Americana, roots and Blues fans will be pleased to hear that The Atkinson, Southport’s brand new multi art-form venue, has a host of critically acclaimed UK and international Americana, Blues and Roots artists lined up for the opening season.

Expect to see performances from State of The Union, I See Hawks in L.A, Albert Lee & Hogans Heroes, The Blues Band, Marcus Bonfanti and The Stumble.

Emma Lloyd, Performing Arts Programme, Marketing and Visitor Services Manager at The Atkinson said,“We now have the venue to attract the very best artists from the Roots and Americana circuit. The artists booked range from newcomers making waves in the industry, to the well established – all of equal importance to The Atkinson’s programme. We really hope that our opening season sets the standard for what is to come.”

State of The Union (3 May) are fresh from performing on the Andrew Marr Show with their wiry slide-guitar take on the Pet Shop Boys electro-pop classic, Rent. They offer a true master class in song writing, showing off the talents of bluesy Americana stalwart Brooks Williams and cult British singer-songwriter Boo Hewerdine and lead singer of indie legends the Bible, to full effect. With a multitude of influences, from Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Blind Lemon Jefferson, the wide-open Fenlands and the frenetic buzz of London, State Of The Union will delight fans of hook-laden songs, fiery and emotional guitar playing and soulful vocals.

Straight from the USA, I See Hawks in L.A (4 July), are known for their laid-back Southern California style Americana with psychedelic layering over country and folk music forms and their lyrical celebrations of earth and its imperilled ecosphere. Having topped the Freeform American Roots radio chart, F.A.R Alernative Country Chart and the Euro Americana Chart several times, I See Hawks in L.A are a superb ensemble with a serious pedigree in California’s roots-rock scene.

UK blues have not been forgotten, double Grammy Award winning musician Albert Lee returns to Southport (6 June). Regarded as one of the world’s finest guitar players, he needs no introduction to Country Music and Rock fans, along with his multi-talented band, Hogans Heroes. Lee has worked with some of the world’s top artists, from Emmylou Harris to the Everly Brothers, Dolly Parton to Eric Clapton.

The Blues Band(4 May) take to the stage for their only North West gig of 2013. Formed back in 1979 and almost two and a half decades and 16 albums later, The Blues Band are regarded throughout Europe and beyond as being amongst the very finest purveyors of rhythm and blues, inspiring generations of other blues bands and fans. Their new studio album Few Short Lines, released on Repertoire Records, is collecting rave reviews everywhere. Expect a good selection from the new album in the show as well as the old favourites.

Marcus Bonfanti (18 May), is hotly tipped to be the next British blues guitar hero. Bonfanti is a London based blues-rock guitarist leading a new generation of blues artists. His powerful, gutsy voice and varied blues set, ranges from stomping, amplified styles to delicate acoustic finger-picking and such a talent has earned him nominations for Best Male Vocals and Best Guitar two years on the run at the 2011 and 2012 British Blues Awards. Bonfanti also plays in the highly acclaimed rock band Saint Jude, nominated for Best New Band at the 2011 Classic Rock Awards.

The Stumble, a six-piece band, whose performances are described as a live rapturous Chicago style rhythm and blues, with a screwed down ambient live feel are playing on 31 May. Influences range from B.B. King, Freddy King, Muddy Waters, Maceo Parker toThe Allman Brother’s Band. Since their debut album The World is Tough was released to rave reviews in the UK blues scene in 2006, the band have toured to sell out gigs at blues clubs, independent venues and some great festival appearances across the country and in Ireland.

Incorporating four established venues – Southport Arts Centre, the Atkinson Art Gallery, Botanic Gardens Museum and Southport’s Central Library, into one regional cultural centre, the Lord Street venue has undergone extensive development and will open in several different phases across the next two years. When fully open, the venue will comprise two performance spaces, a library, bakery, craft and design centre, Tourist Information Centre, art galleries, a museum, a shop and a cafe.

For more information and to book tickets , buy online or call box office on 01704 533333

Posted on 26 March 2013 under General news