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NEWS
Little Mix – Leicestershire CCC
Friday 18 July 2020
Pop superstars Little Mix are bringing their unmissable live show to Leicester next year. The world’s biggest girl band will perform to fans at the Fischer County Ground on Friday 18 July. Presale from Wednesday and tickets on general sale on Thursday 28 November.
Steve Hackett – De Montfort Hall
Friday 27 November 2020
Off the back of his most successful solo tour yet, selling over 30 thousand tickets for his 2019 UK dates, Steve Hackett has announced new dates for a world tour that will feature the whole of the 1977 Genesis live album Seconds Out in full, plus more! Tickets on sale on Friday.
Bryan Ferry – De Montfort Hall
Monday 9 March 2020
Legendary British artist Bryan Ferry is back on the road in 2020 alongside the release of Live at the Royal Albert Hall 1974. Achieving immediate and sensational success in the early 1970s with his group Roxy Music, Bryan Ferry has taken his place as one of the most iconic and innovative artists in popular music. TICKETS.
Circa Waves – O2 Academy
Tuesday 31 March 2020
Known for their nervy, melodic indie rock, Circa Waves first gained buzz in the 2010’s with hooky singles like ‘Get Away’ and ‘Stuck in My Teeth’. Centered on lead singer/songwriter Kieran Shudall, the Liverpudlians earned favourable comparisons to the Strokes, Arctic Monkeys, and the Vaccines. They’re touring in support of their brand new album ‘Sad Happy’. Tickets on sale on Friday 29 November.
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THIS WEEK
Open Mic – The Soundhouse
Tuesday 26 November (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. Discover some brilliant new acts. The Soundhouse is on Southampton Street in the Cultural Quarter.
Big Joanie – The Cookie
Tuesday 26 November
London’s Big Joanie are a black feminist punk band describing themselves as “like The Ronettes filtered through 80s DIY and 90s riot grrrl, with a sprinkling of dashikis”. TICKETS.
Lady Maisery – The Guildhall
Wednesday 27 November
Lady Maisery is a striking trio combining spellbinding acappella with elements of accordion, harp and violin. They are also one of the first groups in the UK to have revived the tradition of “diddling” or singing tunes, nearly defunct in England but still prevalent in Scandinavia and other parts of Europe. TICKETS.
Swingaree – The Shed
Wednesday 27 November
Swingaree is a regular swing and jazz social that happens monthly on a Wednesday. On the night there is a free taster dance class followed by a live band. Arrive from 7pm to grab a drink and catch up, then from 8pm – 9pm there’s a taster dance class for all levels of skill, which is ran by the wonderful folk at Leicester University Swing Society (LUSS), who also run regular dance classes should you get the (jitter)bug! No dance partner needed. 14+, with under 16s accompanied by an adult. £3 on the door.
Tilly Moses – The Musician
Wednesday 27 November
“A rare treat in the contemporary folk scene, Tilly’s music calls back to the dark psych folk of the 70s that drew heavily on trad sounds whilst unnerving the living heck out of everyone with its eerie beauty. Think Linda Perhacs, think Vashti Bunyan” (Stephen Thomas, Folkroom Records). TICKETS
Faces of Eve – The Shed
Thursday 28 November
Faces of Eve are a progressive metal band from Hertfordshire. They’re joined on tour by Dreameater, Alignments and Only The Righteous. TICKETS.
Jools Holland – De Montfort Hall
Thursday 28 November
Musical virtuoso Jools Holland and his distinguished Rhythm and Blues Orchestra returns for his 2019 tour. TICKETS.
The Bluetones – O2 Academy 2
Thursday 28 November
Mark Morriss and the boys continue to go from strength to strength more than twenty years on, and now The Bluetones are back in support of their third album Science & Nature. TICKETS.
DanFest – The Musician
Friday 29 November – Sunday 1 December
Now in its ninth year, DanFest9 is a well established 3-day progressive rock festival held at The Musician. Expect to see 13 excellent bands over 3 days, with LANDMARQ headlining on Saturday night. TICKETS.
Mojohand – The Cricketers
Friday 29 November
Join Leicester’s premier good time/rock ‘ n’ roll band, making you bop till you drop playing music from the 50s/60s/70s. Free entry, music from 9pm.
Cash & Carter, Together – The Y Theatre
Friday 29 November
‘Cash & Carter, Together’ brings you an authentic recreation of the Johnny Cash live show, focusing on his unique collaborations with wife June Carter, and backed by a full band playing country, rockabilly, folk and more. Featuring images and stories, the show captures the soul of the Cash-Carter legacy with feeling, honesty and humour. TICKETS.
Adam Ant – De Montfort Hall
Friday 29 November
Grammy nominated, pop icon, Adam Ant, returns to Leicester and will be performing his landmark, solo album Friend or Foe for the first time, live in its entirety. Expect a night packed full of other classic chart-topping singles and personal favourites. TICKETS.
Leicester Live Urban Music Showcase – The Shed
Friday 29 November
The Shed welcomes some the UK’s best up and coming urban talent for a Friday night showcase. Featuring Henry Jones, Wynter Black, Dubzy and many more. TICKETS.
Reggae Flavas – 2Funky Street Kitchen
Friday 29 November
Enjoy a night Of Reggae, Lovers Rock, Revival and current Reggae jams. Street food available from Jerk Corner, who’ll be serving at the venue all evening. FREE ENTRY.
Live Hip Hop Jazz Covers – Brick & Beam
Friday 29 November
An evening of hip hop and neo soul covers performed by a live jazz band. Dedicated to artist like Erykah Badu, Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Jill Scott and many more! The Snowfathers & Georgia Copeland will be performing classic hip hop songs in a unique jazz interpretation as well as improv jazz. Happy hours through the evening. Free entry.
Musicians Against Homelessness – Firebug
Friday 29 November
Wake up promotions present a fundraising show at Firebug for Alan Mcgee’s Musicians Against Homelessness charity raising funds for Crisis. Line-up includes Ferris, Kittenfang, Po! and Low Spark. £5 entry on the door.
The Anthemics – Natterjacks
Friday 29 November
Party into the weekend with The Anthemics playing covers of all your favourite hits. Free entry and music from 8.30pm.
Too Many T’s and Grieves – The Cookie
Friday 29 November
A hip-hop match made in heaven, join Too Many T’s and Grieves at The Cookie on Friday 29 November. Too Many T’s return to Leicester with their funky style of full fat beats, stirred in with two heaps of sugary fresh raps, comical swagger and the distinct fragrance of golden era hip hop. They’ll be joined on the tour by Seattle based hip hop recording artist Benjamin Laub, better known by his stage name Grieves. TICKETS.
Glastonbudget Auditions – The Soundhouse
Friday 29 and Saturday 30 November
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.
Emeli Sandé – De Montfort Hall
Saturday 30 November
Award-winning singer-songwriter Emeli Sandé is back with new music and a brand new tour of the UK. With tracks including songs ‘Read All About It’ with Professor Green, ‘Beneath Your Beautiful’ with Labrinth, ‘Next to Me’ and ‘Clown’, Emeli soon became a household name Her new album, ‘Real Life’, will be released in September and her UK tour follows with a date at De Montfort Hall. SOLD OUT.
Soulclique – The Cookie
Saturday 30 November
Soulclique returns to The Cookie for the last Saturday of every month with resident Deej providing a blend of soul, funk, jazz, raregroove, disco, hiphop, world, house and more. ‘Music with Soul’. From 9pm. Free entry.
Show of Hands – The Haymarket
Saturday 30 November
Steve Knightley and Phil Beer are widely acknowledged as the finest acoustic roots duo in England. Knightley, who writes most of their inspired material and Beer, a dazzling multi instrumentalist, have built up a huge following which has seen them sell out the Albert Hall four times and headline at major festivals from Glastonbury to WOMAD. TICKETS.
Crows – The Cookie
Saturday 30 November
Crows are an alt rock band from London who formed in 2015, and have since built a considerable following for the intensity of their live shows which have seen the band members break bones as well as instruments. TICKETS.
Oasish – 2Funky Music Cafe
Saturday 30 November
Europe’s leading tribute to Oasis, re-creating the looks, sound and attitude of the originals. Step back in time to the band’s hedonistic heyday, with ‘Supersonic’, ‘Wonderwall’, ‘Live Forever’, ‘Roll with It’ and many more! TICKETS.
The Countess of Fife – Duffy’s Bar
Saturday 30 November
The Countess of Fife is a project started in late 2016 by Fay Fife, lead singer and creative force with legendary Scottish pop/punk band, The Rezilllos, alongside guitarist Allan Mcdowall of post punk country outfit, So You Think You’re A Cowboy. The Countess of Fife is aligned with the insurgent country movement and is inspired by country, punk, early RnB, gospel, soul, girl group music and The Beach Boys. TICKETS.
Badly Drawn Boy & Guests – The Soundhouse
Sunday 1 December
Badly Drawn Boy and a stellar line-up including E-Street Band’s Vini Lopez descend on The Soundhouse for a fundraising event for Light of Day Foundation. The foundation raises money through music towards research into Parkinson’s and other illnesses. Tickets running low for what’s set to be a special night. TICKETS.
The Reggulites – The Donkey
Sunday 1 December
Returning to The Donkey, The Reggulites will be showcasing some new and absolutely kicking tunes, as well as your existing reggae themed favourites. Music from 4pm.
Open Mic – The Western
Sunday 1 December
The first Sunday of every month brings open mic night at The Western. Come and show off your talent in a warm and welcoming environment, or just come along and enjoy the performances (and of course the beer!) All types of performance are encouraged, so if you are a musician, poet or even a comedian, head down. Starts from 8pm but head down earlier to guarantee a slot.
The Darkness – O2 Academy
Monday 2 December
You all remember The Darkness with their unique brand of glammed-up rock and outrageous stage costumes, right? Their debut album ‘Permission To Land’, way back in 2003, shot to number one, spawning the love it or hate it rock anthem ‘I Believe in a Thing Called Love’, and they also achieved the rare feat of releasing a hit modern Christmas single that continues to be played on radio each year. With a new album out, expect the classics and some new tunes. TICKETS.
Cara Luft – The Musician
Monday 2 December
Canadian Cara Luft was a founder member of The Wailin’ Jennys and is turning heads with her blend of roots, folk, rock and country music. With her unique Alt-Roots sound, Luft has a richly deserved reputation for her powerfully elegant guitar work, imaginative songwriting and a distinctive voice that penetrates to the core. Alongside JD Edwards they perform as The Small Glories. TICKETS.
Drinks & Jams – The Shed
Monday 2 December 
Every Monday 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.
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DIARY DATES
TOY – The Cookie
Tuesday 28 January 2020
Former members of Joe Lean & The Jing Jang Jong, their live shows are a mesmerising mix of flailing limbs, massive analogue synths, twin guitars and an ever-evolving psychedelic sound. TICKETS.
Get Cape Wear Cape Fly – Firebug
Tuesday 17 December
Get Cape Wear Cape Fly will be at Firebug in December for a headline slot in the series of shows supporting the Robot Needs Home Collective’s 15th birthday. Aka Sam Duckworth, the Southend troubadour released his 10th album last year. Support from Charlotte Carpenter. TICKETS.
InMe – O2 Academy 2 Leicester
Friday 24 January 2020
With 6 studio albums to their name, they have an army of fans and have toured with the likes of Alien Ant Farm, The Rasmus, Nickelback, Limp Bizkit, Pendulum, Deftones, Serj Tankian, Staind, Feeder and Biffy Clyro as well as having played massive festivals such as Reading, Sonisphere and Download. TICKETS.
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SPOTLIGHT
Help to support Musicians Against Homelessness and Crisis
This weekend sees Firebug host a gig in aid of Musicians Against Homelessness. The organisation has been gathering huge support nationwide with notable backing from leading industry figures, such as Alan McGee. We caught up with Helena Hughes, who does a lot of work for the charity here locally, and music promoter Paul Collins, ahead of the gig this weekend.
Musicians Against Homelessness was championed by industry legend, Alan Mcgee, can you tell us a little more about it?
Musicians Against Homelessness was founded by Emma Rule, who had worked for Crisis at Christmas, she saw the difficulty that homeless people faced and she wanted to do something to change this.
She knew a lot of musicians and music industry people, as she is a PR lady, and one of these guys is Alan McGee, who wanted to come on board also to do his bit he is the Patron of the project.
I came on board as Area Manager as Emma was looking for help, across the UK to put on gigs but also work with promoters and music venues to put on gigs of interest. The whole project has grown massively since the launch back in 2016. We have had so much support from Leicester musicians, bands and other acts over the last 3 years, not to forget the venues that have supported us along the way, to help us raise much needed funds for Crisis. Crisis is a fantastic charity that does so much for homeless people, across the whole of the UK. It’s sad that we are still having to put on fundraisers bit with homelessness on the increase, it’s needed more than ever.
Homelessness sadly though isn’t just about people living on the streets, it’s also sofa surfing with relatives or friends, and also people living in unsuitable or inadequate accommodation.
How has the activity been received in Leicester?
It has been well received continuously, when we launched back in 2016, and since then we have had great promoters on board such as Paul Collins from Wake Up Promotions who always puts on a good fundraising gig for us raising lots of monies., So it’s growing all.of the time..we can always have more gigs though so if anyone is interested to help with in anyway we would welcome that. We are planning something special for next year already, but this week’s gig is a big one that we want people to get behind and support.
We hope you’ll get along to the gig this Friday but if you are not able to attend though, no worries, you can text MAH to 70004 to send £3 directly to Crisis.
The line-up on Friday includes Ferris and Kittenfang, how do you go about curating line-ups for events like this?
I try to pick good quality bands/artists who can hopefully bring a crowd as the more people in the more money raised for Crisis.
Who are some of your favourite acts on the live scene at the moment?
Factory Girls are great and well worth checking out and Earls always put on a great show.
How important do you think it is to use music for the power of good and charity events?
Very important and something I find easy to do and would encourage other promoters/venues to get on board and organise MAH shows as Helena can’t do it all on her own.
What other events and activity do you have coming up in Leicester?
I have a Indie Anthems night on at The Soundhouse on Friday December 20th which will be a great way to kick off the Christmas celebrations!
How can people get involved?
Tickets to Friday’s gig at £5 on the door. If you can’t make the show on Friday sharing on social media is a great help and also you can donate £3 to crisis via text message as well.
MORE MUSIC NEWS NEXT WEEK
