Andy McKee

 

Andy McKee, a renowned acoustic guitarist, is set to release his six-track EP “Symbol” on September 17. The EP features McKee’s interpretations of influential tunes that have inspired him, showcasing his ability to branch out and include music not originally for acoustic guitar.

Symbol includes renditions of songs by artists such as Michael Hedges, Preston Reed, Billy McLaughlin, and Prince. McKee’s unique approach to the guitar, including altered tunings, tapping, and percussive hits, has garnered him millions of YouTube viewers and established him as a prominent figure in the music industry. His upcoming EP is a testament to his musical prowess and the impact of influential artists on his own work.

 

Mary Coughlan

Mary Coughlan is often described as the greatest female vocalist that Ireland has ever produced, standing alongside some of the world’s most iconic jazz singers.

She is unique in blending whisky-blurred, smoke-seared, husky notes with the laconic wit of Billie Holiday and Peggy Lee. She draws the line of deep, down and dirty blues singers back to Bessie Smith with the sardonic, bitter-sweet defiance and despair of Edith Piaf. Yet Mary Coughlan delivers it all in a delicious and unapologetic Irish drawl: sceptical, rueful, mournful and melting and ardent for love.

Mary Coughlan is one of our greatest singers because over 40 years she has made the most grown-up, uncompromising, wholly personal yet utterly universal music on either side of the Atlantic about what goes on between men and women.

LIPA Big Band and Singers

After their hugely successful Christmas Concert, The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) Big Band and Singers are back for a celebration of jazz and swing classics.

Over 20 iconic songs from across the ages including: Frank Sinatra’s New York New York, Ella Fitzgerald’s Black Coffee, Michael Bublé’s Sway, Paul Anka’s Eye of the Tiger and jazz from Louis Jordan, and Quincy Jones.

The Gigspanner Big Band

 

Due to unforseen circumstances, unfortunately the advertised Saltlines show has been changed, folk-roots supergroup The Gigspanner Big Band will now play a special solo show at The Tung Auditorium.

The band features some of the biggest names on the folk scene, playing songs from their new album Turnstone.

 

 

 

 

White Nights

Hear the blazing fanfares that open Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony? For Tchaikovsky, they symbolised Fate, and the whole symphony simply bursts with melody and emotion.

If you’ve already heard Vasily Petrenko conduct Russian music, you won’t need telling twice: things are about to get exciting, in a concert that begins with the flying fiddles of Weinberg’s Moldavian Rhapsody and features the unforgettable tunes of Shostakovich’s irreverent Suite. Trust them, you’ll know them when you hear them!

Ormonde Ensemble

Alongside Ligeti’s musical puzzles and Nielsen’s captivating Wind Quintet, the Ormonde Ensemble shine a spotlight on incredible works by female composers and those from underrepresented backgrounds. They’ll perform some exciting new arrangements and Isa Gibbs’ Dreamery – a musical journey through a factory where dreams are made…

Ellie Gowers

Emerging onto the UK folk scene with her debut album, Dwelling by the Weir, Ellie explored folklore and stories of her hometown, Warwick, through ecological, sociological, and personal themes (‘full of delicacy, precision, and gentle delight’, The Guardian). It connected with wider audiences and secured her a place on the UK touring circuit. After the release of her celebrated album, Ellie has continued to firmly root herself in the songwriting scene.

Mad Dog Mcrea

Mad Dog Mcrea blend a unique mixture of folk rock, pop, gypsy jazz, bluegrass and ‘shake your ass’ music. From self-penned songs of adventure, drinking, love and life, to traditional songs of gypsies, fairies, legless pirates and black flies – Mad Dog never fail to capture their audience with their infectious songs. In constant demand and having played just about every festival and two-bit, jibe-arsed dive in Christendom, Mad Dog Mcrea are, in every sense of the word, a live, band.

This is a standing event.If you have any access needs, please contact the Box Office on 0151 709 3789.

Elgar’s Cello Concerto

There’s rhythm in the air, and it’s not just confined to Roberto Sierra’s toe-tapping Fandangos.

It’s the driving force behind the nostalgic melodies of Rachmaninov’s Symphonic Dances – the sound of a Russian composer stranded in Centerport, New York, and amid the freeways and palm trees of 1940s California. In between, Pablo Ferrández summons up the quiet power and deep poetry of Elgar’s hugely popular Cello Concerto. “A star in the making” says one critic: we say he’s already up there!

Gnoss

Gnoss’ signature sound is a rich tapestry of acoustic layers; outstanding musicianship, deep traditional roots and contemporary compositional flair combine to create songs and tunes brimming with character.