As the song says, this week I’m heading to Liverpool, and therefore this article is going to be a shameless plug for the event I’m heading into town to help coordinate. After 25 years of serious writing about music, the team is celebrating this milestone with a live event that not only will showcase some fabulous talent but also raise money for two very important causes, but it’s got to be alright on the night. Hence, the logistics sorting trip.
Two venues, potentially 450 paying punters, 14 acts, 2 stages; lots to organise. For you, the punter: drink, merch, wristbands, programmes, etc. For the artists: accommodation, sound, changeover logistics, etc. I’m sure there are a thousand more little things that will need to be ironed out before November, given that we are music enthusiasts, not seasoned venue owners or promoters. We just want to party with all you lovely people!
So come November, everything will be fabulous.
The main stage at Rough Trade features from lunchtime; Barry Jones, My Girl The River ( full band), playing material from their latest album, Pete Bruntnell, naked and alone (not really) but solo and dipping into his extensive back catalogue, Our Man In The Field, The Often Herd unfurling their bluegrass majesty, Drew Danburry fresh from Utah, Dean Owens showing off more new material, Steve Wynn premiering new material co-written with Peter Buck from his new album and Chuck Prophet, Stephanie Finch and the Echo Strings reimagining their extraordinary back catalogue. Meanwhile, the Quaker Meeting room opens its doors late afternoon to Ella Spencer’s songwriting brilliance, Smalltown Jones (Jim and the two Daves) unpacking his songs in acoustic form, and finally a songwriter’s circle from the top drawer with Jason McNiff, Elaine Palmer, and Danny George Wilson, all of whom have shared new material this year.
Two tiers of tickets have sold out, and the third and final tranche is, as they say, doing brisk business. This is great news for our chosen beneficiaries, the American Civil Liberties Union and Medical Aid for Palestinians. If you haven’t committed, do it now! Here. On November 28th, I’ll see you down the front!
This week the videos speak for themselves, but I have got to say the Steve Wynn song is flipping marvellous; if I ever need a pick-me-up, this is my go-to! A phenomenal rock song! As ever…
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