Liverpool Philharmonic announces the return of Americana Weekend on Friday 26th – Sunday 28th July 2013. Following last year’s event which saw the key figure of U.S. Blues music Lazy Lester Band and the four-time Grammy-nominated band the Pine Leaf Boys performing at the Hall, this time not only will the weekend feature a yet another impressive line-up of the artists but also a variety of events spread across three venues.
A free Americana fringe festival will run at the nearby at the newly saved Caledonia Pub, in heart of Liverpool’s creative scene.
There will be aftershows and workshops at the Liverpool Philharmonic’s Rodewald Suite. Chris Moreton, described by The Independent as ‘the best bluegrass guitarist in the country’ will give a master-class for intermediate players sharing his extensive performance experience and passion for bluegrass music.
Bluegrass and Americana sessions will take place in the Caledonia Pub. On Friday 26th July there is The Downtown Dixieland Band and on the Saturday will be a local showcase featuring The Flamin’ Mamies and Bayou Noir amongst others. Sunday afternoon from 4pm – 7pm will be a journey through American Jazz history with The Martin Smith Quartet and the evening gig with The Rip Roaring Success and The Swingin’ Bricks.
The Americana Weekend starts on Friday, 26 July, with a three time Grammy-winning group BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet playing at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. Regular performers at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, winners of ‘Best Non-European Cajun Band 2011’ at The European Cajun and Zydeco Awards, they are rightly regarded as one of the best Cajun bands performing in the U.K. Their new album From Bamako To Carencro, released earlier this year, includes an exquisite blend of Cajun music with some notable jazz, blues and R&B elements. Having toured in more than 30 countries across the world, their eagerly anticipated Liverpool debut will no doubt impress not only Cajun music lovers, but fans of other roots music styles alike.
Another highlight of the weekend includes the performance of Grammy winner Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys on Sunday, 28th July. With 25 years under their belt, this band has been described as ‘One of the finest Cajun bands in history’. Their music, steeped in the French heritage of Southwest Louisiana with a distinct accompaniment of accordion and fiddle, has gained a lot of admirers all around the globe.
The Americana Weekend promises to be one of the highlights of the Liverpool Philharmonic summer programme and an ultimate celebration of Americana music.
Free Americana Fringe Festival at The Caledonia Pub, 2 Catherine Street, Liverpool L7 7DX, to run alongside the Philharmonic programme. Ring The Philharmonic Hall Box office on 0151 7093789 for tickets for all events and shows at The Philharmonic Hall.