Boy George at St Georges Hall Liverpool Steve Levine sessions review

Boy George at St Georges Hall Liverpool Steve Levine sessions review

Last night at St Georges Hall Liverpool saw the Steve Levine sessions as part of the Liverpool International Music Festival.

Joining Steve for the night were Tim Burgess (Charlatans), Mark King (Level 42), Bernard Butler (Suede), tropical popstress Hollie Cook, singer/songwriter Mary Epworth, and Merseyside's own Natalie McCool and of course Boy George all in the surroundings of one of the great halls draped out like a garden fate complete with a grass lawn and a white picket fence.

A two stage set up saw the attention switch from the main stage over to the side stage were Steve Levine was recording LIVE a new version of Gerry Marsdens "Ferry across the Mersey" using artists and indeed the audience itself on the recording which was available to download later for free.

Mark King kicked off the sessions with a brilliant rendition of "Sunshine of my love" which suitably showed Marks world famous bass playing off to a tee. 

Mark stayed on stage throughout the sets from Natalie McCool, Mary Epworth and Hollie Cook and Tim Burgess and Bernard Butler joined the ensemble whilst Boy George had a cameo appearance during Hollie Cooks set much to the joy of the audience. 

Speaking of the the headliner it was soon his chance to shine and shine he did. Backed with a full live band and dress in a camouflage outfit, George was ready to go to war and simply destroyed the night. 

With songs like Knocking on Heavens door, for which he was joined on stage by Eve Gallagher and a set encompassing a mixture of blues, jazz and reggae tracks alongside his own hits such as Church of the Poisoned Mind, Karma Chameleon and Everything I own to name a few, Boy George shows he is not only a unique talent but comes across on stage as a warm, happy and friendly person and this reflects outwards into the audience. And I have admiration for any artist who can comment on the audience chatting through their set by blatantly commenting "I fucking hate it", which more artists should address as it definitely pisses me off too. 

Finishing on Hara Krishna which built up into a crescendo of music and singing and bringing the house down George came on to his encore to introduce the band and to bring all the artists involved in the night, onto the stage for their final curtain call also.

The night was brilliantly thought out and the unique use of a mock up studio from Steve Levine in between was not only entertaining but a small insight into the working of making a record and what goes on to do so. LIMF have really outdone themselves this year with this event and with the Sefton park free gigs coming up over the bank holiday weekend and the Ella Eyre gig at camp and furnace a week earlier ,  I can safely say they have achieved something unique and that the memory of the old Matthew street festival days have long been forgotten.

Liverpool International music festival hits right note for 2014

THE Liverpool International Music Festival (LIMF) returns in August with some of the biggest names in the music industry.

More than 200 acts representing 20 countries will wow audiences with around 150 hours of live music throughout the event, which runs from Friday 15 until Saturday 31 August. 

Across the sixteen days, there will be performances from Boy George, Shaggy, Tim Burgess (The Charlatans), Goldie, The Hoosiers, Kid Creole, Lemar, The Farm, John Power (Cast and La’s) and multi-Grammy nominee Marsha Ambrosius.

The August bank holiday weekend will see Sefton Park play host to LIMF Summer Jam.  It kicks off with Ian Broudie and The Lightning Seeds joining the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in a special concert hosted by Classic FM which takes place on Friday 22 August.

From Saturday to Monday, the Central Stage will have different themes: Saturday – British Invasion; Sunday – World Music; Monday – Summer Sessions with Juice FM.

As well as Central Stage there are four other music areas:

     The it’s liverpool Stage with BBC Radio Merseyside will showcase the next musical trailblazers to come from Liverpool, as well as celebrate the legends of the city’s music scene.

      The International Emerging Sounds Stage will host artists from around the globe who are making names for themselves with their creative and individual approach to music which is earning them deserved world-wide recognition.

      The LIMF Bandstand will give a platform to local unsigned talent ranging from bands and soloists, covering a variety of musical genres.

      The LIMF Academy will showcase fifteen of the region’s hottest up and coming young acts. 

One of the key aims of this year is to create never before seen or heard music performances via a series of LIMF Commissions. LIMF has engaged a number of celebrated artistic directors to work with various artists from different musical backgrounds and genres to create music magic under the theme of World Firsts By Collaboration. This will see four very special commissions by LIMF, all of which will be ticketed events:

       Steve Levine’s Assembly Point Sessions – Taking place on 21 August at St George’s Hall, the award winning producer will direct a number of solo artists along with an all-star band in a unique collaboration. To date, collaborators include Tim Burgess, Pete Wylie and Bernard Butler. The evening will also see a full headline set from Boy George. 

       Migration Music – The Everyman will play host to Liverpool’s Sense of Sound choir which will collaborate with internationally renowned beatboxer Shlomo, in a voice only performance which invites the audience to travel through significant moments in music history.  This will take place on 28 and 29 August.

      You Are Here – Symbolically representing the countries that made up the Triple Entente (the United Kingdom, France and Russia), You Are Here will consist of musicians exploring what home means to them. Created by the force behind SevenStreets, David Lloyd, the piece will premiere at LIMF on 23 August in Sefton Park’s Palm House.

      Minor Characters – Music manager Chris Bye and The Quietus, one of the most respected music and culture websites in the world, will bring together six artists to create an original body of work which will be released digitally through The Quietus label. Participants include GIT Award 2014 winner Forest Sword, as well as the likes of East India Youth and Luke Abbott. It will take place at The Kazimier on Friday 29 August.

Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, said: “We were overwhelmed by the response to the inaugural LIMF last year, and today, people still tell me that the Sefton Park gigs were the highlight of their summer.

“There’s more of a focus on the park this year, and without a doubt, it will be the place to be during the August bank holiday for all the family.

“The diverse music on offer ranges from internationally renowned artists through to home grown talent and some of the best bands paying tribute to iconic acts. 

“There aren’t many other cities in the UK which put on hours and hours of high quality live music – the majority of which is completely free.

“As we saw in 2013, LIMF is a fresh approach to music festivals and I’m positive this year will be just as impressive and shine a spotlight on Liverpool’s music credentials.”

LIMF’s Music Curator, Yaw Owusu, said: “This year is all about progression. LIMF Summer Jam's line up is really strong and with the addition of the International Emerging Stage and the Academy area, I know we are raising the bar - and we haven't even finished the line-ups yet.

"The LIMF Commissions are all about us creating and showcasing original music works and performances that have never been seen anywhere in the world before. I'm really excited about this element and overwhelmed with the calibre of musicians and artistic directors involved so far.”

Musician Ian Broudie said: “I’m delighted to be playing at Liverpool International Music Festival this year. The combination of the band and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in Sefton Park on a sunny August evening should make for a magical event.”

To launch LIMF 2014, local artist Marc Lewis, has created a special mural on giant letters at St George’s Hall. The finishing touches will be made at 10am on Thursday 15 May, revealing some of the line-up.  

Marc said: “I am incredibly excited to be involved with the launch of LIMF. 

“Last year's I was lucky enough to contribute a three-piece mural painting to the LIMF Pop-Up Art Gallery which featured many of the acts involved. Since then we have discussed the possibilities of doing a much larger mural, which the public could come along and watch unfold in real time. 

“There has always been such a strong connection between music and art particularly here in Liverpool and my hope is that this project will engage the public whilst at the same time inspiring the next generation of artists and musicians from this great city.” 

Highlights of this year’s festival:

Thursday 21 August

Grammy winning producer Steve Levine will artistically direct the project that will see a number of top British music artists use traditional and new technology to collaborate together for an exclusive performance at the historic St George’s Hall. Featured performers include Boy George, Tim Burgess and Pete Wylie. This is a ticketed event.

LIMF Summer Jam, Friday 22 August, 7.30-9.30pm 

Ian Broudie and The Lightning Seeds will join the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra for a stunning joint performance in the beautiful surroundings of Sefton Park. Free event.

LIMF Summer Jam, Saturday 23 August, midday-6pm

Central Stage is all about the British Invasion with acts playing tribute to bands that broke America including The Beatles, the Rolling Stones and The Who. The International Emerging Sounds Stage features Jamaica’s Stylo G, Japan’s WordySoulSpeak and Iceland’s Samaris. Free event.

LIMF Summer Jam, Sunday 24 August, midday-6pm

Shaggy, Kid Creole and Goldie are just some of the acts to take to the Central Stage while the it’s liverpool stage will play host to Wirral based indie rock band By The Sea along with the winners of the 2013 LIMF Academy One to Watch award Tyler Mensah and Sophia Ben-Yousef. Free event.

           LIMF Summer Jam, Monday 25 August, midday-7pm

Juice FM will programme several artists yet to be announced, but across the park stages there will be performances from Lemar, The Hoosiers, Marsha Ambrosius, The Farm, John Power and Rustie, with a back to back DJ set with Kanye West producer Evian Christ. Free event

LIMF Summer Jam, Saturday 23-Monday 25 August, midday-5pm

The LIMF Academy returns for a second time which aims to inspire the next generation of musicians and performers.  Aimed at 13-21 year olds there will be workshops, performance opportunities and master classes by some of the industry’s leading music experts. Free event

Other events that make up the programme include International Beatle Week, Summer Camp, Above The Beaten Track and BOILER ROOM: CIRCUS x Liverpool International Music Festival.

For the latest information, follow @LIMFestival or like Liverpool International Music Festival on Facebook. 

Marc Almond to join host of artists to celebrate Marc Bolan’s 35th Anniversary

Marc Almond will join a stellar line-up of artists for a special concert to mark the 35^th anniversary of Marc Bolan’s death, it was announced today.

Organised by the PRS for Music Members Benevolent Fund, it will also feature former T. Rex producer Tony Visconti and Howie Casey, the band’s saxophonist. The concert will take place on the 15^th September at the 02 Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London.

The line-up spans the most pivotal decades in British musical history across glam rock, new romantic and punk and includes, Glen Matlock from the Sex Pistols, Rick Wakeman, Alvin Stardust, Boy George, Danielz and T.Rextasy, Cockney Rebel’s Steve Harley, Andy Ellison and Linda Lewis. The audience will be treated to some fantastic performances and special duets, which Marc Almond will be a part of.

As a successful and acclaimed artist, Marc Almond has sold over 30 million records worldwide and is an icon and influence to a generation of musicians.

On being part of the 35^th anniversary concert, Marc Almond said: “It’s a privilege to be asked to be a part of something so special. Marc Bolan was an amazing artist and person. It will be a fantastic night to commemorate Marc and T.Rex”.

The Members Benevolent Fund has been helping songwriters and composers in crisis due to illness, disability, older age-related and financial difficulties for 78 years. Since 1977 when Marc Bolan tragically died, a share of his song royalties has been paid to the PRS for Music Members Benevolent Fund, enabling his music legacy to assist and inspire thousands of other songwriters.

The Fund has also been caring for families since 1934 and is committed to providing help to those in need. The changing nature of the music industry and increasing pressures on living standards and health mean the Fund’s role will prove particularly vital for many artists over the coming years. The Marc Bolan 35^th anniversary concert is the perfect platform to celebrate the Fund’s efforts and raise funds for future of this important organisation and the hard work it does.

The charity event is supported by PRS for Music which has over 90,000 songwriter, composer and music publisher members, collecting and paying royalties to them whenever their music is played, performed or reproduced.

Tickets are available from:

http://www.o2shepherdsbushempire.co.uk/

Prices*: Stalls (standing): £30 Circle (reserved seating): £35 Upper circle (reserved seating): £35 Gallery (unreserved seating and standing):  £25 * Plus booking fee.

Venue O2 Shepherds Bush Empire Shepherds Bush Green London W12 8TT

Article posted by Musicmafia

Rewind Festival 2010 - Updated Info

The 80s REWIND FESTIVAL, which takes place at Temple Island Meadows, Henley-on-Thames August 21-22, hosts a huge lineup of 80s pop giants including Boy George, Tony Hadley, Martin Fry, Rick Astley, T’Pau, Go West and many more. Last year’s inaugural REWIND FESTIVAL, lovingly dedicated to staging and celebrating the best music of the 1980s, burst onto the festival scene in the green and pleasant surrounds of historic Henley-on-Thames, better known for its cream teas and annual Regatta.

Carol Decker of T’Pau – “Last year’s festival was amazing and I think this year’s will be even more fun! I’ll be singing a selection of my biggest hits from the 80s including ‘Heart and Soul’ and ‘China In Your Hand’ as that’s what REWIND is about! I’m also looking forward to everyone singing along with me like they did last year.”

REWIND LINEUP – the artists and some of their many hits:
Saturday August 21st:
Sunday August 22nd:
BOY GEORGE
TONY HADLEY
Do You Really Want To Hurt Me – 1982
To Cut A Long Story Short (Spandau Ballet) 1980
Church of the Poisoned Mind – 1983
Chant No. 1 - 1981
Karma Chameleon – 1983
True - 1983
RICK ASTLEY
MARTIN FRY/ABC
Never Gonna Give You Up – 1987
Poison Arrow - 1982
Together Forever – 1988
The Look of Love - 1982
LEVEL 42
GO WEST
The Sun Goes Down (Living It Up) – 1983
We Close Our Eyes - 1985
Something About You – 1985
Don’t Look Down - 1985
JIMMY SOMERVILLE
MARC ALMOND
Smalltown Boy (Bronski Beat) 1983
Tainted Love (Soft Cell) - 1981
Don’t Leave Me This Way (Communards) 1986
Say Hello Wave Goodbye (Soft Cell) - 1982
THE WEATHER GIRLS
BJORN AGAIN
It’s Raining Men – 1982
ABBA tribute band from Oz, formed 1988
T'PAU
MIDGE URE
Heart and Soul – 1987
Vienna (Ultravox) - 1980
China In Your Hand – 1987
If I Was (solo) - 1985
KAJAGOOGOO
KID CREOLE & THE COCONUTS
Too Shy – 1982
Stool Pigeon - 1982
Big Apple – 1983
I’m A Wonderful Thing, Baby - 1982
HEAVEN 17
CHESNEY HAWKES
(We Don’t Need This) Fascist Groove Thing – 1981
The One And Only - 1991
Penthouse and Pavement – 1981
10cc
Temptation – 1983
I’m Not In Love - 1975
IMAGINATION
Dreadlock Holiday - 1978
Body Talk – 1981
HAZEL O’CONNOR
Just An Illusion – 1982
Breaking Glass - 1980
CURIOSITY KILLED THE CAT
ODYSSEY
Down To Earth – 1986
Native New Yorker - 1977
Name and Number – 1989
Use It Up And Wear It Out - 1980
ALTERED IMAGES
JOHNNY HATES JAZZ
Dead Pop Stars – 1981
Shattered Dreams - 1987
Happy Birthday – 1981
THE BEAT
MODERN ROMANCE
Tears Of A Clown - 1979
Everybody Salsa – 1981
Can’t Get Used To Losing You - 1983

www.rewindfestival.com

Listings information:
Tickets:
Weekend camping adult/child:
£100/£50
(Child: 12 and under; 3 and under go free)
Weekend adult /child:
£85/£42.50
Day adult/child:
£45/22.50
VIP:
£100.00
Campervan pass:
£65.00
Credit card hotline:
0844 888 9991
Online booking:
www.rewindfestival.com
Parking information:
On site free parking
Nearest main line station:
Henley-on-Thames

On-site drinks will be available at the Cocktail Lounge and Diner, Pimms Double Decker Bus,
and the Black Bull, among others.

A fantastic range of food – from seafood to burgers, steak to veggie – will be available at
a huge variety of stands including Pizza Express, Chunky Chips, Fine BBQ, Fine Burger
Company, Falafel, The Chicken Company, The Swallow Bakery and many others.

Friday August 20th – campsite and car park open from 2pm; Best of British Comedy will take
place on the main stage from 8pm. A star lineup of funny men include Mark Felgate, Geoff
Norcott, Mitch Benn, and Geoff Whiting.

Fireworks will take place on the closing night, Sunday August 22nd.

HOW TO GET THERE:
By Road:
From M4 Junction 8/9: take the A404 (M) towards Henley and Marlow. Leave the A404 at the second junction signposted Henley and A4130. Turn left at the give way and go straight over the roundabout, again signposted Henley.

From M40 Junction 4: take the A404 towards Marlow. At the first roundabout go straight over signposted

Henley and Maidenhead. Take the next junction signposted Henley and A4130. Turn right at roundabout
signposted Henley onto the A4130.

From Henley Town Centre
Go over the Henley bridge towards Maidenhead and go up the hill on the A4130. Henley can become very congested and we strongly recommend avoiding this route.
A one way system will operate in and around the festival site, please follow signs from the A4130.

By Rail:

The nearest station is Henley on Thames which is approximately 1 1/2 miles from the festival site but it is a lovely walk along the riverbank.

First Great Western will be running special services for the festival.
Check their website for details.

By Bus:
Buses run to Henley on Thames from Reading, High Wycombe, Wallingford, Watlington and
Maidenhead

By Boat:
Hobbs of Henley will be operating a boat shuttle service from the town to the festival site.

Rewind Festival 2010

At Temple Island Meadows, Henley-on-Thames www.rewindfestival.com

BOY GEORGE, TONY HADLEY, MARTIN FRY, ABC & GO WEST, RICK ASTLEY, LEVEL 42, 10cc, T’PAU, HEAVEN 17, KID CREOLE, HAZEL O’CONNOR, MIDGE URE, BJORN AGAIN

CAPACITY INCREASED to 40,000

TOP BRITISH COMICS; COCKTAILS & POSH NOSH; FAMILIES & KIDZONE; KARAOKE; SILENT DISCO, ROAMING UKELELE PLAYERS; FIREWORKS; ROOM FOR EVERYONE.

The 80s REWIND FESTIVAL – the perfect festival for people who normally don’t go to festivals – has just announced it has increased its capacity from last year’s 30,000 to 40,000 due to unprecedented demand for tickets. Hosting a huge line-up of 80s pop giants, the festival will also feature the best of British comedy as well as posh nosh, cocktail bars and karaoke, the return of the Silent Disco, family features and fireworks.

Last year’s inaugural REWIND FESTIVAL, lovingly dedicated to staging and celebrating the best music of the1980s, burst onto the festival scene in the green and pleasant surrounds of historic Henley-on-Thames, known for its cream teas and annual Regatta. This year’s REWIND features an even bigger lineup:

Sat 21st Aug:	Sun 22nd Aug
Boy George	Tony Hadley with special guests
Rick Astley	ABC and Go West
Level 42	Marc Almond
Jimmy Somerville	Bjorn Again
The Weather Girls	Midge Ure
T'Pau	Kid Creole and the Coconuts
Kajagoogoo	Chesney Hawkes
Heaven 17	10cc
Imagination	Hazel O'Connor
Curiosity Killed the Cat	Odyssey
Altered Images	Johnny Hates Jazz
Modern Romance	The Beat

Kicking off this excellent weekend programme on the Comedy & Karaoke Stage on Friday August 20^th will be Mitch Benn, Geoff Norcott, and Mark Felgate, with Geoff Whiting as compere, while on Saturday August 21^st comedians include Mark Maier, Martin Beaumont, and Simon Lipson with Miles Crawford as compere. Friday night fun will continue with The Silent Disco, one of last year’s most popular attractions, and something that has to be seen to be believed!

Tickets: Weekend camping adult/child: £100/£50

(Child: 12 and under; 3 and under go free)

Weekend adult /child: £85/£42.50

Day adult/child: £45/22.50

VIP: £100.00

Campervan pass: £65.00

Credit card hotline: 0844 888 9991

Online booking: www.rewindfestival.com

Parking information: On site free parking

Nearest main line station: Henley-on-Thames

PR: The Works PR 020 7940 4686

judy@theworkspr.com nick@theworkspr.com verity@theworkspr.com

www.rewindfestival.com

· REWIND’s inaugural festival took place August 2009

· REWIND is the biggest 80s festival in the world

· REWIND 2009 was nominated for Best New Festival at the UK Festival Awards.

· REWIND is sponsored by: Heart 102.9 FM, Heart 102.6 FM, Woman Magazine, Henley Standard, Jokers' Masquerade, Totally Magazine, First Great Western, Absolute 80s Radio.

· On-site drinks will be available at the Cocktail Lounge and Diner, Pimms Double Decker Bus, the Black Bull, and Aspalls Cyder House, among others. A fantastic range of food – from seafood to burgers, steak to veggie – will be available at a huge variety of stands including Pizza Express, Chunky Chips, Fine BBQ, Fine Burger Company, Falafel, The Chicken Company, The Swallow Bakery and many others:

More details on www.rewindfestival.com