Last chance to see: Metroacoustic & Hoboes

Those of you who are fans of Stephen Fry will know that he's been jetting around the world retracing the steps of Douglas Adams. He's filming 'Last Chance To See' in which he tries to capture on film some of the world's most endangered species before they become extinct.

Well, we all have the chance to be Liverpool's version of Stephen Fry this week as one acoustic event and one acoustic band become, sadly, no more.

LAST CHANCE TO SEE... METROACOUSTIC

Kaya's popular and successful Metroacoustic night is coming to an end. Unfortunately the owners of the Metro Bar venue on Victoria Street have taken the decision to close during the week (darned credit crunch) and that includes Wednesdays....

The final one is on Wednesday 28th January 2009, starting at 9.00pm and going on until they get thrown out!

The good news is that Kaya will continue to host the Acoustica night on the first Thursday of every month at 3345 Parr Street and is planning another venture. We'll let you know more once we have the details.

LAST CHANCE TO SEE... THE GREAT NORTHWESTERN HOBOES

This news is taken from the GNH MySpace blog...

Hello Pop-pickers,

After 5 glorious years of hard work, determination and resiliance, our practice room kettle has broken. During discussions between the four of us regarding the purchase of a new one it was agreed that we all had different ideas about our direction as a band.

Stuart wanted a reliable Tefal, Marc suggested a Russell Hobbs, Nick came up with the idea of buying a camping stove and boiling the water in a pan, where as Robbie thought we'd find much cheaper alternatives at the Home & Bargain on Bold Street.

Anyway, following these discussions we've decided to take our mugs and head off into the sunset after our final gig in The Zanzibar on 30th January.




Cheers and Cheerio from

THE GREAT NORTHWESTERN HOBOES

We realise that the poster above is an animated gif (i.e. it changes picture over time) and might show as blank in the email version of this newsletter. So here are the details...

Friday 30th January - 8pm -

£5 entry - The Zanzibar -

The Great Northwestern Hoboes,
The Albany,
Fifteen Storeys,
The Seamstresses,
Familiar Looking Strangers,
plus DJs.

New event: Tuesday Night Music Club

Tuesday Night Music Club is another brand new acoustic music event for the diary.

It takes place every Tuesday (naturally!) starting this week 27th January.

It runs from 7.30pm to 11.30pm and entry is free.

It's taking place at Monochrome, one of Liverpool's newest and most exciting venues. You can find it in the Met Quarter at 7 Sir Thomas Street.


The event is hosted by Dave Lloyd from The Suns, and there will be three or four booked acts.

Upcoming schedule is:

Tuesday 27th January: Lizzie Nunnery, The Suns and Sarah Deboe

Tuesday 3rd February: Vinny Peculiar and Rosie Jones

Tuesday 10th February: Mike Badger (ex - La's) and Dave Lloyd

There will also be an open mic slot, where time permits.

myspace.com/monochromevenue

myspace.com/tuesdaynightmusicclubuk

Monochrome, 7 Sir Thomas St, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 6BW

Another gig well worth heading out to this week is Canned Panther presents.... @ 3345 Parr Street

Thursday 29th of January - Doors 9pm - Free entry

Laney Murphy & The Hybrids, Tez Sheals, Zakarias Hartley & DJ Elena Katrina.

Laney Murphy is a multi-faceted singer songwriter from Huyton, Liverpool. Her songs are about urban life, self deprecation, love, and mainly analysing and naming and shaming the people we see on the streets in our daily lives. It's observational stuff. It's humorous stuff. It's heartfelt stuff! The event is brought to you by Canned Panther as part of the 3345 Thursday nights.

myspace.com/cannedpanther

myspace.com/3345thursday

33-45 Parr Street, Liverpool, L1 4JN

New event: An Acoustic Confusion

An Acoustic Confusion @ Tabac

Sunday 25th January - 8pm

Adding new events and venues into the Liverpool Acoustic Diary seems to be an ongoing task these days. The latest acoustic venture to hit the city comes in the form of An Acoustic Confusion.

A few of you might notice that the event shares its name with the debut album of Liverpool-born singer/songwriter/guitarist Steve Tilston. That's no surprise, however, when you consider that the event is being organised by Molly Jones, Steve's daughter, and sister to Martha Tilston. This in itself tells us that we're in for a top class evening of acoustic music.

The event takes place on Sunday 25th January at Tabac, at the top of Bold Street, and starts at 8pm.

It's hosted by John Dee - JD - with special guest Barry Sutton (The La's). They're joined by Gary Boyle, Molly Jones, and Vicky Pattison.

And the whole evening finishes off with open mic.

If that wasn't enough incentive there's food available and drinks promotions gallore!

More info from Molly 07521 685579

Facebook event

Tabac facebook group

Tabac, 126 Bold Street, Liverpool L1 4J

Local acoustic duo Thomas-Joseph & Murphy start a residency tonight - Saturday 24th January - at Parr Street Studio's newly refurbished venue Studio 2.

The event starts at 9.00pm, and admission is free.

They've also published the dates for their next two events too, which will take place on Saturday 14th February and Saturday 21st March.

myspace.com/thomasjosephandmurphy

parrstreet.co.uk/STUDIO2/Home.htm

Studio 2, Parr Street Studios
33-45 Parr Street, Liverpool, L1 4JN

(Appologies to email subscribers who may well receive this post after the event due to a technical glitch...)

Club Electric Sheep, and MochAcoustic

Club Electric Sheep is a new event taking place on Friday 23rd January that the organisers are hoping will become a regular feature.

The flyer attached below tells you everything you need to know about the music, location and cost - including the launch of Misery Guts' new single.

Club Electric Sheep's tag line is "where sci-fi meets the best live acoustic music" although there's nothing about whether or not we need to bring either our own sheep or our own electricity. Feel free to take a couple of spare batteries just in case!

Also on the same night (Friday 23rd) is the return of MochAcoustic after a short winter break. No longer a weekly event every Tuesday, this first gig of the new term is on a Friday.

Kicking off the new term will be music from...

...come on - did you think I'd spoil the fun of reading the poster for you? It's here below!

It's worth pointing out that this event could do with as much support as possible to prove to the venue owners that there is a future for acoustic music there.

And you'll have another chance to show your support at the following event on Tuesday 10th February.

Homegrown music at its best

Homegrown makes a welcome return to 3345 Parr Street on Thursday 22nd January.

To mark the return of this acoustic music showcase, hosted by Letters in Red, the guys have a "stella line up". Unlike Stella, however, the event isn't reassuringly expensive because it’s absolutely free entry! The music starts from 8:30pm, and is provided by:

Strawhouses
myspace.com/strawhouses

Letters in Red
myspace.com/lettersinreduk

Dan Elson
myspace.com/danelsonmusic

Christopher Wood
myspace.com/christopherwood

myspace.com/3345thursday

33-45 Parr Street, Liverpool, L1 4JN

Bobhowla album launch

Bobhowla (aka Howard Doupe) will be celebrating the launch of his new album entitled 'It's All In The Letter That Broke You Down' with a special gig in the intimate surroundings of The Latin Lounge, Southport, on Saturday 24th January.

The night will feature a few special guests and support from local musician Dave Crompton.

Doors open at 7.00pm. There will be limited numbers allowed in so be sure to get there early!

You can hear four of Bobhowla's tracks (including two from the new album) by listening to January's Liverpool Acousic Spotlight.

EGGY JAM CANCELLED

We've just heard that the regular Friday night Eggy Jam at the Aigburgh People's Hall is no more. The organisers have moved the event to a different location on a different day - more details when we have them.

The Friday night slot at the APH is going to be filled by a new event - more details soon.

All together now?

This blog exists to promote acoustic music and musicians from Liverpool and the surrounding area, and as such we normally just post events or information directly linked with this.

Occasionally, however, we come across something which, while not an actual acoustic music event, may be of interest to you, dear Liverpool Acoustic news and reviews blog reader.

The North West TUC is hosting All Together Now? Working Life And Culture In Liverpool on Saturday 24th January 2009.

It's taking place at the NOVAS Contemporary Urban Centre on Greenland Street, Liverpool starting at 10.00am and finishing around 5.00pm.

The aim of this event is to debate the links between art and culture and collective campaigning and action and look beyond Capital of Culture '08.

The keynote speakers will be Brendan Barber (General Secretary, TUC), Frank Cottrell-Boyce (playwright and screenwriter - 24 hour party people, millions, Welcome to Sarajevo), and Phil Redmond (Deputy Chair of the Liverpool Culture Company and the Culture Collective).

There are a number of different sessions being arranged, including 'Conversations' designed to spark discussion and debate.

The conversation that might well be of interest to supporters of Liverpool Acoustic is Whatever happened to the protest song? Using music as a campaigning tool - which will be asking... Has the protest song disappeared? What use are they to political campaigning organisations anyway? And do they ever make a difference? On the panel for this session will be Steve Higginson (Edgy Cities), Ian Prowse (Amsterdam), Peter Hooton (The Farm), Alun Parry (The Alun Parry Band), and Alan O'Hare (The Trestles).

There will be a very varied programme of speakers, conversation, film and music.

There is no charge for the event, but places need to be booked n advance - to book email - amanning[at]tuc.org.uk

TUC Information Page

facebook - group & event

Blues on the Rock returns

This Sunday 10th January sees the welcome return of Blues On The Rock - the monthly second-Sunday-of-the-month afternoon blues gig hosted by Liverpool blues duo Blue C.

Blue C are Raphael Callaghan (vocal, slide gtr, harmonica) and Christine Purnell (bass guitar).

myspace.com/bluecblues

After a break of a month the event is back with performances from Blue C themselves, and from their special guests The JP Four, Andy 'Junior' Parker's soulful blues combo.

But that's not all, folks. There will be CDs to be won, a blues disco and Talkin' Blues, where the guests will be quizzed about their own slice of blues history by Raphael Callaghan. There is a cafe and bottle bar.

Sunday from 1pm-4pm.

Admission is £3.

All enquiries to Raphael on 0151 709 5484.

Fort Perch Rock, Wallasey, Wirral CH45

Party this Saturday like it's 1949

This event has just been posted by our friends over at Culturepool. If you didn't already have plans for this Saturday then they've got a really exciting suggestion.

2008 may well be over but Liverpool is still officially Capital of Culture until the mantle is handed over to Vilnius in Lithuania. And what better way to do it than a city-wide party when venues will host events including exhibitions, performance, dance, music and that old favourite, fireworks!


We’ll be joining Wolstenholme Projects, Mellowtone and Beaten Tracks at Tate Liverpool on Saturday 10th January when they transform the 5th floor into a 1940s street party which will morph into an indoor 60s music festival in the evening – grass and all! It’ll be a chance to catch the very best of Liverpool’s artistic talent and see art, music and theatre interact –all in the cosy warmth of the Tate.


We believe that 2009 will be an amazing year for art and culture in Liverpool and are looking forward to get stuck in right from the beginning. 2008 may well have helped establish Liverpool as ‘the centre of the creative universe’; we want to make sure it stays that way!


So, grab your sparkerlies, beely-boppers and tie-dye sarongs and get set for some cultural chillin n lovin 60s style!


The day starts around 2pm but culturepool will be there from 6.30pm and it’s FREE. As always, give us a call or drop us an email if you want some further info. info[at]culturepool.org.uk


Just turn up and enjoy. Hope to see you there.

The Culturepool Team

facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=51122874648

We've found Chameleon!

If you're planning on going out tonight (Tuesday 6th) to Acoustic Mafia at Chameleon Bar, or tomorrow night (Wednesday 7th) for 4Play also at Chameleon then the good news is that we've found out where it is!

The "behind FACT" direction was correct, but the address of Fleet Street wasn't.

The official address is 7 - 9 Back Colquitt Street, Liverpool, L1 4NL which, if you Google Map it you'll find it's round about here.

Aren't you glad we've got that sorted?

New events: Acoustic Mafia & 4Play

Acoustic Mafia is a brand new, weekly music event for the Liverpool Acoustic Diary.

The first night is on Tuesday 6th January. It starts at 7.30pm and runs throught until 11.30pm.

It takes place at a new venue called Chameleon Bar which is on Fleet Street, behind FACT. In fact, this bar is so new there isn't even an entry for it on Google Maps!

Anyway the event is free to get in and there are a couple drinks promotions too.

There are loads of comfy chairs for you to just chill on and listen to good music.

The line-up so far is

Lee Broderick
Dave O'Grady (host)
21st Fret
+very special guests

The night is not an open mic night but people who turn up on the night wishing to play may get a slot depending on the night.

Anybody willing to play can come down and have a chat with Dave or email him at
Dave[at]daveogrady.com

4Play @ Chameleon

We'd only just typed up the information about Acoustic Mafia when we found out about yet another new event at the same venue.

4Play is a free, monthly acoustic showcase featuring four performers each month - hence the name.

We think it's going to be the first Wednesday every month, starting at 8.30pm, but we'll let you know once the future dates are confirmed.

Guest Acts for the opening night on Wednesday 7th January will include;

Mark Delaney
Karen Cleary
Guy Taunton
Stuart Todd

myspace.com/stuarttodd

Chameleon is situated behind FACT
Fleet Street, Liverpool, L1

On the same day that the January newsletter was sent out we received information about the next Family Folk-up. And gosh, it's only this coming weekend, isn't it?

The Family Folk-Up presents...

The Miserable Rich
Sparkwood & 21
Carl Woodford
The Random Family.....

Saturday 9th January at St Brides Church, Catharine Street, Liverpool...

Doors 7:30pm - First Act 8pm ...

£4 on the door - Bring your own drinks...

Shake off your January blues, brave the cold wind and come find sanctury in the warming, cleansing powers of good music and cheap booze...

More information from www.myspace.com/therandomfamily1

St Brides Church, Catharine Street, Liverpool
Entrance in Percy Street

Liverpool Acoustic Newsletter - January 2009

It's the first post-Capital of Culture month but here at Liverpool Acoustic we're not looking back with misty eyed nostalgia. No, Siree! We're looking forward to another month of great acoustic music events, with Liverpool's acoustic music scene going from strength to strength.

SPOTLIGHT

In the Liverpool Acoustic Spotlight for January 2009 is Bobhowla. Known to his friends as Howard Doupe, Bobhowla creates a wide range of musical styles from his base in Southport.

Following on from his successful debut CD 14 Track Demo Bobhowla is launching a brand new album in January entitled 'It's All In The Letter That Broke You Down' You can listen to the show on the Liverpool Acoustic homepage, but if you want to read the shownotes, and catch up on previous shows, then you should visit the Spotlight page.

DIARY

January's diary has a few of our regular events missing - possibly due to the post-festive malaise. However, there's still plenty to keep us going, including a brand new weekly event called Acoustic Mafia.

The January 2009 highlights are:-

Sunday 4th - There are two new residencies taking place every Sunday. They've already been mentioned on the New and Reviews blog but it's worth mentioning again. The first is Nouveau Django at The Mocha Lounge (from 1.30pm) and the second is Karl Lund at Hannah's Bar (from 11.00pm). Full details are in the diary entries for each event.

Monday 5th - Come Strut Your Stuff kicks off the new year with an evening of poetry and acoustic music in the surroundings of the wonderful Egg Cafe on Newington. It's hosted as always by Liverpool Acoustic's Graham Holland, alongside this month's special guest co-host Ben Coyle. The event is free, and starts at 8pm - although if you want to perform then be there before 7.45 to get your name on the list.

Tuesday 6th - Acoustic Mafia (NEW EVENT) - Hosted by Dave O'Grady, this acoustic event takes place at Chameleon Bar on Fleet Street (behind FACT). You'll find it every Tuesday from 7.30pm to 11.30pm showcasing some of the best acoustic music on the local scene. It's not an open mic, although if you want to take part then drop in and have a word with Dave.

Thursday 8th - Kaya is back hosting her monthly Acoustica event at 3345 Parr Street.

Saturday 10th - Mellowtone @ The Tate - This is part of the Festival of Collaboration, an 'indoor festival' to coincide with the end of Capital of Culture celebrations. The festival brings together various artistic groups working together to create performances, live music and art. The evening culminates with a concert featuring Mellowtone, Wolstenholme Projects, Beaten Tracks, and Another Media.

Thursday 15th - This date sees the return of the Jazz & Acoustic Jam at Brew Tea Bar. It's different in so far as it runs from 5pm to 8pm and features acoustic jazz of all flavours. It's hoped that this will become a regular event, and we'll let you know once we know.

Thursday 22nd - Letters in Red present Homegrown as part of the 3345 Thursday event in the Parr Street venue. This is another showcase of local musical talent hosted by the award-winning Liverpool group.

Saturday 24th - Bobhowla launches his new album 'It's all in the Letter That Broke you Down' at the Latin Lounge in Southport. Full details in the diary, and catch this month's Liverpool Acoustic Spotlight where you can hear two tracks from each of his two albums.

Thursday 29th - Canned Panther Presents more music from the Liverpool-based label's stable of talent. This is another welcome addition to the 3345 Thursday event rota.

Saturday 31st - John Smith's Mini Meltdown takes place at The Bluecoat, and promises to be a special night. More details closer to the time, although we'd recommend getting your tickets now if you're interested in going as they're sure to sell out fast.

You can find out more information about any of the above by clicking on the name of the event in the Liverpool Acoustic Diary

NEWS AND REVIEWS

Satori & Song and Acoustic Bliss are still on hold for the time being, and there's still no news of the Culture Cafe or the Family Folk-up restarting. We'll bring you updates on all of these events once we've got them.

GUESTBOOK

Thankfully, the new Liverpool Acoustic guestbook has remained spam-free. We've moved all of the old entries to the new system (which is why they all share the same date!) and you're more than welcome to let us know how much you appreciate the website by leaving your own comment.

Thank you to everyone who has supported Liverpool Acousic during 2008.

Happy New Year, and here's to a cracking 2009!

Graham (on behalf of the Liverpool Acoustic team)