Monday, April 1, 2013

The Return of Upbeat and the Cambridge Band Competition Final



A couple of events to check out this week. First the return of Up Beat Open Mic. This popular open mic night fronted by performance poet extraordinaire Alex Iamb makes a return this Thursday night to The Grapes on Histon Road. There will be open mic slots and these great headline acts ensuring things start off with a bang:

ALICEBAND
http://www.reverbnation.com/aliceband

An absolute stalwart of Upbeat from the beginning, if you live in Cambridge and don’t know who Alice Walker is then you need to get out more frankly. She’s been shivering spines around Cambridgeshire for what seems like forever and was recently featured on Joan Armatrading’s Radio 2 show. Soaring piano lines, cut-glass vocals and lyrics which actually make you think a bit form a sum greater than the individual parts. Add a super-tight band with some serious dancabililty going on and you really do have something special.

WILL VARLEY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMxwqZVL9L4

Will toured his first album by walking around the south of England. Yes, walking. The man has dedication to the cause to say the least. One of the best songsmiths you are ever likely to hear, he does words to guitar really well. Come buy his new album, he’ll need some shoes to walk home in.

FAITH TAYLOR
https://soundcloud.com/faithtaylormusic/

Super-astute politically conscious lyrics, spine-tingling vocals and finger-picking guitar that’ll set hairs on end. Beautiful stuff.


In between expect blasts of shouty performance poetry from the night's inimitable host. I might even get down to do a slot myself. Details here.


The following night it's the final of the Cambridge band competition. Get down to the Junction to hear five of the best from the Cambridge music scene battle it out for the title “Sound Clash Champion”. Special guests, Page to Performance poets led by Hollie McNish, will accelerate the pace with their rapid fire introductions before each band attacks the stage to give the performance of their lives. Great to see poetry getting a part in this mighty local event! Tickets available here.

If you can't make it down in person Cambridge 105 will broadcasting the event live.

No comments:

Post a Comment