Smith, the organiser, welcomed us all and explained about the work they do for Martin House Children's Hospice. This years fund raising will be for the Team Lounge. This is set up as a place where very ill teenagers can be teenagers! She also said there is still time to register until February for any bands who wish to take part in this great competition. The heats to be held at The Wardrobe, Leeds from the 16th to the 19th April with the final being held at the O2 Academy on the 17th July. The successful band will go on to play at the Leeds and Reading Festivals at August bank holiday plus £1000 worth of musical equipment & other exiting experiences.
Traffic Wire then entertained us with their usual excellent performance.

On the main stage we were royally entertained by last years winners, the Mexanines who were supporting the headline band The Pigeon Detectives. The Mexanines Elliot Roper said of the competition " Entering Centre Stage 2011 and playing Leeds Festival was a massive thing for us- it opened so many doors for us to reach that next step. It's a brilliant cause and we would urge every band to enter"
You can contact Sarah Smith - the Organiser at ssmith@martinhouse.org.uk or on 01937 844569 to sign up and at the same time support this very worthy cause.
Denis, Yorkshire Gig Guide

AUTISM SPECTRUM BAND SKILLS CLUB starting at Factory Street...

2011-11-17T04:22:00.000-08:00

Hi Yorkshire Gig Guide, Following on from a successful pilot course we are pleased to be able to roll this out. Future programmes include school holiday courses and Saturday morning clubs.

AUTISM SPECTRUM BAND SKILLS CLUB

The group is for young people aged 8-16 with Aspergers, Autism or a social-emotional delay.

Group members will form a band, learn to play an instrument and will have their song professionally recorded and copied onto a CD.

Some broad aims for the group beyond the musical aspects are: increase confidence, find new ways to express emotions, be better able to understand other’s emotions and to increase social awareness and social skills.

The CRB checked staff who run the group are all experienced both in running groups for young people as well as music professionals.
Please share with anyone this may interest.

Further information and to register your interest please contact
Amy on amy@factorystreet.co.uk

Best Wishes, From The Team

Factory Street Studios, 9 Factory Street, Bradford BD4 9NW
01274 682125

www.factorystreet.co.uk

Fantastic covers and groundbreaking original material is what you can expect from the immense lineup we have for you at the November Crown of Lights Band Night

2011-11-17T03:47:00.000-08:00

Join our party!

Hello again YorkshireGigGuide!
Fantastic covers and groundbreaking original material is what you can expect from the immense lineup we have for you at the November Crown of Lights Band Night. We have two bands new to the Comrades (though with some familiar faces in and amongst), and the triumphant return of one of the best bands ever to grace our stage, and all of this is tied together by one of the most well known and loved acoustic artists the area has to offer. Here's the lineup.....
First up for the bands will be the debut performance of RAMSHANK. This 4 piece rock covers band from Huddersfield will mesmerise us with a set from the 70's to present day that could melt your face or warm your heart!
Next up will be the enigmatically named COSMIC BADGER. This young band from Wakefield are a relatively new outfit, but with some familiar faces to Crown of Lights regulars. Citing influences from Arctic Monkeys, The Beatles, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Oasis and The Libertines, they will deliver gives us an eclectic mix of covers from the 60's to the current charts, done in their own way.
Our very small part of the world is very lucky to have a crop of hugely talented and groundbreaking bands who stand out from the rest and have been dubbed 'superbands'. The likes of Commonside, The Dirty Vinyls, The Blister Factory and Britrocks all fall into that category. The last band performing for us tonight is one of the cream of that crop, the mighty LITTLE VEGAS LIES. With a new EP shortly to be released, the lads will showcase their own brand of Brit-rock, inspired by a strong heritage of British Rock bands like the Beatles, The Who, Led Zeppellin, The Stone Roses, Oasis and The Manic Street Preachers. Not to be missed!
Our acoustic artist for the night playing between bands is cut from the same stone, being the frontman for the awesome Commonside. Andy Cartwright will go solo for the night and bring us acoustic favourites from his band and more. Anything could happen!
So, a fantastic lineup which would not be out of place at much bigger events costing the earth to see. Yet, we bring you all of this for FREE!!!!. Yes, entry is free, the beer is cheap and the venue awesome and family friendly with a fantastic atmosphere. It's great night out, so I'll see you there :)
Pete
The Comrades Club
Regent Street
Heckmondwike
West Yorks WF16 0HD - 01924 403672
Friday 18th NovemberDoors open 8pm Free Entry!

Band Skills for children on the Autism Spectrum

2011-10-28T05:29:00.000-07:00

Many young people with Apserger’s have difficulty expressing their emotions and understanding the emotions of others, sometimes young people with Apserger’s find it difficult to be in social situations. This group is specifically for young people with Asperger’s and it is our hope that the young people who attend will have more social confidence and will have new ways of expressing themselves.
This group will run for 3 days, the 26th, 27th and 28th October from 10am-5pm, by the end of which the young people will have formed a band, learned to play an instrument and will have their song professionally recorded and copied on to a CD.
The group will be a closed group for young people aged 8-16 with Asperger’s or young people with a social-emotional delay.
Some broad aims for the group beyond the musical aspects are: increase confidence, find new ways to express emotions, be better able to understand other’s emotions and to increase social awareness and social skills.
The staff who run the group are all experienced both in running groups for young people as well as music and are all CRB checked.
Young people need a basic level of interest in music and an ability to play or sing a bit, the more the better.
For more information contact Amy on 01274 682125

Crown of Lights BAND NIGHT will definitely be one you won't want to miss!

2011-10-19T14:21:00.000-07:00

Join our party!

Hi there YorkshireGigGuide
The October BAND NIGHT will definitely be one you won't want to miss! There is something for everyone with an eclectic lineup of mighty bands and artists from near and far. Here's the details....

First up for the bands will be rising stars ALICE AT LAST from Wakefield. This four piece indie / rock outfit are currently wowing crowds around Yorkshire with their very catchy, finely crafted tunes and energetic live performances. Fronted by the massively talented Lucas Smith who has played our Acoustic Night previously, this band is without doubt one to watch.

The next band is a very special treat indeed. The enigmatic HEAD OF LIGHT ENTERTAINMENT will be travelling all the way from Teesside to be with us, and will feature on bass one of my bestest buddys from Music College all those years ago (well, not that many!!). John Taylor is part of North East Live who organise and promote gigs around the North East (so any band/artist fancying a trip up there could come and have a word in his shell like!). This very unique trio has been referred to as the New Avengers of left-field pop and can only be described as...well, indescribably entertaining!! Bring a change of underwear - anything could happen !!

Closing the night will be the magnificent dirty blues rock of THE BLIND DEAD MCJONES BAND. Blessed with limitless talent and moving effortlessly from down and dirty authentic blues, to hard hitting rock, this is genuinely one of the most entertaining bands you are likely to see.

Playing between the bands will be the very gifted SCOTT ANTHONY WAINWRIGHT. This incredible and very entertaining acoustic artist refuses to be pigeon-holed with his current work being a fusion of Blues, Hip Hop, Folk, Country and Gospel Styles all mashed together in an Avant Garde manner to present a sound that Scott titles ‘Rural Underground’.

So, altogether a night certainly not to be missed, all in the fantastic, friendly surroundings of the Comrades Club in the centre of Heckmondwike. We always have a great night so come on down and join the fun. The beer is cheap and entry is, as usual, FREE, yes FREE I tells yer!!

See you there.
Pete
The Comrades Club
Regent Street
Heckmondwike
West Yorks WF16 0HD - 01924 403672
Friday 17th JuneDoors open 8pm Free Entry!

Rage Against Racism 2 – The Well – 24.09.11.-review

2011-10-01T16:39:00.000-07:00

Rage Against Racism 2 – The Well – 24.09.11.
Angelic Upstarts, Oi Polloi, The Autonomads, Jock Sparra, Bus Station Loonies, The Vexed, Overspill, Keyside Strike, Geoffrey Oicott, Lowlife UK, Paul Carter.

When I was a kid I was terrified of punks and skinheads. Angry, scary looking young men and women in strange clothes who played loud aggressive music and did amazing things with their hair. Having grown up and grown to love punk music it depresses me that our society has perpetrated the myth that punks and skins are ‘troublesome’ and something to be feared. Having involved myself in this scene, albeit only briefly over the years it is clear that members of these social groups are some of the nicest, most decent human beings I have ever met. And therein lies the paradox of punk rock: it is aggressive and angry whilst at the same time being incredibly positive and friendly. Audiences are shouted at rather than sung to, the lyrics are aggressive and demanding and the dancing could easily be mistaken for fighting by the uninitiated. Yet beneath this dark veneer sits the liberal beating heart of punk. It is joyous, triumphant, righteous, honourable, polite, positive, friendly and built on a shared sense of togetherness.
The second Rage Against Racism gig at The Well beautifully demonstrated these traits yet again. What an atmosphere, probably twice the attendance of the last R.A.R. gig resulting in twice the joy. I must confess I arrived late to this one due to decorating duties and so missed the first few acts. I was however given an enthusiastic impromptu review by Skank Agenda’s Alex, Nick and Mickey which included the phrases “nice cheeky bit of sax” and “The Vexed were outstanding”. I arrived just in time to see the end of Overspill’s set and was immediately gutted i’d missed the rest of it. Huge amount of positive energy and an already buoyant crowd lost in the cacophony of exciting noise that Overspill produced. Lowlife UK carried on this vibe with a great set, I really love these guys and their brand of bouncy, lively punk really got the crowd going. Superb.
Geoffrey Oicott were a pleasant surprise, I must confess to being a tad underwhelmed at the thought of a cricket-themed oi band but they were great, as were Jock Sparra whose lead singer seemed to be having the best time in front of that crowd. To see a band and a singer clearly revelling in the moment like this is a beautiful thing indeed. Next up to bat were Oi Polloi who again played a great politically charged set and had the crowd entirely rapt throughout. Lovely guitar work too.
The cumulative effect of all these bands felt like being punched in the face repeatedly by a super cheerful clown on speed wearing marshmallow boxing gloves: exhilarating but exhausting. The headline act Angelic Upstarts proved to be the perfect antidote to this and delivered a storming set to a now packed room, the audience literally bouncing off each other in appreciation of one of the UK skinhead scenes greatest.
I must apologise to The Autonomads, Bus Station Loonies, Keyside Strike and Paul Carter for not getting to see you guys but from the atmosphere and positive energy around the place it’s clear there were no weak links in this line up. All in all a fantastic day of music and credit must go to Stevie Caldwell for putting on yet another great day in the name of anti fascists, anti racists and thoroughly decent punks and skins everywhere. Wonderful.
Nick Hart
Yorkshire Gig Guide

Local stars all came out last night for Orlagh's Fest

2011-09-24T11:46:00.000-07:00

A host of local artists turned out to support charity night at the Leeds Irish Centre to raise money for the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit on the 1st anniversary of the death of a little girl named Orlagh who died on 22nd September 2010 from meningitis aged just 21 months (see front page of Yorkshire Gig Guide).

Danny Harrison & Friends

First up to get the ball rolling in fine style was Danny Harrison with Friends. An acoustic set with bass, acoustic guitar and fiddle was a worthy introduction to the evening.

Ryan Spendlove

Ryan Spendlove was on fine form with rousing vocals which filled the packed Claddagh Room. He was joined at the end of his set by Kieran O'Mally on fiddle for a very lively finish.

Ryan and Kieran

Ryan was followed by the very popular Gary Stewart and band. This was a 4 piece combo with double base, acoustic guitars and accordion. There was much hilarity with the fans as Gary had shaved off his beard and this was alluded to throughout the set with the people in the audience appreciating the jokes.

Gary Stewart and Band

As time was passing the room was filling up as more and more people came in to support this worthy cause. The raffle sellers and tombola stall workers were all making a sterling effort ensuring all present were parted from their money for the charity.

Laura J Martin

Flute will never be quite the same again after listening to Laura J Martin playing in her own unique, versatile style. She captured the audience imagination with her unusual renditions.

Rosie Doonan & Band

The highly acclaimed Rosie Doonan and Band next gave us the benefit of their expertise at live performance. Rosie plays the acoustic guitar and also keyboard which had the audience up on it's feet again.

Hope and Social

The harmonies of Hope and Social were worth coming out for on their own even if there had been no other performers. This was a large group with a variety of instrumental talent including trumpet, trombone, keyboards and guitars.An energetic performance with further reference to the aforementioned missing beard.
All too soon we came to the final
and headline act which was a
group of young men calling
themselves
Middleman. An exiting mix of rap

Middleman

and rock which took total
command of the stage and
the audience who were all ready
to dance. They were cheering and
clapping to the music. For
donations to the cause one of the organisers was persuaded by the band to stage dive into the crowd. Lots of fun for everyone which raised the staggering amount of £10,400! Congratulations to everyone for a stupendous effort and a great night!
Denis
Yorkshire Gig Guide

CONSTELLATIONS FESTIVAL The Big Pink, 02:54, Stalking Horse, Double Muscle, Outfit & Zulu Winter added to the line-up

2011-09-21T03:06:00.000-07:00

CONSTELLATIONS FESTIVAL
 The Big Pink, 02:54, Stalking Horse, Double Muscle, Outfit & Zulu Winter added to the line-up
Futuresound have today announced the addition of 4AD's electric rock duo The Big Pink to this year's Constellations Festival line-up. They are also joined by 02:54, Stalking Horse, Double Muscle, Outfit & Zulu Winter

All confirmed bands (alphabetical order): 02:54, The Antlers , The Big Pink, Big Deal, BRAIDS, Dutch Uncles, Double Muscle, Eagulls, EXITMUSIC, Fear Of Men, Gardens & Villa, Givers, Gross Magic, Hookworms, Islet, Outfit, Spector, Spectrals, Stalking Horse, Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks, Summercamp, Three Trapped Tigers, Vessels, Vondelpark, Wild Beasts, Yuck, Zulu Winter.
As well as the bands, the Exhibition Hall, a new concept for Constellations in 2011, will be providing a new home for the screen printing and the poster exhibition which proved so popular in 2010. The hall will also host a range of new artworks, installation, and film, some of which are being commissioned especially for the event.  WARP will also be curating a special program of moving image work to be shown in the freshly christened 'pop up' cinema. The aim is to screen a selection of rarities alongside favourites from their vast archive.
http://www.seetickets.com/Tour/CONSTELLATIONS-FESTIVAL
Event: Constellations Festival
Date: November 12th 2011
Twitter: @cnstlltns  #constellations2011
Facebook: www.facebook.com/constellationsmusic
Website: www.constellationsfestival.com
Tickets: www.seetickets.com and Jumbo and Crash Records
Constellations have also announced a series of shows leading up the festival featuring: Thursday 10th November
The Brudenell Social Club
New Villager + Runners + Bear Mask
£7 adv
Doors 7pm
Friday 11th November
The Brudenell Social Club
Trophy Wife + Theme Park + Alt-J + Jeff the Brotherhood + Blood Oranges + Heart-Ships
£7 adv or £4 with Constellations Festival ticket
Doors 7pm
Friday 11th November
The Cockpit
Los Campesinos!
£10 adv
Doors 7pm

Tickets for all 3 shows are available from Crash Records, Jumbo Records, Luna tickets and Seeticketshttp://www.ilikepress.co.uk

"The Glee Club" by Richard Cameron At The Hull Truck Theatre- Review

2011-09-10T16:31:00.000-07:00

John Burton, Marc Pickering and Sean McKenzie
from The Glee Club.
Picture by Richard Hubert-Smith.

The Glee Club by Richard Cameron now at Hull Truck Theatre is a gritty drama set in 1962, of a group of four miners who work down Edington Colliery and sing in a Glee Club in their spare time
We see them rehearsing in the miners welfare club room, exchanging conversation at the pit head and walking to and from the various buildings, all of which takes place on the same set with only minor changes but through lighting and the players actions brilliantly take you into each new scene. Moments of nudity and strong language occur totally in context with the play and essential to the plot. The play revolves around the Glee Club practising for the forthcoming annual gala and the lives of the singers unfold as we progress. The play explores masculine ideas, attitudes and sexuality of the early '60s . This is a gritty drama and tragedy; well written and exquisitely performed by the actors:- John Burton, Michael Chance, Paul Clarkson, Anthony Clegg, Sean McKenzie and Marc Pickering all of whom have long experience on stage, television and film.
There were moments that made me smile in this very human and touching story of the lives of six men.
The harmonies were superb, wonderfully arranged by musical director Phil Bateman and the timings perfect under the direction of Tessa Walker. The clever stage design was by Signe Beckman who also designed the costumes.
Many in the audience were visibly moved to tears at the plays climax and I would thoroughly recommend you to see this play.

Denis and Alison
Yorkshire Gig Guide

8 Sep 2011 - 8 Oct 2011 @ 7.45pm, Matinees Weds & Sats @ 2pm, Talkback Thu 6 Oct

Tickets

Preview Thu 8 Sep	£12
Mon - Thu	£15
Fri & Sat	£18.50
Concessions & Matinees	£5 off

Cast Includes

	Anthony Clegg
	Marc Pickering
	Paul Clarkson
	Michael Chance
	Sean Mckenzie
	John Burton

A Tasty Treat at the Urban Bean Cafe

2011-09-10T15:50:00.000-07:00

Fox Elipsus, originally from Oxford but who has made his home in America for the past 12years, entertained a very small but definitely appreciative audience at the Urban Bean Cafe on Commercial Road, Kirkstall, Leeds. His performance was outstanding especially as he had had a very traumatic day at the hands of disreputable people who gave all honest Britons a bad name. In the tradition of other great artists he managed to get from Birmingham to Leeds in record time in order to not let down his audience. His style was comic with superb keyboard skills but he also had a serious message with regard to political and environmental issues. Fox has only 27 performances left of the 69 at the beginning of his tour so you only have 27 days to take advantage of the opportunity to see this brilliant performer.
After he completed his set he took time out to talk to Yorkshire Gig Guide. He told us that after completing his studies and gaining a couple of degrees to please the family he was persuaded by his girlfriend to follow his dream and play his music. He has been writing songs since the age of 3yrs (although apparently they have improved with time). His ideological influences he says are Dylan, Hendrix and Lennon and he has been inspired musically by musicians of the 80s - including Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, Nick Kirshaw and latterly Cold Play and Radiohead.
Fox will be appearing in the following venues over the next few days:-

: Bradford (Sun 11th, 6pm @ Black Swan, BD9 4LD), Hudds (Mon 12th, 6pm @ Coffeevolution, HD1 1DD), York (Fri 9th, 6pm @ Victor J Cafe, YO1 8RW), Harrogate (Sun 11th, 1pm @ Revolution, HG1 2WL), Tyne, Tees, Scarborough, Hull, Sheffield, Doncaster - check sites.
Denis
Yorkshire Gig Guide

Hannah and Jason's First Time Limetree Festival experience 2011

2011-09-05T17:35:00.000-07:00

Driving down the winding country roads with “I Love Rock and Roll” blasting from the stereo, I felt a wave of excitement as we drew close to Limetree Festival. This was my first time at Limetree and I didn’t know what to expect.
Once the tent was up in the family tent area I couldn’t wait to explore my surroundings. I could see the Main Stage on the next field. Immediately I noticed just how friendly everyone was.
After dumping my bags in the tent I walked up to the first field (main camp site) to collect my wristband as there was six fields in total this gave me a chance to get a feel for the different vibes of each. Collecting my wristband was easy enough I was dealt with quickly and efficiently and was also given a programme to wear around my neck I soon realised just how useful this was to me throughout the weekend.

Being part of the Yorkshire Gig Guide team I was intrigued as to what our Stage and Media tent would be like. I quickly walked past the food stalls and all the delicious aromas on my way to the stage though I did stop for a cheese and caramelised onion toasty at Tin Can Toaster. I was impressed to find the prices very reasonable so I ordered a hot chocolate as well.

Making my way up to the Yorkshire Gig Guide tent I was asked to show my wristband and again the steward who asked was very polite and chatty. The marquee was nice and cosy with a small stage and open sides, this helped as I would later find out! The tent was decorated in pictures of the bands that were playing the Yorkshire Gig Guide stage adding a nice personal touch. The Media lounge was spacious and comfortable with a coconut husk flooring for extra warmth and luxury. Our stage areas were placed in a perfect spot at the top of the hill; you could see all the other fields tents and stages from where we stood.

Steadily festival goers started to arrive and before long the party had started. It wasn’t long before the acoustic tent was in full swing with the likes of Kim and Seb who sang songs such as Right track and Take me away. Kim and Seb met at an open mic night and gelled so well they got together to create the band.

Our open mic tent was overwhelmed with interest from artist wanting to perform. The line-up was fully booked over the whole weekend from 11am until 9 pm. With the likes of Ryan Spendlove, Strid, Circus Envy, Sea Fret, Rodina, Lightning Sykes and Miranda vs. the Croc who was the Headliner for Leeds Fringe.
The atmosphere was amazing and the crowd was buzzing. The acts were from all walks of life and each style unique in its own right. There was folk, rock, rapping, indie, reggae plus many more. Some cover songs, some written by the artists and others a mix of both every act having their own personal inspiration.
Hannah and I were covering the dance and DJ aspect of Limetree.
Walking down the dance therapy village I wasn’t sure what to expect most of the artists I had never heard
of so I was intrigued as to what may be going on there. In the Sorted Dance marquee there was such a chilled atmosphere and the bar staff were friendly and welcoming.
I knew immediately I would enjoy spending time in here after a heavy night! The background music was relaxed and comfortable to listen to. I started chatting to some of the other people in the marquee about where they were from, who they had come to see and what they were expecting to do over the weekend.
After chatting to a few people the tent started to steadily fill the sense of anticipation began to grow, I could see the first artist getting ready to start. The mix of people in this tent was different from the ones in the acoustic tent.
I was later introduced to DJ Buckley who plays most weekends in Leeds city centre at a night club called Back to Basics. After liaising for a few minutes Buckley mingled with the crowd and was happy to have his photo taken and chat with the children who felt just as welcomed as the Adults.

Later on that night as the children were settled down and the surroundings became more adult like, the DJs were playing some easy listening and the tent was filling up. As everyone was chatting drinking and dancing.

The DJ stopped the music everything went quiet then he dropped an old favourite Wu Tang Clan. This was the start and the crowd really began to dance. The more songs that were played the more
the crowd got into the mood; the night took shape and up got Jason Messiah and Soul Deep with some live rap and I was ready and in the groove.

These boys knew exactly how to gain the respect of the crowd they started quite mellow showing skill working the audience with their poetic style. Each song a little more hype than the last, as Jason Messiah spat flow after flow Soul Deep filled gaps and brought the melody, this polished act soon had the crowd eating out the palms of their hands.
I was very impressed about half way through the set the gloves came off so to speak. He was in the zone feeding off the emotions of the crowd the lyrics became deeper and slightly more political; this was exactly what I had come to see.

Jason Messiah Age 25 (see link showing his skills) http://youtu.be/lozQTkMFWv4

Follow Jason Messiah www.facebook.com/jason.massiah

Soul Deep
Soul Deep
Age 27 was quoted as saying “An appreciation for the fact that, life without music, is a life I'm glad that I don't know”

(see link showing his skills) http://youtu.be/isT1JhGfhrk

The night was getting better all the time, the next DJ set the marquee buzzing full of excitement with one of the best performances I have ever seen from Ball-Zee UK Beat box Champion 2011. Based in: Huddersfield Known For: 2011 Vauxhall UK Beat box Champion 2007, 2008, 2011, Vauxhall UK Beat box North Heat winner, Former winner of King of the Jam

Ball-Zee Aka Patrick Hirst is the UK beat box champion 2011. Conjuring everything from deep, dirty bass lines, heavy hitting drum beats and amazingly realistic sound fx using only the power of his vocal chords and mouth! Ball-Zee is currently touring his solo beat box show round venues in the UK and Europe, stunning crowds and bringing the noise wherever he goes! After 3 years of holding the Northern beat box crown, Ball-Zee has finally claimed his long deserved place as the UK's No.1 beat boxer, and will be progressing to the world championships in Berlin to represent the UK.
More than just impressive Ball-Zee really brought a level of skill that took the night to another level the mixture of his beat boxing and Mc spitting made his visit to the tent an experience I will never forget. Ball-Zee Links http://youtu.be/pHsHAkJifd4
http://youtu.be/JXq4LjU6LJI
Ball-Zee’s performance sent the crowd wild, he took the roof off that night.
The silent disco was definitely an experience. As we were handed headphones to put on it then became your own choice to listen to music or just keep them on around your neck so you could chat away to others without hearing the music. This was lots of fun, when you couldn’t hear the music you could still see people dancing. The music on the menu was urban classics and chilled out dance. The dance marquee was heaving and it was a really enjoyable night.
The next few days were equally as good and although the weather had taken a turn for the worst and it was very muddy nobody’s spirits was dampened. The main stage was in full swing with Soulfunkful playing at their best they are from Sheffield and only formed last year. They are very popular and asked back to every event they have played at. An appreciative audience gathered despite the weather.
Our children Tyyler Henderson aged nine, Cavell Heaton aged six and Celica Leader aged 10 had already gone up to the Butterfingers Kreative kids zone area where they enjoyed spending may hours This area was open from 10 o’clock and based around five tepees. The staff had all gone through the necessary checks and had a great deal of time for the kids. I was in for a little treat later when the children put on a Dance for the Adults. There was so much for them to do. The main organiser Helen had really taken them under her wing and allowed them to help out with odd jobs around the kids zone. The children had a story to tell every time they came back and were extremely excited to tell us all about their adventure on the nature walk. As there was a circus theme the children were taught circus skills, like juggling and stilt walking. There were interactive workshops and there was even a van the children could paint on at the pixie tent. They were given free canvas goodie bags that contained juggling balls and scarves and information on how to practice at home.
I left the children and went to check out the drum and bass tent even though drum and bass isn’t a personal favourite of mine. I still wanted to see what it would be like. The size was perfect for the amount of people who were in the Bookyball Dome tent and the music wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. I felt comfortable dancing away to music that is not really my scene. DJ Ste Guthrie Was playing and I really enjoyed the energy of the tent and although not as popular as the other tents it was an all round nice experience. Heading back towards the acoustic tent I bought a pizza for the children from the Pizza Wood burner. My pizza was cooked in a clay oven as I waited. It was very nice with a choice of toppings .
The kids zone was based next to the Yorkshire Gig Guide Acoustic tent so as the kids enjoyed their pizza I went to support our clientele. By this point the tent was heaving and people were spilling out on to the field,( hence the fact that open sides on the tent was a good idea) Reverend Chunky (Cleve Feckelton )was playing his last set . I was a bit gutted because I am a fan of his but I would catch him later on the main stage. He really knows how to captivate the crowd with his powerful, soulful voice. The crowd went wild for Reverend Chunky, It was delightful.
Lighting Sykes was setting up to do her half hour set and what a fantastic set it was with her own original sound Lightning wowed the crowds with her own lyrics and music. Lightning started out with her own night based in the hip city of Leeds called Lyrically Justified where she ran an open mic night for all walks of life from singers to comediennes, beat boxers to poets. This night was so successful that it still runs today at the Carpe Diem. Sykes has gone on to do Radio and travel to different areas to promote herself and work with some great people. Her style of music included both rapping and singing.
As the weekend was growing to a close I felt a little disappointed, I was having a great time and it was passing too quickly.
The last day did not disappoint on the music front though as the weekend went out with a bang. When Majestics came on the main stage I was really in my element. Majestics is a Roots Rock Reggae Band fronted by Faadaras,(vocals) alongside Jimmy (guitar) Russel,(guitar and keys) Tony,(bass) Sam,(drums) They started out in the late 70s and have been around ever since. They took some time out in the 90s but are now back bigger and just as good as they were back then. They are now working on their first album with the message of love coming through their songs. I stayed and danced through the whole set that they played on the main stage with songs from artists such as Bob Marley. They performed with joyful energy and mingled with the crowd when they had finished. As the evening grew closer, the Bet Lynch tent was the perfect place to go to get out of the rain and a harpist playing music tranquil and easy listening was soothing to the senses.
Everybody gathered for the finale party, adults and children alike to the main stage to listen to the farewell joyous soulful Reverend Chunky who sent out a huge message of love through his songs to the enthralled Limetree Festival revellers.
This was augmented by Jilly Riley singing her message of racial Harmony joined by singer, songwriter, DJ and producer Robert Owens on stage (and anyone on the dance scene can tell you that they know his music). His more well known songs include Tears, I’ll be your friend and Ordinary people. Frank Benbini better known as one of the Fun Loving Criminals was on the drums. Frank has toured the world and has had many TV appearances. He had the opportunity to be anywhere in the world and he chose to be at Limetree, what a Legend!!
Together they made up The Limetree Family Affair, a lovely powerful, soulful, anthemic and emotional end to a fantastic weekend the Limetree crowd danced whistled and cheered. There was unity and togetherness and friendship throughout the Limetree weekend and although this sounds a bit cliché I will definitely be coming back next year and I can’t wait to see what's in store for us then. Limetree was a fantastic memorable weekend and definitely one to be telling all my friends about.

Hannah Heaton and Jason Castle.
YorkshireGigGuide

Yorkshire Gig Guide at Limetree Festival

2011-09-04T10:58:00.000-07:00

This wonderfully diverse three day festival thrilling and exciting in spite of the rain. This year with many new stages including our very own Yorkshire Gig Guide Acoustic and Open Mic Stage. We set up with some trepidation which was soon dispelled when The Rev. Chunky (aka Cleve Freckleton) took the open mic and performed in grand style. From that moment on we had a constant stream of musicians willing to play on our little stage. Our plan was to host alternately an hour show then an hour off throughout the weekend. (You've heard the saying "best laid plans..."!) But as each artist finished another stepped up to take their place and the stage ran continuously.
Our main acts included members of The Fun Loving Criminals playing as Make it Nice Brothers, who sang beautiful acoustic vocal harmonies. They played for half an hour before moving to the Green Man Stage to play a full electronic set. Kim and Seb a lovely singer song writing duo played for us twice. Circus Envy, a contemporary folk band from Hull also played two spots on our stage their vocal harmonies and intricate melodies earning them a large and appreciative audience. We also had such diverse musicians as Folk Punk band Miranda vs the Crok + Robin, also young singer songwriter duo's Sea Fret and Asio's Eyes, both drew appreciative audiences with their musicianship and quality of vocal expression. Contemporary sounds of The Claire Cameron Band, Hip Hop Lightning Sykes, The powerful vocals of singer songwriter Ryan Spendlove, and the ballad melodies of Ellie Sadgrove. Then there was the delicious jazz and vocals of Rodina followed by the beautiful vocals of Rosie Doonan Band complete with wah wah accordion. The open mike sessions attracted the Clifford Village Band who's rhythmic harmonies and melodies had the audience dancing and shouting for more, then lovely improvisational Jazz of Unique, and the splendour of Matt Yates with the Voices of the Day Choir and many others including Richard and his young family who wowed the crowd late Saturday night.

Meanwhile the rest of the Yorkshire Gig Guide team were out and about round the festival site interviewing disc-jockeys in their various spaces and filming bands and singers on the JB World Music Tent, Jason Rae Stage, QueerInSpace (the new Bet Lynch tent) and Assorted Dance tent. Andy Smith and his Jam Up Twist entertained with his decks from the Green Man Stage.

There was plenty for the children to do in the Butterfingers Kreative Kidz area. This included cheer-leading, painting, dance, model making, a nature walk and circus workshop.
All too soon we arrived at the last day of the festival. Our Yorkshire Gig Guide acoustic tent resounded to many more artists throughout the day. Our final booked turn was the duo Strid from Burley in Wharfdale with pleasing vocals and guitar. The day culminated with Sea Fret and Friends holding a rousing jam session which included dancers on the back of the stage, washboard player dressed as a pirate, enthusiastic onlookers dancing and wanting more and more and more until the band finally called it a day. A very exiting and satisfactory end to the Yorkshire Gig Guide's participation in this years Limetree Festival. We all walked down the hill to the Green Man Stage and experienced a rousing and moving finale from 'The Limetree Family'. The Festival ended in a loving and moving tribute song by Reverend Chunky to his wife on her birthday, touching and emotional and so very 'Limetree'.

On behalf of Yorkshire Gig Guide we would like to thank Sean, Karen Sue and the Limetree team for inviting us to this brilliant event. We would like to thank all the background staff for their hard work. We would especially like to thank the magnificent Sam and Festival Jimmy for their sterling work as our sound-men for the weekend.
Hope to see you all next year.-
by Denis Heaton

With best wishes to all from
Eve, Andrew, Denis and the rest of the YorkshireGigGuide Team

A selection of experience from around the Festival Site

Further pictures, videos, and interviews to follow. Keep coming back to see.

Hannah James, Sam Sweeney and Jessica Lawson. Mad Dog Folk events Saturday 17th September, Folk Concert, The Ropery Hall, Barton Upon Humber 20.00hrs

2011-09-03T10:05:00.000-07:00

Saturday 17th September The Ropery Hall, Barton Upon Humber 8.00pm

Hannah James & Sam Sweeney
Saturday September 17 8pm £8/£10otd

Hannah and Sam have been playing together since 2002 are probably best known for their work in Kerfuffle, and in more recent years with the Demon Barber Roadshow and Bellowhead. Forming officially as a duo in 2008, they released their first album, Catches & Glees, in 2009 and were nominated for the Horizon Award the the 2010 BBC Folk Awards. Since the release of the album, Hannah and Sam have toured nationally, played festivals across the UK and received radio play internationally. They play predominantly English songs and tunes on Accordion and Fiddle, and the live show includes Hannah's renowned clog dancing.

www.hannahandsam.co.uk

SUPPORT - JESSICA LAWSON

Supporting Hannah and Sam is Yorkshire based Jessica Lawson who sings and accompanies herself on autoharp and acoustic guitar.

Her original songs reflect a background in folk music and a love of Americana as she sings stories about the sea, love, loss, war, and a few ‘fallen’ women.

Over the past year Jessica has performed a number of high profile and exciting shows, supporting Eddi Reader and Barbara Dickson, as well as appearing on bills alongside Cara Dillon and Barbara Dickson.

With the release of her debut EP ‘Molly of the Tyne’ and a number of festivals and shows lined up for the rest of the year, 2011 is proving to be another great year for Jessica and one that will prove her to be an exciting new presence on the folk scene

www.jessica-lawson.co.uk

Click here for booking information

360 Club Fri 2nd Sept The Library pub Leeds

2011-08-31T08:03:00.000-07:00

360 Club
Fri 2nd Sept
The Library pub (upstairs)
Woodhouse Lane - LS2 3AP
Doors - 8pm - 11.30pm
ID may be required if you look younger than 25.

Juno: https://www.facebook.com/junoleeds

Juno are a highly dynamic punk rock band. Currently the band are expanding
their set list with their new lineup before taking their righful place back
onto the Leeds live circuit with the one and only target of putting on a
great show everytime they step on any stage small or big!
As a 3 piece Juno took the Leeds gig scene by surprise to quickly become one
of the most popular Punk Rock bands on the circuit. Juno quicly released the
3 track E.P "We are Juno" of which given 3 out of 5 by Punk webiste
Punktastic.com....

review by punktastic of We are Juno http://www.punktastic.com/reviews/3249
------------------------------

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The Reign: https://www.facebook.com/wearethereign

'The Reign blasted through tracks (such as my personal favorite "Fighter")
with all the ease and confidence you would expect from a more established
band. Organizer (and British Daylight member) Mikey Sibson poetically dubbed
them "fucking brilliant" after their set and I really think it's impossible
to argue with his assessment' - Carpemusica.com

from their ep :

” ’Take It or Leave It’ clearly ambitious songwriting in place and no
shortage of shining, grandiose and euphonious moments. The Reign have
deserved the title of "ones to watch" on the northern scene. Keep an eye on
them” - Carpemusic.com
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The Arrogance of King Canute: https://www.facebook.com/thearroganceof

The four members of 'The Arrogance of King Canute' bring together a mixture
of musical influences resulting in a vibrant and unique sound. With
sentiments of garage rock,indie and pop, 'King Canute' have brought back a
forgotten approach to song-writing combined with fresh new elements to the
local circuit. Frenetic bass lines, melodic guitars, steady beats, catchy
sax riffs, and laid back vocals is what you should come to expect from a
band who pride themselves on a genuine passion for making music, that you
won't soon forget!
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Elliott Morris: https://www.facebook.com/elliottmorrisguitar

is building a reputation as one of the most sought-after artists on the
acoustic scene. One of his first public shows was supporting Erik Mongrain,
and has shared the bill with Andy McKee, Frank Turner, Seth Lakeman,
Philadelphia soul group The Stylistics and revered folk veterans Martin
Carthy and Dave Swarbrick. In April 2011, Elliott released 'Spend Some
Time', a collaborative single with friends Dancing Lotus, which topped the
iTunes singer/songwriter chart. In July, Elliott's new EP 'Something Like
This' reached number 11 on the iTunes singer/songwriter album chart. This
summer he has also played at Cambridge Folk Festival, Summer Sundae, Y Not
and SO Festival.
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Jack, and Gill's Daughter: https://www.facebook.com/jackandgillsdaughter

create an acoustic fusion of incredible percussive picking and soul
influenced vocals.

“Awesomely wonderful Leeds duo: would wipe the floor with most of stuff on
Jools Holland” Tom Robinson, BBC 6 Music

“The rhythmic and melodic picking of the acoustic guitar is complimented
gorgeously by Gemma, (Gill’s Daughter) who sings clearly and effortlessly
with a vocal style that mixes Imogen Heap, Joss Stone and the folk-tinged
sounds of artists like Bat For Lashes.” Yorkshire Evening Post

360 Club
Fri 9th Sept
8pm - 11.30pm
the Library pub (upstairs)
Ł4 adv - Jumbo Records & Crash Records.
Ł5 on the door

The Creeks
Empire Safari
Apollos Basement
2Boys 1 Box

The Creeks: http://www.TheCreeks.co.uk/

Fresh from their Leeds Festival gig, where they were instantly asked to
return for 2012, come check these guys, they are fresh and original and
superb live!

Shattered Glass Media:
"With their unique brand of alternative rock and tight live show, The Creeks
are one of the most impressive bands on the Yorkshire scene right now.
Whether jamming in a bedroom or playing to a huge crowd, they give 100% and
it's the combination of that attitude and great tunes that'll help this band
go far"

Jay Vermin-No Title Magazine:
“The Creeks are merely political in the same way as Kasabian, a band who in
terms of value they closely resemble. If you listen to the lyrics in the way
they were intended on being heard, then they are every bit as defiant as
Sergeant Pepper after a few whiskies and a couple of tabs of acid. With that
much energy, this brings the band that little bit closer to The Pixies, if
ever they were given the chance to be national, that closeness would be
amplified tenfold”

Empire Safari: http://www.empiresafari.co.uk/videos.htm

http://www.youtube.com/360clubuk#p/u/8/BPbz7-0yRls

‘Empire Safari have a cohesion and clarity of sound that I was lucky enough
to witness once before several months ago’ Josh Lewis – Leeds Music
Scene

‘make excellent and sparing use of tight vocal harmonies, and their
composure throughout is consummately professional. Set closer, a triumphant
cover of Gary Numan's timeless ode to the automobile, 'Cars', earns big
points with the audience’
Josh Lewis – Leeds Music Scene

Apollo's Basement: https://www.facebook.com/apollosbasement

"In Leeds, 2010, a young looking, annoying front man teamed up with an angry
ginger guitarist, a dirty but loveable guitarist, a gorgeous but gangly bass
player and a drummer with very soft hands to form possibly the greatest band
of all time. Slipping pop and funk elements into indie music, Apollo's
Basement might just be your very own cheeky dream"

Press:

“Next up was Apollo's Basement - the only full band of the night. A set of
catchy songs ensued, featuring memorable hooks that I can recall with
perfect clarity long after the performance, such as the vocal melody crammed
with melodic activity in the chorus of 'Ginger' and the danceable, off-beat
rhythms of 'Magic Maker'.

“Singer Sam Orbaum delivered consistently strong vocals and, when the
guitars adopted sparser parts on songs such as 'Cheeky Dream' and his lyrics
could be heard, a sense of humour was revealed in his writing. The line
about a girl giving him "a list of guys [she]'d rather screw" resonated for
very personal reasons, but that topic is a little too tight right now, I'll
get deeper into that later. I also enjoyed the following quip from
'Navigation': "Navigation must be really tricky with your head stuck way up
there".”

Charles Eager - leeds music scene

2boys 1box:

return to 360 Club, after an ace set last time, it’s great to have them
back!

Formed on the streets of LA out of a need to raise cash and get home this
Yorkshire duo is one of the most culturally diverse, amusingly entertaining,
eclectic virtuoso acts to ever cross your lobes! Intertwining hip hop
grooves with indie sensibilities this is an act of the kind you won't have
seen before but will certainly want to see again.

‘Jacques Loussier may have done it first but David Rees-Williams does it better

2011-08-30T12:45:00.000-07:00

‘It’s every festival organiser’s nightmare,’ said Mike Gordon, Director of Scarborough Jazz Festival, when announcing that, because of illness, Jacques Loussier is unable to play at this year’s event.

‘We wish him a speedy recovery,’ said Mike. ‘It’s been a big blow as all our programmes, posters and T-shirts have been printed. However, I can guarantee that our audience will be dazzled by his replacement, the David Rees-Williams Trio, which specialises in placing classical themes in the context of the jazz piano trio. David will demonstrate his amazing virtuosity and jazz improvisation on the Spa’s Bosendorfer grand piano and also on the Hammond organ. And what a coup for Scarborough - BBC’s distinguished Radio 3 programme, ‘Jazz Line Up’ will be recording David’s performance and broadcasting it nationally. The BBC will also be recording Gilad Atzman with the Orient Express and the Tommy Evans Orchestra.’

‘David Rees-Williams has received widespread enthusiastic critical acclaim. I think the following samples say it all.’

David Rees-Williams’ rendition of Purcell’s ‘When I am laid in earth’ literally stole my breath….I have been reduced to a groupie….David played a magical set of syncopated Stanford, Bach and the ethereal Purcell…the trio far outstrips anything achieved by Jacques Loussier or the Swingles. They are on another plane and deserve huge recognition. Jon Snow, Evening Standard
David Rees-Williams’ excellent trio breathes new life into work by composers who were themselves improvisers…..the disc is a delight. The Independent
With breath-taking technique and mesmerizing sensitivity this trio gelled like no other. Works of the past were brought alive and developed in ways that would have been the envy of the original composers . . . . Handel, Tchaikovsky, Wesley, Ravel, Buxtehude, Scarlatti and Purcell. While marvelling as David dashed Handel’s runs across the keyboard, sudden familiar strains of recent popular melodies would rise above. In the Tchaikovsky there were liquid jazz chords and outbreaks of strong melodic material and Ravel’s music readily branched into Gershwin . . . beauty permeated Bach’s A minor double violin concerto and Scarlatti’s feverish runs were enlivened with quirky jazz turns. After such a fascinating evening it’s easy to see why The David Rees-Williams Trio is regularly featured on BBC Radio 3. Local Secrets

.. an accomplished pianist whose repertoire contains some of the most gracefully eloquent themes ever composed…he’s clearly an impassioned collector of great tunes, wherever the source.

Radio 3’s ‘Late Junction’ has rapidly propelled David Rees-Williams to much the same spot as Jacques Loussier occupied 40-odd years ago The Guardian

Rees-Williams can cast a Bach prelude in exotic colours, but he and his colleagues are equally at home with Scarlatti, Grieg and Cesar Franck - they deserve a wider audience among jazz fans and classical diehards. Clive Davis, Sunday Times
Jacques Loussier may have done it first but David Rees-Williams does it better. This trio continually presents us with startlingly new perspectives on old compositions, without making fun of the composers. They capture the romanticism of Grieg as well as the implicit lyricism of Bach and the playfulness of Mozart. Music Week
Channel 4’s Jon Snow put David Rees-Williams’ ‘When I am Laid in Earth’ by Purcell at no.5 in his list ‘103 Reasons to Love Life. Sunday Times

The 2011 Scarborough Jazz Festival takes place on 23-25 September at Scarborough Spa. Tickets and further information are available from the Box Office (01723 357869) or at www.scarboroughjazzfestival.co.uk

Scarborough Jazz festival- 23- 25 September

2011-08-30T12:41:00.000-07:00

Well its nearly here the 2011 Scarborough Jazz Festival and we are all very excited about this year’s event taking place in the newly renovated Spa Complex .

There’s a pronounced French accent at the 2011 festival: the exhilarating multi-instrumental ‘Hadouk Trio’; the electrifying Paris based singer, Mina Agossi; the legendary Jacques Loussier, undoubtedly one of the key pianists of his generation, and some of the finest French jazz performers in the state promoted ‘Orchestre National de Jazz’;

We have two other big combos: the National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO) and the Tommy Evans Orchestra. And in the programme you will find some of the very best jazz in the UK.

Evalutions were very positive last year. Typical comments were: ‘The highlight of my year!’; ‘As always a fine and varied line-up with the Director unafraid to take the odd risk.’ And from Washington USA, ‘One of the best I have attended ever, including 35 years at Monterey and 6 at the original Newport.’

Hope you will join in the fun with us.

Mike Gordon

Festival Director http://scarboroughjazzfestival.co.uk/

Compere: Alan Barnes

At the British Jazz awards in December 2010 nobody received more than one award – except Alan Barnes who won a staggering four awards in the clarinet, alto saxophone, and miscellaneous instrument (baritone sax) categories and for best album. Alan is also a renowned composer and band leader. We don’t have the space to list the famous jazz bands he has played with and he has also appeared as a session musician on albums by Selina Jones, Bjork, Van Morrison, Bryan Ferry, ClareTeal and Jamie Cullum.

We are lucky to have him as a very knowledgeable and witty compere.

www.alan-barnes.co.uk

Hadouk* Trio

This is a French trio of adventure-seeking multi-instrumentalists who are exciting, exhilarating and not to be missed. They are outstanding musicians with a truly international reputation: Didier Malherbe (duduk, flutes, ocarina, soprano saxophone, ), Loy Ehrlich ( Hajouj , gumbass, keyboards) and Steve Shehan (percussion and hang). In 2007 the band was awarded ‘French band of the year’ in the prestigious ‘Victoires de la Musique Jazz’.

‘They shifted effortlessly from gnashing, industrial-strength rock to ethereal jazz passages highlighted by Malherbe’s driving, haunting sax and flute touches.’ (Billboard Mag, Los Angeles)

*Hadouk is a word made from hajouj or gumbri, an African bass, and doudouk, an Armenian oboe.o

www.hadouktrio.comWWW

Liz Fletcher sings ‘Liz’

Liz will be singing numbers from her latest CD. Lee Gibson quotes liner notes from her previous recordings saying ‘she achieves that rare thing of being … both respectfully traditional and excitingly contemporary.’ ‘ and asks: ‘What makes a jazz singer? Buy these CDs and find out.’

In 2004 Liz recorded the album ‘Songs for Unsung Heroes’ written by world class saxophonist Alan Barnes and the highly acclaimed British playwright Alan Plater. This was followed by ‘The Seven Ages of Jazz’ (Mike Gordon’s idea and premiered with huge success at the 2006 Festival). Sadly Alan Plater died last year and Liz, joined by Alan Barnes, will be singing a tribute to him.

Liz will be supported by Gunther Kurmayr (piano), Sebastiaan De Krom (drums) and Geoff Gascoyne (bass).

www.lizfletcher.com

Orchestre National de Jazz: ‘Shut Up And Dance’

As you would expect, France’s national jazz band has outstanding musicians and soloists who ‘embrace folk, contemporary-classical forms, jazz-rock themes that recall Frank Zappa, and fragments that grow into richly coloured, mobile shapes.’ (John Fordham)

‘Shut Up And Dance’ is ten remarkable compositions specially written by the internationally renowned New York drummer, composer and arranger, John Hollenbeck. Each piece is dedicated to a different orchestra musician tailored to their unique personality and language. The repertoire emphasizes the relationship between music and movement. Percussion is everywhere, a bone fide sequence of powerful melodic passages that blend the shades of a repeating musical sound, pygmy music, art music, electronic music, not to overlook a Gnawas’ trance or a Duke Ellington swing.

www.onj.org

Kate Williams Quartet featuring Gareth Lockrane

Described by Humphrey Lyttleton as ‘ ... a superbly lucid and inventive pianist and composer ...’ Kate Williams has gained a distinctive reputation. She was born into a musical family: her father is the guitarist John Williams, her mother a classical pianist. She has released four CDs, each one to critical acclaim,.
Kate has performed with many of the UK’s leading musicians, including John Etheridge, Anita Wardell, Tim Whitehead and Julian Siegel.

Flautist Gareth Lockrane was a massive success at the 2006 Scarborough Jazz Festival bearing out the Guardian’s praise: ‘the formidable Lockrane ... a stunning display of sharp-accented runs, earthy whoops and constantly refreshed melodic ideas.’ The quartet is completed by two of the best jazz musicians around: Jeremy Brown (bass) and Tristan Maillot (drums).

www.kate-williams-quartet.com

Mark Nightingale Quintet

UK jazz stars Mark Nightingale and Nigel Hitchcock front-line this quintet with the backing of the stellar rhythm section of Laurence Cottle (bass), Ian Thomas (drums) and Graham Harvey (piano).

Trombonist Mark Nightingale has played on countless film soundtracks and TV shows, recorded for Sting, Tom Jones, The Spice Girls and Robbie Williams and played in the orchestras of Henry Mancini, Michel Legrand or Frank Sinatra. He has also performed with Clark Terry, Slide Hampton, James Morrison and Ray Brown.

In his late teens Nigel Hitchcock received three jazz awards: the Schlitz award for rising star, the Cleo Laine Personal Award for best young musician, and the Pat Smythe Trust award (voted for by musicians). He is now recognized as a world class saxophonist.

mark@musicians.demon.co.uk

Gilad Atzmon and the Orient House Express

The Orient House Expresshas toured all over the world. The founder, Israeli born Gilad Altzmon is a multi-instrumentalist playing soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxes, clarinet and flutes. His albums, of which he has recorded nine to date, often explore political themes and the music of the Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe, as well as jazz.

As a member of the Blockheads Gilad has also recorded with Ian Dury, Robbie Williams, Sinead O'Connor and Paul McCartney. Influenced by Coltrane’s powerful approach on the sax, Gilad's live performances are simply breathtaking and overwhelming.

‘Atzmon's fluid lyricism is in full flow on songbook classics and worldly originals. But as sweet romance morphs to modernist uncertainty, the bittersweet balance and rich emotional palette equally impress.’ (Financial Times)

www.gilad.co.uk

National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO)

NYJO is recognised as a world-class jazz orchestra and as a glittering showcase for the country’s best young musicians with many top British jazz musicians rising through its ranks.

NYJO is known for its unique swinging big band sound. Much of its music is especially written for the orchestra by British composers. The music repertoire is huge, covering a wide variety of styles suitable for different occasions. NYJO regularly tops the bill at festivals, has made numerous TV and radio programmes, recorded around forty albums, and visited most European Countries as well the USA, Australia and New Zealand.

www.nyjo.org.uk

Mina Agossi Trio

Sexy, funky and funny, Mina Agossi has turned jazz singing into an entirely new musical form. With her deeply expressive voice, winsomely theatrical performing style and individual take on drum n bass, the Benin-born, Paris based singer brings jazz standards slap-bang into the current age and turns rock songs by Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd into vehicles of seduction and wit.

Mina has performed at prestigious venues across the world including the Montreux and London jazz festivals and the Blue Note, New York. Last year she was nominated for the Victories of Jazz event. Mina has developed a wonderful musical rapport with bass player Eric Jacot and the Japanese drummer Ichiro Onoe.

www.minaagossi.com

Jacques Loussier Trio

What an incredible coup to have this jazz giant in Scarborough. French pianist and composer, Jacques Loussier, demonstrated tremendous ability at the age of ten. His compositions were praised by Fauré and Camille Saint-Saëns and his prodigious piano talents were encouraged by Debussy. In 1959 Loussiere founded the ‘Play Bach Trio’, which used Bach’s compositions as the basis for jazz improvisation. The group achieved an amazing breakthrough to popular commercial success. In fifteen years the trio sold over six million albums.

Loussier feels his new trio - with Andre Arpino (drums) and Benoit Denoyer de Segonzac (bass) - has far more stylistic range than its predecessor and combines jazz, rock and contemporary classical ideas with a mix of jazz and Bach.

www.loussier.com

Matt Anderson’s ‘Songs of the Ridings’

Composed and arranged by Jazz Yorkshire ‘Futures’ saxophonist Matt Anderson, this new commission from Creative North Yorkshire celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Yorkshire through original compositions and adaptations of traditional material. With a vocal/saxophone-led jazz quintet featuring well-known artists vocalist Kari Bleivik (Røyst, Tommy Evans Orchestra), pianist Jamil Sheriff (David Liebman, Jamil Sheriff Octet and Big Band), John Marley (double-bass) and Sam Gardner (drums), this meeting of the folk and contemporary jazz traditions promises a relevant and accessible set of music. To celebrate the first performance of the new project, Scarborough Jazz Festival has also commissioned a suite of original pieces to form part of the work.

http://soundcloud.com/mattandersonsax

Andreas Varady Quartet

American bassist Mike Janisch emailed Mike Gordon: ‘There is a young 13 year old guitarist from Ireland, originally from Slovakia. His name is Andreas Varady, and he's a complete prodigy. Martin Taylor was floored by him and wants to do a duet recording with him. They flew me over to play on his debut album, and I was completely freaked out at how good he was. He's playing better than most professional guitarists all over the world, and has more natural talent than any young person I've ever seen.’

‘The CD arrived,’ said Mike, ’and after one listen I made the booking!’

With Andreas are Bandy Varady (guitar), David Lyttle (drums) and Mike Janisch.

In March Andreas became the youngest musician to headline at London’s legendary Ronnie Scott’s.

www.andreasvarady.com

Christine Tobin Quartet

Christine Tobin’s sound is rich, authentic and deeply expressive and was praised by the Guardian both for the poetry of her compositions and her golden voice. Christine has received many accolades for her skills as a writer and arranger. Romantic and radical, Christine is a musical free spirit who blurs the lines to create her own unique style that is streetwise and eclectic. In 2008 she was named Best Vocalist at the BBC Jazz Awards.

Christne is backed by Phil Robson (guitar), Dave Whitford (double bass) and Gene Calderazzo (drums).

‘What draws me to her is her sound. I really like what she does and I find myself listening to what she says. I’m reminded that the voice is the primary source of all music.’ Mike Figgis, Director “Leaving Las Vegas”.

http://www.christine-tobin.com

Tommy Evans Orchestra: ‘The Green Seagull’

The Green Seagull is a suite of music written by Tommy Evans, who also conducts the orchestra, and is inspired by the life of his uncle, David Partridge.

Barney Stevenson, Director of Marsden Jazz Festival, which commissioned the piece, said: "I was absolutely blown away … I was standing at the back of The Mechanics Hall with tears streaming down my face! It was a magical highlight of Marsden Jazz Festival 2010 for me. The density and intensity of sound Tommy gets from just twelve musicians is stunning - I found the inclusion of three mostly wordless vocal parts particularly affecting. The layers of sound built up into a mesmerizing epiphany of music ...’

http://tommylevans.com/

Alan Barnes and William Ellis ‘On Stage’

William Ellis, one of the world’s leading jazz photographers, is also an informative and highly entertaining international speaker. As his photographs are screened, William will give the story behind each shot, and Alan will lead an all-star band performing a piece by each selected musician.

Saxophonists Wayne Shorter, Sonny Rollins and Illinois Jaquet will be spotlighted, and the inclusion of trumpeters Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis and Clark Terry make the presence of the mighty Bruce Adams essential. The David Newton trio will swing as intensely as usual with works by Herbie Hancock and Horace Silver. Sprinkle in some Mingus and this will be a brilliant insight into the players behind some of the greatest jazz ever heard.

(Parental guidance advised. Strobe lighting, swearing, drug taking and some nudity)

Preview at www.william-ellis.com

FRINGE EVENTS

Scarborough Jazz @ The Cask

Cambridge Terrace, Scarborough

Wednesday 21 September 8.45pm Entry £3

Nicola Farnon Trio

Nicola is a vocalist who plays the double bass. Humphrey Lyttleton said of her: ‘She's a remarkable performer on stage, a fine singer and an outstandingly swinging and propulsive bass player with an outgoing personality to match ... I declare that she is a class act, a sure fire hit!’

Accompanied by Piero Tucci - .... ‘a jazzer's dream, as unpretentiously skillful on keys as he is on sax.’ Sandman Magazine - and the swinging and driving force of Phil Johnson on drums.
www.nicolafarnonmusic.com

Saturday 24 September 5.30pm FREE EVENT

Scarborough Spa, Sun Court Enclosure

The Eastern Area Schools Youth Jazz Orchestra

Following a morning workshop in the Sun Court led by pianist Kate Williams and flautist Gareth Lockrane – an entertaining and interesting event which anyone is welcome to attend – the tutors will take part in the afternoon interval performance. Why not come along and have a drink or some food whilst you listen.

Sunday 25 September 5.30pm FREE EVENT

Scarborough Spa, Sun Court Enclosure

Yoruba

United by their love for high-energy Afro-Cuban music, Salsa and Jazz, Yoruba are a powerful young band intent on pushing Latin Jazz boundaries. Led by pianist/composer Aron Kyne and comprising of some of the hottest young talent from the North they have been turning heads everywhere they go. Drawing together a diverse mix of influences Yoruba has its own take on Latin Jazz, blending beautiful harmonies with syncopated rhythms and fiery solos with a massive horn section sound.

www.myspace.com/yorubaleeds

Artist in Residence: Shirley Sheppard

Shirley will be drawing the musicians as they perform. Works from the current festival and previous years will be on display and for sale. Shirley says: ‘Drawing live gives the feel and effect of the moment. The musician is continually moving and the drawer becomes part of that movement on paper.’

www.blandscliffgallery.com

Mike Jackson’s Jazz Images

Local jazz photographer Mike Jackson returns this year with a new exhibition entitled 'Scarborough Jazz' featuring some new images from last year’s and previous Scarborough Jazz Festivals.

www.mjimagery.com

Jazz Shots from Alan Ainsworth

www.jazzshot.com

CALLING ARTISTS, MANAGERS, LABELS... International showcases / SXSW / MIDEM BRIEFING EVENT THURS 1ST SEPTEMBER 6.00 PM - 8.30 PM

2011-08-30T11:53:00.000-07:00

CALLING ARTISTS, MANAGERS, LABELS...

International showcases / SXSW / MIDEM BRIEFING EVENT
THURS 1ST SEPTEMBER 6.00 PM - 8.30 PM
@ HIFI CLUB, 2 Central Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6DE
(just 5 minutes walk to the train station)

Free! Register now at: www.musicyorkshire.com

HOPING TO ATTEND SXSW AND MIDEM 2012 ?
WANT TO SHOWCASE AT SXSW (usa) or MIDEM (france)?

Don't miss this year's Yorkshire's briefing event

Come and talk to the experts to find out:

- how to apply for international showcases
- more about the events and whether they are right for you
- how to get there
- how to make the most of your time at the events
- about financial assistance and other support available
- about SXSW film, music AND interactive festivals
- meet music industry trade associations

Guest Speakers include:

Una Johnston (SXSW) and Javier Lopez (MIDEM) both coming over to England
Phil Patterson (UKT&I Music Industry Specialist)
Pat Fulgoni (Timeless Music Project) and more
More organisations to be announced + networking and the opportunity to meet
various music industry organisations including the BPI and AIM (Association of Independent Music).

For further info check www.musicyorkshire.com

REGISTRATION FREE - send your name, address, company / artist name, role
and your email address to: PAT FULGONI - pat@timelessmusicproject.co.uk and we'll get back to you asap

BACKGROUND

What is SXSW?

For 25 years SXSW has been held annually in Austin Texas. It is regarded by many as the most important US based music conference relevant to British music - helping to break many UK acts including Corinne Bailey Rae, Amy Winehouse and Kaiser Chiefs. Check out sxsw.com for more information on this as well as SXSW film and interactive conferences

What is MIDEM?

MIDEM in France is regarded by many as the most important Europe based showcasing, deal striking and networking event in the international music industry. Check out midem.com

MUSIC YORKSHIRE - Yorkshire at SXSW

The background to the Briefing event in Leeds is a sharp increase in interest in Yorkshire music at SXSW and MIDEM. For SXSW 2009, 2010 and 2011 not for profit "social enterprise" Timeless Music Project ensured that Yorkshire had it's own showcase CD handed out all over SXSW and dedicated concert at the British Music Embassy venue showcasing homegrown acts including Pulled Apart By Horses, Wild Beasts, Dinosaur Pile Up, David Thomas Broughton, Sky Larkin, Talk To Angels, Rolo Tomassi, Paul Marshall, Grammatics, The Crookes, Middleman, Slow Club, One Night Only to packed music industry industry crowds. TMP also worked closely with UKT&I Yorkshire's Trades Mission to help take companies out to the event.
Yorkshire @ SXSW footage here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/chocolatefireguard

More details: www.musicyorkshire.com
Join us on the NEW facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Music-Yorkshire/209264129106104
Join us on twitter: http://twitter.com/musicyorkshire

Cheers

Pat

Pat Fulgoni
Director
Chocolate Fireguard Music Ltd
www.musicyorkshire.com
www.chocolatefireguard.com
www.myspace.com/patfulgoni
www.myspace.com/kavakavamusic
The Old Caretakers House, Brierleys Mills,
Quay Street, Huddersfield, HD1 6QT, England

Leeds Fringe - Over already???!!

2011-08-24T16:33:00.000-07:00

What a great way to end this year's Leeds Festival Fringe. Down at the Carpe Diem, hosted by the Yorkshire Music Collective 5 fabulous, energetic, exiting great bands had the place jumping, cheering, clapping to heavy rock beats and synthesised sounds coupled with excellent vocals rounded off a brilliant week.
                                                         The Bang Bang Romeo and
                                                      Miranda vs the Crok set off
this final music feast. They
were swiftly followed by the
energetic young men of    Testtone 3. Next was heavy pulsating rock from Machine Gun. Sadly we came to the final, headline act of this Leeds Fringe Redwire.

Yorkshire Gig Guide would like to give heartiest congratulations to all the people involved in the organising and production of this years Fringe and hope they have raised a considerable amount of money for Martin House Hospice for Children. You can still donate by going to the Martin House or Festival Fringe web sites.

Denis
Yorkshire Gig Guide

North Sea Jazz Festival moves to Chapel Allerton?

2011-08-23T14:40:00.000-07:00

Well no actually, but why worry when you can enjoy the jazz (and blues and salsa) we have to offer next weekend 2-4^th September at Chapel Allerton’s wonderful open air festival in Regent Street in at the ridiculously cheap £3 bucket entry price? The gigs are as follows

Saturday September 3rd

2pm Ed O’Donnell band

Legendary jazz trombonist Ed O'Donnell appears on the Saturday afternoon 3rd September, 2pm, Regent Street, Chapel Allerton, Leeds. Ed began playing trombone in 1945. He was a member of Ken Colyer’s band with Acker Bilk on clarinet. Although influenced by the music of Bunk Johnson, Ed’s band have built up a vast repertoire of early jazz classics, spirituals and popular songs. Ed is very visual on stage and is as well known for his vocals as he is for his trombone playing.

Sunday September 4th

12.30pm Leeds Jazz Rock Orchestra

One of our favourite bands. Their spectrum of jazz related styles ranging from swing to 'hip hop' and funk. Under the guidance of charismatic director Brendan Duffy LYJRO has strong links to Durban, Leeds' twin town in South Africa. They will be returning to South Africa soon to perform in the Durban Festival and undertake teaching workshops in the Ekaya Arts Centre and local schools. To make this possible, LYJRO are involved in a programme of extensive fundraising. The Festival gig is part of that fundraising and the band are great - so come and enjoy!

1.45 Los Cameradas

At Seven Arts we had to turn people away from their gig it was so popular. Under the guiding hand of trombonist Jonny Enright, this great Salsa band are back. The band will feature their all singing all dancing vocal section, a driving rhythm section, flute/ saxes and some punchy brass featuring the exuberant trumpets of Chapel Allerton’s very own Phil Green and Kate Liddington. Dance music for the ears, hips and feet!

3.00 Seven Pieces of Silver

Louise Gibbs (vocals) Zezo Olimpio (piano) Paul Baxter (bass) James Lancaster (trumpet) John McConnel (tenor sax) Paul Smith (drums). Formed in June 2008 by Pianist Zezo Olimpio and Bassist Paul Baxter, Seven Pieces of Silver is a band dedicated to performing the music of Horace Silver, a musical genius. His music is known for blues and gospel tunes such as the "The Preacher." "Sister Sadie and "Filthy McNasty". Will groove!

4.15 The Al Morrison Blues Band

To finish off the festival weekend in style we had a special 10 piece big blues band dedicated to playing the blues. Featuring the wonderful vocals John McCallum from the Corrine Bailey Ray band , the Blues Experience celebrates the music of BB King, T Bone Walker, Robert Johnson, Ray Charles and John Mayer amongst others. The band features Al Morrison guitar, John Mcallum vocals, Rob Yeo piano, Gordon Kilroy drums, Colin Sutton bass, Rob Mitchell saxes, Ian Chalk trumpet, Rosie Nicholl trombone, Jenny Smith and Kate Peters backing vocals

We are back home at Seven Arts, 31 Harrogate Road, Leeds LS3 3PD the following Sunday afternoon and we’ve got some great music to entertain you during the rest of September

11th September 1-4pm : Nick Svarc Organ Trio

Guitar ‘n’ organ groove from Nick Svarc (gtr), Joe Tatton (org), Sam Gardner (dr). Tickets £5/4 on the door, kids under 16 free. Doors open at 1pm music 1.30-4pm

Sunday Sept 18 1-4pm : Alec Robinson’s quartet featuring Ben Lowman sax

Alec Robinson - piano with John Marley - double bass, Ali Mac - drums and special guest Ben Lowman - sax. Alec Robinson is a versatile, talented young Leeds pianist. The music will be original compositions and contemporary jazz standards, with prominent fusion undertones throughout. Tickets £5/4 on the door, kids under 16 free. Doors open at 1pm music 1.30-4pm

Thursday evening 22 September 8pm : Mark McKnight quartet featuring Seamus Blake

Virtuoso young US New York rising sax star with Irish guitarist Mark McKnight’s band with two young British musicians Ross Stanley (organ) and James Maddren (drums). Tickets £15 or £12 concessions for unwaged in advance from Seven Arts (0113 26 26 777) on the door. Standby tickets on the door for full time students £5. Buy a season ticket for all our six evening gigs this autumn (including this one), and you will save loads. The seasons cost £60 or £50 concessions from Seven Arts.

Dominic Moore's Kitchen Band Sunday Sept 25th, 1pm

Guitarist Dominic Moore tutors our jazz workshop on Fridays at the Chapel Allerton Methodist Centre. Come and support their first ever public performance!
Tickets £5/4 on the door, kids under 16 free. Doors open at 1pm music 1.30-4pm

Our popular Jazz Workshops at Seven Arts are also back after the summer, not that there was much of a break! If you want to learn more about playing jazz then the first two dates for your diary Saturday 17^th September and Sat 1^st October (2-30 to 4-30 pm). The workshops cost £10/£8 concessions. Workshop members need to have some experience of playing (say a couple of years), and an interest in jazz, though not necessarily in playing it – just a willingness to have a go! Some reading experience useful but not essential. Please reserve your place by emailing jeanwatsonlifeskills@hotmail.com or phone 0113 237 0700. Or speak to us at our Sunday afternoon jazz!

Also Dominic Moore runs a jazz workshop/improvisation group at the Methodist Centre, Chapel Allerton on the following Friday dates September (£5 per session) 7.30-10pm: 2^nd September, 16^th September and 23^rd September – the last being an extra one to prepare for the Kitchen Band” gig at Seven Arts on Sunday 25^th September. Contact Dominic dominicgmoore@hotmail.com.

Look forward to seeing you soon at the Festival or at Seven Arts, 31 Harrogate Road, Leeds LS3 3PD
Steve Crocker, Seven Jazz Leeds.

For details of all our events see our website www.sevenjazz.co.uk or facebook – search for Seven Jazz in Chapel Allerton – like us and you’ll get all our regular updates and news)

Seven Jazz is supported by Jazz Yorkshire and PRS.

Blues Night at The New Conservatory - and what a night ! !

2011-08-21T17:06:00.000-07:00

This evening a small but privileged audience were treated to a blues night par excellence. The New Conservatory felt a cosy and intimate place to be as Dan Burnette on piano played a fine selection of blues and boogie woogie jazz.

Whilst the applause was still resounding round the room, Gerry Cooper along with his friend Phil Snell took the stage. Playing deep Southern blues on slide guitar, fiddle and acoustic guitar with fine vocals interspersed with comic one-liners kept the audience enthralled. Gerry is in the process of recording a new album which we look forward to.

Following the duo came Ryan Mitchell -Smith, singer/songwriter, modern funky blues player with a great collection of his own songs. His talents are varied as he demonstrated when playing his solo harmonica piece. The audience shouted for more and Ryan duly obliged.

Finally our headliner was Chris Martin who hails from Batley also known as "Man in the Hat". Not only a great slide guitar player but a comic genius to boot proved by the howls of laughter coming from the floor. Another act not to be missed.
The Leeds Fringe was also playing at various other venues this evening raising funds for Martin House Children's Hospice.
Denis
Yorkshire Gig Guide

Up and Running - The Leeds Festival Fringe- Den's Blog

2011-08-21T06:47:00.000-07:00

Sammy Lee

Leeds Festival Fringe was opened on Thursday night at the New Conservatory by John McCabe of Hounddog Promotions. A quality start to the week-long festival. The entertainment for the evening consisted of the opening act Sammy Lee, a solo instrumentalist and singer.

The Burlesque Girls

He was followed by a small burlesque show featuring Miss Anna Fur Laxis. Anna recently became the runner up in the "Miss Burlesque Exotic World" in Los Angeles. This will surly enhance her standing in the burlesque world. A free-lance artist who has traveled extensively throughout Europe, the USA and Japan. On 17th September she will be appearing at The Wet Spot at the Wardrobe, Leeds.
A very interesting lady with an interesting act which includes knife throwing and burlesque. Her further ambition is to win the aforementioned competition. Our next act was Ben Green and Al Leaming who played to an enthusiastic following who thoroughly enjoyed their performance. Two more acts followed in quick succession, Scott Wainwright and Matt Butler. These were very popular and accomplished artists who were very well received by the attendees at the New Conservatory.
Headliner for this evenings performance was our very own Claire Cameron. As usual she did not disappoint.
Three of our crew went to check out the Carpe Diem who were also hosting their own opening night of the Fringe. On their agenda were The Guilt Charm, Swindells (Yorkshire Punk band) and headlining was Miranda vs The Crock. Our girls were welcomed by hosts Bad Brains (Nick the Russian) and thoroughly enjoyed the musical entertainment provided for the evening.
The Leeds Festival Fringe is now well and truly launched!!
Members of the Yorkshire Gig Guide visited various venues on Friday 19th calling at Carpe Diem, The Dry Dock, Empire (see Andrew's report about the new Metal Fringe events) and eventually ending up at the Baby Jupiter where Two Sevens hosted the reggae DJ night which they enjoyed hugely (pictures to follow shortly)

Saturday found Leeds city center buzzing with music, fashion show, dancers, and magicians all part of the inaugural Leeds Buskers day (also part of the Fringe) whilst at all the venues involved in the Fringe were holding day-long concerts. Yorkshire Gig Guide were stationed at Dortmund Square along with Joy Fashions where we were
entertained by Dan, Jilly Reiley - who will also be playing at the
Lime Tree Festival -,
G7 was next to entertain us and the passers by, Middle Man gave a rousing performance which gave us another taster for Lime Tree.

The Red Pills appeared and gave a scintillating acoustic rock performance much appreciated by all those who stopped to watch them. Also the same can be said for Raw Peaches.
Further artists turned up to do a bit of busking until Eddy Andersen played out the day. All the artists had collection boxes in aid of Martin House Children's Hospice which is again being the focus of fund raising by the Leeds Festival Fringe.

Once everything was cleared away Andrew and Eve went to the Empire to catch a bit more of the Metal Fringe and onto the Grove Fest - a jazz and folk event. Jason covered some of the evening events (pictures to follow).
All in all a very satisfactory day.
There are still four days to go of this year's Fringe. Check out the Leeds Fringe web site via Yorkshire Gig Guide for venues and line ups.
Denis and all the Crew at Yorkshire Gig Guide. Have a great Leeds Fringe!

Any Questions? Come to the Ace in Nelson!

2011-08-16T06:20:00.000-07:00

Friday 19^th August

Radio 4’s Any Questions?

BBC Radio 4’s iconic Any Questions? Panel programme is coming to The ACE Centre. Jonathan Dimbleby will chair the celebrity panel as its members respond to questions from the audience.

All tickets have now been allocated.

To check on returns please contact the Box Office on 01282 661080.

Monday 29^th August

Cinema Paradiso: THE GRADUATE (15)

The Graduate is truly a landmark film. Shy Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman) returns home from college with an uncertain future. Then the wife of his father's business partner, the sexy Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft), seduces him, and the affair only deepens his confusion. That is, until he meets the girl of his dreams. But there's one problem: she is Mrs. Robinson's daughter.

Running Time: 102 mins.

Screening at 2pm

Tickets: £7 including a full Cream Tea served in the interval in The Courtyard Bistro

Or £5 for film only

TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR A VERY SPECIAL CHARITY EVENT …

Friday 16^th & Saturday 17^th September

Colne Dramatic Society (and Friends) present

Love Letters by A R Gurney

Love Letters is an American play which centres on Melissa and Andrew whose friendship spans nearly 50 years. The play traces that friendship from childhood through wild teenage years, adulthood, and up to maturity via the notes, letters and cards which they send to each other during that time. Through them they discuss their hopes and ambitions, dreams and disappointments, victories and defeats – all the events that have occurred and all the news that has passed between them throughout their separated lives.

For this special charity production, directed by Beverly McKiernan, actors from four of the region’s best drama societies have been invited to take part – and so, on Friday 16th, Angela Boult from Pendle Hippodrome will be joined on stage by The Garrick’s Alan Hargreaves; while on Saturday 17th, CDS’s very own Marilyn Crowther will share the stage with Peter Allen from Pendle Borderline.

All profits will be presented to the local branch of Cancer Research and the performances will be dedicated to the memory of the many local performers who have lost their battle with Cancer. There will also be a raffle, tombola – and hopefully even a few charity stalls on the night, all in support of this very worthy cause.

Bookings:

Tickets for the event are now on sale and cost only £7.00 each (£6.50 concessions). They can be purchased from the ACE Centre Box Office (cash sales only) or by cheque (made payable to Colne Dramatic Society) which should be forwarded – with SAE - to CDS at 102 Knotts Lane, Colne BB8 8AE.

For further details please contact Beverly on 01282 661080 (office hours) or 07974 010504 (evenings) – but be sure to book soon as demand is expected to be high on this one off event!

Commencing 7.30pm

Tickets £7.00 (£6.50 concessions)

From All of Us at The ACE

Nelson’s best kept secret…

www.acecentre.co.uk

01282 661080

Broken Underground at Carpe Diem presents.........

2011-08-12T12:21:00.000-07:00

As part of the Leeds Festival Fringe, James Reains, promotor for Broken Underground, took over the Carpe Diem and introduced us to 3 bands.

First on stage were Guilt Charm, an exiting young band who rocked the place with energetic and lively music. They consist of drummer Ricky, lead guitar and vocals Thomas, on bass Bret. These young men have only been together for 6 months. Ricky and Thomas are from Leeds and Bret "the icing on the cake" from Newcastle.

Next were Sharp Darts, another tallented group from Leeds who also had the Carpe Diem enthralled with their style of music.
Headling and playing us out were Rider. These are a popular Leeds based band who crash out an eclectic mix of punk/rock and indi music. Yet another good night at the Carpe Diem on Great George Street. If this is just the warm-up to the Leeds Fringe Festival then bring on the real thing!!
Denis and Jason
Yorkshire Gig Guide

Burton Agnes Jazz&Blues Festival 2011- Den's Blog

2011-08-09T17:32:00.000-07:00

Set in the magnificent grounds of Burton Agnes the most relaxing and accessible Blues Jazz Festival.
Friday
Arrived on site, must be getting used to this camping malarkey. Tent up and kettle on in no time flat. All the while the sounds of Zoe Gilby floated across the camp site enhancing our anticipation of a great weekend of jazz and blues.

Andrew and Eve arrived and pitched (getting to know the lingo as well) their tent. All four of us then went onto the magnificent lawns of Burton Agnes Hall in time to catch Zoe Gilby.

Next on the main stage "Seven Pieces of Silver". Whilst they were setting up Andrew and I caught up with Zoe and had a charming chat with this accomplished artist. She informed us that she would be appearing at the Marsden Jazz Festival in the Riverhead Brewery Tap on 8th October 2011 at 2pm.
Do go and see her and hubby Andy - you will experience a treat of lovely music.
Alison and Eve had settled on the lawn listening to Seven Pieces of Silver when both of us joined them and where enthralled by an hour and a half of swing and modern jazz led by Alan Barnes who has played with a very diverse range of bands and singers. These include Van Morrison, Claire Teal, Brian Ferry and Selina Jones. He also holds the BBC Jazz Instrumentalist of the year award.

We all attended the Late Night Session hosted by the Beverley Arts Trust, a most popular event introduced last year. This is held in the beer tent run by the Wold Top Brewery. Up first was John Cox who started us off with his funky jazz merged with a Latin flavour.

Following him was Mean Eyed Cats (Bob and Rosie) playing country music that had the audience clapping and foot-tapping along to the rhythms. There was then a short break before the Alligators took their place on stage. From the very first drum intro we knew that an awesome set of rhythm and blues was to take place. Whoops of delight, cheering and energetic dancing soon filled the grounds as the Alligators played song after song. The audience demanded, and got, more. Sadly it had to end.

A weary Yorkshire Gig Guide crew then retired for a late supper before crawling into our respective tents reflecting on a superb evenings entertainment and caught some well earned zzzzzzzs.
Saturday
Awoke to a grey and overcast morning. Looking like rain so over breakfast a decision made to go into Bridlington and purchase 2 umbrellas (large ones) - not that easy I assure you, therefore Andrew and Eve were left to cover the events whilst we were on our quest.

We managed to be back in time to see Matt Smith and Carlos Olmos, a brilliant duo on guitars bringing a fine jazz sound of soul and funk. Meanwhile Andrew and Eve had been into the magnificent Great Hall listening to Ed Bell -classically trained tenor, pop singer and writer.

On the bill at that time were also Skintight International - more about these acts later. The main stage then hosted the Nicola Farnon Quartet just as the Heavens opened! Up went a vast assortment of umbrellas - ours included. Nicola sang and played double bass and gave her all. Despite the rain no-one moved during this most impressive performance. Alison and I asked if Nicola would be available for a short interview. Being agreeable, as soon as her fans had had time for a chat Nicola then gave Yorkshire Gig Guide a lovely interview.

Joel Purnell Quartet was our next entertainment. A collected mix of highly experienced jazz players influenced by American jazz, hugely popular with the knowledgeable audience.

As usual there were performances also continuing in the Great Hall - Ben Beatie and the Jazz Essentials and then Jess Gardam (Beverley Folk Festival presentation)

Back on the main stage The Jacqui Dankworth Quintet gave a stunning performance of songs from the album she produced with her late father in the months before he died last year. The quality of this session reflected her pedigree in the jazz world.

Ollie Brown (of Driffield) then played out the main stage for the day. A young man with a huge amount of talent, who's performance had the crowd up on their feet dancing, swaying, arms waving and would not let him off the stage until he had given 3 encores.

Already exhausted we headed for the late night tent. Holly Taymar set us off with her chatty and amusing tales between her songs. Farino appeared next and their flamenco was fast paced and truly absorbing. They were truly surprised at their reception and the call for "more" at the end of their performance.

Before we had time to catch our collective breaths blues rock band'This Way Up' were on stage and ready to rock the night out - culminating in more frenetic dancing and cheering. This completed another superb day. I for one was grateful to see the tent and my little camp bed.

Sunday
A more relaxed start this morning. Broke camp (told you- got the lingo) after breakfast. Made our leisurely way to the grounds. The Rob Law Trio played the first set on the main stage, giving a relaxing mixture of soul and Latin jazz which had the audience absorbed. Rob Law Trio plays regularly at Hull's Pave Bar on a Tuesday night.

The Great Hall had Ed Bell, Skintight International and Ben Beattie and the Jazz Essentials again then Edwina Hayes gave her usual accomplished performance which held the audience throughout.

Beverley Folk Festival presented Jess Lawson to finish off the events in the Hall.

Claire Martin came onto the main stage giving a super performance which held the audience in a magical world of jazz singing. As if this was not enough, we were then treated to Saffron's Sound Safari, a truly talented artist with powerful vocals that resounded around Burton Agnes, attested to by the amount of cheering and clapping by the people present.

Octopus were the penultimate act of this festival. A big band combo who played many favourites including sounds made famous by Duke Ellington and Count Basie. A chance meeting at the Wigan Jazz International Festival between Keith Parker and Alan Jones led to this bands creation.

All too soon we came to the finale of this year's festival. Playing it out was our host, Simon Cunliff-Lister on sax and Saffron Byass, vocals backed by the Rob Law Trio. An excellent job well done.

I must not forget to mention the sterling work done by the many volunteers, sound and lighting crew and the many artists who make this a very special event. Congratulations all on a superb festival.

So we bid farewell for another year leaving with fond memories yet again. Andrew and Eve last seen talking with Tony from the Alligators with his wife Elaine as Alison and I and the ........ tent slipped quietly into the night and headed for home.
Denis, Alison, Andrew and Eve
Yorkshire Gig Guide
All interviews and film will be posted shortly

The Rise and Fall of Little Voice Hull Truck Theatre 19th July- 20th August 2011. Review

2011-08-03T08:09:00.000-07:00

Hull Truck Theatre thrilled to the very human and funny Jim Cartwright play 'The Rise and Fall of Little Voice', deftly directed by Hannah Chissick to delight Tuesdays audience and promises to be another Hull Truck Hit.

Helen Sheals as Marie Hoff, powerful personality oozes with sluttishness overpowering dominating and silencing her shy timid daughter 'little voice' played by Lauren Hood. Lauren exiles her self in her room absorbed by her music and records, and sings gloriously to her self- that is until her voice is heard.

Enter her Mum's man Ray Say played drunkenly lecherous and swaggeringly opportunistic by Neil McCaul to complicate Lauren's life and Billy the young telecommunication engineer played by Philip Hill-Pearson, earnest and honest, smitten on sight by 'Little Voice' and inspired to action. Mum's best friend and confidante Sadie played open honest and very funny by Lisa Riley supports mum through her drunken traumas with hilarious effect and Jack Chissick sparkles as the Ritz owner and compeer who is unwittingly drawn into the plot.

Lighting by Douglas Kuhrt along with set design by Susannah Henry of lounge and bedroom and Ritz Stage worked seamlessly together and added to the story.

Lauren Hood sang beautifully and the music was glorious.The audience sat absorbed and involved laughing and cheering as this brash, gritty, funny story unfolded with a warm touching human truth, that left me feeling good and satisfied. Not a play to miss!!.

Andrew Sugden
YorkshireGigGuide

Hull Truck Theatre
Box Office
Tel: 01482 323638
The Rise and Fall of Little Voice Hull Truck Theatre

29 Jul 2011 - 20 Aug 2011 @ 7.45pm, Matinees Weds & Sats @ 2pm, Talkback 18 Aug

Frolicking Fridays in Nelson...

2011-08-01T19:04:00.000-07:00

Friday 5^th August

First Friday Frolics

We are pleased to present....

DAVE WOLFE, After 30 years as a Corporate Comedian and with two Royal Variety Shows, Punchlines, Live at Her Majesty's, That's Life and Comic Relief under his belt, Dave is bringing his experience to the newer comedy circuit.

"Dave Wolfe is a master of mischief. He holds the mirror of mirth before us and shows us our own absurdities. But twinklingly. For he is a benign force for laughter. And these are all too rare". The Daily Mail

KAREN BAYLEY, Already a rising star on TV and radio, she has appeared on The Last Word, Take The Mic, Sex on the Job, The Fred Macauley Show and a regular on Radio 5 Live .

“Bayley's material surprises with inspired and sparkling punchlines with comic timing that is rarely less than brilliant. An assured performer who doesn't have much trouble getting audiences laughing." Chortle UK

ROB RILEY, one of the best comperes on the circuit. A committed vegetarian, firearms enthusiast, Buddhist and ex-convict, a natural comedian. "Rob Riley produced a completely sound set with perfect timing “ City Life

HELEN KEELER, Since deciding to leave her previous career as a lady of negotiable virtue, Helen has certainly done some serious business in the world of laughter. “A certain poise on stage - enough to make her memorable”. --- Steve Bennet Chortle

Doors 7.30pm Starts 8.15pm

Tickets: £7.00 advance; £8.00 on the door

Saturday 6^th August

Family Friendly Film Club: Music and Music Making

Join us at the ACE Centre Nelson, for a music making themed programme of films and shorts in the cinema as part of the fun-filled Family Friendly Film Club Weekender taking place across the North West. There will also be a monster treasure hunt so keep your eyes open!

Love singing? Then join us in The ACE's professional recording studio, Studio 11 for your chance to record a song to a backing track. Sessions will be held throughout the day and will cost just £5 for one take of one song and your chance to take it home on CD. Book early to avoid disappointment!

Commences with a screening at 11am

Film Free

Recording only £5 incl. 1 CD

Saturday 6^th August

Pocket Money Cinema: Tangled (PG)

The magically long-haired Rapunzel has spent her entire life in a tower, but now that a runaway thief has stumbled upon her, she is about to discover the world for the first time - and who she really is.

Running time: 96 mins

Screening at 2pm

Tickets: £2 adults, £2 children.

Monday 15^th August

Monday Matinee: Stagecoach (U)

Regarded by many as the best Western ever made, Stagecoach shot John Wayne to stardom and elevated the prestige of a genre that had hitherto been considered a B-movie province. A group of people travelling on a stagecoach find their journey complicated by the threat of Geronimo and learn something about each other in the process.

Running Time: 92 mins

Screening at 2pm

Tickets: £4.

From All of Us at The ACE

Nelson’s best kept secret…

www.acecentre.co.uk

01282 661080

Raisetheroof Festival 2011

2011-08-01T18:42:00.000-07:00

RAISETHEROOF 2011
- The Twisted Ballroom -
FRIDAY 7TH OCTOBER, LEEDS WEST INDIAN CENTRE, 9PM – 5AM.
Earlybird tickets £12 +bf Jul 1st-Aug 1st. £15+bf tickets available after at Jumbo Records (0113 245 5570) and Crash Records (0113 243 6743).
Or buy online: www.crashrecords.co.uk/ www.jumborecords.co.uk.
Tickets are also available on the door at no extra charge. Get down early to avoid being late. Over 18’s only.

9PM- 5AM

LIVE ACTS, compared by the affable MISS FLEUR WINDYBANK and powered by PURPLE PRO’S HEAVYWEIGHT SOUNDSYSTEM:

DUB PISTOLS
Immense 7-piece Dub legends of BBC Radio One Rob Da Bank’s Sunday Best!

UTAH SAINTS
Extended DJ set from the Old School beats and breaks stalwart duo

SLAMBOREE
Interactive Balkan dance music band with LIVE CIRCUS

Dexter Dextrous and the Fingersmiths
Hillbilly-gypsy, brass-backed Madness

Salsa Como Loco
Live 11-piece Latin fusion

The Soul Circle Gang
Live energetic and soulful Funk, Reggae and Afro-beat

SKA, 2-TONE, REGGAE, ROCKSTEADY AND BALKAN MAINROOM MASHUPS BY WOLFIE, FREEAR, DJ MOO AND DISKO PARTIZANI!

Dubstep, Jungle, Drum and Bass, Dubstep, Electro, and Breaks DJs in Room 2 hosted by Wombeatz Soundsystem: LA LA and the BOO YA, IMMI, LISA CHADDERTON, LINKZ, RIKINES, LAURA HEMSLEY

INTRODUCING A CURIOUS HOST OF SPANKY NEW AND RETURNING DELIGHTS:

SUREFIRE CIRCUS / ‘THE BAUDELAIRES AND THE BALLROOM BOX’ by FLOORSPACE THEATRE / LUCKY DIP for OXFAM/ BUNTY’S CUPCAKE DEN / VJING BY MIDI / UMBRELLA VISUALS DÉCOR / THE KRAFTY SLUTS / FANCY DRESS COMPETITION / RANDOM RAMBLING CORNER / HANYA’S HEALING AREA / INSTALLATIONS by the MARVELLOUS MAJESTICS/ DON’T PANIC LIVE INTERACTIVE ART.

Early birds catch the IMMERSIVE SLAMBOREE CIRCUS OPENING EXTRAVAGANZA at 9.15pm – prepare to get involved!

DUBIOUS ATTIRE and FANCY DRESS is highly recommended. So dust off your tails for The Twisted Ballroom…

Check www.raisetherooffestival.com for more details. Find our fanpage on Facebook, search ‘RAISETHEROOF.’ Find us on Twitter: ‘RTRFestival.’ Fancy getting involved? Email info@raisetherooffestival.com.

Raisetheroof is an independent and not for profit event. All £££ will be put back in to bringing you an outdoor Raisetheroof in 2013 – watch this space.

FRIDAY 7TH OCTOBER, LEEDS WEST INDIAN CENTRE, 9PM – 5AM.
Earlybird tickets £12 +bf Jul 1st-Aug 1st. £15+bf tickets available after at Jumbo Records (0113 245 5570) and Crash Records (0113 243 6743).
Or buy online: www.crashrecords.co.uk/ www.jumborecords.co.uk.
Tickets are also available on the door at no extra charge. Get down early to avoid being late. Over 18’s only.

Carpe Diem Presents Bad Brains Warm-up to the Leeds Fringe

2011-07-28T17:58:00.000-07:00

A great night of female artists held at the Carpe Diem Hosted by Bad Brains as a Taster to the Leeds Fringe.
the audience was Treated to a feast of Explosive musical talent from a varied array of female musicians.

Opening this evenings event in fine style, Miranda Vs the Crock Who soon had the crowd whooping and cheering their handling of rock rythms. The group consists of Miranda Arieh (singer Song writer, lead guitar), Thom Mcgowan (drummer) and her brother Joe Arieh (guitar). From their performance you would not suspect that this group has only been together for just one year. This is a very busy month for Miranda who will be playing at various venues during the Leeds Fringe then onto the Limetree festival to play at the Acoustic tent.

During band change over the audience were entertained by burlesque performers, Gem de la Creme.

Next to hit the stage were Jesus and his Judgemental Father, an exiting group, consisting of Danny (peter Bikini) singing lead vocals, Liz (soup) playing drums, Sof on bass and Donger on guitar. which was greeted warmley by the entheusiastic crowd who were soon jumping and dancing along to this heavy pulsating rock beat.

Yet another display of burlesque risque entertainment led us nicely into our headline act,

Monica and the Explosion.

Swedish performer, Monica Welander brought her talents to Leeds for the first time, accompanied by Paul Slack (formally of U.K. Subs) This duo have also been together for the past year.They give an extended performance which had the assembled fans of music crying out for more, thus rounding off the evening with cheers and whistles in appreciation of their rousing and electrifying performance.
The evening was admirably compared by Mick Shakhlevich, who made Yorkshire Gig Guide very welcome.

Denis, Hannah, Jason, Asia, and Chris - Yorkshire gig guide.

Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks, Three Trapped Tigers, Spectrals and more added to Constellations

2011-07-27T05:02:00.000-07:00

CONSTELLATIONS FESTIVAL

Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks, Three Trapped Tigers, Spectrals and more added to Constellations

Broken Social Scene @ last years festival copy right Rick & Mindy

More Bands Announced: Constellations Festival are pleased to announce that Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks has been added to the festival as their very special guests. Joining him will be Three Trapped Tigers, Spectrals, Vondelpark, Braids, Givers, Islet, Big Deal and Fear of Men as new additions released today.

Wild Beasts will headline the 2011 event with Yuck and The Antlers announced in the first wave of bands. Constellations will take place at Leeds University on Saturday 12th November.

Bands Confirmed:

Wild Beasts
Yuck
The Antlers
Very Special Guests Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks
Three Trapped Tigers
Spectrals
Vondelpark
Braids
Givers
Islet
Big Deal
Fear of Men

Early bird tickets have now sold out. Standard price tickets at £29 (plus fees) go on sale Wednesday 27th July at 9.00am.

http://www.seetickets.com/Tour/CONSTELLATIONS-FESTIVAL

Event: Constellations Festival
Date: November 12th 2011
Twitter: @cnstlltns #constellations2011
Facebook: www.facebook.com/constellationsmusic
Website: www.constellationsfestival.com
Tickets: www.seetickets.com and Jumbo and Crash Records

Crown of Lights, Heckmondwike rocked and jived for over nine hours...

2011-07-26T04:18:00.000-07:00

Hi YorkshireGigGuide, Heckmondwike rocked and jived for over nine hours last Saturday in glorious sunshine as Green Park attracted the biggest crowd yet to the 9th Crown of Lights Free Music Festival. This year, for the first time, there were two stages so the organisers could fit in all nineteen bands and acoustic acts. Festival director and MC, Donal O'Driscoll, said, "It was literally non-stop music and everyone seemed to love how we were just switching stages as soon as an act had finished. It was exhausting for us but you could tell the crowd was loving it."

The event attracted many local families as the organisers make every effort to make the festivals child friendly. Co organiser Peter Earnshaw said, "We noticed a lot more families were staying for much longer this year. It always enhances the atmosphere when everyone can see how much the kids are enjoying themselves."

Due to a reduction in funding there will now be only one festival a year. However Donal was keen to stress, "If it wasn't for the financial support provided by Kirklees Council we wouldn't be able to put on any festival in Heckmondwike. I'm very grateful to them for the funding we've been assured for the next two years but we'd also love to have a sponsorship deal so everything isn't done on a shoestring."

A new season of music starts on 7th October at The Comrades Club on Regent St,the home of Crown of Lights. Visit www,crownoflights.org.uk or text 07533 466129 for more details.

All the best
Donal O’Driscoll

Leeds Rocks at Milo

2011-07-21T06:34:00.000-07:00

July saw a pre - Leeds Fringe event at Milo's hosted by Leeds Rocks in aid of People In Action. It certainly rocked to the sounds of Aron Boyer, Ally Jowett, Claire Cameron and a host of other local talent. The crowd enjoyed the gravelly voice of Aaron Boyer singer writer with syncopated rhythmic guitaring.
Ally Jowett Treated us to a melodious set of his own songs and covers. His influences are Leonard Cohen and Niel Young and he is a veteran of the music scene.
And looking as lovely as ever Claire Cameron played a solo set on the keyboard. Claire gave an inspired performance vibrant and full of energy. Singing her own songs and covers Claire had the audience hushed and enthralled.

This event started early in the evening and was hosted by Hannah of Leeds Rocks in aid of People In Action an organization who support people with learning disabilities.

Eve Winterburn
YorkshireGigGuide

Centre Stage 2011 ----- The Grand Final ----- and the winners are...........

2011-07-20T14:40:00.000-07:00

The Leeds O2 Academy was buzzing in exited anticipation of the evening's event. As the winners of last years competition appeared on stage there was a great roar of appreciation from the massed audience. The Penguins did not disappoint. Our hosts for the evening from Radio Aire were Larry and Paul ensured the evening ran smoothly between band changes.
The contestants appeared in the following running order:-

Sprayed Aces

You Had Me At Hello

Vinyl Party

Neve

Marsicans

The Mexanines

The Riatines

Traffic Wire

Sharp Darts

Inlaze

St Somebody

Carbon Party

Each new band was greeted with the same lavish enthusiasm as the last. Whilst we were waiting for the Judges (Melvin Benn, Mike Heaton, Alan Raw and Matt Bowman) decision we were treated to a final act by "The Talking Angels" which rounded off the evening in grand style.
And the result was...........Runners up St Somebody. Their prize is 2 days in a recording studio and to play their song at the 360 Festival.
Now to the winners who receive £1,000 worth of musical equipment, an endorsement deal with John Hornby Skewes & Co. Ltd. and not forgetting they will be playing at the Leeds and Reading Festivals on August Bank Holiday Weekend. Could they be your favourite too? They are ............

Mexanines

Yorkshire Gig Guide would like to add their congratulations to the worthy winners and wish them all the best

for the future.

The event was in aid of Martin House Children's Hospice. More information can be gleaned from ssmith@martinhouse.org.uk

Denis

YGG

Centre Stage present the final at the 02 academy Leeds

2011-07-18T10:40:00.000-07:00

MARTIN HOUSE CHILDREN’S HOSPICE PRESENTS….

**CENTRE STAGE 2011 -THE FINAL**

**19^TH JULY 2011 – O2 ACADEMY, LEEDS**

COME DOWN TO THIS AMAZING EVENT TO WITNESS TWELVE OF THE MOST TALENTED YOUNG BANDS IN WEST YORKSHIRE… LET’S FILL THE O2 ACADEMY AND RAISE LOTS OF MONEY FOR MARTIN HOUSE CHILDREN’S HOSPICE

**VINYL PARTY**INLAZE**SPRAYED ACES**TRAFFIC WIRE**THE MEXANINES**SHARP DARTS**ST. SOMEBODY**NEVE**YOU HAD ME AT HELLO**MARSICANS (FORMERLY THE SCANDALS)**THE RIATINES**CARBON PARTY**

ALL COMPETING FOR THE FIRST PRIZE OF PLAYING BOTH THE LEEDS & READING FESTIVALS THIS SUMMER

& £1000 OF MUSICAL EQUIPMENT & AN ENDORSEMENT DEAL WITH JOHN HORNBY SKEWES CO. LTD

**BAND TO BRING THE MOST SUPPORT TO WIN A DAY’S RECORDING IN SOUNDWORKS STUDIOS, LEEDS**

WE’RE THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE THE JUDGING PANEL: MELVIN BENN (FESTIVAL REPUBLIC), MIKE HEATON (EMBRACE), MATT BOWMAN (THE PIGEON DETECTIVES), ALAN RAW (BBC INTRODUCING) & SARAH GARVEY (SINGER/SONGWRITER/OUT OF CONTROL RECORDS)

HOSTED BY THE FANTASTIC (AND SLIGHTLY BONKERS) LARRY & PAUL (RADIO AIRE)

SPECIAL GUESTS…. OPENING THE SHOW – PENGUIN (WINNERS OF 2010)

CLOSING THE SHOW – TALK TO ANGELS

**DOORS 6PM. SHOW STARTS 6.45PM**

THE FINAL IS BEING FILMED BY *LUMEN*, A LOCAL ARTS ORGANISATION. THEIR FILM-MAKERS (INCLUDING VIDEO DIRECTOR, MATT GREEN) ARE CREATING A PROFESSIONAL MUSIC VIDEO OF THE EVENT – AVAILABLE TO ORDER ON THE NIGHT.. AND AFTER

PHOTOGRAPHER CHRIS LAWES (UNDERGROUND STUDIOS) IS OUR OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER FOR THE NIGHT – IMAGES WILL BE AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE FOLLOWING THE EVENT

**FANTASTIC T-SHIRTS AND PROGRAMMES ALSO AVAILABLE TO BUY ON THE NIGHT….**

**TICKETS £5/£3 CONCESSIONS**

AVAILABLE TO BUY ONLINE AT http://www.o2academyleeds.co.uk/event/27532/centrestage-final-tickets

WE RECOMMEND BUYING TICKETS BEFOREHAND, BUT YOU WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO PAY ON THE DOOR, ON THE NIGHT. GET THERE EARLY TO BE SURE TO SEE THE START OF THE SHOW!!

COME DOWN TO THIS AMAZING EVENT AND SEE SOME OF THE MOST TALENTED YOUNG MUSICIANS IN WEST YORKSHIRE - LET'S FILL THE O2 AND RAISE LOTS OF MONEY TO HELP US CARE FOR ALL THE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES AT MARTIN HOUSE CHILDREN'S HOSPICE!

***SEE YOU THERE!!***

Sarah Smith | Centre Stage

LOVE, LAUGHTER … MYSTERY & MOTHERHOOD – AT THE ACE

2011-07-06T08:02:00.000-07:00

LOVE, LAUGHTER … MYSTERY & MOTHERHOOD – AT THE ACE

Friday 8^th July

Comedy Night

Join us at The ACE Centre for two exclusive Edinburgh preview shows overseen by up and coming compere, Freddy Quinn.

Ian D Montford introduces ‘Touching the Dead’.

He’s a Sunderland psychic who talks to famous dead people!

"Spookily skilful, wonderfully observed and hysterically funny character who contacts dead celebrities with incredible results" Time Out

"The show is a spectacular tour-de-force." Fringe Review, 5 stars

"A gloriously deadpan pseudo psychic." The Telegraph, 5 stars

"The character remains hilarious even as the tricks become remarkable" The Guardian, 4 stars.

Followed by Ivan Brackenbury, Hospital Radio DJ –

he plays the most inappropriate songs for patients and hospital staff alike.

"For simple laugh 'til you ache humour, Ivan Brackenbury is the hit of the Fringe." The Evening Standard, 4 stars

"Laughs per minute the funniest show at the Fringe" Time Out, 4 stars.

"Ivans' prime gag is to play the least suitable records for the listeners to his Disease Hour." The Times, 4 stars

"If laughter is the best medicine Ivan Brackenbury should be a real hospital radio DJ, Disease Hour is the most deliciously enjoyable I've spent at the Fringe." The Guardian, 4 stars

Starts 8.15pm

Tickets: £7.00 advance; £8.00 on the door

Monday 11^th July

Monday Matinee: An Inspector Calls (PG)

Based on the classic stage play by J.B. Priestley, An Inspector Calls stars the incomparable Alastair Sim as the inspector of the title. The Birling family are rich, pampered and complacent. It is 1912, and the shadow of the impending war has yet to fall across their lives. As they sit down to dinner one night, celebrating the engagement of the eldest child, Sheila, to prosperous businessman Gerald, a knock at the door announces the arrival of a visitor who will change their lives forever.

Running time: 80 mins

Screening at 2pm

Tickets: £4.00

Sunday 17^th July

Bump and Beyond

Now in its fourth year, the biggest and busiest mothers and babies show in the North West!

The ultimate pregnancy, birth, baby, toddler and parenting exhibition and a fabulous fun filled day for all the family.

And it’s coming to the ACE Centre, on 17^th July 2011.

There will be a fantastic selection of stands, demonstrations and activities throughout the day. See Cute Kids, Top Tots, and Baby Face finalists at the live Grand Final on the day. Don’t miss it!

To book a stand or for more information please call 01772554547.

From 11am to 5pm

Admission is just £1.50.

From All of Us at The ACE

Nelson’s best kept secret…

www.acecentre.co.uk

01282 661080

2011’s Hyde Park Unity Day will be shorter and more family-focussed than in recent years. We want everyone to have a peaceful day.

2011-07-05T06:17:00.000-07:00

Unity Day is coming up soon, but as usual we can't publish the date online- trying to keep it small enough for the police to allow it again. If you could find room to publish any or all of the details below, we'd be very grateful.

HYDE PARK UNITY DAY finishes at 7pm this year

2011’s Hyde Park Unity Day will be shorter and more family-focussed than in recent years. We want everyone to have a peaceful day.

It’s 16 years since the community festival was set up in response to local riots and bad press. Since then the day has gone from strength to strength, becoming so popular that the organisers have decided to calm it down.

Every year a group of volunteers from Hyde Park and around get together to raise funds and plan the day, aiming to bring local residents together to celebrate all that the area has to offer- music, arts, food, dance, sport, info about groups, activities and local business. Just some of the new activities this year are hula hooping, netball, and Lishi (google it!)

This year it’s family time 12-3pm, with the volume turned down, activities for all ages, hopefully culminating in a parade. Then 3-7pm it’s party time- several sound systems will be offering local bands and DJs for your entertainment.

At 7pm the park event will finish, with afterparties elsewhere for people who want to carry on. The big one will be at the Uni- with live bands, DJs and the Iration Steppas.

Volunteers are still needed, especially stewards unitystewards@gmail.com . Or go to www.unityday.org or email janeunityday@hotmail.co.uk if you want to get involved. Or come to a public meeting- every Wed from 1^st June at Wrangthorn Church Hall 7.30pm. Unity Day is for everyone who wants to be involved.

The date is a closely kept secret to keep numbers down at the request of the police. LS6 locals know the date, but please KEEP IT OFF THE NET. This is a local community event.

This is a list of fundraisers, if you have room for any or all of them:

12 June- 20th July Break the World Record for longest Bunting- fb details here, also at CAKE on 25^th June, and Mothership Tent on Unity Day.

9th July Riot Grrill alldayer @ Chemic 2pm-2am. With Woolf, Cows on Parade, Awesome Wells, Claire Mooney & more + Food. FREE in- donations please.

9^th July Something in the Loft@Fenton 4pm-1am. Only £4 in, £1.50 on selected drinks.

There will be cake, comedy, candles, dancing and partial nudity.

10^th July Reggae Reggae Sunday@Royal Park pub 2-9 reggae + BBQ with Caribbean flavour

15^th July Caribbean cookery class@Wrangthorn Church Hall. 2-6pm. Only £5.

15^th July – gig@Fenton Ross Winter, Ghost Dog, Ben Eyes, DJ Quip, Pigeon Inc.

15^th July Swing ‘ting @ Beaverworks. Swing, burlesque, electro swing etc.

17^th July Unity Jumble Sale@Wrangthorn Church Hall, LS6 1AF. 10am - 3pm, 50p entry. Tea, cakes and acoustic music. If you have any jumble to donate or want a stall in the hall, contact liz.wigley@gmail.com or 07960828285.

29th July Hanky Panky Burlesque at Brudenell.

6^th August House about it?@Eiger Studios, New Craven Gate, LS11 5NF. Dirtbox Sound System presents a night fuelled by all types of house music from hard and dark to light and dancy. 10-5am. £5 on the door.

Regards,
Jane Clifford
Communications, Hyde Park Unity Day 2011
www.unityday.org.uk
Facebook Group
Facebook Page
Twitter @HydePrkUnityDay