Buz April 2016

PAULINE DANIELSIAN PROWSELYN STAUNTONCONNIE LUSHBILL ELMSAMY CHALMERSKATHERINE MURPHYRICHIE NOONANALEX MCGRATHCHRISTOPHER KELLYJIM PEARSON

Interviews with:LULU, YES LULUBRIAN CUMMINSJOE SYMES AND TLKPlus:CREAM CLASSICSGARY EDWARD JONESJAMES BURTON WEEKENDWIRRAL ROCKSand so much more...

APRIL 2016

www.thebuz.co.uk website gig listings updated daily

this month...Editor: Diane TremarcoTel: 0151 558 1007M: 07772475445Email: [email protected]: @thebuzmagFacebook: Get Out More 2Web: www.thebuz.co.uk

Sales/admin: Jade TremarcoEmail: [email protected]

Publisher:Mouse Media

Special thanks to our contributors:Connie LushBill ElmsPauline DanielsIan ProwseLyn StauntonAmy ChalmersKatherine MurphyRichie NoonanAlex McGrathChristopher KellyJim Pearson

Front page:Brian Cummins

DisclaimerWhile precautions have been take to ensure the accuracy of the contents of our magazine, neither the editors, publishers or its agents can accept respon-sibility for damages or injury which may arise there from. Mouse Media reserves the right to edit comments or choose not to publish selected comments, whether in printed, mobile or digital format. No part of any of our publication, whether in print or digital may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, photocopying, elec-tronic, mechanical or otherwise without the prior written permis-sion of the copyright owner.

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15154040

3939The next issue will be May 2016. All adverts and payments must be completed by 20th April.

If you would like to be featured in a future edition feel free to contact us via email, website or telephone.

05 // From Birkenhead to BB Kings

08 // Cream Classics

11 // Ian Prowse

12 // The Buz Live Show

15 // Bang Bang Bang

18 // One to watch: Tabitha Jade

19 // Review by Richie Noonan

20 // Local Artist CDs

21 // Jim Pearson

25 // Alex McGrath

26 // 6 Of The Best (OTB)

27 // Amy Chalmers

28 // North West Choir Fest

29 // Kathryn Murphy

31 // Lyn Staunton

33 // Christopher Kelly

34 // James Burton Weekend

36 // Lulu

38 // Bill Elms

40 // Joe Symes & The Loving Kind

43 // Connie Lush

44 // Wirral Rocks

46 // Pauline Daniels

To advertise email: [email protected] features email: [email protected]

Welcome to the Buz Magazine. We are now in print, online and on social media platforms - follow us and keep up to date with music and entertain-ment on Merseyside.

Van dead locks supplied and fi tted. Hook dead locks available for sliding doors to keep your music equipment safe. A whole van can be fi tted for around the price of an expensive drill set.

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VOCAL ENTERTAINERBARRY WHITE

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CONTACT 07758 639 273

IVAN STAX

FROM BIRKENHEADTO BB KINGS!

It must be some ten years ago that The Buz readers last heard from Brian Cummins. We caught up with him recently at home and fired a few questions at him. There seems so much to ask; it’s really knowing where to start! You have several projects on the go at the moment so maybe we should take them one by one...

1. The Carpet Crawlers, your Genesis Tribute band is now worldwide, you must be delighted with the success? Have you always been a Genesis fan? Genesis has always been a huge band for me ever since I was a kid. I used to drive my Mum up the wall ‘air drumming’ to the old videos when she’d be trying to dish out my dinner. I always wanted to try and pull of a band playing the music but I never dreamt it would happen and especially never dreamt where it would take me in my career.

2. The costumes are quite something! Who makes them and how do you get them so accurate? Yeah, the costumes are a massive part of the show and have taken a lot of time and money to pull off. I’m very lucky actually as a very old friend of mine from many years ago Ali McWatt from Lorelei designs makes the bulk of them for me. She’s so creative and always goes the extra mile for me. I also had Dawn Farrell from lady Elizabeth in Frodsham make some for me and more recently for our ‘LAMB’ tour I had the challenge of getting the REALLY wacky ‘Slipperman’ costume made, which is kind of a walking STD covered in lumps and warts etc., it’s pretty grotesque lol. I actually have a dear friend in Davy Jones of ‘Davy Jones SFX’ who works for the BBC and TV on Doctor Who and other Sci Fi/Horror dramas and on films like Blade and Pirates of the Caribbean. He very kindly took time out during filming to make the most stunning costume to date, but he is also a HUGE Genesis fan which helped lol.

3. Is it difficult to sing whilst in some of those cos-tumes or does it actually help get into character? Well funny you should mention that, but the costume we were just speaking about ‘The Slipperman’ was horrible to sing in, it goes totally over my head and is made of latex and foam with only a small hole for the mouth so it was like a sauna and impossible to breathe after a minute of singing and hopping about in that lol. The other costumes though definitely help get into the character of what Peter Gabriel was doing back in the day, and it all just adds to the nostalgia for the fans who come to the shows, so it’s all good fun.

4. How much work did you have to put into the vocal in order to match both Gabriel and Collins? Well with the Gabriel, not a lot really as my natural voice is very similar. The main thing is the diction and accent as obviously Peter wasn’t a Scouser haha. The Phil side is very similar to Peter’s voice but takes a bit more work but again all good fun as these are the voices I grew up listening to.

5. How did you source the musicians for the band? Each individual part replicates the original so well – are they all huge Genesis fans?Well over the years we’ve had quite a few come and go and we always manage to seem to find some amazing musicians (with the odd exception haha). Luckily most of them have been fans as that’s such a huge leg up coming into a band like the Crawlers as the Genesis back catalogue is such a massive body of work to learn if you’ve never heard it. I try not to advertise for musicians and prefer recommendations or word of mouth and it’s done us well so far.

6. The solo Gabriel show has met with great acclaim, is it scary taking to the stage alone after The Carpet Crawlers? I actually relished the challenge to be honest. It started off as an idea to just do a kind of ‘unplugged’ show, and a lot of Peter Gabriel’s songs work really well in that context, but after delving into the repertoire I was realising that a lot of the music depended heavily on the drum rhythms and synth sounds, so the show evolved into me juggling acoustic, electric and synth guitars and incorporating loads of effects and loop pedals where I was literally making a backing track of each song LIVE in front of the audience ‘on the fly’. I did a short European and UK tour in 2013 and it went down really well and opened up an-other door for me. The highlight though was being asked to perform at the ‘NIGHT OF THE PROGS’ festival in Loreley Germany in 2014 to about 10,000 people. To this date I’m still the only act to have performed the show solo.

7. How did the Security Project come about? For those who don’t know, could you explain a little

about the band? Well literally the night of my FIRST solo Gabriel show in Holland, I got an email from America asking would I be interested in a project? So I got back to them and it was the SECURITY PROJECT, a band based in the USA featuring members of Peter Gabriel’s band and King Crimson who performed Peter’s early material up to the album ‘Security’ (which was the album before ‘SO’) Within a day I was Sky-ping with JERRY MAROTTA who was Peter’s drummer on the first 5 albums and has also played with Hall & Oates, Tears for Fears, Elvis Costello, Stevie Nicks, Cher, and Paul McCartney! It also has TREY GUNN who was in one of the most high brow and intellectual bands out there KING CRIMSON, and at the time also had LOU REED’s guitarist in too. I was invited over to New York and went to Woodstock where Jerry has an amazing studio and we rehearsed and filmed it and that’s the clip you can find on YouTube from 2013. It was the first day I’d met the band and we’re all playing, they have Poker faces and I’m grinning like a Cheshire Cat! haha. Since then we have toured the USA, Canada and Europe.

8. What’s it like working with people you have admired for so long? Do you pinch yourself every morning? It’s honestly insane! I grew up with records and LPs with these guy’s names on and now I’m not only in a band with them, but they’re very close friends, I’d just have never dreamt as a kid when I picked up a guitar it would have lead to all of this.

9. What’s next for the Security Project? Well we have a tour of the West Coast of the USA coming up in May where we will be playing Seattle, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, San Diego and LA. We will also be launching our new Live Album which I have to say sounds absolutely stunning! In October we’re touring the East Coast from New York and up through Chicago and onto Canada I think. We hope to come and tour Europe again early 2017.

10. Is it true you fronted Marillion? That must have been a dream come true? Well, not Marillion but a splinter group featuring Mick Pointer the original Marillion drummer who founded the band and actually NAMED the band. Again I was a HUGE Marillion fan as a kid and watched the ‘Recital of the Script’ video over and over and 25 years later for the Anniversary of that concert I was asked by Mick to go out with a Prog Rock Supergroup and perform that very show I watched as a kid in the Mick Pointer Band. We toured for 5 years and released a Double Live Album in 2014 ‘Script Revisited’ which again I’m very proud of. We haven’t played for a few years but have a show in April in Holland and I’m really looking forward to that one/

11. It’s hard to believe we can still see you playing around the pubs on Merseyside. Where can we catch you during April? I still play all over the place in my ‘day job’ as HUSH but if you’re going the Races at Aintree I’m there all three days, and you can catch me and my old mate AMANDA as ‘CRUSH’ starting at the Liverpool in James Street every Thursday night. I also play places like the Grange Moreton, Royal Oak Bromborough, Blue Anchor Aintree, Jawbone Tavern Bootle. You can add me on Facebook to keep up with more.

Website: www.securityprojectband.com, www.carpetcrawlers.com.Twitter username: BrianCumminsUkFacebook page link: https://www.facebook.com/brian.cummins.52Soundcloud link: https://soundcloud.com/carpetcrawlers

Cream announce a night of dance music classics as you’ve never heard them before, the soundtrack to a generation, performed by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in one of Liverpool’s most iconic and breath-taking buildings - Liverpool Cathedral.

Bringing together three of the city’s cultural institutions for a unique event that will see global dance brand Cream collabo-rate with musicians from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Or-chestra, and will transform some of the greatest dance classics from the electronic music genre in the majestic surroundings of Liverpool Cathedral.

This unique concert, a fi rst for the city will see a 60 piece orchestra come together to perform classical arrangements of some of Cream’s classic anthems from the last two decades featuring special guest vocalists and performances. Curated by dance music duo and former Cream residents K-Klass who have carefully selected the sound track for the concert, they will see their selection orchestrally come to life in a new light with symphony orchestra.

Key contributors include Executive Producer Dave Green from

Liverpool’s Ameritz Music and conductor and arranger Tim Crooks, whose wealth of experience spans diff er-ent sectors of the music industry. Commenting about the forthcoming event Tim said:-

“This is an amazing project that unites the musical forces of Liverpool in one massive feast for the ears. So many colours and sounds from synthesisers originate from acoustic instruments that there’s a clear and exciting sound world that is shared between these two bodies, rich for exploration. This common musical ground is so powerful as we have all the colours and textures of an orchestra, mixed with beats, bass lines, live vocalists and one epic sound system! This will be truly incredible”.

At the heart of Liverpool’s cultural life, the award win-ning Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra is the UK’s oldest continuing professional symphony orchestra, founded in 1840 by a group of Liverpool music-lovers and whose original ethos remains to this day – to pro-mote the love of music and music-making.Sandra Parr, Liverpool Philharmonic’s Artistic Planning

CREAM CLASSICS AT LIVERPOOL CATHEDRAL PERFORMED BY THE ROYAL LIVERPOOL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

CREAM CLASSICS – LIVERPOOL ANGLICAN CATHEDRAL DATESFriday 15th April 2016 *** 2ND DATE ADDED ***Venue: Liverpool Cathedral, St James Mt, Liverpool L1 7AZ /Times (Event & Bar): 8pm – 10.30pm /Age: 18+ (Challenge 21 in operation / Valid photo ID required) £45+BF (General) *This event is standing

CREAM CLASSICS AFTERPARTY @ THE GARAGE – LIVERPOOL Seb Fontaine / Allister Whitehead / A Guy Called Gerald / Paul Bleasdale / Andy Mac / Stuart Hodson & Samuel LamontVenue: Garage, Great Baltic Warehouse Com-plex, 34 Greenland Street, Liverpool , L1 0BS Time: 10.30pm-4am

CREAM CLASSICS PERFORMED BY THE ROYAL LIVERPOOL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Venue: Liverpool Cathedral, St James Mt, Liverpool L1 7AZSaturday 16th April 2016 *** SOLD OUT ***Times: (Event & Bar): 8pm – 10.30pm Age: 18+ (Challenge 21 in operation / Valid photo ID required) £45+BF (General) *This event is standing

Director said: “We’ve worked with many of Liverpool’s great artists from across every style of music, though this will be the fi rst time we’ve worked with Liverpool’s iconic, international club brand and it’s a collaboration that we’re really looking forward to. The magnifi cent setting of Liverpool Cathedral, the fantastic sound of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra along with the essential Cream club mix is set to be a memora-ble night of great music in the city.”

As the UK’s biggest cathedral, and famously called “one of the great buildings of the world” by Poet Sir John Betjeman, this twentieth century architectural masterpiece dominates Liver-pool’s skyline. Resonating with all its heritage, history, ambi-tion and creative possibilities, a centre of worship, learning, culture and tourism, making this the perfect backdrop for such a unique and special event. In addition it is home to the largest

pipe organ in the UK, the power of which will be felt at Cream Classics. Eryl Parry, Director of Enterprise at Liverpool Cathedral said: ““This event represents a unique collaboration of two inter-nationally-renowned Liverpool artistic forces in this world-class venue. An extraordinary evening in this awesome space, is, put simply, a pretty mind-blowing prospect”.

Tickets for Saturday 16th April have now sold out, limited tickets still available for Friday 15th April www.ticketmaster.co.uk

MARC KENNY Every Friday

Cavern Club 6pm - 8pm2nd - Hard Rock Cafe,

Manchester 10pm8th - Cavern Pub 10pm

9th - Vu Bar (after Grand National)

22nd - LFC EURO LEGENDS, Hilton, Liverpool

Full gig listingsand all enquiries

www.marckenny.co.uk

Available Solo or BandWeddings & Corporate

Party bookings

Buy or download new single

whatsitlikeinliverpool.com

Supporting local, live, music

Find us on Facebook: /liverpoolbandspage

NIGHT WHISPERS

CATCH US IN APRIL AT THE FOLLOWING

VENUES:

2nd April The Primrose,

Wallasey

15th April The Saughall,

Saughall Massie

30th April The Irby Social Club.

nightwhispersband.comTw: @nightwhispers4FB: nightwhispersband

This July sees the 5th birthday of our beloved club. There will be a huge party. Over 800 diff erent songwriters have been through our club, either solo, as a duet or with their bands, that’s way over 1000 diff erent musicians.

Some have been as young as 11, some have been octogenarians. People from Mexico, France, Israel, USA, Germany, Venezuela, Vietnam, China and god knows where else. Many from down south, across from Yorkshire and lots from Manchester have made the journey to play at Monday Club. We encourage as many females as males, a really successful edition of MC is evenly spread between the genders.

Bands are greatly encouraged. The Real People came out of a quiet period to take the roof off one night, Hurricane #1 used the MC to practice for a forthcoming tour. Bands show up every week, newly formed or wishing to hone a new song. Sometimes we have bands that actually met at MC. A list of the happening bands in Liverpool at the minute reveals a fair percentage have played the MC at some point.

Poets are also a vital part of the MC experience and we are forever putting the call out to local poets. You are most welcome at our night. Anne Briggs is the poet most associated with our night, her classic ‘Never buy a Poundshop vajazzle

kit’, in fact it was Anne which inspired the most famous song to come out of the night. ‘Hide The Sausage’ by the Southbound Attic Band is a paean to the joys of swearing. It sounds daft doesn’t it (it is daft!) But until you’ve seen the entire room in full fl ight singing along on a Monday night you haven’t lived. Ask anyone who’s been.

And the of course the staple diet is the singer/songwriter. Hugely successful tune-smiths like Miles Hunt, Damien Dempsey, Doctor Robert, Lee Mavers and Ian McNabb have rubbed shoulders with young men and women yet to play on the big stage.

How do you get on is the question I’m most often asked. The answer is surprisingly simple. If you turn up you will get on. It’s a kind of fi rst come fi rst served system. No pre booking is needed, playing and instantly leaving is frowned upon.The night also acts as an informal advice community, studio tips, new band members, what venues treat musicians well. It’s all at Monday Club.

Cavern Pub 8 til 12. Every single Monday.

ian prowse

/amsterdamuk

Rock and Roll singer and songwriter with Amsterdam. Formerly with Pele. Infected with the Celtic soul.

Amsterdam are:

Ian Prowse Vocals and guitar

Johnny Barlow Guitar

Dave Mastracola Bass

Kevin Spurgeon keyboards

Anastacia Worrel Violin

Fiona McConnel /Helen Maher Accordian

Eimear McGeowan Flute

£12

Available to buy from amsterdam-music.com

Amsterdam Local Live Dates

Thursday 7th AprilChester Telford’s Warehouse (Full Amsterdam Band)

Saturday 16th AprilThornton Hough Village Hall (Acoustic)

LIVE SHOW FLORAL PAVILION 25TH MARCH

Pauline Daniels took to the stage and had the audience laughing from the off as only a consummate professional could. She simply IS funny and on this occasion Pauline was helped along by the un-timely, loud laughter of a very young audience member. Very funny. Sense of Sound Singers faultlessly delivered two Acapulco (as Pauline said), numbers, utilising all seven voices to their absolute best. A young apprentice gave a solo and showed us the longevity of this group.

Charmed joined Sense of Sound Singers and wowed the audience; the combination of strings and vocals was truly sublime.A classical piece followed by a chart topper, Charmed are excellent musicians.

The Brian Jones Band began their set by backing Rosie Mundy. Transporting us back to the twenties and thirties with vintage jazz, Rosie sang her heart out and the audience showed their appreciation.

Jade Tremarco gave her debut EP it’s fi rst hearing and it was met with great accolade. She looked very comfortable with the band, you might say she rocked it.

The Brian Jones Band ended the fi rst spot with a few classics. Bri-an is an amazing saxophonist but then all the members are amaz-ing in their own right. Dave Goldberg on keys is a highly respected musician as is Adrian Gautry. Talent beyond talent. Keith and Tim (bass and drums respectively) completed an awesome band.

After Pauline had entertained yet again, it was time to introduce the headline act. No introduction was actually needed as Connie Lush and her band powered onto the stage. Boy can that lady sing the blues? Steve delivers every time on guitar and the Terry/Roy combination on Bass and drums are a formidable force.

All in all, it was, as promised, an eclectic mix of musical genres, each delivered with passion and professionalism. The audience left extremely happy and entertained.

All Friday and Saturday gigs are 9.30pm

Sunday 6.30pm

Friday 1st AprilTHE MUFFIN MEN

with Denny Walley (Zappa & Beefheart )

Saturday 2ndSTRIDER

Sunday 3rdTHE EMMAS

Tuesday 5thRECKLESS ELBOW

Friday 8thSEAFOAM GREEN

Saturday 9th THE JALAPEÑOS

Sunday 10thPHIL JONES


Friday 15thAFRAID OF MICE

Saturday 16thKING ROCK

Sunday 17thSEAFOAM GREEN


Friday 22ndTHE OIL CHICKENS

Saturday 23rdTHE BUFFALO RIOT

Sunday 24thTHE BAND - ITS


Friday 29thFORTY 4

Saturday 30thRED ROCK

Sunday 1st MaySWAMPDOG MILLIONAIRES

STANLEYSCASK

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Five Cask Ales Every Tuesday

QUIZ NIGHT 9.30pmSky Sports, BT Sports

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GLYNWILLIAMS

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Gary Edward Jones launches his single Bang Bang Bang at Liverpool’s Constellations and The Observatory on Thursday 28 April 2016. We take a look at the man, his music and the making of the amazing stop motion video that accompanies the release.

Bang, BANg,bang

GARY EDWARD JONES’ exquisite artistry channels many of the great songwriters of the last 50 years. From the laid back melodies of the Californian halcyon days to the mystical depths of the British folk giants like John Martyn and Nick Drake. All these references inform his music; concocting their own special brew. A packed St Georges Concert Hall in Liverpool, at the end of 2014, for the launch of his bewitching “The Cabinet Maker” album was testimony to the established popularity Gary enjoys on home turf. Since then the momentum has continued with sell-out gigs throughout Merseyside, Chester and The Midlands. Now, in something of a homecoming, Gary launches his single ‘Bang Bang Bang’ at Liverpool’s Constellations and The Observatory on Thursday 28 April 2016. Whist an undoubted local hero, “Bang Bang Bang” is set to spread the word much further afi eld. A conscience without evangelism entwined with a voice created in the

beehive and achingly beautiful guitar picking are the cor-nerstones of this single. It immediately invades the sub-conscious, with a vapour trail that frequently reappears in the coming days. A thought-provoking message cloaked in a myriad of hooks. The message is at once ambiguous but juxtaposed with an eloquent monologue of how many of us feel about the modern world.

“The clocks they turn but no lessons are learnt”. We have all the knowledge but take none of the actions to stop our planet’s decline.

Accompanying the release is Matthew Dolan’s aston-ishing stop motion video; featuring a melancholic, yet optimistic little robot. He channels the principals of mindfulness whilst simultaneously facing an uncertain

future. Modern philosophy combined with a global sense of apathy. His fate is seemingly sealed but yet open to the imagination to determine.Mathew Dolan said: “Bang Bang Bang is a stop frame video which has taken over twenty thousand images and a few months to create. Made in an apple orchard with very special thanks to ‘Studio Lythgoe’ for their time and patience. “The stop frame, hand crafted video, I felt, would marry the pensive lyric with a fi tting, refl ective visual and a chance to create a model world that could be captured fi lmically; this meant building the set and importantly building the right lighting rigs to create the correct mood - plus I really wanted to see a singing robot”. Both song and video stand-alone as great examples of sublime artistry. Taken together they complement each other to a profound level; moving, hypnotic and soothing in a heartbeat. Take the time to listen to an artist at the top of his game with a prolifi c catalogue of soaring songs left to discover.

For the true sentiment and spirit behind the evening, it is perhaps best to simply hear what Gary himself has to say, “This event celebrates the creativity, dedication and hard work that has resulted in a truly unique interpreta-tion of my song, Bang Bang Bang, with the video, the remixes, live performance and event visuals. The song was really the starting point, but it is through the sharing of it with the audience, in a really exciting way, that the poignant message will really come alive and begin to provoke thought and maybe even action. It’s going to be a great night!” The great songwriters are usually prolifi c and Gary is no diff erent in that respect. On the night he will also be showcasing songs from his, all but complete, next album. The sheer quality and depth his compositions suggest that this is an artist in it for the long haul, with songs to keep him company.

Tickets: www.seetickets.com/go/garyedwardjonesbbbWebsite: www.garyedwardjones.com

STANLEY'S 83 SEAVIEW RD, WALLASEY CH45 4LE

WE ARE BACK, FULLY REFURBISHED

AND UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

SATURDAY NIGHT LIVEFEATURING TOP LOCAL BANDS

EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT

9TH APRIL JEDI

16TH APRIL ROAD

23RD APRIL DELTA SONGBOOK

30TH APRIL TELEGRAPH ROAD

SUNDAY 1ST MAY BANK HOLIDAY

MAD MEN

MEGAN LOUISE

At the tender age of 13, Megan Louise is already an acomplished singer songwriter.

2016 is set to become a great year for Megan with the release of her fi rst EP.

meganlouise.co.uk

Armed with a collection of original songs and a recording that has been totally funded by the band themselves, this debut offering from Liverpool-based group Windmill provides genuine proof, if it was ever needed, that a truly inspiring and talent-rich indie music scene is alive and fl ourishing in the Mer-seyside area. For the avid listener, numerous plays of this work are amply rewarded. It soon becomes clear that this CD offers a vitally refreshing opportunity to listen to a local band that not only has the ability to explore and develop their own self-penned material but also possesses a fi ne sense of musical arrangement and form. From the comprehensive sleeve notes, compositional duties on this album were shared between vocalist and guitarist Mick Dolan who wrote nine of the songs while ‘Rest’ is a Dawn Williams composition. The album was recorded at House of Light recording studios and produced, engineered and mastered by Yorkie for Universal Shoes Productions. Prior to its offi cial March 4th 2016 release, this recording has already generated signifi cant interest and also had selected tracks played on both Tom Robinson’s Radio 2 pro-gramme and Dave Monks on Radio Merseyside.

With respect to the songs them-selves, this ten-track CD opens with the terrifi c ‘Birdman’, a haunt-ingly enigmatic piece that draws the listener in with its beautiful ethereal vocal lines and infectious understated melody. As the album progresses the high standard is

unfailingly maintained as stand-out tracks such as ‘Where Are We Now’, ‘Jenny’s Gone’, ‘Rest’ and ’Wake Up, You’re Dreaming’ reveal a level of song-writing and performance that is hugely impressive in its execution. For this reviewer, a real highlight and indeed a common thread that runs through this album is the beautiful spread and fl awless quality of the vocals that grace the tracks on offer. Texturally, they are lush and vibrant while always main-taining a fi ne sense of clarity and resonance, a factor that is certainly attributable to Windmill’s interesting line up for this recording which includes three female vocalists in Dawn Williams, Louise Rodriguez and Jennifer Airey, Mick Dolan on vocals and guitar and David Palmer on bass guitar, keyboards and vo-cals. To complete the line-up, they are fl awlessly supported by Elaine Kinsella on drums and percussion. For this project, the Windmill line up was augmented by the addition of Alastair Ligertwood on cello, Peter Banning on trumpet and Jack and Ben Palmer on vocals. Eschewing the concept of the three-minute hook-laden pop song in favour of compositions that instead display a tasteful maturity, what Windmill have managed to do with such a diverse selection of instrumentation and vocal talents is to create a stunning set of aural landscapes that reveal a depth and subtlety that is reminiscent of Brian Eno at his most creative. Displaying fi rst class production values and sound quality, this album is a top class effort that refl ects well on all concerned with the project.

In summary, with this debut album Windmill fi rmly establish themselves as a talented and imaginative Liver-pool talent. Clearly, they are a band able to effortlessly combine melodic song-writing and performance without a hint of mediocre middle ground. With this offering, Windmill have succeeded, with seamless pre-cision, in making the transition from live performance to the recording studio. As a local band who have written, performed and self-funded their debut album they deserve every credit and success. For any music fan seeking local-based talent at its most dynamic this CD is highly recommended.

WINDMILL WONDERLUST REVIEW Richie Noonan

Title: Be MinePrice: £0.79Artist: Two Black Sheep

Two Black Sheep are proud to announce that their debut single “Be Mine” will be offi cially released as download only on Monday April 18th 2016.

All sales proceeds received by the duo are to be donated to Cancer Research UK and you can help us fi ght this terrible illness by downloading the single in advance of release

NOW TO DOWNLOADVisit iTunes or GooglePlay music and search Be Mine - Two Black Sheep

Thank you for your donation, we hope that you enjoy the music.

Together we can beat cancer. Amy & Ian Two Black Sheep

Hear the song atwww.twoblacksheep.co.uk facebook.com/twoblacksheepmusic

Title: My Fault AnywayPrice: £4.99Artist: Jade Tremarco

Jade Tremarco began her singing career at the tender age of eleven, imitating those of her idols including Eva Cassidy, Alanis Morrisette, Stevie Nicks, Aretha Franklin, Axl Rose, Elton John, Seal and other legendary vocalists.

Jade’s music has always been focused on writing songs based on personal experi-ence; referencing highs and lows of her life, relationships with friends and family, illnesses and above all else, acceptance. Her music is elegant, simple and clean which has only been accentuated by the local legendary musicians she has worked with including Brian “Saxophone” Jones from The Undertakers, The Christians, The Swinging Blue Jeans, The Gary Murphy Band and Vesbim Floyd UK to name a few.

EP of original songs which encapsulate her soulful voice in full. Infl uences of rock, pop, country, jazz, funk, soul and blues all come together to give Jade the tools she needs to write music that refl ects on the past, shares lessons learnt and grows with her as she evolves in both her personal and creative selves.

Available to download on iTunes, Amazon Music and GooglePlay music

Title: RenaissancePrice: £12Artist: Connie Lush Band

After entertaining audiences in 30 coun-tries throughout the world in her 20 year, award winning career, Connie has arrived at a new beginning…

After an enforced absence from the road because of a broken foot, it ended up being a natural pause and from that, a new paragraph has begun in her already sparkling career.

She has a new band, new producer, new material, a new album and a renewed enthusiasm to share it with the world.Within the last year Connie and her long time professional (and personal) partner Terry Harris on bass, have been joined by guitarist, composer, producer Steve Wright and drummer Roy Martin in their touring band.

The album is now ready to be unleashed onto the public and the songs to be given the live treatment at the upcoming Connie Lush Band shows. It’s a new direction, a new start for Connie.A Renaissance….

Once you hear the new songs and see her live, you are sure to want to come along with her for the ride.

SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISTS...

We want to help local artists sell their own music, so we are off ering to point music lovers in the right direction completley free of charge. Simply send in your CD artwork with the relevant information and leave the rest to us. Send to [email protected]

STAGE FRIGHT

I had been writing and recording songs at home for a couple of years, getting a lot of encouragement from a close-knit group of online musicians and songwriters to start playing live. As a younger man I had played hundreds of gigs behind a drum kit, but never as a singer, playing guitar, singing my own songs. I was daunted, partly because I didn’t know how to take the first steps, but mostly because I was scared stiff. So I put it off. As I passed my fortieth birthday it began to dawn on me that life was starting to pass me by and that I would certainly regret not ever having at least given it a go. So, on the first weekend of 2007 I tracked down a local folk club and committed myself to turning-up. I woke that morning with an almost overwhelming sense of doom and foreboding, feeling slightly panicky, but resolute. I tried not to think about it, I just thought about not thinking about it. I was not going to back-out.

When I arrived at Manor Road Folk Club in Wallasey with guitar in hand, I felt inhibited and shy, out of my depth, a fish out of water etc. I found making small talk awkward, although I was a new face so attracted some interest. What do you play? er, I write my own songs… who do you sound like? er… I don’t really know. The open mic evening started and my pulse-rate shot up. I needed to go to the loo between every other performance. Eventually I was ap-proached in the gloom… you’re on next. A huge wave of adrenaline surged through me, my heart was literally in my mouth as I was called forward. I had thought about saying something witty before I got started, but I dried up, and decided I’d better just get on with it. I played what I had previously considered one of my simplest songs (Mary And Me), but I soon discovered that singing live brought a whole host of issues I was suddenly fully conscious of.

So many things to think about, and think about thinking about, each one demanding my full attention. I had to play my guitar with-out making mistakes, I had to remember words, I had to somehow control my wobbly voice, and if any one of these failed I would come to a grinding, embarrassing halt. Nothing sounded the same as it did at home. My arms felt like lead, my fingers like sausages, my throat as dry as the Sahara. But somehow I got through it. Limbs shaking, sweat running down my back, I returned to my seat. I was so relieved. I was applauded, mostly I’m sure because it was my first time. Never-the-less, a warm and friendly reception.

At the end of the night I was encouraged to return, but my nerves were shot. I felt shell shocked for a couple of days and wasn’t sure I could put myself through it again. I did go back, sporadically for a few months, but each time felt almost as bad as my first attempt. Then I ground to a halt. I dwindled, gave up, and decided that the feeling of stage fright was just too much to bare.

About four years went by. I continued to write and record songs at home. I self-produced another couple of albums. I played my acoustic guitar much more at home. Always lurking in the back of my mind was unfinished business. For two years running I vowed to return on Remembrance Sunday to dedicate Long Way Home to my Uncle Ray, but I chickened-out again and again. This sense of failure was starting to feel worse than the fear of performing! I was letting myself down.

At last, on November 11th 2011, it finally dawned on me that getting up to sing in front of thirty-odd like-minded, friendly, encour-aging folk was in no way comparable to the bravery of my Uncle in WWII. So I went back to Manor Road, Wallasey Folk Club… and it was just as bad as before!! Well, not quite. All the previous symptoms persisted, but something was different. I knew that

(despite the nerves) I was doing something I wanted to do – for my own sake – that felt genuinely good… and I decided that this time I wouldn’t back-out and would force myself to keep coming back and become a regular.

And I have. Slowly but surely I have become more familiar to the members of Wallasey Folk and Acoustic Club, and to myself. Occa-sionally I feel inexplicably nervous, but more and more I can keep it in check. The more you do something, the more you improve. Gradually through osmosis I’ve attended more folk clubs in the re-gion and have been invited to play at local events. Then completely out of the blue I was invited to become a resident.

HOUSE GIGS

I first became aware of the house gig phenomenon through my tenuous association with Henry Priestman and Les Glover. I’d been fortunate enough to support them a couple of times at Thornton Hough Village Club, and hence was following their various antics on FB. They do a lot of house gigs, not always in houses; allot-ments, tents, boats, schools…

I started to offer my credentials as a way of taking payment for my album “It Might Never Happen”. I didn’t have many taker’s, but it got the ball rolling.

My first house gig was in a shed, in my sister’s garden in County Durham last summer. A big shed, my sister calls it her retreat. I wasn’t exactly in it, I was just out of it. The gig was to help raise funds for a charity my sister helps to run Deepti Centre, in India. Carrie had invited twenty odd friends and neighbours, most of whom were not quite used to the idea of someone singing at them in a back garden… I felt the same way. At first it seemed like a tough gig for me and them, I don’t play covers, naturally no-one knew my songs. But they were certainly interested, I could tell that much. By the end of the evening, we were all great friends, singing along to “All Sing Along” and the like. I sold quite a few CDs, and even signed a couple.

My next gig was in Liverpool to help Julie celebrate a significant birthday. A real contrast to my open air debut. Up close and per-sonal doesn’t do it justice. Apart from Julie, I knew no one, and vice versa. I was nobody’s brother. Again, many people there “hadn’t had the privilege” of live music in this way, and again by the end of the evening we all had a blast.

I have done a couple more since then, for Brian, then Nick in my home town West Kirby, both brilliant nights, playing for some folks who knew me locally, but not perhaps quite like this.

As a performer, the joy of house gigs is that there is no escape, for them or you. Nowhere to hide. Apart from the garden shed en-gagement, it’s been just me and my guitar. You have their attention, there is no rush, you can take your time, chat between songs, give some context, eyeball to eyeball, if someone “dares” talk, even a whisper, we all know about it. I find playing without amplification totally liberating, it feels like your doing something deeply tradition-al – entertaining by the skin of your teeth, your words, your music, your stories. Old fashioned, which of course I am.

So what are you waiting for? It’s all the rage, impress your friends, book me, I am very reasonable.

jim pearson

OUT NOW The Stunning NEW Album

Kevin Critchley Now Available

On Itunes & Amazon MP3

Also available for purchase via Www.kevincritchley.com

Facebook.com/kevincritchleymusic @kevincritchley

‘One of the albums of the year’—Liverpool Sound & Vision ‘Highly accomplished’ - Liverpool Acoustic

‘Stunning’ - GetOutMore ‘An intriguing listen’ - Native Monster

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PETER AARONJESSE EIGENCAL WILLIAMS

As part of a “covers act/cabaret band” you experience a lot of very odd and sometimes disturbing things. Tonight was no exception.

Towards the end of our last set, a young-ish bloke was going from table to table sitting and having a little chat with people to varying degrees of success. At this point we didn’t have a clue who he was or what he was doing so ignored him. We finished and started to pack away so as to clear the stage for the regular Sunday night Karaoke. The guy comes striding over to our friend Jackie, who hasn’t even gotten a microphone out at this point, and demands that he should be on first seeing as he has had to put up with the fat blokes making noise (wonder if he knew we were still on the stage packing away or was too blinded by his own ego to notice?) and that he had put his song choices in to the bar staff half an hour previous. He then informs her that he had gone around the tables to get everyone to join in when he is on. The response to this was priceless (and unprint-able here...). Impervious to insult and being told he was being disrespectful to two hard work-ing musicians (don’t get called that very often, hard working or a musician) off he toddled back to his friend to crow about being on first.

Gear now in van and he is about to sing. Opening piano riff of “Don’t Look Back in Anger” plays, mouth opens and...Well, you wouldn’t call it singing or in tune or in time! Undeterred by how bad he doesn’t realise he is, he beckons for audience participation of which only a few oblige. The rest sit open mouthed, stunned by his total lack of...Well anything!

Will this make him aware that he is not cut out for this? Hell No! A table of five people joined in so he must be the new Freddy Mercury because he has stormed it or that’s what he will tell his mates at work in the morning. Self belief is one thing but this is total delusion and unfortunately he is not alone. It seems to be happening more and

more that people are of the opinion they are better than the act, whoever they may be, and that we should give them the platform to prove it. Who or what is to blame for this you may ask? Is it karaoke itself or maybe it’s bigger than that. How many times have you seen the latest glut of talent shows revel in the abysmal and embarrassingly bad auditions and then put them through (for no other reason than it makes, in their eyes, good TV) for us all to laugh at and make fun of.

A lot of the respect for hard working professional musicians has gone out of the window in this world of “Me mates and me Mum think I’m great” wannabe singers. I always wonder what would happen (and I know the answer before I even ask the question) if you gave one of these muppets

(and that’s insulting to the real Muppets) the stage and said “If you are getting up for one song then you may as well do the whole set if you are that good”. Don’t forget to mention that they have to be on for three hours and do it with a cracked rib (well that was the fun I had this week) and we will get the masters of the long sets, Paul Kappa, Mark Lacey and Brian from Hush to judge them on how well they have done (that’s if they last more than 15 minutes!). This may seem to be a bit of a rant and you’re right it is (it’s my column I’ll write what I want) so let’s hope nobody annoys me just before I have to submit for next month ;)Alex

alex mcgrath

Alex forms one half of the duo Rigsby’s Cat, that’s Rigsby’s Cat. Steve Lloyd and Alex have been performing on the Merseyside circuit since their teenage years and are well respected both on and off the stage. Alex has a out-and-out quality, stadium rock voice and Steve is the technical guru of the guitar. Together they are magical and extremley funny. A must see.

1. What make was your fi rst guitar and what was the fi rst song you learnt to play on it? I still have my fi rst guitar, it is a 3/4 Spanish guitar – a KC 265 with nylon strings. It was pre-owed when my dad bought it for me and I have had it for over 35 years and still play it. The fi rst song I learnt to play on it was Twist and Shout – D G A – love those Beatles! 2. If you could have anyone sing one of your own songs who would it be and what song would they sing? Caro Emerald, the Dutch jazz singer is amazing and I would like her to sing and arrange my song ‘Crazy Tune’ in her 40/50’s vintage style. 3. Is there one particular song that you would never tire of playing?It would have to be one of my originals, ‘The Game of Life’, it is a big production number and I can imagine Shirley Bassey singing it. I wrote it about my eldest sister Joyce and it always makes me smile to see her so proud of her song.

4. What is your favourite chord sequence and what song is it from? C E7 A7 Dm A7 Dm – ‘Nobody knows you when you’re down at out’ – an old blues standard covered by Bessie Smith, Eric Clapton and Katie Melua, to name but a few. 5. If you could play in any band, worldwide, which would you pick and why? ‘Katzenjammer’, an all female band from Norway. They play original songs in a wide range of genres and they play over 30 instruments between them but most of all they always look like they are having fun. 6. Who is/was your greatest musical infl uence and why?My late father John Halvorsen. He was a singer and loved music and performing. We used to sing at home all the time. We would be singing to each other even while I was in bed reading my book and he was downstairs –probably doing the dishes, we would sing old standards and songs from the shows. ‘When I’m calling you ‘ – an Indian love song from Rose Marie, ‘Only Make believe’ – from Showboat and ‘After the ball’ are some of the memories I have. I would be listening to really old songs that children growing up in the 1970’s weren’t generally exposed to. Because my dad was 43 when I was born and his taste in music was 1920’s onwards. He had been stationed in Italy during WWII and came home with a love for Italian Operas. We had an eclectic collection of records at home and I loved them all from Opera to Jim Reeves.

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amy chalmers

@AmyVChalmers

Amy is a violinist and vocalist who works with a variety of acts that play folk, country, pop and classical music.

She is currently writing and recording an album with her acoustic duo.

She also works in music education on the Wirral.

There’s lots of beautiful music in your local area this April. Here are my top concert tips this month…

New Voices – Wendy Dickinson & Rachel Nicholas at St Nicholas Church, Arrowe Road, Greasby. 2pm, Sunday 3rd April. New music from local young composers. “Come along to fi ll your head with an eclectic mix of new sounds – something diff erent for a Sunday afternoon.”

Liverpool Philharmonic Experience for Families: Play at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. 11am, 3rd April. This is an interactive and super engaging experience for kids and adults alike with games, tales and musical surprises along the way. You’ll experience what it’s like to play an instrument centre-stage at Liverpool Philhar-monic Hall, hold the conductor’s baton and then enjoy a live performance by a Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra musician.

Threshold Festival at Baltic Triangle, Liver-pool. 1st-4th April. An exciting and diverse programme is on off er with the best in original music. See www.thresholdfestival.co.uk for further details.

Chester Philharmonic Orchestra’s St Georges Day Concert at Chester Cathedral. 7.30pm, 23rd April. The orchestra, one of Eng-land’s premier amateur orchestras will perform an all English programme: Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance, his haunting ‘Cello Concerto and Vaughan Williams’ London Symphony. Tickets available from 01244 500959 or www.chesterphilorchestra.co.uk

Gala Concert at St. George’s Hall Concert Room. 7.30pm, 30th April. This fabulous Gala Concert is presented by the United Rotary Club. Its varied programme features a choir, a harpist, the Merseyside Police Band and comedy, and is all hosted by Radio Merseyside’s Simon Hoban. Tickets cost £15 and are available from Sylvia Lewis on 07999 952 628 or Roger Heath on 07525 783 156.

My month will include….

Playing at the Threshold Festival with Operation Lightfoot on 3rd April.

Playing Irish tunes and drinking Guinness with “Tony Q & The Twocans” on Friday 8th in The Irish House, and on Sunday 10th in Shenanigans - two great Liverpool music venues.

Releasing the fi rst “Two Black Sheep” single (my duo – see www.twoblacksheep.co.uk) on 18th April. It’s called “Be Mine” and is available to pre-order on iTunes and Google Play right now! All proceeds will go to Cancer Research UK.

Watching Bellowhead – one of my very favourite bands – perform at the Liverpool Philharmonic on 19th April. I’ll tell you all about it next month!

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AMY CHALMERS WITH A SPOTLIGHT ON: North West Choir Fest

I caught up with Paula from NWCF to fi nd out about their forth-coming event on Sunday 24th April in Neston.

Tell our readers about the idea behind North West Choir Fest: 2 years ago I travelled 5 hours with my community choir to take part in a festival. It was a wonderful day; when I was searching for something to participate in closer to home, I couldn’t fi nd an-ything, certainly not non-competitive. So, as the creative director for Hip & Harmony CIC, it felt only natural to create our own. With the help of sponsors Phillip Bates & Co Ltd and Philip Bates Financial Services Ltd, it’s becoming a reality!

The North West Choir Fest aims to bring as many choirs within the North West together. There are so many community choirs out there but not many opportunities to meet, unless you take part in competitions.

What can participants expect to do on the day?It will be a wonderful day of mass singing. There will be fun and informative singing workshops giving people an opportunity to learn and sing together. These will take place during both the morning and afternoon. Also during the afternoon, all participating choirs and groups will be invited to perform their own repertoire, sharing their sound with like-minded people in a friendly and supportive atmosphere.

The fi nale will involve everyone singing together the repertoire learned collectively throughout the course of the day.

Whether yours is a new group or well established, with four members or 40, this day will be a wonderful opportunity to share and experience singing in sweet harmony with other singers from all over the North West.

Who is leading the singing sessions? The workshops will be led by four dynamic, professional facilita-tors, all experienced in contemporary material and techniques. To fi nd out more about the Leaders please go to: http://northwest-choirfest.co.uk/about/

How can people sign up? Simply go to www.northwestchoirfest.co.uk and book your place!

For more info call Paula: 07588559729 or email [email protected]

She drew the gun is a female front-ed four piece hailing from Liverpool. The band is the brainchild of Louisa Roach, and reminiscent of Portis-head and PJ Harvey, and produced by James Skelly of the Coral.

They have previously bagged a ses-sion at Maida Vale for Radio 6 with Steve Lamaq championing them, also in the final for emerging talent competition for Glasto.

2016 is set for a big year in SDTG camp, get on them before they hit the big time.

New album drops on 22nd April and national tour to support this kicks off from this date and continues until 1st May.

www.shedrewthegun.com

ScarletHailed as the UK’s answer to Patti Smith, Scarlet bring to the front angsty punk and indie vibes to the forefront of Liverpool’s underground scene. With them hitting a whole host of festivals up and down the country including Threshold, We Luv Festival and Tramlines, catch them now.

www.facebook.com/Scarletbanduk

Eleanor Nelly Eleanor has been making waves on the local scene for quite a while now. Being young and fresh faced at only 16, her country folk styles have been catching the eyes and ears of many for a few years now. With big gigs under her belt, and very able to hold her own against artists who have been perfecting their craft for many years longer than Ms Nelly, she can only get bigger accolades from here on out..

Find her material and upcoming shows from her website.

www.nellysworld.co.uk

katherine murphylow flying records

Over the past few weeks there has been a lot of focus around Women in the industry and how they are represented in various roles and how they’re roles are ever changing.

International Women’s Day last month saw a lot of attention brought to the subject, and how even though we are in the 21st century there are still different attitudes to genders within job roles in all workplaces and industries, not just entertainment.

With bands hitting the high tops like War-paint, HAIM, Wolf Alice yet in every review and accolade they receive the focus is on them being FEMALE. Like, is being female the only thing they’ve got going for them? Of course not. Are female artists being given such high praise for being successful just because they are female, like, are they not allowed to be so successful and not be male? Like

it’s almost shocking to some, It’s strange. There are so many suc-cessful women in all areas, but again they are credited for being so good in their own fields of expertise and yet there’s a lot of focus on them being female. As if there’s success in it’s own right to be equal in the field, when by now, it should be a completely ordinary focus, but as we all know, gender inequality is still an on going issue. And there are many stunning ladies out there who are fighting our corner to right this issue..

Find out more here www.musiciansunion.org.uk/Home/News/2016/Mar/Women-in-Music-IWD2016

This month’s chosen artists are all fantastic examples of what Liverpool girls have to offer.

Radios Funniest Quiz Show on CDBest of Hold Your Plums Vols 1-7Hold Your Plums Greatest Hits

Songs of Love and Hope CD5 Beautiful Songs:Mothers AngelsMelissa HartLook For Me in RainbowsLouise RoganLook DownMelissa HartTurning Back The Hands of TmeDanny RomanRose of My HeartMelissa Hart

ALL £5 EACH plus £1 per CD post and package

Billy and Wally’s World Of Scouse HumourRecorded Live At Harry Ramsdens 1998Celebrate Some of Merseyside’s Comic Legends:Jackie Hamilton, Bobby Kaye, Hal Nolan, Lee Brennan, Bobby Shack, Eddie Collington

Hold Your Plums Dvd Vols 1Hold Your Plums Dvd Vol2

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Double CD Billy and WallyCelebrate 50 Pontins Gigs £7Music and Interviews with Joe Longthorne,Micky Finn, Eddie Collington, JackieHamilton, Billy Maher, Eddie Flanagan, LouiseRogan, Drifters, Stylistics, Real Thing ect.

Please make cheques and P/Orders to: Zest Services, 31 Ennerdale Road, Wallasey CH45 0LX

MERSEY MUSIC AND MEMORIESTake a trip down memory lane and grab yourself a CD or DVD to bring a smile to your

face. Comedy, beautiful music or both? All from Mrs Butler’s Eldest; the choice is yours...

Can you believe it’s Easter already!!!! Easter is a very busy time at Variety, the Children’s Charity with everyone deliver-ing Easter Eggs to hospitals, Hospices, schools, organisations and individual Chil-dren who would never receive an Easter egg without Variety.

This year Variety is celebrating 50 years of “Great days out for Children” a programme put together by a group of wonderful volunteers all those years ago , and today it has gone from strength to strength and now needs hundreds of volunteers to carry on doing this wonderful programme for children .

Variety springs into action at this time of year (get it Spring !!! ) to take disabled and disadvantaged children to some amazing fun places, so they can enjoy the activities that many times are just denied to them for all kinds of reasons. This year we have plans for, the zoo, Gulliver’s World, Safari parks, Seaside trips, educational days out at museums, Circuses etc etc. It’s a wonderful time of the year.

If you would like to help with any of the above we would be delighted to hear from you. Remember we need treats for children all year, so if you are a chocolate shop, a bakery, a toy shop, etc and you can donate anything to us, please do not hesitate to contact the Buz Magazine.

Last Month I said I would tell you how the Book signing with Denise Welch went on the 4th March at the Racquet Club Hotel in Liverpool, it was fantastic!!!!!

I would like to thank Billy Butler of Radio Merseyside who came along on the night to interview Denise about her life and her latest book “If they could see me now “. Billy was hilarious and relayed some very funny tales about the famous “Hold Your Plums” radio show. “Thanks Billy as always for your amazing support”.

The House Beauty Spa Liverpool, Hosted the Book

signing , and on the night raised £1,600 for disabled and disadvantaged children in Merseyside. This money goes such a long way in helping children less fortunate than others. I have included a picture of just one of the young people who all the fundraising supports, that is Marcus Harrison, pictured with his dad David at a Variety event.

With the support given to Marcus by Vari-ety, I am delighted to tell you that Marcus has become an Wheelchair England foot-baller, and a young Variety Ambassador, we are all so proud of Marcus.

See you next month.

lyn staunton

/VarietyGB

All over the UK there are children who have to cope with sickness, disability or disadvantage. It’s tough. Really tough.

Variety, the children’s charity, provide practical, tangible help that makes an immediate diff erence to those children and their families.

If you can help in any way, please contact Lyn Staunton or one of the team at the North West offi ce on: 0161 236 0500 or e-mail [email protected]

THE LEVEE BREAKS

M: 07919 250990

Dynamic blues-rock line-up playing Led Zeppelin to Golden Earring, ZZ Top to

Janis Joplin.Available for pub gigs, functions, weddings,

parties. A lively and varied set from experienced

performers.www.facebook/

TheLeveeBreaksbluesrock

For Booking enquiries contact Danny on 07780835618 or

[email protected] details of where

Tequila are performing add them on social

media Facebook.com/tequilawirral and

@tequiladuo on Twitter.

ROCK, POP, MOTOWN & SOUL

Pubs, Weddings, and Parties

T: Mark Whiteley 07719454559 or

Steve Lawson 07906246241

https://www.facebook.com/themarshallhearts/

MarshallHearts

IN CAHOOTSGIGS IN APRIL Friday April 1st

Bromborough Social Club, Legion Lane from 8pm til late with Kim Alvord, fi nalist from The Voice and The X Factor.

charity night in aid of Eastham Young Rangers.

£7.50 OTD inc buff et. Sat 30th April - The

Running Horses, Bells Lane, Lydiate from 9.30pm til late.

In Cahoots are a unique fi ve piece band covering almost every genre of music from contemporary pop to soul,

easy listening to R&B, rock, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and stomping

Irish tunes! Something for everyone!

Available for pubs, weddings and special occasions.

Contact: 07854571991 or 07740972229

Facebook: /InCahoots

BRIAN HARDMAN07429590575

Every TuesdayThe Tap, Charing Cross 6pm till late

Every Thursday The Beerkeg, Liscard 10pm - 1am

Check Facebook for updates

christopher kelly

/ChristopherKelly

Chris Kelly, is one half of the duo, Tippin’ it Up, with his good friend of many years, John Marshall.They mostly play traditional music and song, but mixed in with contemporary and origional songs on a variety of instruments, including guitar, tenor guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, tenor banjo, bodhran and the human voice.

FOLK UPDATE:

Tippin’ it Up are members and residents of Maghull Folk Club which meets every Tuesday at Maghull Community Association.

Taking a look ahead: June 14th,we have Keith Price and Will Simmons as guests,with humour,song and good music guaranteed.

20th September, we have a big spot from our very own Mark Hughes, a young man with a wealth of talent and a multitude of songs and some fi ne guitar playing.

25th October we have our main yearly concert, featuring Jimmy Crowley, all the way from Cork in Southern Ireland. On that night you will be treated to an uncorked bottle of delight, overfl owing with good spirits, eff ervescent vocals, brimful of good bouzouki/guitar playing and wonderful storey telling to boot. His musical enthusiasms embrace everything from Erving Berlin, to The Boys of Fairhill, Salonica and beyond and all for a mere £5.

Each month I hope to highlight diff erent folk & acoustic venues, band and individual profi les and stories old and new.

Remember to keep music live.Chris Kelly.

MONDAYS:The Prospect Folk Club - The Prospect Inn, RuncornApril 4th, Anthony Cooper Clarke is their guest. The Mucky Duck Folk Club, Ewloe, FlintshireApril 4th, The Haughton Weavers are their guests.Room at the Top, Lathom, Ormskirk, singers every Monday.

TUESDAYS:Cornmarket AcousticApril 5th, guests Keith Price & Will Simmons.The Cross Keys, LLanfynyddApril 19th guests are The Time Bandits. Maghull Folk ClubApril 16th guests are Bernice Carters & John Condy. WEDNESDAYS:Bromborough Folk ClubThe Ship Inn, Port Sunlight, see club website for details.Everyman Folk Club - The Cross Keys, Earle Street, L3 9NSSingers nights with occasional guests.

THURSDAYS:Hungry Horse Folk Club, E/Port - April 7th Pete Shirley.April 14th, Jim Moray.Lymm Folk Club - The Spread Eagle Hotel, Lymm.April 7th, guests are Grassroots.April 28th is Liz Simcock. Parkgate, Wirral - April 28th, Huw Williams is the guest.Wrexham Folk Club 1st Thursday of the month is a guest night 3rd Thursday is a singers night.Caz Kraft’s Open Mic every Thurs at Stork Hotel, Birk-enhead.

FRIDAYS:Frodsham Folk Club April 1st their guests are The Trio Threlfall. Rhyl Folk ClubApril 15th The Jaywalkers are guests

SATURDAYS:Friends of FolkApril 11th Feast of Fiddles - The Atkinson Theatre, Southport.The Philharmonic Hall, LiverpoolApril 8th, Kris Drever & Siobhan Wilson15th Bellowhead21st Altan23rd Katheryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman29th The Young ‘Uns.

SUNDAYS:The Bothy Club, Southport 10th April their guest is Eddie Walker24th April it is Pete Coe & Alice Jones. Wallasey Folk & Acoustic ClubWooden Horse folk Club - The Junction Pub, Rainford, April 17th, their guests are Fore & Aft.

James Burton WEEkend 2016Undoubtedly James Burton is one of the world’s great guitar hero’s from Elvis Presley to Ricky Nelson he gave them his unique guitar sound. www.james-burton.net

Thursday 28th July 2016 Floral Pavilion TheatreNew Brighton, Wirral www.floralpavilion.com or tel 0151 666 0000For this evenings show we welcome his long standing musical companion Glen D. Hardin from ‘The Crickets’ to Elvis plus many more. His CV is the envy of many keyboard players the world over. Special guest this evening is a man who is at the very top of the British Rock n Roll A list Marty Wilde. www.martywilde.comWe also welcome back after a number of years Chas McDevitt to take us back to the days of skiffel. Adding to the mix local band ‘Don’t Walk’ and the ‘The Passionettes’ 80s Rockabilly band ‘The Jets’ provide a high energetic start to light the touch paper on an explosive evening. Your compère for the evening is Wirral’s own Merseybeat Star Cliff Roberts.

Friday 29th July 2016 Floral Pavilion TheatreAgain for this evenings show we welcome James long standing musical companion Glen D. Hardin. Topping the bill this evening is ‘The Merseybeats’. www.themerseybeats.co.ukA first visit to the Floral for Cavern stalwarts ‘The Shakers’ who will be joined by Don Woods plus the ‘The Passionettes’ and another first timer for the Floral Wirral band ’The Electric Hat Band’ sit tight and enjoy. To start the evening Henry Priestman former member songwriter with The Christians, brings his unique blend of music. Holding the evening together we have a surprise MC more later!!

Sunday 31st July 2pm to 6pm Cavern Clubwww.cavernclub.org or tel 0151 236 9091James and Glen D welcome you to the Cavern, Liverpool. Topping the bill on this Sunday afternoon is Chris Clayton with a full Elvis set, plus Mark Poutney with a number of songs from the Roy Orbison ‘Black and White show’ to which both James and Glen played on. A welcome return for Cavern veteran Frankie Connor (The Hida-ways) and a first for Wirral band ‘Don’t Walk’. Add a bit of Susan Hedges plus ‘The Passionetts’ and you have the perfect Sunday Rock n Roll day, plus you will have witnessed musical history being made!!!! Show time 2pm to 6pm, Tickets £26 plus booking feeVIP Ticket Why not purchase a VIP Weekend ticket which includes all three shows with best seats in the house for the two theatre shows and an invite to the Saturday evening private party at Fort Perch Rock, New Brighton Saturday 30th July 7.30pm till 11.00pm. Meet James and Glen with plenty of photo opportunities. Ticket price also includes a £5 reduction cost, go to www.floralpavilion.com Cost £73 plus booking fee

LULU IN WREXHAMWILLIAM ASTON HALLSUNDAY 10TH APRILBOX OFFICE NO: 0844 888 9991

The incredible Lulu still has plenty to shout about and is back with another fantastic tour. The Gram-my-nominated singer will be performing hits from her 50 year career, such as ‘To Sir With Love’, ‘The Man Who Sold The World’, ‘Relight My Fire’, and of course ‘Shout’. As well as performing songs from some of her musi-cal heroes, such as soul legends, Ray Charles and Otis Redding, she will also be taking us on a musical journey recalling personal anecdotes, song writing experiences, and other entertaining stories. 2015 has been an exceptional year for me, in a 50-year career. From performing at Glastonbury, releasing my first self-penned album and touring the UK, solo with my fabulous band for the first time in 10 years. I had so much fun, I’ve decided to get back out there to do it again in March & April 2016, and I can’t wait!

Ahead of her show in Wrexham this month, we spoke to Lulu and asked her about her music and her life.

We haven’t seen you in the public eye for a while, what have you been up to? Are we right in thinking that you have moved into blues?

I have always been Country, Rock, Blues and I have certainly played a few blues venues, but no I haven’t made a conscience move. It’s funny really I suppose my voice naturally lends itself to that genre but, I am happy enough where I am.

It is hard to believe you have never had a UK no 1, if you could pick one of your songs to have been no 1 what would it be?It would be ‘Where the Poor Boys Dance’ - As it was very personal. We had trouble with the record com-pany because the record was climbing the charts at number ten if I recall, and they pulled it. It stayed in the charts for a long time but was no longer available. Everyone thinks that Shout reached no 1 but it didn’t.

Do you have any other passion in your life besides music?My grandchildren. Bella is 6 and Teddy is 3 and they are such a joy. I have to be very careful I don’t over indulge them!

Is there anything else you want to achieve in your career? No. I am just grateful for everything I have had to this point and I am very, very happy.

bill elms

Bill Elms has worked in the theatre industry both locally and nationally for 25 years and left a 10 year position as Head of Sales and Marketing at the Liverpool Empire Theatre in August 2008, to set up his own Marketing and PR Company based in Liverpool city centre.

Bill has also successfully entered into the world of theatre production with a growing portfolio of productions, collaborating with local artists and theatre companies.

/BillElmsAssociates

@BillElms

WHAT TO SEE AND DO WITH BILL ELMS THIS MONTH - My Recommendations:

Threshold Festival | various venues, Baltic Triangle | 1 – 3 April.Now in its 6th consecutive year, Threshold Fes-tival is a celebration of the grassroots creative scenes of Liverpool and further afi eld through music, art and culture. This year’s edition will host over 900 performers over 12 venues in 3 days around the city’s creative quarter the Baltic Triangle, with a huge focus on collaboration and new work. The theme this year is Alchemy, which is a fi tting label to the melting pot of arts within this year’s festival. The theatre and per-formance programme will be hosted by Cabaret from the Shadows - an international ensemble of artists specialising in an electrifying blend of clowning and bouff on. Find out more at www.thresholdfestival.co.uk.

Lennon Through A Glass Onion | Epstein Theatre | 18-29 April.Following its New York and Edinburgh success, Lennon Through a Glass Onion is set to debut in its spiritual home. It’s a celebration of the genius and music of one of Liverpool’s favourite sons, John Lennon. Part concert and part biography, Daniel Taylor reveals the true essence of the life and astonishing talent of one of the world’s most treasured icons. An intimate production featuring 31 hits of Lennon and his collaborations with McCartney including “Imagine”, “Strawberry Fields Forever”, “Revolution”, “Woman” “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” “Working Class Hero” and “Jealous Guy”.

The 39 Steps | Liverpool Playhouse | 4-9 April.Alfred Hitchcock’s classic spy thriller, The 39 Steps, brilliantly and hilariously recreated for the stage as the smash hit Olivier Award Winning Comedy is now on tour after 9 years in London’s West End. Follow the incredible adventures of our handsome hero Richard Hannay, complete with stiff -upper-lip, British gung-ho and pencil moustache as he encounters dastardly murders, double-crossing secret agents, and, of course, devastatingly beautiful women. This wonderfully inventive and gripping comedy thriller features 4 fearless actors, playing 130 roles in 100 minutes of fast-paced fun and thrilling action.

Where There’s A Will | St George’s Hall | 23 – 28 April. A season of classic Shakespeare plays will take place at St George’s Hall to mark the 400th Anniversary of the Bard’s death. Appropriately entitled, Where There’s A Will, the season features four of The Bard’s most popular plays which will be staged in the stunning Concert Room at the iconic venue. Where There’s A Will is being presented by Chalice Media Limited and starts with Macbeth (24 to 28 April). It will be followed by The Tempest (3 and 4 June); Romeo And Juliet (2 and 3 July); and Much Ado About Nothing (3 to 5 August). Alongside Macbeth is the Walking The Bard promenade tours around the hall from 23 - 28 April.

The Mousetrap | Liverpool Empire | 21 – 23 April.Famous around the world for being the longest running show of any kind in the history of theatre, with over 26,000 performances in London. The scene is set when a group of people gathered in a country house cut off by the snow discover, to their horror, that there is a murderer in their midst. Who can it be? One by one the suspicious characters reveal their sordid pasts until at the last, nerve-shredding moment the identity and the motive are fi nally revealed.In her own inimitable style, Dame Agatha Chris-tie has created an atmosphere of shuddering suspense and a brilliantly intricate plot where murder lurks around every corner.

Looking Ahead…

Physical Fest –various venues – from 20 MayLiverpool’s international festival of Physical Theatre returns for a 12th year to animate the city with free and programmed performanc-es, it even includes a spin off festival for kids called Young Fest.

Brazilica! – Various Venues, city centre – 15 – 17 JulyGet ready to Samba, Liverpool Carnival Company have announced they are back in Rio Olympic year to wash the city with colour, Brazilian music, art, fi lm and the spectacular evening parade make this one of our much-loved festivals.

Twopence to Cross the Mersey – Touring September to November Helen Forrester’s best-selling book jumps from page to stage in this new straight play version of the dramatic, moving and heart-warming tale. It opens at the Royal Court, then moves on to Southport, Warrington and St Helens to name but a few.

THEATRE LISTINGS

THE EMPIRE THEATRE 0844 871 3017 The Last Tango – Vincent Simone & Flavia Cacache 4th-6th AprilThe Illegal Eagles 7th April A Vision of Elvis 8th April One Night of Rock 9th April Thriller Live 11th–16th April Showstoppers 18th–19th The Mousetrap 21st–23rd April The Bodyguard 26th April–7th May THE EPSTEIN THEATRE0844 888 4411

Snow White and the Seven Dwarves until – 6th April New Dawn Fades 7th–9th AprilRosenblume and Robert Vincent – An Evening of Liverpool Americana 14th AprilRuby Turner 15th April Chris Ramsey 21st April Lennon – Through a Glass Onion 18th–29th April Rising Stars UK Spectacular 30th April

THE ROYAL COURT0151 709 4321 Down the Dock Road 11th March–9th AprilThe Golden Oldies 15th April–14th May

ST HELENS THEATRE ROYAL01744 756000 Peter Pan – Easter Panto 25th March–17th AprilThe ELO Experience 22nd April

THE FLORAL PAVILION0151 666 0000 The Blues Brothers Experience 1st April Tell Me On A Sunday 2nd April Ireland’s Call 3rd AprilDavid Walliams’ Gangsta Granny 6th – 10th April The Hot Club of Cowtown 12th April An Evening of Burlesque 15th April Coppélia - Vienna Festival Ballet 16th April The Glenn Miller Orchestra

17th April We’ll Meet Again 20th April The Wack Pack Live 22nd April ELO Again – A Night of ELO 23rd April Spotlight on Youth 2016 24th AprilComplete Works Performance – TEN 27th – 28th AprilTap Factory – World Tour 2016 30 April

FLORAL PAVILION BLUE LOUNGE0151 666 0000

The Singular Exploits of Sherlock Holmes 23rd April The Spirit and Sound of Steely Dan - Nearly Dan in Concert 24th April St Paul’s Operatic Society - Music! Music! Music! 28th–29th AprilWirral Community Choir Big Band Concert - On Broadway 30th April

ST GEORGE’S HALL 0844 800 0410 (Ticketquarter) Oh Goody! With Tim Brooke-Taylor and Chris Searle 6th AprilBBC Radio Merseyside ~ Big History Show 9th-10th AprilTHE BIG BAND FIVE STAR SWING 10th AprilThe Three Degrees 11th AprilRob Beckett – Mouth Of The South (SOLD OUT) 15th AprilAn Evening With Wingates Band 16th AprilChamber Music in Liverpool Vanbrugh Quartet 19th AprilOrgan Recital 19th AprilTHE BLOW MONKEYS 21st AprilSing-a-Long-a Rocky Horror Picture Show 22nd AprilWALKING THE BARD: THE SHAKESPEARE EXPERIENCE TOUR 23rd April–28 AprilShakespeare’s “MACBETH” 24th-28th AprilGala Concert 30th April

LIVERPOOL PLAYHOUSE0151 709 4776

The 39 Steps 4th–9th April Mark Thomas: Trespass 22nd April

THE EVERYMAN THEATRE0151 709 4776 A Girl is a Half-formed thing 5th–9th April Iphigenia in Splott 14th–16th April

THE PHILHARMONIC HALL0151 709 3789

Viennese Masters 1st April Fazil Say (Music Room) 1st April Ray Mears: Tales of Endurance 2nd April Northern Dreams 7th April Kris Drever (Music Room) 8th April Jane Jones and Tai Murray (Music Room) 9th April National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain 9th April Bruch’s Violin Concerto 10th April Yundi 12th AprilThe Rieder Ensamble (Music Room) 13th April Frequencies (Music Room) 14th AprilRick Astly 15th April Edward II (Music Room) 15th April Katherine Ryan: Kathbum 16th April Shakatak (Music Room) 16th April Gregory Porter (SOLD OUT) 17th April Bellowhead: The Farewell Tour (SOLD OUT) 19th AprilEmperor 21st & 22nd April Altan (Music Room) 21st April Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman (Music Room) 23rd April Symphonic Safari Family Concert 24th April The Solid Silver 60s Show 27th April Rhapsody 28th April Shalamar 29th April The Young ‘Uns 29th April Michael Bolton 30th April

THE ECHO ARENA0844 8000 400

Smith Vs Mohoumadi (Boxing) 2 April Jeff Lynne’s ELO 5th April Artistic Gymnastics 8th–10th April Shawn Klush Elvis World Tour 8th April (Auditorium)The Wizard of Oz 9th April (Auditorium)

The Vamps 12th April Little Mix 14th & 21st April Noel Gallagher 25th April Harlem Globetrotters 26 AprilEnglish Boxing 29 April–1 May

THE LANTERN THEATRE0114 255 1776

The Picture of Dorian Gray 7th -9th April Twisted 15th April Our Kylie’s Having A Bab 19th April Kenny’s Carpet 21st–23rd April Care Takers 29th April

UNITY THEATRE0151 709 4988

Dirty Pakistani Laundry 1st April Tinned Goods 2nd AprilBrakin’ Pad 5th – 9th April The Impossible House 8th – 9th April Stephanie Lang: Nincompoop 12th April Chris Stokes: Altruism in Birds 12th April Resurrection Half Price 13th April Double Bill 19th April Dirty Glitter 20 April The Odyssey 21st April The Lamella Project 22nd – 23rd AprilScratch Night 26th AprilMark Watson: I’m Not Here 27th – 28th April Error 404 28th – 30th April Going Viral 29th & 30th April

Sponsored by Bill Elms

1. Your debut album has been greatly received in both UK and USA. What’s your favourite song to a) play live and b) to listen to? Joe....Yeah, it’s been great. All the response that we have had over here and in the U.S is awesome. My favourite song to play from the album is Fallen Down: the opening track, but when we play it Live we extend it sort of like The Doors used to do in their shows with the long songs. We close the set with this song also. My favourite song to listen to would ‘Ready To Ride’ from the album as it’s really laid back for me.Colin....My favourite to play live is probably Fallen Down also. It gives me a chance to take a break from backing vocals, and allows the whole band to really dive into the realm of improvisation, which you don’t see that many groups do outside of jazz or experi-mental music. Stefan....All of The Things We Said: great live set opener, Ready To Ride: mellow tune.

2. How would you describe your sound?Colin....Consistently versatile. Stefan....It’s up to the listener to form their own opinion, not us! Joe....Very honest, if I may say so myself. We don’t like to do more of the same. I’m always wanting to do things diff erent.

3. Has your sound changed since 2013?

Joe....Very much so. The fi rst album was really an Introducing to the band with so many diff erent styles of songs on, but now we are a lot heavier with the new songs that have been written. As always the songs are written on acoustic guitar, so they could have any style if they need to be changed.Colin....I think the phase that we’re in at the moment can be described as Heavy Pop. This will be the theme of the next album. Hey, the third album might go the opposite way, and end up being totally un-plugged like most of Led Zeppelin III. You never know.

4. You’re set to play the aftershow party for Noel Gallagher and the High Flying Birds. How did you get the gig?Joe....We got the gig through the promoter’s in Lon-don who we have worked with before, this will be our second aftershow party for Noel and we are looking forward to it very much.

5. Are you a fan of Noel and Oasis?Stefan....Nice guitars, cool clothes, not bad hairdo, seems like a nice guy. Joe....I don’t mind some of their work and I respect what they/he have done but I’m not a massive fan of them if I’m honest.Colin....A few things here and a few things there, but I wouldn’t say they’re the centre of my own musical universe.

Joe Symes and the Loving Kind

6. Who do you draw infl uences from? Colin....Oh, where do I start? My favourite drummers go right across the spectrum. John Densmore, Ringo Starr, all the Funk Brothers’ (Motown) drummers, Hal Blaine, Earl Palmer, Sandy Nelson, Daru Jones, Carla Azar, Bill Bruford, Alan White (Yes, John Lennon), John Bonham, Art Blakey, Jack White (yes, he’s also a drum-mer), Gene Krupa, Elvin Jones, Ian Paice, Dave Grohl, it goes on and on. Joe....The Beatles, The Doors, The Velvet Under-ground, Motown, etcStefan....With the melodies of McCartney, the power of Entwhistle, the dirtiness of Lemmy, and the attitude of Paul Simmon (The Clash), that’s how I approach the bass.

7. Is your new single ‘Things Get Better’ autobio-graphical?Joe....No, I was just thinking about someone trying to make things up with a partner who they had let down, but I have had people say that they can relate to the song as they have had the same experience. I think it’s nice that people do listen to the lyrics and can relate to the song.

8. Is there another album planned? What can we expect?Joe....Yes, we start recording the album in April 2016 in Oxford. The album will be so diff erent from our debut al-

bum, which we are really looking forward to putting out.Colin....Heavy pop, like I said before. ; )Stefan....A few twists and turns.

9. You’ve shared the stage with Bloc Party, Alt-J and XFM. Who’s next on your wish list?Colin....Paul McCartney, The Black Keys, Any of Jack White’s ventures, off the top of my head. Joe....Who knows? Who ever we can get to play with like the last bands, I’ll be happy.Stefan....You’re about 4-5 decades too late. The Rutles would be nice, though.

10. What is top of your personal playlist this week?Stefan....Strange Days (The Doors), Birdman soundtrack, and a lot of Classic FM. Colin....Frank Sinatra, The Police, and Led Zeppelin. That’s what I’ve listened to this week. Joe....Motown for at the moment. Marvin Gaye’s ‘What’s Going On’

Website: www.joesymesandthelovingkind.co.uk Twitter username: /JoeSymesandTLKFacebook page link: /Joe-Symes-and-the-Loving-Kind-206169176086266/?fref=nf

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Vesbim Media Ltd, 150 Birkenhead Road, Wallasey,Wirral, CH44 7JN

T: 0151 352 2722E: [email protected]: www.vesbim.com

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BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND THE PLAY “LAST TRAIN TO AUSCHWITZ, “ TO BE PERFORMED AT THE GLADSTONE THEATRE PORT SUNLIGHT, THE WIRRAL, DURING WORLD HOLOCAUST WEEK. 22ND TO 26TH JANUARY 2017. THIS IS A STORY OF LOVE, HOPE, AND COURAGE, NO MATTER COLOUR, CREED, OR GENDER, ONCE THE BONDS OF FRIENDSHIP ARE FORMED THEY CAN NEVER BE BROKEN .

connie lush

/connielushband

/connielushband

/connielushband

Connie has been recognised as one of the fi nest Blues singers in the UK today. The winner of “Best Female Vocalist UK” no less than fi ve times has earned Connie her place in the Gallery of Greats, alongside Alexis Corner and Eric Clapton to name just two. Her incredible stage presence and powerful vocal have also been recognized overseas as she was twice voted “European Blues Vocalist of the year” by the “Blues Trophies Awards” Pride of place is her award from the people of Liverpool for “Performing Arts”....

Hello Babies, Its always rather nice when old friends are appearing in Town! Most of the time we miss them...Case in point being “King King” who played the Epstein Theatre on 7th March. We shared the same agent for a while in Belgium. The result of which was some crazy Belgium beer nights but more often we would be passing ships. I luv em because they always leave you “punch drunk” after a show but also Alan Nimmo can bring a tear with his soul ballads and guitar. Their drummer Wayne Proctor occasionally plays for us and mixed our new album “Renaissance” with Steve our guitarist, so you can say we have a long connection. “King King” have a new album out “Reaching for the light” which is a must. Have to mention Stevie Nimmo brother of Alan ! They keep it in the family !He also has an album out and is on tour..”Sky won’t fall” no dates here in Liverpool I’m afraid which is a shame. They both hail from Glasgow and they both have that rawness in their deliveries. We met the Nimmos up in Glasgow, Stevie fi rst and later Alan, it’s certainly one of our fi nest cities and reminds me always of Liverpool. Need to play there again!

I know its early for this plug but UK award

winning “The Producers” are up this way on the 7th May at the new “Music Room” in the Philharmonic Hall and for this one I will be there. They hail from Poole and again we have worked and toured together down South and up North. They are truly loved up North! I nicknamed Dave Saunders on Bass “Mountain Man” when we toured the North East and Scotland through snow blizzards two bands together! He wore “Jesus sandals”...no socks and T shirts throughout...RESPECT! Their music is full of the same bravery and hits you in the stomach with their take on old style blues and is full of their own songs. They are one of the original UK blues bands that still deliver the blues with their own twist. So see you there and don’t forget to wear your Jesus sandals. A little mention too about the new “Music Room” .....seated its 160 and the bar is off the performance room which can be closed off whilst the artists are performing. Its big and full of space and the room is on ground level looking out onto the street which makes it much more airy and bright than the old music room, so if you haven’t yet, give the music room a try. The artists coming up are a fabulous mixed bag of all genres. I would mention here the lovely voice and friend John O’Connell who is playing here...But as always he has sold out...More or less straight away. Watch out for his Bob Dylan Project which is also selling out.

That brings me to the last but not least plug for new and old friend Brian Nash from the famous “Frankie goes to Hollywood”. I met Nasher when I was one of the musicians doing “The Number 1 One Project” 2008 at the Echo Arena to raise funds for Alder Hey.

I was asked to sing “Power of Love” with Nasher at the Arena and of course I screamed YES! The lyrics and dynamics of the song are every vocalists dream. It turned out quite hysterical! Nasher recorded the guitar in London and I recorded vocals in Liverpool. On the night of Concert Nasher was delayed so we couldn’t rehearse the song together. We did get 15 mins in the shower tho rehearsing. And yes we did have our clothes on. It was the only quiet place in the building and we did have a reverb thing going on! We both recorded it too later. Since then we became friends and he has more than once come to our gigs in London. He came to our launch in the 100 Club London and brought lots of friends. He will be playing at the much loved “Nordic Church” which has an international Nordic community and a very magical atmosphere to go with it. The church is in Park Road Liverpool 1 and the date is Sat 4th June. Go to tickets.com for tickets. There is no bar babies but you can bring your own.

So babies, I think you get the gist of it...support live music local or otherwise and remember this magazine supports all genres of music xxxxx ConnieDont forget to pick up your next copy x

WIRRAL ROCKS IN MAY!Wirral Hospice St John’s are organising a major fund raising event which will take place in May 2016.

“Wirral Rocks” will take place at Tranmere Rovers Stadium, Prenton Park, over 2 nights. Tranmere Rovers have kindly provided the ground at no charge. The event will raise money for the Hospice’s special care and support of patients and their families.

FRIDAY 20TH MAY 2016WILL YOUNG Brit Award winner Will Young is coming to the Wirral to open the fi rst night of Wirral Rocks on Friday 20th May 2016 at Tranmere Rovers Stadium, Prenton Park, Birkenhead. The incredibly talented sing-er-songwriter and former Pop Idol winner has sold over 8 mil-lion albums worldwide and will be performing his well-known hits like Leave Right Now, Evergreen, Jealousy, All Time Love and Light My Fire.

SATURDAY 21ST MAY 2016STATUS QUOStatus Quo are coming to the Wirral on Saturday May 21st to perform one of their last ever full on electric sets at Tranmere Rovers Stadium, Prenton Park, Birkenhead. The Quo have announced that that they will be hanging up their electric guitars at the end of 2016 and pulling the plug on their electric set for good.

Speaking about the decision to call it a day Francis Rossi said: “We’ve talked about it for some time and have decided

www.wirralrocks.com | Twitter: @wirralrocks | Facebook: /wirralrocks

that it’s time for us to hang up the electrics. It’s getting harder and harder for us to play those shows. “It’s 30 years since we last said we were stopping but this is a fi nal decision. It doesn’t mean we won’t do other things, perhaps the odd special, but we’re agreed that the moment has come. There’s more to come from us in the years ahead, but we won’t tour the electric set ever again.” Rick Parfi tt added: “We always thought we’d see a red light when it was time to stop. The show hurts now, physically. It’s hard to maintain that level of energy and without that it’s not really a Quo show. So we don’t feel we should continue. This is defi nitely the end of our lives on the road with the electric set, life won’t be the same for us – or many of the fans – but we can’t go on at this pace anymore.”

Frontmen Francis Rossi and Rick Parfi tt will be joined by bandmates Andy Bown, John ‘Rhino’ Edwards and Leon Cave as they plug in and bring their thunderous electric live show to Wirral for the last time packed with hits, new and old, taken from an unbelievable back catalogue stretching back to 1967.

IF YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN STATUS QUO BEFORE, THIS IS YOUR LAST EVER CHANCE TO SEE THEM ON WIRRAL!

“We are the local adult hospice; our care is free but costs in the region of £3.5m a year for us to provide.” said Wirral Hospice St John’s Fundraising Development Manager, Michelle Talgam.

“We are so pleased to have Will Young and Status Quo performing and helping us to raise money for our Hospice’s special care and support of our patients, their families and loved ones.”

“It promises to be a fantastic weekend of music and is a real fi rst for Wirral! Tickets are selling well. So don’t delay in buying yours!”

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Well, I’m back and well and truly on dry land and it feels great, don’t get me wrong I’m grateful that I have been able to use the talent that I was given to be able to travel all over the world, but it’s great to get back home. The downside is since coming home I’ve lost a good mate. Micky Finn left us at the beginning of March and I’m going to miss him loads, he used to ring me regularly and I literally would be crying with laughter. He was the funniest man off stage which is quite unusual as most comics have to work at being funny, but Micky was a natural. We had several shows lined up which didn’t seem right to go ahead with just now, so I’m planning to do a couple of memorial shows later in the year and I also want to have a Micky Finn Comedy Award I think that would be very fi tting of the mans contribution to the world of comedy. I only wish that I had written to the Queen years ago and put him forward for an MBE his services to local and national charities were second to none. If Micky had been paid for all his work, he would have lived in a mansion and driven a Rolls Royce, RIP mate, I’m going to miss you.

I’m going to miss home, my mum and my wonderful other half for a couple of months. I had a random email from my favourite director Glen Walford who directed me in “Shirley Valentine” at the Royal Court in 2009, and before that in “Breezeblock Park” at the Liverpool Playhouse and “Women on the Verge of HRT” at the Belgrade in Coventry. She said it was a long shot but she was directing a play in Hornchurch and one of the actresses has unfortunately pulled out due to illness and was wondering if I was available. The strange thing is I wouldn’t normally have had the time free but I’d given the time to my Breast Surgeon ready for my reconstruction, so I did have the time free, except for a couple of jobs which I knew she would be fair about. So, I’m off , yet again but I’m really looking forward to the work.

I’m really looking forward to “the event of the year”, the Merseyside Woman of the Year Awards in June, we had our launch night recently and so that means it’s time to nominate those amazing women, I host the show and I can honestly say there are people who try to have their similar awards, but they pale into

insignifi cance compared to ours. It’s a day full of stories to make your hair curl, they never fail to astound me. We have some brilliant women on Merseyside and their achievements are fantastic and as well as all that we have Style Awards sponsored by David M Robinson so you can get a gorgeous piece of jewellery just for showing up and looking great. We have great raffl e prizes, auctions and an after show party which I can honestly say I never remember, so obviously it’s always brilliant. I win an iPad mini last year, I was over the moon. So if you know any women who do amazing things,then nominate them and get yourself along to see just how we women of Merseyside celebrate our awesomeness.

I though I’d leave you with this picture of me, Micky and the late great Colin Areety, we were backstage at the London Palladium, we had just taken the roof off and shown London exactly what we had to off er from this end of the M6, it was a great day and I couldn’t resist letting you see this picture.

pauline daniels

/paulinedaniels

Pauline Daniels is the fi rst lady of comedy. Her reputation goes before her when it comes to entertainment as she is also an accomplished actress and an incredible singer.

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Buz April 2016

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Transcript of Buz April 2016