Nicky Hopkins Book : Author Julian Dawson Interview

This fascinating new book by Julian Dawson follows the  life and musical career of keyboard player to the stars Nicky Hopkins from the schoolboy playing for hymns at school assembly, through rock n roll pioneership after teaming up with David Sutch before he even became the "Screaming Lord", through being the session keyboard player of choice for all the top bands of the 60s and 70s right up to his untimely death at the age of 50 and his very last recording session which was with Dawson himself.

Hopkins played on 14 Rolling Stones albums from 1967 to 1981, he played with the Kinks, The Beatles, Nllsson, Cat Stevens, Rod Stewart, Meatloaf - the list goes on... He played on Joe Cocker's "You Are So Beautiful" , John Lennon's "Imagine", PP Arnold's "Angel Of The Morning" ...The Wurzels' "Combine Harvester"....!

We had a fascinating chat with the book's author Julian Dawson which will be aired in our "Best Kept Secrets...In Conversation" show on Preston FM this Friday evening - 3rd June - at 7pm.  However, you can hear a sneak preview right now by clicking on the sound icon below:

Theatre Review: Death By Fatal Murder - Blackpool Grand Theatre

From the very moment the Grand Theatre comes into view, you just know you are in for a treat. No matter where you sit in this beautiful theatre, you see and hear everything on the stage perfectly.  Which meant that it was wonderful setting for this hilarious spoof of an Agatha Christie murder mystery with all its twists and turns, intrigue and double entendre.

We have the hapless detective - Inspector Pratt, by both name and nature - trying to solve a murder, (or is it two...?)  in a secluded country house surrounded by a bizarre array of helpers / suspects.  There's a secretive hostess, an Italian lothario, a limping Squadron Leader, a mad welsh medium and an over posh Land Girl for poor Pratt to contend with but, luckily, he has the help of "super sleuth" Miss Maple and Constable Thompkins to fall back on as the plot thickens and the jokes flow in this thoroughly enjoyable comedy.

It's a great opportunity to see some well know actors from stage and screen as we have Leslie Grantham - best known from playing Dirty Den in EastEnders - putting on a great Italian accent, Richard Gibson (Herr Flick from Allo Allo" with a what ho! splendid English accent and Katy Manning (Jo Grant in Doctor Who - yes- really...!) putting on all kinds of accents!

You'll recognise Michelle Hardwick from ITV's The Royal and Jessica Barnes and Nicola Weeks from quite a few things...   Christopher Elderwood reprises the role of Constable Thompkins that he played so ably in the prequel to this story "Murdered To Death" while David Callister's reprise of Inspector Pratt has you rolling in the aisles  as he bungles and bumbles his way through the murder investigation.

We really enjoyed this show and urge you to go and see it.

It is on at the Blackpool Grand Theatre until Saturday 4th June and then touring the country until the end of  January - check your local theatre for details!

You can hear a short interview with Leslie Grantham previewing the show by scrolling down to the post below and clicking on the sound icon.

     

"Death By Fatal Murder" At Blackpool Grand Theatre - Starring Leslie Grantham

The hapless and hopeless Inspector Pratt is back at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre in the uproarious thriller Death By Fatal Murder from Bank Holiday Monday 30th May to Saturday 4th June starring Leslie Grantham (EastEnders’ Dirty Den), Richard Gibson (‘Allo,‘Allo’s Herr Flick), Michelle Hardwick (The Royal) and Grand Theatre favourite David Callister.

Ian Dickens presents Death By Fatal Murder starring Leslie Grantham (EastEnders’ Dirty Den), Richard Gibson (‘Allo,‘Allo’s Herr Flick), Michelle Hardwick (Lizzie Kennoway from The Royal) and Grand Theatre favourite David Callister at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre from Bank Holiday Monday 30th May to Saturday 4th June.

Monday at 8pm, Tuesday to Saturday at 7.30pm, Wednesday & Saturday matinees at 2pm

Tickets from £16. Opening Night (Mon 30th May) all seats £15 Friends of The Grand - £15 all shows (Mon-Fri)

Book your seats now by calling the Grand Theatre Box Office on 01253 290190, online at http://www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/ or at the Grand Theatre information sales point in the Houndshill Shopping Centre. To hear an exclusive interview with former Eastenders star Leslie Grantham talking about the "Death By Fatal Murder" show, just click on the sound icon below:

Choking Susan - Tour Dates & Colleen Caffeine Rebellion Festival Preview

Detroit based punk band Choking Susan are playing some live dates in the Republic of Irleand this forthcoming weekend:

27th May: Sweeney's, Dublin, 19:00
28th May: An Cruiscin Lan, Cork - 19:00
29th May: The Trades Club, Sligo - 19:00
30th May: CDP New Ross, Wexford - 19:00

They are also touring the UK during July, leading up to their appearance at the Rebellion Festival in Blackpool in August.  For a full list of dates, take a look here:
http://www.myspace.com/chokingsusan/shows

We recently had a chat with Colleen Caffeine about her music and looking ahead to the Rebellion Festival. The full interview will be broadcast in our Rebellion Festival Preview Special show on Preston FM on Wednesday 27th July at 4pm but you can hear a sneak preview right now by clicking on the sound icon below:

Support Gabriela's Grasmere Swim For Cystic Fibrosis Charity

Gabriela Sharp is participating in a special charity swimming event across Grasmere in the Lake District on 26th June in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

The event is called the "Grasmere Channel Swim 2011" and the total distance of everyone swimming during the day will be equal to the distance of swimming the channel.

If you'd like to support Gabriela - or just find out more about this very worthy cause - visit her fundraising page here: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/gabbysharp

To listen to an interview with Gabriela, click on the sound icon below:

Book Now For Special Joe Longthorne Christmas Show - 20th December

Joe Longthorne is to play a special one-off show at the Layton  Institute on 20th December as part of Leye D John's Christmas cabaret lounge season.

It will be first his first performance at the venue for over 30 years, since before his big break and TV fame beckoned.

Joe said: “I’ve enjoyed the tour so much this year, and with Leye working so hard with me to make it such a great success – I thought it only fitting to round things off for 2011 with an intimate show at Leye’s new Christmas home at the Cabaret Lounge, Layton on Tuesday December 20th, as a way of saying thank you to him for all his efforts over the year. The last time I worked Layton, I got the call from ITV all those years ago. It brings back great memories”. 

More used to venues seating over 1000 people, this performance to just 250 guests in an intimate setting is a rare type of gig for Joe Longthorne and his entourage so anybody wanting to book, should do so quickly!

Booking lines are open now this special show night with Joe Longthorne, with dinner and show packages for the night starting at £55 for a 3 course dinner and reserved VIP seating.

You can contact the box office now on 01253 352 301 or email info@leyedjohns.com or check out the online ticket shop at http://www.blackpoolshows.net/

Take That Tribute on Blackpool North Pier - 3rd 10th & 17th June

Take That and party with the ultimate tribute band Take That Reuinited as they perform hit after hit from the world’s most famous boy band this June at the Merrie England Bar on Blackpool’s North Pier.

Gary, Robbie, Jason, Mark and Howard really are “back for good” and you can spend an evening singing and dancing along to all their classic hits when the UK’s most popular Take That tribute band – Take That Reuinited - play the Merrie England Bar on Blackpool’s North Pier on Friday evenings from June 3rd to 17th.

Take That Reunited are the ultimate Take That tribute act and you could be partying along with them as they sing, and dance to, all your favourite hits from the world’s most popular boy band.

Take That Reuinited will appear on Fridays 3rd, 10th and 17th June at the Merrie England Bar on Blackpool’s North Pier (over 18s only).

Doors open at 7.30pm and tickets are just £10 (bookable in advance or pay at the door on the night).

For more information, call the North Pier Box Office on 01253 623304 or visit http://www.northpierblackpool.co.uk/

Tickets can also be purchased from www.blackpoollive.com or via Ticketmaster on 0844 847 2452.

Exclusive Interview With Miss Fylde Coast 2011 Sophie Anderson

Following the excitement of last night's Miss Fylde Coast final at Thornton Little Theatre in Thornton, we managed to grab a few words with the newly crowned Miss Fylde Coast Sophie Anderson.

Sophie will now spend the next 12 months representing the Fylde Coast and supporting good causes around the local area and beyond.

She goes through to the semi final of the Miss England competition with the chance of progressing to Miss World. To find our more about the Miss England competition, visit the official website at: http://www.missengland.info/

To hear what Sophie had to say after being crowned Miss Fylde Coast, just click on the sound icon below:

See SkaFace & The Sex Pistols Experience in Blackpool - 27th May

Ska Face return to the Merrie England Bar on Blackpool’s North Pier along with special guests the Sex Pistol Experience on Friday 27th May.

This Friday sees the Merrie England play host to two incredible bands. Take a trip back to the 70s punk phenomena with the raw sounds of the Sex Pistols Experience and then take “one step beyond” to party with Ska Face as they celebrate the ska and two-tone movement of the 80s!

Ska Face (in photo) is enjoying a meteoric rise through the ranks of pub and club-land, frequently packing venues to capacity. The 10-piece Blackpool-based band takes their musical cues from ska classics; The Specials, Bad Manners, The Selecter, Madness and all the usual suspects. Their infectious grooves combined with a determination to interact with the audience make for an intense live experience. A throng of dancing fans is a regular feature at their live shows; always good natured and never lacking enthusiasm, their full four-piece brass section really sets them apart from other ska acts, as does their enigmatic and energetic singer Tony Montana - certainly 'one to watch' in every sense.

Joining Ska Face is the world’s number one professional tribute to the most outrageous and controversial band of all time, the Sex Pistols Experience. From their early beginnings performing in pubs and clubs around the UK they went on to tour throughout Europe, the USA and South America and everywhere in between!

Their show has perfected the look and sound down to every last detail as they sweat out every ounce of energy to make sure each concert is as dynamic, explosive and as exciting as the real deal. They have captured perfectly all the spirit and energy of the Sex Pistols at their blistering peak 1977 period, blended with the ability of the seasoned musicians of their later reformation tours.

Be prepared to hear all the Sex Pistols classics live including rousing renditions of Pretty Vacant, God Save The Queen, Anarchy in the UK and Holidays in the Sun. No stone is left unturned with a few surprises, b-sides and rarities thrown in the mix.

Ska Face and the Sex Pistols Experience at the Merrie England Bar on Blackpool’s North Pier on Friday 27th May (over 18s only). Doors open at 7.30pm and tickets are just £5 (bookable in advance or pay at the door on the night).
 
For more information, call the North Pier Box Office on 01253 623304 or visit http://www.northpierblackpool.co.uk/"
 
Tickets can also be purchased from http://www.blackpoollive.com" or via Ticketmaster on 0844 847 2452.

Miss Fylde Coast 2011 - Result

Miss Fylde Coast 2011 Competition Results

1st - Sophie Anderson
2nd - Amy Davids
3rd -  Jessica Bradder
4th - Molly Rae
5th - Lorna Parry

Miss Charity - Danielle Wrench
Miss Popularity - Sophie Anderson 

Full review and interview clips to follow

Whaley Water Weekend :Acoustic Music Festival - 10th to 12th June

Whaley Water Weekend is now in it’s 12th year. This year it takes place in Whaley basin on the 10th, 11th and 12th of June. As always the Saturday and Sunday will be a wonderful family affair with free boat trips, a fairground, Punch and Judy, The Whaley Bridge Band, Dance groups, folk music courtesy of Acoustic Collective (www.acoustic-collective.com) and the very popular meerkats, from the petting zoo, are also making a return visit. It’s a great family event and it is completely free.

This year there is a new addition to the weekend … it will start on the Friday evening with a ‘Mini Music Festival’, where local acoustic clubs will be represented by acts that regularly turn up to play.

The music festival is being organised by ‘Mama Don’t’ which is a project to help raise the profile of acoustic musicians; therefore the Friday night offers the perfect opportunity to come together and put on a great show.

Mama Don't s Linda Simpson said: "So far we have managed to contact clubs in Glossop, Buxton, Disley, Marple, New Mills, Buxworth and Chinley, but there are probably more and we would love to hear from the organisers of any club that would like to know more and maybe get involved.. . email to info@mamadont.co.uk "

Mama Don’t will film the evening and put the film on You Tube so the musicians get exposure, the venues can give out more information about where they are, and when they operate, and the public gets a free show – it’s a win-win situation."

For more information about this event, visit the mamadon't website : http://www.mamadont.co.uk/events/whaley-water-weekend

Sand, Sea & Spray, Blackpool Street Art Event Photos - 20 to 22nd May

You can see all our photos from this weekend's Sand Sea & Spray art event in Blackpool on our Facebook page here:  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.186559738061111.57796.100001212595763

We didn't manage to get to the fourth site - in the Sun Lounge at North Pier - but are hoping to go over the next few days to have a look.

There are some great examples of Urban Street Art by artists from all over the world - do take a look! 

CD: "Familia" By Simon Goulding - Check It Out!

CD: "Familia" by Simon Goulding

1. Familia 6:00
2. Galeria 6:49
3. Bass Face 6:09
4. Calle Obispo 6:48
5. East Side Drop 6:52
6. A Love Like Ours 6:55
7. Looking Over 6:50
8. Lindsey 6:39
9. Parque Central 7:27
10. Hurricane Season 5:53
11. Beach House 5:08
12. Mirando Al Futuro

We saw Simon play with the Snake Davis band at the Sands in Blackpool on Friday night and were really impressed.  This is his own CD - check it out!
 
Debut album with 12 tracks of a hard hitting mix of Jazz/Latin/Fusion with smooth melodies woven around intricate and intriguing rhythms to create a sound thats Funky and original with more than a hint of bass.

Buy it here:  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/SimonGoulding

The new studio album by UK Bassist Simon Goulding. A mixture of Jazz/Fusion/Latin-Jazz. Draws heavily on Cuban influences from Rumba to Songo and beyond. Featuring Adam Linsley-Trumpet & Flugelhorn. Mat Sibley-Tenor Sax. Alan Wormald-Guitar. Nik Harrison-Guitar. Andy Blakeley- Timbales on selected tracks.

Simon Goulding had performed/recorded with the Bee Gees, Englebert Humperdink, Joe Longthorne, Rick Astley, Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, Peter Kay, Rene Froger, Ronan Keating, PP Arnold, The Four Tops, Freddie Starr, Jovenes Clasicos Del Son, Tony Christie, David Essex, The Drifters, The London Community Gospel Choir, Sheila Ferguson, Peter Grant to name but a few. On his new album Familia, Simon plays, 5 & 6 string basses, EUB (electric upright bass), Keyboards, Drum & synth programming, Percussion, clave & Berimbau.

"The album is about drawing on my memories of Family past & present here and in Cuba and the experiences we've been through. with the 1st track 'Familia' (Family) setting the scene and the final track 'Mirando al futuro' (Looking to the future) saying where we would like to be in the future. I would say the album is HEAVILY influenced by Cuban music (Emiliano Salvador, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Los Van Van, Mezcla, Irakere) aswell as my love of Jazz/Rock (Miles Davis, Weather Report, Steps Ahead, Lee Ritenour's Friendship Group, YellowJackets, Lifetime). I wanted to portray all of these throughout the album".

See The Dan Forshaw Quartet at the Galleon in Blackpool - 25th May

There's a great opportunity to see the Dan Forshaw Quartet playing a special warm up gig in Blackpool in preparation for Southport International Jazz Festival.

Dan Forshaw, Mike Taylor, Gary Culshaw & J Hoy will be playing at the Galleon Bar on Abingdon Street from 9.30pm on Wednesday 25th May with a great selection of music from New Orleans to New Order with a funky jazz vibe.

Why not visit Dan's website at http://www.danforshaw.com/

You can listen to our great interview with Dan all about his music and his latest CD "MetaNarrative" by clicking here: http://www.bestkeptsecrets.biz/2011/05/listen-again-dan-forshaw-interview.html

See Magic Trees At The Galleon, Blackpool - 24th May

There's a great opportunity to see St Annes based Canadian rock band Magic Trees playing at the Galleon Bar on Abingdon Street in Blackpool on Tuesday evening from 9pm onwards.

They play a great mix of guitar rock based music with a few folksy and country influences thrown in - a few decent covers - but their own material realy is something special!

You can find out more about the band on their website: http://www.magictreesband.com/

 and there is also a great interview with them playing at various times during the day here: http://www.wirelessradio.biz/

Volunteer To Help With A Horse-Drawn Narrowboat This Weekend ...

LATE NOTICE - JUST IN:

The Horse Boating Society is looking for volunteers for this weekend.

http://www.horseboating.org.uk/index.htm

They are taking a traditional working boat down the Huddersfield Narrow Canal from the tunnel at Marsden, in the direction of Huddersfield.

Anyone interested in volunteering to help with the journey please contact Sue Day on 01457 834863
or by email on enquiries@horseboating.org.uk

You will need to bring lunch and drinks as due to the age of working boat Maria, there are no modern facilities.

Crew Required
A horsedrawn boat needs more crew than a motorised boat - at least 3 or 4 - so that locks can be set ahead so that the boat can glide in without having to stop and re-start. Help is needed with handling ropes and passing the line over moored boats or obstacles along the towpath such as bushes.

This could be your opportunity to get involved for a day or preferably longer. Previous experience is not necessary as some informal training can be given as you go along.

Sarah-May
AKA Baddie the Pirate

http://www.baddiethepirate.co.uk/

Robin Ross Art Exhibition In Lancaster - 24th May to 10th September

U.S.A. [urban.screen.art] EXHIBITION 24TH MAY – 10TH SEPT 2011

Unbox, 18a Brock Street,
Lancaster, LA1 1UU
Tel (01524) 61111

Email info@unboxshop.co.uk    http://www.unboxshop.co.uk/

Click below to hear a short interview clip with Blackpool artist Robin Ross:

Sand, Sea & Spray In Blackpool - Exclusive Interview With Indigo

Urban Street Artists from across the world are gathering in Blackpool for a special art event to be held this weekend at 4 different sites around the town.

We went along to Blackpool's Talbot Road bus station this morning to get a feel for what looks as if it will be a fascinating weeknd.  It's free to go along and have alook so why not drop by at the four sites over the weekend, which are:

1.Blackpool  North Pier,
2.the Rear of Club Sanuk,
3.The walls around the Car Park at the junction of Cookson Street and Church Street
4.the inside of Talbot Road Bus Station

We had a chat with Indigo -a top street artist from Canada about the event, you can hear what she had to say now by clicking on the sound icon below;

Cafe Of The Month For April - Greens in Highfield Road, Blackpool

We are pleased to announce that the winner of our Cafe of the Month Award for April 2011 was Greens of Highfield Road in Blackpool.

Proprietor Janet Green has assembled a great team of staff and there is always a friendly welcome - not mention nice food and drink - whenever we drop by. They plan to open a second outlet further up Highfield Road during the summer so it will be interesting to see how that goes.

If YOU would like to nominate YOUR favourite cafe for our Cafe Of The Month Award, drop us an email to paul@bestkeptsecrets.biz  and we'll check it out.

In the photo: Sue Leeming and Blazej Bartoszewski

NOTE: Our Cafe of The Month Award For March went to Treats on Ramshill Road in Scarborough - we are just waiting for the presentation photograph...

Event Review: Charity Evening At Coco Nightclub for Variety Club

We were lucky enough to attend a sensational evening of entertainment on Sunday at CoCo nightclub in Blackpool in aid of the Variety Club children's charity.  The event had been organised by reigning Miss Blackpool Ella Green and Miss Blackpool 2010 finalist Lisa Cox - both of whom are also finalists in this year's Miss Fylde Coast Competition.

There was a great buffet - hand prepared by the girls themselves - a silent auction and raffle and a highly glamourous fashion show by Noosa where Miss Fylde Coast, Miss Preston, Miss Lancaster and some more of the Miss Fylde Coast 2011 finallists all pitched in to help model classy evening wear.

We had live singing from the St Annes Soul Sensation Ashley Benjamin and Lucy Whigham who both performed their own material as well as some great covers  and the night was finished off by Blackpool's very own professional Belly dance troupe the Belly Dance Dolls.

It was obvious that a lot of thought and planning had gone into the event and well done to everybody involved.

To find out more about the performers, check out their websites here:
http://www.bellydancedolls.co.uk/
www.myspace.com/lucywhigham
www.myspace.com/ashley_benjamin

To find out more about the Miss Fylde Coast competition look here: http://www.miss.fylde.coast.co.uk/

and to find out about how YOU could enter Miss Blackpool 2011, check out here: http://www.missblackpool2011.co.uk/

Enter Miss Blackpool 2011 Heats

Steph Ashcroft To Appear At Maritime Events Weekend, Fleetwood - 29th May

Outstanding young Blackpool singer/songwriter guitarist Steph Ashcroft will be making a special appearnce at the Maritime Events Weekedn in Fleetwood on Sunday 29th May at the North Euston Hotel.

Steph will be performing with her school friend Joe Martin, who is also a singer/songwriter guitarist.
The programme in the Family Bar kicks off at 12.30pm with Steph&Joe on at 2.30pm.

There is full programme of events around Fleetwood on both the Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th May.

To find out more about Steph and her music, visit her myspace site here: www.myspace.com/stephashcroft

You can find a full list of events and times for the weekend here: http://www.bestkeptsecrets.biz/p/fleetwood-maritime-weekend-28th-29th.html

Book Review: "And On Piano...Nicky Hopkins" by Julian Dawson

I have to hold my hand up here and start by saying that, before this book wended its way through my letterbox and dropped on the mat, I had never actually heard of Nicky Hopkins.

Having said that, after a quick thumb through to the very comprehensive section that lists all of his recordings with all sort of fascinting people, then I quickly realised that while I might not have known who he was, I HAVE indeed heard his keyboard skills over the years on numerous recordings with a whole variety of famous artists - none more so than on my favourite ever track by The Who - "La La La Lies" taken from their 1965 My Generation album, where he plays a particularly jaunty piano intro and fill.

This new book by Julian Dawson follows Hopkins' life and musical career from the schoolboy playing for hymns at school assembly, through rock n roll pioneership after teaming up with David Sutch before he even became the "Screaming Lord", through being the session keyboard player of choice for all the top bands of the 60s and 70s right up to his untimely death at the age of 50 and his very last recording session which was with Dawson himself.

Hopkins played on all the Rolling Stones albums from 1967 to 1981, he played with the Kinks, The Beatles, Nllsson, Cat Stevens, Rod Stewart, Meatloaf - the list goes on... He played on Joe Cocker's "You Are So Beautiful" , John Lennon's "Imagine", PP Arnold's "Angel Of The Morning" ...The Wurzels' "Combine Harvester"....!

If you are interested in music, then you can;t help but be interested in this book. Dawson writes with a style that is easy to read and there are lots of interesting quotes from the people who worked with Nicky Hopkins.

The Discography section is a fascinating read all on its own and there some great photos of Nicky from his early beginnings as a Savage with Lord Sutch, playing at the Marquee, the Star Club in Hamburg, Woodstock and beyond.

"And On Piano...Nicky Hopkins" by Julian Dawson is published by  Desert Hearts in association with Bennett & Bloom.

And on Piano. Nicky Hopkins: The Extraordinary Life of Rock's Greatest Session Man


 

Paul Chowdhry National Tour - Exclusive Interview

Stand up comedian Paul Chowdhry has just embarked on his first solo nationwide tour, playing dates right across the country until early July.To find out more about Paul and to see a full list of his tour dates, check out his official website here: http://www.paulchowdhry.com/?page_id=7

We had a chat with Paul to find out all about his comedy and his current tour. We will be featuring the full interview in our "Best Kept Secrets In Conversation" show on Preston FM on Friday 3rd June at 7pm but, in the meantime, to hear his tour preview interview, simply click on the sound icon below;

Sun, Sea & Spray Preview - Blackpool 21st May

New exclusive interview with Canadian street artist  INDIGO here: http://www.bestkeptsecrets.biz/2011/05/sand-sea-spray-urban-street-art-event.html

Sand Sea & Spray the Urban Art event is to turn four sites in Blackpool into a huge Art Gallery over one week end featuring over 40 Artists from 4 Continents on 4 Sites on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd May 2011

Looking ahead to the Urban Street Art exhibition,here's a short preview from organiser Robin Ross. Just click on the sound icon below to listen:

Garden Open Day For Macmillan Cancer Support - 26th June

For the 10th year in a row, Jancie and Frank Flynn will be opening their award winning garden in Pilling to the public on Sunday 26th June as a fund raising measure in aid of Over Wyre Macmillan Cancer Support.

Admission costs £5 which includes a cup of tea or coffee or a cold drink and there will also be a raffle, cake stall and plant sale on the day. Donations of cakes and plants for the stalls are invited.

For more information, email janice@brahmsandliszt.com

To hear a short interview with Janice, click on the sound icon below:

Enter the Soccer Six Tournament at Pendle Leisure Centre - 22nd May

Celebrities from the world of music and television will be descending on Turf Moor on Sunday June 5th to take part in a Soccer Six Football Tournament.

As a build up to the main event, Pendle Leisure Trust has joined forces with Burnley Football Club to organise a local Soccer Six competition.

The winners will each receive a replica shirt of the ones to be worn by the celebrities in the Soccer Six Tournament in June.

Adult footballers are being invited to enter a 6-a-side team to take part in a knockout competition at Pendle Leisure Centre Astroturf in Colne, on Sunday, May 22nd.

A number of teams have already taken up the challenge and there is still room for a couple more. But you have just a few days left to sign-up!

Phil Storey, Chief Executive of Pendle Leisure Trust, said: “While we will be raising awareness of the Soccer Six event, our tournament will be a bit of competitive fun and give our own local football stars a chance to shine!

"We are looking for a total of 18 teams to play in this World Cup style competition and we would like to see teams from throughout East Lancashire getting involved.”

Stars from Hollyoaks, Waterloo Road, The Only Way Is Essex and Big Brother are the latest set to lace up their boots for the charity tournament, which comes to Burnley after stints at Liverpool, Everton, Reading, Leeds United, Aston Villa, West Ham and Chelsea football grounds.

With over 150 celebrities taking part, Soccer Six is the biggest 6-a-side celebrity football tournament in the world.

Director of Commercial Affairs at Burnley Football Club, Anthony Fairclough, added: “We have already had some well-known celebrities sign up to the event, which should be a great day out.

“And we are pleased to be working with Pendle Leisure Trust to give local footballers a taste of the forthcoming fixture.”

It will cost each team £10 to enter and the winners and runners-up will each receive a Soccer Six shirt as their prize.

If you would like to enter a team you have just a few days left to do it, contact Joe Cooney on 01282 661225 or e-mail jmailto:joseph.cooney@pendleleisuretrust.co.uk

CD Release: (Almost) Everything Else by Mike Scott - Out NOW

Tracklisting:
1. Following the Leader 02:30 
2. A Jack of All Trades... 02:22 
3. Solitary Man 02:49
4. It's My Job to Disappoint 03:17 
5. Extra Something 02:47
6. PeopleWatchingAtClaphamJunction 03:20 
7. Haille Sellasse, Up Your Arse 03:18
8. Sweatshops and Slaughterhouses 02:13 
9. '74, '75 03:20
10. My Boss Should Pay Me More 02:22
11. Got a Way With Words, Got Away With Murder 03:03
12. WWJD 02:22
13. Dissection Class 02:24 
14. Provocation Song 02:24
15. Back to the Drawing Board [Demo] 02:01 
16. Massacre Song [Demo] 02:19 
17. Scandal Song [Demo] 01:51 

A remastered collection of tracks from old EPs, splits and some demos. Serving as a companion piece - of sorts - to Mike's new album SATURATION POINT (available from Fond of Life Records).

Available digitally from here for £3.50: http://music.real-records.co.uk/album/almost-everything-else
released 09 May 2011 KRUMM005 An Aaahh!!! Real Records Release

Commenting on his new release, singer Mike said:
"My new compilation record, (ALMOST) EVERYTHING ELSE has just come out on AAAHH!! REAL RECORDS, completely DIY and with no advertising budget or anything and i hope you'll think it's stupidly cheap at £3.50.

All money goes to the label to help fund releases from all the artists. Ian who runs the label is a legend and all his bands are great."
 
More info: http://www.mikescott.me.uk/
 

Gaga Tribute Night For Trinity Hospice & Happy House - 20th May

The Merrie England Bar at Blackpool’s North Pier will play host to a night of live entertainment in support of Trinity House Hospice and the Happy House Project on Friday 20th May with the sensational sounds of Alisha as Lady Gaga and Mark Jay as George Michael.

Blackpool’s own Alisha Jones began singing and dancing at an early age to entertain friends and members of her family. The performing bug stuck with her and when she was old enough she began singing in bars, clubs and restaurants in the town before touring the UK’s hottest venues. Alisha has also performed to members of the forces stationed in Germany and at nightclubs and theatres throughout Europe.

Alisha has become one of the hottest properties in the UK with her tribute to Lady Gaga act. You will be amazed not only at the resemblance of the American hit-maker but also the voice and dance moves!

Joining Alisha is Mark Jay who has for the past 20 years entertained audiences throughout the country in pubs, clubs and sports arenas! A versatile performer, he is as at home singing Michael Bublé classics to the rocking sounds of the King’s of Leon

Doors open at 7.30pm and the fun will go on till late! There will also be a live DJ and competitions throughout the evening with great prizes to be won. For over 18s only!

Tickets at just £5 can be booked in advance by calling 07525 741 622; or you can pay on the door (£6).
 
For information on Trinity Hospice, please visit: http://www.trinityhospice.org.uk/

For information on the Happy House Project, please visit http://www.childrenofwatamu.net/

CD Release: "Delancey Street" by Rachael Sage - Out 30th May

Tracklisting:
1: Hope's Outpost
2: There Is Passion
3: Hey Nah  (produced by Phil Ramone)
4: Brave Mistake
5: Everything Was Red
6: Big Star               *** our top track tip!
7: Wasn't It You
8: Rich Girl
9: Meet Me In Vegas
10: How I Got By
11: Back To Earth
12: Arrow
13: Delancey Street
14: Fame
15: Hope's Outpost - (Bonus Track - Phil Ramone version)

Delancey Street (Deluxe Europe Edition) - Rachael Sage
MPress Records MP27002

All tracks written by Rachael Sage except "Rich Girl" (Darryl Hall 1976 ) and "Fame" (Gore/Pitchford 1980)
Produced by Rachael Sage except tracks 3 & 14 by Phil Ramone

The single "Hey Nah" will be released on 23rd May.  More info: http://www.rachaelsage.com/  or   http://www.mpressrecords.com/

CD Review: Everything Is A Song by Magic Trees

Tracklisting:
1: Two Or Three Things I Would Change
2: My Night Sky
3: The Light
4: Cmon Freak Me Out
5: Love Grows Cold
6: Behind
7: Go To Sleep
8: Your Heart Is My Mirror
9: Heart All Full Of Love
10: People Of Stone
11: Life Is What It Is
12: Everything Is A Song

To find out more about the band - and also see some great videos, visit the official website at: http://www.magictreesband.com/

Pendle Guitar Festival - 5th June

PENDLE’S first ever Guitar Festival is set to be a huge success - Live music, free guitar lessons and recording sessions, guitar valuations and a chance to buy, sell and trade new, used and vintage guitars will all be on offer at The Ace Centre in Nelson on Sunday, June 5th.

Ace Centre studio engineer Andrea Quarin said: “This event is the first of its kind for Pendle, East Lancs and possibly even the North West.

“There will be lots happening, including live Jazz, Blues and Folk music in the bistro, Acoustic, Jazz and Rock guitar performances and workshops will be given by Adam Palma, Adrian Ingram and Nigel “Idolfrets” Pickering.

“There will also be free guitar lessons for all levels and a chance to make a free 10 minute recording in our studio.

“There will be more than 70 stalls selling guitars, amps and related items and even one selling 60s memorabilia.

“People can bring along their own guitar for a free evaluation with the possibility of selling it to traders.”

“This will be an ideal opportunity for anyone wanting to buy, sell or trade new, vintage or used guitars, amps and accessories.

“This will be any musician or music-lover’s dream day out. It is going to be huge and we are really excited to be hosting it at The ACE Centre.”

The event will take place from 10am to 4pm on Sunday June 5th. Tickets cost £3 in advance and £4 on the door. To book, or for more information, call (01282) 661080.

Charity Evening At The Cube In Poulton Le Fylde - 26th May

Stephanie Fretwell is organising a charity evening in aid of the Variety Club children's charity to be held at The Cube In Poulton on 26th May.

There is a full programme of entertainment for the evening, including local singer Andy Craig, punk band Lost In Last Week, a Pole dancing demonstration as well as a raffle.

Tickets are £5 each and the entrance price  includes  a glass of wine on arrival.

For tickets, contact Stephanie on 07706 051612

Stef has also done a fun run to raise money for the charity.

If you can't make the evening but would still like to donate, you can do so via her "just giving" page here:  http://www.justgiving.com/stephanie-fretwell

CD Release: Peter & The Test Tube Babies & Reazione - Out 28th May

VERY DISASTER - Release Date 28th May

Tracklisting:
1) Youth of Today - Peter & The Test Tube Babies:
2) The Twitter Song - Peter & The Test Tube Babies:
3) Minor Celebrity - Peter & The Test Tube Babies:
4) Mr Mortgage - Peter & The Test Tube Babies:
5) Shake My World - Peter & The Test Tube Babies:
6) Spacecake - Peter & The Test Tube Babies:
7) Dam Da Bev – Reazione
8) Dr. Alex – Reazione
9) Andiamo In Tour – Reazione
10) Lovely Dream – Reazione
11) Regime Democratico – Reazione
12) Adesso Basta! – Reazione
13) Welcome To The Show – Reazione

Coming soon on CD and Vinyl, a split record with Peter And The Test Tube Babies from Brighton England and Reazione from Rimini Italy. A true “classic” for every Punk Rock Oi! collector.

The album contains many previously unreleased songs from both bands in cluding “The Twitter Song” by Peter & TTB and “Dam da bev” by Reazione.

Contact for info:  ANFIBIO RECORDS, c/o Bolzoni Christian, Via Brenti, 5 - 26100 Cremona - Italia
c.bolzoni@libero.it     http://www.anfibiorecords.com/

Sector 7 Live Date in London - 18th May

Wednesday 18th May - 8.30pm onwards

The Green Man,
383 Euston Road, 
London,  
NW1 3AU

Sector7's second London gig featuring the amazing vocal talents of: Emma Smith, Kwabena Adjepong, Matthew Featherstone, Sarah Ellen Hughes and the amazing instrumental talents of George Moore on piano, Tim Thornton on bass and Joshua Blackmore on drums.

Sector7 - as featured on BBC radio - present a range of hip, daring arrangements of jazz and soul standards including a bit of Gerswhin, Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, plus the most spectacular arrangement of Spain you've ever heard!

The venue is right opposite Great Portland Street Station, £8/5 entrance and, according to Sarah Ellen Hughes; "the Green Man serves good pub food in case you get peckish!".

To find out more about Sector 7, visit the website here: http://www.sarahellenhughes.co.uk/fr_sector7theep.cfm We had a nice "café chat" with Sarah recently about Sector 7. You can hear what she had to say by clicking on the sound icon below:

Book Tickets For The Blackpool Burlesque Show - 18th June

Blackpool Burlesque Show - Tickets now available - just follow the link to book:

http://www.blackcountryburlesque.com/BLACKPOOL%20TICKET.html

Snake Comes To Blackpool Sands

Top international saxophonist Snake Davis and his band will be playing a live date at the Sands Venue in Blackpool on Friday 20th May.

Snake Davis is well established as one of the UK's leading Saxophonists. He is in demand from the biggest names on the British Popular music scene, as well as visiting artists from overseas. In recent years he has been extremely busy and in the public eye. As resident saxophonist on "Tonight With Jonathon Ross" he played with the likes of, James Brown, Smokey Robinson, Chaka Khan and many more.

He has been seen regularly on TV with the Eurythmics, M-People and B*Witched and presented a Saxophone "Masterclass" programme for ITV. He played all featured Saxophone and Flute parts - on record and tour - for Lisa Stansfield and M-People.

To book tickets, click here: http://www.the-sands-blackpool.co.uk/events

To find out more about Snake, visit his offcial website: http://www.snakedavis.com/

To hear a short interview clip with Snake looking ahead to his appearance at the Sands in Blackpool, click on the sound icon below:

Listen Again: Lloyd Bantleman Introduces "Jungle Drum" Mobile Marketing

In our Preston FM show on Friday evening, we had a fascinating chat with Lloyd Bantleman - boss of Deep Red Marketing - about a new concept he has come up with for marketing direct to mobile phones.

If you missed what he had to say, you hear it now by clicking on the sound icon below:

Sara Creeney:Next Live Date - 27th May

Sensational vocalist Sara Creeney will be performing from 8pm onwards on Friday 27th May at Bangla Fusion Restaurant, Much Hoole, Preston.

Tel 01772...610800.. for table bookings (no cover charge)

To find out more about Sara and her music, visit her website : http://www.sara-creeney.co.uk/

Clairvoyant Demonstration By Mary White in Burnley - 17th May

Would you like to try and contact your loved one? North West medium MARY WHITE brings a demonstration of clairvoyance to Burnley League Club, on Tuesday, May 17th.

She has chosen the small, intimate surroundings in order to connect better with the audience and keep the atmosphere more personal. With the help of her two trusty guides, Mary will use her natural psychic ability to relay messages and information, as well as give news of what the future holds!

There will also be time for questions and answers at the end of the evening.

Mary’s abilities have been passed down to her through generations and she is a gifted medium, clairvoyant, psychic and tarot reader. She carries out private readings, conducts services at spiritualist churches throughout the North West and performs public demonstrations of clairvoyance in local theatres.

She has even gone continental! She is just as popular with residents and tourists at her second home in Southern Spain, where she is in demand for private readings and demonstrations.

Mary was the runner-up in Channel 5’s “Britain’s Psychic Challenge”. She was one of 12 competitors chosen from hundreds to appear on the TV show and take part in various tests of her powers during the eight week series.

She has starred on Magic 999’s Late Night Phone-in with Roy Basnett; made guest appearances on Radio Lancashire and Revolution and is the resident medium on local radio station 2br, where she has many followers who tune in each week to listen to her.

Tickets, costing £7 in advance and £8.50 on the night, are available from the club on 01282 424020 or by calling 07789 324558.

Video Shoot: Do The Conga With Black Lace On Blackpool North Pier This Thursday!

Black Lace to film new video for the re-release of the hit single Do The Conga at Blackpool’s North Pier and you could be starring in their music video!

Chart-topping 80s sensations Black Lace will be filming the video for their soon-to-be-released re-issued single Do The Conga on Blackpool North Pier this Thursday morning. They are inviting members of the public to come along with some of their celebrity friends to be part of the fun music video and to help them in their quest to break the world record for the longest conga line!

Do The Conga is being re-released due to the success of the Trainline.com advertising campaign which features the boys from Black Lace singing the favourite party song with the slightly changed lyrics of Choo Choo Choo (Do The Conga).

Joey Blower of the North Pier’s Merrie England Bar said, “The boys have invited a lot of their showbiz friends to come and help them make the video, but they also want lots of Blackpool and the Fylde Coast residents to take part too. If you want to be involved, all you need to do is get yourself down to the North Pier for 10.30am this Thursday and you could be immortalised on video with the one and only Black Lace!”

Stars are lining up to do the conga all along the pier with Black Lace; cast members past and present from Coronation Street including Amanda Barrie (Alma Sedgewick) and Bruce Jones (Les Battersby); writer and actor Ryan Dior; comedian Billy Pearce; singing sensation Chico; comedy duo The Grumbleweeds; cast members from Emmerdale including Mark Charnock (Marlon Dingle); comedian and actor Bobby Ball; and cast members from Shameless including Alice Barry; Stars In Their Eyes’ Jack Danson (Rod Stewart); and from television’s Benidorm, Crissy Rock. Phew – what a line-up!

Anyone wanting to be part of the video must be at Blackpool’s North Pier for 10.30am this Thursday!

Listen Again: Tali Febland Interview / Art Deco Cafe Preview

Tali Febland will be playing a special live date at the Parks Art Deco Café in Stanley Park Blackpool on Sunday 29th May from 1 to 3pm.

Blackpool bred songstress Tali Febland moved to London to study art at Goldsmiths where she spent most of her time writing songs and falling in love with the rhythm of the city and the people she met. Having gigged around London for the past six months Tali and her new band are now taking their wistful pop to a wider audience.

Febland's citrus vocals contrast with Beatlesesque piano motifs and driving string solos Tali Febland is a group of South London based musicians currently playing locally and internationally. They can be booked for parties, events and gigs.
 
You can listen to some of Tali's songs at www.myspace.com/talifeblandmusic
   
We featured an exclusive interview with Tali in our show on Preston FM on Friday evening. If you didn't get the chance to hear it then, you can "listen again" now by clicking on the sound icon below:

Listen Again: Peter and Gayner Sedgwick's Plans For Blackpool North Pier

If you missed it in our show on Preston FM on Friday evening here's another chance to hear our interview with Peter (pictured) and Gayner Sedgwick talking  about their exciting plans to revitalise Blackpool North Pier.

Just click on the sound icon below to listen again:

New CD Release: "Never Give Up" by Devasted - out 13th May!

Track Listing:
1) Kill The DJ Chapter 2
2) Never Give Up
3) Dirty Ways
4) Be Myself
5) Underground
6) One More Step To Unconsciousness
7) Youthful Essence (feat Rupe Rabble)
8) No Direction Home
9) False Friend
10) Why Are You Smiling
11) Johnny and Ivan
12) Alone
13) We Are The Future
14) Up North

2011 Rocket Man Records

More info from: http://www.devasted.com// or http://www.rocketmanrecords.com/

Charity Football Match - Army 4 RAF 2 - 8th May.

Full story to follow

Cafe Review: Sands Licensed Deli, Blackpool

We tried the all day breakfast at the recently opened Sands ground floor deli on Blackpool Promenade this morning.

Full review to follow.

Gig Review: Magic Trees at the Cedar Tavern, Blackpool - 6th May

Listen to our interview with the band here: http://www.wirelessradio.biz/

Anybody who knows us or who has occasionally dipped into this virtual tome will know that we are very supportive of local musicians and of live music but you will probably have worked out by now that we are not really your typical  "rock groups in pubs" types of people but more sort of sunday lunch swing or dinner jazz afficionados ...  That being the case, you will appreciate what a big event it was for us to go along and see the Magic Trees play at the Cedar Tavern in Blackpool last night. After all, we had such a great chat with them the other week for our radio show - and we absolutely love their CD "Everything Is A Song"  - that we just HAD to go and hear them play live.....

So what sort of music do they play? Well, rock (ish)  - but not as you'd normally think of it. Certainly not hard rock - more "mellow rock"... Lead singer and lead guitar player Jason Moon can really play a tune and we get plenty of those 1970s-sounding guitar solos but there is more to Magic Trees than that. Drummer Ian Dickson has gained such a reputation in the short time that these guys have been here from Canada that he has been asked to play with other bands as well.  Jaime Dickson plays acoustic rhythm guitar which gives some of the songs a  more folky - even country - edge while Colleen Moon fills in the rest of the tunes on her highly versatile keyboard - with no bass guitar in sight.

Now, having a band consisting of two boys and two girls may sound more  Bucks Fizz than Thin Lizzy but they have been known to play the odd Fleetwood Mac song and their mix of backing vocals really does create some wonderful harmonies worthy of Nicks, Buckingham et al.

The Magic Trees have recorded a great CD called "Everything Is A Song" - which you really ought to buy - and most of the material they played last night was taken from that. However they also demonstrated their wide repertoire with a few covers thrown in:  a song by Cream that they finished with, a version of Queen's "I Want To Break Free" which easily rivalled the original (sorry Queen fans but having the female voices in the vocal mix here really does add something special..) and a great version of The Police's "Message In A Bottle  - which is notoriously difficult to play but they really did make a superb job of it.

The Magic Trees are next playing at the Station Tavern in Lytham on Saturday 14th May and the Galleon Bar in Blackpool on Tuesday 24th May.  If you like good music and fancy some seaside rock with a mellow twist, why not go along and see them...?
 
More info: http://www.magictreesband.com/