The Burnley International Rock and Blues Festival
Published January 22, 2012 |
Doc Redeye Events and Burnley Council Presents
The Burnley International Rock and Blues Festival
In Proud Association with AMS-NEVE
4-6th May 2012
The Burnley Blues festival has been an icon of the international music scene for almost 24 years, bringing some of the world’s greatest artists into the town. Over the last few years the festival has struggled to maintain a three-day schedule, and it has been though the determination of a few local venues and the council that the event has continued to entertain enthusiastic audiences from around the UK.
Now, a new partnership between the Council and Doc Redeye Events has brought the festival back to its rightful 3 day status, and to take the festival to even further international heights, the Oscar and Queens award winning company AMS-NEVE have joined the team to make this one of the greatest events in the music calendar again.
This time the town will truly be involved, as Burnley is to be turned into ‘Little America’ for the weekend, with American themes across the town centre, cafes and bars. The fringe venues will all have their own identities, the Inn on the Wharf (The Chicago stage), the Talbot (The Austin Stage), the Coach and Horses (The New Orleans Stage) and the Bridge (The Memphis stage) are the first to be announced with more to follow. Cafes and restaurants will also be involved serving themed dishes and even pancakes and waffles in the mornings, with some hosting acoustic stages throughout the weekend.
The image of a North West English town becoming Little America for the weekend has already grabbed the attention of the USA with a major city having a real interest in sponsorship for the following year 2013. There will be fun events throughout the town as well as music and themed activities.
Councillor Jeff Sumner, the Council’s executive member for leisure and culture, said: “It’s great that the Blues festival is back to rocking the town over three days and there’s going to be a great party atmosphere over the whole weekend. You won’t have to be a Blues fan to love every minute of what promises to be a brilliant festival.”
The Burnley Rock and Blues Festival is also launching a dedicated website www.burnleyrockandblues.com over the next few weeks as the final contracts are completed and the full line-up announced. The festival team are determined to bring in young bands on the circuit as well to attract new audiences to the live music scene and put the new University town firmly on the map. Fresh from recording their album with producer Greg Haver (Manic Street Preachers, Super Furry Animals) Albany Down will be appearing at the festival alongside another ‘New Generation’ band Virgil and the Accelerators, who have just completed a sell out tour with Joanne Shaw Taylor and Oli Brown. One of the biggest Blues names in the US Jimmie Vaughan will be headlining the opening night in an exclusive UK appearance to keep the blues fans buzzing. More act confirmations coming More info
TORQUAY BLUES FESTIVAL
Published October 7, 2011 |
It’s not too late to buy your tickets for the TORQUAY BLUES FESTIVAL November 4th, 5th, and 6th
The line up:
Friday tickets £30
Mike Whellans
Will ‘Harmonica’ Wilde
Todd Sharpville
Late night jam session
Saturday tickets £40
Workshops, with Will Wilde and Mike Whellans
The Untouchables
The Baddest Blues Band
Son of Dave
Ian Siegal
Big Joe Louis and his Blues Kings
Late night jam session
Sunday tickets £30
Catfish Keith
The Hamsters
Ben Waters Band
You can stay in for £165 ! including half-board accommodation and Festival entry, with an extra Sunday night for £30 (double occupancy) or £20 (single occupancy)
There’s a Bays Brewery real ale bar, swimming pool, and carvery and it all takes place in the Rainbow International Hotel’s nightclub, the Club Rainbow
Tickets: www.torquaybluesfestival.com 07855 307 556
More info
GUITAR STAR TO LAUNCH NEW BBC SESSIONS ALBUM AT ICONIC, RESCUED LONDON VENUE
Published September 19, 2011 |
Less than a year ago, The Times of London, no less, ecstatically described guitarist Stephen Dale Petit and his 100 Club-saving concert as an “axe maestro and gig worthy of a place in 100 Club folklore”…
**Saturday, October 8th 2011 sees his triumphant return to that legendary venue**
Fresh back from recording his next (as yet untitled but slated for early 2012 release) album in Nashville, Tennessee with producer Vance (Kings of Leon, Willie Nelson, Alicia Keyes, The Dead Weather, Buddy Guy, Keith Richards etc…) Powell at the controls and input & inspiration from the likes of Jack White, Martina McBride and Dave Stewart, Stephen Dale Petit unveils the release of not one, but two, albums in the next six months!
At the much anticipated 100 Club date, Petit will be showcasing tracks from both the Nashville album and the November 2011 release Stephen Dale Petit - The BBC Sessions which features his guest appearances on BBC Radio 2’s Paul Jones Rhythm & Blues and Bob Harris Shows. As with the 100 Club gig so beloved of many daily newspapers, the BBC Sessions also contain some stunning contributions from ex-Rolling Stone Mick Taylor.
Petit’s first two albums Guitararama and The Crave enjoyed commercial success and scooped Album of the Year Awards from magazines ranging from Guitar & Bass to Classic Rock and Mojo (who dubbed him ‘Guitar Hero 2011’) and enthusiastic full features in daily newspapers from The Sunday Express to theIndependent and the Times.
Highly acclaimed past SDP sets at the 100 Club have seen guest appearances from, amongst others, Ronnie Wood, Mick Taylor, Phil May and Chris Barber. TheOctober 8th gig will witness another incendiary set from Petit and his new, young band (average age 23) as they once again set the club alight with both new and classic material and judging by past events, appearances from a surprise guest or two.
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Henrik Freischlader Still Frame Replay UK Tour September 2011
Published September 7, 2011 |
After a successful debut UK performance at the
Maryport Blues Festival in July, Henrik Freichlader’s first UK tour takes place
this September.
Inspired by guitarists such as Gary Moore, BB King,
Stevie Ray Vaughan, Peter Green, Rory Gallagher, Robben Ford, Henrik
Freischlader forged his own blues rock style as a virtuoso guitarist with a
sonorous, gravelly voice, and above all a real love of the blues. He’s opened
for BB King, Gary Moore, Peter Green, Johnny Winter, Joe Bonamassa, Jethro Tull
and developed his own style to the point that he’s a star in Europe. So much so
that by the date of its release ‘Still Frame Replay’had amassed in excess of
5,000 pre orders and received rave reviews .
‘Still Frame Replay’ is the follow-up to
Freischlader’s critically acclaimed 2009 release ‘Recorded by Martin Meinschäfer’.
It is also produced by Meinschäfer and is his most diverse collection of songs
to date. The title track features a performance by American guitarist Joe
Bonamassa, whom Freischlader supported on tour in 2007. Henrik was the only non
US artist listed in the Overseas artist category in the British Blues Awards.
Thursday 15/9 LONDON – Beaverwood Club
Friday 16/9 LONDON – Boom Boom Club
Saturday 17/9 BUXTON Blues Festival – Buxton Opera House
Sunday 18/9 LEAMINGTON SPA Blues Festival- The Assembly
Monday 19/9 GRIMSBY – Yardbirds Club
Wednesday 21/9 GLASGOW- The Ferry (with Gerry Jablonski Band)
Thursday 22/9 FALKIRK – Behind the Wall (with Gerry Jablonski Band)
Friday 23/9 ABERDEEN – Blue Lamp (with Gerry Jablonski Band)
Saturday 24/9 DUNDEE – Dexters
Sunday 25/9 EDINBURGH – The Voodoo Rooms (with Gerry Jablonski Band)
Monday 26/9 DERBY – The Flowerpot
Tuesday 27/9 SCARBOROUGH – Blues Club
Thursday 29/9 MANCHESTER – Academy 3
More info
PLUMPTON BLUES FEST, UK’S NEWEST FEST KICKS OFF IN STYLE!
Published August 22, 2011 | 
Wilko Johnson talks about his forthcoming tour
Published August 20, 2011 |
Former Dr Feelgood guitarist Wilko Johnson talks about his forthcoming tour and about his time with Dr. Feelgood, modern technology, Norman Wattroy, Dylan Howe and much more …
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AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY BLUES SPECIAL AT ABBEY FEST!
Published August 20, 2011 |
The forecast for August Bank Holiday is good and the music promises to be even better. The ever popular Abbey Fest at Merton Abbey MIlls in London SW19 has a great line up of classic blues & R&B, running from Friday 27th to Monday 29th August. Some of the finest up and coming acts in the UK will grace the stages of the bandstand and the lovely Colorhouse Theatre.
The Line-up includes -The Robin Bibi Band with guitar master Robin Bib, Bad Influence featuring the wonderful blonde bombshell Val Cowell, Crosstown Traffic with Charles Shar Murray and Buffalo Bill Smith, Elephant Shelf featuring the boogie piano and red-hot fiddle of Diana Stone, Roadhouse with the elementally powerful guitar of Danny Gwylim, Incredible Blues Puppies with harmonica virtuoso Alan Glen, the Dave Raphael band with (yes you got it) Dave Raphael, B’Mused, and others.
Bandstand events are free Colorhouse Theatre events incurr a door charge – BOX Office is 0208 542 5511 and a full list of events is on www.abbeyfest.co.uk
More info
International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is now accepting entries for 2011
Published August 18, 2011 |
The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is now accepting entries for the 2011 competition. Now is your chance to enter what the NY Times calls “the competition to take note of” with $150,000 (US) in cash and prizes and the most prestigious judging panel of any songwriting competition worldwide.
ISC, now in its tenth year, is an annual competition whose mission is to provide the opportunity for both aspiring and established songwriters to have their songs heard in a professional, international arena. ISC is designed to nurture the musical talent of songwriters on all levels and promote excellence in the art of songwriting, and to provide the opportunity to have these talents heard by the most influential decision-makers in the music industry.
Artist Judges:
Tom Waits; Jeff Beck; My Morning Jacket; Kelly Clarkson; Tori Amos; Massive Attack; Darryl McDaniels (Run DMC); Robert Smith (The Cure); Keane; James Cotton; Wynonna; Craig Morgan; McCoy Tyner; Michael W. Smith; Black Francis (The Pixies); Chayanne; John Mayall; Mose Allison; Toots Hibbert (Toots & The Maytals); Robert Earl Keen; Jeremy Camp; Billy Currington; Trombone Shorty; and more…
Industry Judges
Monte Lipman (President, Universal Republic Records); Ric Arboit (President, Nettwerk Music Group); Allison Jones (VP A&R, Big Machine Records); Dan Storper (President, Putamayo World Music); Angel Carrasco (Sr. VP A&R, Latin America Sony Music and President, Discos 605); Kim Buie (VP A&R, Lost Highway); Bruce Iglauer (Founder/President, Alligator Records); and more…
Enter your songs before September 21st at our website – http://www.songwritingcompetition.com
Ben Short
International Songwriting Competition
(615) 251-4441
ben@songwritingcompetition.com
More info
Greystones takes over where The Boardwalk left off
Published July 29, 2011 |
LEADING SHEFFIELD BOOKER CHRIS WILSON’S SUCCESSFUL NEW VENTURE – The Greystones takes over where The Boardwalk left off
Sheffield live music fans disappointed by the closure of the Boardwalk will be delighted to know that Chris Wilson who ran the venue for 15 years, is up and running again as part of a successful new venture at the GREYSTONES Sheffield, S11 7BS.
Again it’s a live music seven nights a week place but Chris doesn’t have to run all of them. “I’ve joined forces with Thornbridge Brewery and four other promoters are involved on different nights. This is fantastic for me; it leaves me free to concentrate on the music, maintaining the very highest quality on the nights I promote.”
The gig list certainly bears that out with Steve Tilson, Larry Miller, Dana Gillespie, Wilko Johnson, Michael Chapman among the acts booked over the next few months.
Chris is one of the most respected music promoters in the North of England; he didn’t go into detail about the closure of the Boardwalk, saying only;
‘A very hurtful series of events surrounding the renewal of the lease in February this year forced me and my family out.’ He also noted: ‘…those involved had seriously underestimated the strength of feeling the events aroused among music fans, the Sheffield media and public.’
The search for a new venue was urgent ‘When it all occurred I had 200 shows booked in for 2011’ said Chris. ‘But thankfully I personally knew most of the acts involved like Wilko Johnson and the Nimmo Brothers.
I rang them all and when asked what I’d do next I said ‘Well I’ve got this friend who runs a venue called the Greystones, and they all said go for it.’ The Greystones used to be known as the Highcliffe which until a few years ago had hosted a famous folk club. Thornbridge Brewery took over the failing Highcliffe in November 2010. They re-named it and re-opened the music room so already establishing itself the venue was the ideal opportunity for Chris to re-locate to.
The dust has settled and the new venture is going well, ‘It’s a great gig, like a mini Boardwalk; same layout and great vibe.’
There have already been several sell-out shows including Wilko Johnson ‘Both Wilko and Norman Watt-Roy raved about the venue’ said Chris. He’s got a lot more to tell us about his memories of the Boardwalk and the great artists he’s worked with and will be talking to us in due course but meanwhile we wish Chris & family every success.
Here’s a list of the shows booked so far – it’s looking really good for Blues & Rock fans.
Aug 21 the Hamsters, last Sheffield gig; Aug 24, Hamilton Loomis.
Sep 7 Bob Log III, Sep11 Steve Tilston, Sep 25 Nimmo Brothers, Sep 30 Larry Miller Oct 3 Heidi Talbot + Boo Hewerdine + John McCusker, Oct 5 Frank Vignola Trio, Oct 10 Sleeping Dogz, Oct 11 Hank Wangford, Oct12 Catfish Keith, Oct 18 Michael Chapman + Rita Hosking, Oct 24 Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Oct 26 Stephen Fearing + And More info
Cambridge Rock Festival 4th to 7th August
Published July 23, 2011 |
Cambridge Rock Festival 4th to 7th August
CAMBRIDGE ROCK FESTIVAL 2011 – The best ever!
This year’s Cambridge Rock Fest from 4th to 7th August looks like the best ever with a stunning line up that will appeal to Rock, Prog and Blues fans. For Prog rock fans there is a major coup with the booking of fabled Canterbury rockers CARAVAN, there’s also the prog-rock epic specialists THE ENID – for heavy rock there are THE HAMSTERS on their farewell tour, THE QUIREBOYS and ESSEX legends EDDIE & the HOTRODS. For Blues and Rock fans one of the festival highlights has to be LARRY MILLER – Larry always produces a peak performance for this festival – 2010 was a stunner and Larry promises an even better show for 2011- he’s at an artistic and creative peak. Blues & R&B fans are in for a treat – there’s rising star CHANTEL McGREGOR, circuit names include ROADHOUSE, BAD INFLUENCE, ELEPHANT SHELF, BEN POOLE, THE MUSTANGS and JAY TAMKIN. There are a host more bands, 70 real ales and its just £79 for four days. Not to be missed.
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Another Harvest of the best of British Blues
Following the resounding success of this year’s UK-wide search for Britain’s best emerging Blues talent, the world-renowned Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival in New Brunswick, Canada, is launching, for the second year running, its ‘New Brunswick Battle of the Blues’. The competition is looking for unsigned bands and artists creating original, quality music and the winner will be showcased on a world stage at the Festival in September 2012.
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