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Download a flyer
Should need to print a copy of this months listings, you can download a copy of our regular flyer by clicking the PDF icon. |
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These days artists and bands tend to book their tours months in advance. In order to give you the best notice of up and coming shows we list events once they have been confirmed by the band or their management
The downside of this is that dates can change due to unforeseen circumstances, sometimes at very short notice.
We do our best to ensure that this site is kept as up to date as is possible, with updates happening at least once a week.
Therefore to avoid disappointment we recommend that you check these listing prior to setting out for your show especially if you are traveling any distance.
A guide for Artists and Promoters
The quickest way to get yourself included in our listings is to send an email to rideout at stayfree.co.uk once your gig is confirmed.
We also need you to do the following -
Put the name of the artist or band name along with the date of your show in the email subject line.
Attach a reasonable sized photograph. A 72dpi, jpeg, bigger than 200x200 pixels would be fine. Please don't email files over 1mb in size. If in doubt please drop us a line before sending. Let us have your web address so we can link to your site or Myspace page.
Send us some text. Whilst we are happy to tidy up spelling or grammar, we don't have the time to write or edit copy for you. Ideally we need a nice concise 'blurb' of between 75-100 words. Please don't send a three page biography, or else we are likely to bounce it back to you. If you have a selection of press quotes send what you have as we can usually easily compile something from them. There are plenty of examples of the sort of thing we need here on the site to help you out.
Please note - If you have played at The Musician before and we have text on file, we will continue to use use it for any subsequent listings unless you supply new copy.
If you spot any errors please send an email to derek at indiecentral.co.uk.
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Coming to The Musician in October |
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Mia and the Moon (aka Laura and Mary-Anne Ratcliffe) are a sibling acoustic duo based in Leicester. Mary-Anne especially has been known on the local scene for nearly 10 years with Laura being away singing on cruises for most of that time. They have been singing gospel/folk inspired music since they were tiny and 'Mia and the Moon' introduces the sisters as adults with their unique take on covers and original songs showcased in their first 16 track album.
"The eyes of a songwriter are there from birth. Those lucky enough to have them are those who soundtrack our lives... ...Exploring darker themes with Mary-Anne's signature delicate rage... ...She writes songs that get into your mind and light up your day. Quite simply, pure talent."
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Critically acclaimed prog rock band K2 currently consist of founding members Ken Jacquess (bass/keyboards) and Doug Sanborn (drums), together with Ryo Okumoto (keyboards), Karl Johnson (guitar), and Josh Gleason (vocals). Their latest album 'The Black Garden' was released in 2010 and showcases this modern rock quintet in an entirely new setting. With a central theme of Oceania, K2 explores the hidden depths of this mysterious region and take the listener on a dark, sonic journey to places rarely visited, and offers a glimpse of a people unlike any other on earth.
John Young is no stranger to the rock/pop/prog world, with credits such as Greenslade, The Strawbs, Bonnie Tyler, Scorpions and John Wetton to name a few brings his band to The Musician to perform his solo material from his many albums. His band members are no strangers too in the field with credits working with Fish, Arena and Howard Jones.
Tonight is a rare chance to see K2 on these shores, plus the John Young Band - one not to be missed.
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www.pilgrims-way.net
The Carrivick Sisters are one of the UK's top young bluegrass and folk acts. Twins Laura and Charlotte perform their original songs and instrumentals along with a few carefully chosen covers on guitar, mandolin, fiddle, dobro, and clawhammer banjo. They were finalists in the BBC Young Folk Awards in 2010 and were named Band/Duo of the Year in the 2011 Fatea Awards. Mike Harding calls them "supremely talented" and The Telegraph describes them as "the pick of the crop".
Pilgrim's Way are the real deal. Featuring Tom Kitching on fiddle, this trio have, in a very short time, established themselves as one of the top acts on the folk scene. They were nominated for the Horizon award in this year's BBC Folk Awards, won of the Fatea Tradition Award and have been picked up by pretty much every festival in the country. Catch them here before they move on to bigger things!
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"One of the most vital kick-ass groups to ever walk the planet: Jason & The Scorchers are back" - Classic Rock
"Though Gram Parsons and Uncle Tupelo have elicited more reverence as country rock avatars, Jasons & The Scorchers remain more vital than either" - No Depression
"Someday, Jason & The Scorchers may play a mediocre set. But it won't be in this lifetime" - Billboard
"They’re contenders for best band on the planet." - Austin Chronicle
"The Scorchers are the real deal, the spontaneous combustion of country roots and rock & roll fervor" - Rolling Stone
“Vocalist Jason Ringenberg rides the wild decibels like Slim Pickens straddling his H-bomb in Dr. Strangelove, while guitar-dynamo Warner E. Hodges is enduringly on fire” - Uncut
www.cheeseweasel.org
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David Bowie; a living legend for his timeless music and incarnations as Ziggy Stardust, The Thin White Duke and so on. Hear the songs and experience the theatre recreated live onstage through the personae of Paul Henderson and Aladdinsane, the greatest David Bowie tribute in the UK and beyond!
In the words of gig goers across the UK, “Paul’s vocals and theatrical movements reflect Bowie’s with disturbing accuracy”. Whether portraying the 70’s era Ziggy Stardust, the Thin White Duke or Bowie’s 80’s/90’s songs in this totally live show, many who have seen this performance simply called it “spot on”.
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www.shonenknife.net
www.damnably.com/smallgang
The Japanese trio Shonen Knife has made major fans out of alt-rock's elite (Sonic Youth, Nirvana, and Redd Kross, among others) and built a solid, worldwide cult following with their Ramones meets the Beatles brand of sticky sweet punk-pop. Now comprised of members Ritsuko Taneda (vocals, bass), Naoko Yamano (vocals, guitar), and Emi Morimoto (drums), Shonen Knife originally formed during December of 1981 in their hometown of Osaka, Japan.
www.magic-teapot.co.uk
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www.michelleshocked.com
For over 20 years, acclaimed picker-poet Michelle Shocked has been generating compelling lyrics and mneumonic melodies. In the '80's, she was thrust into an inadvertent recording career when a bootleg tape was released in England. In the ensuing bidding war following the phenomena of The Texas Campfire Tapes, Mercury Records signed her and she produced a trilogy of Grammy-nominated albums over the next five years, launched by her signature song, "Anchorage."
www.magic-teapot.co.uk
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The Pat McManus Band are a powerful three piece blues/rock trio, headed up by the former Mama's Boys and Celtus guitarist/violinist virtuoso and true gent Pat McManus (AKA The Professor).
Pat is today considered to be one of the last remaining individual guitar heroes from a generation of Irish guitarists, after the sad and early loss of both Rory Gallagher and Gary Moore. He formed Mama's Boys with his brothers John and Tommy in the eighties. The band, although very young, soon proved to be a great success in the world of rock ’n’ roll and were one of the greatest rock bands to come out of Northern Ireland. They are perhaps best known for their hits 'Needle in the Groove' and their cover of Slade’s ‘Mama Weer all Crazy Now’.
www.cheeseweasel.org
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Winner of Best Original Song at this years Folk Awards, over the last forty years Steve Tilston has built a reputation and body of work second to none. Ask anyone on the English acoustic scene who their favourite guitarist, singer, songwriter and entertainer is and nine times out of ten the same name will crop up in the top three of every department. Steve is one of our most celebrated song-smiths; widely recognised within the world of folk and contemporary music and the writer of numerous classic songs like "The Slipjigs and Reels", "Here’s to Tom Paine" and "The Naked Highwayman."
Steve will be performing with Keith Warmington on harmonica and Stuart Gordon on fiddle.
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“A Brilliant Band”
“they use an energy and sincerity which is missing such an awful lot in the music scene at present, they are a pleasure to present to an audience because they play with a smile on their faces, wish there were more like THE BLIND DEAD MCJONES BAND.”
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Ian McNabb is known both for his work as leader and songwriter-in-chief of the Icicle Works in the 1980s, and his critically-acclaimed solo career throughout from the early 1990s to date. He has also played with musicians as diverse as Ringo Starr, Crazy Horse, Mike Scott (of The Waterboys), and Danny Thompson of folk legends Pentangle.
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Feedback Voice are a 4-piece indie band based in Hinckley, Leicestershire who have been together since August 2010. Their influences range from the Strokes, Arctic Monkeys, The Walkmen, to more inventive artists such as Talking Heads and Dirty Projectors. With an average age of 17, what sets their music apart from many others is their eclectic blend of modern post-punk revival in addition to their signature guitar harmonies.
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mamarosin.com
www.myspace.com/djsbluesbar
From the seemingly placid shores of Lake Geneva comes a sonic earthquake. It’s the ragged punk Cajun sound of a Swiss trio. Fusing the old time French migrant music of Louisiana with garage rock’n’roll, Mama Rosin create an alternative raw incendiary music. Since forming in 2007 they've played all over Europe, including a show stealing set at Summer Sundae in 2011.
"A winning blast of Acadiana and rock verve" -
"A thrillingly souped-up racket"
"Pure Joy"
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www.michaelchapman.co.uk
Michael Chapman was never just a singer-songwriter - his gritty brand of guitar based songs span folk, ragtime, jazz and blues... it's on the tracks which feature Chapman's magnificently bleary vocals that this album really scores. Hell To Pay and Only Pretend are outstanding tracks, that world-weary voice singing words of bitter experience. This man is so laid back that he makes JJ Cale sound like he's on helium.
In his own words, "I had an art college education and on a rainy night in 1966 I went into a pub in Cornwall, but I couldn't afford to pay to go in. So I said, I'll tell you what, I don't want to stay outside in the rain, I'll play guitar for half an hour for you. They offered me a job for the rest of the summer and I've been at it ever since."
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www.wolfsbanehms.com
www.hellsaddiction.com
This UK quartet from Tamworth, Staffordshire employ a strong biker image to augment their incendiary heavy metal anthems. Featuring former Iron Maiden vocalist Blaze Bayley, Jason Edwards (guitar), Steve "Danger" Ellet (drums) and Jeff Hately (bass), they incorporate elements of Van Halen, Iron Maiden and Zodiac Mindwarp into their own high-energy and, at times, chaotic style.
www.cheeseweasel.org
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www.tautas-roks.moonfruit.com
www.ockndough.co.uk
Tautas Roks are Kristaps Fisher, Robert Care, Simon Nay and Maris Fisher, who bring their music to you with a bucket load of enthusiasm and pride. They generate a gutsy, traditional folk sound that marries the magic of a rock beat and a cool attitude. Their musical energy is upbeat, with a mixture of songs and tunes creating an infectious sound.
Tautas Roks is Latvian for Folk Rock and Hand of the People; two of the band members have Latvian roots and are proud of this connection so much so that the band's name reflects this.
Support comes from Ock'n'Dough, the world's only Anglo-Latvian Zydecajun Ceilidh band!
For more info visit www.fortytenthpromotions.co.uk
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www.foodfighterz.co.uk
www.thisisnirvana.com
The Food Fighterz pride themselves on being authentic to the sound/image and stage presence of the real Foo Fighters. Starting in August 2011 they have already made a big impact on the tribute scene headlining festivals and playing across the UK. This is the closest thing you're gonna get to seeing the Foo Fighters live in your own back yard.
‘This Is Nirvana’ are one of the finest Nirvana tribute bands out there, with a strong Facebook fanbase, that started in April 2011 out of respect to Nirvana to keep their music alive, in a live format, and give fans, many of whom never got the chance to see Nirvana live, the opportunity to be part of a Nirvana show.
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www.oxfam.org.uk/Oxjam
www.artsinleicester.co.uk
Facebook event page
Great music, great people, great cause. That’s Oxjam. This year’s celebration culminates with the annual flagship Takeover Festival, in which the Musician is taking part. Alongside many other events around Leicester’s cultural quarter, ArtsIn Magazine are delighted to present an afternoon programme of music featuring 7 great local acts covering a range of different musical styles. All the money raised is donated to Oxfam to help them continue their amazing work fighting poverty and injustice across the world.
**PLEASE NOTE THAT TWIN LIZZY HAVE CANCELLED THEIR EVENING SHOW AND ARTS IN LEICESTER WILL NOW BE RUNNING TWO SESSIONS FOR OXJAM! ON THE DAY**
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Juliet Turner is one of Ireland's most critically acclaimed artists. Combining simple, beautiful melodies that are pure pop, with razor sharp lyrics that are innocent but a little twisted, she creates music that is equally accessible and inspiring.
"A compelling performer. Underestimate her at your cost."
"Lauded from everyone from Terry Wogan to Niall Stokes."
"Turner is – always has been, in this writers opinion –
one of the most intriguing of Irish female song writers."
"There’s a pleasing asperity and knowing toughness underpinning the stylistic and
expressive variety of Turner’s singing…. confidently cosmopolitan."
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tokillaking.co.uk
To Kill A King’s sound begins with lead singer Ralph Pelleymounter’s acoustic songs, around which the band work in drums, bass, electric guitar, synth and other instruments. They focus on Pelleymounter’s lyrical narrative, with accompaniments ranging from tender instrumentals to climactic orchestral passages including strings, brass and five-part harmonies. This combination has been described as “rousing orch-folk….multilayered songs complicated in structure but straight to the emotional point” (The Guardian), and “smooth and emotive” (Q Magazine).
"Most likely to seek redress for the years of indie landfill." - The Guardian
“Sky-scraping folk” - The Fly
www.magic-teapot.co.uk
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www.benmontague.co.uk
www.kristynamyles.com
www.marthabean.co.uk
Blessed with an acute sense of melody and a killer vocal, Ben Montague had fierce ambitions to one day perform with stars as big as those in his old man’s record collection (The Beatles, David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, Elton John.)
Fast forward to the present day, and on the back ofradio hit 'Haunted', supporting the Stereophonics and a full support tour with the Lighthouse Family, things are getting exciting for Ben. His debut album 'Tales Of Flying And Falling' is out now, recorded with legendary produced Dave Eringa at Rockfield Studios in Wales.
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jackandcharliemusic.co.uk
Jack and Charlie’s well-known idiosyncratic approach to folk music and songwriting has earned them an enviable reputation as two of the most exciting, heartfelt and challenging musicians around. Writing songs that seem to grow out of the ground and tunes that tell stories in their own right, Jack and Charlie’s original music strings together the past, present and what might yet be of folk music. Their first two albums on Fellside Recordings, 'Light Up All The Beacons' and 'The Northern Road' followed them as finalists in the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards, and were met with critical acclaim; their fresh and compelling sound inspiring audiences up and down the country.
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www.facebook.com/adamisaacmusic
Singer, songwriter and guitarist Adam Isaac has over 10 years of experience as a gigging musician and built a strong southwest following in his earlier years. He has played many venues and festivals around the UK, supported Joss Stone on her UK tour in 2009, has been named brand ambassador for British freesports lifestyle brand Animal, and in 2012 Adam made it to the quarter final stages of BBC's The Voice UK with the legendary Sir Tom Jones as coach. Following his recent national exposure he is set to release an album in Autumn 2012 and tour the new original material with his full band. His anthemic, edgy rock/pop sound draws influence from bands like Muse, Coldplay, Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, Blur, Oasis, Stereophonics and more. |
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www.myspace.com/tylaandthedogsdamour
themidnightdogs.co.uk
The Dogs D'Amour were unleashed onto an unsuspecting and somewhat mediocre UK music scene during the mid 1980s. With their ramshackle pirate-meets-Dickens style, they pioneered a unique mixture of glam punk and stonesy rock 'n' roll. They sang songs about sweet sorrows and told torrid tales of destruction - all perpetuated by their 'do-or-die' attitude. The band went on hiatus in 2002, but lead singer Tyla kept the Dogs alive, working as a soloist, writing and releasing new material. Now the Dogs are back and ready to take on the world again!
www.liveinleicester.net www.cheeseweasel.org
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Wildfire Sessions present a night in homage to Doug Weston’s LA Troubadour which has hosted so many legendary acts - many debuting their craft at the venue - possibly the world’s most famous open mic.
We bring you a supreme line up with special guests and local acoustic acts playing their choice of material from some of the great artists who cut their teeth there.
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Skinny Lister are a family of like-minded musicians who came together in 2009: English to the core and with folk in their hearts, Daniel, Lorna, Max, Sam and Dan are the life, the soul and the party. Their music, equal parts traditional folk and ramshackle pop, rip roaring and rum totingly exciting, a Skinny Lister gig is an experience that spins you round, lifts you up and puts a smile on your face all the way home. Whether its heave-ho-ing shanties, family penned traditional songs or their own trade mark sounds from a lost summer spent tripping through fields of corn or hazy nights at a country pub, Skinny Lister is a lifestyle and the soundtrack to happiness.
www.liveinleicester.net
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Horus Music is proud to present an evening showcasing the best local jazz artists. Too long has Jazz been considered only as background music in a smoky bar: Horus Music are determined to demonstrate that the Leicester Jazz scene can take off, appeal to the masses, and become an exciting, highly anticipated event. From Latin Jazz, to eclectic styles, you can expect to hear some of the highest quality music around, from very talented artists. Having run a successful jazz night in the past, we’re looking to make this a more regular event, in order to raise the profile of Jazz throughout Leicester.
Starring:
A 7-piece Leicester based group, playing a mix of Latin Jazz, Blues, and Ska. Expect to see inspiration drawn from Carlos Santana, Stevie Wonder, Tito Puente etc. Songs are generally infused with a Latin element, and tunes will vary from instrumental to vocal performances.
In addition to working with his other bands, XOVA and Johnny2bad, James is a well-established Leicester musician. As a solo saxophonist, you can expect to see a mixture of genres being performed being performed at highest quality.
Accidental is a jazz quartet made up of an eclectic mix of Leicester-based musical characters: Dr. Joel on keys, Sir Coningsby on Bass, Dylan ‘Davis’ on saxophone, and Freda Sharp on vocals. Focus is on jazz ballads and classics from the 60s, 70s, and 80s.
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www.josienneclarke.co.uk
Forged from the voices of Hannah James (Kerfuffle, duo with Sam Sweeney), Hazel Askew (The Askew Sisters, The Artisans) and Rowan Rheingans (Fidola), Lady Maisery explore vocal harmony to breathtaking effect through their fresh interpretations of songs and ballads. Their debut album was described by fRoots as "a certain contender for this year's Best Of list" and this is a welcome return for a trio who wowed the audience when they were last here and have been wowing audiences everywhere ever since.
Josienne Clarke is a new young singer from London who has been attracting comparisions to the late great Sandy Denny, and for once they're justified. Her rich, hypnotic voice, equally at home with traditional or original material, has marked her out as a star of the future.
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