Summer of Sound festival at Museum of Liverpool
Michael Head headlines Summer of Sound festival at Museum of Liverpool
I think we can all agree, the Pier Head is the de facto spiritual home of the city. The Museum of Liverpool, sitting proudly on the banks of the river Mersey, is most definitely its soul too. Jampacked with stories, it’s the perfect place and setting to celebrate our musical identity, and they’ve pulled together an absolute crackerjack festival. Totally authentic – well, it is a museum – its 100% Scouse too.
Summer of Sound is a partnership between Museum to Liverpool and The Cavern, two of my all-time favourite places in the city. There’s something for everyone too – from free day-time events to evening showstoppers. The full programme is here, together with dates, times and how to get tickets.
There’s nothing more exciting than those huge events on the waterfront but for me, intimate concerts in unusual places, up close and personal, can’t be beaten. With performances from Liverpool legends and an eclectic range of sounds from our proud past, present and musical future, a few shows at Summer of Sound have really caught my eye too.
1950s skiffle pioneers The Quarrymen (I always thought it was The Quarry Men) rightly kick off proceedings on Saturday 25 July. No doubt they’ll regale us with tales of ‘you know who’. I saw them at a Save Woolton Picture House concert at The Picket years ago and it was utter joy.
www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/whatson/museum-of-liverpool/event/quarrymen-and-friends
There can’t be many who know more about the city’s emerging talent than BBC Radio Merseyside’s Dave Monks. His BBC Introducing show is essential listening and, together with his Cavern Live Lounge showcase events, Dave’s played a massive role in supporting and breaking so many up-and-coming acts. His shows are all about the future and for Summer of Sound, Dave’s handpicked an exciting line-up of next generation talent, with STONE headlining. The night’s guaranteed to kick up a storm, so things may get a bit sweaty. Don’t worry, the museum has air-conditioning. I just hope those objects don’t rattle.
I first saw Ian Prowse with his band Pele in yet another mad night at The Picket, around 1990. Apparently, the floor was about to give way, what with all the dancing and carousing – down with that sort of thing. The Scouse Springsteen is another who goes from strength to strength. His new album’s a belter and for Summer of Sound, he brings his Cavern Monday Club for a special grassroots singer-songwriter live showcase. Prowsey’s promised to perform a set too – stripped down or with full band, he’s never less than compelling.
www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/whatson/museum-of-liverpool/event/ian-prowse-and-monday-club
Michael Head and the Red Elastic Band are special headliners and close the festival on Saturday 15 August. It’s a bit of a coup. Is there a more loved and revered artist in the city? The world outside of Liverpool – apparently there is one – has finally woken up to what we’ve all known and been banging on about for over 40 years – Mick Head’s a bone fide genius. He’s the real thing. There’s no phoney act, just gorgeous, beautifully crafted songs. In such an intimate setting, it promises to be special.
www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/whatson/museum-of-liverpool/event/michael-head-and-red-elastic-band
The Museum of Liverpool is magical place. If you’ve never been – and I have to say, why not? – you’re really missing out. Created with love and integrity, it’s dripping with stories and emotions that go right to the heart of who we all are. The Summer of Sound is just the latest instalment – see you down the front.
Words: Paul Gallagher
