So here we are, autumn has arrived and the nights are closing in, still what better way to avoid the impending winter blues than by heading along to one (or more) of the great gigs taking place in this here fine city over the coming weeks. Whatever your musical tastes there’s sure to be something worth checking out in our bustling local scene.
Notts in a Nutshell – The Maze – Monday 29 September
The Maze’s regular showcase for new Nottingham talent is always well worth checking out, who knows you might well be seeing an early performance from one of Nottingham’s future musical sensations.
GOODNIGHT ASTRONAUT are a bad we thought we’d heard the last of after they went on hiatus back in 2012, however the boys are back and gigging again having kicked off a run of shows with an appearance at the Load of Meat Fest earlier this month We were big fans of these guys before they took a break and are excited to see what they have up their sleeves on their return.
Also performing tonight will be rock ‘n’ roll band BLACKMAIL BOX, new rock seven piece HIGHCROFT and alt performer BLUE SUNSHINE.
As ever entry is just £3 and it kicks off at 7.30pm so why not get along and see what’s new in Nottingham.
https://www.facebook.com/events/768691346522008/?ref=2&ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming
Wire & Wool – The Alley cafe – Thursday 2 October
I’m Not From London’s sister organisation Wire & Wool present another night of great music at the wonderful Alley cafe this Thursday. Always a great night for checking out some of the more alternative acts on the Nottingham scene – while enjoy a great organic pint, and completely free entry this is certainly a night to get along to.
Hailing from across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire RED FIRE ANTS are a four piece who blend experimental rock with a hint of folk to create an exciting sound. Formed in 2013 they’ve already recorded their debut album ‘Tame the Fire’ and are ready to make their mark.
PEGEFO AND MARITA METELIA combine fusion soul and funk with elements of punk, funk, reggae and DnB for a unique sonic sound.
Formerly of the underrated Alberto Veto, SOL BAISH will be performing solo on Thursday, expect a combination of melodic folks and twee ballads for an enjoyable sound.
ALEX & THE CHRISTOPHER HALE BAND is the one man project of Alexander Christopher Hale, expect an entertaining set featuring songs about American history, unusual dreams and intense loneliness – plus, apparently, heartfelt Shakira covers.
There will also be a special appearance from ALEX ACHTUWALI, frontman for the excellent August Actually.
Finally, rounding up the line up, and offering something different author LIAM RODGERS will be reading excerts from his novel ‘Dogknife’ – a gritty tale about three girls growing up in Radford – there will also be a book signing and a chance to grab a copy of the book.
The show gets going at 8.15pm and, as we said above, it be free entry.
https://www.facebook.com/events/657919164321672/?ref=2&ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming
Joy Mumford
Joy Mumford – The Bodega – Thursday 2 October
It still rankles with me that our final episode of the NottinghamLIVE Radio Show never went ahead – we we’re locked out of the building! Not only did we miss the chance to say a proper goodbye to our listeners but we had a heck of a live performance lined up for our final show, the wonderful JOY MUMFORD.
Whilst we never got to have Joy on the show we have been able to watch as she continues to grow into one of the city’s best musical talents, not least the fact she became, we believe, the first ever solo performer to win the Future Sound of Nottingham competition and thus the right to open Splendour Festival.
This week Joy will become the latest Nottingham performer to perform her own headline slot at The Bodega at which you can expect new songs, surprises and a full band backing Joy up.
As if the chance to see Joy perform wasn’t enough there will also be appearances by BETH FRISBY and JAMIE MOON (who WAS the last live guest on the NottinghamLIVE Radio Show).
Doors are at 7pm and tickets are just £5 (+ booking fee).
https://www.facebook.com/events/506757292791951/?ref=56&unit_ref=suggested_events
Mrs Green – Nottingham Playhouse – 2 – 4th October
Also on Thursday marks the first date that MRS GREEN gets back on the stage bringing her fiery soul and passionate performances in a whirlwind of activity. Mrs Green is a musical written and starring Nic Harvey, with Ben Welch providing an electrifying performance as Mrs Green herself, a 70ish year old woman who grows cannabis to ease the symptoms of her arthritis. She’s got a crowd of fun characters and fantastic songs to get down to, but if you haven’t got tickets already, I’m afraid all four dates are completely sold out!
Alta Pueblo, Anwyn Williams. Roxy May & Holly Ervin – Bunkers Hill – Friday 3 October
Bunkers Hill’s Friday night shows have become a cornerstone of the Nottingham music scene, each week offering up a selection of great Nottingham performers, and this week is no different.
You can enjoy multi-instrumental, European inspired music from the excellent ALTA PUEBLO.
ANWYN WILLIAMS is a firm favourite of ours here at NottinghamLIVE, a sensational performer who we highly recommend checking out. Performing beautiful acoustic folk sounds that always “cast a spell on the room”.
You can also expect upbeat, cheery, smile inducing happy pop from ROXY MAY.
https://www.facebook.com/events/730765710336311/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming
NOMAD Launch Event – Sneinton Market – Saturday 4 October
This Saturday see’s the launch of a brand new initiative – NOMAD, which stands for Nottingham’s Original Music, Art & Dance Org, a community group which aims to unite people from all walks of life by creating events that encourage interaction, networking, learning and performing.
To kick start the organisation they have put together one heck of a launch event, which will take place in Sneinton market on Saturday afternoon and evening, and will feature a HUGE selection of Nottingham talent.
Cultural VIbrations have curated the stage performances and the wonderful Rastarella Falade will be on hosting duties, the lineup of performers is incredible and a shining light on the diversity of Nottingham’s incredible music scene, with sets from:
RAM1, backed by the ITES BAND, BLESSING MAGORE, MONIQUE HENRY, NU-PROJEKS DANCE, ROBYN HUGHES-JONES, QMX FUTURE KIDZ DANCE TEAM, THE HARGREAVES, IAMSTARZ, EMILY FRANKLIN, JOANNE LOVATT, KRIPTIK & ELJAY, MIZZ RED and PETE TASH.
There will also be interactive workshops, food at reasonable prices, arts and crafts and more.
For more on NOMAD check out the official Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/groups/NOMADNOTTS/?fref=ts
The event is free entry and all are welcome.
https://www.facebook.com/events/362653920551411/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming
So there you have it some great gigs on this week, and don’t forget this weekend also sees the return of the ACES HIGH FESTIVAL, full preview here.
So have a great week whatever you do and don’t forget to let us know about any upcoming gigs you think we should be checking out.
Darren Patterson
