Opening shows- support please!

Biddulph Up In Arms. It is a big week indeed for local artists as we make a belated start to our 2011 programme tomorrow (Feb 16th) at the Biddulph Arms with another of our popular Local Live Showcases, with a completely different line-up to last Summer. We also have smarter premises and new landlords to impress so if any of you can make it, or any of the shows this week it will be most appreciated.  This exciting line-up includes the lovely voice of Christie Bratherton, the always popular Paul Walker and a familiar face from our audience, Johnny Jahlfrezi promoting his long awaited cd. Also appearing are the hilarious Jolly Jock, Alsager's Ian Lang, promising a couple of surprise guest appearances and the Nanateas who went down so well supporting Chumbawamba last July. The show starts at 8pm and admission is £5.   As detailed in the last e-mail the weekend boasts a couple of cracking gigs. There are a few tickets left for The Queensberry Rules' 'Last Hurrah' on Saturday at the Forum Theatre (contact either Gary Wilcox on 07870653103 or myself on 01782-523277)...a two-and- a-half hour career retrospective featuring all of your favourite songs! We host a roots spectacular the following evening (Feb 20) in unfamiliar territory at The Rigger in Newcastle-under-Lyme. There are not too many places that can accommodate two six-piece bands (without Biddulph Town Hall) but it is a lovely venue and perfect for this show. Whereas TQR are calling it a day the Rockingbirds have decided to give it another go, over fifteen years after their last appearance in this area. Initially reforming to celebrate the reissue of their acclaimed debut cd they have a clutch of new songs and seem to be relishing live performance once again.  Also on the bill are the fabulous Elvis Fontenot and the Sugar Bees desribed by the Sentinel's Lyndsey Oliver recently as ''one of the most foot stompn' thigh slappin' bands on the circuit'' who were not slow to offer their support with Nick and Phil, along with Gary Wilcox, being big Rocking birds fans. Admission is £10 on the door but tickets are available from the venue, Music Mania or Bridge St Music for £8 or for those making a big weekend of it by bringing along the ticket from Saturday's gig. Tel-01782-523277 for further details or ticket reservations.                                                               Www.biddulphupinarms.com