Country on the Coast 2023 Festival

It’s not how a festival begins but how it ends that counts. That was my mantra for this weekend’s Country on the Coast in Southsea. For a delayed and diverted train journey from North to South meant that I missed the official start of the festival. And then, when I finally arrived, to the soundContinue reading “Country on the Coast 2023 Festival”

The Round Up in Liverpool

Songwriters’ Rounds contain three key ingredients which, when mixed together well, ensure their success. The Liverpool leg of The Round Up tour had great songs, stories and camaraderie in spades. Two Ways Home were joined by Katy Hurt, Demi Marriner, and Robert Vincent for a night that delivered plenty of laughs, delectable lyrics, and aContinue reading “The Round Up in Liverpool”

Eleanor Nelly – ‘Circles’ Gig @ Leaf, Liverpool

The effervescent Eleanor Nelly put on quite the show on Saturday night. With support from Harry Miller and Ellis Murphy, the Liverpool trio brought quite the eclectic Country mix to Leaf on Bold Street. Performing to a mixed crowd of eager listeners and good-time Saturday nighters, their music split nicely between the reflective and theContinue reading “Eleanor Nelly – ‘Circles’ Gig @ Leaf, Liverpool”

Katie Nicholas – ‘Feather’ EP, Launch Show

There is genuine surprise from Katie Nicholas as she greets the crowd at the launch of her EP ‘Feather’. The Scouse singer-songwriter can’t quite believe that “you guys are actually at a gig to hear songs written by me”. It is nothing short of a pleasure to be here though in the hallowed space ofContinue reading “Katie Nicholas – ‘Feather’ EP, Launch Show”

Elles Bailey – Sunshine City Tour

It may have been a feast of fireworks in and around Liverpool on Friday night, but there was a different kind of bonfire blazing inside the Royal Philharmonic Hall. The venue’s Music Room was set alight with a blistering performance from Elles Bailey, who is fast becoming the queen of UK Blues. On this, theContinue reading “Elles Bailey – Sunshine City Tour”

British Country Music Festival 2021 Review

If there was any doubting the strength of the UK’s country music talent then this year’s British Country Music Festival set the record straight. Back in Blackpool’s Winter Gardens after a two-year hiatus (for obvious reasons), the three-day event was a brilliant showcase for both established and emerging talent. There was plenty to enjoy acrossContinue reading “British Country Music Festival 2021 Review”

Ward Thomas – ‘Invitation’ Livestream Concert

Who would have thought that six months ago travelling to a Ward Thomas concert would take a matter of seconds. Even if their Unfiltered tour had gone ahead back in April/May, no one would have believed it possible to be able to attend without leaving your own home. Yet in the age of social distancingContinue reading “Ward Thomas – ‘Invitation’ Livestream Concert”

Wildwood Kin – Homegrown Sessions

With coronavirus restrictions taking hold of the live music scene for the foreseeable future, it appears we may have to get used to the online livestream. The hustle and bustle of people may be absent but the presence of high-quality sound, lighting and camerawork can help recreate the kind of intimate atmosphere synonymous with theContinue reading “Wildwood Kin – Homegrown Sessions”

The Goat Roper Rodeo Band at Theatr Clwyd (A post-lockdown Performance)

There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Or so it seems. The arts sector is not out of the woods yet by any means. But there is a glimmer of hope. Like the neon bulbs dangling across the stage at my first live gig since March, there are rays of optimism breakingContinue reading “The Goat Roper Rodeo Band at Theatr Clwyd (A post-lockdown Performance)”

Buckle & Boots Online Festival 2020

After my first visit to Buckle & Boots Festival twelve months ago, I was expecting to find myself making another trip to Whitebottom Farm again this year. But of course, like so many others, the event succumbed to the lockdown restrictions imposed by the coronavirus and was initially cancelled. However, some hard work behind theContinue reading “Buckle & Boots Online Festival 2020”