On Saturday 12th April the Cafe have the latest instalment of their Cafe Concert Series and are thrilled to be joined by Serious Sam Barrett.
Sam is not only a stunning guitar and banjo player, but he writes songs that sound like they have been around for decades.
The combination of their cosy, licensed Cafe and Sam’s earthy traditional music should make this a night to remember. Sam says that Liverpool is one of his favourite places, so lets give him the welcome he deserves.
Before Oasis: In Conversation with Marcus Russell is a rare opportunity to hear the story of how one of the UK’s most successful artist managers came to work with Oasis, the definitive act of Britpop.
Along with the Department of Music’s Dr Mike Jones, a lifelong friend, Russell will reflect on memories of his formative music industry experiences as a young gig promoter in his hometown of Ebbw Vale in South Wales, eventually leading to his management of Jones’s band Latin Quarter, which became a springboard to a 40-year career.
Promoted by the Department of Music, University of Liverpool through the generous support of Mark Astaire, in memory of his brother, Peter Astaire.
LIVERPOOL RISING AGAINST RACISM
It’s time to rise again!
Come together for an unforgettable night of music and spoken word, celebrating diversity and combating racism in one of Liverpool’s most iconic venues.
Hip-hop legend Skinnyman, who returns to the city in a show of solidarity, will be joined by a blistering line-up of Liverpool talent, including rapper Blue Saint, Yemeni Scouse poet Amina Atiq, Roy – a storyteller like no other – and the rising stars Sam Millne & the Virants, with more exciting names to be announced.
Expect big beats and rhymes, unforgettable performances, and a vibe that’ll make you wish the night lasted forever. In the proud tradition of Rock Against Racism, this epic night will demonstrate unity in the face of those that seek to divide us and make a powerful statement that Liverpool is proudly multicultural and a city of sanctuary.
The night will kick off with a spectacular outdoor performance by the Batala drummers at the North Entrance to the hall.
This event is presented in partnership by Love Music Hate Racism, Writing on the Wall, and Liverpool City Hall and is generously supported by the trade union movement.
Skinnyman: is a British hip-hop artist renowned for his incisive lyrics and storytelling. He gained prominence through rap battles and collaborations with artists like Wiley and Shystie. His 2004 album, Council Estate of Mind, was hailed by The Face magazine as “a vital bulletin from the frontline.” Notably, he once defeated Eminem in a London rap battle and has supported The Streets at Brixton Academy. His return to Liverpool has been met with widespread acclaim.
PJ Smith – ‘Roy’: is a Liverpool-born writer, spoken-word performer, and recovery worker. His debut collection, Algorithm Party (Rough Trade Books, 2020), was met with critical acclaim – it’s first print run sold out in just 40 minutes. He has appeared on BBC 6 Music and opened for The Beautiful South and The Farm. Through his candid exploration of Liverpool life, addiction, anxiety, and relationships, Roy continues to resonate with audiences, offering sharp, insightful perspectives on the complexities of life in Liverpool and beyond.
Amina Atiq is a Yemeni-Scouse poet, performance artist, and community activist. Recognized as one of the “100 Inspirational Women of Merseyside,” she has been featured by the BBC and TEDx. Her work addresses themes like diaspora and Yemen’s humanitarian crisis, aiming to amplify marginalized voices through poetry, documentaries, and community engagement. She has published extensively in platforms such as Cordite Poetry Review.
Blue Saint (Daniel Sebuyange) is a Congolese British rapper, singer-songwriter, spoken-word poet, and activist. A former member of Writing on the Wall’s Liverpool Young Writers, he has performed alongside artists like Ed Sheeran and Akala. His EP series, Enter Mynd, received support from outlets such as GetIntoThis and Bido Lito! Magazine. He is also the founder of MerseyMusic.co.uk, promoting grassroots music in Liverpool.
Sam Millne & the Virants are a dynamic band known for their energetic performances and genre-blending sound. Fronted by singer-songwriter Sam Millne, their music ranges from upbeat indie rock to introspective, lyrically rich tracks. Hailing from Cumbria and Liverpool, Millne brings a storytelling approach to songwriting, with breakout songs like Living in Limbo and Italy gaining attention. Beyond music, Millne is a journalist and founder of MerseyMusic.co.uk, supporting grassroots artists in the region. With a growing fanbase and a reputation for electrifying live shows, Sam Millne & the Virants continue to make waves in the UK music scene.
Don’t miss out on an incredible day of gospel music, with the return of Liverpool Gospel Music Festival on May 4th 2025.
This year this iconic, ground-breaking event will be indoors at the Olympia, Liverpool, with a line-up including headliners the world-renowned London Community Gospel Choir and the incredible Michelle John, a return for Festival favourites Volney Morgan and New Ye, MOBO nominees Reblah and Tofunmi Adorna and many, many more.
Liverpool Gospel Music Festival is the UK’s only mainstream gospel music festival and the only place to be for a whole day of amazing, uplifting, inspirational gospel music from a dazzling array of artists. This is one event you won’t want to miss so secure your tickets now!
Want to take in a show? Why travel to London when tonight, the Orchestra and leading West End vocalists bring the musical hits right to Hope Street?
Packed with your favourite songs from Hamilton, Six, The Book of Mormon, Frozen, Aladdin, Mamma Mia!, Grease, The Lion King, The Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables, expect showbiz glamour and knockout tunes. And in the stunning surroundings of Philharmonic Hall, every seat is the best seat in the house!
There’s nothing the human voice can’t do. In Mahler’s Fourth Symphony, it paints a picture of heaven at the end of a journey through blue skies, summer storms and shining mountain peaks.
Meanwhile, Grace-Evangeline Mason’s exciting new piece has been created especially for our soloist Sophie Bevan, a soprano with a voice of pure gold. Strauss’ Don Juan kicks things off in truly swashbuckling style.
From the most delicate of musical miniatures, to the full splendour of Walton’s Crown Imperial, there’s nothing that can’t be played on a great organ.
And there’s no organist alive who knows the Philharmonic Hall organ better than Liverpool’s City Organist Ian Tracey.
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!
Taking centre stage alongside a top-flight international cast, the Orchestra and Chorus of Opera North are at the heart of the musical spectacle in this live concert staging of Verdi’s operatic thriller.
What to expect from a concert staging: see the orchestra and singers together on stage, and thrillingly close. The drama still packs a punch, and you’ll see characters in costume within the set.
The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra plays your favourite Eurovision hits!
Hello, this is Liverpool calling… From folk to power ballads, heavy metal to Europop, Eurovision has it all, and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra are ready to embrace the musical madness, bringing you orchestral versions of iconic Eurovision songs.