Something to trill, croon and tra-la-la about
OLYMPIC beat boxer Shlomo is the highlight of a weekend of very vocal entertainment as Liverpool’s biggest celebration of acappella singing, the Voices Festival, fills the city with the sound of singing in all its forms.
From the uplifting and powerful sound of choral singing, to the incredible talent of a world-renowned beat-boxer, Voices Festival promises to wow audiences of all ages at the Black-E and Bluecoat.
It's presented by the Black-E and Sense of Sound. Led by Jennifer John, Saphena Aziz, Juliet Russell – recently a voice coach for BBC One’s upcoming talent show ‘The Voice’ - and Perri Alleyne-Hughes, the organisation aims to create amazing ways to celebrate singing.
Sense Of SoundThe festival kicks off on Friday with a National Conference for Singing and Health featuring a number of presentations from key UK vocal experts. The conference will discuss the positive links between singing and physical and mental health and will provide an opportunity to share best practice and discover the latest breakthroughs.
Friday evening sees Connie Lush and the Sense of Sound choir in a concert celebrating Joni Mitchell in unique a cappella arrangements.
On Saturday, Merseyside choirs including The Raucus Caucus Recovery Chorus; Vox Voices; Singing Our Socks Off; Liverpool Community Choir; Liverpool Harmonic Gospel Choir and Indigo Vibe will perform in the Bluecoat in a free event in which the public are able to take part.
Then world-renowned Olympic beat-boxer Shlomo, takes to the stage at the Black-E arts venue. Possessing vocal skills that have to be heard to be believed, Shlomo has performed on a world stage with Icelandic artist, Björk, at the Athens Olympic opening ceremony to 4.5 billion viewers across the globe. His fans range from Jools Holland to Jarvis Cocker and he has worked with the likes of Martha Wainwright and Damon Albarn.
A free day of family fun will take place at the Bluecoat on Sunday wiith interactive activities for all ages taking place throughout the day, this is any budding singer’s opportunity to take part in workshops covering many musical genres, with an acappella twist.
The festival will end with a massive ‘Big Sing’, which will take place in the Bluecoat Hub on Sunday afternoon. Everyone is invited to come along and join in the fun!
*Voices Festival, Black-E and Bluecoat, Friday March 16-Sun March 18. More information can be found at the Sense of Sound website.
With the Wind at our Rear' The Fourth Liverpolitan Tweed Run
Do you find plastic helmets, undignified exertion and gaudy Lycra distasteful and intimidating? Good job, so do the Tweed Run organisers.
The Fourth Liverpolitan Tweed Run is an informal, minimum-exertion, maximum-elegance bicycle outing, with opportunities for tea and buns, beer and chips along the way as well as picnics and sea-bathing for the adventurous.
This one is taking place from West Kirby to Liverpool this Sunday. Eleven miles. The wind will be behind you, so it should be a breeze and not a battle. You can even leave the route at any time, as Merseyrail stations are never far away.
This is not a race or a distance-covering exercise of interest only to the sort of deviants who are morbidly enthusiastic about sweating.
No. Riders can stop as often as they like to admire the views, take photographs or slip into a poetic reverie. As the jaunting company will include steampunks, women, children and senior citizens there will be plenty of opportunities to visit lavatories for the adjustment of tie-knots, the straightening of stocking seams and the waxing of windswept moustaches (in case anyone is worried on that score).
A bike, a lock, a picnic is all you need. Pipe-smokers are particularly welcome.
*With the Wind at our Rear - The Fourth Liverpolitan Tweed Run, Sunday March 18, rendezvous spot at West Kirby Station between 8.35am and 10.35am. More information here.
Mother's Pride
Merseyside mums of gays and lesbians are invited to flock to the gay quarter to make it their own on Mother's Day - and get a sense of what the scene offers their children across the year. You know, because you want your mum frequenting the same bars and clubs you go to.
Gay Quarter LiverpoolThis event sees local bars, cafes, restaurants and community organisations working together, with floristry, chocolatier, cupcake, book, and information stalls which will be set up on a pedestrianised Stanley Street.
There’s some special offers on the cards as well, with Delifonseca promising acoustic entertainment from the Hope Street Busking Band and new talent Craig Cavanagh serenading in song across the day.
The Lisbon will be offering a range of food up until 7pm and special compilation CDs will be given to mothers on the day. The Navy, Masquarade and Superstar Boudoir will also be sporting outdoor tables and chairs so mum can take in the air.
*Mothers Day in Stanley Street, Liverpool 2. Sunday March 18, all day.
St. Patricks Day Cruise
Yes, it is a weekend for mothers, but also for the Irish. Plastic paddies and others will love the St Patrick’s Day Party Cruise which sets sail on Saturday aboard the Mersey Ferries Royal Daffodil.
Dance and sing along with the The Whole Shebang’, claimed to be an energetic, traditional Irish band who know how to party. The evening also includes a disco and drink promotions from Guinness and Magners.
The cruise departs in Liverpool at 8.30pm and in Seacombe at 8.45pm. Cruise duration is approximately 3½ hours.
*St. Patricks Day Cruise, Saturday March 17, Pier Head Ferry Terminal, Liverpool, tickets £16.
