It’s over a quarter of a century since Big Mac’s Wholly Soul Band were formed as the house band for the legendary Hollywood Club in Newport, and the line-up of tenor sax, trumpet and trombone, bass, drums, guitar, keyboards, two dynamic female vocalists and charismatic front-man Mike ‘Big Mac’ McNamara are still a huge hitContinue reading “Big Mac Brings Soul to Abertillery”
Author Archives: Andy Howells
Meet The Band: The Alison Rayner Quintet
For the past two years The Alison Rayner Quintet has built a substantial and wide ranging audience for what Jazz UK have described as“deliciously upbeat, groovy and thoughtful jazz”Their new album A Magic Life was recorded in London over the summer and will be released in November featuring melodic and harmonic references from classical, rootsContinue reading “Meet The Band: The Alison Rayner Quintet”
Thatcher’s Downfall Recalled In Dead Sheep – Paul Bradley Interview
Jonathan Maitland’s debut play, Dead Sheep, directed by Ian Talbot OBE, arrives at Cardiff’s New Theatre next week as part of its UK tour. Following the real-life events surrounding British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (Steve Nallon) ruthlessly sacking her Foreign Secretary, Geoffrey Howe (Paul Bradley), once her closest professional confidante and political ally, the IronContinue reading “Thatcher’s Downfall Recalled In Dead Sheep – Paul Bradley Interview”
Talking Music: Petula Clark Discusses New Album And Tour
Andy Howells talks to music icon, Petula Clark about her From Now On tour.
Shakin’ Stevens Announces 2017 Tour Including Wales Date
Following the release of his new album, Echoes of Our Times, Shakin’ Stevens has announced a concert date at Cardiff’s St David’s Hall for next year as part of a nationwide tour. Shaky who topped the charts in the 1980s with This Ole’ House, Green Door and Merry Christmas Everyone will be performing many ofContinue reading “Shakin’ Stevens Announces 2017 Tour Including Wales Date”
Meet The Artist: Louise Jordan
New Forest based singer and songwriter Louise Jordan will play songs from her new album, No Petticoats Here at St Thomas’s Church in Redwick on October 9 Now a familiar face on the acoustic scene, Louise has placed her classical music background and five years’ experience of touring arts centres, theatres, folk clubs and festivalsContinue reading “Meet The Artist: Louise Jordan”
Buckcherry To Rock Cardiff
Los Angeles’ rockers Buckcherry, will support Steel Panther at Cardiff Motorpoint Arena on October 16. The band who have been together for over two decades are best remembered for the hits Lit Up and Sorry. Along the way, they’ve shared stages with everybody from AC/DC and Mötley Crüe to Slipknot and Rob Zombie, among others.Continue reading “Buckcherry To Rock Cardiff”
Daniel O Donnell To Return To Wales
Daniel O’Donnell will return to St David’s Hall next year as part of his 2017 UK tour. Following a busy twelve months putting his best foot forward on Strictly Come Dancing and working on the reality TV series Daniel and Majella’s B&B Road Trip, O Donnell is now back on tour performing songs from a backContinue reading “Daniel O Donnell To Return To Wales”
Owen’s On The Money With Beaufort Theatre Panto
Christmas may still be a few months away, but panto season is drawing nearer and Rainbow Valley Productions version of Beauty and The Beast is set to brings all the story’s thrills, romance and excitement plus sensational singing and dancing to Ebbw Vale’s Beaufort Theatre from November 25 to December 4. Starring BBC Radio WalesContinue reading “Owen’s On The Money With Beaufort Theatre Panto”
Coldplay To Bring A Head Full Of Dreams To Cardiff
Coldplay are to play Cardiff’s Principality Stadium as part of their A Head Full Of Dreams Tour In 2017. Since March of this year, the A Head Full Of Dreams Tour has played to 2.5 million people across Latin America, the US and Europe, including four sold-out nights at London’s Wembley Stadium. The show wasContinue reading “Coldplay To Bring A Head Full Of Dreams To Cardiff”