Gigs

Live music from across the region...

Laura Cortese & Friends

The Hive, Shrewsbury, Sat 29 October

“Strings are at the core of what I do,” explains American musician Laura Cortese. “Genre is secondary to that palate.” Driven by the gravitational pull of human connection, Laura brings her ever-evolving sound to Shrewsbury as part of her collaboration with The Dance Cards, with whom she’s released two albums: California Calling (2017) and Bitter Better (2020).

Vonda Shepard

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 12 October; Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sun 16 October

American singer-songwriter Vonda Shepard shot to fame when her theme song to US TV series Ally McBeal, Searchin’ My Soul, reached the top 10 in countries across the globe. She went on to release a number of Allyinspired albums and has sold over 12 million records worldwide. Following the success of recent tours including a joint one with Sharon Corr - 59year-old Vonda visits the UK to play a set of greatest hits alongside songs from her brandnew album, Red Light, Green Light.

Gigs

Daniel Karlsson Trio

Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton, Thurs 20 October

Since the release of their debut album, Das Taxibåt, in September 2013, the Daniel Karlsson Trio have established themselves as one of the most interesting ensembles in Swedish and European jazz. Penned by Daniel himself, the trio’s music has been described as “distinctive and extrovert, clearly influenced by ’60s jazz, soul & pop, but with a clear Nordic scent.”

Wishbone Ash

The Robin, Bilston, Sat 22 October

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of their hit album, Argus, British rock band Wishbone Ash take their audience on a unique journey through their illustrious history, combining old songs with new in a live show that remains as fresh and in-demand as ever. Classic tracks such as The King Will Come, Throw Down The Sword and Blowin’ Free seem certain to feature.

Hayseed Dixie

The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent, Wed 5 October

Hayseed Dixie was formed one summer’s day in 2000 when John Wheeler and now exmember Mike Daly ‘drank roughly enough whiskey to float a battleship from the Florida Coast over to Portugal and back’. They then decided to play around in John’s studio. Although the band, which has endured multiple line-up changes since their inception, produced some pretty unforgettable and comically crude songs, including I’m Keeping Your Poop In A Jar and She Was Skinny When I Met Her, Hayseed Dixie are probably best known for their rollicking rockgrass covers.

The Little Unsaid

The Hub at St Mary’s, Lichfield, Sun 23 October

Taking in elements of alt-folk, electronica and alt-rock, The Little Unsaid are a diverse four-piece whose expansive songwriting and impassioned performances have earned them a reputation as one of the must-see live acts on the independent music scene. They here embark on a UK tour in support of new album Fable, a first single from which, Vibrant Life, was released last month.