BBC Radio 2 Live In Newcastle

BBC Radio 2

Live In Newcastle

The nation’s most listened to radio station brings a hostof star names, presenters and programmes to Newcastlefrom Saturday 4 October-Saturday 11 October 2003

(Pictured: Sheryl Crow, Lemar, Jools Holland and Texas)

BBC Radio 2 Live In Newcastle

On-air programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Extra events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Presenter biographies

Richard Allinson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Paul Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Jools Holland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Frank Renton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Janice Long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Mike Harding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Ken Bruce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Fringe events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Contents

BBC Radio 2 Live In Newcastle

www.bbc.co.uk/radio2

All tickets are free and can be obtainedby calling the Radio 2 ticket line on08700 100 200. Lines are open fromMonday 15 September, 7am-12midnight,seven days a week. Calls are charged atnational rate.

Full details are listed on the Radio 2 website atwww.bbc.co.uk/radio2

Richard Allinson The BalticSaturday 4 OctoberShow: 3.30pm Doors: 2.30pm

Transmitted live on BBC Radio 2,Saturday 4 October, 3.30-6.30pm

The Thrills (pictured), Lemar, Dexys MidnightRunners and Amy Winehouse performexclusive sets for Richard Allinson’s show thisweek, broadcast live from The Baltic.

Richard says:“I’m really looking forward to thisweekend.We always try to do something

special when we’re out and about, so I can promise a few surprises on Saturday. It’s been along time coming and I can’t wait to go backto one of my favourite parts of the country.”

Dublin band The Thrills – Conor Deasy onvocals, Daniel Ryan on guitar/vocals and bass,Ben Carrigan on drums, Kevin Horan onkeyboards and Padraic McMahon onbass/vocals and guitars – played their debutLondon show at the Royal Albert Hall, after aperson invitation from Morrissey.The Thrillsget their inspiration from The Beach Boys, ESPand Burt Bacharach and are lovers of themusic of the West Coast of America circa themid-Sixties and Seventies.

Lemar (above) sprang to the public’s attentionlast year as a finalist on the BBC’s FameAcademy. His first single, Dance (With U),described as “a cross between Michael Jacksonand Musiq Soulchild”, stayed true to Lemar’sR&B roots but also kept in tow the audiencehe built up with Fame Academy – an impressivebalancing act.

4BBC Radio 2 Live In Newcastle

On-air programming

On-air programming for BBC Radio 2 Live In Newcastle

Post-punk rock band Dexys Midnight Runnershave recently re-formed with a new “best of”compilation album which is due for release inSeptember.The album includes two newtracks, My Life In England and Manhood, whichwill be showcased on an autumn tour.

Dexys were formed in 1978 by singer/songwriter/guitarist Kevin Rowland and Kevin“Al” Archer, both former members of thepunk band The Killjoys. Having recruitedfurther members to the band, they strove toreflect their working-class image by dressing asNew York dockworkers. In 1980, their debutalbum, Searching For The Young Soul Rebels, was ahuge success and spawned the No. 1 hit Geno.It wasn’t long before they were hailed as“British rock’s return to an organic, soulfulsound in the post-punk/new-wave era”.

The band were, perhaps, most famous for theirsmash-hit single Come On Eileen, which toppedthe charts on both sides of the Atlantic in1982. Dexys spilt up after their third album,Don’t Stand Me Down, in 1986.Their comebackalbum, Let’s Make This Precious, includes originalmembers Kevin Rowland and Pete Williams.

Nineteen-year-old Amy Winehouse is a singer-songwriter from Camden, London, whose voice is “cut with the same rough silk as BillieHoliday and Ella Fitzgerald”. Her music fusestraditional jazz with a more contemorary hip-hop sound.Amy got her first guitar at the ageof 13 – her mother was a fan of folk music and,as a result, she grew up listening to the likes ofJames Taylor and Carole King.Amy was alsoexposed to her father’s jazzier taste andtherefore to the likes of Sarah Vaughan andDina Washington.At the age of 16, she startedsinging with a Youth Jazz Orchestra and, soonafter, became interested in R&B and hip-hop.Amy soon found a management company andbegan working with producers, and it wasn’tlong before Island Records signed her up.Having worked with producers in London, sheheaded for the States to look for collaborators,

and worked with the likes of Lauryn Hill andMary J Blige. Her single, Stronger Than Me, is duefor release in October, ahead of her album,Frank, which records her experiences of loveand life.

Texas – Live & ExclusiveNorthumbria UniversitySaturday 4 OctoberShow: 9.00pm Doors: 8.00pm


Texas perform an exclusive gig live from Stage 2 of the University of Northumbria.

Texas formed in Glasgow in 1986 when 18-year-old art student Sharleen Spiteri (pictured)met Johnny McElhone (ex-Altered Images and


On-air programming

Hipsway).Together, they formed a band, takingtheir name from the 1985 Wim Wenders filmParis,Texas.Their debut album, Southside,spawned their first UK hit single, I Don’t Want ALover, which went straight into the Top 10.Theirnew album, Careful What You Wish For, isreleased in October and features the newsingle Carnival Girl.

Listen To The BandTheatre RoyalSunday 5 OctoberShow: 7.30pm Doors: 6.30pm

Transmitted on BBC Radio 2,Friday 10 October, 9.30-10.00pm

The Grimethorpe Colliery UK Coal Band,conducted by Garry Cutt, and The Ever ReadyBand, conducted by Ray Farr, feature in thisspecial edition of Listen To The Band, presentedby Frank Renton.

To celebrate the brass tradition in Newcastle,tonight’s programme includes brassarrangements of traditional tunes and popular songs from the North East, includingBlaydon Races, Blow The Wind Southerly and The Lambton Worm.

Frank says:“I’m very much looking forward tothis special edition of Listen To The Band. Formany years The Ever Ready band have beenthe pinnacle of brass banding in the NorthEast. Now, with Ray Farr as their principalconductor, they are ready to enter a new eraof innovative entertainment, on parade for thefirst time with Radio 2 in Newcastle.TheGrimethorpe Colliery UK Coal band is,justifiably, one of the most famous bands in theworld, and not just because of their starringrole in the film Brassed Off.They have, for manyyears, been at the cutting edge of innovativebanding and have transported their brand ofentertainment all over the world.”

Paul JonesThe Opera HouseMonday 6 OctoberShow: 8.00pm Doors: 7.00pm

Transmitted on BBC Radio 2,Thursday 9 October, 8.00-9.00pm

Paul Jones introduces Johnny Mars with PaulHart and the Barrelhouse Blues Orchestra andBad Influence in this special edition of Radio 2’sweekly blues show from The Opera House.

Vocalist and harmonica player Johnny Mars is joined by Paul Hart on guitar and vocals and the Barrelhouse Blues Orchestra – a 21-piece outfit of brass, strings and rhythm.TheBarrelhouse Blues Orchestra was put together by Hart in January 2003 and theplayers have played or written for many acts,including Wings, Cream,The Who, RobbieMcIntosh, Kenny Jones Band, Roger Chapman,Clarence Big Millar, the BournemouthSymphony Orchestra and James Last, to name but a few.The whole outfit is conductedby Marcus Marriot who, with Chas Dickie and Dave Burgess, is largely responsible for the arrangements.

Bad Influence are a five-piece band with ValCowell on lead vocals and rhythm guitar,Richard Hayes on lead and slide guitar, HarryJames on drums and vocals, and Chris Childson bass guitar and vocals. Bad Influence tourconstantly, performing their own material andvarious rock and blues covers, ranging fromBonnie Raitt to Tom Petty and Janis Joplin.

Jools Holland Newcastle UniversityMonday 6 OctoberShow: 8.45pm Doors: 7.45pm

Transmitted live on BBC Radio 2,Monday 6 October, 9.00-10.00pm


On-air programming

Jools Holland and his Rhythm & BluesOrchestra perform an exclusive concert aspart of BBC Radio 2 Live In Newcastle.

Over the years, Jools has performed andrecorded with some of the most talentedmusicians and songwriters in the world, a listthat extends from Bryan Ferry, Eric Clapton,Sting, Luther Vandross and BB King, to Dr John,Paul Weller and George Harrison.

Born in London in 1958, Jools showed unusualflair for the piano from an early age. By thetime he was eight, he had mastered therudiments of boogie woogie and blues pianoand, by his teens, he was playing in variousclubs in South London and the East End.

When he was 15, Jools met up with ChrisDifford and Glenn Tilbrook, and together, theyformed Squeeze.With hits including Cool ForCats and Up The Junction, Squeeze achievedspectacular success, selling millions of recordsand breaking America.

Jools went on to become co-presenter of The Tube and presenter of his own BBC Twoshow, Later With Jools Holland. In addition to his successful presenting career on bothtelevision and on Radio 2, Jools and hisRhythm & Blues Orchestra continue to tour to great critical acclaim.

Janice Long SessionsThe FoundationTuesday 7 OctoberShow: 9.30pm Doors: 8.30pm

Transmitted on BBC Radio 2,Tuesday 7 October into Wednesday 8October, 12.00midnight-3am

Janice Long introduces The Vessels and TurinBrakes to the stage at The Foundation for anexclusive gig – highlights of which arebroadcast on Janice’s show later tonight.

The roots of The Vessels (above) can be tracedto an afternoon concert in Kingston-upon-Thames, when a group featuring singer PaulCook and drummer Neil Kerly weresupported by another band playing West Coastpsychedelia. Both Paul and Neil wereimpressed by the guitarist, Gerard Gannon,and decided they needed him in their band.Asearch of Kingston followed to no avail but, ayear later, a chance meeting in a pub led to thereunion of the trio.After bonding over ashared love of Brass Eye and Neil Young, andthe addition of bassist Stephen Friend,TheVessels were born.

Drawing on a broad spectrum of influences andhailed as the southern equivalent of The Coral,The Vessels’ sound touches many musical bases,from Teenage Fanclub to Badly Drawn Boy.TheVessels have just completed a short UK tourand are set to record their second album.

Turin Brakes’ Olly Knights and Gale Paridjanianhave known each other since primary school,although the birth of the group was marked bythe release of The Door EP in the summer of1999, originally planned as the score for a film


On-air programming

Knights was making.Their second EP, The StateOf Things, followed in August 2000 and theyplayed their first-ever live gigs with a full band at the Reading and Leeds festivals laterthat month.

Turin Brakes (above) released their self-produced debut album, The Optimist, to wideacclaim in March 2001; the album wassubsequently nominated for the Mercury MusicPrize, while Turin Brakes were nominated forBest New Band at the Q Awards and the Brits.The Optimist LP has since gone gold twice over,selling over 200,000 copies. In summer 2002,Turin Brakes returned to the studio to recordtheir second album, Ether Song – a move awayfrom their “new acoustic” tag towards a moredirect and sonically upfront sound.

Mike Harding Folk ShowLive TheatreWednesday 8 OctoberShow: 8.00pm Doors:7.00pm

Transmitted live on BBC Radio 2,Wednesday 8 October, 8.00-9.00pm

Loudon Wainwright III,The Hush and JohnDickinson feature in this edition of the MikeHarding Folk Show, which features the best fromthe world of folk, roots and acoustic music.

Mike says:“Newcastle has a long tradition ofproducing fine music and audiences whoappreciate great talent, so I am lookingforward to our show at the Live Theatre very much.We have a tremendous line-up inLoudon Wainwright III,The Hush and John Dickinson.

“Any evening where Loudon Wainwrightperforms is an evening to be savoured, and weare delighted that he’s accepted our invitation– the man has a rare gift, and his songs canmake you laugh at the same time as they makeyou cry.The Hush are one of this year’s topbands, and they’re really freshening uptraditional songs from the North East withinfectious dance treatments, while JohnDickinson is a guitarist of incredible talentwho has emerged in the past 18 months.All inall, a show to be glued to the radio for.”

Veteran songsmith Loudon Wainwright III has areputation as one of the most honest, funnyand irreverent singer-songwriters of hisgeneration, and has built up a large, devotedfanbase for his live performances. Loudon wasinspired after seeing Bob Dylan at the 1962Newport Folk Festival. He became a regularon the New York coffee-house circuit andreleased Album I and Album II. Dubbed “thenew Dylan”, due to his confessional style ofsongwriting, it wasn’t until he made Album III in1973 that he truly established himself. Album IIIproduced Wainwright’s only hit single, DeadSkunk, but his autobiographical musings,humour and engaging stage persona made hima cult figure and concert favourite.

The Hush were formed in 2001 by guitarist JedGrimes to record new arrangements for arange of songs originating from the North Eastto form the Northumbria Music Anthology, a 20CD compilation given to school, library andcollege archives to record the region’s socialhistory in song.After recording around 30songs, the band took their music to a live


On-air programming

audience. Bob Fox fronts the band with Jed, andPaul Smith (drums, percussion), Neil Harland(bass), Graham Wood (keyboards) and GarryLinsley (sax) complete the line-up.The Hushplay the finest traditional and written songfrom the last few centuries, never losing sightof the main objective – “the song’s the thing!”

John Dickinson’s music career had a dreamstart when his debut album, Rockstorm, withNorthumbrian band Splitcrow, reached No. 19in the charts and was hailed as “the best albumfrom a Brit band in 10 years” by Kerrang! withDickinson described as “the most potent slideplayer in the UK.” In 1988, John became afounder member of Paul Lamb And TheKingsnakes, then went solo before returning tohis native Northumberland to pursue adifferent direction.

In 1992, the Hillbillies From Outer Space were born.They gained near-legendary status with their wild interpretations of material,from heavy metal to folk, but dissolved in 2001without recording an album. Dickinson’s firstsolo album was due to be recorded in 2001,but a year out gave him time to reflect on life,love and everything.The resulting album,Castles & Old Kings, is a blend of Celtic andNorthumbrian influences with blues and folkwhich showcases Dickinson, singer, songwriter and guitarist, at his best.

Janice Long SessionsThe FoundationWednesday 8 OctoberShow: 9.00pm Doors: 8.30pm

Transmitted on BBC Radio 2,Wednesday 8 October into Thursday 9October, 12.00midnight-3.00am

The Mull Historical Society and Thea Gilmoreare welcomed to The Foundation tonight by

Janice Long. Highlights from this gig can be heard on Janice’s show at 12.00midnight.Janice’s special guest on the show is ElvisCostello, who performs a couple of numberslive in the studio.

Colin MacIntyre (above) is Mull HistoricalSociety; he writes the songs, sings, plays theinstruments, produces the records and evendesigns the sleeves.

Raised on Mull, Colin’s first musical experienceswere watching his uncle’s covers bandrehearsing. He taught himself how to play andwrite his own songs, before moving to Glasgowto study politics. Colin continued to write andrecord his songs on a four-track recorder athome, resulting in a back catalogue of over 300unreleased songs. Before Mull, Colin’s otherGlasgow-based bands were the imaginativelytitled 7-11 and Smells Like Marzipan. Howeverafter writing a song entitled Mull HistoricalSociety, named after the Mull Historical Society,Colin decided to stick with it.

A six-album deal followed and, in November2000, Mull’s debut single, Barcode Bypass, wasreleased to rave reviews and was awardedNME Debut Single Of The Year. His debutalbum, Loss, released in 2001, was critically andcommercially well received. Colin and his band(which can vary from being a five-piece to a


On-air programming

12-piece) went from supporting The Strokeson their venue debut UK tour to selling outShepherds Bush Empire, whose 2,000 peoplecapacity equals the population of Mull. Early in2002 Colin returned to the studio with a stackof songs and, 95 days later, he emerged withhis second album, Us, from which the singleThe Final Arrears is taken.

Friday Night Is Music NightCity HallFriday 10 OctoberShow: 7.30pm Doors: 6.30pm

Transmitted live on BBC Radio 2,Friday 10 October, 7.30-9.15pm

Ken Bruce presents an evening featuring the music of Nelson Riddle, performed by Catherine Porter and Graham Bickley, with the BBC Concert Orchestra, conducted by Martin Koch.

Friday Night Is Music Night was first broadcaston 25 September 1953, supposedly for 13weeks but, 50 years later, it is still going strong. It is the world’s longest-running“live music” programme on radio, featuringguest artists from the world of opera andmusical theatre.

The BBC Concert Orchestra’s versatilitymeans that the show presents music from theworld’s of opera, operetta, oratorio, musicaltheatre, ballet and film scores – all in all, a feastof “music for everybody”.

Sheryl Crow – Live & ExclusiveThe Opera HouseSaturday 11 OctoberShow: 9.00pm Doors: 8.00pm


Sheryl Crow (above) performs an exclusiveconcert live from The Opera House.

Crow shot to fame with the single All I WannaDo, which became one of the biggest hits ofthe summer of 1994 and was taken from herdebut album, Tuesday Night Music Club.Thealbum successfully managed to combine aneclectic mix of styles such as blues, rock ‘n’ rolland jazz, and won Record Of The Year at theGrammys. From this breakthrough debutalbum to her eponymous album in 1996, andher studio album The Globe Sessions in 1998,Sheryl has successfully explored her singer-songwriting talent and incredible voice,reaching a louder and more direct rock ‘n’ rollsound with her latest album, C’mon C’mon.


On-air programming

Sold On SongThe Newcastle Arts Centre andThe Opera HouseThursday 9 October

Billy Bragg, Gretchen Peters and MartinBrammer come to Newcastle as part of Radio 2’s Sold On Song initiative.

Throughout the day at The Newcastle ArtsCentre, Radio 2 is running eight songwritingworkshops with the help of Martin Brammer –formerly of the Kane Gang, co-writer of Liftedand Ocean Drive, and now working with GarethGates – who also performs. Later that sameevening at The Opera House, Billy Bragg and Gretchen Peters perform and discuss their songwriting.

Sold On Song is an encyclopaedia of songwriting,which provides an insight into some of thesongs that feature on Radio 2, and aims to givea greater appreciation of how they came to be.

This day is one of several Sold On Songworkshops running through the week.Please contact the Radio 2 Press Office for further information.

Sold On Song was launched on Radio 2 atEaster with a live concert and exclusiveinterview with Paul McCartney.This newinitiative gives listeners the opportunity tounderstand how songs are written and whatmotivates the great songwriters. It also givesaspiring songwriters the means to approachthe music industry.

BBC Radio 2 Educational PromCivic Banqueting HallSaturday 11 OctoberDoors: 7pm Show: 8pm

From 6 to 11 October 2003, Radio 2 invitesmusicians from some of the finest ensemblesin the UK to inspire local music students in aseries of specially organised masterclasses.Arange of instrumentalists plus one of the UK’sfinest big band singers, Jeff Hooper, coachesstudents in jazz and big band playing, andperform themselves, in various ensembles.Theclasses during the week are open to studentsof all ages whose musical standard is grade sixand above.

On Saturday 11 October, the week culminatesin a lunchtime performance of the Radio 2Educational Prom at the Civic Banqueting Hall,presented by Jeff Hooper.


Extra events

Extra events

Richard Allinson

Late Night Radio 2, Monday toThursday at 10.30pm-12.00midnightand Saturdays at 3.30-6.30pm.

Richard Allinson joined Radio 2 in April 1997.An honours graduate in economics and law,Richard rejected a career in the legalprofession, having convinced London’s CapitalRadio that three years of university radiobroadcasting were exactly the qualificationsneeded to present their chart show. He was 21.

Music fans outside the UK will rememberRichard’s successful Multitrack Live shows forBBC World Service; the European Rocksatseries of live phone-in shows with favouriterock artists; and his live and interactive VH-1television shows. Richard still presents aweekly dose of new releases to a world-wideaudience via the BFBS satellite network andnow nine of the world’s most popular airlineshave included his programmes as part of their in-flight entertainment.

Away from the mics and cameras, Richardspent two years on the judging panel for theprestigious Laurence Olivier Theatre Awards,and, in 1996, was appointed Chairman of theCommercial Radio Convention and host of theInternational Management Awards.

Richard picked up a Gold Sony Radio Award in1992 for his coverage of National Music Dayand another Gold Sony for his Late Night Radio 2 show in 1998.

On a very rare night off, Richard can be foundat the theatre, eating out, messing about withcars, boats and pianos, or entertaining his three children.

Paul Jones

Paul Jones presents a Rhythm & Bluesshow every Thursday between 8.00-9.00pm on BBC Radio 2.


Presenter biographies


Paul Jones was the front man with the groupManfred Mann, co-composer of the signaturetune Ready, Steady, Go! and founder of TheBlues Band. He was at the front of the Sixtiespop revolution, with million-selling recordsalongside the likes of The Beatles,The RollingStones and The Animals.

In 1966, Paul turned to acting, first in films andthen on stage and television. His film creditsinclude Privilege and The Committee. His TVcredits include Thank Your Lucky Stars, Top OfThe Pops, Z Cars, Space 1999 and The Sweeney.In the Eighties he hosted Weekend for Granadaand A Plus 4 on Channel Four. More recently,he presented the BBC’s Play It Again andstarred in four series of the children’s favouriteUncle Jack.At the Royal National Theatre hestarred in The Beggar’s Opera and Guys AndDolls, and, for the RSC, Kiss Me Kate. OtherWest End shows include Cats and Pump BoysAnd Dinettes. Paul has worked with acclaimeddirectors including Richard Eyre, Peter Gill andToby Robertson, and has numerous goldalbums under his belt including one for theoriginal recording of Evita.

In 1979, Paul founded The Blues Band.Theyrecorded many albums including Wireless,which helped kick start another boom in bluesmusic. Blues is still popular today, helped byPaul’s programme on Radio 2 and Jazz FM. Heworked for five years on the BBC’s WorldService, and has broadcast on all five BBCRadio networks as musician, DJ, actor, DesertIsland Discs castaway and critic.

Paul is an accomplished harmonica player and has recorded with a range of artists fromTina Turner to the Royal PhilharmonicOrchestra. He also performs on the backingtracks for commercials for everything from BT to yoghurt and, in 1996, was a BASCA goldbadge winner.

Jools Holland

Jools Holland presents his own showon BBC Radio 2, in which he sharessome of his favourite music. He isjoined each week by the rhythmsection of his Rhythm & BluesOrchestra and music guests whodrop in to talk and jam.

Jools was born in London in 1958 and, as ayoung boy, showed an unusual flair for thepiano. By the time he was eight, he had pickedup the rudiments of boogie woogie and bluespiano from a musical uncle. He went on tostudy harmony and music theory at school and,by his teens, he was playing in various pubs andclubs in south London and the East End.



When he was 15 he met up with Chris Diffordand Glenn Tilbrook and, together, they formedSqueeze.With hits such as Cool For Cats andUp The Junction, Squeeze achieved spectacularsuccess. In 1990, Jools sowed the seeds of theRhythm & Blues Orchestra, when he andGilson Lavis began touring as a duo. It hasevolved into a powerful and disciplined 12-piece band and, as well as playing in venuesfrom Canterbury Cathedral and Kew Gardensto the Glastonbury Festival, the Rhythm &Blues Orchestra has made numerous televisionappearances, including regularly featuring onDon’t Forget Your Toothbrush on Channel 4, andthe riotous New Year’s Eve Hootenannyfor BBC Two.

Jools’s television career began in the earlyEighties when he made a documentary abouthis friends,The Police, in Montserrat.This ledto him being chosen to present the Friday-night music programme, The Tube. Reflecting hislove for the roots of American music, Joolsmade two documentary films, Walking To NewOrleans and Mr Roadrunner, which explored themusic personalities of New Orleans, Memphisand Nashville. In 1988, he wrote a six-partseries with Rowland Rivron, called The GroovyFellas, about a Martian visiting Earth. He thenmoved to New York to join saxophonist DavidSanborn as a presenter on Sunday Night, anetwork NBC music show. Back in Britain,Jools hosted two series of Juke Box Jury for theBBC and, in 1992, he began hosting a newmusic series, Later With Jools Holland, now BBCTwo’s premier live music show.

Over the years, Jools has performed andrecorded with some of the most talentedmusicians and songwriters in the world, a listwhich extends from Eric Clapton, Sting, LutherVandross and BB King, to Dr John, Paul Wellerand George Harrison.

Frank Renton

Frank Renton presents Listen To TheBand on Radio 2 on Friday nights at9.30-10.00pm.

Born in 1939, Frank was brought up inYorkshire. He began to study the piano at theage of seven, and had his first trumpet lessonon his 10th birthday.

Frank first earned a living as a professionaltrumpet-player, gaining conducting experiencewhere possible. In 1967, he won aCompetition for Young Conductors at theEdinburgh Festival.Appointments followed inGermany and Singapore, where he conductedthe first performances of the country’sfledgling symphony orchestra. He also workedthroughout the Far East.



After his return to England in the mid-Seventies, Frank variously ran a music school inYork, played with Versatile Brass, and eventuallybegan working with the BBC Concert andRadio Orchestras. He also worked with thefamous Grimethorpe Colliery Band.

In 1985, Frank returned to London to becomePrincipal Conductor of the Royal ArtilleryOrchestra, London’s oldest professionalorchestra. For three years, Frank and theOrchestra toured the country, giving concertsin venues large and small, and to all kinds of audiences.

In 1988, he was appointed Principal Conductorof the British Concert Orchestra aftercritically acclaimed recordings with theAmerican soprano Carol Vaness. He also beganto broadcast regularly on BBC Radio, writingand presenting his own musical programmes. In1992, he made the decision to concentrateentirely on conducting and broadcasting.

He is a member of the Worshipful Company ofMusicians, and in 1989 became a Freeman ofthe City of London.

Janice Long

Janice Long’s Radio 2 show isbroadcast weekdays at 12.00midnight-3.00am. Janice also presents DreamTicket every weekday from 10.00pm-12.00midnight and weekends from 6.00-8.00am on BBC 6 Music.

“Potted history first ... I’ve been an air hostess,a waitress in Amsterdam, a grape picker andthen a few other things interspersed withsigning on, before I joined BBC RadioMerseyside. I then went to Radio 1, had ourFred, did GLR, XFM and then decided that itwas time to try and get a new radio station

going in Liverpool. Did that, won a licence andgave birth to our Blue.

“I then got a phone call asking me if I would liketo do a show for Radio 2 from Glastonbury. Ihad a wonderful time legging after the likes ofDebbie Harry and Michael Stipe and gettingFran Healy to sing Driftwood for me afterblagging him a guitar.After that, I started doingmore stuff for Radio 2 before turning up on myown show, five nights a week.

“It works out really well. I go to work whenPaul, Fred and Blue go to sleep. It’s hard at the weekend trying to go back to normal timeand I often doze off at the cinema and wakeup dribbling at the end of some blockbuster.My show comes from downtown Brum. I workwith a great team and we laugh a lot.

“We all get together once a week to talk aboutthe live music and other stuff that we plan toput in the show.We have a fantastic musicstudio with top-notch engineers and bands loveto come and play here, including Travis,Ash,Embrace, Suzanne Vega and Cornershop.Theshow is very spontaneous and I use the phonecalls, e-mails and texts that I get from listenersto move it along and change direction. I love it… it’s got to be the perfect gig.”



Mike Harding

Mike Harding presents The MikeHarding Show for BBC Radio 2 onWednesdays at 8.00pm, featuring the best of folk, roots and acoustic-based music.

Born in Crumpsall, Manchester, in 1944, Mike’searly career followed a chequered pattern asdustman, bus conductor, road digger, bookshop assistant and boiler scaler.

Throughout the early years, Mike developed a love for music, playing in skiffle and rock ‘n’roll bands in the Sixties. He has fondmemories of sharing the bill at numerousvenues with The Beatles, Gerry And ThePacemakers,The Hollies,Wayne Fontana andThe Mindbenders and the late Eric SpannerAnd The Rhythmaires.

His success as a live entertainer began in 1967when, during a gig at Leeds University with theEdison Bell Spasm Band, he began to tell jokesto fill in an awkward pause.The patter becamepart of the act and, when the jokes dried up,he delved into his store of real-life stories forwhich he has become famous.

He lists among his early musical influencesLonnie Donegan, Jesse Fuller and Lancashirefolk singer Harry Boardman. Mike served hisapprenticeship in the pubs and folk clubs ofGreat Britain and still joins in sessions inManchester’s Irish pubs.

In 1975, the hit record Rochdale Cowboycatapulted him from folk music into themainstream of live entertainment.

A keen walker, Mike has been awarded aFellowship Of The Royal Geographical Societyand was shortlisted for The Boardman TaskerAward for Mountaineering Literature. He wasalso awarded a Signal Award for Children’sPoetry and the Outdoor Writers Guild AwardFor Excellence.

With the exception of films, Mike has donejust about everything, including nationalconcert tours, numerous television and radioappearances, writing and photography. Hisradio credits include Mike Harding And Friendsfor Radio 2 in 1991 with George Melly, RalphMcTell and Maddy Prior; three series of YerRoots Are Showing, also for Radio 2; and severalseries of programmes on walking for Radio 4.He has also read two of his short stories forAfternoon Story on BBC Radio 4.

Mike has had numerous books published,including books of poetry, short stories, travel,humour and children’s books.



Ken Bruce

Ken Bruce presents the mid-morningshow on BBC Radio 2, Monday toFriday at 9.30am-12.00noon.

Ken was born in Glasgow and began hisbroadcasting career with the HospitalBroadcasting Service there, before going on to become a staff announcer for BBCScotland.This led to his own daily afternoonshow and involvement in a wide range ofcurrent affairs programmes, concerts andcommercial voice-overs.

Ken began working for Radio 2 in the earlyEighties as a deputy presenter. In 1984, he tookover the Saturday Late Show and beganpresenting his own daily show the followingyear. For almost all the time since, Ken hasoccupied the mid-morning slot, with a mix ofmusic, the legendary Popmaster Quiz, and whatthe Observer described as his “droll, whimsical,

tongue-in-cheek presentation”. In addition, hehas been associated with broadcasts from anumber of major events – the 1986Commonwealth Games, the Seoul Olympics,National Music Day, The Voice Of MusicalTheatre 2000, and every Eurovision SongContest since 1988.

On BBC Radio 4, he has presented Pick Of TheWeek and was host of the travel programmeBreakaway for two years. On BBC WorldService he had his own weekly programme ofmusic. On Radio 2, Ken hosted the comedyseries The What If Show. Ken is also one of the regular presenters of Friday Night Is Music Night.

Ken’s other activities include airline inflightprogrammes, voice-overs, speakingengagements and hosting orchestral concerts,but his principal interest remains his dailyshow, which can be heard between 9.30am and12.00noon, Monday to Friday, on Radio 2.



Saturday 4 October

Black CabThe Cumberland, Byker Buildings (0191-265 6151) Free. Doors: 8pm Show: 9pm

A cabaret of sweet dreams and darknightmares – Black Cab’s unique musicaltheatre entices listeners into the worlds ofKurt Weill, Rogers and Hart,Tom Waits and Cole Porter.

Acoustic Circus presents Glitter Star,Beccy Owen and Adam Cole The Bridge, Castle Square (0191-232 6400) Free. Doors: 8.30pm Show: 9pm

Girl power is guaranteed with two femalesingers Beccy Owen and Glitterstar, describedas a “female Jeff Buckley”, performing tonight.They are joined by Adam Cole, whose songsreflect a blues and jazz influence.

Arthur Ebeling and Magic Car The Live 27 Broad Chare (0191-261 2694) Free. Doors: 7pm Show: 7.30pm

Arthur Ebeling is a guitarist and songwriterwhose style is a blend of rhythm and blues, rock ‘n roll and country-blues, displayingintricate and diverse technique. He is joined by Magic Car, whose music is bathed inwarmth and optimism.

Sunday 5 October

Acoustic Circus presents A Ghost,Clive Jackson and White Hills The Bridge, Castle Square (0191-232 6400).Free. Doors: 8.30pm Show: 9pm

Three songwriters bring simple, honest musicto The Bridge tonight.A Ghost focus onheartbreak, truth loss and regret,White Hillperform simple acoustic rhythms and CliveJackson gives nod to the blues.

Generator presents Tired Earth,Ginsberg and Passenger The Head of Steam 2 Neville Street (0191-232 4379) Free. Doors: 8pm Show: 8.45pm

Tired Earth play atmospheric blues with psychedelic beats, while Ginsbergperform acoustic rock with pop melodies and display superb strumming skills.They are joined by Passenger, who create graceful and majestic music.

Funky Music Machine presents FunkConspiracy and KeiretsuThe Hyena Leazes Lane (0191-232 6030) Free. Doors: 8.30pm Show: 9pm

Keiretsu are an eclectic live drum ‘n’ bass/breakbeat 10-piece band, whose music contains


Fringe events

Fringe events

traces of psy-trance, folk and ambient rock ‘n’roll.They are joined by Funk Conspiracy,whose blend of funk, jazz and live drum & bass,seasoned with ambience, is served on a warmbed of dance-floor beats.

Open Mic SessionThe Cumberland Byker Buildings (0191-265 6151) Free. Doors: 8pm Show: 8.30pm

People are encouraged to bring their poems,short fiction, musical compositions and othercreative works to share at tonight’s Open Micsession.This is an opportunity for beginners,and others who prefer a non-competitivesetting for sharing their work, whilst interactingwith others in a live performance experience.

Tom ArmstrongThe Tyne beneath Low Level bridge (0191-265 2550) Free. Doors: 8pm Show: 8.30pm

Tom draws much of his inspiration from therich heritage of West Coast country music andhas his own unique hillbilly style. He playssuperb honky-tonk, haunting ballads and songsof broken hearts with well-crafted songwritinggiving it some rough polish.

Monday 6 October

Generator presents Parklandsway,Muddy Bee and The VoltsThe Head Of Steam 2 Neville Street (0191-232 4379) Free. Doors: 8pm Show: 8.45pm

Apparently Parklandsway don’t even knowwhat they sound like themselves these days,while Muddy Bee are “simple and direct”.The Volts, on the other hand, prefer toproduce and play out “beautiful music forbeautiful people”.

The Music Project presents Ten x Ten The Cluny 36 Lime Street (0191-232 3934) Free. Doors: 8pm Show: 9pm

Ten women, 10 songs, one album, one night.This is a showcase of the vast spectrum offemale musical talent existing in the NorthEast, with performances from 10 artistsrepresenting the range and quality foundregionally, from infectious pop to rousing rock.

Tim Readman and Kate Bramley The Bridge Castle Square (0191-232 6400) Free. Doors: 8.30pm Show: 9pm

County Durham-born Tim Readman is wellloved in his adopted home of Canada as asongwriter, guitarist, singer of traditional songsand humourist. Fiddler and vocalist KateBramley tours internationally with several actsincluding Jez Lowe.

Soup Comedy CircusThe HyenaLeazes Lane (0191-232 6030) Free. Doors: 8.30pm Show: 9pm

The Soup team promise a non-stop, comedyfeeding frenzy, featuring sketches, music, shortfilm and animation as well as some of their


Fringe events

now-renowned innovative and interactivemulti-media work, incorporating a mix ofvisuals and street theatre, performed at night-clubs and party events throughout the region.

The Bushburys, Penny Joe Pullus andDavid Blosse The Live 27 Broad Chare (0191-261 2694) Free. Doors: 7pm Show: 7.30pm

David Blosse has a soulful vocal, understatedmusicianship with well-crafted songs; hesupports Penny Joe Pullus, who hails fromTexas and has a voice that can morph between country and rockabilly to a bluesyrocker.The Bushburys (pictured) explore allthe areas of acoustic rock, folk and blues withtheir familiar rootsy sound, contemporarysongs and excellent musicianship.

Tuesday 7 October

Friends Of Afuche and Howdi The Cluny 36 Lime Street (0191-232 3934) Free. Doors: 8pm Show: 9pm

A bill that features outright ecletronica fromHowdi and Epicurean Adventures in Musicfrom Friends Of Afuche.

Generator presents Calvoon, Silenzioand Rezen The Head Of Steam 2 Neville Street (0191-232 4379) Free. Doors: 8pm Show: 8.45pm

In tonight’s bill from The Head Of Steam,Calvoon play pop rock, with jangly guitars andfairground keyboards. Silenzio contributetension-creating basslines and powerful rhythms, fused with contrasting gravel and ahoneyed vocal, whilst Rezen perform bouncing,heavy pop.

Acoustic Circus The Bridge Castle Square (0191-232 6400) Free. Doors: 8.30pm Show: 9pm

A solo set from Psychedelic Breakfastfrontman Nick Grimes, with quality acousticsounds, features tonight at The Bridge. Heshares the bill with songwriter Andrew Craggswho demonstrates his unique guitar style.James Adamson completes the line-up, mixing arock vocal and heartfelt songwriting angst.

Folkworks presents CreativeCommotionThe Hyena Leazes Lane (0191-232 6030) Free. Doors: 7pm Show: 7.30pm

Folkworks celebrates the wealth and diversityof youth music-making in the North East, with


Fringe events

talented performers and a range of musicalgenres and traditions, from a cappella, jazz anddohl, to classics, folk and funk fusion.Artistsinclude Combat,The Swing Bridge Singers,Southwind, members of Young Sinfonia, SteelQuake and more.

Eric TaylorThe Tynebeneath Low Level bridge (0191-265 2550) Free. Doors: 8pm Show: 8.30pm

Eric Taylor (pictured) is a gifted songwriterfrom Texas.

Anything But IrishThe Cumberland Byker Buildings (0191-265 6151) Free. Doors: 8pm Show: 8.30pm

A session of folk music, excluding that of Irishdescent, where people are encouraged tosimply turn up with their instrument and join in.

Wednesday 8 October

Generator presents Fun With Light,Cliffhanger and Elba The Head Of Steam 2 Neville Street (0191-232 4379) Free. Doors: 8pm Show: 8.45pm

Fun With Light are described as “simple, directand unnervingly bizarre”.They are joined ontonight’s bill from The Head Of Steam byCliffhanger, who combine small-town blues-driven rock music with an almost spiritualdelivery, while Elba deliver fresh and funkybeats, guitars, flute, analogue synth andsamples, topped with pop melodies.

The Composers Club The Bridge Castle Square(0191-232 6400)Free. Doors: 8.30pm Show: 9pm

Terry Conway, Liz Law and the Hi-LevelRanters play traditional and contemporary folkmusic from the North-East region.

Funky Music Machine presents The Dans and RubberneckThe Hyena, Leazes Lane (0191-232 6030) Free. Doors: 7pm Show: 7.30pm

Rubberneck serve up classic funk hip-hop witha hint of jazz.They are joined by The Danswho encompass a refreshing infusion of souland funk. Good-time grooves with anassortment of toppings and flavours arepromised tonight.


Fringe events

Irish Folk Session The CumberlandByker Buildings (0191-265 6151) Free. Doors: 8pm Show: 8.30pm

An evening of Irish folk music open to all takesplace at The Cumberland tonight with theinvitation to turn up with an instrument ofchoice and interact with other musicians in alive performance experience.

Acoustic Circus presents TheAttention Seekers, Blue Train andReverend Ghostchild, Paul Liddell The Cluny 36 Lime Street (0191-232 3934) Free. Doors: 8pm Show: 9pm

The Attention Seekers – well-loved acousticveterans of the Newcastle scene, whose singleBeautiful City has become an unofficial anthemfor Newcastle United, perform a live settonight at The Cluny.They are joined by BlueTrain, who combine pop, folk and jazz, and theacoustic Reverend Ghostchild. Paul Liddell,unique guitarist with dynamic and melodicsongs, completes the bill.

Nesta Records Showcase featuringHolyman Jones, Brothers Falloon, JezHall, plus special guest Amy WedgeThe Tyne beneath Low Level bridge (0191-265 2550)Free. Doors: 8pm Show: 8.30pm

Jez Hall’s traditional songs are given an edgewith accompaniment from guitar, cittern andharmonica, while acoustic duo BrothersFalloon play a mixture of soulful alternativecountry, dub and acoustic pop.They are joined

by Holyman Jones (pictured below), whoserasping vocals and superb plucking skillscontribute to a live performance from afantastic four-piece.They introduce specialguest Amy Wedge, whose songs have a rawvibrancy that suit her earthy voice andemotionally mature lyrics.

Thursday 9 October

Generator presents Guessmen,Videoage and Caro Snatch The Head Of Steam 2 Neville Street (0191-232 4379) Free. Doors: 8pm Show: 8.45pm


Fringe events

Guessmen are fresh from winning the Diesel U-Music contra-pop award.They arejoined on tonight’s bill from The Head OfSteam by Videoage with their rhythmic funkand attitudes of punk, and “one womanelectronic avalanche” Caro Snatch (picturedon previous page).

Bridging FolkThe BridgeCastle Square (0191-232 6400) Free. Doors: 7.30pm Show: 8pm

Alistair Anderson and Johnny Handle host aunique evening uniting generations of folkmusicians in The Bridge, a venue that played aspecial part the UK folk club revival. Celebratedperformers are joined by young musiciansstarting to make their mark on the folk musicscene, in an evening of top-quality folk music.

Acoustic Circus The Salsa ClubWestgate Road (0191-221 1102) Free. Doors: 8.30pm Show: 9pm

A group of young songwriters who are settingthe pace for aspiring musicians feature at TheSalsa Club tonight.The programme includestwo very different voices – a “rootsy” soundunderpins Jess Roberts’s voice and songwriting,while the light voice of Lesley Rowley lifts thesoul.They are joined by John Nellist, whosemusical skill belies his young age.This nightbrings a delightful mix of acoustic music.

Alice TexasThe Tynebeneath Low Level bridge (0191-265 2550) Free. Doors: 8pm Show: 8.30pm

Alice Texas is a new diva for country noir with one foot in the country-blues roots campand the other in a more indie territory untilnow claimed by PJ Harvey and Mazzy Star’sHope Sandoval.

Friday 10 October

Acoustic Circus presents Sundown,Simma and Nev Clay The Bridge, Castle Square (0191-232 6400) Free. Doors: 8.30pm Show: 9pm

Simma plays alongside Sundown, whose pureenjoyment of the music infects theirperformance and outstanding songwritingabilities.They are joined by Nev “Godfather”Clay whose reputation as a local poet/genius issupported by his incredible guitar-playing skillsand good humour.

Last Nights FunThe Cumberland Byker Buildings (0191-265 6151) Free. Doors: 8pm Show: 8.30pm

Last Nights Fun embody a passion fortraditional Irish music Folk while giving avaluable contribution to its modernpresentation.

Traveller DJs Raj Pannu, Nik Barerra& guests The TelegraphOrchard Street (0191-232 0503) Free. From 9pm

Expect an evening of summery roof-terraceantics with music spanning all forms of leftfield


Fringe events

house: broken beat, deep house, electronica,nu Latin and breaks.

Belly Rub Productions and The BulbsThe Newcastle Arts Centre Black Swan Yard (0191-261 9959) Free. Doors: 8.30pm Show: 9pm

Award-winning Belly Rub (above), lay on moreslick comedy sketches at The Newcastle ArtsCentre.They are joined by The Bulbs, the UK’spremier punk/country/blues/glam/art noiseniks!

Saturday 11 October

Hobo ChamberThe Head Of Steam 2 Neville Street (0191-232 4379) Free. Doors: 1pm Show: 2pm

A live and inspired celebration of words andmusic, featuring percussion artists, musicians,break-beat poets, mime and comedy acts, takes

place tonight at The Head Of Steam.Thisafternoon aims for a carnival feel with allmanner of shenanigans taking place.

Divine Theatre CompanyThe Newcastle Arts CentreBlack Swan Yard (0191-261 9959) Free. Doors: 7.30pm Show: 8pm

The Divine Ladies and their band of merrycomedians bring their sketch show UtterlyNutterly to Newcastle Arts Centre.This localcompany has been hard at work formulatingyet more crazy characters and situations toentertain their ever-increasing fan base.

Generator presents All DayerThe Cluny 36 Lime Street (0191-232 3934) Free. Doors: 1pm Show: 1.30pm 2nd session: Doors: 8pm Show: 9pm

Day:Three young bands present theiralternative rock sound: Hoax put out no-nonsense rock with high-energy delivery,while Dayplayer’s sound is on a pop punk tripwith progressive rock attributes. Fude mixclear vocals with an evolved metal style andHucked roll out distinctive and well-craftedsongs.

Night:The Golden Virgins describe their musicas “rock ‘n’ roll shambolique” with bleaklyhumorous lyrics, Kapital A play electronic-tinged rock ‘n’ roll with psychedelic beats,while Maximo Park play unruly pop for brokenhearts. Meanwhile, Mavis are “your favouritenew band”.


Fringe events

Documents

BBC Radio 2 Live In Newcastle