For anyone who remembers the 1980s, just the names Chas and Dave will trigger memories of witty, playful tunes, snooker and rabbits. Their distinct sound and working class music helped define the decade but the duo are still producing new music with the same London sound even now. As they embark on their latest retrospective tour to celebrate 40 years since their debut album, Chas and Dave bring their cockney humour to Liverpool's St George's Hall.
The Continental is a popular bar/restaurant and was awarded Camra's West Lancashire Pub of the Year two years running, 2010/11. Situated close to the banks of the River Ribble, Preston, it has also become a popular venue hosting theatre, cinema and live music on a weekly basis in the Arts Space.
If you love the sound of the 70's then head to Blackpool's Grand Theatre during their MusicFest16 event and enjoy a nostalgic trip back to that decade with the Solid Gold 70's show.
The intro theme to Top of the Pops plays, then sirens and searchlights fill the theatre, the curtain is raised and you are immediately transported back to 1973 as glam rock band Sweet's 'Blockbuster' is belted out by lead vocalists Janey Bombshell and Mark Keen.
The 1970's saw the arrival of glam rock in the music world, the origins associated to Marc Bolan, lead singer of a band he created, Tyrannosaurus Rex, later abbreviated to T.Rex. With flamboyant dress often involving glitter, satin and feather boas and introducing electric guitar to their sound they had immediate commercial success with a run of 11 singles ranked in the UK top ten.
'Walk right in, sit right down' ... very apt for the opening bars for this show which takes you on a nostalgic trip down memory lane with country, pop and rock from the 50's 60's and 70's, although before long you are very likely to be up and dancing along!
Dressed in country garb, Carole Gordon, Rachel Cantrill, Gary Thatcher are the singers encouraging the audience to clap and 'Yee Haw' to a medley of country songs 'Act Naturally', 'Shoo Fly Don't Bother Me' and Hello Mary Lou' amongst them and setting the pace for this nonstop, (apart from the interval) high energy and perfect for holiday entertainment show.
The Carpenters were a brother and sister duo who became the biggest selling act of the 1970's with no fewer than ten of their singles achieving sales of over a million. Sadly after a career lasting fifteen years Karen lost her battle with an eating disorder and passed away at the age of thirty two in 1983.
However her memory lives on, and the Grand Theatre, Blackpool, hosts Karen Carpenter - Voice of the Heart over several dates during their summer season of MusicFest16.
Whether you are in party mood or just want to be guaranteed an entertaining night out, there is no better place to be than in the audience at the Grand Theatre Blackpool on any Tuesday night from now, until and including 30th August to for the Chicago Blues Brothers show. Donning trilby hats and shades is optional but you won't be out of place as Chris Hindle and Gareth Davey dance onto the stage as Jake and Elwood Blues to 'Soul Man'. These guys are so full of energy and happiness that you just can't help being swept away by the enthusiasm and I can guarantee that you will be singing and dancing along before you know it.
Dancing Queen took to the stage as part of Blackpool Grand Theatre’s "MusicFest16 " which features 6 weeks of entertainment ranging from Rock and Pop to Blues and Ballads from various artists.
With Dancing Queen being the title of one of the well known songs from one of the most popular groups of the 70's don't be misled by the name, this show is not all ABBA. The first half concentrates on music of the 70's with opening songs associated to Earth, Wind and Fire such as 'September', ' Groove Tonight' and 'Boogie Wonderland' and performed by two female vocalists, supported by two guitarists, drums and keyboard. Sadly I am unable to name individually as there was no literature available, introductions on stage referred only to first names or character names and upon researching their own website its apparent this has not been updated.
Yet more talented folk from this great city at Gullivers on Oldham Road in the Northern Quarter, Manchester.
Talented and witty (possibly due to the career of his namesake) David 'Dave' Gorman has an EP out called "A Thousand Miles A Day" and it promises that funds are guaranteed to go towards a great cause - I can vouch for that!
“SWINGING”
The production took place at the Charter Theatre within the Guild Hall in Preston and although I am far too young to remember these great men in their prime, I do know all their music. I was impressed with the simple, but effective set using a video wall on the back wall to show pictures of Frank, Dean and Sammy. The band were very impressive and produced a great sound. The 2 Vegas Show Girls were amazing and their routines were on point every single time. They matched each other perfectly and their costumes were fabulous and plentiful (probably needing their own trailer)
If you love the sound of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons then this is a tribute band you really should go to see as they recreate some of the fantastic sounds of the era. Even if you don't love the sound you should still go as you are guaranteed to be converted and come away feeling as if you have just been to a great party.
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