LIMF
YOUR 8-page guide to the sights and sounds of the liverpool international music festival 2015
2 ECHO MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2015
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LIMF 2015
Anushka performing at the LIMF Summer Jam, in Sefton Park
Picture: DAVID MUNN
Ian Prowse and Natalie McCool performing at Routes Jukebox at the Epstein Theatre as Picture: david munn part of LIMF Liverpool’s love affair with music is also the tale of pop music’s birth. The songs were all there - Get A Job, Routes Jukebox Goodnight Sweetheart, Life is but a Dream, Epstein Theatre Rock Island Line, My Bonnie, Wondrous By JADE WRIGHT Place, not forgetting Halfway to Paradise and ECHO What’s On Writer the superb Terri Walker, who stole the show jade.wright@trinitymirror.com with Cilla Black tribute Anyone Who Had a @JadeWright Heart and Zutons hit Valerie, with a nod to the late, great Amy Winehouse. art gig, part history lesson, Routes A set towards the end of the first half from Jukebox looked back at the key Squeeze singer and songwriter Chris Difford influencing records that came to Liverpool from the US after World War was incongruous, but appreciated nevertheless. It was like he’d wandered onto II inspiring pioneering movements from the wrong stage, as the songs had nothing to Merseybeat to Doo Wop to Rock ’n’ Roll. do with Liverpool’s music With nods to the Cunard heritage, but the crowd loved Yanks and the ’50s coffee him despite that. bar scene, the show was Similarly, it was hard to musically directed by fathom why The Farm Grammy award-winning performed their own set producer Steve Levine and rather than with the backing presented by BBC Radio 2’s band. Janice Long. The first half was somewhat With sets from Ian Prowse, long, at over two hours Natalie McCool, Terri Walker, particularly as Chris Difford Christopher Ellis and Jalen had said he was the last act Ngonda, the performances before the interval. But it was were backed by an all-star good stuff nonetheless. band comprising Paul After a short break, former Weller’s drummer, Steve Zutons star Dave McCabe and White, bassist Martyn Campbell, of the Lightning Dave McCabe performs with his new band the RamificatSeeds, and The Waterboys’ new band The Ramifications ions played a set of their new Picture: DAVID MUNN material, showing just how far Richard Naiff on keys. the city has come musically. From the Leaving of There were parts where the narrative Liverpool through Wondrous Place to Does broke down, where it just felt like musicians This Train Stop on Merseyside, the songs playing on a stage. But it was none the charted a shift in popular culture that saw poorer for it. the world change. History came alive to the sound of music, While it was a one-off for Liverpool and long may it continue. International Music Festival, it could easily ✶✶✶✶✶ tour further afield - because the story of
REVIEW: LIMF 2015
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The Farm performing at Roots Jukebox
Picture: David munn
Thousands partied in the park for the LIMF Summer Jam at Sefton Park 290815music_14
Picture: IAN COOPER
Festival-goers dance in the sunshine at LIMF, in Sefton Park 290815music_24
Picture: IAN COOPER
By JADE WRIGHT ECHO What’s On writer
jade.wright@trinitymirror.com @JadeWright
Thousands partied as the sun went down on the first night of Summer Jam, the free element to Liverpool International Music Festival. Thousands of people came to see headliners Bassment Jaxx in Sefton Park, with many arriving long before to make the most of the good weather. Assistant Mayor and Cabinet Member for culture, tourism and events, Cllr Wendy Simon, said: “Crowds began to arrive early in the day, so even before the first act came on at 5.30pm there was a huge party atmosphere. “It has been a fantastic start to LIMF and with the impressive line-up continuing over the next two days, I think it will remain hugely popular with residents and visitors alike.” Organisers said it was the biggest first night of the festival so far, with more people in Sefton Park on opening night than last year or the year before. Director of culture Clare McColgan said: “This is unprecedented for the opening night. It’s a lovely feeling of being part of the last blast of summer for Liverpool.” The crowds started to arrive long before the first act began at 5pm, with families enjoying picnics in the sunshine. Sunday saw live music step up another notch, with the introduction of three more
R‘n’B star Artful Dodger at LIMF
Picture: David Munn
stages to accompany the action on the main stage. Labrinth, Katy B and Naughty Boy headlined the Central Stage, while there were sets from local acts on the itsliverpool Stage, upand-coming talent on the Academy Stage, and traditional park entertainment at the Bandstage Stage. There was also a tribute to Cilla Black in the form of Herstory.
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MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2015
Time to party in the park
LIMF 2015
RECORD CROWDS ENJOY THE FIRST DAY OF LIMF’s SUMMER JAM IN SEFTON PARK
Caleb Murphy, four, practises his Guitar Hero moves
Picture: James Maloney
Festival-goers enjoy the day 290815music_07
Picture: IAN COOPER
Latest news and more on the Liverpool International Music Festival . . . as it happens www. liverpoolecho. co.uk/all-about/ liverpoolinternationalmusic-festival
DJ Liam Hincks spins some tunes picture: David Munn
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LIMF 2015 SET LIST Good Luck Unicorn Power To The People Red Alert Taiko Juntos Back 2 the Wild What’s the News Oh My Gosh Everybody Never Say Never Romeo Jump ‘n’ Shout Buffalo Raindrops Do Your Thing Rock This Road Where’s Your Head At? Rendez-Vu Bingo Bango
Basement Jaxx fans Rubi Gavin, three, left, and Georgia Corness, four, practise their dance moves while waiting for the acts to take to the Picture: jAMES mALONEY stage
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Are you ready to Jump ‘n’ Shout? headliners basement jaxx get the LIMF Party started with uproarious first-night set
Headlining act Basement Jaxx performing at LIMF in Sefton Park
TWITTER REACTION TO BASEMENT JAXX AT LIMF Ross Bagnall
Park last night. Yep I was one of them #LIMF @rossbagnall93 @ T h e B a s e m e n t Ja x x Matt Hart were proper boss @matt6t6 Basement Jaxx at @LIMMarie Bell Festival Cant wait for Sun@AitkenMarie Amazing @TheBase- day they smashed it out of mentJaxx gig @LIMFest- the park ! #LIMF2015 ival last night! Raving in #LIMF #LIMFestival2015 Sefton park whodda Little Lamb Tales thought it!! @Littlelambtales Thanks @LIMFestival Neil George Fay for a fantastic show last @Faymondo73 Old mums and dads try- night. @TheBasementJaxx ing to show their kids the were AMAZING! My feet had it once dancing to are killing me and I’ve lost Basement Jaxx in Sefton my voice – ace!
Pictures: David Munn
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LIMF 2015
REVIEW: LIMF 2015
Basement Jaxx
Summer Jam, Sefton Park
By JADE WRIGHT ECHO What’s On writer
jade.wright@trinitymirror.com @JadeWright
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iverpool’s culture chief described Liverpool International Music Festival as “the last blast of summer”. And looking out at the crowd of thousands, singing and dancing in the gentle August sunshine, it was hard to disagree. Saturday night headliners Basement Jaxx had pulled in an impressive crowd, the biggest the event has seen for an opening night, possibly bigger than we’ve seen at any of the days in the three years it’s been going. Families picnicked in the park, listening to Artful Dodger – a real crowd pleaser – and Anton Powers giving his best Juice FM set. As the sun went down and the supermoon rose behind the stage, Basement Jaxx kicked off their set with party anthem Good Luck, to massive cheers from the crowd. This was a band you’d expect to see down the road at Creamfields, not at a free event in the park.
The crowd were in appreciative form, jumping and dancing, taking selfies and lapping up every minute. The stage set was simple but effective – banners around the side of the stage. Mention must go to the fabulous costumes, though – full-on carnival style, with every colour of the rainbow proudly shining out. The songs came thick and fast – Unicorn, Power to the People – dedicated to the crowd – and Red Alert firing out. Main singers Vula Malinga and Sharlene Hector belted out the tunes and writhed in appreciation at the cheers down below, growing a bit more riotous and uproarious with every song. The crowd, old and young, rich and poor, danced and sang together. When the decision was taken to axe the ailing Mathew Street Festival in 2013, this was the type of event that they could have only hoped would replace it. The gamble paid off – people voted with their dancing feet, showing that this city isn’t about tribute bands. The city of songwriters revelled in hearing original music as it should be – free and open to all. They’ve set the baton high on the first night in the park – let’s hope they can match it in the days to come.
The Diamond Dogs van offers hotdogs of all sizes
Pictures: James Maloney
Fill up on some tasty treats By JADE WRIGHT ECHO What’s On Writer
jade.wright@trinitymirror.com @jadewright
Liverpool International Music Festival 2015 has some great bands, plenty to do for families and a fun fair – but what about the food and drink? Yes, there’s the usual burger and chips, ice cream vans and takeaways, but there’s also some great artisan producers selling their wares, too. Look out for Beets and Beans, selling some great vegetarian and vegan food – their vegan dog is better than most meaty versions, and at £3 it won’t break the bank. Diamond Dogs is offering meaty versions as well – it’s not just a great name but the food looks pretty awesome, too. For coffee lovers, look no further than Liverpool favourite Bold Street Coffee doing some great takeout hot drinks – Americanos are £2.50, up to £4 for a big mocha, as well as some tasty home-made cakes. Look out, too, for pizzas, garlic bread, pitta and chips and dirty fries with any sauce you want. Tasty stuff! Colourful signs advertise some tasty and unusual foods for LIMF festivalgoers
A stall at LIMF selling British Street Food
6 ECHO MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2015
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LIMF 2015 Alesha Dixon performs on stage at LIMF 290815music_30
Picture: IAN COOPER
Top music stars and up-and-coming talent create perfect blend
100,000 enjoy city By JADE WRIGHT ECHO What’s On writer
jade.wright@trinitymirror.com @JadeWright
They came and gyrated by the coachload, pouring into Sefton Park for the second night of the Liverpool International Music Festival. Families picnicked in the park, with some even bringing tables and chairs to enjoy the show in comfort. Estimates of numbers vary, but organisers believe that this has been the best attended Festival yet, with early estimates of more than 40,000 on Saturday and 60,000 on Sunday. Director of culture, Claire McColgan, said: “I’m so delighted at the way Liverpool residents and visitors have taken this event to their hearts.”
A music fan in Sefton Park
Labrinth, Katy B, Alesha Dixon and Naughty Boy played the Central Stage, with sets from local acts on the itsliverpool Stage and upand-coming talent on the Acad-
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LIMF 2015 Crowds enjoy Day 2 at LIMF, in Sefton Park 290815music_20
Picture: IAN COOPER
Colourful festival-goers 290815music_15
Picture: IAN COOPER
flood in to sounds emy Stage. The Palm House hosted Global Roots International Music Mixtape, which explores international electronic music from Lagos to LA via London. Over at District in the Baltic Triangle, there was SA to UK: Activism in Arts Live, where soul-singer Roxanne L Jones and rapper Merki Waters performed alongside singer-songwriter Tresor and vocalists Shaimag and Siphokazi. LIMF music curator Yaw Owusu said: “Day two of LIMF Summer Jam has been amazing. Lots of great music stars over the various stages, with tens of thousands of music lovers taking in the vibes – couldn’t ask for more. Bring on tomorrow!”
Katy B played the Central Stage at LIMF A couple chill out at Sefton Park 290815music_03
Picture: IAN COOPER
Sunday headliner Labrinth
Picture: Joe Giddens
Liverpool-based Mic Lowry
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Picture: IAN COOPER
8 ECHO MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2015
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Bunnymen and RLPO join forces for a fabulous finale
LIMF 2015
Echo and the Bunnymen will join the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, below, for the closing performance of LIMF 2015 Pictures: Mark Radford/gareth jones
By JADE WRIGHT ECHO What’s On writer
jade.wright@trinitymirror.com @JadeWright
TODAY sees the culmination of Europe’s largest free music event, with a massive set from Echo and The Bunnymen and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. But, before all that, there’s plenty to see and do in Sefton park and beyond. There are sets from Laura Mvula, Phil Taggart, Rae Morris, JP Cooper, Ras Kwame, Bipolar Sunshine, Liam Bailey, Sunset Sons and Pacific from 1-9pm on the central stage. There’s also the itsLiverpool Stage, which features Space, Loveless, Esco Williams, Tea Street Band, Hooton Tennis Club, Barberos, She Drew The Gun, Luke Casato, The Visitors
Bipolar Sunshine
Picture: CHUFF MEDIA
Laura Mvula is performing on the Central Stage
Picture: Jason Skarratt
and Blue Saint. Look out, too, for the Academy Stage, showcasing the best new talent. It features Amique, Jalen Ngonda, Spxken, Mari Hajem, Thom Morecroft, Eleanor Nelly, Paddy Clegg, Brasshaus, Ragoon Sons and Shamona.
And don’t miss Liverpool, Next Stop New York Interactive Weekend in Sefton Park, 1-6pm, an interactive weekend including Q&As with Eddie Amoo (the Chants / The Real Thing), Greg Wilson, Les Spaine, original Cunard Yanks, The Principal, Ivan the Russian and Bernie Connor (The Sound of Music) alongside playlists, DJ sets and broadcasts from these luminaries.
Rae Morris
Space are performing on the itsLiverpool Stage at Sefton Park Picture: Liz Phillips Photography
The Tea Street Band will perform on the itsLiverpool Stage for local artists
Picture: Jason Roberts