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Diary Dates
Sundara Karma – Saturday 25 November
25 November
Sundara Karma are the young four piece alternative band from Reading who entered the rock arenas straight from their A-Levels. They soon gathered support from BBC Radio 1, while The Guardian likened them to Arcade Fire and U2. They scored a UK top 30 album with 2017 debut ‘Youth Is Only Ever Fun In Retrospect’, while their dreamy, almost psychedelic sound has been described as ‘the sound of Summer’, but will cater for all seasons!
O’Hooley & Tidow – Wednesday 29 November
The Guildhall
Join much loved folk duo O’Hooley & Tidow as they perform their critically acclaimed new album ‘Cloudheads’ in the the beautiful and atmospheric setting of The Guildhall.
Shalamar – Thursday 30 November
De Montfort Hall
As Shalamar, Howard Hewett and Jeffrey Daniel sold over 25 million records worldwide and collected no less than 100 gold, silver and platinum awards. They always whip the crowd into a frenzy with classics such as I Can Make You Feel Good, A Night To Remember, Friends, Make That Move, The Second Time Around, There It Is and I Owe You One. Completing the group is Carolyn Griffey (daughter of Shalamar founder Dick Griffey, the CEO of SOLAR records).
Jo Whiley’s 90s Anthems – Friday 1 December
O2 Academy
Jo Whiley is quite simply the ultimate authority on British music – and the voice and face of a generation is headed your way with a dazzling new show as she rummages through her record bag to dig out the very best of 90s Anthems. Now you can relive those magical memories on a dancefloor once again with the queen of the 90s… from Oasis to Blur, The Chems to The Prodigy, let Jo take you on a personal tour of her finest musical memories of the decade that defined them all.
Billie Marten – Thursday 7 December
O2 Academy
Billie Marten is a young and talented modern folk singer-songwriter from Rippon, North Yorkshire. She has been making music since she was nine and was first discovered when her mother put a video of her singing on YouTube, so her grandparents could watch it in France. Although intended for them, it went on to receive hundreds of thousands of hits! She has received BBC Radio 1 and 6 Music airplay and has toured with fellow folky singer Lucy Rose.
SOFY – Friday 8 December
The Y Theatre
Leicester-raised artist, SOFY, picked up a pen and started work on her collection of songs in 2021, throwing herself headfirst into music after being placed on furlough. Her hip-hop inspired indie-pop bops quickly earned her recognition among top industry tastemakers such as Clara Amfo, Jess Iszatt, & Gemma Bradley. SOFY was runner up in the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge’s nationwide talent search following over 10,000+ applicants – selected as the most promising new artist in London, with over 4,000 entries from the capital alone – and now counts the likes of YUNGBLUD, Sam Fender, Arlo Parks, and Tom Grennan among her fans.
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INTERVIEW: Gareth John
The Story of Swing returns to The Y Theatre in December, a show that has built a great following. With no Leicester show planned for next year, this is your last chance to see the show for some time and we caught up with Gareth John to find out more about it and what else is coming up.
Tell us about The Story of Swing show and what people can expect?
The Story of Swing features a stunning SOS Big Band and takes you on a musical journey through decades of the iconic genre of swing and big band music.
Featuring the classic, much-loved hits of Bobby Darin, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr, right through to modern day crooners such as Michael Bublé, Robbie Williams, Matt Goss, Paul Anka and Harry Connick Jr.
The Christmas special is all of the above with a heavy sprinkling of Christmas classics throughout the years, from Bing Crosby to Michael Buble and some unexpected surprises in store. The night also features some of Leicester’s finest vocalists as special guests, and will be the last show in my hometown for some time. I’m also launching my second solo album, a live album recorded from the first ever Story of Swing show, on the night, which I’m really proud to be doing.
What is your favourite thing about the show?
There are so many things that I love about the show. I love the music, entertaining audiences, the grand scale of it, the band, the special guests we have. Above all though, I think the fact that it’s been a dream of mine that’s finally turned into a reality. When you achieve something you’ve set your mind and heart on, it’s one of the best feelings in the world.
How has the show developed since you first performed?
I’ve performed for many years but actually the first Story of Swing show was only last year, so it’s still relatively new. Having said that, the show has developed hugely since then and there have been lots of changes in terms of set list, personnel, and roles within the show. There will also be a raft of changes heading into next year’s tour as we begin our partnership with London-based production company 4Theatre, who have really brought a fresh perspective to the show and elevated it so much already.
Is this people’s last chance to see it in Leicester?
For a long while, yes. We’re really getting out there next year, with two dates in Scotland to kick things off in January, followed by shows so far confirmed in Harpenden, Harlow, Billingham, Bournemouth, Rickmansworth and Dudley. I hope we will have more Midlands dates as the tour takes shape, but we are very unlikely to be in Leicester in 2024.
How did you get into this kind of swing music?
It came from my Grandparents. With my Mum and Dad listening to reggae, ska, soul & funk upstairs, my Grandma & Grandad lived in our basement and always had the greats of the big band era playing – Glen Miller, Benny Goodman, Louis Prima, Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and show tunes, as my Grandma acted and sang on stage in many musicals. Grandad had a huge knowledge of and passion for music, and helped me get started buying my first trumpet and helping fund my debut solo album.
What is your all time favourite swing song?
This is so tough! At the minute, it’s Harry Connick Junior’s version of ‘Won’t You Come Home Bill Bailey’, which will feature in the show going forward, but it changes periodically!
Where can people find out more and buy tickets?
Head to The Y Theatre website or call the box office on 0116 255 7066. To find out more about the show, please follow us on Facebook (Story of Swing). You can also find me on social media @garethjohnmusic.
The Story of Swing takes place at The Y Theatre on Friday 1 December.
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WEEKLY PLAYLIST
On this week’s playlist take a listen to Gareth’s 2018 album to give you a flavour of his vocals and his flair for swing.
Have a listen and get in touch to tell us which tracks you’re loving.