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A word about our listings
A guide for Customers
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 travelling any distance.
Not listed?
A guide for Artists and Promoters
The quickest way to get yourself included in our listings is to send an email to musicianlive2 at gmail.com 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.
Coming to The Musician in February 2016
Tue 2nd Feb 2016
Sweet Baboo
£8.00adv £10.00door
plus Helen Toft & Lee Allatson and Anna My Charlotte
Doors 8:00pm - 11:00pm
Sweet Baboo is Stephen Black, a native of the north Wales countryside and a single-minded, idiosyncratic singer. Black possesses an ear for a sparkling melody, a restless soul, and a gift for a deft lyrical turn – from darkly funny to piercingly tender, twinklingly boastful to deliciously self-deprecating. His fourth full-length album 'Ships', was released in 2013, together wish his third EP 'Motorhome Songs'.
Black's productivity is all the more remarkable given his extra-curricular activities which have seen him working with an ever-growing array of musicians. Black has played on albums by Cate Le Bon, Slow Club and H. Hawkline, and has been a regular part of the touring line-up for all three bands. He has also performed with and produced Euros Childs, The Pictish Trail, The Voluntary Butler Scheme, Islet and Spencer McGarry Season and collaborated onstage and in the studio with Gruff Rhys.
Black's productivity is all the more remarkable given his extra-curricular activities which have seen him working with an ever-growing array of musicians. Black has played on albums by Cate Le Bon, Slow Club and H. Hawkline, and has been a regular part of the touring line-up for all three bands. He has also performed with and produced Euros Childs, The Pictish Trail, The Voluntary Butler Scheme, Islet and Spencer McGarry Season and collaborated onstage and in the studio with Gruff Rhys.
Wed 3rd Feb 2016
TALON - The Acoustic Collection
£13.50adv £15.00door
Come and experience Talon as you’ve never seen them before. Four members of the world’s greatest Eagles tribute band perform a selection of their favourite contemporary acoustic classics by James Taylor, Simon & Garfunkel, Cat Stevens, Crosby Stills & Nash, John Denver, Michael Jackson, and many more…
Thu 4th Feb 2016
Garth Brooks UK
£10.00adv £12.00door
In a career spanning four decades, Garth Brooks has become a global superstar; breaking down barriers, incorporating the traditions of country and bluesgrass music, with elements of honky tonk, blues and rock, selling over 100 million albums in the process.
Now the Garth Brooks phenomenon is being brought one step closer to you, in this groundbreaking tribute spectacular – GARTH BROOKS UK!
The incredible, high-energy show features some of the best musical talent from across the UK country music scene and beyond. From a band filled with incredible musicians – who themselves have played with the likes of Kylie Minogue, Elton John, Nik Kershaw and Fats Domino – to a truly electrifying front man, whose performances have been wowing audiences all over the world for over 15 years.
This is a show not to be missed, packed with all of your favourite Garth Brooks hits, as well as all the magic and the mayhem you’d expect from the real thing.
Garth Brooks UK is the ULTIMATE Garth Brooks experience and we ain’t going down ‘til the sun comes up!"
Now the Garth Brooks phenomenon is being brought one step closer to you, in this groundbreaking tribute spectacular – GARTH BROOKS UK!
The incredible, high-energy show features some of the best musical talent from across the UK country music scene and beyond. From a band filled with incredible musicians – who themselves have played with the likes of Kylie Minogue, Elton John, Nik Kershaw and Fats Domino – to a truly electrifying front man, whose performances have been wowing audiences all over the world for over 15 years.
This is a show not to be missed, packed with all of your favourite Garth Brooks hits, as well as all the magic and the mayhem you’d expect from the real thing.
Garth Brooks UK is the ULTIMATE Garth Brooks experience and we ain’t going down ‘til the sun comes up!"
Fri 5th Feb 2016
Cash Band (Johnny Cash Tribute)
£10.00adv £10.00door
plus Martin Black
Doors 8:00pm
Growing up on a farm in Yorkshire, music has always been central to Ben’s life. With a Grandfather who was a big band drummer, and a Father with a vast musical collection enthusiastically shared with whoever would listen, music was everywhere. However, it was the music of a certain JR Cash that managed that rare feat of stopping a young and energetic Ben in his tracks. It gave him that first “light bulb” moment, as he recalls,
“I had heard music before, of course. But this voice. His voice. I mean it literally brought me to a standstill. The words too. They just struck a chord with me somewhere and I really felt I understood what he was saying. I got this man, even as a child I could feel it”.
“I had heard music before, of course. But this voice. His voice. I mean it literally brought me to a standstill. The words too. They just struck a chord with me somewhere and I really felt I understood what he was saying. I got this man, even as a child I could feel it”.
Sat 6th Feb 2016
Federation of the Disco Pimps
Funk Nation Presents
£10.00adv £12.00door
Providing unstoppable grooves since 2010, Federation of the Disco Pimp are Scotland’s premier exponent of modern funk. Combining elements of Old-School Funk, Disco, Psychedelic and Jazz, this 7-piece band of Scots are legendary for their endless energy and blistering live sets.
Championed by renowned actor and funk legend Craig Charles (BBC 6), Stephen Duffy on ‘The Jazz House’ (BBC Radio Scotland) and Christian Bragg (Jazz Fm), FOTDP have gained a solid reputation in the UK funk scene resulting in further live performances supporting Craig Charles’ Funk and Soul Show across the UK.
Championed by renowned actor and funk legend Craig Charles (BBC 6), Stephen Duffy on ‘The Jazz House’ (BBC Radio Scotland) and Christian Bragg (Jazz Fm), FOTDP have gained a solid reputation in the UK funk scene resulting in further live performances supporting Craig Charles’ Funk and Soul Show across the UK.
Sun 7th Feb 2016
Ben Poole + Stevie Nimmo
£10.00adv £12.00door
Ben Poole and Stevie Nimmo co-headline tour of 2016.
Two incredible guitarists/songwriters, performing two electrifying live shows and sharing the same backing band of musicians!
A huge treat for blues/rock fans everywhere...
Inspired by the Blues, infused with a hard hitting, “in-yer-face” rock approach and topped-off by virtuoso musicianship, Ben Poole is being talked of as “the” new up-and-coming UK Blues guitarist; one of the finest to have emerged in Europe for years. Having already played with, and received critical acclaim from some of his heroes; legendary blues artists including Jeff Beck, Gary Moore and John Mayall, at just 27 years of age it appears that there is no stopping this young and incredibly gifted musician.
“A fleet fingered and talented newcomer to the British blues scene. His playing may be ferocious but he rarely sacrifices precision for it. His phrasing belies his years. Definitely one to watch.” -‘Guitarist’ Magazine
Stevie Nimmo
Singer-songwriter and Nimmo Brothers co-front man Stevie Nimmo with his brother Alan have for almost 20 years, been successfully touring all over the UK, Europe and America with five successful CDs to their name.‘Stevie’s voice is at times gritty, other times emotional but all times perfection!’ Maverick magazine
Two incredible guitarists/songwriters, performing two electrifying live shows and sharing the same backing band of musicians!
A huge treat for blues/rock fans everywhere...
Inspired by the Blues, infused with a hard hitting, “in-yer-face” rock approach and topped-off by virtuoso musicianship, Ben Poole is being talked of as “the” new up-and-coming UK Blues guitarist; one of the finest to have emerged in Europe for years. Having already played with, and received critical acclaim from some of his heroes; legendary blues artists including Jeff Beck, Gary Moore and John Mayall, at just 27 years of age it appears that there is no stopping this young and incredibly gifted musician.
“A fleet fingered and talented newcomer to the British blues scene. His playing may be ferocious but he rarely sacrifices precision for it. His phrasing belies his years. Definitely one to watch.” -‘Guitarist’ Magazine
Stevie Nimmo
Singer-songwriter and Nimmo Brothers co-front man Stevie Nimmo with his brother Alan have for almost 20 years, been successfully touring all over the UK, Europe and America with five successful CDs to their name.‘Stevie’s voice is at times gritty, other times emotional but all times perfection!’ Maverick magazine
Mon 8th Feb 2016
The City Acoustic Club
OPEN MIC NIGHT
Free
For up to date info and news please join The City Acoustic Club Facebook group!
Tue 9th Feb 2016
CLOSED
Wed 10th Feb 2016
Leicester College Showcase
Doors 6:00pm - 9:30pm
Thu 11th Feb 2016
Attila The Stockbroker
£7.00adv £9.00door
plus No support
Doors 8:00pm - 11:00pm
Promotions Promotions + Magic Teapot presents
https://www.facebook.com/attilathestockbroker
NO support. Attila will be on stage at 8:30pm. Doors 8pm.
This will be a book reading and performance mix.
Launched into public consciousness by John Peel in the early 1980s, performance poet, musician, journalist and political activist Attila the Stockbroker has spent thirty five years touring the world. Having performed over three thousand gigs in twenty four countries, releasing forty records and seven books of poetry along the way, he pauses here to relate his life story, a tale of single-minded determination to earn his living, without compromise, doing what he loves in the context of the ever changing, increasingly corporate minded politics of the last five decades.
https://www.facebook.com/attilathestockbroker
NO support. Attila will be on stage at 8:30pm. Doors 8pm.
This will be a book reading and performance mix.
Launched into public consciousness by John Peel in the early 1980s, performance poet, musician, journalist and political activist Attila the Stockbroker has spent thirty five years touring the world. Having performed over three thousand gigs in twenty four countries, releasing forty records and seven books of poetry along the way, he pauses here to relate his life story, a tale of single-minded determination to earn his living, without compromise, doing what he loves in the context of the ever changing, increasingly corporate minded politics of the last five decades.
Fri 12th Feb 2016
OBS Unplugged Finale Weekener
feat: Remy Turi, Dan Wright, Amii Dawes, Luke Broughton, Michael Vickers, Anna My Charlotte, Emily J Crane, Idle Empire and Rob Kelly
Doors 7:30pm
Sat 13th Feb 2016
OBS Unplugged Finale Weekender
feat: Evie Ward, Faye Haddon, Lily & The Bird, Geno Ayre Lynch, Claire Schofield, Michael Kurtz, Oscar Prince, James Cull and The Levy
Doors 7:30pm
Sun 14th Feb 2016
Gypsy Love with Talulah Blue Cabaret
£10.00adv £12.00door
Featuring Talulah Blue International Showgirl and Fire eating Follie
plus Velma von Bon Bon
plus sideshow - Oh Carolina!
plus live Gypsy Jazz
Dress code - Vintage - Gypsy - Circus
plus Velma von Bon Bon
plus sideshow - Oh Carolina!
plus live Gypsy Jazz
Dress code - Vintage - Gypsy - Circus
Mon 15th Feb 2016
Maz O'Connor
£10.00adv £12.00door
Maz O’Connor is a gifted singer of traditional and self-penned songs. In 2013 she was nominated for the BBC Folk Awards Horizon Award and selected for a creative fellowship with the English Folk Dance and Song Society at London’s Cecil Sharp House, funded by the BBC Performing Arts Fund. She sings both traditional folk songs and her own compositions, and accompanies her uniquely pure voice with guitar, shruti box (an idea she “nicked” off fellow folk artist Karine Polwart), piano and harmonium.
Maz released her first album, ‘Upon a Stranger Shore’ in July 2012, just after leaving university, and 2013 was an even busier year: alongside her BBC fellowship, and singing Laura Marling’s music in the RSC’s ‘As You Like It’, she found time to team up with the highly acclaimed producer and award-winning folk artist Jim Moray to record ‘This Willowed Light’, her extraordinary second album. Together they crafted this beautiful record which unites Maz’s contemporary sound with her love of traditional folk song. When ‘Derby Day’ was recently ‘Song of the Day’ on Folk Radio UK, Moray said of the album: ‘I think it’s the best thing I’ve ever worked on’.
Reviews for This Willowed Light
The Observer, July 2014: ‘Folk album of the year thus far ****’
Financial Times, July 2014: ‘Densely rich album of thoughtful, meticulously constructed songs ****’
Q Magazine, July 2014: ‘Remarkable songwriting talent…captivating voice…hugely talented artist ****’
Maz released her first album, ‘Upon a Stranger Shore’ in July 2012, just after leaving university, and 2013 was an even busier year: alongside her BBC fellowship, and singing Laura Marling’s music in the RSC’s ‘As You Like It’, she found time to team up with the highly acclaimed producer and award-winning folk artist Jim Moray to record ‘This Willowed Light’, her extraordinary second album. Together they crafted this beautiful record which unites Maz’s contemporary sound with her love of traditional folk song. When ‘Derby Day’ was recently ‘Song of the Day’ on Folk Radio UK, Moray said of the album: ‘I think it’s the best thing I’ve ever worked on’.
Reviews for This Willowed Light
The Observer, July 2014: ‘Folk album of the year thus far ****’
Financial Times, July 2014: ‘Densely rich album of thoughtful, meticulously constructed songs ****’
Q Magazine, July 2014: ‘Remarkable songwriting talent…captivating voice…hugely talented artist ****’
Tue 16th Feb 2016
CLOSED
Wed 17th Feb 2016
CLOSED
SHOW CANCELLED
Unfortunately tonight's my Darling Clementine show show has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances and refunds are now available from all points of purchase.
Thu 18th Feb 2016
Gordie MacKeeman & his Rhythm Boys
£13.00
plus Vera van Heeringen
Doors 8:00pm
Hailing from Prince Edward Island on Canada’s east coast, the multi-award-winning Gordie MacKeeman & His Rhythm Boys serve up old-time roots music with an energy level that practically yanks you out of your seat by the collar.
If ever someone was deserving of the nickname ‘Crazy Legs’, it is Gordie MacKeeman. His thrilling dance style, while simultaneously playing the violin, mixes with great close-harmony bluegrass vocals, Peter Cann’s blistering guitar solos, and the lively multi-instrumental talents of Thomas Webb and Mark Geddes. Gordie MacKeeman and his Rhythm Boys are an international sensation causing standing ovations wherever they go. Not to be missed.
In support will be Vera van Heeringen, last seen in Leicester with Josienne Clarke & Ben Walker. A great acoustic guitarist, she also plays fiddle and mandolin and writes marvellous songs.
"First class songs, outstanding playing" - fRoots.
If ever someone was deserving of the nickname ‘Crazy Legs’, it is Gordie MacKeeman. His thrilling dance style, while simultaneously playing the violin, mixes with great close-harmony bluegrass vocals, Peter Cann’s blistering guitar solos, and the lively multi-instrumental talents of Thomas Webb and Mark Geddes. Gordie MacKeeman and his Rhythm Boys are an international sensation causing standing ovations wherever they go. Not to be missed.
In support will be Vera van Heeringen, last seen in Leicester with Josienne Clarke & Ben Walker. A great acoustic guitarist, she also plays fiddle and mandolin and writes marvellous songs.
"First class songs, outstanding playing" - fRoots.
Fri 19th Feb 2016
The Sharpees (Brendan O'Neill - ex NBZ)
£6.00adv £8.00door
plus Hubcap
Doors 8:00pm
The very best of British Rhythm and Blues featuring ex NBZ drummer Brendan O'Neill.
A high energy, performance of original songs influenced by Rory Gallagher, Dr Feelgood, Tom Petty, The Stones, George Thorogood, Paul Kossoff, Paul Rodgers, Andy Fraser....
Their crossover blues with a rock influence pushes the boundaries through strong songs, great hooks and some scintillating playing.
The cool juxtaposition between the subtle and the frenetic and the transitions from quiet to loud, is at the core of the unique Sharpees style that is distinctive in the generic blues/rock field.
A high energy, performance of original songs influenced by Rory Gallagher, Dr Feelgood, Tom Petty, The Stones, George Thorogood, Paul Kossoff, Paul Rodgers, Andy Fraser....
Their crossover blues with a rock influence pushes the boundaries through strong songs, great hooks and some scintillating playing.
The cool juxtaposition between the subtle and the frenetic and the transitions from quiet to loud, is at the core of the unique Sharpees style that is distinctive in the generic blues/rock field.
Sat 20th Feb 2016
Dire Streets
£10.00adv £12.00door
Dire Streets perfectly capture the distinctive, authentic sound of one of the biggest guitar bands of all time.
Fronted by finger picking guitar ace John Brunsdon and his band of accomplished musicians, they play with an attention to detail and musicianship that marks them as the stand-out Dire Straits tribute in the UK.
Dire Streets cover tracks from early classics like Sultans of Swing and Wild West End, through to the mega-hits of the 80s and Brothers in Arms, taking in all the classic album and live versions from the legendary Alchemy, Live Aid and Mandela concerts.
Dire Streets make no attempt to look like the original so no headbands or pink suits, just brilliant songs skilfully played with the enthusiasm and respect they deserve.
Fronted by finger picking guitar ace John Brunsdon and his band of accomplished musicians, they play with an attention to detail and musicianship that marks them as the stand-out Dire Straits tribute in the UK.
Dire Streets cover tracks from early classics like Sultans of Swing and Wild West End, through to the mega-hits of the 80s and Brothers in Arms, taking in all the classic album and live versions from the legendary Alchemy, Live Aid and Mandela concerts.
Dire Streets make no attempt to look like the original so no headbands or pink suits, just brilliant songs skilfully played with the enthusiasm and respect they deserve.
Sun 21st Feb 2016
CLOSED
Unfortunately tonight's From The Stage To The Ring show has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. Refunds are available from all points of purchase.
Mon 22nd Feb 2016
The City Acoustic Club
OPEN MIC NIGHT
Free
For up to date info and news please join The City Acoustic Club Facebook group!
Tue 23rd Feb 2016
Kelly Oliver
Album Launch Tour
£10.00adv £12.00door
plus Andy Griffiths
Doors 8:00pm
It has been a wonderful start to 2017 with Kelly winning many awards including Fatea "Female Artist of the Year"
Kelly has just travelled the country with Thea Gilmore, as tour support, and recently supported Barbara Dickson. Kelly has duetted with Luke Jackson, Will Pound, Ciaran Algar, Lukas Drinkwater and Dave Swarbrick, who had this to say “Kelly has the vocal skills and an exquisite voice to boot. For one so young to have such a grasp of life’s travails is unusual, I like Kelly Oliver’s approach to the present and the past and I predict a glittering future for her”
Kelly is widely regarded as a 'rising star' and is unusual in that she plays guitar and Harmonica (is sponsored by Hohner). She brings 'folk' right up date.
“an emerging voice in British Folk.... a beautiful, pure voice’ Bob Harris BBC Radio 2
“delightful fresh new talent with a future take on traditional folk” Chris Hawkins, BBC 6 Music
“Kelly Oliver, an artist who blends traditional values with hints of a bold, indie-pop sensibility” The Times
“getting on everyone’s radar’ Spiral Earth
Kelly has just travelled the country with Thea Gilmore, as tour support, and recently supported Barbara Dickson. Kelly has duetted with Luke Jackson, Will Pound, Ciaran Algar, Lukas Drinkwater and Dave Swarbrick, who had this to say “Kelly has the vocal skills and an exquisite voice to boot. For one so young to have such a grasp of life’s travails is unusual, I like Kelly Oliver’s approach to the present and the past and I predict a glittering future for her”
Kelly is widely regarded as a 'rising star' and is unusual in that she plays guitar and Harmonica (is sponsored by Hohner). She brings 'folk' right up date.
“an emerging voice in British Folk.... a beautiful, pure voice’ Bob Harris BBC Radio 2
“delightful fresh new talent with a future take on traditional folk” Chris Hawkins, BBC 6 Music
“Kelly Oliver, an artist who blends traditional values with hints of a bold, indie-pop sensibility” The Times
“getting on everyone’s radar’ Spiral Earth
Wed 24th Feb 2016
Kirk Brandon
with master cello player Sam Sansbury
£10.00adv £12.00door
Kirk Brandon is the voice of Spear of Destiny, Theatre of Hate and Dead Men Walking. With over 15 studio albums and countless single releases, his career now spans well over 30 years. He has enjoyed worldwide success with all three of the above bands and is also a leader in every punk rock poll by being the singer and songwriter in The Pack.
Over the last 9 years, Kirk has released six solo acoustic studio albums (the “Dutch Masters” series) that have pulled tracks from all era’s of his career, these albums have also featured many of the people Kirk has worked with and collaborated with over the years including Derek Forbes, Slim Jim Phantom, Mike Peters & Clint Boon.
The latest of these solo acoustic albums entitled “Dutch Masters Volume Five” has become, in it’s first year of release, the best seller in the series.
Expect some very special shows………….
Over the last 9 years, Kirk has released six solo acoustic studio albums (the “Dutch Masters” series) that have pulled tracks from all era’s of his career, these albums have also featured many of the people Kirk has worked with and collaborated with over the years including Derek Forbes, Slim Jim Phantom, Mike Peters & Clint Boon.
The latest of these solo acoustic albums entitled “Dutch Masters Volume Five” has become, in it’s first year of release, the best seller in the series.
Expect some very special shows………….
Thu 25th Feb 2016
CLOSED
Fri 26th Feb 2016
CLOSED
Sat 27th Feb 2016
CLOSED
Sun 28th Feb 2016
CLOSED
Mon 29th Feb 2016
The Bros.Landreth
Andy Wright presents
£6.50adv £8.00door
plus The Heartland Roots and Dan Wright
'Let It Lie' is the debut release from Canadian
roots-rockers the Bros. Landreth.
"The result is a musical mix of Bonnie Raitt and Little Feat flavored with Sonny Landreth-
style slide guitar. One need only listen to the song “I Am the Fool,” written by their father, renowned Winnipeg musician Wally Landreth, to
understand the Landreths were born to musical mastery.”
The Washington Times
roots-rockers the Bros. Landreth.
"The result is a musical mix of Bonnie Raitt and Little Feat flavored with Sonny Landreth-
style slide guitar. One need only listen to the song “I Am the Fool,” written by their father, renowned Winnipeg musician Wally Landreth, to
understand the Landreths were born to musical mastery.”
The Washington Times