Picture by Mark McNulty
THE PICK
Stone Roses? Who?
You don't need 'em this weekend when you've got one of the most subliminally lovely gigs in the calendar coming up on your own doorstep this very Sunday.
It's the annual Americana music fundraiser at the Shy Lowen horse sanctuary in Thornton. This is a charity where mistreated and naughty horses get rehabilitated, a sort of equine Priory where the inmates have nostrils even wider than Daniella Westbrook's.
Shy Lowen was the subject of Channel 4's Teen Horse Whisperer documentary a couple of years ago and attracted the attention of Mike Badger, ex La's man, who organises this low key hoe-down to raise badly needed money for the work there.
Expect to be richly entertained this time by The Loose Moose String Band, Candie Payne and The Bighouse, Edgar Summertyme, Chris Elliot, Mark Delaney, Kato, Simon Cousins and of course Mike Badger and the Shady Trio.
It involves you doing nothing but taking a few beers down, bagging a deckchair or haystack and chilling to the music on the makeshift stage as dozens of bareback horses gallop in the meadow behind. Stetson optional.
Stalls, barbecue, pony rides and games for all the family.
It's only two quid on the gate and the horses will remember you in the next life. In a good way.
Shy Lowen Annual Fundraiser, Buckley Hill Lane, Thornton, L29 1YB, Sunday July 1, 2pm-8pm. Min donation £2.
THE REST
Dead Belgian
When Jacques Brel met anti capitalism
The excellent Dead Belgian - Andy Delamere, Fionnuala Dorrity, Simon James and Matthew Wood - have developed faithful translations of the songs of Jacques Brel and have infused them with their theatrical approach. Currently they are on tour with an album – Love and Death: The Songs of Jacques Brel - and this weekend are on home turf.
Tonight they team up with Atilla The Stockbroker and rootsy Melbourne folkster and ex-boxer Rory Ellis in Liverpool. Tomorrow (Sat) it's up to Runcorn where they are flying solo.
John Peel would have loved this sort of stuff, can't you tell?
*Dead Belgian/Atilla The Stockbroker/Rory Ellis: The Kazimier, 4-5 Wolstenholme Square, L1 4JJ Liverpool . Tickets £8 from here. Also Dead Belgian only. Saturday at The Brindley, Runcorn.
Elephant in the garden
Look out for our review of the new Garden at the Kazimier when we get around to it in the next day or so. In short, we are impressed.
In the meantime check out their locally produced arts, crafts and vintage outdoor market, this Saturday, with live music, outdoor bar and kitchen. Selling their wonderful wares are Curious Orange, The Hippy Hole, Collage Collectables and fine art and many many more!
Summertime White Elephant Bazzaar, Kazimier Garden, Seel Street, Liverpool 1. Saturday June 30, 12pm-5pm.
The Random Family
Folk off
After five years making music together, a couple of EPs, an album and many many gigs, the Liverpool based folk and roots collective The Random Family have decided to call it a day.
Their final performance will be at the last ever Family Folk-Up at St Brides Church when they will be joined by Sparkwood & 21, Clean Cut Kid, S.J. Downes.
Every major folkie around has played this event in the last few years and it will be much missed. Ballads of legend and loss at the ready, people.
Bring your own drinks for a one last night of great music.
*The Random Family, final gig, Saturday June 30, St Bride's Church, Catharine Street, L8. Tickets, £5.
