Cantaloop's mission is to provide "iFunk" to the masses and is fronted by the hip-hop/funk attack of Dannie Dee with the pioneers of "iFunk" 100c on guitar, Paulo De' Wooton on bass, and Beef on drums, fleshed out with additional players (either sax or trumpet) and special guests.

“Live they (Cantaloop) stand out from the crowd. Well worth checking out Midlanders six piece, with the blend of funk, rap and R&B. There’s something for many on this — their second LP - recorded at gigs in London and that noted capital of funk Perranporth. It’s often party-centric stuff, but that’s sometimes all you need!” — Angus Batey of Mojo.

Venue: The Tap House
Date: Thursday September 25th

Web Site: http://www.cantaloop.co.uk
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/cantaloopnufunk
Contact: cantaloopbrotherhood@hotmail.com

On the surface, Wolverhampton in the West Midlands seems like any other post industrial town. With the shadow of neighbouring Birmingham looming large, it takes a special band to rise above the nothingness and shine through the haze. The Lines are that band.

‘Domino Effect’, the debut single from the four-piece on Weekender records, combines the soaring heartfelt vocals of lead singer Alex Ohms with Dean Bate’s punch-the-air guitar melodies. The driving rhythm section of Chris Titley on bass and Ryan Edwards on drums provides a rigid backbone to their well-crafted songs.

Incredible focus and infectious self-belief elevate their music to a different level - the Lines are here to put Wolverhampton firmly on the musical map. “We’ll burn this town down like nobody else can” sings Alex on their debut. It’s hard to disagree.

Venue: Kidderminster Town Hall
Date: Friday September 26th

Web Site: www.thelines.info
Myspace: www.myspace.com/wearethelines
Contact: wearethelines@googlemail.com

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“The Amateurs have a thirst for perfection and it beams from every note that they play…”

The Amateurs, hailing from the West Midlands, are one of the leading unsigned bands in the UK. Their humble beginnings include being the backing band for Robert Pant and his ‘Tsunami Relief’ project, raising thousands for the charity.

The four young men from Birmingham are writing some powerful songs and with an edge that sits them apart from the influx of piano based acts currently dominating the charts, this is both more substantial and undeniably more captivating.

The Amateurs new EP recorded with top producers The Animal Farm in London 2008, alongside their awe-inspiring live set, sets them up nicely for some new adventures. Gigs with Guillemots, Jack Savoretti and a standout performance at 2008's Guilfest under their belts, the future looks very bright.

Venue: Kidderminster Town Hall
Date: Friday September 26th

Web Site: http://www.theamateurs.co.uk
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/theamateursuk
Contact: theamateurs@hotmail.com

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Weak13 originate from a 13-letter town called Kidderminster in a 13-letter country (United Kingdom) and was created by Nick J.Townsend. The music has swept the underground since its birth 13 weeks before the millenium and will do so for ever more. This is a band that will not stop. Its mission is to exist and serve the public. Weak13 is NOT a record-label manufactured band. It is designed by one man who with his close friends play the music that the people want to hear. Welcome to WEAK13. Weak13 use a variety of strange low-guitar tunings unorthadox riffs and dark sounds for every song. Every Weak13 song is different. The lyrics written by Nick J.Townsend are always filled with subliminal messeges personal experiences and harsh reality always taking full advantage of poetic freedom. No subject is out of bounds.

Venue: Kidderminster Town Hall
Date: Friday September 26th

Web Site:
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/weak13music
Contact: weak13music@hotmail.co.uk

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The ever-versatile King is currently making extreme progress in the acoustic genre, shaking the ever-growing dust out of the dull climate acoustic music has currently reached. An exciting breath of fresh air is what King Rich delivers to the new-wave acoustic scene, providing his own stance and slants on music - emotion packed and punching - with much to offer as a fine representative and example of the new-age acoustic pioneer!

King Rich has supported very notable artists such as The Levellers, Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin), Roy Harper, and Acoustic Artist of the Year 1999, 2000 - Adrian Byron Burns. He has had many years of training in all aspects of music. To his credit, he was awarded musician of the year at Kidderminster College, and is also one of the top artists on the record label he is signed to … MAS RECORDS. In 2005, King Rich also came runner up, above thousands of entries, in a national song writing competition, in honour of Clifford T Ward.

Venue: Kidderminster Town Hall & The Library
Date: Friday September 26th & Monday September 29th

Web Site: http://www.kingrich.co.uk
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/alternativekingrich
Contact: info@kingrich.co.uk

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Sister Sandwich were "baptised" as Sister Savage and the Buggered Nuns way back in 1992. The guys got together for a "one-off" gig to cover for a band who had pulled out of a local (Shropshire ooh aaaaah!) charity gig. Despite being bottled off the stage the boys enjoyed the experience so much they decided to go to casualty and having been patched up they vowed to continue their holy crusade for noise.

The fact that the band rely almost entirely on cover versions of other songs was mere coincidence as the boys had only time to scratch together a few songs in the short time leading up to their first gig. But the truth tells you another story, as the official version at the time was that they were too f**kin' lazy to get off their lard arses to work anything original out. This view was reinforced by the artist formerly known as Sister Savage, who was reported to say at the time "why should we spend hours upon hours of our time trying to get together some original material when there are thousands or songs out there written for us? Besides nickin' other people's songs gives us more time for drinkin".

Venue: Kidderminster Town Hall
Date: Friday September 26th

Web Site: http://www.sistersandwich.com
Myspace: myspace.com/sistersandwich2
Contact: sistersandwich@yahoo.co.uk

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Out of North Worcestershire, Los Gravitas are the latest from a long line of fine rock musicians to emerge into the limelight with their own distinctive brand of rock.

Aged between 18 and 21, Los Gravitas have created their characteristic brand of rock that although new, pulls from the archive of the greats that has inspired their vibrant and melodic songs that make this band stand out from the crowd.

Like all genres of music each has its place in history and at some point it all comes round again Los Gravitas are at the forefront of a fresh wave of rock that has great arrangements, songs and musical performance.

Venue: Kidderminster Town Hall
Date: Friday September 26th

Web Site:
Myspace: www.myspace.com/losgravitas
Contact: losgravitas@hotmail.com

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"IF COMPUTER GAMES EFFECTED PEOPLE WE WOULD ALL BE RUNNING AROUND IN DARK ROOMS MUNCHING POWER PILLS" writes MELO DJ.

With 15 years experience DJ'ing and Producing, MELO DJ has performed in many countries and at such well known festivals as Glastonbury,  Larmer Tree and Animal Beach together with supporting well known bands and artists, including local hip-hop band Cantaloop who are also supporting the Kidderminster Music Festival.  Many of his own tracks have been played on Radio 1 and Kerrang FM. 

MELO DJ loves his music and knows you will too.

Venue: Kidderminster Town Hall
Date: Friday September 26th

Web Site:
Myspace: www.myspace.com/melodj
Contact: melodjmp3@yahoo.com

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British singer, pianist and guitarist Mike Sanchez is one of the most exciting and charismatic performers of Rhythm & Blues and Rock 'n' Roll in the world today. His indelible image as a frenetic front man, pumping powerful boogie-woogie from the piano in a soaking red suit, has won him fans from all over the world and attracted a following from many famous rock and blues legends who have lined up to work with him.

Mike enjoyed four years as a full-time member of Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, fronting the band from 2001 alongside Georgie Fame, Beverly Skeete, Albert Lee, Andy Fairweather-Low and Eddie Floyd on their annual world tours. The Rhythm Kings released their album 'Just for a Thrill' and a fabulous DVD filmed during January 2004 titled 'Let The Good Times Roll', both featuring Mike's extensive role as a member of the ex-Rolling Stones bassist's touring band.

In December 07 he was invited to appear as a guest vocalist with Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings at one of the most publicised musical events of the year – the final Led Zeppelin reunion at London's 02 Arena, a tribute to the memory of the late Ahmet Ertegun, founder of Atlantic Records. Mike performed alongside such soul legends as Ben E King, Percy Sledge and Sam Moore.

Mike is currently involved in a number of recording projects and touring line-ups, most notably his 6-piece outfit Mike Sanchez and his Band featuring child prodigy Oliver Darling on guitar, ex-Biscuit Boy bassist Al Gare, Mike's long term drummer Mark Morgan, Nick Lunt on baritone sax (Jools Holland's Rhythm & Blues Orchestra) and Martin Winning on tenor sax (Van Morrison). This band’s performances continuously receive fabulous reviews throughout the blues and rockin' scenes across the UK and Europe.

Just released is Mike's new album – "You Better Dig It" – Doopin 02
released on Mike's own UK label and on-line store, Doopin Music at www.doopin.com.
The long-awaited release from rhythm and blues madman, Mike Sanchez!
That’s right – The Sanch is back and he’s got a real reason to rock! Mike is in the driver’s seat for 19 tracks of high-velocity rock’n’roll and soulful, down-home blues, designed to satisfy your soul. YOU BETTER DIG IT, YOU HEAR?

Venue: Kidderminster Town Hall
Date: Saturday September 27th

Web Site: http://www.mikesanchez.com
Myspace: www.myspace.com/mikesanchezandhisband
Contact: mikesanchezenqs@aol.com

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Expressed through a distinctive bitter-sweet vocal delivery and harrowing guitar work, Ian's songs hold nothing back. His ability and willingness to share with his audience, naked honesty and genuine emotion, is what sets him apart.

Drawing on an eclectic range of influences, this young man is fast becoming Britain's best loved blues/roots performer. A songwriter genuinely literate, sometimes almost literary, Ian is an original craftsman rooted in the blues but not trapped by any desire to replicate the past. He is without doubt a relevant contemporary blues man.

Venue: Kidderminster Town Hall
Date: Saturday September 27th

Web Site: http://www.ianparkermusic.com
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/ianparkermusic
Contact: ian.parker, morg, steve, or wayne @ianparkermusic.com

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Deborah Bonham releases her 3rd album 'Duchess' on Warners ATCO label world wide, and will be touring the UK, Europe and USA. The album hosts a classic mix of Blues Rock and Soul, with a dash of Country and Folk, oft' compared to Maggie Bell, Janis Joplin, Little Feat and Bonnie Raitt. Guests on the album include a duet with Paul Rodgers, BJ Cole on Pedal Steel Guitar, Robbie Blunt, Jason Bonham, Jerry Shirley and Fairport Convention's Dave Pegg on Mandolin, all playing alongside Deborah's kickin' live band. "Although Deborah is the little Sister of Led Zeppelin's John Bonham, she sounds more like she is related to Steve Marriott or Paul Rodgers". Deborah and her band have been a great festival addition, playing Canterbury to Glastonbury, Bulldog to Donnington and Cambridge to Cropredy. Deborah's live performances have seen her open shows and duet with such luminaries as Paul Rodgers, Jools Holland, Fairport Convention, Paul Weller, Robert Plant, Foreigner, Humble Pie, Lonnie Donnegan, Van Halen, Alannah Myles, Peter Frampton and Donovan.

Venue: Kidderminster Town Hall
Date: Saturday September 27th

Web Site: http://www.deborahbonham.com
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/deborahbonham
Contact: info@deborahbonham.com

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A rare appearance by guitarist Carlisle Egypt framed as Sonic Fiction
Trilogy with a floating cadre of special guests (now being finalised).
Carlisle Egypt will be performing a magical carpet of laser guided
guitar riffs, motoric percussion, perceived through a haze of reverb,
echo and psychedelic after burn.

Carlisle Egypt said, "Sonic Fiction Trilogy embraces all the key themes
from private joy to political rage."

Venue: Kidderminster Town Hall
Date: Saturday September 27th

Web Site:
Myspace:
Contact:

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Pigstyle spins the vinyl Well known around the area for his extensive and eclectic – some might say eccentric – taste in music, it is impossible not to be entertained by Pigstyle. Whatever your tastes Pigstyle will eclipse them and open your ears to something old, something new (well, not so new), something rock and something blues…and almost everything else in between.

So whatever your musical preferences, Pigstyle will play what Pigstyle will play – and you’ll probably find your life passing before your ears.

Venue: Kidderminster Town Hall
Date: Saturday September 27th

Web Site:
Myspace:
Contact:

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'Just let the Hoola Boola re-ignite your smile.' Yes that's exactly what Ricky Cool and The Hoola Boola Boys are all about. Ricky has long been known as one of the best frontmen in the business, from his days as a displaced American who wound up in Oldhill and teamed up with a bunch of Brummies to form Ricky Cool and The Icebergs. Radio and T.V. appearances made Ricky a household name and records soon followed, particularly with his next line up, Ricky Cool and The Rialtos. This led to a link up with the legendary Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin) in his first Honeydrippers line up and a long lasting collaboration with Andy Silvester (Chicken Shack/Savoy Brown) which culminated in the formation of what became the UK's top Rhythm and Blues Band, The Big Town Playboys and the unveiling of crazy man Mike Sanchez on an unsuspecting public.

Ricky is known for presenting the best in Rhythm 'n' Blues and Rock 'n' Roll and with The Hoola Boola Boys you get this in spades. The Hoola Boola Boys all started quite oddly. Promoter and musician Martin Pryce was asked to provide the music for a huge 40th birthday party, November 1990. Mike Sanchez was available and Martin put together a formidable line up to back him. The band members were literally introduced to each other on stage. "What are we gonna play?" said Mike. "I'm Ready - Fats Domino," replied Martin. "It's in F," shouts Mike, "1-2-3." It was fantastic. The band was great. Quite remarkable. The following year, Mike played about 100 shows with The Hoola Boola Boys including a major charity show, backing Robert Plant, at the famous J B's club in Dudley. The Hoola Boola Boys have continued to back some of the best names on the R 'n' B circuit and now, together with Ricky Cool, they provide the very best in Rock 'n' Roll and Rhythm 'n' Blues entertainment. So go on! Let the Hoola Boola re-ignite your smile. MyGen Profile Generator

Venue: Stourport Boat Club
Date: Sunday September 28th

Web Site:
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/rickycoolandthehoolaboolaboys
Contact: 01584 877418

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Sam Payne’s latest album, ‘Shackles Off’, is due out at the end of this year. It is well under way and has Skip MacDonald (Little Axe, The Sugar Hill Gang, Miles Davis, Sinead O’Connor) producing and playing guitar. Keith le Blanc (Madonna, Annie Lennox to name a few) on drums and other special guests. It is an eclectic mix of light and dark with some very controversial lyrics and songs that touch the soul. The whole point of the album is to spread peace, love and unity.

Sam Payne is back in the driving seat. Sam’s been playing piano since she was 5 and is influenced by jazz, blues, folk, rock, hip-hop, and samba amongst others. Her writing is unique to Sam as is her singing style.

Ronnie Scott’s, Band On the Wall, Dingwalls, the Essential Festival, the Jam House and Colne International Blues Festival are a few of the great gigs Sam has done.

Sam’s album “HARD DRIVING” gets ALBUM OF THE MONTH in Link, Magasine.

Sam has also appeared on the Paul Jones Show, BBC Radio 2, Jazz Fm, Atlantic 252 as well as local and European Radio Stations.

Venue: Stourport Boat Club
Date: Sunday September 28th

Web Site: http://www.sampayne.co.uk
Myspace:
Contact: sales@sampayne.co.uk

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