December 2004

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‘ARE YOU EXPERIENCED?' were formed over twelve years ago and in that time they have become widely regarded as just about the best JIMI HENDRIX tribute show you will see.

Guitarist John Campbell bears more than just a passing resemblance and has drawn on his many years of playing in different bands and various styles to perfect his ‘Hendrix' persona. When he plays his strat behind his head and with his teeth, it brings a smile to the face of even the most finicky Hendrix fan.

With his unique visual playing style, bass guitarist Mark Arnold has also played in various bands over the years and provides a solid foundation as one half of the rhythm section.

Drummer and backing vocalist Kevin O'Grady, completes the line up. Anyone who has caught the act will surely agree that Kevin puts nothing less than 100% into his powerhouse drumming style.

The band are proud to be playing the timeless music of JIMI HENDRIX, providing some nostalgic moments for those lucky people who actually witnessed Jimi in the flesh and recreating some of the magic for a new and eager audience.

Yes, there was and always will be only one, JIMI HENDRIX.

Catch ‘ARE YOU EXPERIENCED?' when they come to town and relive the excitement and explosive stage show of the JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE. Let the band take you through all the favourites like ‘Hey Joe', ‘Voodoo Chile', ‘All Along The Watchtower', ‘Foxy Lady' and ‘Little Wing', culminating in the guitar-burning finale of Wild Thing.

‘The Legend Lives On………..'

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"The best band you have never heard"

Since forming back in 1996, British rock outfit Mostly Autumn have garnered themselves a name for their relentless touring schedule and outstanding live shows. And this Autumn, the York based outfit are set to hammer this home with the upcoming 'Go Well Diamond Heart' tour of the UK,  Holland and Belgium.

They have built a loyal and cult following since their first album twelve years ago and in that time such luminaries as the late Richard Wright of Pink Floyd, Deep Purple's Jon Lord and the BBC's own Bob Harris are amongst its many fans.  
Mostly Autumn has also toured as an invited support act to Blackmore's Night, Uriah Heep and Jethro Tull, as well as being special guests at Bryan Adam's Murrayfield Stadium gig three years ago. That alone should give some indication as to the calibre of the band. 

Their musical palette is diverse and while they draw on influences from the golden age of seventies' rock, they have developed their own unique sound and style that both captures some of the essence of that heady era and yet looks forward into the future. 

 Bryan Josh is that rare beast – a hugely talented guitarist who knows how to play with feeling and for the song.  His soaring guitar, always drenched in pure emotion, at times recall the golden era of guitar heroes such as David Gilmour but never outstays its welcome, always leaving the listener wanting a little more. Lead vocalist Olivia Sparnenn is a true talent, the range and beauty of her voice is world class.  The magnificence of Iain Jennings on keyboards, complimented by a rock solid yet fluid rhythm section - Andy Smith (bass), Gavin Griffiths (drums), Liam Davison (rhythm guitar) and the delightful vocals and multi instruments of Anne-Marie Helder make Mostly Autumn a band that will enthrall you and awaken memories of what real music is really about.

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Jason Manford

Jason has a warm and natural stage presence, and his act is a friendly one. He is naturally funny and has a strong, original set. Jason is one of the few comedians who can work just as well compering as he can opening, support or closing. He is currently filming a new BBC sitcom, 'I Deal', starring Johnny Vegas as well as being an active writer for the BBC's Comedy Development Unit. "Top, Funny Bloke" Leicester Mercury
"A Popular Comedian with Charisma Beyond his Years" City Life
"Like Listening to your Funniest Mate" Student Direct
"A Natural with the Audience...Warm...Fun...Engaging" Manchester Evening News
"Jason Thinks He is Some Kind of Comedian" Mrs Cooper, English Dept, Oakwood High School

Patrick Monahan

Having started stand up two and a half years ago 25 year old Patrick Monahan is already making a huge impact on the circuit with a combination of winning material and an adorably bouncy personality. Patrick plays all the top clubs. Edinburgh 2002 Patrick MC-ed the Comedy Zone, his first ever show at the Festival. This year he returns to perform a set of definitive stand up set around his background as an Irish Iranian Northerner growing up in Middlesboro. This gifted live-wire commands the stage with a mix of wit and force of personality' Evening Standard 'The charm of Ed Byrne and the energy of Adam Bloom and wild leaps of imagination that are resonant of Ross Noble' The List "Monahan's tightrope walk between laughter and embarrassment, singles him out as a Star-In-the-making" Daily Telegraph "All energy and bustle, Monahan has it in him to become a perfect circuit comedian and compere" Time Out "Manic physical comic" The Guardian "You might just want to smuggle him out under your coat...instantly loveable, wonderfully unique" Metro Magazine

Alan Carr

Winner of the 'BBC New Comedy Award for Stand-up'
Winner of 'City Life Best Newcomer of the Year Award' He appears regularly at The Comedy Store and has his own monthly show at the Manchester Comedy Store 'Alan Carr's Ice Cream Sunday' a night of comedy and cabaret. His a regular at all the major clubs across the country including the Glee Club in Birmingham and Cardiff and has supported both Bob Downe and Men In Coats on nationwide tours. Alan has featured in Baby Cow's 'Brain Candy' on BBC3 and has also appeared as a panellist on Channel 4's 'Does Doug Know' and BBC1's 'Whoops Baghdad' as well as being a talking head for Sky One and ITV2. Additionally he has written for 'Lily Live', Lily Savage's topical show for LWT and has done various voice-overs including 'Comfort'. 'Carr's a Star!' Manchester Evening News
'Bellyachingly Funny' Sunday Telegraph
'The most exciting and most talked about comedian on the live comedy circuit today' The Sunday Herald
'Sharp, sassy material with pitch perfect comic timing' The List
'Alan Carr is the spiritual son of Frankie Howerd' City Life

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THE SAS BAND - Experience The Ultimate Rock Party

Legendary recording artists, singing their greatest hits and session musicians from the Who's Who of Rock and Pop, join Queen's musical director and keyboard player Spike Edney for a night of fun and explosive music.

In addition to being Queen's Musical Director and keyboard player since 1984, SAS bandleader, Spike Edney has toured and recorded with the living and late legends of our time and has played with some of the world's finest musicians.  It is through this extensive network of close musicians friends, that Spike founded The SAS Band. 

Since The SAS Band's debut, Spike and his band have made television appearances and performed at select private, public and major corporate events around the world. The SAS Band's previous corporate appearances include performances for companies such as Mercedes, Microsoft, Harley Davidson and the Super Yacht Cup, to name a few and as Rod Steward, Paul McCartney, Brian May, Phil Collins and the Stones choose this band to play at their private parties, you can be sure you won't be disappointed!

The artists that have graced the stage with The SAS Band to date are part of an ever-growing collection of some of the world's greatest Rock and Pop performers and have included the likes of Roger Taylor of Queen, Roger Daltrey of The Who, The Sugababes, Roy Wood, Annie Lennox, Josh Groban, Beyonce´, Tony Hadley, Gary Brooker, Paul Rodgers, Madeline Bell (Blue Mink), Graham Gouldman (10cc), Brian May, Leo Sayer, Kiki Dee, Paul Young, Chris Thompson (Manfred Mann's Earth Band), Fish (Marilllion), Bob Geldof, Midge Ure and more recently Amy Winehouse, Queen Latifah, Aretha Franklin, Gloria Gaynor, Cyndi Lauper, Alicia Keys and Leona Lewis, when as Nelson Mandela's 46664's Musical Director, Spike was asked to bring The SAS House Band to back an array of stars for Mandela's 90th and 91st Birthday Concerts in Hyde Park, London and Radio City Music Hall NY.

The musicians Spike uses to back this all-star guests are some of the UK's and USA's most renowned session musicians, who between them have played with a veritable "who's who" of rock & pop performers, from the Stones to Tina Turner, Alice Cooper, Whitesnake, The Who, Eric Clapton, Bowie, George Michael, Radiohead and Robbie Williams, to name a few.

Spike only believes in real music and real singers, so you know you will witness some of the best vocals you'll ever hear.  The SAS Band always guarantees a night of fantastic music, in an electric atmosphere sure to get everyone dancing!

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"I wish it could be Christmas every day"... A parade of pop anthems with the founder of The Move & The Electric Light Orchestra. In the ever changing world of popular music, there are certain characters who remain constant. Always present, though in many different guises, is a man whose appearance is colourful as his music ... Roy Wood. Roy has an amazing 12-piece band complete with 7-piece brass section, entitled "Roy Wood's Army". They present a spectacular show featuring all Roy's classic hits, Blackberry Way, Flowers in the Rain, California Man, Angel Fingers, See My Baby Jive, Ball Park Incident and many more including of course one of the greatest seasonal songs ever - I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day!

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Now, with the passing of Rick Wright in 2008 there will sadly never be the reunion that we all hoped for, but the music is timeless and will live on for many more years to come. How many 60's bands today are still attracting new and often young fans 40 years on?

Today, there are many bands trying to emulate this music, the most outstanding by far being Perfect Alibi. Founded in 1990 the hampshire based band have been described as "the definitive Pink Floyd tribute."

When Dave Blake (lead guitar) formed the band they were playing covers of classic rock songs by Pink Floyd, Marillion, Eagles, Neil Young and more. Being huge Floyd fans themselves and from the reaction and requests from the audiences, more and more of there songs crept their way in to the set until it got difficult to mix other material in. Realising this, a concert was staged in a theatre as a tester and Perfect Alibi emerged as a totally dedicated Pink Floyd tribute.

With Perfect Alibi, you have the chance to hear Pink Floyd songs as they are meant to be heard. The band are now widely respected and appreciated in their field, giving the audience a truly authentic reproduction of the music of Pink Floyd. With the emphasis on capturing the live Pink Floyd sound. With well over 40 songs in their repertoire, spectacular lighting/lasers/projections, this is a show not to be missed!

But don't take our word for it... judge for yourselves. You won't be disappointed!

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STEVE HARLEY With Barry Wickens & James Lascelles Live In Concert

The original Cockney Rebel, STEVE HARLEY, has many facets to his life: writer, actor (including starring in a Beckett play in London's West End), broadcaster, and performer.

Now, the performer is back on the road with his virtuoso band mates, Barry Wickens on violin and guitar, and James Lascelles, piano and percussion, in his "A Closer Look" Acoustic Set.

Harley will draw on tracks from all 13 of his albums, including the great hits, JUDY TEEN, MR SOFT, SEBASTIAN and MAKE ME SMILE, in a two-hour-plus concert. The show promises intimacy mingled with great improvisation and rocky rhythms.

Recent Press reviews have described the performance as "STAGGERINGLY, FABULOUSLY GOOD", with "WONDERFUL TRACKS RICH WITH LIFE EXPERIENCE".

Harley has been described as "A CONSUMMATE PERFORMER AT THE TOP OF HIS GAME" and one reviewer described the three-man Acoustic show as the "IDEAL WAY TO APPRECIATE THE QUALITY OF THOSE LYRICS".

There are many facets to Steve Harley's life and world, but it is on stage, in the spotlight, that he really comes alive: the consummate performer.Make me smile (come up and see me), reached number one in 1975 in the UK and many European countries and is regularly voted among the top singles in the history of the charts, which covers six decades of releases.

The Performing Rights Society has confirmed it one of the most played records in British broadcasting.  The song has been covered more than 100 times in seven languages and has been featured in several movies including The Full Monty (whose soundtrack album went triple platinum in the UK, and platinum in the USA and Australia), Velvet Goldmine, Best and Saving Grace. The song has also been used on more than twenty TV and radio advertising campaigns around the world.

Steve Harley was born as Steven Nice, on 27 February 1951 in South London, growing up in New Cross and attended the school Haberdashers' Aske's Hatcham College. His musical career began in the late 1960s when he was busking (with John Crocker) and performing his own songs, some of which were later recorded by him and the band. The original Cockney Rebel was formed when Steve hooked up with his former folk partner, John Crocker (fiddle / mandolin / guitar) in 1972. They auditioned drummer Stuart Elliott, bassist Paul Jeffreys, and keyboardist Milton Reame-James. They were signed to EMI after playing just five gigs. Their first single "Sebastian", a soaring rock epic, was an immediate success in Europe, though failed to score in the UK singles chart. Their first album, The Human Menagerie, was released in 1973 to critical acclaim, and is still felt by many fans to be their best. The orchestra arrangements were penned by a guy named Andrew Powell who was suggested to the group by their record company. The interesting aspect about Steve's backing band was that they had no real lead guitarist, which equaled to a revolutionary move at that time. Steve's unashamed theatricality, the weird costumes for his stage appearances and the dithyrambic live performance soon made Cockney Rebel one of the most critically acclaimed acts on the circuit, soon gaining a strong cult following.

Harley managed to irritate a significant segment of the music press with his self-aggrandisement, even as the music itself was getting rave reviews and gaining a wide audience.

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Acoustic artist Martyn Joseph? Not just what it says on the tin.

Another guitar laden singer songwriter he may be, but in these transient times where musicians have a seemingly inevitable disposability, the longevity of Martyn's thirty year career suggests he has something special to offer, and indeed he most definitely does.

For the first time in fifteen years, the "Under Lemonade Skies" UK tour earlier this year saw Martyn Joseph joined onstage by a live band. Following the success of this tour Martyn has chosen to include some Band performances in the forthcoming Autumn tour, and as The Brook is one of Martyn's favourite venues in the Uk, he's looking forward to them joining him onstage at the show.

A Martyn Joseph Band gig is something very special. There's all the passion and polish of Martyn's solo gigs but bassist Andrew Coughlan and drummer Mason Neely (both stalwarts of the Cerys Matthews Band) add a whole new dimension with their superb yet sensitive playing enhancing Martyn's performance but leaving him all the space he needs. Furthermore, Martyn clearly enjoys sharing the stage with the other two musicians, so a Martyn Joseph Band gig is not only musically uplifting, but enormous fun too!

Often likened to musicians such as Bruce Springsteen, John Mayer and Bruce Cockburn, Martyn's come a long way since the days when Epic signed him after he sold 30,000 copies of his self-financed album ‘An Aching and A Longing'. He continues to tour extensively on both sides of the Atlantic, building up a constantly expanding and enthusiastic fan base, bringing to their towns what many have described as ‘the best musical experience of their lives.'

There is versatility to Martyn's music that is hard to categorise. Many have tried, resulting in labels such as Folk, Rock, Soul, Folk Funk and Americana; all of which somehow miss the mark. But sometimes music doesn't need a defining genre. Martyn's music and social commentary manage to empower and speak for many. Built around memories and observations alike, his work is inspired by all that's good in the world and also that with which society often falls short.

Martyn Joseph. A unique talent driven by passion and love for his trade, he continues to write, sing and play from the heart. It's a road he's been travelling for most of his life and as he often tells his audience; ‘you keep turning up and so will I.'

Just when you think you've got a handle on singer songwriters, along comes Martyn Joseph to blow the myth away.....

In a year that marks 31 years in the business, Martyn proves that there's nothing predictable about his gigs – only that they can make you laugh, cry, get you thinking, leave you reeling.

An acoustic artist with an electrifying spontaneity, this colossally gifted and gracious Welshman has five Top 50 hits to his name (including Dolphins Make Me Cry and Please Sir) and has been in demand on both sides of the Atlantic for over two decades. Touring both solo and with the likes of Ani DiFranco, Art Garfunkel and Jools Holland he has won fans everywhere with his uncanny melting pot of material which ranges from rock to blues, jazz, Americana and even, "funk folk"!

A mean guitar player with a powerful voice, Bob Harris has praised the "outstanding lyrical intelligence" of his songs while he was voted Best Male Artist in the BBC Welsh Music Awards.

Shades of Springsteen, John Mayer and Bruce Cockburn there may be - but Joseph is unique and no two shows are ever the same.

He has an enviable high level connectivity with his audience whether it's an arts centre in his native Wales or a 5,000 strong crowd at the Royal Albert Hall. His gigs are like taking a rollercoaster ride with a chameleon as he dips and dives between mighty and meek songs, railing against the broken promise playground of global leaders, throwing in some wry humour, holding tight to common man anthems and then "disarming" for unexpectedly fragile love songs that can knock you sideways.

It might be just another evening when you go in to a Martyn Joseph concert – but it certainly won't be when you come out.....

"Britain's best kept secret…..a challenging songwriter and compelling and courageous live performer – MOJO

"He is one of our most intelligent writers. He gets better and better like the finest of wines" - Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2

"Songs of social commentary as much as love, with a rootsy sensibility" – Time Out

"A depth, resonance and emotional punch which belies comparison" – Q

"One of the most charismatic and electrifying performers in Britain today" –Tom Robinson, BBC 6

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The Saw Doctors came together in Tuam, Co. Galway in 1988 when Leo Moran, realising that the potential for Irish reggae was somewhat limited, quit Too Much For the Whiteman, and got together with Davy Carton after his punk band Blaze X disbanded , despite the fact that their first single "Some Hope" was chosen as Single of the Week on Irish radio.

Success came early for The Saw Doctors – their second single, I Useta Lover, went to Number One in Ireland in September 1990 and was still Number One that Christmas. The Saw Doctors then re-released their first single N17 and on the back of I Useta Lover's success, N17, which was produced by Mike Scott of The Waterboys, went to Number One. The first album, If This Is Rock and Roll, I Want My Old Job Back, was Number One for most of 1991.

After picking up a lot of Irish press and entertainment awards in the early ninties and posting a second Number One album (All The Way From Tuam), The Saw Doctors set about touring the UK and in February 1996, the band's third album "Same Oul' Town" went to Number Six in the UK Top Twenty, yielding two Top Twenty UK singles, World of Good, and To Win Just Once. The Saw Doctors appeared on Top of the Pops in January and July 1996 to promote the two singles.

"From country to punk to pop and rock'n'roll", explains Leo Moran on their success, "we stole all our favourite bits".

In April/May 1997, the Saw Doctors undertook their first major coast to coast US tour and as a result landed a US record deal with Paradigm Records in New York. The compilation album, Sing A Powerful Song, was released in November 1997, prompting Geoffrey Himes to write in The Washington Post "the Saw Doctors are one of the world's most appealing roots-rock outfits" ….in "To Win Just Once" they have crafted an anthem for the losers of the world".

Songs From Sun Street, the Saw Doctors fourth album was released on both sides of the Atlantic in 1998. The album release was celebrated in the UK with a sell out show at London's Royal Albert Hall. In America, the Saw Doctors headlined the American Fleadh concerts with Van Morrisson and Sinead O' Connor. At the Fleadh in San Jose (June 99), they had the crowd "jumping like human pogo-sticks" according to the San Jose Mercury News.

In a Saw Doctors' song, you'll listen in vain for the usual swaggering rock cliches about life on the road, drug problems and easy sex. Instead, continuing the tradition of all-time greats from Woody Guthrie and Hank Williams, their songs range from bringing in the harvest, to running away to join the army; from the plight of Ireland's unmarried mothers to the effect of strong religion on a nation's youth; from playing gaelic football against a neighbouring village to loving the prettiest girl in town but lacking the courage to tell her.

During 2000, The Saw Doctors spent most of the year writing and recording their fifth studio album, Villains?, working with programmer and producer, Giles Packham. Villains? was released to critical acclaim in October 2001. Craig Harris noted in the Boston Globe "with their latest CD, Villains?, a hook-laden mix of rock, pop and traditional roots, the Saw Doctors assume their place next to U2, The Pogues, and Thin Lizzy as one of Ireland's great rock bands".

In July 03, Tyrone Productions (Riverdance Producers) filmed a one hour documentary on the Saw Doctors and the documentary "A Different Kind Of World" along with a 80 minute concert that was recorded at a live show in Galway, was released on DVD and CD in March 2004. The DVD and live both entitled Live in Galway were launched at a sell out show at New York's Hammerstein Ballroom.

Over the years, The Saw Doctors have built up a reputation as a great live band. They have toured in Australia, Canada, USA, Sweden, Germany, Holland, Norway and the UK. Paul Sexton of The Times in London observed that "if they could bottle the sort of bonhomie that can make an entire concert hall feel better, The Saw Doctors would have the medicine show to end them all".

For more gossip on The Saw Doctors, log on to the band's website

Read Review of the 2004 Gig ::

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LIMEHOUSE LIZZY - THE GREATEST HITS OF PHIL LYNOTT & THIN LIZZY

Renowned for an action-packed pyrothechnic-fuelled explosion of a show, Limehouse Lizzy continue to keep the spirit of Celtic rock icon Philip Lynott and his band Thin Lizzy alive, well and dominating stages worldwide.

Attention to detail, playful audience interaction and that all important X-factor that leaves you with the feeling of witnessing the real thing have led to their performance being described as "beyond tribute", by both audience and critics alike.

Following the enormous success of their ˜Live & Dangerous" & ˜Dedication" tours, the band embarked upon their "Into the Limelight" 2008 tour to tie in with their appearance on an episode of BBC2's 'Arena' documentary series of the same name. The tour travelled as far as a headline slot at the Rhodes Rock festival in Greece, and the Virgin Atlantic Music festival in Barbados. The band appeared alongside diverse world music acts, and played a Thin Lizzy set representing the celtic rock genre.

Their latest tour continues to explore and celebrate the artistic and musical legacy of the hard-living, hard-rocking, yet at times surprisingly tender and romantic artist that was Philip Lynott.

Expect Celtic influenced tracks like "Whisky in the Jar" and "Black Rose", amongst the usual razzamatazz and classic tracks "The Boys are Back in Town", "Sarah" and many others we've come to expect from one of the most highly rated acts on the circuit.

QUOTES

"Limehouse Lizzy's Wayne Ellis, an uncanny ringer for Phil Lynott..."
The Guardian

"entertainment for more than a decade…fantastic live music"
Arena BBC2

"if you're sceptical about tribute acts, you won't be after seeing Limehouse Lizzy"
Radio Times

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"...Cover bands are big business these days, but this quartet are clearly a cut above most with suits, mop-tops and jerking stage manoeuvres all in place as they blast out 'From Me To You', 'Roll Over Beethoven' and 'Please, Please Me' with note-perfect aplomb."

The Daily Telegraph.

There seems to be two different methods employed by tribute bands in copying their heroes. One is to immerse themselves totally in character, become the band. The other is to still do this, but do it with tongue very much in cheek. So how to interpret the greatest pop group of all time? The Silver Beatles go for option B, not taking themselves too seriously and this approach definitely works for them. They indulge in banter among themselves and with the crowd, making the most out of the fact that every Beatle is instantly recognisable. The first half of the gig is the young Beatles, suits and mop tops, covering all the early hits; 'Saw her standing there, Can't buy me love' among others before finishing on 'Twist and Shout'. Then it's a quick break and costume change where they miraculously transform into the older, hippie era Beatles; the period where they wrote some of their finest songs. Just point non-believers to songs like 'In my life' and 'Let it be' which show, more so than the early years, why the Beatles are still held in such esteem. Not that anyone here needed convincing. The 500 plus crowd, arms held aloft, nah-nah-nah-ing during the encore of 'Hey Jude'. Nope, no non-believers were present.

Review by Thomas Christie

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Time to dance the night away with the band who make every gig a party night! Those that have followed the band will know that the Rufus Stone Soul Band, based in their home town of Southampton, has been around in many guises since their start in late 1984. After all this time you would expect that some of the sparkle would have gone, not a bit. They still have the same distinctive sound, which ensures that they get the maximum involvement from their audience.

Over the years they have built a loyal following and it is this support that has kept the band not only on the road but still as soulful as when they started. The music is authentic soul with selections from The Blues Brothers and The Commitments, but the bulk of the set comes from the soul greats such as Otis Redding, James Brown, Wilson Pickett, Joe Tex and many others.

During their time together there have been a number of highlights that include support to some of the top soul artists like Jimmy Ruffin, Edwin Starr, Curtis Mayfield, Geno Washington, Ben E King, and Gloria Gaynor.

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ALL THE HITS: With a stunning two hours of favourites from Abraxas to Supernatural, the La Vida Santana live sets include selected songs many of the Santana albums. Check their website for samples of their work.

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Mick Slacker & Co's tounge in cheek tribute act just gets better and better.

The BOG ROLLING STONES have earned a reputation as one of the most authentic sounding tribute acts around. Satisfaction's always guaranteed when these long haired boys come home to the Brook!

Their tongue in cheek humour, wigs, stripy trousers and boundless energy make them an act not to be missed. The question is.....would you let your daughter go???

 

The Hideaways are a six-piece band from the south coast of England playing an authentic mix of 60's soul, beat and funky R&B. The group's sound will take you back to the days of hipshakin' tunes and northern soul all-nighters with their heady cocktail of dusty dancefloor jazz, New Orleans funk and Hammond drenched grooves.

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