The
BIG WHEEL BLUES FESTIVAL
- ACOUSTIC STAGE -
Sponsored by
MERRIL LYNCH:
In tune
with the
Big Wheel Blues Festival Acoustic Stage...
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GET A "TASTE" OF THE BIG GIGS AT FESTIVAL 2002
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So, who are these bands?
The Festival celebrates all kinds of music but Blues is at the heart of the
matter.
And the celebration starts with the Blues Festival Committee inviting a
large number
of international Blues Bands and Players, musicians who play in the Blues
clubs, Festivals and
concert hall around the world. Another opportunity to enjoy and celebrate world
class musicians
will take place, once again, here on the Isle of Man for the weekend of the
17th May 2002.
You can still get tickets for all the
shows,
if you hurry (as at today,
13th April 2002 many tickets have already been sold). There is an excellent
programme this year as always
and tickets are available from the Tourist Office at the Sea Terminal in
Douglas to see
them all. See below for more ticket offices.
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BLUES FESTIVAL 2001
"The tent - down by the riverside - in 2001. In 2002
it'll be bigger, there'll be a bar inside and hours and hours of live music and
a BBQ
outside Friday and Saturday".
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The really good thing...
But the really good thing is that the Merrill Lynch Acoustic Stage can offer
you a little
taste of what they
will be offering.
The even better thing...
But the even better thing is that at the Merrill Lynch Acoustic Stage
you can get your taster for free. But if you miss out on their full on
performance you'll kick yourself
I promise you. So get
some tickets!
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WHICH GIGS DO I NEED TICKETS FOR?
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Tickets.
You will only need tickets for gigs at the Charterhouse International Stage at
the
Glen Pavilion
on Friday and Saturday evenings, and at the Bridge Inn on Saturday evening.
NEVER
at the Merrill Lynch Acoustic Stage - it's FREE!
Tickets are available at:
Tickets can be bought from our ticket outlets at:
The Tourist Information Centre in the Sea Terminal Buildings, Douglas. Tel: 01624 686766;
Cowley Pharmacy in Peel. Tel: 01624 842264;
The Iron Pier, Ramsey. Tel: 01624 816331;
Mines Tavern in Laxey. Tel: 01624 861484
All tickets have been available since April 1st 2002. Tickets are limited of
course, and
spread out around the sales outlets, so do book early. In the unlikely
event of tickets being available on the gig nights, they will be available on
the
doors. It hasn't happened often though.
International Guests appearing on the Merrill Lynch Acoustic Stage.
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EMILY DRUCE
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Rising country blues guitarist and singer Emily Druce, released her debut album
'The Guilt Trip' in 2000. The album has been received with great enthusiasm,
within both the blues and folk circuits, with her own highly accomplished
compositions combining well with material from blues masters such as Robert
Johnson,
Memphis Minnie and Big Bill Broonzy. Her inclusion of the country classics,
'Walking After Midnight' and 'Sitting Alone in the Moonlight', demonstrate her
musical versatility.
Likened to the late Jo Ann Kelly, Emily Druce has risen quickly from her local
pub
scene, to impress festival audiences with passionate acoustic performances of
her
own material, and sensitive arrangements of blues classics.
With her rapidly expanding repertoire, including more self penned material,
Emily's performances appeal not just to followers of acoustic blues, but also
to fans of country and folk music. Emily will give you a taste of her music on
the Acoustic Stage at 3.15pm Saturday afternoon - Don't miss it.
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Emily Druce
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LITTLE CHUCK LITTLE
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Is one of the most unique acts today. Kelly Elliott, David Thorpe and Paddy
Kirkman have
stamped their name firmly on the live music circuit resulting in major festival
appearances,
TV work, gigs nationwide and performances as far a field as South Korea.
What sets LITTLE CHUCK LITTLE apart form other acts is their ability to perform
classic
Jazz and blues in their own trademark style only possible with Kelly's spine
tingling
vocals (often compared to the likes of Eva Cassidy and Janice Joplin) together
with her
solid double bass playing, David's lung bursting harmonica and Paddy's
awe-inspiring
lead guitar. The result is 'Frantic Jazz Blues and Skiffle mayhem'.
Little Chuck Little have set out to do everything the other bands don't and
have developed
a sound like no other act.
Little Chuck Little pride themselves on their live performances. Not only are
they a musical
phenomenon, but also offer a great act guaranteed to stun audiences whatever
their musical
tastes.
Wow!
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Little Chuck Little - a trio this year and a very welcome return
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KEVIN BROWN
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Born in Lancashire, Kevin Brown has had a lifelong devotion to music,
especially the blues,
and its related genres, and his passion for slide guitar has resulted in many
outstanding
recordings and performances throughout the world.
All of Kevin's work is emotionally strong, whether it be with a full rhythm
section, or as a
solo performer. His work is greatly admired by other artists, and although not
a household
name, Kevin often performs to sell out audiences , many of who follow his
career with great
interest. His fresh approach to slide playing and willingness to examine new
ideas has
resulted in recordings which often seem to have a 'timeless' nature to them as
well as
perpetually generating interest.
Kevin has now released five excellent albums, each better than the last, and
his most
recent effort 'Mojave Dust' was released in October 2001, has finally generated
the credit
he has long deserved. Recorded at home, the album also features Kevin in
collaboration
with Master Kora player from Senegal 'Moussa Kouyate'. This combination of pure
West
African classical tradition and Kevin's highly melodic slide style has
enraptured audiences
throughout Europe since they began performing in 2000
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Kevin Brown at work
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FAUL BRADLEY
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Singer Songwriter Faul Bradley, has an excellent collection of superb self
penned
material, taking traditional acoustic and slide guitar, and adding his own
influence,
creating a more contemporary style, that will appeal not just to fans of
acoustic blues
but to followers of folk, and anyone who enjoys deep, soul felt acoustic blues.
Go to
the Bridge Inn on Saturday evening, and you won't be disappointed unless you
forget
to get a ticket in advance.
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Faul Bradley "...now what were those lyrics?"
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NICKY MITCHELL
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For the past eight years Nicky has played and sung all over the world,
performing with
top acts such as Dana Gillespie, Taka Boom. Eugene 'Hideaway' Bridges, and
Geoff
Aichison.
As a solo performer she achieves a big full rhythmic sound with driving bass
lines and
foot stomping. Her committed delivery and on stage presence make her an
exciting female
Blues soloist, with a voice that is simply stunning.
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Nicky Mitchell plays what looks like a rather nice Gibson
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