Music galore as Newcastle looks back to golden years

Music galore as Newcastle looks back to golden years

22 July 2015

SHAKE, Rattle and Roll in Newcastle this weekend with the musical legends of the 50s and 60s or enjoy a classic tribute to the Eagles and Fleetwood Mac.

Soda Popz, Northern Ireland’s only 1950s themed rock band, are making a return with the music of Johnny Cash, Bill Haley, The Drifters and Connie Francis as well as giving some modern tunes a rock ’n’ roll twist.

With their dazzling costumes Soda Popz has played to packed dance halls around the country and will hit the Newcastle Centre on Saturday night as part of the town’s packed Summer Season programme.

The seven piece band features local vocalist Michelle Baird, who said: “Being raised in a home where this type of music was always playing, I couldn’t help but develop a real love for the fabulous 50s! 

“The music, the style, the stories of the dance halls were fascinating.  My parents used to constantly jive in the kitchen too which was fun to watch but unfortunately they didn’t pass their dancing skills onto me.

“I decided to form The Soda Popz as no-one in Northern Ireland was really performing this genre of music and it’s been such great fun to do. Our audiences have really got into it whether it’s coming along in full 50s style or up jiving during our set. It’s great.”

Weekend performances at the Summer Season kick off on Friday as The Illegals with Niamh Kavanagh take to the stage in what has become a regular highlight of Newcastle Summer Season.

Arguably one of the best live bands in the country, every year the band, featuring the brilliant Niamh Kavanagh on vocals, delves deeper into the Eagles and Fleetwood Mac back-catalogues to keep their dynamic live show fresh but familiar.  

Featuring classic favourites including Hotel California, The Chain, Desperado, Dreams, The Last Resort and Everywhere, and a few songs from Linda Rondstadt, Neil Young, Bonnie Raitt and Tom Petty, the band never fails to raise the roof.  

Both performances starts at 8pm.

Don’t forget free entertainment continues on Saturday on Newcastle Promenade. At 1pm and 2.30pm, circus performers Babcock and Bobbins will be entertaining families with their traditional circus show that incorporates slapstick comedy and circus skills, including fire juggling, giraffe unicycle, stilt walking, rola bola and fire-breathing.  

For a full list of all the entertainment in Newcastle this summer pick up a Summer Season brochure. For further information and to buy tickets (Illegals £15/£12; Soda Popz & Holy Holy Bus £12/£10), contact Down Arts Centre on 028 4461 0747 or Newcastle Visitor Information Centre on 028 4372 2222. Full programme details are also available online at www.downartscentre.com