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Diary Dates
Disco Drop – Boogie Days Daytime Club – Saturday 11 May
The Donkey
Like Night Fever but half the price! Expect the usual props, visuals, drinks and most of all disco bangers to get you dancing. From 3pm til 8pm.
River Roots – Wednesday 15 May
The Musician
Free spirited duo River Roots are a singer-songwriter acoustic folk-roots couple from UK, delivering conscious, mind opening music from the heart. Immerse yourself in the healing harmonies as the good-vibes and positive energy uplifts your soul.
Inspired by the profound experiences and connections they have made on their travels, River Roots take the audience on a unique heart felt journey. A gentle transition, as they seamlessly weave between soothing melodies to funky upbeat feel-good songs.
Ocean Colour Scene – Friday 17 May
O2 Academy Leicester
Ocean Colour Scene’s rip-roaring live shows have long been one of the most extraordinary sights in modern rock, which boast the most life affirming sing-a-longs you’ll ever hear. They lit up the Britpop party, chalking up three Top five albums – Moseley Shoals, Marchin’ Already and 1999’s One From The Modern with a run of Top 20 single’s including the immortal “The Riverboat Song”.
Norman Jay MBE – Friday 17 May
2Funky Music Cafe
Norman Jay is unquestionably one of the most respected and popular DJs in the world today. Co-founder of the legendary Good Times Sound System and London dance music station KISS FM, Jay fostered the ‘Rare Groove’ scene pushing the boundaries of the UK’s emerging club culture.
James Walsh – Friday 17 May
The Soundhouse
AKA the frontman of indie troubadours Starsailor. Older, wiser – and a father – he’s looking forward to “doing something different for a while”, setting off in a different ship but touching people once again, which could include anything from writing more songs with Suzanne Vega or fulfilling a lifetime ambition to write with Shelby Lynne.
BMX Bandits – Friday 24 May
The Musician
Indie legends who split to form Teenage Fanclub. But they have been known to reform for special occasions, So, make sure you get down there because it might be a long time before another comes along!
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FESTIVAL NEWS: Lineup announced for Festival2Funky
A thrilling lineup of headliners has been announced for this year’s Festival2Funky, with the line-up led by British rapper/ singer Lady Leshurr (pictured below), soul singer Natasha Watts, renowned Reggae artist Pressure Busspipe, international Hip-Hop group The Beatnuts, soul duo Children of Zeus, and BBC 1Xtra DJ and presenter DJ Day Day will perform alongside a dynamic network of upcoming and established artists.
The annual 3-day celebration of Black music and arts, managed by 2Funky Arts, returns for its 11th year across the bank holiday weekend; 24-26 May, and will feature an array of exciting and diverse events at 2Funky Complex, in Leicester’s vibrant and multicultural West End.
This year’s festival will continue to embrace black music, art, and culture, with performances showcasing music across different genres. Events will include graffiti workshops, a dance competition with incredible hip-hop dance routines, a family rave, a poetry slam competition, and multiple DJ events. This year will also include a new ‘Paint and Sip’ event, and an LGBTQIA+ showcase.
Vijay Mistry, Managing Director of 2Funky Arts, said, “We are delighted to be bringing Festival2Funky back for its eleventh outing and are proud to present a diverse and inclusive festival with cross-genre collaborations, experimental fusions, a vibrant network of artists, and dedicated LGBTQIA+ event.
“There are events for all ages and interests, from those familiar with the music scene to those who want to learn and discover something new. It’s a great opportunity to see some world-class artists whilst supporting new and emerging talent in the area.”
A pre-party event in collaboration with HQ Recording, will kick off the festival on Thursday 23rd May, showcasing new and exciting artists from Leicester, as well as an open mic that is free for all to attend. Friday night’s event will also showcase a range of Leicester We Are LC artists.
Tickets are currently on sale on Skiddle, so make sure you secure yours before they sell out.
Festival2Funky 24-26 May 2024, 2Funky Complex, New Park St, Leicester, LE3 5NH
Tickets are available via Skiddle.
Enquiries: [email protected]
More info: www.2funkyarts.co.uk/festival2funky/
PLAYLIST
In this week’s playlist you can enjoy a selection of the We Are LC artists who will be performing as part of Festival2Funky.