Swinton Legion has a great evening in store on 23rd September with a showcase of top local talent that's also a fundraiser for the fantastic Once upon a Smile charity.
Christmas will be starting early as Shinny starts the pre-launch of his Christmas No.1 single. After giving the establishment a run for their money last year, he's back and even more determined to get that elusive festive chart-topper. It will be a proud first for the city if he pulls it off, so feel free to enter into the spirit and don a crimbo sweater.
Also on the bill are fellow Salfordian acts, Stalagmites and Cinnamon Dinner. It's a real mixed bag with something for everyone. Cinnamon Dinner follow in the footsteps of some of the region's legendary musicians. They have a great indie-pop approach that also echoes classic folk songwriters. They are Salfordians to the very core and their best known song Solly is essentially a love letter to their home city.
The tune has a great uplifting refrain, 'S.A.L.F.O.R.D that is home to me'. It's backed by a great poppy riff that is juxtaposed against police sirens. They reel off a litany of their favourite Salford features in the tune, and the video is worth watching too. It shows the band hopping all over Salford playing Solly with many iconic locations providing a backdrop.
In Solly they enthuse, 'I go to Monton to do my drinkin'; it's only two minutes away'. The 23rd September provides a great opportunity to catch up with them on home turf. It's a good fit for Swinton Legion and their classic, uplifting style will go down a storm. Being traditional song-smiths isn't something they shy away from, and they have been known drop a bit of Ewan MacColl into their sets.
Stalagmites complete the line-up and they are band with a big future. They have a dark yet anthemic feel that is reminiscent of Joy Division and The Chameleons. Their fans include many big-hitters from the serious and credible music press. XFM have waxed lyrical about Stalagmites, and universally respected Steve Lamacq is amongst those who fully expect the band to be the next big thing.
I asked the Stalagmites' Brad about these accolades and their triumphs, so far... "Our highlight so far has been getting played and kind words from Steve Lamacq on BBC6 Music and John Kennedy at Radio X...and the other highlight in the works will be announcing our first release on Veta Records later this year."
If you want to hear an outstanding local act in their prime, have a listen to the elegantly moody Binary.
Stalagmites are certain to feature heavily on the festival circuit in the near future; it's a prospect that Brad would welcome: "We'd love to play Glastonbury. It's the biggest music festival in the world and would be class to be part of its history. I've been there myself as a punter and the spirit of it is like nothing else."
A slot quite high up on a future bill seems like a perfectly reasonable outcome for the band. While we were discussing the possibilities of playing in a popular group, I asked Brad who his dream collaboration would be with: "John Barnes. It's been far too long since his rigid flow graced a track. That's one we'd all agree on", he joked "For me personally, though, I'd wanna do a tune with Bjork. She's unique and pushes boundaries with her songwriting. I think she'd make you raise your game."
The 23rd September is guaranteed to deliver a unique and varied evening of Salford entertainment at its very best. A few tickets remain for anyone looking for great night out with some of the area's best live acts. And it's all for a great cause...
SHINNy, Cinnamon Dinner, Stalagmites
Saturday 23rd September 7:30pm
Swinton Legion
£15 (inc free drink on arrival and food)
For tickets contact Paul Hughes 07766 660207 or email paulhughes1980@gmail.com
For more details on Cinnamon Dinner see the Facebook page - click here
For more details on Stalagmites see the Facebook page - click here
For everything Shinny see the Shinny Show on Facebook - click here
Words by Ian Leslie
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