Maidstone’s summer of music kicks off even earlier than anticipated with the Maidstone Fringe Music Festival! Twenty eight bands will be taking part at various venues in Maidstone between Thursday 28th April and Monday 2nd May, so if you think you’ll have had enough of Royal Wedding fever by then or if you’re at a loose end over the Bank Holiday weekend get your dancing shoes on and head down to watch one or more of these exciting and varied acts! For full details of this amazing event go to http://www.sparklenoise.com
BAR CHOCOLATE, Market Buildings, ME14 1HP 01622 609330
Friday 29th April
Kelly Stanley brings her own distinctive melodies to the “Medway Delta” scene with searching songs about loss, love and the way we live today.
The Violet Jive – influenced by a variety of musical genres including Latin, Exotica, Salsa, Rockabilly and 50’s swing definitely one to get those feet tapping!
BREEZE BAR, Middle Row, ME14 01622 662460
Saturday 30th April
Sterling Hayden - fusing electronica with live instruments this band takes its influences from Depeche Mode and Ultravox to create a fun danceable confection of music.
THE ALBION, Lower Road, East Farleigh, ME15 0JT
Friday 29th April
Fate the Juggler – formed from various members of Kent based bands to create their own brand of folk-rock.
Mama Roux & The Ambassadors combine classic funk with jazz and psychedelic dance and covering such legends as Stevie Wonder and James Brown.
Sunday 30th April
David James Rumsey – this Kent based band has its own brand of “folk rock” combining acoustic guitar with live bass and percussion instruments to enhance David’s distinctive voice.
DRAKES, 9 Fairmeadow, ME14 1JP Tel: 01622 600056
Thursday 28th April
As Worlds Collide – An energetic and hard hitting performance can be expected from this five piece band with two UK tours under their belts.
Saturday 30th April
Fall of the Forest – This dynamic alternative rock band from Kent almost defies description! They need to be heard...
Houdini – inspired by 90’s grunge-pop this London act looks set to conquer Maidstone.
James Thorne – with powerful harmonies and catchy melodies James Thorne creates a sound somewhere between alternative rock and contemporary folk.
Sunday 1st May
Falling Lucid - This acoustic duo promise blues inspired guitar rhythms as seen at several gigs and festivals in around London and the South East.
David Howard – already well-established on the London and Kent circuits David Howard will be bringing a mixture of his own material as well as performing cover versions.
EARLS, 30 Earl Street , ME14 1PS
Thursday 28th April
Stacey & the freeloaders – classic underground rock n roll with a modern slant
Oskar Vilcrow – an alternative rock trio drawing inspiration from such diverse bands as The Fall, Captain Beefheart and The Pixies combining lyrics about conspiracy theories, alien invasions amongst others!
Friday 29th April & Sunday 1st May
Crush – this popular Kent based band will be performing hits of artists such as Van Halen, Bon Jovi, Guns ‘n’ Roses, Iron Maiden, Van Halen and Ozzy Osbourne.
Saturday 30th April
Dom Wise (& The Butterfly Cartel) – playing his own soulful material either solo or with a band, Dom Wise has been compared with Sting and Coldplay
Timmy Moore Trio – a regular act at Earls, this Kent based band has an eclectic sound ranging from blues and rock to funk and jazz.
Sunday 1st May
Tortilla Army – this heavy rock act has become very popular in the South East in recent years and has been particularly championed by Rick Wakeman.
Kelly Stanley brings her own distinctive melodies to the “Medway Delta” scene with searching songs about loss, love and the way we live today.
PIZZA EXPRESS 32-34 Earl Street, ME14 1PF 01622 683549
Saturday 30th April
Syd Arthur – a truly original act for the 21st Century unlike any other on the current music scene that explores and creates a unique sound.
Clea Rose Trio – creating soulful sounds using blues and reggae influences this South East based band is fronted by Clea Rose with her distinctive voice and guitar playing.
THE STYLE AND WINCH, 72 Union Street, ME14 1ED Tel 01622 752 351
Friday 29th April
August Monarchs – a group of songwriters and instrumentalists including Harmonium, Violin, Banjo, Harmonica and Mandolin, definitely one for Royal Wedding night!
Ned and the Perfect – a mix of highly danceable pop and slower, more dreamy music.
David Migden & The Dirty Words - a unique mix of Blues, Mariachi, Jazz, Country and Rock this innovative band has been described as “Twisted American Roots”.
Monday 2nd May
The Soundcasters play a range of music from Latin Jazz to Punk taking in 60’s pop along the way.
The Quays – based in South London/Kent, The Quays take their inspiration from such diverse 80’s rock legends as Blondie and XTC but bring their own unique sound to this eclectic mix of music.
The Steve Wright Blues Experience – Adding a contemporary feel to blues by melding funk and rock, this is a band that will have feet dancing whether they want to or not!
Kevin Baker – Always entertaining with influences from alternative rock and early blues, Kevin Baker takes on the Style and Winch with nothing more than his guitar and powerful voice!
Falling Lucid - This acoustic duo promise blues inspired guitar rhythms as seen at several gigs and festivals in London and the South East.
Toby, Sophie and Callum – part of the innovative folk-rock band Wheeler Street, this trio have played many large festivals including Glastonbury and Cambridge Folk Festival. Their vocal harmonies take in traditional and contemporary folk songs.
So Maidstone is the place to be for all your music needs!
Have fun, til next time
India J