Kent Music News - kentgigs.com

The four week licence starts on 22nd of July 2008, and is the first stage of their planned full time Community Radio Licence for the Romney Marsh.

The station will cover a wide range of music, but the main output from 6.00 am until 7.00 pm will be "Middle of the Road" with Classic Gold hits from the 60's - current chart music supported 7pm to 10pm specialist music and talk shows including Big Band, Rock, Reggae, Country and the Local Band Show.

Known Presenters and DJ's
David Wimble - David Shax - Steven French - Mikie T - Chris Ashman - Stan Donnely - Shuan Child - Jack Williams

The Local Band Show
The Local Band Show will be hosted by Chris Ashman of www.kentgigs.com Thursdays from 7 till 10pm.
Bands and Artists from Kent & E Sussex should submit their CD demos with a view to airplay and a chance to appear on the show.
Postal:
Local Band Show, The Cedars, Elvington Lane, Hawkinge, Kent. CT18 7AD. No explicit material will accepted for airplay.

Presenters wanted
Aspiring presenters, researchers or news and backroom bods are wanted for Romney Marsh FM, all training will be given.
Please contact David Wimble on 01797 362 000.
Postal:
Allied Broadcasting Company Ltd, RM Business Estate, Cockreed Lane, New Romney Kent.

Sponsors and Advertising
There are still shows that require sponsors.
Please contact David Wimble on 01797 362 000.
Postal:
Allied Broadcasting Company Ltd, RM Business Estate, Cockreed Lane, New Romney Kent.

Lest We Forget
The Butt Of Sherry in Hythe High Street on Thursday July 3rd 2008 at 8pm

Last year musicians from bands that were active from 1958 onwards in the South East of Kent had a reunion with aim of sharing their past exploits and remembering colleagues that have passed-on and raising some money for a good cause. An Auction of memorabilia took place to commemorate old friends. The proceeds were put towards constructing a seat to be placed at Folkestone Harbour but the land has changed hands so a change of venue has been neccessary.

The seat with some brass plaques remembering some friends including Keith Harwood, Bob (Scott) Coltart (Maroondogs), Martin Jones (Sundowners) and Noel Redding (The Lonely Ones - Jimi Hendrix Experience) will be placed in the yard at the The Butt Of Sherry in Hythe High Street on Thursday July 3rd at 8pm.
Thanks must go to Bob and Rosie Leech who have managed the commissioning of the seat on such a low budget possible.

The night coincides with 'Jack Pounds Open Stage' where some old stalwarts will perform, some for the first time in many years.

Donations and suggestions for future projects welcome - See Bob Leech or Rosie on the night.

‘Simple is a beautiful acoustic track with an outstanding sound’ Floatation Suite

‘A striking single from the daughter of Denny Laine, peppered with stunning melodies, sky high and superbly crafted into something warm and absorbing.’ Subba Cultcha

Heidi Jo Hines At five Heidi had her first taste of showbuisness when she appeared in the west end Musical 'Umbrellas of Cherbourg'. at 11. Her first proper gig was at the 1996 Woodstock festival where she sang with David Peel of the Lower Eastside (who played with John Lennon)This was a great experience and gave her a taste of what was her true passion, Singing live.

The band is completing new material at the moment with a view to releasing more singles over the summer ahead of a debut album planned for early in 2009. Band founder and chief writer Mark Herbert has developed a plan for The Indigo Road which will see the band release double A side throughout the rest of 2008.

In 2002 Heidi answered an add in the Stage newspaper looking for singers and was picked to be in the all girl Rock/Electro band Nebula 101 .Their songs had airplay in the states and their Promo video featured on T4, but although successful , Heidi left as her heart was in rock n roll. Heidi wrote and recorded her first demo and gigged the London circuit for 2 years until she put together her own band called The HJH Band' their first gig was at the 'Gathering' at Royal Ascot. As well as having her band Heidi is also doing different projects with other artists, she has just recorded a song with Hugh McDowell (from ELO) 'the song was written by Dave Winstanley of the Classic Rock Society and will feature on an EP of Dave's songs which is being produced to raise funds for the Society.'

"What I love about marks songs is that they open up another part of me that's been hidden til now they're expressive and quirky and they allow Mark Herbert - The Indigo Road me to explore my voice to other dimensions" explains Heidi

Mark Herbert picked up a guitar again in earnest a little over a year ago after a number of years working in the very different fields of international business and politics, environmental fund raising and education. Since then he has been writing, recording and rehearsing with various musicians before stepping out on The Indigo Road. His path in life has seen him achieve a business degree, an English degree and the teaching of English at the rough and elite end of the spectrum. Mixing band influences from Smashing Pumpkins to The Who on a band level and from Bowie to Costello on a songwriter level see the band deliver a diverse blend as seen in the current double A side.

www.theindigoroad.co.uk / www.myspace.com/theindigoroad / video / downloads

PURE HARDCORE
Mixed by AudioJunkie & Stylus
Release format: Digital downloads from internet stores worldwide (Physical release to be confirmed)

AudioJunkie & DJ Stylus:
•(nominees for the "Breakthrough DJ" category for the Slamming Vinyl Hardcore Heaven Awards 2008)

•Recently remixed the Flyin' & Sparky tracks "Free at Last and Rave Phenomenon" both featuring MC WhizzKid.

Pure Hardcore: Mixed by AudioJunkie & Stylus
Disc 1
01. Body Rock - AudioJunkie & Stylus feat: JD
02. Listen To My Heart - AudioJunkie & Stylus feat: Scarlet
03. Shake Ya Body - Stylus feat: Olivia
04. Teknique - AudioJunkie & Stylus
05. Perfection - DJ Chaos feat Scarlet
06. The Awakening - AudioJunkie & Stylus
07. Rock The Place - AudioJunkie & Stylus
08. Drop Zone - AudioJunkie & Stylus
09. Uncontrollable - DJ Chaos
10. The Slammer - Jel & Fastraxx (Sy & Unknown remix)
11. Infectious - AudioJunkie & Stylus feat: Rachael
12. Close Your Eyes - AudioJunkie feat Scarlet
13. Shock Wave - AudioJunkie & Stylus
14. Don't Stop Now - AudioJunkie & Stylus
15. Mindwarp - AudioJunkie & Stylus
16. Feel Like Rushin' - AudioJunkie & Stylus feat Rachael
17. Attack The Track - AudioJunkie & Stylus
18. Dirt Style - AudioJunkie & Stylus
19. I'll Be There For You - DJ Chaos feat: Malaya
20. UK Ravers - AudioJunkie & Stylus

Pure Hardcore: Mixed by AudioJunkie & Stylus
Disc 2
01. Disfunktion - AudioJunkie & Stylus
02. Move Closer - AudioJunkie & Stylus feat: Rachael
03. Raverlution - AudioJunkie & Stylus
04. In This Happiness - AudioJunkie & Stylus feat: Rachael
05. Jigsaw - AudioJunkie & Stylus
06. Solace - AudioJunkie & Stylus
07. Temptation - AudioJunkie & Stylus
08. Cuttin', Scratchin', Mixin' - DJ Chaos
09. Shake It - AudioJunkie & Stylus
10. A Little Piece of Heaven - DJ Chaos feat: Malaya
11. From A Star feat: Rachael
12. Pure - AudioJunkie & Stylus
13. Shine Down - AudioJunkie & Stylus
14. Bass Invaders - AudioJunkie & Stylus
15. Don't Stop Now - AudioJunkie & Stylus (Flyin' & Sparky remix)
16. This Is A Rave - AudioJunkie & Stylus
17. Here It Is - DJ Chaos
18. Move Forward - AudioJunkie & Stylus

Digimix Records have been working with and developing AudioJunkie and DJ Stylus for the last 18 months and are published by Scamp Music (part of the Panama Music group of Companies) whose stable of writers include: Gammer, Lisa Marie, DJ Chaos, Jel & Fastraxx, DJ Ruxpin, GrooveWizard, Scarlet, Malaya.

Digimix Records Limited . Sovereign House, 12 Trewartha Road, Praa Sands, Penzance. Cornwall TR20 9ST England. UK
Telephone: +44 (0)1736 762826 - Fax +44 (0)1736 762826 - Email: info@digimixrecords.com

Digimix Records Limited. The Cedars, Elvington Lane, Hawkinge, Folkestone. Kent. CT18 7AD. England. UK
Telephone: +44 (0)1303 893472 - Fax: +44 (0)1303 893833 - Email: info@digimixrecords.com

23 Aug 2008 20:00 The Ampi-Theatre, The Leas Folkestone, London and South East
The Zig Zag Gig is a FREE one-day mini festival packed full of music, art and drama held every summer in the Folkestone Amphitheatre on the beautiful Leas coastline.

For this years event, we have been scouting the local cafes and bars to bring you 11 of Folkestone's finest singer songwriters to perform live on Auguest 23rd from 1 - 5pm.
However to mark the "Triennial", this year we've also introduced a CD of the featured artiists playing their original materia l!
This collection of acoustic based songs ranging from multitrack recordings to 'live in the studio' takes, is available to purchase at local shops and events.

The Whole World Cafe (buy it anytime from the counter, or from the pre-show gig, 9th August)
The CD Launch Party, 9th July, Keppels Bar, The Grand Hotel
The Music Room, (Guildhall St)

Rock and roll pioneer Bo Diddley passed away on Monday 2nd June at the age of 79. Diddley had been suffering from major heart complications, and recently survived both a stroke and heart attack. At his home in Archer, Florida, Diddley ultimately died from heart failure.

Diddley stamped his signature across a number of rhythms and sounds that helped to define rock and roll. After debuting in the 50s, an incalculable number of artists adapted the Diddley style, including the Rolling Stones, Elvis, Bruce Springsteen, and the Yardbirds.

That is part of a racially-tilted rock and roll evolution, one that often positioned black pioneers in the background. But Diddley is widely regarded as a founding father of rock, and his innumerable accolades include inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Grammy Hall of Fame.

The Anti Nowhere League set out on the road in 1980 to prove they could be the worst band on Gods earth loud,violent,obnoxious yobbos with one mission... to get banned from every TV show, radio station and newspapers as possible....they were hated by the general public as well as 'real' musicians who thought they were a disgrace to the music business(and of course the fact they were pulling more people in their live shows than they were).....with numerous encounters with the police and the authorities they have continued to play and release new material away from the public eye....In this day and age it does not seem quite as big a deal as it was back then when they stood alone now a few of the 'real' bands have taken up the 'flag' to be original with attitude...long may independent bands continue keeping the music live and real.....long live the League

The Lone Star Comedy Club returns at a new venue - The Tower Theatre on North Road at Shorncliffe in Cheriton, near Folkestone - The line up for 27TH JUNE 2008 will be EARL OKIN, JAMES SHERWOOD, compere MATT PRICE and a newcomer.

Now the home of FHODS, the Tower Theatre is currently the town's best-kept secret and is the old Garrison Church at the Shorncliffe barracks. There are about 300 seats in the auditorium and a Full bar service. Drinks will be available before the show starts, in the interval and afterwards. Don't be put off making the effort - there's ample FREE parking and you'll love it when you get there! Take a look at the website - www.towertheatrefolkestone.co.uk - for a map and further details.

EARL OKIN is one of those rare performers..... a true original!!! Genuinely versatile, his talents range from that of a fine Singer-Songwriter, (in styles ranging from chart orientated tracks to the classiest of Jazz-Standards, via authentic Bossa-Novas), to that of Pianist, Guitarist, world class Jazz-Singer, as well as his unique standing as ' Vocal Trumpeter, Trombonist and Clarinetist'.

Added to all of this is his Humour, sophisticated and witty enough to have made him perhaps the leading music & Comedy act on the unforgiving London Alternative Comedy Circuit!

Apart from appearances on British shows too numerous to mention, Earl has appeared at all the major London venues including The Royal Albert Hall, The Royal Festival Hall, The London Palladium, Wembley Arena, The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane and The Barbican.

Earl has appeared alongside everyone from Paul McCartney and Van Morrison to Benny Carter, Stephane Grappelli and Cleo Laine. He has entertained the Queen and Princess Margaret.

Finally his one man show has made his name a legend at the amazing Edinburgh International Festival and venues literally around the world. He has been described as a cross between Harry Connick Jr. and Victor Borge, but there is really only one... Earl Okin

Earl has toured the show that features all aspects of his talent throughout the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Holland, Hong Kong, Ireland, Switzerland & Russia etc.

Finally of course, Earl Okin's name is legendary at the Edinburgh International Festival. In year 2000 he completed his 18th full (successful) year reaching an unprecedented 500 performances and gaining a place in the Guinness Book Of Records!

JAMES SHERWOOD made his name in topical comedy, writing one-liners for commercial radio stations. During the 2005 general election campaign, his political material appeared on BBC Radio 1, 2 and 4. He has also written for Private Eye and is a frequent studio pundit on the Sky News Paper Review.

He is also a musician, mainly a classical singer, but also a pianist, composer and arranger. His vocal arrangement of the University Challenge theme tune featured in a BBC2 documentary about the tv quiz. He is also a regular choral singer on the London church scene, despite not being a Christian – a contradiction he explored in his 2006 solo Edinburgh festival debut ‘I Know What You did Last Sunday’.

In his pre-comedy career in public relations, James’ campaigns included the UK launch of the Blackberry handheld email device.

TRIVIA: His great grandfather (also James Sherwood) scored the only goal in the 1914 Amateur FA cup Final.

In 2004, he was runner up in both the BBC New Comedy Awards and the Holsten Pils/FHM comedy competition.

Having given up a short but colourful career in boxing, Cornish-born Cardiff-resident MATT PRICE is resident MC at Cardiff’s award-winning Yellow Kangaroo Comedy Club and the famous Wharf Comedy Club.

He has perfected the art of controlling a rowdy crowd, and is now becoming a much sought-after support act and compere on the national circuit.

Matt’s real skill is in taking his audience on numerous different journeys through the course of his performance. He is very much a unique stage presence and his poignant, heartbreaking and brutally funny stories are fast becoming a must-have addition to bills around the nation.

He is officially UK’s first New Deal Comedian. Having been on the dole for two years, he decided to make his hobby his profession, applied for New Deal support and was accepted! This set of circumstances allows Matt yet another unique perspective on his life and profession, and will surely serve to cement his position as one of the most promising newcomers around.

Our new bookable website is being built and you can already book using lonestarcomedy

The Gig Guide Magazine on behalf of legendary band Status Quo are running a competition for two lucky people to see the band live and meet them as well!

They will be rockin' all over Rochester Castle on Friday 18th July as part of the 'Castle Concerts' series of events staged by Medway Council.

If you would like to enter, all you have to do is tell us why you would love to meet the band in no more than 25 words and the best will be chosen.

The winners will be notified a week before the event. Please make sure you can make the gig on the 18th!

And, please remember to include contact details (full name, address, email, phone number etc) so you can be notified if you're successful.

Arrangements for Tenterden Folk Festival 2008 are coming on a pace.
23rd April 2008

After the success of last year’s souvenir programme we are already accepting bookings for advertising in this year’s even bigger programme. 5,000 copies of the A5 programme will be distributed free in early September. Any business or organisation which would like to advertise in the programme should email Kathy Drage at kathybobdrage@btinternet.com or telephone 01843 835694 as soon as possible. The cost of adverts ranges from £50 to £140 and 10% discount is currently available to business and organisations based in Tenterden. Details can be found on the Festival website at www.tenterdenfolkfestival.org.uk/trust/fest08/adprog.htm#top

Tenterden Folk Festival is a registered charity (number 1038663) formed in May 1994 to preserve and advance public education and appreciation of traditional and contemporary folk music, song, dance and other related traditions, crafts and folk arts as a part of the living heritage. Although it remains independent, the Trust is supported and partly funded by Tenterden Town Council, Ashford Borough Council and Kent County Council and sponsored by Kent East Sussex Railway, Hobgoblin Music, Talking Elephant Records, Courtfield Audio, Tenterden Leisure Centre, Waitrose, Gail Juliet Accessories, Around Kent Folk and also supported by an increasing number of other businesses and organisations who benefit from the increasing economic activity generated by the Festival. If any business or organisations are interested in joining the list of festival sponsors they should contact the Festival Director at info@tenterdenfolkfestival.org.uk. All sponsorship will be recognised in the souvenir programme and on the website.

The popular craft fair, street stalls and music fayre will again be prominent features of the festival. The Assembly Rooms of the Town Hall will again bustle with a variety of traditional and contemporary hand made crafts while specialist music stalls selling folk CD, musical instruments, books, etc. will be housed in the Woolpack barn. To book a craft stall contact Gail Wright at gailjuliet@blueyonder.co.uk or call 01795 471827. To book a place in the music fayre contact Kathy Drage at kathybobdrage@btinternet.com or telephone 01843 835694.

As the Festival grows and develops we also need to recruit more helpers for the weekend. You do not need to be brilliant musicians, singers, actors or artist as there are a lot of other jobs that need doing behind the scenes. You just need to be interested and willing to help in some way. For example we are always looking for help with publicity and distributing programmes and posters, stewarding, moving and setting up equipment, and much more. You can also contact us at info@tenterdenfolkfestival.org.uk if you would like to volunteer to act as a Festival steward.

More details of Tenterden Folk Festival 2008 guests, accommodation and camping are now being posted on our website at www.tenterdenfolkfestival.org.uk.

To receive our regular email updates send an email to info@tenterdenfolkfestival.org.uk with "add to festival news list" in the subject box.

Alan Castle – Festival Director
Trustee and festival director
Tenterden Folk Festival
Tenterden Folk Day Trust (Registered charity No. 1038663)

Promoting folk song, music and dance
E: info@tenterdenfolkfestival.org.uk
W: www.tenterdenfolkfestival.org.uk

Market Operators Hit With £300,000 Bill BPI And Fact Welcome Landmark Financial Penalty

The UK's record and audio-visual industries this week welcomed a landmark court decision handed to Wendy Fair Markets Ltd for allowing traders to sell counterfeit goods at its open air market in Bovingdon. The Company also operate many other market including Sevenoaks and Swanley. The company was landed with a £300,000 bill to be paid within the next six months. mi2n.com reported that:

Wendy Fair Markets Ltd, and directors Nicholas Hobday and Sally Ward, were found guilty of benefiting financially from the sale of counterfeit goods at Bovingdon Market in a landmark money laundering conviction secured by Hertfordshire Trading Standards last July. The BPI and FACT, working with Hertfordshire Trading Standards and Hertfordshire Constabulary, were instrumental in providing evidence of persistent offences relating to the sale of counterfeit CDs and DVDs at Bovingdon Market.

At St Albans Crown Court on Monday (March 10), it was determined that the company has to pay back £250,000 it took in rent money from traders selling counterfeit goods, with prosecution court costs of £50,000 added. The overall amount has to be paid by September 10, at which time the company, Ward and Hobday will be sentenced.

David Wood, Director of Anti-Piracy at the BPI said, "Until now, we have only seen prosecutions against the sellers themselves. This is the first time a market owner has been prosecuted and stripped of income made through the sale of counterfeit CDs and DVDs on their premises. So it is a hugely important ruling for music and the wider creative industries.

"Whilst illegal downloading remains the biggest threat to the future of the music community, CD piracy still deprives us in excess of £160 million annually. This precedent-setting result will dramatically enhance the authorities' effectiveness in tackling commercial counterfeiting. Furthermore, the £300,000 that Wendy Fairs will now have to pay to the Court should send a clear message to market owners nationwide that they cannot expect to duck responsibility for this illegal activity whilst generating income."

Kieron Sharp, FACT Director General, said, "Following the convictions for money laundering last July, it was important that the punishment included a financial aspect to reflect the scale of criminality taking place on a weekly basis over a number of years.

"I would like to thank Hertfordshire County Council for their diligence and persistence in pursuing this case.

"This case should serve as strong warning to all market operators that can be held accountable for illegal activity taking place on their sites."

County Councillor Richard Smith, Executive Member for Community Safety, said; "This is the first time a market operator has been convicted of accepting - in the form of pitch rents - money it knew, or suspected, had been earned through criminal means.

"It was an extremely important prosecution which needed to be matched by a suitable punishment so we can make it clear to all market owners that they can no longer turn a blind eye to criminality at their sites.

"The company was given repeated warnings by trading standards officers that counterfeit goods were being sold at Bovingdon Market. It chose to ignore these warnings and now must face the consequences of its actions.

"We now have a powerful tool where money earned through criminal means can be confiscated, making sure that crime does not pay. I am pleased that the financial penalty reflects the severity of the offences."

Trading standards officers, working with Hertfordshire Constabulary, the BPI (formerly the British Phonographic Industry) and FACT (the Federation Against Copyright Theft), carried out an extensive investigation to bring the prosecution against Hobday and Ward.

Hello, happy new year and sorry it's been so long since the last update! We are still well and alive, writing and gigging. We'd like to share some exciting news with you...

Three main things to announce; firstly Alison Parish, who has been playing with us recently, is now officially part of things. We felt that her voice worked so well on the songs and she bring something really new and cool to the sound. Very exciting.

The second thing is concerning BBC Introducing. They've asked us to be part of a Kent tour in May where they take bands around Kent venues under the BBC banner
and linked to Huw Stevens' Radio1 show. This is a really amazing development and the guy heading it up is really nice and seemed to dig our stuff so we hope we can repay the faith shown in our songs with some good shows in May!

Gig list:
2 May 2008 20:00 BBC Introducing Tour: The Loft, Maidstone
15 May 2008 20:00 BBC Introducing Tour: Rutherford Bar, Kent Uni Canterbury
22 May 2008 20:00 BBC Introducing Tour: The Forum Tunbridge Wells
29 May 2008 20:00 BBC Introducing Tour: Tap N Tin Chatham

Thirdly after recording on our new set up over the last few months we are getting closer to bringing out some new songs (feee to download from our myspace site). The 5 songs will be; Turing Metal into Gold, As you took back your Shield, Washed White as Snow, Divided House and Rise. They should be ready in a month or two!

Brightness ep is still selling well, the new price is £3 and it's still being sold through us at gigs and through myspace.

Finally if you are more of a facebooker we are on there now too, search for eben and we come out top (that's nice.)

The band prides itself in it's authenticity, both in its visual appearance/performance and also musically, and we need someone who will fit the bill as follows:

You must have a great voice, but also be prepared to work at the set list......we perform various different live versions - you'll need knowledge of different Zeppelin arrangements, both live and in the studio etc.

You must be willing to attend all rehearsals - The band is based in Kent, and rehearses in Ashford.

If, like the rest of us, you are not a look-a-like, then you must be prepared to 'look the part' (We are a dress up tribute act, and a wig if needed will be required).

Overall, enthusiasm is a must - you must be a genuine fan of Led Zeppelin, and of course, Robert Plant - knowledge of your 'subject' inc live versions is important...

The band recently performed a live radio session for Kerrang! radio, and some european shows in 2009 is a possibility - (We all, however, also have jobs, so we are not a '3 shows a week' band.)

No timewasters please....auditions will be held in Ashford, Kent over the coming weeks.

Robert Jarvis has been shortlisted for the 'New Music Award' for his proposed new sound installation for the London Wetland Centre. Entitled ECHOLOCATION, the piece will take the form of a responsive composition for a 'choir' of bat detectors that will pick up the ultrasonic calls of the bats that visit the reserve of an evening and transform them into a multichannel musical experience for visitors the following day. More details about the composition and the award itself can be found at: www.robertjarvis.co.uk/EchoPR.htm .

The award seeks to recognise those who are pushing the boundaries of new music, and will eventually present its winner with £50,000 towards the creation and performance of a creatively adventurous new composition. The winner will be announced in April and the first performance of the new work will be in the summer of 2009. More details about the award itself, together with the other shortlisted candidates, can be found on the PRSF website at:

BBC RADIO 1 HUW STEPHENS SUPPORTS KENT INTRODUCING TOUR FOR COUNTY’S NEW BANDS

Champion of new music, Radio 1’s Huw Stephens has given his support to the BBC Kent Introducing Tour, which kicks off at Maidstone’s The Loft on Thursday, March 7.

BBC Radio Kent’s new music show BBC Kent Introducing showcases the county’s up and coming bands and musicians. Currently an online show, from March 2nd it will be on BBC Radio Kent on Sunday nights between 8 and 9pm. It is presented by Radio 1 producer Jim Bursey and fellow Kent boy Tom Kirkby and this spring they are going on tour to bring you the best new music from across the region.

BBC Kent Introducing will be recording each of the tour’s weekly gigs which take place in Chatham, Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone and Canterbury in March, April and May. And you’ll then be able to catch the highlights from the bands taking part on the show the following week.

Huw said: "What BBC Kent is doing is absolutely fantastic and builds on all the BBC Introducing shows' support for the very best new and emerging music in their scene. The content on the radio and the tour takes more new music to new audiences; there will be some very special gigs in Kent in March!"

BBC Kent Introducing is part of BBC Introducing which was launched at last year’s Glastonbury Festival. BBC Introducing is all about bringing listeners the best brand new music from across the UK and giving new artists some great opportunities to be seen and heard and introduce them to a wider audience. And Jim and the BBC Kent Introducing Team want local bands to be part of it.

Jim added: “Kent bands have already had success thanks to BBC Introducing. Chatham’s Brigadier Ambrose had a Maida Vale session and were up for Radcliffe and Maconie’s record of the week on Radio 2. And It Hugs Back from Maidstone, who are on the first leg of the tour, have also been to Maida Vale and featured at last year’s Bestival. So it does work. Kent has what it takes and this year is the biggest opportunity that we’ve had to get that message out there.”

1) Please sign up to the newsletter which will will be used this as a mailing list from now on to send out information and requests to bands and new music fans. If you are not signed up to this you WILL miss out on BBC Introducing... opportunities - which in 2008 will include the chance to play on the BBC Introducing... stage at Glastonbury, perform at the BBC Electric Proms and get a session at the legendary Maida Vale studios. It's easy to subscribe and unsubscribe.

2) Listen to BBC Kent Introducing… which is online every Wednesday and is new and improved in 2008. You'll be able to hear the best acts Kent has to offer, find out where they're playing, get advice on what it takes to step up to national level and get feedback on your music. One of the best ways to find out how to be a success is to listen to how other bands have achieved theirs. Make sure all your fans listen and support other local music as well - the more people that listen the greater the audience for your music.

3) Make sure you are a friend on the MySpace site - this is the quickest and easiest way for Kent venues and music fans to find and hear music from local bands.

4) Update the records - please fill in the following information as briefly as possible and return it to kents.unsigned@bbc.co.uk:

Band name:
Band members: e.g. Andy Smith (19) (Vocals/Guitar), Ben Jones (18) (Bass Guitar), Dan Stevens (20) (Drums)
Where from in Kent:
Myspace link:
Website link:
Contact email address (not for publication):
Contact phone number (not for publication):

We have an amazing line-up this month so make sure you come along:
Tom Williams played the BBC Introducing stage at Radio 1's Big Weekend.
Los Salvadores have been played on the Radio 1 Punk Rock show.
And Monday Street have recently been in the studios with EMI.

First band on 8.00pm.
8.00pm Los Salvadores www.myspace.com/lossalvadores
8.45pm Tom Williams & The Boat www.myspace.com/WilliamsTommusic
9.30pm Monday Street www.myspace.com/mondaystreet
10.15pm The Sketch www.myspace.com/thesketchmusic

Later this month we'll be at:
Thu 10th July - Forum, Tunbridge Wells
Thu 17th July - Zebra Bar, Maidstone
Thu 24th July - Medway (TBC)

You'll be able to hear more about the night on BBC Kent Introducing this weekend
Sunday 8-9pm - BBC Radio Kent 96.7 & 104.2FM DAB and Online @ bbc.co.uk/kent
8 kent.introducing@bbc.co.uk

If you have any ideas of how we could help bands in Kent or would like to get involved with helping out BBC Kent Introducing… in any capacity then drop an email to james.bursey@bbc.co.uk

Please come along to my show at The Grey Lady and support these fantastic local soloists and acoustic bands!

Please refer to the shows website for additional information; www.myspace.com/paulduntonandguests

An Evening with Paul Dunton & Guests wed 4th June , The Grey Lady Music Lounge, T.Wells

8.15pm Joanne Louise Parker ; wonderfully atmospheric songs with vocals that’ll raise hairs on the back of your neck!

8.55pm Anthony Millns ; Eclectic local singer/songwriter, superb piano tracery and engaging lyrics!

9.30pm Alfie Noakes of Sevenscore ; Captivating soloist, killer songs, melodic rock/pop at it’s finest!

10.10pm Origami Dinosaur ; deliver vibrant & funky melodies that are just out of this world! Just brilliant!

An Evening with Paul Dunton & Guests Sun 8th June , The Grey Lady Music Lounge, T.Wells

8pm Chris Pope ; Popular local troubadour who offers superbly crafted emotive melodies & lyrics of real substance!

8.40pm Jamie Andrew ; Dynamic young soloist with soulful tones and a fine array of acoustic rock gems!

9.20pm Richard Pollott ; Brilliant contemporary singer/songwriter, pure vocals, outstanding musicianship!

10pm The Violet Jive ; Fantastic Alternative Jazz/swing trio led by Steve Spall. Vibrant, edgy, melodic, dark…..Awesome!

An Evening with Paul Dunton & Guests Wed 11th June , The Grey Lady Music Lounge, T.Wells

8.15pm Nick Stephens ; Bluesy styled roots acoustic, funky rhythms, distinct falsetto tones!

8.55pm Leanie Kaleido ; Quirky lyrics, crafted songs rich in melody and rock/pop sensibilities, coupled with pure vocals!

9.30pm Paul Dunton & Crew ; Ethereal piano pop/rock meshed with a classical/orchestral twist!

10.10pm Cyrano (acoustic) ; Superb alternative band making their acoustic debut. Outstanding songs, haunting vocals!

An Evening with Paul Dunton & Guests Sun 15th June , The Grey Lady Music Lounge, T.Wells

8pm Geoff Easeman &Kate Locklsley ; Eclectic Folk edged duo with intricate finger picked guitar, stunning vocals and

8.40pm Mystery Clarke ; Superb alternative songsmith, Performing with his band in tow! Upbeat, vibrant, completely absorbing!

9.20pm Rob Sandall ; A balanced mix of emotive/expansive melodies, thought provoking lyrics, performed with intensity and unbridled passion.

10pm Son Of Kirk ; Performing with his band in tow, dynamic anti - blues/folk style with an alternative twist. Mesmerizing stuff!

I have teamed up with one of The Grey Lady's most popular and breathtaking sololists;

Joanne Louise Parker to perform our songs in a selection of churches. All the venues

have been lovingly handpicked by ourselves and include St. Peter and St Paul, Albury Park,

which appeared in Four Weddings And A Funeral! We will be pulling out all the stops,

polishing our shoes and brushing our hair to give you a slick performance in the most beautiful

of acoustic surroundings! Check out Joanne's website; www.joannelouiseparker.com

Takes place on the evening of Friday 27th June and features; Chris Pope, The Rox, Paul Dunton & Crew

And headlining is The Logan Wilson Band. Tickets available on the door at £7.50

£6 pounds for students, children and pensioners. Please send me an email if you wish to reserve

So……don’t even think about going to Reading! Keep your eye on the festivals

The Oasthouse at Rainham is a popular venue for Indie and Unsigned band with a flexible and proper approach to enable the local music fans.
Over the years Vic of DefZone has constantly introduced new and young bands from around the UK. For some the Oasthouse has been their first gig.
The Oasthouse has recently started promoting two gigs a month - one traditional set up and an acoustic night.

Venue Details
Oasthouse (Rainham and Wigmore Community Association), Grananry Close, Rainham, Kent - Next to Rainham Station
2nd Saturday of the month - rock night - live bands
4th Saturday of the month - acoustic night in the bar
Doors 7:30pm - finish 11pm
£3 entrance
Over 16 / ID for alcohol
Cheap bar

Vanity Fare earned a unique place in late 60's and early 70's music history. They achieved great popularity on the British and European Pop scene, when their updated version of an old Sunrays number "I Live For The Sun" hit the charts.
Next singles "Early in the Morning" and "Hitchin' a Ride" achieving gold disc status, the group became established worldwide, particularly in the USA, where both songs were top ten hits and stayed in the charts for a total of twenty three weeks.

The bands current stage show reflects much of their thirty-four year history and features their own hits plus songs that have influenced them along the way. http://www.vanityfare.co.uk

New Players needed for Traditional Music sessions
There are many traditional sessions, open stages and sing-arounds in Kent these days, with the traditional sessions covering styles from English to Celtic to French/Breton/Eastern European to Renaissance ....
However while some of the young people's open stages are doing well, there is a worry that there are a lack of new people, particularly young people, particularly fiddlers, at the traditional sessions.
Please see the following plea for new players :
Sessions
......| A plea for new players at traditional sessions - particularly younger players.txt
If you are interested in coming along, but would like to practice some tunes first, here is a pointer to finding out what tunes are played at the different sessions:
......| What tunes do they play at the different sessions.txt
cheers,
Beau Webber
www.KentFolk.com

HOT NEWS

A reminder that The BLUES BAND, featuring of course the all-star line-up of PAUL JONES, Dave Kelly, Tom McGuinness, Gary Fletcher and Rob Townsend will be celebrating American Independence Day at Haslemere Hall on Friday 4th July, They always deliver a brilliant, and very entertaining show, that sometimes includes special guests (last time at HH was Maggie Bell). www.thebluesband.com . Tickets are still available from Haslemere Hall box office on 01428-642161, or online at www.haslemerehall.co.uk . This gig will be for a standing audience in the hall, with seats available in the balcony.
Haslemere Hall is a very nice venue, with good facilities, with a large car park nearby. It's licensed capacity has just been increased, and I'll be using it in lieu of the now defunct Chiddingfold Club (The Counterfeit Stones will be appearing there on Friday 26th September).
Apart from this special gig with The Blues Band, `Eclectic Live Music' gigs will be having a summer break until September (see below). However, for those suffering withdrawall symptoms, there will still be some good music around!

A new, small music club `Crossroads' at Platform 9, 16, Park St, Guildford, GU1 4XB, has recently opened. Ex -HOAX guitarist Jon Amor appears there on Friday 13th June, and the excellent Eve Selis Band appear ther on Friday 18th July. Details on 01483-827314, tickets from www.ticketsource.co.uk/P9

FESTIVALS
Apart, of course from Guildfest, there are three local music festivals that I recommend.

BLUES ON THE FARM 19 - 22 June, Pumpbottom Farm, Appledram, Chichester PO20 7EH
My favourite UK music festival! Great music, excellent range of beer and cider, good food, nice, friendly atmosphere, well organised, and staged in a very pleasant farm setting. Details at www.bluesonthefarm.co.uk or phone 01243-773828

RUDGEWICK MUSIC FESTIVAL Saturday 16 August, Springbok Estate, Alfold, Surrey
Features a host of local bands and musicians, in a very pleasant, laid-back, country setting. Admission only £10, with proceeds going to charity. Details at www.rmfblues.org.uk .

WEYFEST 6 - 7 September, The Rural Life Centre, Reeds Road, Tilford, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 2DL
Another brilliant festival, that just gets better every year, in a truly delightful setting. Bands feature DAVE EDMUNDS & Rockpile (how did they manage to get him!!!), STEVE HARLEY & COCKNEY REBEL, and a host of other excellent bands including The Pirates, The Hamsters, Angela Brown, Jackie Lynton, Bob Kerr's Whoopee Band, etc, etc. In my view a much better line-up than Guildfest, and in a much nicer enviroment!! Very highly recommended! Full information at www.weyfest.co.uk

ECLECTIC LIVE MUSIC Autumn programme

Sat 20 Sept. LIANE CARROLL TRIO Without doubt one of the very best new British jazz/soul/blues vocalists of this decade.

BBC jazz musician of the year 2005, BBC Jazz Vocalist of the year 2005, Ronnie Scott’s award 2007 for Best Female Vocalist.

Reviewing her recent albums :-

`Highly recommended, I love it! – Michael Parkinson; `Deeply soulful, wonderfully honest’ – The Times; `Utterly brilliant’ – Time-Out

`World class singer, world class album’ – The Guardian; `The real thing’ – Independent on Sunday

www.lianecarroll.com Tickets £15 adv., £17 on door (All seated)

Sat 18 Oct. THE NIMMO BROTHERS

Without doubt the hottest new blues/rock band of this decade! Alan and Stevie Nimmo are each superb performers in their own right, but together they are just simply awesome. Great original songs, powerfully delivered with passion and soul. Definitely not to be missed! www.myspace.com/thenimmobrothers www.bluearmadillo.com Tickets £15 adv., £17 on door (standing in hall)

Sat 15 Nov BLUES CARAVAN Sponsored by Ruf Records, Blues Caravan `Guitars & Feathers’ world tour features three dynamic international blues performers, Deborah Coleman (USA), Sue Foley (Canada), and Dani Wilde (UK), all backed by a superb band. World class blues at Cranleigh! www.bluescaravan.de Tickets £15 adv., £17 on door (standing in hall)

Sat 29 Nov THE BIG BRITISH BLUES BAND Great vocals from Paul Cox and Marsha Raven, accompanied by a truly superb 8-piece blues band that comprises Roger Cotton (keys), Alan Glen (guitar), Mike Summerland (guitar), Nick Payne (sax), Matt Wynch (trumpet), Tim Riggins - trombone, Pete Stroud (bass), Steve Dixon (drums). www.note-music.co.uk

Tickets £15 adv., £17 on door (standing in hall)

Mon 22 Dec PAUL JONES & FRIENDS

CAC’s Honorary Patron invites some of his musician friends to join him at Cranleigh for another terrific charity gig. Some of his friends may be famous, and some less so, but all will contribute to brilliant night of live music. All proceeds will be shared between CAC, and another charity (TBA). www.thebluesband.com

Tickets £25 (standing in hall) NOTE - recipients of this e-mail will be notified first when tickets for this gig go on sale.

The production crew for the Forestry Commission's 2008 forest tour will be moving on site early next week in preparation for the forthcoming concert weekend at Bedgebury Pinetum, near Goudhurst, Kent. Around 30 production and forest staff will be responsible for turning the open recreational space into the concert arena, increasing to a team of over 100 over the weekend.

Commenting on the operation, David Barrow, the forest tour's Programmer & Production Manager, says, "It takes a day and a half to build the stage and then another day to get the main stage generators, lighting and PA rigged."

Over 140 stage lights are put into position and 22 sound cabinets are flown either side of the stage in good time for sound-checks each show-day afternoon. Alongside getting the stage production rigged, the arena's facilities are put in place including bars and catering units, toilets, 1st Aid, emergency exit gates, fire points and 1km of steel fencing to make the arena secure.

David continues, "In general it takes 3 days to set up the entire show and just over a day to de-rig and return the site to normal. The site will be a hive of activity throughout the week. It's pretty intense but the majority of the production team and forest staff have been involved with the tour for several years, so everyone is ready to play their part in ensuring a successful forest tour for 2008."

This year Bedgebury Pinetum, near Goudhurst, Kent will host the following shows:

Saturday 7th June Jools Holland & His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra with special guest vocalist, Eddi Reader.
Sunday 8th June The Zutons with special guests The Mystery Jets and Noah and The Whale.

Jools Holland & his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, Gilson Lavis and guest vocalists Eddi Reader, Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall, has announced a summer concert at Bedgebury Pinetum & Forest, near Goudhurst, Kent.
This should prove a popular return to the venue where the act last played to a sell-out crowd in 2003.

Jools Holland & his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra has become established as one of the most prolific touring acts in the UK, creating their own unique big band sound playing a mix of boogie-woogie, swing, jazz and R&B. They now play an average of 100 live shows a year, touring Britain and the world to audiences in excess of 250,000. It's been a particularly busy time for the music maestro recently with the publication of his autobiography, 'Barefaced Lies and Boogie-Woogie Boasts' and top 10 chart success with his latest album 'Best of Friends'.

Commenting on the booking Elspeth Hill for Bedgebury Pinetum says "We are delighted to have secured a date with Jools again. The concert will be supporting The Forestry Commission's valuable social and environmental programmes and is the first confirmed date as part of our summer concert weekend".

Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra will be performing at Bedgebury Pinetum & Forest, Nr Goudhurst, Kent, on Saturday 7th June 2008.
Tickets are £30 (subject to booking fee) and go on general sale from 9.00am on Friday 11 January 2008 from ticket hotline: 01842 814612 or buy on line
from www.forestry.gov.uk/music

The Zutons, who are currently recording their new album in LA, the follow-up
to the multi platinum selling albums Who Killed The Zutons? and Tired Of
Hanging Around, have announced their first UK tour in two years at seven
unique forest locations across the UK. The dates are:

June
Thu 5th High Lodge, Thetford Forest, Near Brandon, Suffolk
Sun 8th Bedgebury Pinetum & Forest, Near Goudhurst, Kent
Fri 13th Delamere Forest, Near Linmere, Cheshire
Fri 20th Westonbirt - The National Arboretum, Near Tetbury, Glos
Sat 21st Sherwood Pines Forest Park, Near Edwinstowe, Notts
Fri 27th Dalby Forest, Near Pickering, North Yorks
Sat 28th Cannock Chase Forest, Near Rugeley, Staffs

Tickets are priced at £26, subject to booking fee, and are available from 9:00am on Friday 22nd February.
Forestry Commission ticket/info hotline: 01842 814612, and ticket hotlines online: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/music
Ticketmaster (0870 1602837) or Gigs and Tours (0871 2200260) online: www.forestry.gov.uk/music &
www.gigsandtours.com & www.ticketmaster.co.uk or buy in person at the venue

The founding member of Dire Straits, introducing brother Mark to his flat mate John. David played rhythm guitar on Dire Straits' first two albums. He has since persued his own musical vision, notching up an impressive 10 solo albums to date. A change in direction with 1993's 'The Giver' brought him increased acclaim, on which he has continued to build with the release of his most recent works. David writes contemporary Folk/Blues/Pop originals often too varied in approach to be categorised easily. His songs are immensely personal, underpinned by the unmistakeable Knopfler vocal tones, they get close to where he thought they were going with Dire Straits in the early days.

"There’s no mistaking that low-range Knopfler Voice but he’s actually the better songwriter." The Province, Canada.

Guitar Magazine Interview (Australia)

MAIDSTONE MAVERICK @ ZEBRA BAR
MON 17TH MAR, 2008 7.30 pmThe founding member of British rock band Dire Straits and brother to frontman of the band, Mark Knopfler. David has a fantastic solo career which began in 1983 with his first solo album RELEASE. SONGS FOR THE SIREN is David's latest release and on tour with a full band - this is going to be one amazing night...

Strangeface are the only mask theatre company in the south of the UK!
They are based in Kent and tour their original productions to arts and community venues nationally.
Their latest show The Last Resort?is a dark comedy with masks and live music and can be best described as "Spitting Image does Faust". Suitable for adults and young people (11+) - a great night out with a chance to have a closer look at the masks afterwards.

GOING TO THE LAST RESORT…

When a junior devil is in need of a holiday where does he go? Discover what comes to light as a remote village becomes The Last Resort. Strangeface Mask Theatre Company unveil their latest show in Kent during Spring 2008.

This dark comedy is suitable for anyone aged 11 up - adults and young people alike. Described as a cross between Spitting Image and The Brothers Grimm, it is a Faustian folk-tale told with mask, puppet and an original score, played live. The mix of music ranges from folk with an east European flavour, to moments of classical and jazz intermixed with stranger more haunting sounds.

You can have a closer look at this musical box for yourself. Part of Strangeface's unique style is to invite the audience onto the stage at the end of the show to have a go with masks and puppets, or just ask a question.

Strangeface toured nationally last year with The Outlaw Fulke Fitz Waryn - a piece for families to enjoy together. It played in libraries, schools and village halls in Gillingham, Strood and South Darenth amongst many other venues having been chosen and supported by Applause Rural Touring Scheme. This new production will also be performed at arts centres in addition to community venues and has been selected for an international showcase at the Brighton Festival in May.

Strangeface's diverse influences include Terry Gilliam (Brazil) Tim Burton (Nightmare Before Christmas), Oliver Postgate (The Clangers) and Eastern European animation. Artistic Director and maker Russell Dean says, "I've always been in love with the strange worlds of animation and working with masks and puppets is in many ways like creating a live cartoon. They are definitely not just for children. Our audiences respond to our shows in the same way as they might to watching an episode of The Simpsons, enjoying the story on several levels for different reasons".

You can see The Last Resort at:
(14/3/08) Boughton and Monchelsea Village Hall, Maidstone, Kent
Tickets £8/£4 from 01622 674001 or 01622 751926 or
Bockingford House, Cripple Street, Maidstone ME15 6ND
Bring your own drinks
Presented by Valley Conservation Society

(15/3/08) Ivychurch Village Hall Tickets £8/£5 from available from 01797 344121, 01797 344456 or
email info@ivychurch.org.uk or Stepping Stones, The Gardens, Ivychurch, Romney Marsh TN29 0AN
Interval refreshments available – BYO alcohol

Beneden Village Hall (26/4/08) Tickets £6/£4 from 01580 240508
The Brook Theatre, Chatham (30/4/08) Tickets £8/£6 from 01634 338338
Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells (1&2/5/08) Tickets £12.95/10.95 from 01892 678678 - NB: On the eve of National Deaf Awareness Week the performance on 2/5/08 will be captioned for the deaf and hard of hearing.
Theatre Royal, Margate (8/5/08) Tickets £10/£8 from 01227 787787

Cringe Music writer Gonzalo Carrera is performing with 'Heidi Jo Hines Band' : featuring Heidi ( Denny Laine's ( Moody Blues, Wings) daughter) at
WE WILL ROCK ASCOT HRH 2008 - THE GATHERING - 15th & 16th MARCH - Royal Ascot Racecourse. Gates 10am
www.myspace.com/heidijohinesmusic7

Denny Laine will be appearing with his band on the Sunday
(Tickets available at the Main gate Royal Ascot). MORE

Apart from being a rock festival this is the number 1 auction event for entertainment and music collectables in the uk.
The auction includes a thirty three year collection of 'Freddie Mercury & Queen' items from a dedicated fan & avid collector more at www.cooperowen.com

Keith James & Rick Foot Present 'Lorca'

Their most exciting endeavour yet - 'Lorca'.

Consisting of an 11 track studio album and concert tour based on the works of celebrated Spanish poet and dramatist Federico García Lorca, the project has been two years in the making.

Monday 25th February
Zebra, Maidstone, Kent - 8:00 PM
Box Office - 01622 744481

Saturday 9th August
Broadstairs Folk Festival, Kent - 7:30 PM

For more information on the project, including details of the concept, photo gallery, press info and more, please visit the dedicated website at http://www.poemsofgarcialorca.com.

Links:
http://www.keith-james.com
http://www.poemsofgarcialorca.com

Phil Lee & John Sieger UK Tour

Kent Date- 26th February 2008
Isle Of Sheppey "Minster Folk Club"
It's their 40th anniversary soshould be a good night

It took Phil Lee 49 years to come up with his debut album, 2000's The Mighty King Of Love, but happily his second album came along a lot sooner. You Should Have Known Me Then, like its predecessor, shows that though good things might take some time to come along, when they finally come they can come in bunches. It's taken Phil Lee a half a century of high hopes, heartbreak and hell-raisin' to come up with two albums worth of songs so far, but there's a lot in store for anyone who takes the time to listen. Lee gets billed as "country music with a rock and roll heart," and while that's true enough at times, it barely scratches the surface of his musical
menu. Shuffling country blues, coffeehouse folk, Dylanesque folk rock with a side order of rockabilly are also on the bill of fare.

That he does it all very well is proven in part by the roster of folks lined up to do it with him. Guests on You Should Have Known Me Then include Jay Bennett, John Stirrat and Ken Coomer of Wilco, Gillian Welch and her partner in artistry David Rawlings, Allison Moorer and Billy Joe Royal.

Phil is currently cocooned in the studio with even more of Nashville's elite, putting the finishing touches to "Goodbye Its Been Good To Now You"

Here is a sneak preview
So Long Its Been Good To Know You (192 kbps Download Pod/broadcast Single)
http://www.nessmp3.com/music/play.php?mode=song_hifi&band_id=686&song_id=1877
So Long Its Been Good To Know You (192 kbps Pod/broadcast download single)Taken from the forth coming album of the same name

'For my money, this guy is one of the greatest country talents to emerge from lower broadway. This snarling hillbilly rocker combines his down-home biographical lyrics with a grungey guitar sound. You can almost smell the cigarette smoke and stale beer. This is truly country with dirt under it's fingernails. It's the right stuff! ' Music Row Magazine

John Sieger is singer/songwriter in an earlier sense of the word. In other words, before there were singer/songwriters (read James Taylor, Joni Mitchell and less talented adherents baring their souls and exposing their diaries to the cruel light of day), there were acts such as Chuck Berry, Smoky Robinson, Buddy Holly and The Beatles singing songs they wrote. Please, if you don't mind, lump him in with that group of artists who see value in entertainment and think Saturday nights should release a little of the week's built up tensions. John would prefer to be paying an electric guitar (Strat or Dano) when all of this happens, but has been known to hoist an old Gibson Southern Jumbo or Country Western model and perform solo. He made a record for Warner Brothers in 1988 with his band Sem-Twang, called "Salty Tears." It was produced by Mitchell Froom a;long with Jerry Harrison and Chris Thomas (Uunderstudy to George Martin and producer of The Pretenders).

Thanks to www.kentgigs.com for featuring the TrainingThemLive.co.uk project on the website, we have had several good leads from it and we continue to display your logo with pride on our website. Thought I would update you about a couple of our upcoming events as the project gets bigger.

Firstly, we have a set of Jam Nights starting up. The first is 6th March, 8pm at Queen Charlotte’s in Rochester High St. This is a chance for musicians and singers from 16 upwards to jam with the support of our projects’ professional band, Sidetrack. The band will be one hand with their extensive set list to support any solo vocalists or instrumentalists that might want their first public performance opportunity. We will also be showcasing some amazing local talent. The equipment we use is very high quality and the entrance is free.
Interested parties should contact me on dan@trainingthemlive.co.uk

Secondly, we have a Rock School for 11-18 yr olds at Greenacre School from 7th-11th April 08. This event is also free. It is very popular and applications can be downloaded from www.trainingthemlive.co.uk – I have included some photos for you to use of the last Rock School. The project is supported by Kent Police and Medway council.

Many thanks again
Mr D Wise
Advanced Skills Teacher - Medway LA
Head of Music - Greenacre School
Musical Director - TrainingThemLive.co.uk
Gifted and Talented - Lead Teacher

IAN HUNTER
Tickets SOLD OUT
Mick Jagger Centre Dartford

Sunday 2 Mar 2008 8.00 PM

Leading Mott the Hoople in the 70s, Ian Hunter achieved superstardom, with hits including All the Young Dudes and Roll Away the Stone. After making 4 albums, the band split up, and Ian (hailed as a ‘rock legend’ by Rolling Stone) began a successful solo career, bringing decades of critical acclaim as songwriter and singer. He was a key influence for bands such as the Clash, REM, Primal Scream and Oasis. His new recording, Shrunken Heads, has been nominated as Album of the Year by Classic Rock Magazine.

Amy Speace
Wildflower Records artist will be joining renowned artist Ian Hunter as a special guest on his upcoming UK Acoustic Tour.

Date City Venue
19 Feb 08 Edinburgh, Scotland Cabaret Voltaire
20 Feb 08 Aberdeen, Scotland Tunnel Club
22 Feb 08 Leeds, England Varieties Theatre
23 Feb 08 Manchester, England Lowry Theatre
24 Feb 08 Cardiff, Wales The Point
26 Feb 08 Plymouth, England The Hub
27 Feb 08 Milton Keynes, England The Stables
29 Feb 08 Ipswich, England The Manor Ballroom
01 Mar 08 Market Harborough, England Leisure Centre
02 Mar 08 Dartford, England Mick Jagger Centre

Amy Speace's CD "Songs For Bright Street" was released in the UK through ADA/Ryko last year, receiving rave reviews from the press across the pond:

Amy has already won a loyal grass-roots fan base, thanks in large part to live performances that merge warmth, humor and emotional immediacy, and to a tireless touring schedule that's already taken her across the United States. She's also won considerable critical acclaim, with The Village Voice observing that Speace is "taking her Americana away from twangy contemplation toward tangy confrontation" and noting that she's "not another of those breathy would-be child poets, but a real singing writer of songs." Time Out New York stated, "Amy Speace plays sweet, twangy folk music with a clear voice and an innocent vulnerability," while The Nashville Scene noted that she "balances wry humor with open-hearted honesty." And renowned Nashville critic Robert K. Oermann, writing in Music Row, dubbed her a "new star."

David Gray will tour the UK in March 2008 in support of his recently released first ever Greatest Hits album.

Gray’s Greatest Hits album features fourteen tracks that document a career spanning over fourteen years, seven albums, three record labels and eleven million album sales. The album also includes two brand-new songs – ‘You’re The World To Me’ and ‘Destroyer’.

Passionate local indie / folk singer, Nic Bennett, has been invited by The Cribs to perform at their after show party, at the NME awards. The gig will take place on Friday 22nd Feb at Brixton Jamm, London.
4 other live bands will also be playing, as well as The Cribs doing a DJ set, until the early hours of the morning. Nic has been allocated 25 tickets for this event, priced at £8 each. For tickets and info contact Nic on 07988039920 / nicholasbennettmusic@yahoo.com / www.myspace.com/nicbennett.

A coach trip may be put on from Folkestone if people have difficulty arranging travel.

Folkestone lad Nic Bennett, who was told by doctors two years ago that he would never sing again, is about to hit the main stream, as a singer! Nic is a singer/songwriter playing passionate and intense indie/folk music, from Folkestone - Although the first line on his myspace biog shows this tag, he has been given, is something that he is not too happy about: “I’m not a singer/ songwriter – I’m a singer who just happens to write songs.” He’s only just started out on the live circuit again, after suffering from a long term inflamed tonsil, but his fusion of heavy/melodic guitars, punk dynamics and pop melodies has already been turning heads across England and Europe.

Live, he’s as experimental as David Ford, but as accessible as Damien Rice, and his intelligently crafted, honest pop songs have also been well received by Prestige Management (managers of Busted, Mcfly, Son Of Dork), when they came to watch him.

Although having been spotted out, with fellow musician, Kate Nash, in North London clubs, Nic is not getting even a percentage of her success. But all that’s about to change though, as All Saints’ producer and Blow Monkeys’ band member, Nevil Henry, has snapped him up, and claims that “Nic could quite possibly end up being the biggest act I’ve ever worked with.”

The Nevil Henry produced album “This Is 6th Form Poetry (Not Keates Or Yates)” is due out later this year. For further information, check out www.myspace.com/nicbennett

John Etheridge with The Buster Birch Trio
at
Halstead Jazz Club
Sunday 10 February 2008
Halstead Village Hall Knockholt Road, Halstead, Kent.

Admission only £5.00 doors open 7:00pm music starts 8:00pm for more info and directions see www.halsteadjazzclub.com

"One of the best guitarists in the world" - Pat Metheny
"I never wanted to be a star, just a highly respected musician like John Etheridge" - Sting

Guaranteed to be a great night of music when this master guitarist joins forces with one of the finest rhythm sections on the circuit.

John Etheridge is not just another great guitarist, he is a master of the instrument and he knows how to use it to best effect in an enormous range of settings.
He is fast, a great chord man, inventive but subtle, as good with a pick as finger style, as at home on acoustic as on electric guitar. Critically, he knows what to leave out, when to use nuance and suspense and when to let rip. Taste and talent are the indisputable hallmarks of this incredibly accomplished and well-rounded musician who reads, and responds to his fellow musicians and his audience equally well.
His range is well illustrated by his years of touring and recording with the iconic Stephane Grappelli while simultaneously doing likewise with the legendary jazz-fusion group, The Soft Machine. John is equally at home on acoustic and electric guitar and his willingness to engage with so many styles is matched by his ability to excel in any of them.He has also played with John Williams, Yehudi Menuhin, Dizzie Gillespie, Herb Ellis, Mundell Lowe, Nigel Kennedy, Pat Metheny, Birelli Lagrene, Barney Kessel, Vic Juris and countless others.www. johnetheridge.com

Buster Birch has a degree in music from the University of London and a post-graduate diploma in jazz performance from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Since finishing his studies and turning professional he has travelled extensively as a musician, performing in over 30 countries.
A musician of great versatility, Buster has worked with many of the UK’s finest jazz musicians, including; Peter King, Jim Mullen, Gerard Presencer, The Bobby Wellins Quartet, Geoff Simkins, Alan Barnes, John Critchinson, Ian Shaw, Derek Nash, Mark Lockheart, Chris Lawrence, Steve Waterman, Chris Batchelor, The Branco Stoysin Trio, The Deirdre Cartwright Group, Julian Nicholas, Ashley Slater and others; in the orchestral world, he has performed with, among others, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. He also has extensive experience in musical theatre and his recording credits include many jazz albums as well as pop (Lily Allen) and film score studio sessions.

Buster is also deeply involved with music education, teaching drums to all levels, giving music workshops and a course director of the highly respected Glamorgan Jazz Summer School. He is also a professor at Trinity College of Music where he lectures in jazz history.
www.busterbirch.com

ZOO won the category Best Jazz Artist at the 2007 New Music Awards held on 17th October at AKA London.

ZOO had already acheived the top of 3 categories of the 2007 Awards. A fine acheivment indeed based upon the hoards of acts vying to win overall.
ZOO won the Jazz category on the night and were presented with a fine trophy for the mantlepiece. The mighty trio from Breaston in Derbyshire were really chuffed to win and it showed on their faces in the presentation and the TV interview that followed.

ZOO are a 'New Jazz' act that recently released their album "Greenhouse" on the Folkestone based Red Admiral Records label.

Hosted by - Tony Wright (Terrorvision/Laika Dog) and Peter Brame (BBC Fame Academy) the Glasswerk New Music Awards awards were created to reward the best new music around the UK and to highlight the musical depth and diversity of the current UK music scene. From Jazz to Indie, from Pop to Folk, all categories were be made up of the very best underground talent in the UK and it is fully expected that some of the award winners will go on to achieve long and successful careers in the music industry.
The awards night was made up of 25 categories and will featured performances from some of the nominated bands and artists.

A 300 capacity audience was made up of industry producers and presenters from Radio 1, Radio 2, XFM, BBC 6 and many more regional new music shows. Journalists and reviewers form student to mainstream music magazines/ezines were also present.

www.zoo-music.co.uk
www.glasswerk.co.uk
www.musicfinity.com
www.johnjamesfox.com
www.akalondon.com
www.manillapr.com
www.redadmiralrecords.com

Please check out www.bobbycochran.com for a touching Biog.
Bobby unbelieveably,lost his 21 yr old Daughter in a car crash on the 17th April, many yrs after Eddies death on the same date at the same age....!
Go to this link http://www.ocregister.com/ocr/sections/news/news/article_498879.php
Don`t miss this electrifying performance with Howard Tibble from Shakin Stevens,on drums, and Brian Hodgeson from Albert Lee,on Bass...for a real touching musical experience..and now check out the above link..
tickets available online www.youngjimmusic.com

Ashford Rocks - Youth Music to cease at Ashford Footbal Club
You may be aware that Ashford Borough Council earlier in the year decided to enforce the law at Homelands and decree that no one under the age of 16 should come to gigs there unless accompanied by an adult. Thus with the club not being allowed to let in the 14 to 16 year olds Ashford Rocks was in danger of closing due to the financial costs of putting it on in the first place.

This caused uproar amongst local rock fans and several petitions were started. Negotiations continued with the council to try find a way to get around this interpretation of the law.

Attendance dropped to uneconomical levels and new owners of the football club want to hike the rent up to an impossible amount that just can’t be afforded, possibly their way of knocking it on the head as they don’t want young people there.

The popular Kent Rock Band have taken January off from the gig circuit to rehearse a whole new batch of songs, they felt it was about time to change their set list,

Face to Face return on the 30th January at Herne Bay, where they will debut their brand new set.
Rehearsals are going very well & some of the new songs are quite challenging, they promise a few suprises for their return in 2008.

For further news and dates check their website www.facetoface.moonfruit.com

Black & White Promotions at Beacon Court Tavern Gillingham,128 Canterbury St, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 5PT

Opening the evening with a bang is Mirrortone (www.myspace.com/mirrortone) . They are one of Medway's newest Rock bands and their real classic rock sound is reminiscent of Guns & Roses has been earning rave reviews from both their local and London gigs. They have recent recorded a new EP and you can hear these tracks live at the Beacon Court Tavern. Our Main Support comes from 3Bobnation (www.myspace.com/3bobnation). Hailing from Gravesend they will be playing their raunchy rock with mesmorising melodies and great hooks, catch them for their first performance at the Beacon Court. For our headline band we are pleased to welcome the mighty UPCDOWNC (www.myspace.com/upcdownc). One of Kent's finest and most unique bands will be playing their mainly instrumental rock music that has earnt them wide recognition in the music industry including XFM and KERRANG. 2008 sees Upcdownc take a new direction as a 4 piece and their future looks very bright so come see them now.

Cost is £5 on the door or advanced tickets for £3.50 can be purchased at http://www.wegottickets.com/event/24770

Venue: Beacon Court Tavern Gillingham,128 Canterbury St, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 5PT

The first prison sentence imposed for music piracy in Ireland
Martin McDonagh from Longford was jailed for 6 months.

The defendant was caught on Sunday 26th November 2006 at Drishogue Market with counterfeit music CDS and a large quantity of DVDs. He appeared before Carrick On Shannon District Court on Wednesday July 25th, on copyright charges and pleaded guilty.
In addition to a jail sentence of 6 months, the Judge fined McDonagh £1,000 plus costs.

'This sends out a strong warning sign to anyone involved in illegal counterfeiting and CD selling.
It is stealing from people who make a livelihood from music.

We will do everything in our power to seek out and prosecute anyone involved in any form of unlawful music practice.
This is the first prison sentence that has been imposed and we intend that it will not be the last'.
Dick Doyle - Director General, IRMA.

This week we are one of the bands played on the BBC Kent '
Introducing show' featuring some of the best self released bands in
kent. This comes hot on the heels of our recent play on BBC radio 6
music 'Introducing show'. This time the track featured is ' Easy'
taken from our Concubine album.

There is a discussion on the board abut the tracks played on the
show, and it's encouraging to see a few comments already from people
who like us. A few more won't do any harm, so if you'd like to leave
a comment – please do. It goes without saying that the more people
leaving positive messages about us, the more chances of repeat plays
etc.

We are on the new digital download album ' Cafe Ibiza' available from
tunetribe, I-tunes, and all good download stores, and the Chinese
album ' Music in style' is now out , billed as ' A deluxe selection
of elegant stylish electronic music' it features the likes of Chris
Coco, and Sacha Puttnam, Eric Kupper and ourselves, amongst others.

The word from the pressing plant is that we should have delivery of
our album ' Concubine' on December 5th, which is the same day we have
our next gig, at Hadlow College, Kent. All being well, we shall have
copies at the gig, and will start shipping personal signed copies to
all those who have pre ordered, so everyone should definitely have
their copies in time for Christmas! We haven't at this stage decided
on the official release date as yet, but it will be sometime in the
first quarter of next year, most probably in March. It will however
still be available to order via our website http://www.moolimusic.com.

Finally, we've set up a facebook group,so feel free to add us, and
leave comments on there,if you're a facebooker.The URL is http://
www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=7480291477

It was an amazing turn out and an awesome show for the lively crowd that showed up to jeer on their local heroes!
8th September 2007 will ever be remembered by ReD 13, as the day that determination and faith came together to fuel an onslaught of rock destruction that won the competition.

The competition from the other bands was epic! - and the music was so passionate that it proved every band deserved to be there! - The only thing we regret is that people had to lose the competition for us to win - the talent was exceptional all round!!!!

ReD 13 want to thank all the people that came and showed support - we couldn't have done it without YOU!!!

Upcoming Shows
14 Sep 2007 20:00 Corn Exchange Maidstone
15 Sep 2007 20:00 12 Bar Club London
6 Oct 2007 20:00 Red Lion Gravesend, South
2 Nov 2007 20:00 Halloween Party - Red Lion Gravesend
15 Nov 2007 20:00 Beercart Arms Canterbury

Thanks peeps!

Pete Castle was amongst the Tenterden Folk Festival regulars representing Kent the recent Smithsonian Folk life Festival in Washington DC.

There are times when I can’t believe how lucky I am to do what I do for a living. For a week at the end of June/beginning of July I was one of the first English people to participate in the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington DC. (Previously Scots, Welsh and Irish and just about any other nationality you can name have been there but, for some reason, not the English!) I went as a ’cultural exemplar’ (I’ve been called many things before!) from Kent, where I was born and frequently appear at events such as Tenterden Folk Festival. Our programme in Washington was called the Roots of Virginia Culture and I worked alongside Virginians, American Indians and Senegalese. Also participating in their own sections of the festival were delegations from the Mekong Delta and N.Ireland.

“Seven city blocks; 10 days of arts, crafts, music, sports and games; 32 languages; 90-degree temperatures; 103 tents; 415 volunteers and 707 guest participants: Yes, the 41st annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the Mall promises to be a bustling, sometimes overheated, multi-tented and multicultural mini-metropolis.”

I was asked to perform at the opening ceremony and by the time I was on stage the audience had been listening to strange music and long speeches for nearly 2 hours so it wasn’t the time for a serious ballad or long story! ‘Hopping Down in Kent’ proved to be the right choice and I’m told that the Governor of Virginia, the Ambassador for China, Martin McGuinness et al were joining in and swaying along behind me!

We musicians/storytellers did several sets each day on one or other of the various stages and joined random selections of other artists to discuss a variety of topics on the discussion stage. It was a bit unreal to find yourself sharing a stage with a great blues singer like John Cephus or some of the Appalachian banjo pickers who looked as though they’d walked straight out of Deliverance!

It was a once in a lifetime opportunity. You don’t often get the chance to be heard by over 160,000 people in one day! (They reckon on 1 million people during the course of the festival. It’s all free—a ‘museum without walls’.) To eat breakfast with American Indians; to hear Chinese, American, and Vietnamese musicians jamming together; to engage in good natured banter about politics with a Rev. from Northern Ireland; to share a lift with exotically clad dancers from Cambodia… you think you’re in a dream.

If you look at my website at www.petecastle.co.uk you’ll find a page dedicated to the event, complete with pictures and links to other sites on which you can find interviews and even videos of me performing!

I will be back in Kent at in the near future and at Tenterden Folk Festival 2007 from the 5th to 7th October.

storyteller and folk singer
Editor: Facts & Fiction storytelling magazine
www.petecastle.co.uk
www.factsandfiction.co.uk

Info Supplied by

Alan Castle
Trustee and festival director
E: alan@folkspots.co.uk
W: www.folkspots.co.uk

Db Infusion News 2007

some great news Db Infusion performance at the london's premier jazz venue " Spice of Life" was a great success and it featured as guests guitar legends John Etheridge( Soft Machine,Andy Summers) and former Yes guitarist Peter Banks and received a great review from legendary music journalist Chris Welch. (Below)

Db Infusion will be performing as backing band for legendary movie star; Christopher Lee( Dracula ,Lord Of the rings,Starwars,the wickerman,etc,etc) Christopher Lee will be releasing new dvd featuring video performances from his album "revelation" the Uk release is July the 2nd,2007. as a prelaunch promotion and to celebrate his 85th birthday. Christopher Lee will be performing live on stage at the london Excel Centre on the 26th and the 27th of May. His versatility and ability to be of any age, together with his willingnes to take on new challenges,giving him some of the most unusual collaborations including Paul Mccartney's" Band On the Run" R & B boy band Damage or heavy metal band Manowar.
The performances are being organized to celebrate his up and coming Dvd release " Revelation".The revelation dvd is a special collectors edition avalaible exclusively at the London expo, nearly 2 months before its official uk release date.

Mr Lee will Be performing in different styles of music, for example : heavy metal,jazz/flamenco, and a broadway musical. He will be joined on stage by guests artists from various musical fields such as singer Lola Rueda,world renowned flamenco guitarist Juan Ramirez and introducing Db Infusion a progressive jazz/rock fusion band, they will performing also tracks from their new album "Dreamscape"

review by Chris Welch
London Fans Witness Battle Of The Guitars

Peter Banks was in fighting form when he jousted with fellow guitar god John Etheridge alongside jazz-fusion group Db Infusion at
London's 'Spice Of Life' venue on April 5th. Infusion plays intense Latin tinged instrumental arrangements such as 'Yo Yo' from their
excellent album 'Dreamscape'. Etheridge was guesting with the band, which is led by guitarist Danny Berdichevsky. Peter Banks, seated in the audience, was invited to join in the fun.

Danny, together with keyboard virtuoso Gonzalo Carrera, Ollie Usiskin (drums) and Lakis Economou (bass), launched into a riveting set greeted by cheers from the hip crowd at the popular jazz venue. They reached a climax with a finger-cracking version of 'Flight Of The Bumble Bee.' Danny also played brilliant Spanish style acoustic guitar. However, the highlight of the evening came when Peter Banks took to the stage. 'More guitar solos!' he had bellowed, after an earlier exchange between a fired up Etheridge and combative Berdichevsky. The band laughed, but soon Peter was taking his place in the front line, checking his 'Pod' a miraculous device, which replaces all known PA technology. "I'll just be ten minutes setting up," he joked after bowing down deferentially to Mr. Etheridge.

Although Peter later claimed he didn't know the tune, the key or the arrangement, the founder member of Yes soon adapted to the band's format. He engaged in some brilliant exchanges with Danny and John in an exciting battle of the guitars. John was playing a hollow bodied Gibson 335 with subtle dexterity, while Peter f

Kent Music News & Views Noticeboard

Romney Marsh FM

Romney Marsh FM has been granted a 28 day restricted Service Licence from OFCOM. RMFM will be broadcasting on 87.8FM from their studios based at the Allied Broadcasting Company Ltd offices, situated at the RM Business Estate, Cockreed Lane New Romney.

The Indigo Road featuring Heidi Jo Hines release their first single Simple this week. The single has been made BBC Radio Kent's Single of the Week. You can find out more about this stunning new band at www.theindigoroad.co.uk

Market Operators Hit With £300,000 Bill BPI And Fact Welcome Landmark Financial Penalty

Kent Music News & Views Noticeboard

Romney Marsh FM Romney Marsh FM has been granted a 28 day restricted Service Licence from OFCOM. RMFM will be broadcasting on 87.8FM from their studios based at the Allied Broadcasting Company Ltd offices, situated at the RM Business Estate, Cockreed Lane New Romney.

The Indigo Road featuring Heidi Jo Hines release their first single Simple this week. The single has been made BBC Radio Kent's Single of the Week. You can find out more about this stunning new band at www.theindigoroad.co.uk

Market Operators Hit With £300,000 Bill BPI And Fact Welcome Landmark Financial Penalty

Romney Marsh FM

Romney Marsh FM has been granted a 28 day restricted Service Licence from OFCOM. RMFM will be broadcasting on 87.8FM from their studios based at the Allied Broadcasting Company Ltd offices, situated at the RM Business Estate, Cockreed Lane New Romney.