Formed twelve years ago the band has delighted audiences at festivals, venues and private functions up and down the UK and throughout Europe. With a tight rhythm section pinning down the beat, expect sawing guitar solos from lead player Nick Down. Nick was described in Blues Review as “possessing a blistering Stratocaster sneer and playing with a confident style steeped in the history of blues guitar.”
With bubbling Hammond organ and a recondite understanding of blues piano styles down the years, Ian Johnson has the keys sewn up. Vocalist Nick Haggart has limitless energy on stage and strong vocal delivery. The massive Six-piece horn section ensures that every show goes off with a bang, adding a real punch to the overall sound of the band.

Sensational doesn’t do this band justice. Once seen never forgotten!

 NB:- All acts subject to change in the event of any unforeseen circumstances.

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8-10pm  THE BOWLING GREEN – SAM WHISKEY’S POISON MEDICINE BAND - brings together an eclectic range of music predominantly from the 70’s. This 4 piece band boasts a pedigree of talent and revamps a number of old classic 70’s tracks which are seldom heard today; songs by Ian Hunter, Genesis, Skynyrd, Jo-Jo Gunne, Bowie and even a ‘Pink Floyd’ style rework of the old Hot Chocolate song ‘Everyone’s a winner’.

8-10pm  THE CROWN HOTEL BAR - THE FUNKBREAKERS DUO – This slimline version of the ‘The Funkbreakers’ band features dangerous Dan Machin on guitar. The duo play a blend of cool funk and soul with a dash of modern rhythm, with Chris Dyer on Sax and Vocal duties.

8-10pm   THE TALBOT -THE BLUES HOUNDS - perform unique versions of great R&B classics originally by such artists as Howlin’ Wolf, Buddy Guy, Willie Dixon and Freddie King, alongside covers of more modern songs by Stevie Ray Vaughan, BB King and Robben Ford as well as one or two of their own original songs.

9-11pm THE WHITE HORSE (Inside) - ROUGHNECK RIOT - A rip-roaring foot stomping 6 piece Folk/Punk band pulling their inspiration from the likes of  The Pogues, The Clash & Johnny Cash.

NB:- All acts subject to change in the event of any unforeseen circumstances.

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RedShift Radio will be hosting the main stage in the Nantwich Town Square on the Saturday and Monday with the RedShift Road Show.

Mondays activities will be very family focused with street entertainment, face painting, Easter Egg Hut and youth choirs around the Market Square from 10am – 12.30pm. These will be closely followed by some great family entertainment from Katie Shotter, the young lady that supported Beyonce and then the truly amazing Cavern Beatles at 1.30pm.

Special shows in the run up to the Jazz Festival include The Arts Hour with Danny Keen, now sponsored by the Festival, Local, Live & Latest with Simon J. Newbury, which show cases the best of live music, and the Pick’n'Mix show presented by talented singer Hayley Strangelove.

The team at RedShift Radio, made up of over 50 volunteer presenters and a small team of paid staff, have been broadcasting over the internet since September 2010.

Bizzy Lizzy, Co-Founder of RedShift is excited about the new partnership . . .

“The Jazz Festival has always been the highlight of my year living in Nantwich, to be involved this year and especially with the Family Day is a real treat!”

You can tune in to www.redshiftradio.co.uk whenever you are online, or you can get an App for your phone and listen to them on the move. With over 45 different programmes including shows presented by young people, music and sports fans, business owners and seniors, RedShift really does what is says, “Bringing Communities Together”.

Katy Shotter Singing Sensation will performing at our free outdoor festival on Nantwich Square on Easter Monday with her 7 piece backing band.

Croydon born Singer-Songwriter Katy Shotter is no stranger to the stage, having supported Beyoncé on her UK tour and due to the overwhelming response,  Katy landed the opening spot on the entire year long U.S. and Canadian tour using just her voice and her piano.

In 2010 Katy has appeared in Europe at St.Tropez and Faak See, for Harley Davidson Festivals.

Katy ended the year appearing at the Sony Asia Awards and working with Chris Holland supporting brother, Jools Holland on two of his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra concerts.

May 2011 Shy FX’s official remix of Skream’s ‘Where you should be’ is currently A-Listed on Radio 1/1extra and features the multi talented Katy Shotter.

Katy’s sweet, soulful vocals and inescapable hooks makes her one of the best young upcoming singer-songwriters and after gaining celebrity fans in Beyoncé, John Legend and Jay Z, this soulful songbird’s show is certainly not one to be missed.

Click here to visit Katy’s website.

Confirmed as part of our Easter Monday outdoor festival

Forty years on, and the music of The Beatles remains as fresh and uplifting as it was back in the “swinging sixties”. The classic songs that have now inspired and influenced generations are performed with passion and reverence by The Cavern Beatles.

Drawing on an extensive repertoire of hits and album tracks, the band perform totally live, and produce a fully authentic representation of the music with careful attention to detail.

The Cavern Beatles are all accomplished musicians, but it is their vocal abilities that have most impressed critics of the group over the years. They are all born and brought up in Liverpool, and this gives them their seemingly effortless accuracy in their interpretation of the Fab Four’s catalogue.

Click Here to see their website.

“They have studied the mannerisms, gestures and expressions of their superstar subjects and they are accomplished singers and instrumentalists who manage to capture the musical feel of the original Fab Four”
Former Beatle Press Officer – TONY BARROW

“Like a scene from A Hard Days Night – Amazing.”
THE SUNDAY TIMES

“The likenesses are striking – but the sound, the sound….this could, indeed be the Beatles.”
IRISH TIMES

“A perfect imitation”
SUNDERLAND ECHO

“The new knights of de ja vu”
DUNDEE COURIER

AROUND THE TOWN – SATURDAY 7^th APRIL

2pm – 4pm  NANTWICHMUSEUM- TOM DOUGHTY - With 30 plus years of re learning his craft, Tom has developed a unique sound and technique that makes his music instantly recognizable. ‘He is a master of the Lap Slide Guitar, nothing less’.  Ian McWee, Diamond Bottlenecks. With three nationally and internationally acclaimed CD’s to his name, studio sessions, a growing reputation as a slide guitar teacher and workshop leader, Tom entertains audiences throughout the land. Expect Blues, Roots, Folk, Standards and his own songwriting skills.

3pm – 5pm  NANTWICH METHODIST CHURCH – THE YACHT CLUB FOUR - are a four-piece band with a singer; playing jazz in the New Orleans tradition - blues, rags, hymns, spirituals, waltzes, popular songs and marches – They have many years’ experience of playing the music of New Orleans and have played together in other bands and for the past two years have been playing successfully with this line-up.

3pm – 5pm  THE WHITE HORSE – HOUSEPARTY – A five piece band of talented local musicians covering some well known tracks from differing eras. Featuring four lead vocalists:- Chris Dyer/Sax, Al Hopkins/Guitar, Tom Seals/Piano, Al Dean/Bass…along with Andy Bibby/Drums and occasional vocal encouragement !

3pm – 5pm THE BOWLING GREEN – WHISKEY HEAD – are a lively and popular five piece rhythm and blues outfit working extensively throughout Staffordshire and the deep south of Cheshire. Its members bring together years of varied musical experience and are passionate about live performance, delivering modern and traditional guitar and harp blues with a driving, contemporary edge.

3pm – 5pm THE UNION – THE PROVIDENCE JUG BAND - originally played together in the early 70s, emerging from the bunch of musicians that formed the backbone of their local folk scene. They reformed some 30 years later to play a range of material from railroad songs, primitive blues and rude American folktales to ragtime and jazz. The band consists of Winston on vocals and harmonica, Steve on mandolin, Keith on tea-chest bass and guitar and Phil on guitar.

3pm – 5pm THE CROWN HOTEL BALLROOM – THE SLIPPERY HILL BOYS – Blisteringly fast bluegrass classics coupled with laid back, traditional Americana are the hallmarks of Staffordshire based band, The Slippery Hill Boys. The band consists of four highly skilled musicians who bring a wealth of experience to the stage. Ralph’s banjo
expertise rivals many of the American bluegrass players and flatpicker Andy is a fine banjo player too. The line up is completed by Tim on mandolin and Geoff on bass. Four part harmony vocals complete the package that has appeal for any age group.

3pm – 5pm THE CROWN HOTEL BAR – BLUE CEE - Nantwich favourites, Raphael Callaghan (vocal, slide guitar, harmonica) and Christine Purnell (bass guitar) are back with their blues, boogie and gospel duo. Expect exclusive preview of songs from their forthcoming album Secrets and Lies. Don’t miss them!

3pm – 5pm NAKATCHA  - BLOZONE - Another happy return for this popular eight piece band. This local outfit boasts a lively three piece brass section and deliver an entertaining mix of soul/tamla motown and popular favourites. Guaranteed to leave you on a high.
3pm – 5pm THE RESIDENCE (Inside) – THE SPARE RIBS - Heidi’s well established vocal styling and Jack’s exciting gypsy guitar riffs combine with rich harmonies, catchy choruses and spine tingling violin and flute. These singer/song writers, Heidi Browne & Jack Marshall have created this genre-fusing multi instrumentalist experience, and are more than willing to share it with you.

4pm – 6pm THE SHAKESPEARE – THE RETROSPECTIVE – are a Crewe-based pop-rock three-piece. With a polished perfection reminiscent of Jimmy Eat World in their prime and armed with choruses that Feeder and the The All-American Rejects would be proud to call their own. The band has built up a solid reputation as one of the Cheshire scene’s leading lights. With an arsenal of their own contagiously catchy pop-songs and a selection of modern covers they continue to win over every audience they play to.

6pm – 8pm THE TALBOT – WITH BOB ON OUR SIDE – Founded in 1999, these festival regulars perform an exciting and innovative set, featuring a range of classics from  Bob Dylan & The Band. From solo acoustic to cranked-up electric rock, this is a must see gig for Festival goers!

6pm – 8pm THE UNION - THE START – a five piece mod, pop, punk band with a little bit of rock.

Playing songs from The Jam, Stereophonics, The Enemy, The Clash, U2, The Fratellis, Feeder, The Pigeon Detectives, The Cure, The Buzzcocks, Sex pistols. plus many more. A high energy fun band, producing full on foot tapping sets.

6pm – 8pm THE CROWN HOTEL BALLROOM – THE FOLKWITS – are a local folk duo, widely acclaimed in the area, featuring moving harmonies and a powerful acoustic performance. Influences are drawn from the Civil Wars, Mumford and Sons, Fairport Convention & Richard Thomson, with a sprinkling of Dolly Parton for good measure!
6pm – 8pm THE CROWN HOTEL BAR – RAIN - an acoustic duo doing a mixture of original and cover material. An eclectic mix of folk/rock/blues and a few unusual songs too. “The idea isn’t to cover the standard cover songs, but to find songs that challenge us as musicians and that have a narrative that we can relate to the audience.”

6pm – 8pm NAKATCHA - BLUZE BOX – This six-piece band bring a jazz twist to their powerful set.  Using an original approach with strong guitar, sax and piano soloists behind authentic vocals they use traditional and modern blues material to create an intensely exciting experience.

6pm – 8pm THE RESIDENCE (Inside) – BLUE CEE - Last chance this festival to catch Raphael Callaghan (vocal, slide guitar, harmonica) and Christine Purnell (bass guitar) with their original take on blues, boogie and gospel.

6pm – 8pm THE WHITE HORSE  - RICK LACEY’S BLUES BAND - An Englishman, an American and an Italian walk in to a bar… it sounds like the start of a joke but it is in fact the start of the band, consisting of  Paolo Fuschi, Dave Luvin and Rick Lacey. The band share a passion for funky powerful blues and their aim is to lay down some serious grooves.

7pm – 9pm THE MALBANK - SWAY – This Cheshire based band play a varied set of well known classic hits from the past four decades, from the likes of:- Elbow, Snow Patrol, Coldplay, Doobie Brothers, Kaiser Chiefs, The Jam, The Beatles, Hard Fi, Big Country and Stereophonics. Featuring; Andy Gilbert (vocals & guitar), Anthony Greatbanks (lead guitar & vocals), David Edwards (bass) and Wayne Evans (drums).

7pm – 9pm THE SHAKESPEARE - MIDNITE JOHNNY - has worked extensively throughout the USA and has
established a reputation as one of South Florida’s most powerful Blues and Rock guitarists. A lead/slide guitarist and vocalist along with a three piece rhythm section specialising in Blues; Blues Rock; Classic Rock, and R & B, Guitar styles. MJ’s resume includes work with Bo Diddley, Harvey Mandel, Warren Caeser, Dan Ackroyd and many more.

7pm – 9pm THE RESIDENCE (Marquee) - THE COWBOY OUTFIT - were formed a couple of years ago from ex-members of The Winchesters, who thrilled the festival-goers of Europe for over a decade and The Lonesome and Penniless Cowboys, Manchester’s longest running Western Swing band. You’re sure to love their sizzling renditions of the best of Hank Williams, Bob Wills and Johnny Cash, with a few surprises thrown in! If you like toe-tapping Honky Tonk music, this is the band for you

7.30pm – 9.30pm  HARRISONS - THE GREEN HYENAS - are a 4 piece covers band, playing tracks by such artists as The Beatles, The Jam, Paul Weller, Stereophonics, Arctic Monkeys, Razorlight, Queens of the Stone Age, Foo Fighters and many more!!!. Their tight harmonies & professional sound come with years of experience in the live music industry.

8pm – 10pm THE RED COW – PHIL MADDOCKS - Solo singer-songwriter from Congleton Cheshire, who has a diverse range of influences from Richard Thompson to Marvin Gaye. He’s a regular live performer around the North- West, and also features on local radio as he continues to develop his acoustic based songs.

8pm – 10pm THE BOWLING GREEN - THE GREY GOOSE BLUES BAND - An original blues outfit from the West Midlands. The band were formed in 2008 by singer, songwriter and guitarist Frankie Williams, and are fast developing an excellent reputation on the British Blues scene: ‘Refreshing, entertaining and efficient band with good ideas…’ Blues Matters magazine.  Also according to BM, The Grey Goose have ‘that added ingredient – lyrical originality’, and go on to say that the Geese ‘handle all the regular modern blues tempos with confidence and some fine playing’.

8pm – 10pm THE CROWN HOTEL BALLROOM - THE FIREBIRD SMITH BLUES BAND - A nine-piece outfit that synthesises modern blues, funk, soul and swing into a genre they call ‘Blacktop Blues’.  Fronted by William ‘Firebird’ Smith, the band features a 3-piece horn section, two guitars, keys, bass and drums – all top musicians. The repertoire includes some original material, but mainly covers artistes such as Colin James, Lloyd Jones, Delbert McClinton andTower ofPower. It’s the kind of music that both moves your feet and soothes your soul.

9pm – 11pm THE CROWN HOTEL BAR - SILKEN - Silvana’s enchanting soulful vocals and Ken Warrillow’s acoustic guitar combine to produce great arrangements of cool ballads and foot-tapping songs in the style of artistes ranging from Eva Cassidy to Karen Carpenter and Peggy Lee to Adele. Silvana has appeared on Channel 4 and BBC TV.

9pm – 11pm THE TALBOT - THE BLACK NOTE BLUES BAND - are a five piece, good timeChicago style R&B R&R band. Playing foot stompin’ finger snappin’ blues and boogie. Gigging throughout theUK at blues clubs pubs and Festivals alike. A guaranteed good time to be had.

9pm – 11pm THE WHITE HORSE - BIG BLUE HOUSE - are no strangers to Nantwich Festival goers. This three piece Rhythm & Blues outfit that has been plying its trade around the Blues circuit in various guises for the last 10 years or so. Featuring; James Harrison guitar/vocals Al Dean bass/vocals and Paul Turner on the kit. Special guest will be the ‘Man in Black’ local blues harp legend Mr Ade White.

Admission by wristband – just £5 online until 1st February 2012.

Wristband

Gives entry to all the festival pub gigs on all the festival days. Available for a limited time only for £5.00

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