Showcase
The place to find fantastic new bands, venues and maybe even Just some great people. Scroll down to see More.
And if you are a musician, band, artist, venue, event, or just a really lovely person doing their bit to make life better, get in touch and we’ll see if we can get you in!
My absolute favourite discovery of 2023, the fabulous and delightful Hannah Grace. Peerless songwriting, a beautiful voice with an almost inhuman range (Maria Carey’esque) and sublime keyboard skills. And an ability to interpret songs in ways you never even imagined. (See her version of Praise You!). I predict BIG things in 2024 for Hannah, if there is ANY justice in the world!
Of Kings and Captains - saw these guys at Glastonbudget 2023 (not a typo!) and thought they were great. First set on the Friday afternoon (tough spot!) and smashed it! Worth checking out where they are playing at any festivals over the summer in 2023.
Another fantastic Glastonbudget 2023 discovery, The Mercians. Fronted by the charismatic Matt Cominitto, and hailing from Coalville, Leicester, released their debut single “Dream Seller” in 2022 and supported ex Kasabian frontman Tom Meighan on his European tour. Bursting with energy and very much looking the part, watch our for them in 23/24.
Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce the Covasettes.
This is a band I’ve followed for a while, saw them play an absolutely STONKING set at the Wychwood Festival in 2019. I thought they had the talent, the sound and look to really go big and their new single is an absolute belter! Check it out “Be Mine”. Solid buy. 9/10. 🤩
They have a pretty awesome website too. Hit the button for a bit of groovy psychedelia!
As an extra bonus, this is pretty cool too! Loving the “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” mash-up!
Big things ahead for these boys I predict. You read it here first!
And because as ever, I do all the work for you, check them out on Facebook too. 😎
The Jack J Hutchinson Band - part showcase , part review this one. Had the pleasure of seeing Jack and his ‘super-tight’ band at the iconic Iron Road in Pershore on Saturday 14th March 2020. (my last gig before the first #lockdown. Boo-hoo. 😢😢😢)
Despite the on-going Corona Virus drama, a decent crowd of hardy souls (taking appropriate precautions of course) made the trip to Pershore. Jack is a pretty well established artist with a good few years of roadwork under his belt and a popular draw on the blues/rock circuit. He didn’t disappoint. A full 90 minute high energy set of solid rock with a strong blues foundation. Promoting his new album “Who Feeds the Wolf” a couple of stand out tracks (for me) being “Justified”, “Kiss Your Ass Goodbye” and the more mellow “I Will Follow You”.
Born in Leicester, Jack spent his formative years in Burnley in the north west before moving to London to be an artist and musician. To date, he has released two solo albums, including 2017’s critically acclaimed ‘Paint No Fiction‘.
Check out Jack’s homepage for tour details and try and catch him live if you can. Whatever your musical taste, high quality original music performed with real energy, charm and exceptional skill is always worth a couple of hours of your time. It’s a massive “Yes” from me.
Meanwhile, while I figure how I’m going to do this bit, if you had been sensible enough to visit the Limelight session at the Guildhall Gloucester on Thursday March 5th , you could have had the pleasure of Ben Roberts, so not a full “showcase” but try a bit of this.