TWO homecomings, a soul legend and a soap star – just some of the line-up for one of the city’s most popular outdoor festivals.
The full line-up has been revealed for this year’s FREE musical extravaganza Music on the Waterfront event which is in partnership with Albert Dock Liverpool. The music marathon is part of the International Mersey River Festival in partnership with Wild Thang branded clothing & merchandise experts.
The event will take place from the evening of Friday 5 June until Sunday 7 June at the Pier Head.
Friday 4–11pm
Part of the first ever BBC Music Day, 6 Music will be joined by BBC Introducing and Liverpool International Music Festival (LIMF), to create seven hours of extraordinary music.
Hosted by Janice Long (BBC Radio 2) and Dave Monks (BBC Radio Merseyside) the event will kick off with some ambitious commissions from Liverpool based Resonate Music Hub in partnership with LIMF. Members of Resonate’s Youth Orchestra and Choir guided by LIMF’s professional musicians will create an original composition, a mash-up of old and new, Mozart to Drum and Bass.
Next there will be a feast of New Mersey Sounds as LIMF showcase some of the brightest new talents which have emerged through the festival Academy, and then BBC Introducing will present the cream of the crop from Liverpool’s brand new music scene, as BBC Introducing present Cavalry, Dave McCabe and the Ramifications and The Tea Street Band.
As the sun starts to set, the mic will be passed to Craig Charles as he invites to the stage his specially formed Fantasy Funk Band including guest vocals from soul legend Carlene Anderson.
The whole night will then be wrapped up with an epic show from the Father of Funk Craig Charles, making sure that this is the biggest free party the waterfront has ever seen!
Craig Charles said: “Last year’s Homecoming show was incredible, and this year is going to be even better. We have a brilliant line up, and my Fantasy Funk Band are a dream collection of soul and funk heroes. It’s a good job there’s no roof on this venue as this show would tear it off!”
Saturday 3-8pm
Saturday is hosted by Smooth Radio with presenters Darren Parks, Carlos and Jo Lloyd all taking to the stage. David Gest will also bring some soulful surprises to the Festival. The Smooth Radio line-up includes:
Collabro – This talented quartet has gone from strength to strength over the past year. Since winning Britain’s Got Talent in 2014 they have topped the album charts (with ‘Stars’), they’ve sung at the Royal Variety Performance and on June 1st they release ‘Act 2’ – their much-anticipated second album. The day after our concert they may well have returned to the top of the album charts!
Sam Bailey – Sam stole the hearts of the nation when she won the tenth series of X Factor and subsequently had a Christmas number one with debut single ‘Skyscraper’. Last year the success continued with chart topping album ‘The Power Of Love’. The future is looking bright for Sam and we know for sure that she will deliver some spectacular vocals on Saturday night!
Kym Marsh – Actress, singer and TV personality. She first came into the public eye in 2001 after appearing as a contestant on ITV‘s talent show Popstars where she made the final line-up for the band Hear’Say along with four others. A favourite soap star of many, starring as Michelle Connor in Coronation Street.
Kenny Thomas – Kenny Thomas performed at our very first event on the Waterfront – he returns in 2015 bringing his trademark soul sound which over the years has earned him numerous chart hits, Brit nominations and platinum releases. He’s still ‘Outstanding’!
Alistair Griffin – This talented singer songwriter from Yorkshire has created the soundtracks to huge sporting events from the FA Cup Final to Formula One, Wimbledon and The Open. We’ll be treated to some epic songs including tracks from his most recent album ‘From Nowhere’.
Thea Gilmore – This critically acclaimed singer songwriter has recorded an incredible 15 albums in 17 years – she’ll be joining us fresh from her UK tour and continues to attract praise from fans as diverse as Bruce Springsteen and Joan Baez!
Nell Bryden – Since Nell’s last appearance On the Waterfront her career has reached new highs, touring with Gary Barlow, Chris Rea, Jools Holland and releasing her acclaimed album ‘Wayfarer’. Even Cher has covered one of her anthemic songs! After getting married last summer and recently giving birth to daughter Tala she’s making a welcome reappearance on the Smooth Radio stage with a tour scheduled in November.
Beatie Wolfe – This pioneering young artist has already attracted acclaim for her truly classic sound. Beatie’s music has been described as “Brilliant” GQ, “Beautiful” Monocle, “Revolutionary” MTV, “Exceptionally Talented” The New Yorker and “Innovative” WIRED.
Leddra Chapman and special guest Lee Broderick – Leddra Chapman is no stranger to big audiences, having been picked personally to support Sir Tom Jones on his Summer 2011 tour. 2015 looks set to be her busiest year yet. Plans are already moving at a pace for Leddra’s sophomore album release (‘Fidelity and Grace’) and she is appearing on two sold out national tours and some live international appearances.
Kristyna Myles – Kristyna makes a welcome return to the Waterfront stage – since her last appearance this talented singer has performed on Songs of Praise, toured with Lisa Stansfield and received a MOBO nomination! She’s back this summer with a new album ‘Paint A Brighter Day’
Diane Shaw – Diane is one of the country’s most experienced live performers – her soul credentials speak for themselves having supported the likes of Martha Reeves, Brenda Holloway, Sister Sledge and Kirk Whalum. This year she’s wowing audiences with her first album of original material – Love Life and Strings.
Hannah Boleyn – This relatively new singer songwriter is becoming known for her ‘cinematic soul’ sound as she tours the UK with the likes of the Overtones, Alexander O Neal and Joan Armatrading. Hannah will be performing songs from her debut album ‘The Boleyn Affair’
Jamie Griffiths, Communicorp UK’s Group Brand Programme Director: Smooth Radio, said: “To be a part of the International Mersey River Festival for 2015 is a dream come true for Smooth Radio. This has become an annual event for us and it’s a true highlight in the North West calendar for presenters and listeners alike.
“The welcome we get On the Waterfront is second to none and thanks to Culture Liverpool we are planning our biggest show so far – we can’t wait to take to the stage!”
Sunday 12-7pm
Sunday is all about celebrating Liverpool’s homegrown talent and includes performances from:
Rebecca Ferguson – A popular homecoming, Rebecca will be performing tracks from her third album and is set to be a huge hit with the crowd.
Connie Lush – One of the finest blues singers in the UK, she will play old and new tracks, demonstrating exactly why she has won the title ‘Best Female Vocalist’ five times.
Asa Murphy – Described as Britain’s answer to Michael Buble, Asa has a solid track record of sold-out shows at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and wowing on the Cruise Line circuit.
KOF – An acclaimed singer-songwriter KOF is making waves in the music industry and is definitely one to watch.
The Hummingbirds – The five piece ‘new country’ band from Liverpool will be releasing their debut album later this year which is certain to capture considerable attention from music press as well as their growing army of fans.
The Ambition – The four-piece with a pop/rock edge love performing live and after touring the country, can’t wait to get on stage in their hometown.
Paddy Clegg – A relative newcomer to the music scene, he has been compared to Jake Bugg and Mumford & Sons.
The Scallywag – Established since the 70s, the group’s musical style has evolved and at their gigs they guarantee great musicianship, humour and close interaction with the audience.
Assistant Mayor and Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Events, Councillor Wendy Simon, said: “We’re delighted with this year’s line-up and it feels like a real celebration of music.
“The response to Craig’s set last year was phenomenal and we’re delighted to welcome him home once again and he is certain to kick the party off in style!
“This festival is one of our most popular events, and the music element always attracts big crowds. By bringing together our experienced events team, the BBC, Smooth Radio and those behind the Liverpool International Music Festival, we can make sure visitors experience extraordinary live music in the amazing surroundings of our World Heritage Waterfront.”
Peter Cronin, Director of Development and Marketing, Albert Dock Liverpool, said: “Albert Dock Liverpool is proud to support Culture Liverpool in delivering a fabulous itinerary of waterfront activity by sponsoring Music on the Waterfront – part of the International Mersey River Festival taking place in June this year. This year’s action-packed festival will continue to foster links between Culture Liverpool and Albert Dock through this internationally acclaimed festival.”
The latest information can be found at www.liverpoolonthewaterfront.co.uk.
This year’s event forms part of One Magnificent City, a seven week programme of activities celebrating Liverpool’s internationally renowned maritime history and transatlantic links. It began on Friday 15 May with the cultural celebration that is LightNight and will run until the weekend of the 4th July when Liverpool will host the UK’s biggest Independence Day celebrations under the banner Transatlantic 175. Throughout the seven weeks various activities will be held which mark the 175th anniversary of Cunard.
For more information visit www.onemagnificentcity.co.uk or follow @OMCLpool on Twitter and One Magnificent City Liverpool on Facebook. Up-to-date details can also be found at www.cruise-liverpool.com, @cruiselpool or Liverpool Cruise Terminal on Facebook.
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