Underline The Sky are to perform at a charity event in an Ipswich pub to raise money to help people with bipolar disorder.

Following their high profile success in opening V festival last weekend the band will play The Spread Eagle Pub in Fore Street on August 30.

Organiser and landlady Sheryl McGeown said she is delighted to be able to secure the services of the popular band.

She said: “Underline The Sky have done really well and they agreed to help with the event.

“Our chosen charity is bipolar. My aunt Jackie Fairbrass suffered with the condition and committed suicide. She was a mother of two, she was 48 and the nicest person you could meet.

“She didn’t see the bad in anyone and her death was absolutely awful”

Sheryl said the pub community is aiming to raise £5,000 during the year to open a charity in Jackie’s name where she can maybe help to get a meeting place, a drop in centre, for people to talk to others including family members when they are struggling.”

Bands Soul Survivors and Supa Movements Crew will also perform during the event which will include a raffle, barbeque, an auction, sponsored events and fancy dress throughout the day. The Soul Survivors play at 4pm and Underline the Sky at 7pm.

Sheryl said: “Because bipolar is a mental illness a lot of people don’t like to talk about it and it is a taboo subject.

“We want to raise awareness about the condition.

“It should be a great day and we want everyone to have fun as well as learn about bipolar.”

The band have given their backing to Ipswich’s new music website lovemusic24.co.uk, run by The Evening Star and its sister paper The East Anglian Daily Times.

Underline The Sky - The Line Up

• Bronwyn Cooper (vocals)
• Chiron Richardson-Todd (bass)
• Dan Oaten (guitar)
• James Hicks [Monk] (drums)
• Tom Bryce (guitar/vocals)

Bipolar – In Profile

Bipolar disorder, previously called manic depression, is a condition that affects your moods, which can swing from one extreme to another.

If you have bipolar disorder, you will have periods or episodes of depression and mania.

Unlike simple mood swings, each extreme episode can last for several weeks or longer. The high and low phases of the illness can be so extreme that they interfere with your daily life.

The pattern of mood swings in bipolar disorder varies widely between individuals. Some people only have a couple of bipolar episodes in their lifetime and are stable in between, while others may experience many episodes.

It is a relatively common condition, with around 1 person in 100 being diagnosed as having bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder can occur at any age, but often develops between 18-24 years of age. Both men and women, and people from all backgrounds can develop it.

Are you fan of Underline The Sky? Has your family been affected by bipolar disorder? Leave us your comments.

Singer Ian Brown is to perform in Ipswich, it has been announced.

The performer will visit the Regent Theatre on December 1 as part of a 16-date UK winter tour.

Brown is the former lead singer of rock band The Stone Roses.

He is widely considered to be one of the pioneering members of the Madchester scene.

Since the band’s acrimonious and prolonged break up in 1996, Brown has released five solo albums and 12 UK top 40 singles.

He has appeared on several club tours and has performed at the Glastonbury Festival three times since 1998.

Tickets for his Ipswich date go on sale at 9.30am August 27. To book call the box office on 01473 433100.

Hundreds of people enjoyed a skate jam which was held alongside a live music event in Leiston.

The event took place for the second year running and included skateboard and BMX competitions during the sunny weather on Sunday afternoon.

Skaters and BMX riders take part in the skate jam at Leiston Skate Park

The music was part of the Soundwaves Project, run by Suffolk Coastal District Council, which aims to find musical talent among 13 to 26-year-olds from the area.

The bands showcased included Containz Nutz, To The Dogs, Hollotones and Mainstream Daydream.

The skate jam was sponsored by Smash Skates in Beccles and the overall winners were Mikee Jarvis on the skateboard and Liam Cracknell on his BMX.

There will be a second skate jam and final venue for the Soundwaves summer tour at Woodbridge skate park on September 6 from 1-6pm.

Suffolk rock star Charlie Simpson has unveiled his first solo songs.

The Fightstar frontman, who made his name in chart-topping pop trio Busted, uploaded three tracks to a new page on the MySpace site.

The acoustic songs – Dead Man Walking, Empty Guns and Carry Her – show a quieter, more sensitive side to his music.

Simpson, from Woodbridge, said: "I have decided to create a new personal MySpace page in order to upload some of the acoustic material I have been working on over the last year or so.”

The 24-year-old enjoyed incredible success with Busted, scoring a string of number one singles and a host of awards.

But he quit the group at the height of their fame in 2003 to focus on rock group Fightstar, who have released three critically-acclaimed albums and are due to head out on a major UK tour later this year.

It's A Trap have been familiar faces on the Suffolk music circuit since they formed in 2007.

Today, as they prepare to up sticks for the bright lights of London, they chat to JAMES MARSTON about their music and hopes for the future.

It's one of the more unusual – though admittedly picturesque – rehearsal venues – a houseboat on the River Orwell.

But it doesn’t stop the boys of It’s A Trap from performing their particular brand of indie rock.

Formed in December 2007 the guys – Ben, Andrew and Simon – have talked about little else which isn’t related to the band or music.

Simon Wilson, 19, of Holbrook, is the band’s bassist.

He said: “We all went to the same school and we had been in different bands. We’re all moving to London in September where we want to build up our profile and get into the London music scene. We have gigs already booked in Hoxton and Shoreditch.”

The band have been gigging for some time with recent performances at Notting Hill carnival, Camden Barfly and Norwich Waterfront up their sleeves.

Ben Ward, the band’s 18-year-old drummer, said: “Our music is melodramatic indie rock. It is energetic, we’re influenced by a lot of 80s bands like The Cure and Joy Division. Music is a way of expressing yourself, it is a creative outlet.”

Simon added: “Every conversation we have is about music. It is our passion.”

Andrew Major, 18, of Chelmondiston, is the band’s guitarist and vocalist.

He said: “We started off doing the Ipswich and Colchester music scene and we won a competition which gave us the opening slot for Party in the Park in Colchester in July 2008 where we played in front of 1,000 people.”

The band have also played a number of gigs outside of the area.

Ben, of Stutton, said: “There isn’t a lot of our genre of music in Ipswich. London has the biggest indie scene and that is where most of our music happens.”

The band have released a number of singles, EPs and demos in their bid to appeal to a wider audience.

Their songs include:

• Don’t Panic
• We Don’t Know
• These Seasons

Their inspiration comes from a variety of sources and covers eclectic subject matter.

Ben added: “Don’t Panic is about the Titanic, we have written a song about a female jewel thief.

“Our music tends to tell a story.

“These Seasons is more personal about making sure we don’t fall in love with someone before we have to leave.”

The band write music together with each contributing to the writing process.

Simon added: “Ever since we have been old enough to know what we like we have had music on our lips.”

Have you heard It’s A Trap? What do you think of the band? Leave us you comments below.

Musical Influences

Simon:

• Interpol
• Blur
• The Smiths

Andrew:

• Biffy Clyro
• Kings of Leon
• The Smiths

Ben

• Travis Baker
• Dillinger Four
• The Dandy Warhols

More photos - click here

Road to V winners Underline The Sky will be performing two celebratory gigs in Ipswich to mark their recent success, it has been announced.

The five-strong power-punk band beat more than 2,600 other hopefuls in the Road to V competition.

And they faced a public vote to become one of the two winning acts that will get to kick start the high profile V Festival, held in Chelmsford and Stafford on August 22 and 23.

To celebrate and thank fans they will be playing an invite-only gig at Ipswich’s Steamboat Tavern on August 19 followed by a second ticket-only gig at the venue on August 26.

Underline the Sky formed a year ago and have played more than 150 shows and made it to the Top 20 of the MySpace music charts.

Speaking earlier to The Evening Star the band’s guitarist and vocalist Tom Bryce said: “We are counting the days and we are working as hard as we can on our set.

“It hasn’t really sunk in.”

The band will appear on the same line up as Oasis, The Killers and Snow Patrol.

The band have given their backing to Ipswich’s new music website lovemusic24.co.uk, run by The Evening Star and its sister paper The East Anglian Daily Times and were the headline act at the website launch gig at The Steamboat in June.

Tickets are available in advance for August 26. To book call The Steamboat Tavern on 01473 601902. To request tickets to the gig on August 19 e-mail band@underlinethesky.com

Modern-day music festivals owe their existence to Woodstock

IT was an event that changed the course of the history of music.

For the first time thousands gathered to celebrate in the open air their love of music.

Woodstock was held 40 years ago this weekend (august 15 – 18)

JAMES MARSTON assesses its impact.

Glastonbury, Latitude, Isle of Wight, V Festival, even Ipswich Music Day – the list of British music festivals is today a long one. But Woodstock was the trailblazer.

Woodstock was the first time a weekend in a field was the place to be.

Held from August 15 to 17 – and running over until the 18 – half a million people turned up to a 600-acre dairy farm in Bethel in New YorkState for a weekend of music, drug taking, protest, free love and idealism.

It was a moment that went on to define a generation and it has been argued that many left with a totally different outlook on life.

And Woodstock took place during the context of the Vietnam War – the festival helped galvanise anti-war protest.

Back in 1969 Suffolk-based music promoter John Hessenthaler was a 17-year-old just getting into his music.

He said: “Global communications were very different back then.  I remember hearing about it but we didn’t hear much about Woodstock until later.

“Being an old rocker I recently saw Crosby, Stills, Nash and Santana performing.

“The Woodstock spirit still goes on today. If you analyse what happened Woodstock was the first open air music festival and it paved the way for all the others.”

The 57-year-old said Woodstock was in some ways an amateur event.

He said: “If you watch the footage of Woodstock what they had is very, very basic. It started as a commercial event but turned into a free event because it was overwhelmed with people. The bands backstage were still expect-ing to be paid though.

“There was no lighting rig and just two follow spots but it did pave the way for all the others.”

Evening Star music columnist and BBC Radio Suffolk broadcaster Stephen Foster has interviewed a number of stars who played at Woodstock including Joe Cocker, Canned Heat, and Richie Havens.

He said: “Woodstock was a ground breaking event that created the music festival as we know them today. It was the first time it happened over one weekend.

“Woodstock was also one of the last big events of the 60s and marked the end of a decade in which so much happened in the world of music.

“Thousands of people get together in the open air to enjoy music and that hadn’t happened like that before Wood-stock.”

The idea of crowds enjoying music together in harmony is part of Woodstock’s continuing cultural impact, Stephen added.

He said: “Ipswich Music Day isn’t in the same league or the same size but it is in the same vein as Woodstock, it is about people coming together and their love of music with no other motive.

“It was a peaceful gathering of people.”

Were you at Woodstock? What do you think of the event’s ongoing impact? Do you enjoy festivals? Leave us your comments...

The Festival - In Profile

• The festival was conceived by four young partners – Michael Lang, owner of a small store in New York City; Artie Kornfeld, an executive at Capital Records; and two venture capitalists, John Roberts and Joel Rosenman.
• It was moved from Wallkill, NY to Bethel, NY just 31 days before it began.
• By the time Woodstock began, Bethel was one of the largest cities in New York State. 
• The Grateful Dead played in the rain. Several members of the band received shocks during their performance and Phil Lesh (bass player) heard a helicopter radio transmission through his bass while playing.
• Neil Young played with Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, but did not appear in any of the film footage released of the group playing at Woodstock.
• Richie Havens had to play so long that he ran out of material and improvised what became one of his biggest songs: “Freedom.”
• The Doors first agreed to consider playing because they thought the festival would be held in Central Park, but decided against it when they learned the event was in upstate NY. 
• Although scheduled to play on Sunday, by the time Jimi Hendrix played on Monday morning, only 35,000 people remained.

source www.bethelwoodscenter.org

Performers included

• Arlo Guthrie
• Blood, Sweat, & Tears
• Canned Heat
• Creedence Clearwater Revival
• Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
• Grateful Dead
• The Incredible String Band
• Janis Joplin
• Jefferson Airplane
• Jimi Hendrix
• Joan Baez
• Joe Cocker
• John Sebastian
• Ravi Shankar
• Richie Havens
• Santana
• Sly and the Family Stone
• Ten Years After
• The Band
• The Who
• Tim Hardin

BBC Radio 2 Saturday August 15 10pm

American singer-songwriter John Sebastian marks the 40th anniversary of one of the most legendary events of the hippie movement. Featuring contributions from some of the musicians who were there the documentary sheds light on the celebrated festival.

Presenter - John Sebastian, Producer - Des Shaw.

Punk band The Adicts prepare for Ipswich gig

For more than 30 years Ipswich punk rock band The Adicts have performed, toured and recorded with the original line up. JAMES MARSTON meets Kid, the band’s drummer.

KID Davison is like any other father of four. He’s anxious his young son cycles carefully to football, he likes playing with the family dogs. 

But Kid is also a rocker and has been for more than three decades.

The drummer with the punk band The Adicts, Kid, 48, of The Avenue, Trimley St Mary has travelled the world, played to thousands, and loved music all his life.

He said: “Music is on all the time. I don’t watch tv, I listen to music. Me and Pete are brothers, our old man was in the forces and was stationed in Suffolk so that’s how we ended up here.

“We have always been into music and punk, we had our first band which was called The Dumb and then a band called The Afterbirth. Then we met Monkey and Mel and we formed in late 1976 early 1977 and the original line up has stayed.

“Everybody asks how we’ve kept the original line up but we have just evolved, we’re like anyone else we have our fights but it’s more like being in a family, we have grown up with each other.”

Kid likes the description of cabaret punk for their act.

He added: “We were brought up on punk, in the early 70s there was lots going on, there was glam rock, heavy metal, there was a lot of outlets on the music scene and when I was a teenager there was punk.

“We are an amalgamation of everything, we’re not scared to mix it up, we play anything.

And writing music for the band is a collaborative effort.

Kid added: “Me, Pete and Monkey have always been the songwriters and in the studio Pete likes to do the production.”

On Thursday (August 13) the band will be performing in Ipswich at the Regent theatre’s circle lounge, tickets are available from Out of Time Records in Fore Street.

“It is a warm up gig because we have got some shows coming up, last year we played the corn exchange, we all live in different parts of the world so it’s good to meet up. We also have a new album coming out this month called Life Goes On.

Kid said: “People can turn up if they like and see what happens, we like to break the rules.”

Back in the 1970s the band was initially a youth club band performing in Ipswich and later cutting its teeth at the town’s Manor Ballroom.

Kid said: “It took us three years to get a gig outside of Ipswich. When we did we went to London and played at the Brecknock Club in London and we got banned.

“We took two coach loads of fans with us and I don’t think London was ready for Ipswich.”

Kid admits the band have had their “fair share” of the rock and roll lifestyle.

He added: “We’ve seen a lot of passers by over the years but we’ve all still got our hair and we’re still rocking. It is hard work and late nights and punk rock doesn’t pay the bills.”

A charity support worker, Kid said touring can be very hard work.

He said: “We were away a couple of months ago for three weeks in a van and as soon as we get back I go back to work so there’s no down time.

“The Adicts isn’t our main source of income and the tax man loves me. But we don’t do it for the money. We have played for ten people in Coventry and 10,000 people in Mexico and been mobbed.

“We work in Europe a lot and we do big shows in Spain and we’re very popular in California. I have been recognised in an American supermarket which was funny, it doesn’t happen in Trimley.

“It is a buzz, we can talk about the travel and the hard work but as soon as you get on stage it is all worth it and the adrenalin flows.”

Above: The band are led by Keith 'Monkey' Warren, known for his joker-style make-up

The band’s new album is released this month. It has 13 songs.

Kid said: “It is a mish mash, there’s love songs and songs about daily living, we have never been political we are a little bit more subtle and we do have a message in some of our music. It is not direct though.

“We also re-recorded our first album Songs of Praise. We first recorded it in 1981 in Stowupland in one day.”

With their distinctive look and dramatic stage act, The Adicts continue to stand out from other bands.

Kid said: “We did the look we use because we were bored of the blackness of punk which had become very regimented by the 1980s, you have to have a Mohican and a black jacket.

“If we had more money we would do more theatrical shows. We have confetti candles and beach balls and stuff, we have always liked the glamour side of entertaining, we put effort into our show.”

The Adicts will perform at the Ipswich Regent Circle bar on August 13. Doors 7.30pm.  Support will be from local bands Suspect Device and Dangers Close. Tickets £15 from Out Of Time records in Fore Street.

Q & A

What’s the highlight of your career been so far?

“We’re still doing it. The next gig maybe.”

Do you have any unfulfilled ambitions?

“I’d like our music to be more recognised, the band name has been a hindrance though because of the drug overtones. We have got better over the years, I’m not sure why though. I’d like one of my songs to be made into a hit.”

What car do you drive?

“I don’t have a car, I walk. I don’t have a mobile phone either.”

What are your hobbies?

“My dogs Deedee and Tallulah the labrador.

Do you have a diva demand in the dressing room?

“We’re a Jack Daniels band and Pete likes energy drinks but we’re not divas. We’re thankful for anything.”

The Line Up

Keith “Monkey” Warren

Mel “Spider” Ellis

Pete Dee Davison

Michael “Kid Dee” Davison

John “Scruff” Ellis

Dan Graziai

Did you know?

In May the band played to 10,000 people in Novi Sad, Serbia.

DJ Steve Lamacq is to be dropped by Radio 1 after 16 years as the BBC continues its revamp of the station.

The 43-year-old's Monday night programme showcasing new indie music will make way for a new series of music documentaries exploring artists, eras and genres, it was announced yesterday.

The decision to axe Lamacq, who grew up in Colchester and is an avid U’s supporter, comes after Jo Whiley, 44, lost her prime mid-morning Radio 1 slot to Fearne Cotton.

Lamacq, who will continue his shows on Radio 2 and Radio 6 Music, said: "It was a wonderful opportunity to try and subvert pop music radio from within, which I hope we managed to do more often than not."

The move comes as Radio 1 chiefs try to give the station a facelift to make it more appealing to younger listeners.

Ben Cooper, deputy controller of Radio 1, said: "Radio 1 must continue to evolve to help sharpen our offer to younger audiences.

"We're committed to delivering the best content to our audiences and our refreshed schedule reflects this.'

The shake-up also sees hip-hop DJ Tim Westwood lose his Tuesday night show to make way for a new music, film and games review and discussion programme hosted by Nihal.

Westwood, 51, will also have his Saturday night show halved from four hours to two, but he will now host the BBC 1Xtra drivetime show.

Nihal's former collaborator Bobby Friction will also leave the station.

Friday night will remain dedicated to dance, but Pete Tong and Annie Mac are to swap slots, with Mac taking the 7pm-9pm stint and Tong spinning the discs from 9pm to 11pm.

Mac said: "I'm delighted to be kicking off the weekend on Radio 1 and it's an honour to be following in the footsteps of Pete Tong.

"He's leaving big shoes for me to fill, but I'm really looking forward to bringing the mash-up to a wider audience.'

Tong will also lose his Thursday night show, to be replaced by In New DJs We Trust, showcasing up-and-coming DJs playing new club tunes.

Andy Parfitt, the controller of Radio 1, said: "Taken together with our recent revamp of the core daytime schedule, this represents one of the most significant shake-ups of the whole schedule in recent times and will help us focus on a new generation of Radio 1 listeners.'

The schedule changes come into effect from September 21.

View the current schedule here.

More than 40 drummers kept drumming for 24 hours to raise money for three charities – and it was such a success it is to become a yearly event.

Drumming it home: Organiser Dan Jacobs on the drums with some of the 40 drummers who kept going for 24hrs outside Tesco in Martlesham

The ‘Drumathon’ took place at Tesco’s Martlesham, with organiser Dan Jacobs and his brother Alex kicking off at 6pm on Friday.

With more support than anticipated Mr Jacobs, 34, a drum teacher, introduced a third drum kit to give everyone a chance to play.

He said the event had gone even better than he ever imagined, with a ten second countdown just before 6pm on Saturday to signal their success.

“Everything went extremely well,” he said. “A lot of people were a bit nervous to start with, but once they got going it was all great.

“Everyone really, really enjoyed themselves playing to a good crowd that gathered at the event.” Each drummer was required to raise money before the event putting the grand total raised over the 24-hour period at £1,730.57.

The money will be split between three charities, the Teenage Cancer Trust, the Paul Brook Trust, supporting pancreatic cancer and Possibilities which supports Ugandan orphans.

The three drum kits were set up underneath a marquee in the supermarket car park, and due to the wonderful weather some spectators stayed to watch into the early hours of Saturday morning.

Mr Jacobs added: “We did get really tired; I was a zombie when I got home but it was great, we are going to try and make it an annual event.”

Local band Don Shimoa took their turn on the kits, playing a great set to entertain the weary drummers.

Links:

More Photos

www.dansdrumlessons.com

THOUSANDS of music lovers enjoying a perfect summer festival full of sunshine and live music at Halesworth’s Gig In The Park this weekend.

The event, which kicked off on Friday evening, saw record-breaking crowds head to the town park over the weekend to enjoy the variety of music on offer.

Among about 70 acts performing Frontbum who entertained the crowd with their full arena show and alternative look at Halesworth life on Friday night.

This year, the festival boasted three stages for the first time in its 12-year history, with an intermediate stage in place next to the main stage to show acts during the turnaround of the headliners.

Musical highlights included a performance on Saturday night by Squeeze star Glenn Tilbrook, who performed many of the bands old favourites with his new group The Fluffers.

Cockney rockers Chas N’ Dave were also due to perform on Saturday night, but Dave was unable to make it to the event due to a family bereavement, leaving Chas to perform alone with their band.

Organiser John Marshall Potter said: “The beautiful weather has certainly helped us this year. Friday night was by far the biggest we’ve ever had and Saturday was also sold out.

“We’ve had a completely eclectic mix of music on offer so there has been something for everyone, which I think is what makes the festival so popular.”

Secret Cinema perform at Gig in the park at Halesworth

Some of the local talent on show included Norwich-based pop-punk group The Brownies, Lowestoft grunge band Six Degrees of Separation and The Fuzz, a young band from Bungay

Lowestoft band The Darkness’ old drummer Ed Graham’s new band Karaoke For Beginners also performed for the festival crowds.

Mr Marshall Potter said that the event has grown in popularity and become an important part of the town’s calendar. “The reason it’s so successful is that the people of Halesworth have taken ownership of the event and love it.

“Our tag line this year has been ‘Halesworth’s got talent’ and with a lot of local bands performing, we’ve proved that. We couldn’t do it without the great local support and the volunteers who give up their time to help us year after year.”

There was sunshine, thousands of visitors, a host of performers and even a wedding reception at an annual music festival.

About 4,500 people flocked to the Kesgrave Music Festival on Saturday for the fundraiser in aid of St Elizabeth Hospice.

Bands including The Glamtastics, The Inflatables, Rockface and the Gordon Bennett Band performed at the all-day event.

The event was launched in 2006 in memory of Kate Moyes, who had lost her battle with cancer at St Elizabeth Hospice a year earlier at the age of 29.

It is not known yet how much money has been raised from this year’s festival but most of it will go to the hospice, with the remaining sum being donated to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices. The fund in Kate’s memory currently stands at £36,000.

Debbie McCallum, one of the festival’s organisers and landlady of The Bell pub in Kesgrave, said the day had been “absolutely fantastic”.

She added: “The festival is our way of commemorating Kate’s life. She has left a legacy behind for the community.”

Among the festival-goers were newly-weds Caroline Goldsworthy and Andy Hanster, who had been married in Kesgrave earlier in the day.

They held their wedding reception in a marquee at the event and they even had their first dance on stage, to T-Rex’s We Love to Boogie, performed by the Glamtastics.

They've done it!

Ipswich band Underline The Sky are jumping for joy today after it was announced they are to open one of the UK’s biggest music festivals.

The five-strong power-punk band beat more than 2,600 other hopefuls in the Road to V competition.

And they faced a public vote to become one of the two winning acts that will get to kick start the high profile V Festival, held in Chelmsford and Stafford on August 22 and 23.

Underline the Sky formed a year ago and have played more than 150 shows and made it to the Top 20 of the MySpace music charts.

The band’s guitarist and vocalist said: “We are counting the days and we are working as hard as we can on our set.

“It hasn’t really sunk in.”

The band will appear on the same line up as Oasis, The Killers and Snow Patrol.

Tom added: “It means everything to us. When we heard we had won we were all in tears. Every one is really looking forward to the festival. It will be the biggest thing we have ever done.”

Underline the Sky lead singer, Bronwyn Cooper added: “We got into this competition through our fans. We have worked so hard to keep their support and attract new fans along the way, and you have no idea how very grateful we are for them.

“The competition was immense, but the hard work had paid off now and our dream has come true. Bring on V Festival!”

The band have given their backing to Ipswich’s new music website lovemusic24.co.uk, run by The Evening Star and its sister paper The East Anglian Daily Times.

Ashley Stockwell, executive director of brand and marketing at Virgin Media commented: “This year’s Road to V competition was of an incredibly high standard and we were delighted by the sheer number and variety of bands who entered.

“Congratulations to Underline The Sky – we can’t wait to see their performance at the V Festival.”

The band will be performing a free celebration gig at Ipswich’s Steamboat Tavern on August 19 at 7.30pm.

To find out more about Road to V visit www.roadtov.com. The Road to V winners will be showcased tonight at 6:55 pm on Virgin1.

The Line Up

Bronwyn Cooper (vocals)
Chiron Richardson-Todd (bass)
Dan Oaten (guitar)
James Hicks [Monk] (drums)
Tom Bryce (guitar/vocals)

Did you know?

Underline The Sky are to follow in the footsteps of Ipswich-band Rosalita who opened V Festival in 2007.

James Marston - Evening Star, August 7th

Suffolk rock band Underline The Sky will open this year's V Festival after winning an unsigned band competition, it has been announced.

The Ipswich-based group who headlined lovemusic24's launch gig in June, were plucked from more than 2,600 hopefuls who entered the Road To V contest.

Mentors Just Jack and The Charlatans whittled 10 semi-finalists down to the final six, and two winners were chosen by music fans.

Rock quintet The Last Republic, from Swansea, will also join the line-up with Oasis, The Killers and Snow Patrol at Chelmsford and Stafford on August 22-23.

Underline The Sky lead singer Bronwyn Cooper said: "The competition was immense, but the hard work had paid off now and our dream has come true.'

Since 2004, Road To V has nurtured new talent with bands such as quirky post-punk trio The Young Knives, who opened V Festival and went on to attract a Mercury Prize nomination.

A charity shop in Ipswich is today preparing for an invasion of music lovers after one of Britain's biggest acts announced plans to exclusively release their new single at the store.

Volunteers at Oxfam in The Buttermarket expect to be besieged by fans of Arctic Monkeys following the band's decision to launch new track Crying Lightning at the charity's 700 shops.

The limited edition seven-inch, which will be available at Oxfam stores from 9am on August 17, is the first to come from the Brit Award-winning four-piece's new album, Humbug.

However, demand will certainly outweigh supply - the shop is only likely to receive 40 copies of the £2.99 release.

Store manager Richard Webb said: “I would imagine we will be besieged.

“People are already asking when they can buy it so I am sure there will be a big response because they are such a popular band.

“For them to do something like this for Oxfam is great.”

Mr Webb is also calling on fans to bring any unwanted albums or singles when they visit the shop to help Oxfam continue to turn yesterday's hits into vital funds.

He added: “Music fans from all over Ipswich and Suffolk love to dig through our collection of donated music to find hidden treasures and they'll be delighted that they can now pick up something as exciting and exclusive as this.

“Every copy sold and every record donated to the shop will help us raise money to fight poverty around the world.”

The single is the first to be released at Oxfam for 25 years.

Sheffield-based Arctic Monkeys shot to fame in 2005 with the release of their number one hit, I Bet That You Look Good on the Dancefloor.

Humbug goes on sale on August 24 and Arctic Monkeys are set to headline the Reading and Leeds festivals on August 28 and 29.

From the Evening Star, August 6th 2009

A gifted Ipswich teenager is hoping to make a name for himself at a national talent competition.

Callum Robinson's soul ambition is to become a singing sensation and follow in the footsteps of his pop star heroes.

The 17-year-old from Fonnereau Road is poised to compete in the grand final of Open Mic UK - a nationwide search for singer-songwriters and vocalists - with a recording contract on offer to the winner.

Callum cites his biggest influences as Michael Jackson, Beyonce and the late R'n'B singer Aaliyah, but he wants to eclipse all of their successes and become a soul superstar.

The former Farlingaye High School pupil said: “I've been singing, dancing and acting for as long as I can remember but I started recording music around two years ago.

“It's not about making money for me. I just want to be big!”

Callum studied for a national diploma in music at Suffolk College and is about to complete an NVQ in business administration.

Earlier this year he impressed the unforgiving X-Factor judges enough to get through the first round of auditions.

He failed to progress any further but is determined to make more of an impression this time round. “I felt a bit knocked back but I think now is my time,” said Callum. “Music is my passion and it feels like I was born to do it.

“When I wake up in the morning I want to sing, when I go to bed at night I want to sing.”

Callum has a lot of support from his family and claims that some of his talent may have been passed down by his grandmother who once owned her own dance school in Hull.

The young singer will take to the stage in front of eight celebrity judges at the final of Open Mic UK on October 11 at Beck Theatre, in Middlesex.

To listen to Callum sing and show your support visit his myspace page.

From The Evening Star, August 7th 2009

Suffolk band The Cheek are among the latest additions to the Harvest at Jimmy's music and food festival.
The indie-rockers will play at the two-day festival, at Jimmy's Farm, at Wherstead, near Ipswich, on September 12-13.
Other bands confirmed to play include experimental folk duo Tunng, singer-songwriter Jon Allen, Norwich band The Great Shakes and Irish folk singer Wallis Bird.
They join a line-up that already includes KT Tunstall, Badly Drawn Boy, Athlete, Jose Gonzalez and Seth Lakeman, while a “food stage” will see demonstrations from top chefs including James Martin, James Wong and Gennaro Contaldo.
Jamie Oliver's Fifteen restaurant will also be taking over a barn at the farm and there will be a host of activities, stalls and entertainment, including children's events.
About 3,000 people are expected each day at the event. Day tickets cost £25 for adults, £15 for youths and under-12s are free. There are also weekend tickets available.
For more information and to book tickets go to www.bigwheeltickets.com

THE FULL LINE UP:

SATURDAY

Bands:

• Athlete
  
• Jose Gonzalez
  
• Badly Drawn Boy
  
• Jon Allen
  
• Wallis Bird
  
• The Cheek
  
• Sam Lewis
  
• Prints of Whales

Chefs:

• Gino D'Acampo
  
• Anjum Anand
  
• Jamie Oliver's Fifteen
  
• Chris Gates

SUNDAY

Bands:

• KT Tunstall
  
• Seth Lakeman
  
• Tunng
  
• Peter & The Wolf
  
• The Great Shakes
  
• 6 Day Riot
  
• Delta Maid

Chefs:

• James Martin
  
• Jamie Oliver's Fifteen
  
• James Wong (Grow Your Own Drugs)
  
• Gennaro Contaldo
  
• Jimmy Doherty
  
• Chris Gates
  

Why not join/subscribe to the Harvest at Jimmy's group or for event details click here.

POP princess Pixie Lott and guitar band McFly are the latest additions to the line-up for this year's V Festival.

They join a host of acts to be added to the bill for the music festival at Hylands Park, Chelmsford, over the weekend of August 22-23.

Eighteen-year-old Pixie Lott, from Brentwood, went straight to number one with her debut single Mama Do earlier this year.

Other acts to be added include Sneaky Sound System, Asher Roth, Carolina Liar, Bjorn Again and Mike Snow.

They join performers including Oasis, The Killers, Razorlight, Lady GaGa, The Specials, Lily Allen, Snow Patrol, Keane and Elbow.

Festival director Bob Angus said: “V Festival is delighted to add such a range of hot talent to our line up at this late stage.

“We now have over 60 acts confirmed to play at this year's V Festival, and feel confident that all the acts on the bill genuinely offer a fresh and diverse mix of the best the current music scene has to offer.”

For more information on the V Festival visit vfestival.com

From the EADT, 4th July 2009

Preparations are now well underway for a popular music festival that kicks off on Friday.

More than 40 volunteer crew are now setting up stages in Halesworth’s Town Park.

There is also 700 metres of security fence to be out up, over 40 portable toilets to sited and several miles of cable to be connected.

Gig in the Park is on until Sunday and features headliners Chas and Dave and Glenn Tilbrook of Squeeze.

Andy Graham, spokesman for the event, said: “The fact that we have a skilled volunteer crew, many of whom are experts in the entertainment industry and have worked with numerous household names, gives the gig a unique vibe and enables us to keep ticket prices low and still support local good causes.

“As always there is a full programme of bands over the three days on three stages, a real ale bar and catering from around the globe.

“Tickets are available on the gate but people are advised to arrive early to avoid disappointment as advance ticket sales have been very encouraging and capacity in the park is limited.”

For more details visit www.giginthepark.co.uk.

From the EADT, 5th August 2009

By Dave Kindred

News has reached me that the legendary Nanda Lesley, who loved live music and all the fans who attended gigs she organised in Ipswich with her husband Ron, sadly died at the end of June at her home near Torquay.

Ron and Nanda Lesley at the Manor Ballroom, Ipswich in the 1960s

Born in 1925 she was like another mum to all the teens and twenties who packed into the St Matthews Baths Hall and Manor Ballroom in Ipswich in the 1960s.

Ron and Nanda Lesley brought the best bands to Ipswich for fans to enjoy close up and live. Ron died in 2007. This couple travelled to Ipswich every Monday for around fifteen years promoting great gigs.

They started promoting in London in the 1950s with Trad' Jazz.

This poster from Ron and Nanda Lesley’s Led Zeppelin gig in Ipswich in 1971. This collectable poster is now worth more than the entire takings at the gig!

They packed Ipswich events in the early days at the “Jazz Club” with the likes of Kenny Ball and Acker Bilk bands. By the mid sixties they moved over to blues and rhythm and blues and “Bluesville” was born with regulars Long John Baldry, Rod Stewart and Julie Driscol singing with the band “SteamPacket”, also Cream featuring Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce, Jethro Tull, Fleetwood Mac, Spencer Davis and many more came to town when they were big names. In November 1971 Ron and Nanda brought Led Zeppelin to The Baths Hall, Ipswich for £1 a ticket!

Nanda treated the bands and the fans with kindness and affection. She would make sure the band had a decent meal at the same time greeting her customers with a big smile on the door. It was nice to notice in a recent interview with Mick Fleetwood when he was appearing at the Regent he remembered Nanda with affection. Rod Stewart was tagged “Rod the Mod” by Nanda who would assure him his hair was just perfect before he stepped on the stage at the St Matthews Baths Hall.

I spoke to Ron and Nanda for a feature in Kindred Spirits around a year before Ron died and they both remembered their Ipswich fans with great affection.

I expect Nanda is now busy organising Elvis Presley, John Lennon, Roy Orbison and a few more for the 'Great Gig in the Sky'.

What memories do you have of this lovely lady who greeted everybody with a big smile and her charming Italian accent?

From the Evening Star, August 2009