Amber’s annual battle of the bands kicks of on Saturday, with the first of two heats before the final at the end of the month.
Competing in this first is the acoustic arm of accomplished indie band 3 Million, the ‘outside the box’ cover maestros 8 Bit Empire, the cultured Gentlemen’s Musical Emporium, the relaxed acoustic vibe of Stephen Smart and the free-spirited melodies of Teresa McNulty.
First prize for the heat is £100, while the runner up probably won’t be disappointed with a free case of beer.
Entrance is free, and the place will be jumping from 8pm to 1am.
Next Saturday (November 23) is big haired and bare-chested mayhem of 9 Bar Gypsies, Deady Long Legs, the heavy energy of Dr Q and the Evil Empire, feel-good rock covers from Jester’s Dead and the all-original sound of Your Gold Teeth.
The final, the following Saturday (November 30), will feature the winner and one runner up from each heat.
£750 is up for grabs for the overall winner, with second place cashing in to the tune of £250.
Contact Steve Leach on 434925, or leachsteve@hotmail.com
Also coming up at Amber is the second Songs from the Sofa acoustic night on Friday November 22.
£4 entry includes a free CD featuring a song from each performing artist, and this edition features the impressive fretwork of Daniel Buttimore, the soulful ska of Electric Railway, the afore-mentioned Teresa McNulty, and It’s My Shadow, a super-duo, if you will, comprising Alex Cowley and Simon Gilman.
The Songs from the Sofa concept is the brainchild of acoustic songsmith Chris Gray, who himself has recently released a new EP, ‘Don’t Lose Your Way’ under the Sun Creative label. More on Chris next week!
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The Manx Sound Exchange is Lee Brooks’ ramblings on the rumblings of the Isle of Man’s music scene and appears each week in the Manx Independent. Help support the scene by emailing lee.brooks@newsiom.co.im or calling 695674 with Manx music news, reviews and photos.
