Event type: Concert

Kristin Hersh’s prolific career has seen her heralded the queen of the alternative release.

This will be an evening in the intimate surroundings of the Music Room with a master guitarist and songwriter. Expect an authentic performance featuring songs from her 30-year, 20-plus-album playbook, as well as her unique solo work.

Part of the great line of Cissokho griots, Diabel grew up in Dakar and Tambacounda, Senegal. Surrounded by a rich musical heritage and a family of musicians, he began playing a number of traditional instruments. However, his affinity with the kora was clear from an early age.

A trailblazer and pioneer of the kora, Diabel’s virtuosic talent, his “resonant voice and rocking kora style” (Songlines), have been welcomed everywhere from WOMAD, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Glastonbury, Africa Oyé and the Barbican, including a long stint as Baaba Maal’s kora player.

Part of the Lunchtime Concert Series.

Celebrating over 40 years as a live performer, Eddi Reader has effortlessly developed into one of popular music’s most thrilling and affecting performers.

What sets Eddi apart is the depth and quality of the emotional performance and ability to not only move the listener, but connect her experience to that of her audience. No two performances are ever the same.

Though first brought into the limelight as front woman for Fairground Attraction, who’s #1 single, Perfect and parent album, First of a Million Kisses, both topped the British charts, it was Eddi’s subsequent solo albums that signaled her ability to assimilate different musical styles and make them very much her own. Notably, The Songs of Robert Burns (2003) is a timeless interpretation showcasing the poems of Scotland’s national bard and gained her an MBE for outstanding contributions to the Arts. 

From the traditional to the contemporary, Eddi Reader extinguishes the preordained boundaries of genre, bringing joyous life to all forms of song. Her rare blend of meltingly true vocals and towering romanticism combine with an astute and pragmatic nature to make her a unique and powerful figure in contemporary British music.

With 10 critically acclaimed solo albums, 3 BRIT awards, a #1 single and an MBE in tow, Eddi continues to delight audiences worldwide. 2022 proved to be one of her busiest touring years yet, playing sell out shows as part of her ‘40 Years Live Tour’ in addition to appearing as special guest with the Jools Holland’s Rhythm & Blues Orchestra for an extensive UK tour.

Guitarist and composer Juan Martín plays and introduces his compositions within the forms of the great tradition of flamenco.

His exquisite style is enhanced through minimal amplification to capture his pure flamenco sound. He has recorded 20 albums, appeared in a Spanish film at 17 and has since made three films with his dance company. Voted into the top three flamenco guitarists in the world by Guitar Player USA, Juan Martín has toured the world playing concerts from Shanghai and Melbourne to New York as well as in the Montreux Jazz Festival. Critics have compared his compositional talent to that of Albéniz, Turina and Tárrega.

He played for Picasso’s 90th birthday celebrations and his books for learning the guitar are now translated into many languages with his original book being referred to as ‘The Bible’ of flamenco guitar.

Maghull Wind Orchestra, conducted by Phil Shotton, is proud to present an extravagant afternoon of music from the world of stage and screen! They’ll be joined by The Trinity Catholic Academy Choir, St Andrews CofE School Choir, Maghull High School Choir, and singers from the local Maghull community.

There will be world premiere performances of new arrangements written by the orchestra’s own Adam Dutch, Dave Matthews, and Glenn Waite. This will be a concert of engaging, toe-tapping theatrical and cinematic delight that will have the whole family singing along!

Founded in 1978, Maghull Wind Orchestra is a community based symphonic wind orchestra providing an opportunity for people to play music together. The aim of MWO is to provide a high quality enjoyable musical experience for all woodwind, brass and percussion musicians regardless of age or ability, without audition or fee.

The NHS plays an important role in all our lives and is a cornerstone of our society for 75 years. This concert is in partnership with the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital Charity (Registered Charity Number 1052813).

Naima Bock (ex-Goat Girl), Sam Fryer (Gently Tender/ex-Palma Violets) and Sam Grassie (Avocet) met through the Broadside Hacks Folk Collective, originally based in South London’s Skehans Pub.

The three realised that their shared love of transatlantic tunes and songs called for another musical venture and after various misadventures in the Welsh countryside, they arrived at Greenman Festival and performed their debut show. With zero spoons, three guitars, cittern and fiddle their music will transport you to simpler sunnier days.

With original songs and tunes from Pentangle, Dave von Ronk and other transatlantic poets, singer-songwriters and creatives.

Following the release of his twelfth studio album, the phenomenal Lloyd Cole heads out on tour.

On Pain is Lloyd’s twelfth album as a solo artist and features eight new songs, four of which are co-written by Commotions founding members Blair Cowan and Neil Clark, who also perform on the record.

In addition to releasing his new album, Lloyd Cole has also announced a UK/Ireland tour in the autumn, with Blair Cowan and Neil Clarke appearing alongside him.

In support of their highly-anticipated new album, Dexys go on tour across the UK, bringing you their new record in full alongside a selection of classic hits.

The Feminine Divine is Dexys’ fifth album of original material produced once again by Pete Schwier, along with acclaimed session musician and producer Toby Chapman. After taking some time out to refocus his energy, Kevin Rowland came back to music with a fresh perspective and new-found positivity. Written in collaboration with Big Jim Paterson (a non-touring band member), Sean Read and Mike Timothy, the record combines music hall-esque swagger and a saucy, synth-heavy cabaret sound that’s completely new for the band.

With over a billion worldwide streams, three top ten albums in the UK, two number one singles, a Brit Award and a multi-platinum selling album with their sophomore release Too-Rye-Ay (as Dexys Midnight Runners), Dexys are as vital and exciting today as ever.