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BBC Radio 2 Live in Newcastle

BBC Radio 2 Live in Newcastle

BBC Radio 2 Live In Newcastle

The nation’s most listened to radio station brings a host of star names, presenters and programmes to Newcastle from Saturday 4 October-Saturday 11 October 2003

(Pictured: Sheryl Crow, , and Texas) Contents

BBC Radio 2 Live In Newcastle

On-air programming ...... 4 Extra events ...... 11 Presenter biographies Richard Allinson ...... 12 Paul Jones ...... 12 Jools Holland ...... 13 Frank Renton ...... 14 Janice Long ...... 15 ...... 16 ...... 17 Fringe events ...... 18

www..co.uk/radio2

BBC Radio 2 Live In Newcastle On-air programming

On-air programming for BBC Radio 2 Live In Newcastle

All tickets are free and can be obtained special when we’re out and about, so can by calling the Radio 2 ticket line on promise a few surprises on Saturday. It’s been a 08700 100 200. Lines are open from long time coming and I can’t wait to go back Monday 15 September, 7am-12midnight, to one of my favourite parts of the country.” seven days a week. Calls are charged at national rate. Dublin band The Thrills – Conor Deasy on vocals, Daniel Ryan on /vocals and bass, Full details are listed on the Radio 2 website at Ben Carrigan on drums, Kevin Horan on www.bbc.co.uk/radio2 keyboards and Padraic McMahon on bass/vocals and – played their debut show at the , after a Richard Allinson person invitation from .The Thrills The Baltic get their inspiration from The Beach Boys, ESP Saturday 4 October and and are lovers of the Show: 3.30pm Doors: 2.30pm music of the West Coast of America circa the mid-Sixties and Seventies. Transmitted live on BBC Radio 2, Saturday 4 October, 3.30-6.30pm

Lemar (above) sprang to the public’s attention The Thrills (pictured), Lemar, Dexys Midnight last year as a finalist on the BBC’s Fame Runners and perform Academy. His first single, (With U), exclusive sets for Richard Allinson’s show this described as “a cross between week, broadcast live from The Baltic. and Musiq Soulchild”, stayed true to Lemar’s R&B roots but also kept in tow the audience Richard says:“I’m really looking forward to this he built up with – an impressive .We always try to do something balancing act.

BBC Radio 2 Live In Newcastle 4 On-air programming

Post- band and worked with the likes of and have recently re-formed with a new “best of” Mary J Blige. Her single, Stronger Than Me, is due compilation which is due for release in for release in October, ahead of her album, September.The album includes two new Frank, which records her experiences of love tracks, My Life In and Manhood, which and life. will be showcased on an autumn tour.

Dexys were formed in 1978 by / Texas – Live & Exclusive /guitarist Kevin Rowland and Kevin Northumbria University “Al” Archer, both former members of the Saturday 4 October punk band The Killjoys. Having recruited Show: 9.00pm Doors: 8.00pm further members to the band, they strove to reflect their working-class image by dressing as Transmitted live on BBC Radio 2, New York dockworkers. In 1980, their debut Saturday 4 October, 9.00-10.00pm album, Searching For The Young Soul Rebels, was a huge success and spawned the No. 1 hit Geno. It wasn’t long before they were hailed as “British rock’s return to an organic, soulful sound in the post-punk/new-wave era”.

The band were, perhaps, most famous for their smash-hit single , which topped the charts on both sides of the Atlantic in 1982. Dexys spilt up after their third album, Don’t Stand Me Down, in 1986.Their comeback album, Let’s Make This Precious, includes original members Kevin Rowland and Pete Williams.

Nineteen-year-old Amy Winehouse is a singer- songwriter from Camden, London, whose voice is “cut with the same rough silk as Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald”. Her music fuses traditional with a more contemorary hip- hop sound.Amy got her first guitar at the age of 13 – her mother was a fan of and, as a result, she grew up listening to the likes of and .Amy was also exposed to her father’s jazzier taste and therefore to the likes of Sarah Vaughan and Dina Washington.At the age of 16, she started singing with a Youth Jazz Orchestra and, soon Texas perform an exclusive gig live from after, became interested in R&B and hip-hop. Stage 2 of the University of Northumbria. Amy soon found a management company and began working with producers, and it wasn’t Texas formed in in 1986 when 18- long before Island Records signed her up. year-old art student (pictured) Having worked with producers in London, she headed for the States to look for collaborators, met Johnny McElhone (ex- and

BBC Radio 2 Live In Newcastle 5 On-air programming

Hipsway).Together, they formed a band, taking Paul Jones their name from the 1985 Wim Wenders film The Opera House Paris,Texas.Their debut album, Southside, Monday 6 October spawned their first UK hit single, I Don’t Want A Show: 8.00pm Doors: 7.00pm Lover, which went straight into the Top 10.Their new album, Careful What You Wish For,is Transmitted on BBC Radio 2, released in October and features the new Thursday 9 October, 8.00-9.00pm single . Paul Jones introduces Johnny Mars with Paul Hart and the Barrelhouse Orchestra and Listen To The Band Influence in this special edition of Radio 2’s Theatre Royal weekly blues show from The Opera House. Sunday 5 October Show: 7.30pm Doors: 6.30pm Vocalist and harmonica player Johnny Mars is joined by Paul Hart on guitar and vocals Transmitted on BBC Radio 2, and the Barrelhouse Blues Orchestra – a 21- Friday 10 October, 9.30-10.00pm piece outfit of brass, strings and rhythm.The Barrelhouse Blues Orchestra was put The Grimethorpe Colliery UK Coal Band, together by Hart in January 2003 and the conducted by Garry Cutt, and The Ever Ready players have played or written for many acts, Band, conducted by Ray Farr, feature in this including Wings, Cream,The Who, Robbie special edition of Listen To The Band, presented McIntosh, Kenny Jones Band, Roger Chapman, by Frank Renton. Clarence Big Millar, the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and James Last, to To celebrate the brass tradition in Newcastle, name but a few.The whole outfit is conducted tonight’s programme includes brass by Marcus Marriot who, with Chas Dickie of traditional tunes and and Dave Burgess, is largely responsible for popular songs from the North East, including the arrangements. Blaydon Races, Blow The Wind Southerly and The Lambton Worm. Bad Influence are a five-piece band with Val Cowell on lead vocals and , Frank says:“I’m very much looking forward to Richard Hayes on lead and slide guitar, Harry this special edition of Listen To The Band.For James on drums and vocals, and Chris Childs many years The Ever Ready band have been on bass guitar and vocals. Bad Influence tour the pinnacle of brass banding in the North constantly, performing their own material and East. , with Ray Farr as their principal various rock and blues covers, ranging from conductor, they are ready to enter a new era to Tom Petty and Janis Joplin. of innovative entertainment, on parade for the first time with Radio 2 in Newcastle.The Grimethorpe Colliery UK Coal band is, Jools Holland justifiably, one of the most famous bands in the Newcastle University world, and not just because of their starring Monday 6 October role in the film Brassed Off.They have, for many Show: 8.45pm Doors: 7.45pm years, been at the cutting edge of innovative banding and have transported their brand of Transmitted live on BBC Radio 2, entertainment all over the world.” Monday 6 October, 9.00-10.00pm

BBC Radio 2 Live In Newcastle 6 On-air programming

Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra perform an exclusive concert as part of BBC Radio 2 Live In Newcastle.

Over the years, Jools has performed and recorded with some of the most talented musicians and in the world, a list that extends from , , , Luther Vandross and BB King, to Dr John, Paul Weller and .

Born in London in 1958, Jools showed unusual flair for the from an early age. By the time he was eight, he had mastered the rudiments of boogie woogie and blues piano and, by his teens, he was playing in various clubs in South London and the East End.

When he was 15, Jools met up with and , and together, they The roots of The Vessels (above) can be traced formed Squeeze.With hits including Cool For to an afternoon concert in Kingston-upon- Cats and Up The Junction, Squeeze achieved Thames, when a group featuring singer Paul spectacular success, selling millions of records Cook and drummer Neil Kerly were and breaking America. supported by another band playing West Coast psychedelia. Both Paul and Neil were Jools went on to become co-presenter of impressed by the guitarist, Gerard Gannon, The Tube and presenter of his own BBC Two and decided they needed him in their band.A show, Later With Jools Holland. In addition to search of Kingston followed to no avail but, a his successful presenting career on both year later, a chance meeting in a pub led to the television and on Radio 2, Jools and his reunion of the trio.After bonding over a Rhythm & Blues Orchestra continue to shared love of Brass Eye and Neil Young, and tour to great critical acclaim. the addition of bassist Stephen Friend,The Vessels were born. Janice Long Sessions The Foundation Drawing on a broad spectrum of influences and Tuesday 7 October hailed as the southern equivalent of The Coral, Show: 9.30pm Doors: 8.30pm The Vessels’ sound touches many musical bases, from Teenage Fanclub to Badly Drawn Boy.The Transmitted on BBC Radio 2, Vessels have just completed a short UK tour Tuesday 7 October into Wednesday 8 and are set to record their second album. October, 12.00midnight-3am Turin Brakes’ Olly Knights and Gale Paridjanian Janice Long introduces The Vessels and Turin have known each other since primary school, Brakes to the stage at The Foundation for an although the birth of the group was marked by exclusive gig – highlights of which are the release of The Door EP in the summer of broadcast on Janice’s show later tonight. 1999, originally planned as the score for a film

BBC Radio 2 Live In Newcastle 7 On-air programming

Knights was making.Their second EP, The State Mike says:“Newcastle has a long tradition of Of Things, followed in August 2000 and they producing fine music and audiences who played their first-ever live gigs with a full appreciate great talent, so I am looking band at the Reading and Leeds festivals later forward to our show at the Live Theatre that month. very much.We have a tremendous line-up in Loudon Wainwright III, and John Dickinson.

“Any evening where Loudon Wainwright performs is an evening to be savoured, and we are delighted that he’s accepted our invitation – the man has a rare gift, and his songs can make you laugh at the same time as they make you cry.The Hush are one of this year’s top bands, and they’re really freshening up traditional songs from the North East with infectious dance treatments, while John Dickinson is a guitarist of incredible talent who has emerged in the past 18 months.All in all, a show to be glued to the radio for.” Turin Brakes (above) released their self- produced debut album, The Optimist, to wide Veteran songsmith Loudon Wainwright III has a acclaim in March 2001; the album was reputation as one of the most honest, funny subsequently nominated for the Mercury Music and irreverent singer-songwriters of his Prize, while Turin Brakes were nominated for generation, and has built up a large, devoted Best New Band at the and the Brits. fanbase for his live performances. Loudon was The Optimist LP has since gone gold twice over, inspired after seeing at the 1962 selling over 200,000 copies. In summer 2002, . He became a regular Turin Brakes returned to the studio to record on the New York coffee-house circuit and their second album, Ether Song – a move away released Album I and Album II. Dubbed “the from their “new acoustic” tag towards a more new Dylan”, due to his confessional style of direct and sonically upfront sound. songwriting, it wasn’t until he made Album III in 1973 that he truly established himself. Album III Mike Harding Folk Show produced Wainwright’s only hit single, Dead Live Theatre Skunk, but his autobiographical musings, Wednesday 8 October humour and engaging stage persona made him Show: 8.00pm Doors:7.00pm a cult figure and concert favourite.

Transmitted live on BBC Radio 2, The Hush were formed in 2001 by guitarist Jed Wednesday 8 October, 8.00-9.00pm Grimes to record new arrangements for a range of songs originating from the North East Loudon Wainwright III,The Hush and John to form the Northumbria Music Anthology,a 20 CD compilation given to school, library and Dickinson feature in this edition of the Mike college archives to record the region’s social Harding Folk Show, which features the best from history in song.After recording around 30 the world of folk, roots and acoustic music. songs, the band took their music to a live

BBC Radio 2 Live In Newcastle 8 On-air programming

audience. Bob Fox fronts the band with Jed, and Paul Smith (drums, percussion), Neil Harland (bass), Graham Wood (keyboards) and Garry Linsley (sax) complete the line-up.The Hush play the finest traditional and written song from the last few centuries, never losing sight of the main objective – “the song’s the thing!”

John Dickinson’s music career had a dream start when his debut album, Rockstorm, with Northumbrian band Splitcrow, reached No. 19 in the charts and was hailed as “the best album from a Brit band in 10 years” by Kerrang! with Dickinson described as “the most potent slide player in the UK.” In 1988, John became a Janice Long. Highlights from this gig can be founder member of Paul Lamb And The heard on Janice’s show at 12.00midnight. Kingsnakes, then went solo before returning to Janice’s special guest on the show is Elvis his native Northumberland to pursue a Costello, who performs a couple of numbers different direction. live in the studio. Colin MacIntyre (above) is Mull Historical In 1992, the Hillbillies From Outer Space Society; he writes the songs, sings, plays the were born.They gained near-legendary status instruments, produces the records and even with their wild interpretations of material, designs the sleeves. from heavy metal to folk, but dissolved in 2001 without recording an album. Dickinson’s first Raised on Mull, Colin’s first musical experiences solo album was due to be recorded in 2001, were watching his uncle’s covers band but a year out gave him time to reflect on life, rehearsing. He taught himself how to play and love and everything.The resulting album, write his own songs, before moving to Glasgow Castles & Old Kings, is a blend of Celtic and to study politics. Colin continued to write and Northumbrian influences with blues and folk record his songs on a four-track recorder at which showcases Dickinson, singer, songwriter home, resulting in a back catalogue of over 300 and guitarist, at his best. unreleased songs. Before Mull, Colin’s other Glasgow-based bands were the imaginatively titled 7-11 and Smells Like Marzipan. However Janice Long Sessions after writing a song entitled Mull Historical The Foundation Society, named after the Mull Historical Society, Wednesday 8 October Colin decided to stick with it. Show: 9.00pm Doors: 8.30pm A six-album deal followed and, in November Transmitted on BBC Radio 2, 2000, Mull’s debut single, Barcode Bypass, was Wednesday 8 October into Thursday 9 released to rave reviews and was awarded October, 12.00midnight-3.00am NME Debut Single Of The Year. His debut album, Loss, released in 2001, was critically and The Mull Historical Society and commercially well received. Colin and his band are welcomed to The Foundation tonight by (which can vary from being a five-piece to a

BBC Radio 2 Live In Newcastle 9 On-air programming

12-piece) went from supporting on their venue debut UK tour to selling out Shepherds Bush Empire, whose 2,000 people capacity equals the population of Mull. Early in 2002 Colin returned to the studio with a stack of songs and, 95 days later, he emerged with his second album, Us, from which the single The Final Arrears is taken.

Friday Night Is Music Night City Hall Friday 10 October Show: 7.30pm Doors: 6.30pm

Transmitted live on BBC Radio 2, Friday 10 October, 7.30-9.15pm Sheryl Crow (above) performs an exclusive Ken Bruce presents an evening featuring concert live from The Opera House. the music of Nelson Riddle, performed by Catherine Porter and Graham Bickley, with the Crow shot to fame with the single All I Wanna BBC Concert Orchestra, conducted by Do, which became one of the biggest hits of Martin Koch. the summer of 1994 and was taken from her debut album, Tuesday Night Music Club.The Friday Night Is Music Night was first broadcast album successfully managed to combine an on 25 September 1953, supposedly for 13 eclectic mix of styles such as blues, rock ‘n’ roll weeks but, 50 years later, it is still going and jazz, and won Record Of The Year at the strong. It is the world’s longest-running Grammys. From this breakthrough debut “live music” programme on radio, featuring album to her eponymous album in 1996, and guest artists from the world of opera and her studio album in 1998, . Sheryl has successfully explored her singer- songwriting talent and incredible voice, The BBC Concert Orchestra’s versatility reaching a louder and more direct rock ‘n’ roll means that the show presents music from the sound with her latest album, C’mon C’mon. world’s of opera, operetta, oratorio, musical theatre, ballet and film scores – all in all, a feast of “music for everybody”.

Sheryl Crow – Live & Exclusive The Opera House Saturday 11 October Show: 9.00pm Doors: 8.00pm

Transmitted live on BBC Radio 2, Saturday 11 October, 9.00-10.00pm

BBC Radio 2 Live In Newcastle 10 Extra events

Extra events

Sold On Song BBC Radio 2 Educational Prom The Newcastle Arts Centre and Civic Banqueting Hall The Opera House Saturday 11 October Thursday 9 October Doors: 7pm Show: 8pm

Billy Bragg, Gretchen Peters and Martin From 6 to 11 October 2003, Radio 2 invites Brammer come to Newcastle as part of musicians from some of the finest ensembles Radio 2’s Sold On Song initiative. in the UK to inspire local music students in a series of specially organised masterclasses.A Throughout the day at The Newcastle Arts range of instrumentalists plus one of the UK’s Centre, Radio 2 is running eight songwriting finest big band singers, Jeff Hooper, coaches workshops with the help of Martin Brammer – students in jazz and big band playing, and formerly of the Kane Gang, co-writer of Lifted perform themselves, in various ensembles.The and Ocean Drive, and now working with Gareth classes during the week are open to students Gates – who also performs. Later that same of all ages whose musical standard is grade six evening at The Opera House, and above. and Gretchen Peters perform and discuss their songwriting. On Saturday 11 October, the week culminates in a lunchtime performance of the Radio 2 Sold On Song is an encyclopaedia of songwriting, Educational Prom at the Civic Banqueting Hall, which provides an insight into some of the presented by Jeff Hooper. songs that feature on Radio 2, and aims to give a greater appreciation of how they came to be.

This day is one of several Sold On Song workshops running through the week. Please contact the Radio 2 Press Office for further information.

Sold On Song was launched on Radio 2 at Easter with a live concert and exclusive interview with Paul McCartney.This new initiative gives listeners the opportunity to understand how songs are written and what motivates the great songwriters. It also gives aspiring songwriters the means to approach the music industry.

BBC Radio 2 Live In Newcastle 11 Presenter biographies

Presenter biographies

Richard Allinson Away from the mics and cameras, Richard spent two years on the judging panel for the Late Night Radio 2, Monday to prestigious Laurence Olivier Theatre Awards, and, in 1996, was appointed Chairman of the Thursday at 10.30pm-12.00midnight Commercial Radio Convention and host of the and Saturdays at 3.30-6.30pm. International Management Awards.

Richard picked up a Gold Sony Radio Award in 1992 for his coverage of National Music Day and another Gold Sony for his Late Night Radio 2 show in 1998.

On a very rare night off, Richard can be found at the theatre, eating out, messing about with , boats and , or entertaining his three children.

Paul Jones

Paul Jones presents a Rhythm & Blues show every Thursday between 8.00- 9.00pm on BBC Radio 2. Richard Allinson joined Radio 2 in April 1997. An honours graduate in economics and law, Richard rejected a career in the legal profession, having convinced London’s Radio that three years of university radio broadcasting were exactly the qualifications needed to present their chart show. He was 21.

Music fans outside the UK will remember Richard’s successful Multitrack Live shows for BBC World Service; the European Rocksat series of live phone-in shows with favourite rock artists; and his live and interactive VH-1 television shows. Richard still presents a weekly dose of new releases to a world-wide audience via the BFBS satellite network and now nine of the world’s most popular airlines have included his programmes as part of their in-flight entertainment.

BBC Radio 2 Live In Newcastle 12 Presenter biographies

Paul Jones was the front man with the group Jools Holland , co-composer of the signature tune Ready, Steady, Go! and founder of The Blues Band. He was at the front of the Sixties Jools Holland presents his own show pop revolution, with million-selling records alongside the likes of ,The Rolling on BBC Radio 2, in which he shares Stones and The Animals. some of his favourite music. He is joined each week by the rhythm In 1966, Paul turned to acting, first in films and section of his Rhythm & Blues then on stage and television. His film credits Orchestra and music guests who include Privilege and The Committee. His TV drop in to talk and jam. credits include Thank Your Lucky Stars, , Z Cars, Space 1999 and The Sweeney. In the Eighties he hosted Weekend for Granada and A Plus 4 on Channel Four. More recently, he presented the BBC’s Play It Again and starred in four series of the children’s favourite Uncle Jack.At the Royal National Theatre he starred in The Beggar’s Opera and , and, for the RSC, Kiss Me Kate. Other West End shows include Cats and Pump Boys And Dinettes. Paul has worked with acclaimed directors including Richard Eyre, Peter Gill and Toby Robertson, and has numerous gold under his belt including one for the original recording of .

In 1979, Paul founded The Blues Band.They recorded many albums including Wireless, which helped kick start another boom in blues music. Blues is still popular today, helped by Paul’s programme on Radio 2 and Jazz FM. He worked for five years on the BBC’s World Service, and has broadcast on all five BBC Radio networks as musician, DJ, actor, Desert Island Discs castaway and critic. Jools was born in London in 1958 and, as a Paul is an accomplished harmonica player young boy, showed an unusual flair for the and has recorded with a range of artists from piano. By the time he was eight, he had picked to the Royal Philharmonic up the rudiments of boogie woogie and blues Orchestra. He also performs on the backing piano from a musical uncle. He went on to tracks for commercials for everything from study harmony and music theory at school and, BT to yoghurt and, in 1996, was a BASCA gold by his teens, he was playing in various pubs and badge winner. clubs in south London and the East End.

BBC Radio 2 Live In Newcastle 13 Presenter biographies

When he was 15 he met up with Chris Difford Frank Renton and Glenn Tilbrook and, together, they formed Squeeze.With hits such as Cool For Cats and Frank Renton presents Listen To The Up The Junction, Squeeze achieved spectacular Band on Radio 2 on Friday nights at success. In 1990, Jools sowed the seeds of the Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, when he and 9.30-10.00pm. began touring as a duo. It has evolved into a powerful and disciplined 12-piece band and, as well as playing in venues from Canterbury Cathedral and Kew Gardens to the , the Rhythm & Blues Orchestra has made numerous television appearances, including regularly featuring on Don’t Forget Your Toothbrush on , and the riotous New Year’s Eve Hootenanny for BBC Two.

Jools’s television career began in the early Eighties when he made a documentary about his friends,The Police, in Montserrat.This led to him being chosen to present the Friday- night music programme, The Tube. Reflecting his love for the roots of American music, Jools made two documentary films, Walking To and Mr Roadrunner, which explored the music personalities of New Orleans, Memphis and Nashville. In 1988, he wrote a six-part series with Rowland Rivron, called The Groovy Fellas, about a Martian visiting Earth. He then moved to New York to join saxophonist David Born in 1939, Frank was brought up in Sanborn as a presenter on Sunday Night,a Yorkshire. He began to study the piano at the network NBC music show. Back in Britain, age of seven, and had his first trumpet lesson Jools hosted two series of for the on his 10th birthday. BBC and, in 1992, he began hosting a new music series, Later With Jools Holland, now BBC Frank first earned a living as a professional Two’s premier live music show. trumpet-player, gaining conducting experience where possible. In 1967, he won a Over the years, Jools has performed and Competition for Young Conductors at the recorded with some of the most talented Festival.Appointments followed in musicians and songwriters in the world, a list Germany and Singapore, where he conducted which extends from Eric Clapton, Sting, Luther the first performances of the country’s Vandross and BB King, to Dr John, Paul Weller fledgling symphony orchestra. He also worked and George Harrison. throughout the Far East.

BBC Radio 2 Live In Newcastle 14 Presenter biographies

After his return to England in the mid- Seventies, Frank variously ran a music school in York,played with Versatile Brass, and eventually began working with the BBC Concert and Radio Orchestras. He also worked with the famous Grimethorpe Colliery Band.

In 1985, Frank returned to London to become Principal Conductor of the Royal Artillery Orchestra, London’s oldest professional orchestra. For three years, Frank and the Orchestra toured the country, giving concerts in venues large and small, and to all kinds of audiences.

In 1988, he was appointed Principal Conductor of the British Concert Orchestra after going in . Did that, won a licence and critically acclaimed recordings with the gave birth to our Blue. American soprano Carol Vaness. He also began to broadcast regularly on BBC Radio, writing “I then got a phone call asking me if I would like and presenting his own musical programmes. In to do a show for Radio 2 from Glastonbury. I 1992, he made the decision to concentrate had a wonderful time legging after the likes of entirely on conducting and broadcasting. Debbie Harry and Michael Stipe and getting Fran Healy to sing Driftwood for me after He is a member of the Worshipful Company of blagging him a guitar.After that, I started doing Musicians, and in 1989 became a Freeman of more stuff for Radio 2 before turning up on my the City of London. own show, five nights a week.

“It works out really well. I go to work when Janice Long Paul, Fred and Blue go to sleep. It’s hard at the weekend trying to go back to normal time Janice Long’s Radio 2 show is and I often doze off at the cinema and wake broadcast weekdays at 12.00midnight- up dribbling at the end of some blockbuster. 3.00am. Janice also presents Dream My show comes from downtown Brum. I work Ticket every weekday from 10.00pm- with a great team and we laugh a lot. 12.00midnight and weekends from “We all get together once a week to talk about 6.00-8.00am on BBC 6 Music. the live music and other stuff that we plan to put in the show.We have a fantastic music “Potted history first ... I’ve been an air hostess, studio with top-notch engineers and bands love a waitress in Amsterdam, a grape picker and to come and play here, including Travis,Ash, then a few other things interspersed with Embrace, Suzanne Vega and Cornershop.The signing on, before I joined BBC Radio show is very spontaneous and I use the phone Merseyside. I then went to Radio 1, had our calls, e-mails and texts that I get from listeners Fred, did GLR, XFM and then decided that it to move it along and change direction. I love it was time to try and get a new radio station … it’s got to be the perfect gig.”

BBC Radio 2 Live In Newcastle 15 Presenter biographies

Mike Harding His success as a live entertainer began in 1967 when, during a gig at Leeds University with the Mike Harding presents The Mike Edison Bell Spasm Band, he began to tell jokes to fill in an awkward pause.The patter became Harding Show for BBC Radio 2 on part of the act and, when the jokes dried up, Wednesdays at 8.00pm, featuring he delved into his store of real-life stories for the best of folk, roots and acoustic- which he has become famous. based music. He lists among his early musical influences Lonnie Donegan, Jesse Fuller and folk singer Harry Boardman. Mike served his apprenticeship in the pubs and folk clubs of Great Britain and still joins in sessions in ’s Irish pubs.

In 1975, the hit record Rochdale Cowboy catapulted him from folk music into the mainstream of live entertainment.

A keen walker, Mike has been awarded a Fellowship Of The Royal Geographical Society and was shortlisted for The Boardman Tasker Award for Mountaineering Literature. He was also awarded a Signal Award for Children’s Poetry and the Outdoor Writers Guild Award For Excellence.

With the exception of films, Mike has done just about everything, including national concert tours, numerous television and radio appearances, writing and photography. His radio credits include Mike Harding And Friends Born in Crumpsall, Manchester, in 1944, Mike’s for Radio 2 in 1991 with George Melly, Ralph early career followed a chequered pattern as McTell and Maddy Prior; three series of Yer dustman, bus conductor, road digger, book Roots Are Showing, also for Radio 2; and several shop assistant and boiler scaler. series of programmes on walking for Radio 4. He has also read two of his short stories for Throughout the early years, Mike developed Afternoon Story on BBC Radio 4. a love for music, playing in skiffle and rock ‘n’ roll bands in the Sixties. He has fond Mike has had numerous books published, memories of sharing the bill at numerous including books of poetry, short stories, travel, venues with The Beatles, Gerry And The humour and children’s books. Pacemakers,The Hollies,Wayne Fontana and The Mindbenders and the late Eric Spanner And The Rhythmaires.

BBC Radio 2 Live In Newcastle 16 Presenter biographies

Ken Bruce tongue-in-cheek presentation”. In addition, he has been associated with broadcasts from a Ken Bruce presents the mid-morning number of major events – the 1986 Commonwealth Games, the Seoul Olympics, show on BBC Radio 2, Monday to National Music Day, The Voice Of Musical Friday at 9.30am-12.00noon. Theatre 2000, and every since 1988.

On BBC Radio 4, he has presented Pick Of The Week and was host of the travel programme Breakaway for two years. On BBC World Service he had his own weekly programme of music. On Radio 2, Ken hosted the comedy series The What If Show. Ken is also one of the regular presenters of Friday Night Is Music Night.

Ken’s other activities include airline inflight programmes, voice-overs, speaking engagements and hosting orchestral concerts, but his principal interest remains his daily show, which can be heard between 9.30am and 12.00noon, Monday to Friday, on Radio 2.

Ken was born in Glasgow and began his broadcasting career with the Hospital Broadcasting Service there, before going on to become a staff announcer for BBC .This led to his own daily afternoon show and involvement in a wide range of current affairs programmes, concerts and commercial voice-overs.

Ken began working for Radio 2 in the early Eighties as a deputy presenter. In 1984, he took over the Saturday Late Show and began presenting his own daily show the following year. For almost all the time since, Ken has occupied the mid-morning slot, with a mix of music, the legendary Popmaster Quiz, and what described as his “droll, whimsical,

BBC Radio 2 Live In Newcastle 17 Fringe events

Fringe events

Saturday 4 October Sunday 5 October

Black Cab Acoustic Circus presents A Ghost, The Cumberland, Byker Buildings Clive Jackson and White Hills (0191-265 6151) The Bridge, Castle Square Free. Doors: 8pm Show: 9pm (0191-232 6400). Free. Doors: 8.30pm Show: 9pm A cabaret of sweet dreams and dark nightmares – Black Cab’s unique musical Three songwriters bring simple, honest music theatre entices listeners into the worlds of to The Bridge tonight.A Ghost focus on , Rogers and Hart, and heartbreak, truth loss and regret,White Hill . perform simple acoustic rhythms and Clive Jackson gives nod to the blues.

Acoustic Circus presents Glitter Star, Beccy Owen and Adam Cole Generator presents Tired Earth, The Bridge, Castle Square Ginsberg and Passenger (0191-232 6400) The Head of Steam Free. Doors: 8.30pm Show: 9pm 2 Neville Street (0191-232 4379) Girl power is guaranteed with two female Free. Doors: 8pm Show: 8.45pm singers Beccy Owen and Glitterstar, described as a “female Jeff Buckley”, performing tonight. Tired Earth play atmospheric blues They are joined by Adam Cole, whose songs with psychedelic beats, while Ginsberg reflect a blues and jazz influence. perform acoustic rock with pop melodies and display superb strumming skills.They are joined by Passenger, who create Arthur Ebeling and Magic Car graceful and majestic music. The Live 27 Broad Chare (0191-261 2694) Funky Music Machine presents Free. Doors: 7pm Show: 7.30pm Conspiracy and Keiretsu The Hyena Arthur Ebeling is a guitarist and songwriter Leazes Lane whose style is a blend of rhythm and (0191-232 6030) blues, rock ‘n roll and country-blues, displaying Free. Doors: 8.30pm Show: 9pm intricate and diverse technique. He is joined by Magic Car, whose music is bathed in Keiretsu are an eclectic live drum ‘n’ bass/ warmth and optimism. breakbeat 10-piece band, whose music contains

BBC Radio 2 Live In Newcastle 18 Fringe events

traces of psy-trance, folk and ambient rock ‘n’ Apparently Parklandsway don’t even know roll.They are joined by Funk Conspiracy, what they sound like themselves these days, whose blend of funk, jazz and live drum & bass, while Muddy Bee are “simple and direct”. seasoned with ambience, is served on a warm The Volts, on the other hand, prefer to bed of dance-floor beats. produce and play out “beautiful music for beautiful people”.

Open Mic Session The Cumberland The Music Project presents Ten x Ten Byker Buildings The Cluny (0191-265 6151) 36 Lime Street Free. Doors: 8pm Show: 8.30pm (0191-232 3934) Free. Doors: 8pm Show: 9pm People are encouraged to bring their poems, short fiction, musical compositions and other Ten women, 10 songs, one album, one night. creative works to share at tonight’s Open Mic This is a showcase of the vast spectrum of session.This is an opportunity for beginners, female musical talent existing in the North and others who prefer a non-competitive East, with performances from 10 artists setting for sharing their work, whilst interacting representing the range and quality found with others in a live performance experience. regionally, from infectious pop to rousing rock.

Tom Armstrong Tim Readman and Kate Bramley The Tyne The Bridge beneath Low Level bridge Castle Square (0191-265 2550) (0191-232 6400) Free. Doors: 8pm Show: 8.30pm Free. Doors: 8.30pm Show: 9pm

Tom draws much of his inspiration from the County Durham-born Tim Readman is well rich heritage of West Coast and loved in his adopted home of Canada as a has his own unique hillbilly style. He plays songwriter, guitarist, singer of traditional songs superb honky-tonk, haunting ballads and songs and humourist. Fiddler and vocalist Kate of broken hearts with well-crafted songwriting Bramley tours internationally with several acts giving it some rough polish. including .

Monday 6 October Soup Comedy Circus The Hyena Leazes Lane Generator presents Parklandsway, (0191-232 6030) Muddy Bee and The Volts Free. Doors: 8.30pm Show: 9pm The Head Of Steam 2 Neville Street (0191-232 4379) The Soup team promise a non-stop, comedy Free. Doors: 8pm Show: 8.45pm feeding frenzy, featuring sketches, music, short film and animation as well as some of their

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now-renowned innovative and interactive A bill that features outright ecletronica from multi-media work, incorporating a mix of Howdi and Epicurean Adventures in Music visuals and street theatre, performed at night- from Friends Of Afuche. clubs and party events throughout the region.

Generator presents Calvoon, Silenzio The Bushburys, Penny Joe Pullus and and Rezen David Blosse The Head Of Steam The Live 2 Neville Street 27 Broad Chare (0191-232 4379) (0191-261 2694) Free. Doors: 8pm Show: 8.45pm Free. Doors: 7pm Show: 7.30pm In tonight’s bill from The Head Of Steam, Calvoon play pop rock, with jangly guitars and fairground keyboards. Silenzio contribute tension-creating basslines and powerful rhythms, fused with contrasting gravel and a honeyed vocal, whilst Rezen perform bouncing, heavy pop.

Acoustic Circus The Bridge Castle Square (0191-232 6400) Free. Doors: 8.30pm Show: 9pm David Blosse has a soulful vocal, understated A solo set from Psychedelic Breakfast musicianship with well-crafted songs; he frontman Nick Grimes, with quality acoustic supports Penny Joe Pullus, who hails from sounds, features tonight at The Bridge. He Texas and has a voice that can morph shares the bill with songwriter Andrew Craggs between country and rockabilly to a bluesy who demonstrates his unique guitar style. rocker.The Bushburys (pictured) explore all James Adamson completes the line-up, mixing a the areas of acoustic rock, folk and blues with rock vocal and heartfelt songwriting angst. their familiar rootsy sound, contemporary songs and excellent musicianship. Folkworks presents Creative Commotion Tuesday 7 October The Hyena Leazes Lane Friends Of Afuche and Howdi (0191-232 6030) The Cluny Free. Doors: 7pm Show: 7.30pm 36 Lime Street (0191-232 3934) Folkworks celebrates the wealth and diversity Free. Doors: 8pm Show: 9pm of youth music-making in the North East, with

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talented performers and a range of musical Wednesday 8 October genres and traditions, from , jazz and dohl, to classics, folk and funk fusion.Artists include Combat,The Swing Bridge Singers, Generator presents Fun With Light, Southwind, members of Young Sinfonia, Steel Cliffhanger and Elba Quake and more. The Head Of Steam 2 Neville Street Eric Taylor (0191-232 4379) The Tyne Free. Doors: 8pm Show: 8.45pm beneath Low Level bridge Fun With Light are described as “simple, direct (0191-265 2550) and unnervingly bizarre”.They are joined on Free. Doors: 8pm Show: 8.30pm tonight’s bill from The Head Of Steam by Cliffhanger, who combine small-town blues- driven with an almost spiritual delivery, while Elba deliver fresh and funky beats, guitars, flute, analogue synth and samples, topped with pop melodies.

The Composers Club The Bridge Castle Square (0191-232 6400) Free. Doors: 8.30pm Show: 9pm

Terry Conway, Liz Law and the Hi-Level Ranters play traditional and contemporary folk music from the North-East region.

Eric Taylor (pictured) is a gifted songwriter from Texas. Funky Music Machine presents The Dans and Rubberneck The Hyena, Leazes Lane Anything But Irish (0191-232 6030) The Cumberland Free. Doors: 7pm Show: 7.30pm Byker Buildings (0191-265 6151) Rubberneck serve up classic funk hip-hop with Free. Doors: 8pm Show: 8.30pm a hint of jazz.They are joined by The Dans who encompass a refreshing infusion of soul A session of folk music, excluding that of Irish and funk. Good-time grooves with an descent, where people are encouraged to assortment of toppings and flavours are simply turn up with their instrument and join in. promised tonight.

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Irish Folk Session by Holyman Jones (pictured below), whose The Cumberland rasping vocals and superb plucking skills Byker Buildings contribute to a live performance from a (0191-265 6151) fantastic four-piece.They introduce special Free. Doors: 8pm Show: 8.30pm guest Amy Wedge, whose songs have a raw vibrancy that suit her earthy voice and emotionally mature lyrics. An evening of Irish folk music open to all takes place at The Cumberland tonight with the invitation to turn up with an instrument of choice and interact with other musicians in a live performance experience.

Acoustic Circus presents The Attention Seekers, Blue Train and Reverend Ghostchild, Paul Liddell The Cluny 36 Lime Street (0191-232 3934) Free. Doors: 8pm Show: 9pm

The Attention Seekers – well-loved acoustic veterans of the Newcastle scene, whose single Thursday 9 October Beautiful City has become an unofficial anthem for Newcastle United, perform a live set Generator presents Guessmen, tonight at The Cluny.They are joined by Blue Videoage and Caro Snatch Train, who combine pop, folk and jazz, and the The Head Of Steam acoustic Reverend Ghostchild. Paul Liddell, 2 Neville Street unique guitarist with dynamic and melodic songs, completes the bill. (0191-232 4379) Free. Doors: 8pm Show: 8.45pm

Nesta Records Showcase featuring Holyman Jones, Brothers Falloon, Jez Hall, plus special guest Amy Wedge The Tyne beneath Low Level bridge (0191-265 2550) Free. Doors: 8pm Show: 8.30pm

Jez Hall’s traditional songs are given an edge with accompaniment from guitar, cittern and harmonica, while acoustic duo Brothers Falloon play a mixture of soulful alternative country, dub and acoustic pop.They are joined

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Guessmen are fresh from winning the Alice Texas is a new diva for country noir Diesel U-Music contra-pop award.They are with one foot in the country-blues roots camp joined on tonight’s bill from The Head Of and the other in a more indie territory until Steam by Videoage with their rhythmic funk now claimed by PJ Harvey and ’s and attitudes of punk, and “one woman Hope Sandoval. electronic avalanche” Caro Snatch (pictured on previous page). Friday 10 October

Bridging Folk Acoustic Circus presents Sundown, The Bridge Simma and Nev Clay Castle Square The Bridge, Castle Square (0191-232 6400) (0191-232 6400) Free. Doors: 7.30pm Show: 8pm Free. Doors: 8.30pm Show: 9pm

Alistair Anderson and Johnny Handle host a Simma plays alongside Sundown, whose pure unique evening uniting generations of folk enjoyment of the music infects their musicians in The Bridge, a venue that played a performance and outstanding songwriting special part the UK folk club revival. Celebrated abilities.They are joined by Nev “Godfather” performers are joined by young musicians Clay whose reputation as a local poet/genius is starting to make their mark on the folk music supported by his incredible guitar-playing skills scene, in an evening of top-quality folk music. and good humour.

Acoustic Circus Last Nights Fun The Salsa Club The Cumberland Westgate Road Byker Buildings (0191-221 1102) (0191-265 6151) Free. Doors: 8.30pm Show: 9pm Free. Doors: 8pm Show: 8.30pm A group of young songwriters who are setting Last Nights Fun embody a passion for the pace for aspiring musicians feature at The traditional Irish music Folk while giving a Salsa Club tonight.The programme includes valuable contribution to its modern two very different voices – a “rootsy” sound presentation. underpins Jess Roberts’s voice and songwriting, while the light voice of Lesley Rowley lifts the soul.They are joined by John Nellist, whose Traveller DJs Raj Pannu, Nik Barerra musical skill belies his young age.This night brings a delightful mix of acoustic music. & guests The Telegraph Orchard Street Alice Texas (0191-232 0503) The Tyne Free. From 9pm beneath Low Level bridge (0191-265 2550) Expect an evening of summery roof-terrace Free. Doors: 8pm Show: 8.30pm antics with music spanning all forms of leftfield

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house: broken beat, deep house, electronica, place tonight at The Head Of Steam.This nu Latin and breaks. afternoon aims for a carnival feel with all manner of shenanigans taking place.

Belly Rub Productions and The Bulbs The Newcastle Arts Centre Divine Theatre Company Black Swan Yard The Newcastle Arts Centre (0191-261 9959) Black Swan Yard Free. Doors: 8.30pm Show: 9pm (0191-261 9959) Free. Doors: 7.30pm Show: 8pm

The Divine Ladies and their band of merry comedians bring their sketch show Utterly Nutterly to Newcastle Arts Centre.This local company has been hard at work formulating yet more crazy characters and situations to entertain their ever-increasing fan base.

Generator presents All Dayer The Cluny 36 Lime Street (0191-232 3934) Free. Doors: 1pm Show: 1.30pm 2nd session: Doors: 8pm Show: 9pm

Award-winning Belly Rub (above), lay on more Day:Three young bands present their slick comedy sketches at The Newcastle Arts sound: Hoax put out Centre.They are joined by The Bulbs, the UK’s no-nonsense rock with high-energy delivery, premier punk/country/blues/glam/art noiseniks! while Dayplayer’s sound is on a pop punk trip with progressive rock attributes. Fude mix clear vocals with an evolved metal style and Saturday 11 October Hucked roll out distinctive and well-crafted songs.

Hobo Chamber Night:The Golden Virgins describe their music The Head Of Steam as “rock ‘n’ roll shambolique” with bleakly 2 Neville Street humorous lyrics, Kapital A play electronic- (0191-232 4379) tinged rock ‘n’ roll with psychedelic beats, Free. Doors: 1pm Show: 2pm while Maximo Park play unruly pop for broken hearts. Meanwhile, Mavis are “your favourite A live and inspired celebration of words and new band”. music, featuring percussion artists, musicians, break-beat poets, mime and comedy acts, takes

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