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NEWS
Paul Weller – De Montfort Hall
Friday 5 & Saturday 6 November
The incredible Paul Weller is getting back on this road this Autumn having announced a huge run of live dates, including two nights at Leicester De Montfort Hall. This follows an already sold out May tour, plus the announcement of Paul’s eagerly awaited new album ‘On Sunset’ which will be released on June 12th. Tickets on sale on Friday.
BC Camplight – O2 Academy 2
Friday 8 May
The Philadelphia singer-songwriter, falling somewhere between Ben Folds and Badly Drawn Boy, moved to Manchester back in 2012. Over here he’s brought his brand of quirky indie-pop to new audiences and his popularity continues to grow. The tour is in support of his new album. Tickets on sale on Wednesday.
Proper – Firebug
Friday 1 May
‘Afro punk’ band from Brooklyn, New York whose ‘explosively verbal, shapeshifting, and snarky emo-pop explores how intersectional identities move within predominantly white spaces’. TICKETS.
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THIS WEEK
Open Mic – The Soundhouse
Tuesday 25 February (and every Tuesday)
The weekly open mic happens at The Soundhouse every Tuesday night from 7.30pm. The night is hosted by Rhett Barrow and acts are encouraged to arrive early if hoping to get a slot. Each week there’ll be a featured artist play from 9.30 – 10pm, so if you’re wanting to play a longer set then get your name down.
Acoustic Tuesdays – The Black Horse (Blaby)
Tuesday 25 February (and every Tuesday)
Every Tuesday at 8.30pm a friendly group of music lovers meet in the bar, to play, sing or just to listen to an informal acoustic session. FREE ENTRY.
Apre – The Cookie
Tuesday 25 February
Apre are an English pop duo originally from Kent who formed in 2018. The pair are showing a retrospective eye for detail, mixed with a slight sense of the surreal, creating alternative, wonkie electronic indie music. They released their first single ‘All Yours’ in April 2018 and debuted their EP ‘The Movement of Time’ which hit number one on Hype Machine. TICKETS.
Willie & The Bandits – The Musician
Wednesday 26 February
Wille and the Bandits are renowned for their diverse songwriting and often likened to the greats of the 70s such as Led Zeppelin, Santana and Pink Floyd, this comparison, although bold, only scrapes the surface of the band’s influences and sound. TICKETS.
Coldbones & Last Hyena -The Shed
Wednesday 26 February
The Kent trio released their debut album ‘Where it all Began’ in April 2018 and have secured a number of headlining and support tours across the UK and Europe. “The last time we played Leicester it was one of the highlights of our tour. We’re sure this will be even more special!” TICKETS.
Tim Edey – The Musician
Thursday 27 February
Tim Edey is one of the finest multi-instrumental players of his generation in the worldwide Celtic music scene. A virtuoso on both acoustic guitar and button accordion, Tim’s incredible musical ear and total technical command allows him to play the most demanding instrumentals and improvise freely in any style you throw at him. TICKETS.
Rookie – The Shed
Thursday 27 February
Rookie are a 4 piece Indie rock band based in Birmingham, West Midlands. They’ll be joined by Leicester’s Sweet Amber. TICKETS.
Drinks & Jams – The Shed
Thursday 27 February
Every Thursday it’s open mic night at The Shed as they host Drinks & Jams. It kicks off at 7.30pm but you can arrive from 7pm to sign up to play. Each week there is a featured act on at 9.15pm. Friendly atmosphere, drinks offers and a great way to start the week.
Footwerk – Apres Lounge
Thursday 27 February
A night all things Disco/House and Techno every Thursday with some of the best up and coming DJs Leicester has to offer along with amazing drinks deals.
Robert J Hunter – The Musician
Friday 28 February
Robert J. Hunter combines his gruff and powerful voice with the wild thud of overdriven guitars to create a truly unique sound. His powerful debut album, ’Songs for the Weary’ received blues chart success and critical acclaim and the single release, ‘Demons’ reached number one in the UK iTunes Blues Chart. TICKETS
Hotel Lux – The Cookie
Friday 28 February
Hotel Lux design a landscape of council flat riots, Job Centre Plus and pints of Guinness, whilst their music lends itself to social commentary and picking holes in those who deserve it. Debut track ‘Envoi’ found support from titles such as Clash, Loud and Quiet, Dazed and So Young Magazine. Be sure to come and support them. TICKETS.
Little Lesley & The Bloodshots – The Soundhouse
Friday 28 February
Fantastic double bill of rockabilly featuring Little Lesley & The Bloodshots all the way from New York! TICKETS.
Mitchell Joseph Thompson – Natterjacks
Friday 28 February
Live music Fridays return to Natterjacks with UB40 tribute, Mitchell Joseph Thompson. Free entry.
The Pale – Duffy’s
Friday 28 February
The Pale are one of the most compelling live acts to emerge from Ireland. Their live reputation is hard earned, with sets jumping between indie-pop, reggae, Eastern European folk, all presented with a wry lyrical twist and frenetic energy.
Zone Eleven – Queen of Bradgate
Friday 28 February
One of the finest rock & pop covers bands around, consisting of four guys stolen from three other bands. You can expect hits from Kasabian, The Killers, Green Day, Feeder, DNCE, Pulp, Elbow, INXS and more! Free entry. Music from 8pm.
Dreadzone – O2 Academy
Saturday 29 February
One of the most energetic, exciting and powerful live bands to emerge from the post-rave scene, Dreadzone have steadily been releasing albums and progressively bettering, refining and perfecting their own unique and inimitable take on dub since their inception in 1993. Still going strong after 25 years in the game they have also long been and still are, one of the best live bands around. TICKETS.
Ultimate R’n’B – 2Funky Music Cafe
Saturday 29 February
Ultimate R’n’B is a 7-piece tribute band born out of appreciation for the classic soundtrack of the 90s. Performing 90s tracks by Next, Jodeci, Lauryn Hill and En Vogue to name a few. TICKETS.
Jacob & Drinkwater – Guildhall
Saturday 29 February
Rightly referred to as ‘the one of busiest musicians in the UK.’ – Lukas Drinkwater and Jacob are coming to the Guildhall this weekend. The duo’s dynamic and emotionally charged live show with all its energy, musical chemistry and spontaneity has drawn comparisons with the virtuosic pairing of John Martyn and Danny Thompson. The duo formed in 2014 playing their first gig together at the iconic Glastonbury Festival. TICKETS.
The Moderators – The Donkey
Saturday 29 February
Leicester eight-piece covering Mod and Ska classics. They have a mutual love of The Jam, Specials and Madness, wearing Fred Perrys and riding their scooters. Today they have become a live act that demands your attention and your dancing shoes. TICKETS.
Bootleg Blondie – The Musician
Saturday 29 February
Bootleg Blondie’s lead vocalist appeared on two shows for BBC1 when she was picked out of 15,000 applicants to represent Debbie Harry on ‘Even Better Than The Real Thing’ hosted by Paddy McGuinness which attracted an audience of 10 million viewers! They have now played the Isle Of Wight Festival, the 100 Club, the Hammersmith Palais, The Electric Ballroom in London and have opened up those including The Undertones, Slade, The Beat, Tony Hadley and more. TICKETS
Crosslight – The Shed
Saturday 29 February
Crosslight are always thinking outside the box. This 6 piece, 3 guitar rock band have used deodorant cans, broken sticks and even the floor with their instruments to create unique sounds. This mentality follows in their live shows as they are always looking for things to climb or use their instruments on, leaving the audience captivated and always wanting more. TICKETS.
C & H Trio – Grand Union
Saturday 29 February
Check ou this power house upbeat live trio as they pull out all the classics and even a few requests. Free entry.
Glastonbudget Auditions – The Soundhouse
Saturday 29 February
Enjoy a number of great acts competing for their chance to book a slot at Glastonbudget 2020. Expect original material and some awesome covers. £5 on the door.
Rutland Big Band – The Regent Club
Saturday 29 February
Join this local big band as they play a variety of music from 30s and 40s swing through to more modern music. TICKETS.
Qawwali Live – The Y Theatre
Saturday 29 February
Ever wanted to relive your favourite Qawwali players such as the late great the Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Here is your chance! Performing in theatres in eight cities across the UK, bringing listeners to a state of religious ecstasy, Chand Ali Khan brings life to the centuries-old tradition of Qawwali, through his mesmerising vocals and reinterpretation of classic Sufi texts. This will be the first time they are coming to Leicester. TICKETS.
Love Music Hate Homophobia – Firebug
Saturday 29 February
From 7pm enjoy this annual fundraiser, bigger and better than before. There’ll be a variety of acts performing, raffle, entertainment and more. £5 entry.
Ida Wenoe – The Musician
Sunday 1 March
Enjoy a great start to March by listening to the greats; Ida Wenøe and Samantha Whats. Amongst a digital mountain range littered with accomplished folk-ish bands and singer- songwriters, it is a rare miracle to come across a cave so rich in jewels as the one beneath Ida Wenøe’s ribcage. While she has an obvious appreciation of Americana, her sound is laced with more English undertones. Samantha Whates is another gifted songsmith with haunting melodies that reveal character beyond her years. TICKETS.
SOS Blues Band – The Donkey
Sunday 1 March
The SOS Blues Band from Leicester’s Rock and Blues establishment have been around since the heady pre-millennium days of 1999. Getting more sophisticated over the years, they now deliver solid rock and blues covers, combining a smattering of old faves with more imaginative, exciting versions of the type of rock and blues that really gets you moving!
Bird in the Belly – The Musician
Monday 1 March
Bird in the Belly is a Brighton-based folk group consisting of folk-duo Hickory Signals (Laura Ward and Adam Ronchetti), alt-folk singer-songwriter Ben Webb (Jinnwoo, Green Ribbons), and multi-instrumentalist and producer Tom Pryor. Their sound is raw and bare-boned with “distinctively contemporary and earthy vocalising” (R2 Magazine) – and harks back to the 1960’s Folk Revival sound. Their debut album ‘The Crowing’ (March 2018, GF*M Records) was met with critical acclaim, the Sunday Express giving the album 5/5 and calling it folk album of the year. TICKETS.
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DIARY DATES
…And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead – The Cookie
Saturday 7 March 2020
Known for their wild, energetic concerts, the American alternative rock band hail from Austin, Texas. The chief members of the band are Jason Reece and Conrad Keely, who both alternate between drumming, guitar and lead vocals, both on recordings and live shows. TICKETS.
John Bramwell – The Soundhouse
Saturday 14 March
The Soundhouse welcomes back one of the country’s finest singer songwriters, I Am Kloot’s John Bramwell, as he brings poetry, great guitar playing, a beautiful unique voice and a little chaos to The Soundhouse once again. “Arguably the UK’s finest export” – The New Yorker. TICKETS.
Leif Erikson – The Cookie
Thursday 2 April
Join London indie 5-piece on their new tour. “Some of the most carefully conceived indie rock being made by any UK band this year”, “No other new British band make heartfelt, soaring statements of intent quite like Leif Erikson” – The Line of Best Fit. TICKETS.
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SPOTLIGHT
Leicester artists unite for Australia
Following the devastating fires in Australia, the local music scene has come together to curate the Leicester Artists Relief for Australia, which is taking place across the city on Sunday 22 March. They’ve chosen 2 special independent charities to raise funds for so your donations and ticket money can really have a big impact in helping them recover. Taking place across multiple venues, the line-up has been curated to suit a range of tastes. We caught up with The Brandy Thieves’ Andrea Kenny, who kick started the project, to find out more.
How did the initial idea for the event come together?
I saw quite a few online fundraisers where you can click a button a donate… mostly for the major charities to do with the Australian bush fires that were getting a lot of media attention. I went ahead a donated to one of these but thought, hang on, I can do more then this! I’m a musician myself and I have a following, which can maybe mobilise people in Leicester to come together to create a bigger impact. I also wanted to support the smaller more independent charities/sanctuaries who would have gone under the media radar. I used to live in Australia so its very close to my heart and my partner lives there at the moment. It was just breaking me seeing the devastation to wildlife and communities so I knew I had to do more.
The response I got to my initial post was immense and just so heart warming ! I knew Leicester had it in her! Within 2 hours I had 200 comments of acts offering to donate their time, people wanting to volunteer and I thought, “wow, this could be big!”
Then my good friend Matt Kirk from Firebug & Duffy’s got in touch and pledged his guidance and venues. It’s grown from there. We have an amazing, diversely talented and generous team together and now we have 6 venues and over 40 acts!
Tell us a little about how you chose the charities you’ll be fundraising for?
We wanted to reach out to smaller independent sanctuaries that have been pretty much wiped out by the fires. Many have lost infrastructures and lost whole eco systems of animals. We realised for a lot of these places who mostly are family run that they would be literally still fighting fires and may not be able to get back to us very quickly. We heard from Goongerah Wombat Orphanage and Cobargo Wildlife Sanctuary who welcomed our help and we are happy to support such great organisations.
One of our other aims is to find an arts or music based independent business that have been hit by the fires and help them directly with funds for repairs or to replace lost equipment etc. I’m going over to Australia and will be visiting Goongerah Wombat Sanctuary to see first hand the support they need and to show people back in Leicester exactly where the funds will be going.
Through choosing these charities we will be able to have a greater and more direct impact it also builds that connection between those who have given their time and talents and those who have brought tickets or donated. It gives them a chance to see a direct effect of how they have helped.
How did you choose the venues and acts appearing at the event?
From being in The Brandy Thieves for 8 years I know the local scene very well and I’m well known by the scene so I did a call out and the response was pretty instant! People were keen to jump on board and help! I think what’s happened has touched a lot if hearts and minds.
Matt Kirk pledged a total Firebug take over upstairs and down and also Duffy’s, I then asked Vijay at 2Funky Music and Yasin from HQ familia to curate a line to offer a more diverse music policy. Jack Franklin, Martin and Sue at The Soundhouse were also super supportive and they will be catering to the more alternative scene with their line-up. There will also be a mix of music and spoken word acts at The Cookie
We knew in order to raise our target of £10,000 we had to have some bigger named acts on the bill. Someone suggested Uncle Frank and I’ve known him around the scene for years, he’s a local and international legend not just in his own right but, of course, he’s also the drummer for Fun Lovin Criminals! I thought well it wont hurt to ask and he said yes almost straight away! He’s been amazingly supportive throughout the process.
The rest of the line up is made from Leicester favourites from across all genres – Jersey Budd, The Whiskey Rebellion, Harrison Gent, Gu-Ru, Social Ignition, Elysian, Ann Duggan and so many many more!
How will ticket money go towards helping these charities?
It will help to repair homes and structures, help replenish destroyed animal feed, help with vets bills, drugs and rehab, help the people and families who work at and run these places. Of course these are their homes too!
Can you tell people a little more about the acts appearing for anyone who isn’t familiar?
We’ve tried to cater to almost every taste in order to get as much interest for the event so people come! I think this means people will come not only to help raise funds but because the line-up is great and the music scene and its supporters in Leicester are incredibly supportive and always have been.
Among the line-up we have…
Groove soul infused rock with Uncle Frank (saw his band live last week and it blew me away!)
The crazy sweaty booze infused gypsy pirates The Whiskey Rebellion
Psychedelic funk trippers GU-RU
Blue grassed tinged folk with Ann Duggan
Melodic female fronted metal with Gallows High
Alternative faves EARLS
I could go on and on…. you will all just have to come and enjoy!
How much are tickets and when are they on sale?
This is the best part! its a total BARGAIN! over 40 acts across 6 venues….just for £15!! (plus booking fee) wristband access to all venues all day…with auctions, raffles and loads of other fun stuff going on too! They are on sale NOW.
How can people support in advance of the event?
Please spread the word and buy tickets. Also please follow our Facebook page for updates.
We are also looking for volunteers on the day and during the run up to help with promo so if people are interested in helping they can get in touch on our website.
Thank you in advance to everyone who has shown support and all who buys a ticket and donates to this. It will make such a difference to so many animals and those amazing souls who’ve been spending their lives helping them.
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MORE MUSIC NEWS NEXT WEEK
