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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NEWSLETTER No. 3 APRIL 2002
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Progress so far
Subject, as always, to last minute changes, things are pretty well sorted
for May 17 and 18. We like to stay flexible and no doubt the
programme will
continue to develop and change but we're pretty well there now.
The updated
programme is below.
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BLUES FESTIVAL 2001
"The tent - down by the riverside - in 2001. This year
it'll be
bigger and there will be a
bar"
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Latest news
There will be a bar in the tent this year. If there was just one thing that we
could do to make the Festival Weekend at The Shore even better than it is already,
this was it. Such was the demand for cooling refreshment in previous years,
it was sometimes hard to find space inside the Pub, let alone at the bar.
Well done Paul. Good one mate.
BBQ.
Just a reminder to let you know that the BBQ will run Friday evening and all day Saturday
from lunchtime. This year will be an all-weather arrangement with a large awning covering the
The BBQ and cook! Just in case we don't get lucky with the fantastic weather we have enjoyed
for the last three years. So, if it rains the BBQ will still be on. We have been promised a Menu
in time for the the next (and final - we're just 5 weeks away from the Fest) newsletter.
Travel & Accommodation
For anyone who missed this info in previous newletters, the following web sites will provide
loads of information if you're travelling to the Island (click on the links - you should go straight
there):
www.gov.im/tourism/
www.iomtt.com/
www.mcb.net/iom/
www.isle-of-man.com/information/history.htm
www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/im.html
Manx Airlines
To check ferries click
Isle of Man Steam Packet
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In conclusion...
Just 5 short weeks to go and things are looking good for Festival 2002.
We're told - by people who know about these things - that the tickets for the Blues Concerts
are selling fast. They genuinely are. So, check out the Main Fest. web site at
www.bigwheelblues.com for concert details and ticket outlets.
See you in May.
For now though, take care,
Chris and Dave
P.S. Check the Merill Lynch Acoustic Stage web site by clicking
here
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Invited International Guests.
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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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THE PROGRAMME
for May 17 & 18
subject to change (it's just the way of it...)
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Last change made: 10th April 2002
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FRIDAY EVENING
- 17th May 2001 -
The Shore Hotel, Laxey
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7.00pm - 7.45pm
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Opening Ceremony & Welcome to the 2002 Acoustic Stage!
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8.00pm - 8.30pm
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NICKY MITCHELL
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8.45pm - 9.15pm
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THE FINKS
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9.30pm - 10.00pm
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Mr RIFF
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10.15pm - 10.45pm
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SMOKEY JOE'S BLUES CAFE
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11.00pm to CLOSE
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LITTLE CHUCK LITTLE
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SATURDAY AFTERNOON
18th May 2002
- THE SHORE HOTEL, Laxey -
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1.00pm - 1.30pm
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WILSON GRAHAM
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1.45pm - 2.15pm
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THE SPACE
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2.30pm - 3.00pm
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HUNCH RHYTHM
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3.15pm - 3.45pm
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EMILY DRUCE
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4.00pm - 4.30pm
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MR RIFF
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4.45pm - 5.15pm
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DUBIOUS ORIGIN
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5.30pm - 6.00pm
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AL LAWRENCE
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6.15pm - 7.00pm
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DOGHOUSE
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SATURDAY EVENING
18th May 2002
- THE SHORE HOTEL, Laxey -
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7.15pm - 7.45pm
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MARK & JAMIE ARMSTRONG
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8.00pm - 8.30pm
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ZURICH JAZZ TRIO
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8.45pm - 9.15pm
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KEVIN BROWN
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9.30pm- 10.00pm
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STEPH KNEALE-BARROW
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10.15pm - 10.45pm
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FAUL BRADLEY
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11.00pm - CLOSE
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THE G.A.S.P.
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