The Weekend by Blackpool Gazette

In association with Friday, March 27, 2009

Cheers!

Restaurant bucks the credit crunch INSIDE YOUR GUIDE TO ENTERTAINMENT ON THE FYLDE Enthralling film salute to footballâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Brian Clough

Blaze-hit Venue is bouncing right back

Talented youngsters on verge of big break

the weekend

www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk

MAIN EVENT

Friday, March 27, 2009

INSIDE COVER STORY Island goes Italian to beat credit crunch PAGE 12

CINEMA Nicolas Cage is a prophet of disaster in Knowing, Michael Sheen plays Brian Clough in The Damned United, a battle against terrorism in Traitor and supernatural thriller The Haunting in Connecticut PAGES 4 & 5

NIGHTSCENE Joe is back to storm The Castle and blaze hit Venue rises from the ashes PAGES 6 & 7

DUKES DIARY Blues star heads for the Grand, local talent hopefuls out to impress PAGES 10 & 11

FOOD&DRINK Meet Elswick’s young hot shot chef and eels back on the menu? PAGE 12

Sounds of the 60s By Robin Duke Entertainment Editor

he Solid Silver 60s Show is back at Blackpool Grand Theatre on Sunday, bringing together the unforgettable talents of 60s stars The Searchers, Wayne Fontana, The Merseybeats and very special guest John Walker with The Dakotas. The distinctive jangling sound of the 12 string guitar and rich harmonies have assured The Searchers a lasting place in the history of popular music throughout the world. Their first hit single Sweets For My Sweet shot to number one in the summer of 1963, quickly followed into the charts by Sugar & Spice, Needles & Pins, Love Potion Number Nine, Don’t Throw Your Love Away and Someday We’re Gonna Love Again to name a few. Original members John McNally and Frank Allen, along with Spencer James and Eddie Rothe, have perfected a concert consisting of legendary hits, ‘B’ sides, favourite album tracks and even new material combined with anecdotes and reminiscences delivered in an intimate and entertaining way. Wayne Fontana and The Mindbenders’ breakthrough single Um Um Um Um Um Um charted at number five. Spearheading the Manchester contingent in the ‘British Invasion’ of the States, the band gained instant success with The Game of Love netting the number one spot. In 1965 Wayne left the group and embarked on a solo career which spawned the hits Come On Home and Pamela, Pamela. The Merseybeats are original members Tony Crane and Billy Kinsley plus long term bass player Bob Packham (who joined the band as a ‘temporary’ replacement over 30 years ago), drummer Lou ‘The Hair’ Rosenthal and Adrian son of Tony Crane on keyboard and guitar. They retain the sound and the feel that is

LIVERPOOL SOUND: The Merseybeats

Hits all the way at The Grand

POP LEGENDS: The Searchers and (right) Wayne Fontana unique to The Merseybeats and still enjoy doing it with hits such as It’s Love That Really Counts, I Think of You, Don’t Turn Around, Wishin’ and Hopin’, Last Night, I Stand Accused, Mr Moonlight, I Love You Yes I Do and of course Sorrow. John Walker is one of the famous Walker Brothers who recorded the famous hits Love Her, Make It Easy On Yourself, My Ship Is Coming In and The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore. The Dakotas formed in Manchester in 1960, performing in club and ballroom venues. They appeared at the legendary Cavern Club in Liverpool, where they met The Beatles. In late 1962, at the suggestion of Paul McCartney and John

Lennon, Brian Epstein teamed the band up with Billy J Kramer. Their first hit Do You Want To Know A Secret stormed up the charts and reached number two in the spring of 1963. Tickets are priced from only £19 and can be booked at (01253) 290190, online at www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk or at the new Grand Theatre information sales point in the Houndshill Shopping Centre

LAYTON INSTITUTE Westcliffe Drive, Blackpool Blackpool 393801 Westcliffe Drive, 393801

IN THE WINGS Sound of music comes to South Shore reveals Lisa Ettridge in our weekly am-dram column. PAGE 13

www.layton-institute.co.uk www.layton-institute.co.uk

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

WHAT’S ON The Fylde Coast’s biggest and best listings guide to shows and events on Friday, Saturday and Sunday including the latest Gazette Travel deals to top gigs PAGES 13-15

the weekend

Lowther Pavilion Lytham

‘WHATS ON’

28th March Jade Fairs Antique & Collectors Fair 10.004.30pm

Friday 27th Friday 27th March March Lee Roberts Lee Roberts (entertainer) (entertainer) Saturday 28th Saturday 28th March March Magic Show Band (60s/70s Era) (60s/70s Era) and and Tom Francis (MaleVocals)

The Guardian Concert Band

the

weekend

29th March With Marton Operatic Soc 7.30pm 2nd April 7.30pm

EDITORIAL Entertainment editor: Robin Duke, tel 01253 361833,

4th & 5th April 10.00-4.00

ADVERTISING: Keith Middlebrough Tel: 01253 361816

11 &13-18 April 7.30pm

e-mail r o b i n . d u k e @ b l a c k p o o l g a z e t t e . c o . u k

Michael Taylor Presents Bee Gee's Magic North star MBS Events Alternative Health Fair

Lytham AOS Presents Fiddler On The Roof

Box Office 01253 658666

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

members, affiliated members & guests welcome

FILMS

the weekend

Prophet of disaster

www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk

Double take on intrigue TRAITOR (12A) Rating: 6/10

RACE AGAINST TIME: John Koestler (Nicolas Cage) surveys the wreckage of a plane crash in Knowing

TOP FILMS 1 (1) Marley & Me (PG) 2 (-) Paul Blart: Mall Cop (PG) 3 (-) Lesbian Vampire Killers (15) 4 (-) Duplicity (12A) 5 (3) Gran Torino (15) 6 (2) Watchmen (18) 7 (6) Young Victoria (PG) 8 (8) Bolt 3D (PG) 9 (4) The Unborn (15) 10 (7) Slumdog Millionaire (15)

Coming soon Richard Curtis writes and directs the salty comedy THE BOAT THAT ROCKED (previews wednesday and Thursday, Blackpool and Cleveleys)... and misfits of the world unite in the family-orientated, computer animated adventure MONSTERS VS ALIENS (weekend previews Cleveleys and Blackpool – 3D).

t is no coincidence or quirk of fate that you are reading this review at this precise time. There are no accidents or chance occurrences – everything is preordained, mapped out years if not decades in advance, and we are just passengers on this invisible rollercoaster through space and time. However, there are people among us with the ability to predict the seemingly random events: extraordinary men, women and children with one thing in common – they all hear voices in their heads. Mankind’s salvation lies not in the hands of governments, environmentalists or the scientific community, but in the ravings of the mentally disturbed, who are tuned into a frequency that most of us can never hear. So claims Knowing, an apocalyptic thriller from director Alex Proyas (I, Robot), which tasks one fractured family with the impossible task of

KNOWING (15) Rating: 5/10

unravelling the secrets of this rapidly dying universe. Fifty years after a group of elementary school children bury their drawings of the future in a time capsule, a new generation of curious tykes opens the container. Inside, young Caleb Koestler (Chandler Canterbury) discovers a sheet of paper written by a little girl, Lucinda Embry (Lara Robinson), which at first glances seems to be lines of random numbers. When Caleb’s widower father, astrophysics professor John Koestler (Nicolas Cage), examines the sequence, he identifies the exact dates and death tolls of every major catastrophe to befall mankind. More worrying, there are three more sets of numbers on the page.

Scientist pal Phil Beckman (Ben Mendelsohn) tries to dissuade John from paying any attention to numerology: “People see what they want to see.’’ However, a plane crash validates the prediction and John races against time to unlock the secret of the final numbers, aided by Lucinda Embry’s daughter Diana (Rose Byrne) and granddaughter Abby (Robinson again). Father and son become embroiled in a series of spectacular, jaw-dropping, action set pieces as the plot twists and turns to its outlandish resolution. There’s no doubting Proyas’s ability to orchestrate mayhem on a grand scale: the plane crash is truly horrifying as passengers burn before our eyes. However, the script doesn’t pack a similar punch and most of the characters remain blank canvases until the final frame. Cage hardly breaks a sweat in the gloomy lead role.

IN the war against terror, the truth is occasionally sacrificed at the altar of perception. Convince the media, and therefore the public, that you are winning, and half the battle is already won. Writer-director Jeffrey Nachmanoff exploits the disparity between fact and illusion in this taut thriller of political intrigue and espionage, creating a horribly plausible scenario for a devastating attack on American soil. Central to the nightmarish plot is an undercover operative, apparently embedded within a terrorist cell to bring it down from the inside, whose dubious actions continually suggest an ulterior motive. Like the characters, we’re left in the dark for most of the film as to whether he is double-crossing the Americans to avenge the murder of his Muslim father in a car bomb, which opens the film. A stirring performance from Don Cheadle in the title role muddies the waters, playing up the ambiguities in a character, who is being supplied with actual explosives as part of his covert mission. Who is conning whom and to what end? As the evidence of a covert plot stacks up, the two men close in on the terrorist cell, jeopardising all of Samir’s hard work. Traitor maintains a brisk pace after the pyrotechnic-laden opening, cranking up the tension as Samir provides Omar and his minions with the necessary tools to kill hundreds of innocent men, women and children. Nachmanoff foregoes a barrage of action set pieces in favour of tense conversations between the characters, posing difficult questions about violence as a means to bring down the terrorists.

Dark secrets of a former funeral home BASED on a true story, Peter Cornwell’s supernatural thriller revolves around a close-knit family pushed to the brink by unseen forces resident in their new home.

Peter Campbell (Martin Donovan) and his wife Sara (Virginia Madsen) move to upstate Connecticut with their family into

THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT(15) Rating: 6/10

a beautiful Victoria home, which conceals a dark past. The building used to be a funeral parlour and the old owner’s son Jonah (Erik J

View all the latest movie trailers online

Berg) was a conduit for evil, bridging the divide between the real and the spirit worlds. When Jonah returns to wreak havoc on the Campbells, they turn to local holy man, Reverend Popescu (Elias Koteas), to help banish the evil from their home.

Catch them today on www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk

FILMS

Friday, March 27, 2009 THE DAMNED UNITED (15)

also showing

Rating: 7/10

he beautiful game is full of larger than life characters; men of boundless desire, on and off the pitch, who inspire lifelong devotion from the fans. Key to any team’s success is the manager: the architect of every hard fought battle between the goal posts, who must weather the storm when players fail to perform. In the annals of modern British football, Brian Clough remains one of the most charismatic, bullish and successful figures. He is still the only domestic manager to win back-to-back European cups. In August 2006, David Peace published his controversial book, The Damned United, about a tempestuous period in Clough’s professional life during the 1974 season. Friends and family reacted angrily to the depiction of Old Big ’Ead as bullying and selfish. Those same loved ones have predictably refused to watch Tom Hooper’s film, adapted for the screen by Peter Morgan (Frost/Nixon, The Queen). They need not worry. Steeped in nostalgia and blessed with an endearing performance from Michael Sheen as the socalled “greatest England manager we never had”, this valentine to the former darling of Nottingham Forest shoots and scores on many levels. The film opens in July 1974 with Brian and his two boys, Simon and Nigel, travelling to West Yorkshire

the weekend

Lesbian Vampire Killers (15)

Blackpool and Cleveleys. Gavin & Stacey’s comedy stars huff and puff to the village of Cragwich, blissfully unaware that the locals have been cursed for centuries by Carmilla, the Lesbian Vampire Queen.

Paul Blart: Mall Cop (PG)

Blackpool and Cleveleys. A shopping centre comes under siege from armed robbers. But instead of lean, mean Bruce Willis in Die Hard, this mall places its trust in the sweaty palms of an overweight, lovesick father. FOOTBALL NOSTALGIA: Michael Sheen as Brian Clough in The Damned United

A tribute to Old Big ‘Ead to succeed Don Revie (Colm Meaney) as manager of Division 1 champions, Leeds United. An impromptu interview with Granada TV, in which Brian openly criticises Revie’s tactics, declares war against senior squad members including Billy Bremner (Stephen Graham), Johnny Giles

(Peter McDonald) and Norman Hunter (Mark Cameron). Flashbacks to six years earlier reveal the seeds of Brian’s dislike of Revie as he, and loyal assistant Peter Taylor (Timothy Spall), take Derby from the foot of Division 2 to the dizzy heights of Division 1. The Damned United is an enthralling and largely affectionate

tribute to a man who wears egotistical bravado like a comfortable, old jumper. Morgan’s script elegantly provides background to the rivalry that drives Brian to the brink of selfdestruction. ■ Timothy Spall interview – don’t miss Life! magazine free with Saturday’s Gazette.

Win tickets FIVE lucky Weekend readers will win a pair of tickets to see The Damned United or any film of their choice, on one of the eight big screens at Vue Cinemas, Cleveleys. To have the chance to win, simply answer this question: Which football manager is the film based around? Is it: A) Brian Clough or B) Sir Alex Ferguson Then text BGCINEMA followed by space, then

your answer and name to 81800. Calls cost 25p, plus standard network charge. Lines close midnight Sunday. Standard Gazette competition rules apply. Some restrictions may apply. By supplying your telephone number you're happy to receive SMS/MMS messages from Johnston Press and its approved business partners. Johnston Press (or via its agents)

and its business partners may contact you about new promotions, products and services. Please add the word STOP at the end of your message if you do not wish to receive these. For quality and training purposes we may monitor communications. SMS service is provided by g8wave, London. For film time information and to book tickets visit www.myvue.com or call 08712 240 240

TOP CHOICE

Duplicity (12A)

Blackpool and Cleveleys. CIA officer Claire Stenwick (Julia Roberts) and MI6 agent Ray Koval (Clive Owen) leave behind government intelligence to employ their expertise in the cut-throat world of big business.

Marley & Me (PG)

All cinemas. Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston star as a young couple struggling to juggle professional and parental responsibilities as well as Marley, the tiny bundle of fun that soon grows into 100 pounds of uncontrollable energy.

Watchmen (18)

Blackpool and Cleveleys. Film version of Alan Moore’s complicated graphic novel of fading superheroes and masked crime fighters.

The Young Victoria (PG)

All cinemas. Gorgeous sets and costumes and a haunting orchestral score the film adheres closely to fact .

The Unborn (15)

Cleveleys – weekend. When Casey Beldon suffers a series of disturbing visions and one of her eyes mysteriously changes colour, she discovers she was in fact a twin and her unborn brother is now an evil spirit.

Gran Torino (15)

Blackpool and St Annes. Clint Eastwood delivers a tour-de-force performance as a xenophobic war veteran in a powerful tale of modern day vigilantism.

the weekend

NIGHTSCENE

www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk

Joe is back to storm the Castle

e was one of the most popular DJs in Blackpool, entertaining locals and holidaymakers alike for over a decade. He worked at some of the resort’s most famous venues – Springs, Main Street and the Bizness, Never On A Sunday and Yates’s to name but a few – but what happened to Joe Curran and where is he now? Manager of The Castle on Central Drive, Dave

“Dinosaur” Daly has the answer. “Joe Curran is back here at The Castle for his fourth season,” says. “The Liverpool entertainer has built up a seasonal following and is back every Saturday from noon to 6pm to entertain one and all. “Joe has a talent for spontaneous comedy second to none and my customers love it. “He has a knack of interacting with the crowd – he finds the level and works it. I have customers from

BACK IN TOWN: Joe Curran

all over the place coming back asking if the Scouser is on? “He has a way of making people laugh without anyone getting hurt or offended. “Although he only performs in Blackpool once a week, we are pleased he is back with us. “He has a wardrobe of suits that the customers love and even the staff bet what colour or design he will be wearing on the day. “It’s just a relaxed and very funny afternoon and it’s the only show where customers can answer back.” As for Joe, he says: “I am delighted to be back at The Castle. It’s quite a unique place with a cross-section of people. “This is my fourth season and I am getting customers returning each year. “I have had many happy years in the town and still love it. Dave Daly was one of my first employers at Never On A Sunday some 12 years ago.” Joe is also delighted to be starting the Fun Run on Sunday May 10, an event he has hosted for the past seven years.

Cream of the crop in star line-up CREAM catapults itself into 2009 with a mouthwatering line-up for the first of three parties this year at its Liverpool home Nation. Taking place on Easter Sunday, Parisian DJ/producer David Guetta is back by demand for Cream’s Easter Special. Coming number five in the DJ Mag Top 100 poll, Grammy-nominated Guetta is one of the world’s most sought-after house DJs and producers, with an arsenal of hits under his belt including The World Is Mine, Love Is Gone and Delirious. Having scooped the award for DJ Of The Year in the House Music Awards and with a hugely successful residency at Pacha in Ibiza that attracts the island’s glitterati, 2009 is set to send him to even greater heights. Joining him in the Main Room is Dave Spoon. Having landed himself a coveted show on BBC Radio 1’s In New Music We Trust and having a reputation for producing dancefloor killers such as At Night has made Dave one of the most in demand DJs in the country. Other Main Room attractions include Cream resident Gareth Wyn and from the white isle is Amnesia resident Mar T. Headlining the Courtyard is another highly sought after DJ that has been snared for the party ... Eddie Halliwell, who is without doubt one of the most exciting DJs on the scene. With enough energy to light up a room, Eddie’s return is always a big one. And returning after a three year hiatus and jetting in from Italy

EASTER SESSION: Parisian David Guetta is Mauro Picotto, who will be joined by Adam Sheridan and rising star Rob H. House music once again takes over the Annexe. The Swedish invasion continues, as House Mafia don Sebastian Ingrosso heads up the bill, joined by fellow Swede and highly acclaimed DJ/Producer John Dahlback. Making his debut will be Kim Fai who has been tipped as one to watch. Kim burst onto the scene only a year ago and since then has showered the scene with an arsenal of twisted techy floorfillers, the biggest being his mammoth rerub of Funkagenda’s Toolroom Trax smash What The ....., cementing his posi-

tion as one of the foremost young producers on the scene. Arno Cost is another DJ making his debut, plus unsung resident heroes, Andy Mac, Lee Ellis and Anthony Probyn. This event will be broadcast live on Juice FM www.juicefm.co.uk ■ Cream Easter Special: Nation, Wolstenholme Square, Liverpool. Tel: (0151) 707 1309 / www.cream.co.uk, , Tickets: 0844 888 4401, Tickets on sale now £23.50+BF, 10pm-6am (Sawmill Bar open from 9pm), Strictly no sportswear, jeans and trainers ok.

Friday, March 27, 2009

NIGHTSCENE

the weekend

Pubs join up for charity push Legends date A QUARTET of popular Sizzling Pub Co pubs in the area have joined forces to pledge their support for Marie Curie Cancer Care. The Highfield in Marton, Newton Arms at Normoss, The Windmill in Layton and The Blossoms in Ansdell, have all been holding regular fundraising events over the past months. But they are urging their regulars to put the next few dates in their diaries and help continue the support, which is all part of a larger fundraising initiative by Sizzling Pub Company North to raise much-needed funds for Marie Curie Nurses, who provide free care to patients with terminal

cancer and other illnesses in their own homes. The Blossoms on Woodlands Road is holding a hot band night tonight with Hard To Handle entertaining guests late into the evening with a mixture of pop, rock and soul classics. The Windmill on Westcliffe Drive in Layton will be following this month’s successful disco karaoke evening with a second instalment on April 4. And the fundraising doesn’t stop there; the Newton Arms on Staining Road is planning a Mystery Pig Racing event on Good Friday, April 10. Whilst the details of the event are being held close to the pub’s

chest, curious locals are being encouraged to visit the pub on Good Friday, where all will be revealed. Finally, after holding a number of charity events throughout March, The Highfield on Highfield Road will be hosting an 80s themed school disco on April 24. The pub, which has already raised £150 through various raffles and games, is hoping locals will continue supporting their fundraising efforts. Meanwhile, nine members of the Sizzling Pub Co operations and marketing teams, are bravely trekking more than 90 miles across the Scottish highlands on the West Highland Way Walk in aid of the charity.

Blaze-hit Venue rises from ashes

the helm of all affairs FAC 51 as the head honcho of The Haçienda Tour, heads up the rest of the DJ bill. Mancunian techno pioneers, 808 State also appear with a DJ set that will remain true to their roots with both modern and back in the day classics. Rounding off the extensive line up, original Haçienda resident and mainstay of the legendary “Hot” night, Jon Dasilva, also brings his superb deck skills to close off what is a not to be missed, FAC 51 event. ■ The Official Haçienda Tour 2009 @ The Syndicate, Church Street, Blackpool. Sunday April 12-8pm to 5am. Tickets £10 advance / Members free before 11.30pm– £10 after. Non members: £10 before 11.30 / £12.50 afterwards. Details, (01253) 753222 or www.thesyndicate.com and www.myspace.com/fac51the Haçienda

Teen dreams

BLACKPOOL superclub The Syndicate has re-launched its younger themed Detenshun nights. The night– which is open to over 14s and under 18s – will take place once a month with the next one being on April 29 featuring DJ Ironik. The first one saw Lee Jester Watson in Level 1 providing an Indie, Chart soundtrack whilst upstairs Syndicate resident Jason Fubar hosted the Main Arena show with chart stars Platnum and Chipmunk (right) making personal appearances. All Detenshun customers must be over 14 and under 18 - ID may be required. Dress code - no tracksuits or football shirts (trainers welcome). The all inclusive admission price includes free soft drinks all night. Detenshun runs from 7 to 10.30pm.

By Robin Duke Entertainment Editor

he Venue, on Cleveleys North Promenade is back in action with live bands and entertainment from next weekend, fully restored after its Christmas Day blaze. Following a £750,000 re-furbishment The Venue, previously voted by Gazette readers as Best Live Venue on the Fylde Coast two years in a row, is back bigger and better than ever. A new sound and lighting system has been installed on a greatly enlarged stage area, along with a new DJ booth and larger dance floor. Aesthetic lighting has also been extended to create a night-time atmosphere throughout the room. It has also been transformed with a new colour scheme, new furniture and carpet, new and improved toilets and a new featured bar area. Getting the show under way, a line-up of top local bands have been booked with The Good Machine playing next Friday, April 3, and Ashes to Ashes on Saturday, April 4. The Easter line-up features Smokin’ Monkey on Good Friday, Rupert Fabulous on Easter Saturday and a special Easter Sunday show featuring Black Pearl. The Venue is also on the look-out for top quality new talent. New bands are being sought to extend the live scene and anyone interested should make contact with business development manager, Peter Wills, as soon as possible. “We are also looking for good quality young and talented solo musicians,” said Peter. “In the hope of a good summer to come, we are seeking musicians to enter-

AFTER the success of last October’s gig, FAC 51 is bringing back an even bigger Haçienda reunion at The Syndicate on Easter Sunday. Twenty years on from the fabled “Madchester” era and following a successful first visit to Blackpool’s The Syndicate last October, FAC 51 The Haçienda Tour returns with a line-up that brings DJ sets together from members of three of the greatest Mancunian acts ever – The Happy Mondays, New Order and 808 State – along with original Haçienda acid house resident, Jon Dasilva and an extra special PA by Shaun Ryder. The rare live PA from Happy Mondays’ Shaun Ryder – who also has long standing cohort Bez in attendance – will see him turning in one of his unique DJ sets. To complement the PA from Shaun, New Order’s Peter Hook, himself now back at

Back in time HOT DATE: Smokin’ Monkey play on Good Friday at The Venue (above left) tain our guests both inside in our new restaurant and outside in our alfresco dining areas. Guitarists, keyboard players, saxophonists, accordionists and violinists will all be of interest. “With the right weather and the fantastic new promenade right outside our door, we feel this will really add a continental touch to Sunday lunchtimes and evenings.” Interested musicians should contact Peter with details on (01253) 852143 or drop in a demo CD and biography. The Venue bands list: Friday April 3 and 24 and May 29: The Good Machine

Saturday April 4: Ashes to Ashes Friday April 10: Smokin’ Monkey Saturday April 11 and May 1: Rupert Fabulous Sunday April 12 and May 15: Black Pearl Friday April 17: The Jeps Saturday April 18: The Heat Saturday April 25: The Accused Saturday May 2: Groovebreaker Friday May 8: The Little Organisation Saturday May 9: Electric Echo Saturday May 16: On The Edge Friday May 22: Souled Out Saturday May 23: The Love Rats

IT’S a weekend of reminiscence at Blackpool superclub The Syndicate with a double header of classics-based events. Tonight another private promoter takes over the club with an amazing night of Hardcore classics in form of Rewind Presents This Is Old Skool. DJs on the night are Slipmatt, Awesome 3, Altern 8, DJ Sy, Stu Allen, Mix Factory, Butty + Recca, Cano, Old Skooler, Danny Murphy, Tony Jay plus The Worx Tickets are on sale at the

club and on our website www.thesyndicate.com priced £10 plus booking fee or £15 on the door on the night. This Saturday it’s the official 209 launch party of Back To The Old Pool. Old Skool heroes K-Klass are back as well as an old Blackpool legend Johnny Fresh, with Jason in support. Signed to Deconstruction Records, and later to Parlophone, the full K Klass membership is Andy Williams, Carl Thomas, Russ Morgan, and Paul Roberts.

the weekend

Bands raise funds for Tommyfest 2009 event TOMMYFEST 2009 will soon be here and the West Coast Rock Cafe on Abingdon Street, Blackpool, is contributing in the shape of a fundraiser tonight. The action starts at 9pm and entry is just £2. All funds will go towards the Tommyfest organisation for this year’s musical offering in Singleton. Five local acts will be performing at the slightly earlier opening time. First up will be St Annes-based Sea Gypsies, followed by the Sons of Elvis, T.C. Allstars, The Valvetronics and KPLG. The usual drinks deals will be on offer and newcomers to the venue should ask on the door for a discount card. Saturday sees the return of the monthly hip hop nights orchestrated and curated by 2 Ccimnplex. In April the West Coast venue goes into overdrive with live events every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Good Friday will see local favourites The Ides of March and The Corsairs return to the venue, alongside Dave Tither from Preston and Kunk from Grimsby, who recently supported Nine Black Alps and The Subways. Easter Saturday sees a long overdue re-formation of local legends Crackousrockanroll with Yeh Yeh, Slip Disc and Killing Floor. Easter Sunday will also get in on the action with a return of the Acceptable In the 90s DJ set featuring the cheesiest classics from the last decade.

Paulo tickets going on sale TICKETS for Scottish songsmith Paolo Nutini’s Preston debut went on sale today. His 12-date UK tour this May coincides with the release of his impressive new album Sunny Side Up (out June 1), written by Paolo Nutini and co-produced with Ethan Johns (Kings Of Leon, Ryan Adams). Preceding this is the release of the first single from the album, the highly anticipated Candy. He will be appearing at 53 Degrees in the UCLan Students’ Union on Sunday, May 3, and tickets are £17.50 in advance. Paolo’s debut album produced four big hits: Last Request, Jenny Don’t Be Hasty, Rewind and New Shoes. He has sold over one million albums in the UK. Tickets from Lancashire Tickets (www. lancashiretickets.com); online from www.53degrees.net; www.seetickets.com; 24 Hour Credit Card Hotline (0871 220 0260); www.ticketline.co.uk (0161 832 1111); Action Records, Church Street, Preston (01772 258809) and Students’ Union Reception, Fylde Road, Preston (01772 893 000).

DUKE’S DIARY

www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk

Music hopefuls out to impress judges LIVE SHOW: Katlow

our acts with Fylde Coast connections will be flying the flag for the area at the Live and Unsigned regional finals on Sunday at The Willows in Salford. The acts auditioned against hundreds of hopefuls five weeks ago and were granted the opportunity to compete in the next round when they will compete live on stage. In the only competition of its kind each act was asked to audition live in front of a judging panel, instead of judging on demo tapes or recordings. The judges looked at a range of genres including punk, rock, acoustic, pop, urban and electronic and were simply searching for an original act who had the live ability to impress an audience of over 2,000 alongside a number of industry judges and A&R associates. Sunday’s acts will be required to perform a sample of their original material as well as a cover to illustrate their versatility. Music legend Malcolm McLaren is set to judge, along with a host of

Melanie Safka, Tracy Chapman, Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash. Katlow: Who is better known under her real name of Laura CatlowMorris and is a founder member of Pink Hearse – with whom she will remain playing with until the end of the year. Since striking out on her own she has had to change her professional identity because of a similarly named American band.

LOCAL TALENT: Troubadour and Ryan Cregan other music industry buffs and specialists. McLaren, former manager of the Sex Pistols, will be judging the best of the country’s unsigned acts to discover the next big thing. For more information, go to the website www.liveandunsigned.uk. com or to book tickets contact info@liveandunsigned.uk.com Local acts taking part are: Clare Helen: A singer songwriter

from Carleton who “combines intricate fretwork and honeyed vocals to tell tear-stained tales of 21st-century life.” She first picked up the guitar at 17 whilst sitting round a campfire at Leeds Festival and hasn’t put it down since. After moving to Glasgow she discovered an outlet for her creativity and started writing songs. Her original work stems from such influences as Joni Mitchell,

Troubadour: Andrew Bache and Michael Shanagher from Blackpool – have been described by the charity organisation War Child (the people who brought us the Help! album and Miss Sarajevo with U2 and Pavarotti) as “an exceptional two piece with a diverse range of instruments including didgeridoo, harmonica and banjo as well as the trusty acoustic guitar.” Ryan Cregan: One of the contestants in the Gazette’s latest Blackpool Young Talent final. See him in action on our website www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk

Pet sounds from Brother Rabbit NOW well into their fourth year together and going strong, with a succession of packed gigs already behind them in 2009, Brother Rabbit make the short trip to Fleetwood to play one of their favourite venues on Saturday night. The North Euston’s Victoria Bar is claimed by the band’s sound man and lead guitarist Robert Thompson to be one of the best around to perform in. “Such clarity presents the perfect platform to unleash our secret weapon in the form of fresh-

faced Dan Wilde,” says Robert. “The Blackpool based solo acoustic artist, influenced by the likes of John Martyn, Richard Thompson and Ray Lamontagne, arguably stole the show with a spellbinding early evening set at last year’s Tommyfest. “With strong original material played with feeling on guitar, everyone who has been lucky enough to be touched by his golden vocals will see The North Euston as just a stepping stone to greatness. A night for the purists.” It’s an 8.45pm start. Admission free.

DUKE’S DIARY

Friday, March 27, 2009

THE hard working White Cat Club Blues Band start a monthly blues night at the Wings Club in Cleveleys tonight. The gathering starts at 8.30pm on the last Friday of every month.

Tali’s back with a new band VETERAN MUSICIAN: Zoot Money

Blues star heads for the Grand with a new-look Big Roll Band, and as a featured artist with groups such as the Spencer Davis Band, Georgie Fame and The Blue Flames, Mick Taylor, Alan Price’s Electric Blues Band, Humble Pie, The Foundations and Geno Washington’s Soul Train. In addition to his live music and acting, Zoot is no mean songwriter – his song It Never Rains But It Pours was recorded by Jimmy Witherspoon, for example, and he has also written for such artists as Lulu, Maggie Bell and Long John Baldry.

In 2008 as well his solo gigs, duo shows with Papa George and his very own Big Roll Band, he’s also become a member of another line-up, The Hard Travellers, who play festival dates – celebrating 40 years of the spirit of Woody Guthrie – and he also has occasional dates with The Animals and Alan Price. ■ Tickets for tonight’s show which starts at 9pm are £10 from (01253) 290190 or www.blackpoolgrand. co.uk

TALI Febland (above), former member of Blackpool bands Eiderdown and Lady In The Radiator, is back in the North West as frontperson of a new three piece – Moonthief. Their first gig was at the Deaf Institute in Manchester last weekend, where Blackpool singer songwriter Karima Francis also headlined earlier this week. “One of the best things about being in a band is forming a band,” says Tali. “That initial jump from rehearsal room to stage can make you feel as nervous as your first date, even if you are playing to your mum and dad down the local disco.” So in keeping with that tradition, Moonthief did in fact play to their mums and dads down the local disco. “One onlooker remarked that the first song reminded him of the end of a teen movie,” said Tali. “Well we think so too, it’s music that reminds you of that guy in the corner, too scared to ask the popular girl if she wants to dance. “With our romantic verse and atmospheric breakdowns your ears will be left in a wash of droney dreamy pop.” Moonthief are Tali Febland, (piano/vocals), Ralph Fuller (drums) and Frederick Fuller (baritone guitar). More details at www.myspace. com/moonthieftheband

Bashir lays down the law STAR QUALITY: Bashir with Jodie Prenger

New Friday nights out

With Robin Duke Entertainment Editor ritish blues veteran Zoot Money blasts into Blackpool Grand Theatre’s Lawrence House Studio tonight. Listeners of Radio 4’s Book of the Week will have heard Zoot’s name mentioned as the first contact Jimi Hendrix made when he originally arrived in England – looking to borrow a guitar – and Zoot was more than happy to oblige. One of the biggest characters on the British rhythm and blues scene, Zoot Money formed the Big Roll band in 1961. Over the next two years the line-up settled into Poulton-born Andy Summers (guitar), Nick Newall (saxophone) and Colin Allen (drums), with Zoot on piano and Hammond organ. Before long The Big Roll Band, joined those other luminaries of the Soho blues scene of the time, Georgie Fame and The Blue Flames and The Animals. Zoot’s shows were famed for outrageous antics, tight musicianship and passionate vocal delivery. Two new members, Paul Williams (bass/vocals) and Clive Burrows (saxophone), were added to the lineup, and things really began to take off. In the late 1960s the Big Roll Band metamorphosed for a while into the psychedelia outfit Dantalian’s Chariot, sharing bills with the likes of Pink Floyd, Soft Machine and The Crazy World of Arthur Brown. The one single released was Madman Running Through The Fields until the fabled Chariot Rising album was released 30 years on in 1997. A stint with Eric Burdon’s Americanbased New Animals followed, and a temporary move to the USA saw Zoot picking up acting roles, starting a parallel career which has continued ever since with character appearances in many high profile film and TV dramas. Zoot signing up in 1980 to Paul McCartney’s label, MPL, to record the Jim Diamond-produced Mr Money. Since the 1980s, during which he notably acted as musical director for Tutti Frutti, the BBC TV drama which first catapulted Emma Thompson and Robbie Coltrane to fame, Zoot has continued to appear regularly worldwide in his own right

the weekend

ONE of Blackpool’s longest established licensees is about to swap the bars for the bar.

at The Cube in Poulton but says he has had enough of working in the drinks trade.

seen extended opening hours a ban on smoking indoors and fierce competition from supermarkets.

Bashir Rassas, who has run some of the coast’s busiest venues over the past 21 years, is planning on saying goodbye to the licensed trade and is currently studying for a law degree.

Bashir, who is coming to the end of his first year of law studies at Bolton University, said: “I have seen the highs and lows of the pub and club business and it is no longer a good place to be.”

Just which part of law he would be specialising in when he graduated he hasn’t decided yet.

The one-time general manager of The Palace nightclub and Brannigans bar in Blackpool is presently consultant

He blames the last eight years of licensing law changes which have

“But I met I’d Do Anything star Jodie Prenger when she came into The Cube on a recent visit home and she said she hadn’t got a solicitor yet – so you never know,” said Bashir.

FOOD & DRINK

the weekend

www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk

New Italian menu joins campaign to beat credit crunch THE Island in St Annes is bucking the credit crunch says owner Paul Taylor.

AT YOUR SERVICE: Vanessa, Lizzie and Sam at The Island

“Since our refurbishment last year the whole complex has gone from strength to strength with a massive increase in visitors to both the cinemas and the waterfront restaurant,” he said. “The restaurant – which is now back under our management – recently introduced a new Italian style menu which complements the existing Crunch Buster all-you-can-eat buffet.

The Crunch Buster deal offers an unlimited buffet, cinema admission to any film, a free soft drink to take into the cinema and tokens for use on The Island’s tenpin bowling – all for £9.99 per adult or £7.50 for under 10s. Now simply part of The Island complex rather than having a name of its own, the restaurant offers a menu which includes all the Italian favourites – pizzas, pastas, steaks and seafood dishes.

“At the weekends there is a wide choice of fresh fish specials on offer as you might expect from a restaurant that overlooks the sea,” says Paul. And after a successful trial run last year The Island is bringing back a night of notoriously bad service. “Basil Fawlty and the team from Fawlty Towers return this year in theme nights that start in April with a four course meal and terrible service from Basil and Manuel for £25 per

Oliver first in young chef quest By Robin Duke Entertainment Editor

iners across the Fylde have a chance to support a local young chef by booking a table at the first Lancashire Hot Shots competition evening of 2009, to be held at The Ship at Elswick on Monday. Lancashire Hot Shots is the new version of a pilot scheme launched two years ago aimed at raising the profile of young chefs currently working in the catering and hospitality industry. The young chefs take over the running of their restaurant for one night, while the head chef sits back and watches. The youngsters devise their own three course menu for a selling price of £15 per person, featuring locally produced foods. With the assistance of the kitchen brigade the chef leads the kitchen in the production and service of his menu. Twenty-one-year-old Oliver Martin, chef de partie at The Ship, is the first young chef to compete in this year’s event organised by Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board. His menu will be of locally sourced quality produce with his own unique twist. This will begin with a starter of Ashcroft’s red beetroot, served with Mrs Kirkham’s oak

and apple cheese on lambs leaf with a tomato vinaigrette. The main course is Goosnargh corn-fed duck – a confit of duck leg with a sweet potato fondant and red beetroot puree with a Lancashire Tea smoked plum, orange and thyme reduction. The final course will be a vanilla custard panna cotta, served with Peter Ashcroft’s braised rhubarb and a tuile biscuit. Judges will consider the quality of the dishes, along with the young chef’s efficient running of their kitchen. The general public will be able to give their own verdict, as the event is open to anyone who wishes to book. The evening will cost £15 per person and diners can book by calling (01995) 672777. Other venues featuring in Lancashire Hot shots are Camerons at Birkdale in Chorley (Thursday April 23); The Wheatsheaf at Croston (Wednesday May 13) and The Bayley Arms at Hurst Green (Wednesday July 15). The Shireburn Arms at Hurst Green will be taking part on a date to be confirmed, The Ship at Elswick is to hold a second evening which has also to be confirmed and a Blackpool restaurant is likely to join in with a June date.

Putting eel back on the menu BLACKPOOL food doyen David Heeley is getting eely! In the faddy world of dining, foods waft in and out of fashion as frequently as a must-have designer handbag. However, an old favourite from Ancient Roman times and the Middle Ages is slithering its way back onto British menus – eel. The dish has been a centuries-old favourite in Japan as well as in New Zealand, where the native varieties can grow to a staggering eight feet in length. The creatures are abundant in the Irish Sea off the coast of Blackpool. Eel flesh is firm and rich tasting, with a meaty texture not dissimilar to mackerel. It is high in protein, vitamins A and E, and a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Cooking methods include poaching in milk, smoking, or grilling and marinading with mirin and soy sauce, as in Japan, or balsamic vinegar, as in Italy. Now David (pictured), Blackpool entrepreneur and company president of Hi-Life, the UK and Ireland’s largest two-for-one dining club, is keen to see more eel being served on the region’s menus. He said: “It’s great to see that this once lost delicacy is starting to make a splash and enjoying something of a renaissance in British dining. “Eel recipes are already included on the menus of restaurants in major city centres across the UK, so why not bring it back to the restaurant table in Blackpool?” BIG NIGHT: Young hopeful Oliver Martin, chef de partie at The Ship, Elswick

Top chefs create a taste of the north WELL known chefs will be creating dishes from around the world at Northern Restaurant & Bar 2009, the hospitality show for the North, at Manchester Central next Monday and Tuesday, March 30 and 31. Michael Riemenschneider, chef patron at Juniper Restaurant, will

person,” says Paul. Also this year, Father Ted will be making an appearance in a murder mystery evening. With the recent conversion of the old Stanley Casino building into a function room, The Island now also offers a choice of private hire rooms. For more information on The Island, opening hours and Crunch Buster details go to www.theisland.ws where you will also find current film information or call (01253) 722620.

deliver traditional French dishes while Adam Gray from Rhodes Twenty Four cooks up a stir with modern British recipes as part of a Culinary Theatre programme.

Jangprai, head chef at Vermillion, uses his skills from the renowned Blue Elephant Thai restaurant group to present Asian fusion cuisine with authentic Thai dishes.

For a bit more spice Ravi Bajaj from Dilli will be cooking Indian cuisine and for an oriental twist Chumpol

Top chefs from the Culinary Theatre will work hand-in -hand with budding students from Trafford College

in the Aspire Restaurant to create and serve signature dishes. Timetables are available at www.northernrestaurantandbar.co.uk with full information on the exhibitors, features and all the other demonstrations taking place throughout the two days.

Chance to taste wines

JACK’S Bistro in Wood Street, St Annes has confirmed a trio of wine nights. Bookings are being taken for Friday May 8 – wines from around the world, Friday July 10 – wines of Spain and Friday October 16 – selection of Champagnes. For more details or to reserve a table call (01253) 78090.

LISTINGS

Friday, March 27, 2009

FRIDAY Attractions RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT ODDITORIUM. Wonders of the world and other oddities. Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Ocean Boulevard, South Promenade. From 10am daily. BLACKPOOL TOWER. The £3 million Jungle Jim’s Towering Adventureland Victorian Ballroom, Aquarium, Circus and Tower Top Ride (weather permitting). From 10am. Central Promenade, Blackpool. Details (01253) 622242 SEA LIFE CENTRE. Includes the latest attraction Suckers. Golden Mile, Blackpool. Daily from 10am. Details, (01253) 621258. SANDCASTLE WATERPARK. Award winning seafront attraction with its £3.5 million Hyperzone white knuckle area. Weekends and school holidays. The Promenade, South Shore. Details, (01253) 343602. BLACKPOOL ZOO AND DINOSAUR SAFARI. Home to more than 400 animals as well as 32 different dinosaurs. Daily from 10am. East Park Drive, Blackpool. Details (01253) 830830. LOUIS TUSSAUDS WAXWORKS. Brad Pitt and Samuel L Jackson are among the faces in Celeb City. Daily from 10am. Central Promenade, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 625953. FARMER PARR’S ANIMAL WORLD. Rare breeds galore. Wyrefield Farm, Rossall Lane and Fleetwood Road, Fleetwood. Daily, 10am to 5pm. Details, (01253) 874389.

Music LYTHAM ST ANNES MUSIC CIRCLE. Amandine Savary plays music by Franck, Dutilleux and Schumann. King Edward VII & Queen Mary School, Clifton Drive, St Annes. LYTHAM ORGAN SOCIETY. Donald MacKenzie with a mixed programme including a performance of the silent film version of The Phantom of the Opera. St Cuthbert’s Church, Lytham. 7.30pm.

Theatre and shows THE GREATEST KIDS SINGALONG. Favourite songs from favourite films and shows - for kids. Charter Theatre, Guild Hall, Lancaster Road, Preston. And Saturday, 7pm. Plus matinees, 1pm. Box office, (0845) 3442012. HMS PINAFORE. Opera Della Luna with their acclaimed production of the Gilbert and Sullivan classic. The Lowry, Salford Quays, Greater Manchester. To Saturday, 8pm. Plus matinee Saturday 3pm. NOEL COWARD’S BRIEF ENCOUNTER. Kneehigh Theatre combine the film, the

FORMER Blackpool-based guitar hero Jon Gomm is back in the area headlining a fund raiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust at The Ashley Club in Thornton tonight at 7.30pm. It’s a welcome return to the venue which Jon played at two years ago to a packed audience - and is his first North West gig this year. Jon is a singer-songwriter and acoustic solo performer, with a virtuoso guitar style, where he uses one acoustic guitar to create drum sounds, basslines and melodies all at the same time. The emphasis is still on the soulful vocals and songwriting, however, and his original material is influenced by everything from Robert Johnson to Radiohead, Roni Size to Joni Mitchell. His videos are watched

Jon Gomm

Ashley Club, Thornton thousands of times within days of appearing on Youtube and his homerecorded CD Hypertension has sold thousands of copies with no industry backing. Also appearing tonight will be Troubador. Originally from Blackpool but now London-based, Michael Shanagher and Andy Bache play acoustic folk/ blues on guitar, banjo and other assorted instruments. Completing the bill is Jamie Walker, who has been lead guitarist for top British rock/ blues group Tantrum for five years but this will be a rare opportunity to see him play an acoustic set. Tickets at £7 are available from (01253) 825066 or (07944)

026679.

Pubs and bars TRIDENT. Hard working hard sounding band. The Station, Station Square, Lytham. GROOVEBREAKER. The Steamer, Queens Terrace, Fleetwood. LOST CITY SINNERS. The King Edward VII, Church Street, Blackpool. STARFISH. The Raikes Hall, Liverpool Road, Blackpool. THE HEAT. The Hop Inn, Cookson Street, Blackpool. HOT ROD. Rock and indie covers. The Oxford, Oxford Square, Marton. CABARET AND KARAOKE. With Jay Phillips, Rob Johnson, Johnny Roxx and Becky Jay. K2 Bar, Church Street, Blackpool. JIMMY DAY. Back by popular demand. Che Bar, Talbot Square, Blackpool. BIGGEST PARTY IN TOWN. With DJ Damo. Brannigans, Market Street, Blackpool. DAVE GARTHWAITE. Chart, commercial, r ‘n’b and dance. Schofields, Birley Street, Blackpool. PARTY NIGHT. Two floors, two djs. The Cube, Breck Road, Poulton. Ro 2am. FULL ON FRIDAY PARTY NIGHT. With weekly North West Cancer Reseach Cancer Appeal competition. Walkabout, Queen Street, Blackpool. Ends mid July. PARTY NIGHT. With resident dj Andy. West

Karaoke

WEEKEND CHOICE

stage play on which it was based and the music of Noel Coward. The Lowry, Salford Quays, Greater Manchester. To Saturday, 7.30pm. Plus matinee Saturday, 2.30pm. MACBETH. Nicholas Gleaves stars in guest director Matthew Dunster’s contemporary take on the gripping Shakespearian tragedy. Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester. Monday to Friday, 7.30pm. Saturday, 8pm. Matinees Wednesday, 2.30pm and Saturday, 4pm. Box office, (0161) 8339833. To April 11. THE CARETAKER. Timely revival of Harold Pinter’s bleak 1960 classic. The Octagon, Howell Croft South, Bolton. Monday to Saturday, 7.30pm. Some matinees. To March 28. Box office, (01204) 520661. JAMAICA HOUSE. Home is where the heart is but what would you do if yours was about to be blown to the ground? The Dukes, Moor Lane, Lancaster. Monday to Saturday, 8pm. Some matinees. Ends April 11. Box office, (01524) 598500. GATES OF GOLD. A poignant portrayal of an intense relationship wiritten by Frank McGuinness and directed by Rachel O’Riordan. Library Theatre, St Peter’s Square, Manchester. Ends April 11. Monday to Thursday, 7.30pm. Friday and Saturday, 8pm. Box office, (0161) 2367110.

in thewings

the weekend

Coast Bar, Bispham Road, Cleveleys. From 8pm to 2am. DJ’S GINGE AND TRIGGER. Rumours, Talbot Square, Blackpool. DISCO NIGHT. With djs’ Kudos, Dave G and Aka Ali. From the 60s to current sounds.The Queens, Talbot Road, Layton. R&B TO OLD SCHOOL. Chubby’s Bar, 9498 The Promenade, Blackpool. Free admission. IAN CALVERT and SCOTT WALKER. Party, pop chart and dance music. The Edge, Hardhorn Road, Poulton. And Saturday. SOUL NIGHT. Soul, Motown, Philadelphia and Northern with DJ John Miles. Plus live acts. Soul Suite, Queen Square, Queen Street, Blackpool. DAVE WARD ROADSHOW. Latest releases, chart and classic hits. The Ship & Royal, Clifton Street, Lytham. 8pm to midnight. DISCO NIGHT. With Papa Greywolf. Bay Horse Hotel, Station Road, Thornton. LIVE ENTERTAINMENT. The Royal, Marton Drive, Marton. ROY LYNCH. Radio Wave presenter in residence. The Loft Wine Bar & Nightclub, Lofthouse Way, Fleetwood. DISCO NIGHT. Halfway House, St Annes Road, Squires Gate. DJ NIGHT. Whittle Springs, Talbot Road, Blackpool. And Saturday. THE JEPS. The Queens, Fleetwood.

THE K FACTOR. Leading to an April 10 final. £1,000 in prize money plus professional contract. Hosted by DJ Naydene. Entry free. The Swift Hound, Rigby Road, Blackpool. 9pm. KARAOKE PARTY TIME. With host Steve. The Duke of York, Dickson Road, Blackpool. From 8.30pm. KARAOKE PARTY NIGHT. Choose from over 50,000 songs. The Cherry Blossom Hotel, North Shore. From 9.30pm. JJ’S KARAOKE. The Excelsior, Lytham Road, South Shore. 8.30pm. CAROLOKE. Disco, fun and karaoke with Carol Hartwell. Last Orders, Thornton. TOP NIGHT KARAOKE. With resident host Robbie. The Links, Heeley Road, St Annes. KARAOKE DISCO. Over 40,000 tracks. The Sandpiper, Cleveleys Avenue, Cleveleys. KARAOKE NIGHT. Plus comedy from Janice YorkeThe Old Bridge Cabaret Pub, Lytham Road, South Shore. KARAOKE. Knobby’s Bar, West Street, Blackpool. From 7pm to late. BILLY’S SINGALONG KARAOKE. The Plough, Chain Lane, Staining. KARAOKE. With DJ Marki. The Rose & Crown, Corporation Street, Blackpool. 8pm. KARAOKE AND FUN QUIZ. With the Canny Man. Progress Sports & Social Club, Exchange Street, Blackpool. 8pm midnight. KARAOKE. Jaggy Thistle, York Street, Blackpool. Noon to 2am. RAGIN’ BULL KARAOKE ROADSHOW. The Albert, Lytham Road, South Shore. FUN KARAOKE. Over 5000 song titles discounted drinks for singers. The Dickens, Princess Road, Cleveleys. 8.30pm. KARAOKE & ENTERTAINMENT. With Cliff £100 prize money plus bingo. Burn Naze Hotel, Gamble Road, Thornton. KARAOKE. The Victoria, Dock Street, Fleetwood. To 1am. KARAOKE AND PLAY YOUR CARDS RIGHT. With Dave, Emma and Sean. The Highfield, Highfield Road, South Shore. 9pm - midnight.

Cabaret CABARET NIGHT. Host Leye D. Johns, the Storm Showgirls plus guest Paris. The Alabama, Cocker Square, Blackpool. A NIGHT AT THE MUSICALS AND MORE. Back by popular demand - music from West End performer Vickee Lester. Champagne Bar, September’s Champagne Bar & Restaurant, Queen Street, Blackpool.

Quiz nights BIG MICK’S FUN QUIZ. The Squirrel, Bispham Road, Bispham. QUIZ NIGHT. With Barrie and Jean. Hampton Road Club, South Shore. ● Continued overleaf

FYLDE COAST AMATEUR DRAMATICS WITH LISA ETTRIDGE

Classic stage sound THE Sound of Music will soon be coming present The Sound Of Music as our annuto Palatine Community Sports College. al show and all the cast and also the staff Students and staff will indulge in some of have been working extremely hard. their Favourite Things as the all-singing-all “Rehearsals have been going on at dancing show bursts on to lunchtimes, evenings and stage at the South Shore weekends to produce it school. More than 40 and we are really looking pupils have been donning forward to showing off our HIGH SOCIETY their wimples and asking work. Caroline Guilfoyle Cole Porter’s hit musical How Do You Solve A makes a fantastic Maria Garstang Theatre Group Problem Like Maria? Now and leads a really strong Garstang High School with opening night just cast. The director this year For tickets and info: days away, the students is Julie Thomas, one of our (01995) 600649 have been busy putting the drama teachers at Palatine. final touches to the show so This is the first musical she they are word perfect for the big day. has directed but she has done really well Sarah Joanne Duckworth, head of expresso we hope people will support us by sive arts, said: “We are really proud to coming to see it.”

Diary date

The show is being performed on Wednesday to Friday in the school hall at 7pm. Tickets are £4 for adults, £2 for children. Available from the school reception or by phoning (01253) 336500.

Learning to dance like young George LOCAL children are being offered the chance to learn to dance street style. Following the success of Warrington’s George Sampson who danced his way to Britain’s Got Talent success last year, a Blackpool school is now offering youngsters the chance to pull some shapes of their own. The Red Door Dance studios off Mowbray Drive are offering break dancing lessons on Monday evenings from 5.30pm to 7pm for chil-

■ Ring Lisa Ettridge with am dram news on 361729● email lisa.ettridge@blackpoolgazette.co.uk

dren aged six and upwards. Advanced street dance classes including urban and hip hop will be held on Wednesday evenings from 7pm - 8.30pm for children aged 16 plus. A spokesperson said: “The classes are a great way for children to meet other like minded youngsters and they are also great exercise and great fun.” Both classes are to be held at The Red Door Studios, 11 Wareham Road, Off Mowbray Drive, Blackpool.

LISTINGS

the weekend

● From overleaf

Folk and country COUNTRY & WESTERN NIGHT. The Outpost, Legion Sports & Social Club, Lofthouse Way, Fleetwood. LANCASHIRE ROSE LINE DANCE CLUB. All Hallows Parish Church, Bispham. 2 4pm.Community Centre, Breck Road, Poulton. 2 - 4pm and Broadway Rooms, St Nicholas’s Church, Broadway, Fleetwood. 7.30 -10.30pm. Details, (07766) 310260. FANCY FEET LINE DANCE. Beginners hour at 7pm. Parish Rooms, Headroomgate Road, St Annes. 10am to noon and 7-10pm. Details, (07984)188972. LINE DANCING AND DJ. Great Birchwood Country Music Park, Lytham Road, Warton. Free admission.

Nightclubs ANDY J’s FEELGOOD NIGHT. Start the weekend with a plus - free admission with flyer, drinks £1.50 until midnight. The Residence, Vicarage Road, Poulton. URBAN UNDERGROUND. DJ Fontalba with r&b, reggae and more. Hush, Talbot Square, Blackpool. From 10pm to 4am.

Social and other dancing BELLYDANCING FOR BEGINNERS. For ladies and children of all ages, shapes and sizes. The Junction, Beacon Hill Family Centre, Warbreck Hiill Road, Blackpool. 4.15 - 5.15pm. More details, (07811) 189980 or (01253) 883877. ADULT DANCE CLASSES. Class Act Theatre School, Holy Family Church Hall, Links Road, North Shore. 7pm. JC DANCE CLASSES. Nursery dance, musical theatre skills, pop dance, modern and tap and adult tap. United Reformed Church, Queensway, Poulton. Details, (07792) 410390. TEA DANCE. Ballroom, Latin and popular sequence. Includes tea and biscuits. Bispham United Reformed Church Hall, Cavendish Hall, Bispham. 2-4pm. Details, (01253) 356558. TEA DANCE. Kirkham Community Centre, Kirkham. 2pm. Weekly to November 30. SEQUENCE. Bispham Community Centre, next to Bispham Library, Bispham Road, Bispham. 1.30 - 4pm. Details (01253) 396902. SALSA, BALLROOM, LATIN. All welcome, no partners needed. Forest Gate Baptist Church Hall, Blackpool. 1.30 - 3.30pm. Details, (07976) 620196. UP TO DATE SEQUENCE. St Cuthbert’s Parish Church Hall, Church Road, Lytham. 2 - 4pm. Details, (07765) 554877. POPULAR SEQUENCE. Weekly. Bispham Community Centre, Bispham Road, Bispham. 1.30 - 4pm. SEQUENCE DANCE CLUB. Old favourites and new dances. Dean Street Memorial Hall, South Shore. 7 - 10pm. Details, (01253) 353810. SEQUENCE. Tuition, 10 - 11am. Sequence dancing until 12.45pm. With David and Rita Harrod. St Christopher’s Parish Centre, HawesSide Lane, Marton. Details, (01253) 356284. SEQUENCE. Senior Citizens’ Club, Victoria Road West, Cleveleys. 7 - 10pm. Details, (01253) 852462.

Rock, blues and pop THE WHITE CAT BLUES BAND. Launch of a monthly blues night. Wings Club, Victoria Roaad, Cleveleys. 8.30pm. ROCK AND ROLL PARTY NIGHT. With guest bands. Theatre Bar, Queens Hotel, The Promenade, South Shore. ZOOT MONEY. One of the legends of the British blues and beat booms makes a rare visit to the area. Lawrence House Studio, Grand Theatre, Matcham Court, Blackpool. 9pm. TOMMYFEST 2009 FUND RAISER. St Annes band Sea Gypsies, plus Sons of Elvis, TC Allstars,The Valvetronics and KPLG. West Coast Rock Cafe Club Above, Abingdon Street, Blackpool. From 9pm. HARD TO HANDLE. Fund raiser for Marie Curie Nurses. The Blossoms, Woodlands

www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk

WEEKEND CHOICE

THE final concert of the Blackpool Symphony Orchestra Subscription Series at the Blackpool Sixth Form College, is on Sunday starting at 7.30pm. The programme includes Piano Concerto No 1 in E minor by Chopin, in which the soloist is Nicholas Oliver (right). Nicholas is a chamber music tutor and accompanist at Chetham’s School of Music. He has previously appeared in Blackpool in the Grundy mid-day recitals and accompanist in Fylde Arts Young Musicians Recitals. He spent four years at the Purcell School for young musicians before gaining a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music. Post graduate studies continued at the Royal Northern College of Music where he won several prizes.

Blackpool Symphony Orchestra

Blackpool Sixth Form College Further awards included the Young Pianist of the Year and second prize at the Dudley International Piano Competition, since when he has enjoyed an increasingly successful performing career. Sunday’s concert, conducted by Keith Hatton and led by John Resek, also includes Weber - Oberon Overture and Symphony No 5 in E minor by Tchaikovsky. Admission at the door, is £6 (children free). Refreshments are available during the interval and there is a raffle. Free car parking at the college is excellent.

Social clubs VICTORIA ROBERTS. Stanley Road WMC, Stanley Road, (off Hornby Road), Blackpool. Details, (01253) 621168. TOM COLLINS. Duple Social Club, South Shore. Details, (01253) 341647. FRANKLYN. Brun Grove WMC and Institute, Blackpool. (01253) 762186. LEE ROBERTS. Layton Institute, Westcliffe Drive, Layton. Details, (01253) 391774. JIMMY TOWERS. Claremont Conservative Club, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 620981. JENNY SHINE and BILLY SHINE. Blackpool’s Number One Club, Next to Football Ground, Bloomfield Road, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 346516. WAYNE LESTER. Bloomfield Club, lackpool. Details, (01253) 344583. DONNA REID. Hotels and Apartments Club, 122 Coronation Street, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 623784. LOUISE LORRAINE. North Shore WMC, Cross Street,. Details, (01253) 627974. LES WALKER. Cleveleys Men’s Club, Slinger Road. Details, (01253) 853219. ANDY SQUIRES. Brunswick Club, Bethesda Square, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 624208. DVD. Bispham Con. Club, Red Bank Road, Bispham. Details, (01253) 357519. BRIAN HOWE. St Annes Conservative Club, 352 Clifton Drive North, St Annes. Details, (01253) 723471. ANITA RYAN. Highfield Road & Rec., 79 Highfield Road, South Shore. Details, (01253) 342389. FREE AND EASY. With the Terry Martin Duo. Blackpool RBL Club, King Street, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 626308.

Others AN EVENING WITH MIKE DILBER. The natural history presenter from the BBC’s The One Show helps celebrate the Blackpool & Fylde RSPB Group’s Silver Jubilee with an illustrated talk. Marine Hall, The Esplanade, Fleetwood. 7.30pm. THE SINGER AND THE CLAIRVOYANT. Psychic Polly and partner present their spirits in a material world - raising funds for the Hilton Foundation. The Hilton Hotel, The Promenade, North Shore. 8pm.

SATURDAY Folk, Irish & country THE HOT WIRES. Fort San Antone, Great Birchwood County Music Park, Lytham Road, Warton.

Pubs and bars THE JOE CURRAN SHOW. Back for his fourth season - stag, hen and all other parties welcome. The Castle, Central Drive, Blackpool. Noon to 6pm. THE JEPS. Rossall Tavern, Larkholme Terrace, Fleetwood. HIP HOP NIGHT. Monthly session orchestrated and curated by 2 Complex. West Coast Rock Cafe Club Above, Abingdon Street, Blackpool. 10pm. THE GOOD MACHINE. The Star, Ocean Boulevard, South Shore. ZOLTAN. Rock band. The Falcon, Hardhorn Way, Poulton. THE DEADBEATS. The Sandhills, St Annes Road West, St Annes. TONY MITCHELL. The Steamer, Queens Terrace, Fleetwood. WRECKED. The King Edward VII, Church Street, Blackpool. KPLG and THE LOCALS. Return appearance. The Raikes Hall, Liverpool Road, Blackpool. JOHNNY HARRISON. Male vocalist. The Burn Naze, Gamble Road, Thornton. NORTHERN SOUL AND MOTOWN NIGHT. The Links, Heeley Road, St Annes. BLACK PEARL. Rock and indie covers. The Oxford, Oxford Square, Marton. JOEY BLOWER’S COMEDY SHOW. Full sports programme followed by Joey’s show. The Merrie England, North Pier, Blackpool. From noon. Admission free. PARTY NIGHT. With dj Johnny Vee. The Merrie England, North Pier, Blackpool. From 7pm. Admission free. PARTY NIGHT. Two floors, two djs. The Cube, Breck Road, Poulton. To 2am. 80s & 90s DISCO. With Steve Lindsay. The Traveller’s Rest, Beach Road, Cleveleys. DEREK LOYNDS. Sounds of swing and the American songbook. Champagne Bar, September’s Champagne Bar & Restaurant, Queens Street, Blackpool. CABARET AND KARAOKE. With Jay Phillips, Rob Johnson, Johnny Roxx and Becky Jay. K2 Bar, Church Street, Blackpool. THE JOE WILDY SHOWBAND. Weekly residency. Theatre Bar, Queens Hotel, The Promenade, South Shore. BIGGEST PARTY IN TOWN. With DJ Paul O’Brien. Brannigans, Blackpool. DAVE WARD ROADSHOW. Latest releases, chart and classic hits. The Ship & Royal, Clifton Street, Lytham. 8pm to midnight. JIMMY DAY. Back by popular demand. Che Bar, Talbot Square, Blackpool. DAVE GARTHWAITE. Chart, commercial, r ‘n’b and dance. Schofields, Blackpool. PARTY NIGHT. With resident dj Andy. West Coast Bar, Bispham Road, Cleveleys. From 8pm to 2am. R&B NIGHT. With DJ Benji. Chubby’s Bar, 9498 The Promenade, Blackpool. Free admission. To 3am.

Thornton. 8.30pm. KARAOKE PARTY TIME. With host Steve. The Duke of York, Dickson Road, Blackpool. From 8.30pm. KARAOKE PARTY NIGHT. Choose from over 50,000 songs. The Cherry Blossom Hotel, Warley Road, North Shore. From 9.30pm. KARAOKE NIGHT. The Royal, Marton Drive, Marton. KARAOKE. Knobby’s Bar, West Street, Blackpool. From 7pm to late. RAGIN’ BULL KARAOKE ROADSHOW. The Albert, Lytham Road, South Shore. And Friday. KARAOKE/DISCO. Plus jackpot bingo. The Tank, Preston Street, Fleetwood. KARAOKE. The Victoria, Dock Street, Fleetwood. To 1am.

Dance

IAN CALVERT and SCOTT WALKER. Party, pop chart and dance. The Edge, Hardhorn Road, Poulton. And Friday. 70s/80s NIGHT. With DJ Dex. The Gynn, Gynn Square, North Shore. DJ GLENN MILLER. Party soul and disco plus live acts. Soul Suite, Queen Square, Queen Street, Blackpool. COLIN JON. Party night. Rumours, Talbot Square, Blackpool. POP QUIZ. Music through the decades. The Fairhaven, Marine Drive, Ansdell. From 9pm. FAMILY NIGHT. Music and games for all the family. Progress Sports & Social Club, Exchange Street, Blackpool. 8pm midnight. DJ NIGHT. Whittle Springs, Talbot Road, Blackpool. And Friday.

Theatre and shows See also listings for Friday. A FEAST OF GILBERT AND SULLIVAN 2. The British Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and former stars of the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company with a musical miscellany from the operetta maestros. Grand Theatre, Blackpool. 7.30pm. Box office, (01253) 290190. THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN. Marine Hall, The Esplanade, Fleetwood. 7.30pm.

Music LYTHAM ST ANNES FESTIVAL OF PERFORMING ARTS. Vocal classes - adult (9am - 4.30pm), speech and drama children (9am - 4.30pm). Festival of Choirs (7pm). King Edward VII & Queen mary School, Clifton Drive, St Annes. FYLDE SINFONIA. With Robin Hill (guitar) and a programe of Suppé, Binge, Rodrigo, Borodin and Sullivan. United Reformed Church, St Annes. 7.30pm. PRESTON CECELIAN CHORAL SOCIETY. A programe of Poulenc, Fauré, Duruflé and French Chansons. The Minster, Preston. 7.30pm. OVER WYRE CHORAL SOCIETY. From West End to Knott End - songs from the shows. Plus David Kennedy (tenor and flute). St Oswald’s Church, Preesall. 7.30pm.

Rock, pop and jazz TIPITINA. Talented young band playing New Orleans jazz. The Platform, Station Buildings, Morecambe. 7.30pm.

Karaoke KARAOKE COMPETITION NIGHT. Halfway House, St Annes Road, Squires Gate. KARAOKE. Sing like the stars. The Gardeners Arms, Fleetwood Road,

SEQUENCE. Beginners class 10am to noon with Rita and David Harrod. Modern sequence, 7 - 10pm. St Mark’s Church, Westcliffe Drive, Layton. Details, (01253) 356284. STREET AND FREESTYLE. For children. Frank Townsend Centre, Beach Road, Cleveleys. Morning. (07967) 970847. SEQUENCE. Senior Citizens’ Hall, Victoria Road, Cleveleys. 7 - 10pm. Details, (01253) 852462. BALLROOM AND LATIN . Sue Turner and Nicky Figgins Stage School, Rear 216 Red Bank Road, Bispham. Noon to 1am. Details, (07708) 642908. UP TO DATE AND POPULAR SEQUENCE. St Cuthbert’s Parish Church Hall, Church Road, Lytham. 7.15-10.15pm. Details, (07765) 554877. BALLROOM AND LATIN. Social evening all welcome. Rio School of Dancing, Bispham United Reformed Church Hall, Cavendish Road, Bispham. 8-10pm. Details, (01253) 356558. BALLROOM AND SOCIAL. Ballroom, Latin American and popular sequence, 8-10pm. Bispham United Reformed Church, Cavendish Road, Bispham. Ring (01253) 356558 for details.

Nightclubs ANDY J. Resident dj in residence. The Residence, Vicarage Street, Poulton. URBAN ON ICE. DJ Fontalba with urban, real r&b, hip hop, reggae and more. Hush, Talbot Square, Blackpool. From 10pm 4am. CLUB NIGHT. Party, chart and indie with Lee “Jester” Watson (Level 1), DJ Fubar with dance, house and electro (main arena) and r’n’b and hip hop (Level 3)., The Syndicate, Church Street, Blackpool.

Cabaret CABARET NIGHT. Host Leye D. Johns, the Storm Showgirls plus guest Diane Lee Carol. The Alabama, Cocker Square, Blackpool.

Social clubs ROB JOHNSON. The Wainwright Club, Hornby Road, Blackpool. DARREN THOMAS. Stanley Road WMC, Stanley Road, (off Hornby Road), Blackpool. Details, (01253) 621168. TICKERTY BOO. Duple Social Club, 96a Bond Street, South Shore. Details, (01253) 341647. IAN ANGIESON. Brun Grove WMC and Institute, 1 Brun Grove (off Ansdell Road), Blackpool. Details, (01253) 762186. TONY G FORD. Hampton Road Social, Off Lytham Road, South Shore. Details, (01253) 341508. MAGIC SHOW BAND and TOM FRANCIS. Layton Institute, Westcliffe Drive, Layton. Details, (01253) 391774. VICTOR. Comrades of the Great War Club (Blackpool) Ktd, 116 Adelaide Street, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 625841. GEORGE PAUL. Claremont Conservative Club, Westminster Road, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 620981. NIKKI MILLER and SID SCOUSE. Blackpool’s Number One Club, Next to Football Ground, Bloomfield Road, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 346516. TRACY JORDON and NICKY NEWSOME. Bloomfield Club, 128 Bloomfield Road, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 344583.

LISTINGS

Friday, March 27, 2009 TONY LAREN. Hotels and Apartments Club, 122 Coronation Street, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 623784. BRIAN HOWE. North Shore WMC, Cross Street, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 627974. AMY G. Blackpool Trades and Social Club, 7 Chadwick Street, off Central Drive, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 622580. EMMA J. Blackpool Central Bowling and Social Club, 9 Bloomfield Road, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 341145. ANGIE ALLEN. Thornton Cleveleys Royal British Legion, Rough Lea Road, facing Cleveleys Bus Station. Details, (01253) 852450. JEFF SPENCER and PAUL LAVENT. Cleveleys Men’s Club, Slinger Road, Cleveleys. Details, (01253) 853219. STEPHANIE YOUNG. Brunswick Club, Bethesda Square, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 624208. KAY. Bispham Con. Club, Red Bank Road, Bispham. Details, (01253) 357519. LEE WAINWRIGHT. St Annes ExServicemens Club, Alexandra Road, St Annes. Details, (01253) 721033. JOHN LYNE. St Annes Conservative Club, 352 Clifton Drive North, St Annes. Details, (01253) 723471. NINETEEN 84. Highfield Road & Rec., 79 Highfield Road, South Shore. Details, (01253) 342389. ROB JOHNSON. Blackpool Catholic Club, 30 Queen Street, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 622979. SALTY.Thornton Cleveleys Wings Club. 135, Victoria Road West, Cleveleys. Details (01253) 852709. DAVE MARTIN. Knott End WMC, Salisbury Avenue, Knott End. Details, (01253) 810362. DONNA REID. Willows Catholic, Brynning Fern Lane, Kirkham. Details, (01253) 682195. FREE AND EASY. With the Terry Martin Duo. Blackpool RBL Club, King Street, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 626308. CABARET NIGHT. Weekly guest. Thornton Cleveleys Wings Club, 135 Victoria Road West, Cleveleys. Details, (01253) 852709.

Others YU-GI-OH CLUB. Blackpool’s only aithorised Yu-Gi-Oh club. Safe playing area plus chill out room for parents. WHO, 71 Victoria Street, Blackpool. 11am to 3pm.

SUNDAY Rock, pop and jazz THE SOLID SILVER 60s SHOW. The latest version of the popular nostalgia show starring The Searchers, Wayne Fontana, The Merseybeats, John Walker and The Dakotas. Grand Theatre, Church Street, Blackpool. 7.30pm. Box office, (01253) 290190.

MIKE LOVELL 4. Weekly beats with the eats. Art Deco Cafe, Stanley Park, Blackpool. 1 - 3pm. ALL THAT JAZZ. Weekly live music session. North Euston Hotel, The Esplanade, Fleetwood. JAZZ ON A SUNDAY. Weekly live music session. The Bourne Arms, Bourne May Road, Knott End. 3 - 6pm.

Music SPRING TIME PROMS CONCERT. With the Lytham St Annes Concert Band and Marton Operatic Society. Lowther Pavilion, West Beach, Lytham. 7.30pm. LYTHAM ST ANNES FESTIVAL OF PERFORMING ARTS. Vocal classes children (9am - 4.30pm), piano and instrumental - children (9am - 4.30pm), composition - children (9am - 4.30pm). King Edward VII & Queen mary School, Clifton Drive, St Annes. BLACKPOOL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA. A programme of Weber, Chopin and Tchaikovsky with guest Nicholas Oliver (piano). Concert Hall, Blackpool Sixth Form College, Blackpool Old Road, Highfurlong. 7.30pm. ANTHONY KING. Lunchtime music to accompany lunch. Westerfields Restaurant, North Euston Hotel, The Esplanade, Fleetwood.

Pubs and bars PINTO BEANS. With Harold Salisbury. Weekly afternoon free admission live music. The Shovels, Hambleton. 3 - 6pm. JIMMY LOVE. The King Edward VII, Church Street, Blackpool. JOEY BLOWER’S COMEDY SHOW. Full sports programme followed by Joey’s show. The Merrie England, North Pier, Blackpool. From noon. Admission free. SILHOUETTE. Weekly live music session. The Cube, Breck Road, Poulton. To 1am. NICK UNLIMITED. Rock and blues. The Empress, Exchange Street, Blackpool. 2 6pm. TONY MITCHELL. In acoustic mood. The Steamer, Queens Terrace, Fleetwood. 1 3pm. IAN HOOPER, PAUL DOBIE AND FRIENDS. Two of the area’s most popular musicians in weekly session with friends. The Edge, Hardhorn Road, Poulton. from 8pm DJ NORRIE. Party night. Rumours, Talbot Square, Blackpool. OPEN MIC NIGHT. Take your own instruments. Free admission. Drinks promotions. The Blue Room, Church Street, Blackpool. From 8pm. SOUL AND MOTOWN. WIth DJ Glenn Miller. Soul Suite, Queen Square, Queen Street, Blackpool. MISS PATRICIA’S MUSIC HALL. Theatre Bar, Queens Hotel, The Promenade, South Shore. 1 - 5pm. OPEN MICROPHONE NIGHT. All entertainers welcome.Theatre Bar, Queens

THE GIG GUIDE

Sheffield Don Valley August 20, £99 U2 will visit 14 cities across Europe includingLondon, Sheffield and Glasgow before finishing at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. Includes coach travel and a ticket

More great Gazette offers

Simply Red

MEN April 5, £65 One of the most popular bands of the past 25 years, Simply Red are fronted by the unmistakable Mick HucknallIncludes coach travel and a ticket for the concert.

Hotel, The Promenade, South Shore. 8.30pm to midnight. BINGO AND FIND THE JOKER. Minimum cash prize of £50. The Golden Eagle, Anchorsholme. 3.30pm. DISCO/KARAOKE. Plus Skint Or Mint. The Tank, Preston Street, Fleetwood. FAMILY FUN DAY. DJ Sean Whitham with karaoke, party hits and more. The Royal Oak, Breck Road, Poulton. Noon to 4pm. POKER NIGHT. The Royal, Marton Drive, Marton.

Salsa and Latin dancing SALSA DANCING. Beginners welcome. Function Room, Trades Club, Chadwick Street, Blackpool. 7.30 - 11pm. Details, 07990 301793.

Social dancing SOCIAL. Ballroom, Latin and popular sequence. Co-Operative Sports ad Social Club, Preston New Road, Marton. 8 - 11pm. Details, (01253) 762926. GENERAL. Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish Centre, St Albans Road, St Annes. 8 10.30pm. Details, (01253) 782717. MODERN SEQUENCE. New dances taught. St Paul’s Parish Church, Lake Road, Ansdell. 7.30 - 10.15pm. Details, (01253) 776255. BALLROOM, SEQUENCE AND SOCIAL. Weekly gathering. Best Western Glendower Hotel, North Promenade, St Annes. From 8 - 11pm. details, (01253) 780599. FRIENDLY DANCE CLUB. Modern and sequence dancing. Open to all. The Wainwright Club, Hornby Road, Blackpool. 7.30-11pm. Details, (01253) 620555 SEQUENCE. Every second and fourth Sunday. Holy Cross Church, Central Drive, Blackpool. 1.30-4pm. Details, (01253) 396902.

Quiz nights QUIZ AND MUSIC. With Phil and Dawn. The Traveller’s Rest, Beach Road, Cleveleys. FREE QUIZ. With the Dave Ward Roadshow. Weekly prizes The Ship & Royal, Clifton Street, Lytham. 9 - 11pm. QUIZ NIGHT. Beer giveaway and £50 bonus question. The Excelsior, Lytham Road, South Shore. 8.45pm. FUN PUB QUIZ NIGHT. With the Caroloke Zone. Last Orders, Trunnah Road, Thornton. QUIZ DAY. Plus bingo and Play Your Cards Right with compere Joe Gordon. The Victoria, Dock Street, Fleetwood. From 5pm. QUIZ NIGHT. With Paul Gee plus Play Your Cards Right. The Links, Heeley Road, St Annes. QUIZ NIGHT. Plus The Accumulator.

the weekend Presented by Danny. The Belle Vue, Whitegate Drive, Blackpool. FUN QUIZ NIGHT. Plus meat raffle and Name That Tune. Hosted by Trigger. The Burn Naze, Gamble Road, Thornton. From 4pm QUIZ AND CHARITY FUN QUIZ NIGHT. Weekly quiz, fortnightly fund raiser for Brian House Children’s Hospice. Blackpool Catholic Club, Queen Street, Blackpool. QUIZ NIGHT. Including general knowledge and music rounds. Also Open The Box. The Mere Park Hotel, Preston Old Road, Marton. STEVE M’s SUNDAY QUIZ NIGHT. General knowledge, pop, rollovers - hosted by Steve Mulligan. The Mount Hotel, The Esplanade, Fleetwood. QUIZ NIGHT. Plus Open the Safe. Cash prizes to be won. Gardeners Arms, Fleetwood Road, Thornton. PETE’S QUIZ & MUSIC. With prizes. The Clarence, Preston New Road, Marton. 8.45pm LANDLORD’S GENERAL KNOWLEDGE QUIZ. 40 weekly general knowledge questions in the new look pub. The Boot & Shoe, Elswick. 9pm. BEER AND CASH QUIZ. Chance to win £50 bonus prize. Dog & Partridge, Lytham Road, South Shore. MUSIC QUIZ. Plus Guess the Key. Raikes Hall Hotel, Liverpool Road, Blackpool. From 8.30pm. QUIZ NIGHT. The Admiral, St Annes Road West, St Annes. FAMILY FORTUNES QUIZ. Devonshire Arms, Devonshire Road, North Shore. From 9.30pm.

Talent shows THE WHITTLE’S GOT TALENT. Early doors weekly search a star - £50 to the winner. Open to all. Whittle Springs (The Victoria), Talbot Road, Blackpool. 5 - 8pm.

Karaoke FUN KARAOKE. With race night and quiz. The Duke of York, Dickson Road, Blackpool. From 8.30pm. KARAOKE. With guest DJ. The Royal Oak, Breck Road, Poulton. Free admission. From 8pm. KARAOKE NIGHT. The Old Bridge, Lytham Road, South Shore. 8.30pm. CLIFF’S KARAOKE. The Steamer, Queens Terrace, Fleetwood. KARAOKE. Knobby’s Bar, West Street, Blackpool. From 7pm. KARAOKE. King Edward VII, Central Drive, Blackpool. From 8pm. FAMILY KARAOKE. The Hansom Cab, Station Road, Lytham. 4 - 7pm. AFTERNOON KARAOKE. With Michael. Thornton Cleveleys Wings Club, Victoria Road West, Cleveleys. 3 - 5pm. KARAOKE. Frenchman’s Cove, South King Street, Blackpool.

KARAOKE NIGHT. More than 3,000 tunes. The Regal Hotel, Victoria Road West, Cleveleys. Also Thursday, 8pm. KARAOKE NIGHT. Weekly session. The Victoria, Church Road, St Annes. KARAOKE/DISCO. Plus Skint Or Mint. The Tank, Preston Street, Fleetwood.

Irish, folk and country M.T. ALLEN DUO. Fort San Antone, Great Birchwood County Music Park, Lytham Road, Warton. Lunchtime. THE DIDDLEY DEES. Weekly Irish and country session. The Halfway House, St Annes Road, Squires Gate. IRISH MUSIC SESSION. All welcome to play or listen to the lively music. The Victoria Bar, North Euston Hotel, The Esplanade, Fleetwood. 8.30pm. COUNTRY AND WESTERN NIGHT. Live music, shoot outs, bucket draw. Hampton Road Club, South Shore. COUNTRY AND WESTERN NIGHT. Guest acts. Progress Sports & Social Club, Exchange Street, Blackpool. 7.30pm.

Social clubs EDDIE PARTRIDGE. Duple Social Club, 96a Bond Street, South Shore. Details, (01253) 341647. LISA MARIE. Brun Grove WMC and Institute, 1 Brun Grove (off Ansdell Road), Blackpool. Details, (01253) 762186. KENNY JOHNSON. Hampton Road Social, Off Lytham Road, South Shore. Details, (01253) 341508. TONY SINCLAIR. Talbot Club, 46 Milbourne Street, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 624305. EDDIE PARTRIDGE (Noon), NIKKI MILLER (Evening). Bloomfield Club, 128 Bloomfield Road, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 344583. DAVE PYE. Blackpool Trades and Social Club, 7 Chadwick Street, off Central Drive, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 622580. And Blackpool Central Bowling and Social Club, 9 Bloomfield Road, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 341145. ROY DENNIS. Thornton Cleveleys Royal British Legion, Rough Lea Road, facing Cleveleys Bus Station. Details, (01253) 852450. STEVE WRIGHT. Cleveleys Men’s Club, Slinger Road. Details, (01253) 853219. ZAK SCOTT. Bispham Con. Club, Red Bank Road, Bispham. Details, (01253) 357519. MAGGIE ON KEYBOARD. Stanley Road WMC, Stanley Road, (off Hornby Road), Blackpool. Details, (01253) 621168. FREE AND EASY. With the Terry Martin Duo. Blackpool RBL Club, King Street, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 626308. GRAHAM LEE AND GUESTS. Lunchtime and evening. Thornton Cleveleys Wings Club, 135 Victoria Road West, Cleveleys. Details, (01253) 852709.

Call 01253 890989 for Gazette Travel

Oasis

Heaton Park June 7, £74 The band, fronted by brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher, are currently on a sold-out UK tour, for which they sold 180,000 tickets. Includes coach travel and a ticket for the concert.

Coldplay

Old Trafford Cricket Ground September 12, £74 Since their beginnings in 1997, Coldplay have sold over 20 million albums worldwide and notched up a string of hit singles. Includes coach travel and a ticket for the concert.

Britney Spears

MEN June 17, £75 Britney Spears is one of the top-selling artists of the last decade selling in excess of 62 million albums worldwide. Includes coach travel and a ticket for the concert

Enrique Iglesias May 8, Razorlight May 9, Here and Now 2009 May 15, Girls Aloud May 16, Nickelback May 22, Jean Michel Jarre May 23, Beyonce May 27, Daniel O’Donnell, June 11, War of the Worlds, June 13, High School Musical June 13, Britain’s Got Talent, The Priests, The Saturdays June 19, Take That June 23 & 28, BB King June 24, Blur June 26, Motown Legends Live Tour June 27, Bruce Springsteen (two-day) June 28, James Taylor June 30

the weekend

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Restaurant quality food at pub prices

OU can expect to enjoy restaurantquality food at pub prices at The Welcome in Vicarage Lane, Blackpool, which is under new management. Each of the three chefs at this familyfriendly hostelry brings the experience of working in a top restaurant in the Fylde, and together, their talents combine to offer an extensive new menu using locally sourced produce. Cheaper than a sandwich are the freshlymade giant Yorkshire puddings filled with liver and onion, chicken chasseur, Cumberland sausage or chef’s stew of the day, plus mashed potates and three vegetables at an unbelievable £2.50. Those with hearty appetites can tackle the mammoth mixed grill, which comprises steak, pork chop, lamb chop, sausage, gammon, black pudding, chips, grilled tomato, fried egg and coleslaw – amazing value at £9.95. Lighter meals, plus home-made cakes, desserts plus a range of quality ground coffees are available, and there’s a Sunday

roast option every week. Food is served all day until 8pm on Saturday and Sunday and until 9pm from Monday to Friday.

Drinks are discounted at The Welcome with Fosters and Marstons Smooth at £1.95 and house doubles at only £2.20. The fantastic live entertainment programme features on Fridays and Saturdays (occasionally on Sundays, too) and tomorrow 80s tribute band Ashes2Ashes will be on stage. There’s a quiz night every Tuesday; children’s play area; heated smoking area; large car park to the rear; cribs, dominoes and darts; pool tables, large private function room for hire and large screen TVs. This week’s live fooball features: Saturday, March 28: Wales v Finland – kick off 3pm; England v Slovakia – kick off 5.15pm; Republic of Ireland v Bulgaria – kick off 7.45pm Wednesday, April 1: England v Ukraine – kick-off 8pm.