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Live music - Starfish
in the Park
Starfish Youth Music is a brilliant concept, an organisation
which gives young musicians between nine and 21 the chance
to explore, play, record and develop contemporary music with
the help of professional tutors and equipment. It has been
running since 1998, and now has over 100 members. They help
complete beginners to turn into a gigging band, a process
which usually takes 2-3 years. They also put on about five
major gigs a year - the annual highlight is their acoustic
gig in the Paddock, which this year will attract over 20 bands.
Last year 350 spectators turned up; this year they are expecting
more like 500.
There will be a couple of well-established performers to get
things going, namely Brighton-based bluesy slide-guitar player
Lee Westwood (who will also perform at the Lewes Guitar Festival)
and local singer-songwriter Isabelle Anderson. But the real
stars of the show will be the Starfish bands, past and present.
Many of these are loud indie bands rising to the challenge
of playing an acoustic set. Look out for the likes of Amor
da Vida, Miss June, Too Many Strings, Death to the Pixies,
Ministry of Misery, A Line and Dale Gilbert and Alex McGowan.
You’re welcome to bring a picnic (remembering this is
a no-alcohol event): there will also be samba and art workshops,
a bouncy castle, information stands and a giant chess game.
If you’re under 20 and fancy a bash you can perform
on the ‘Blaggers Stage’ at 4.30. AL |
