Liverpool has a long and rich musical heritage. From Merseybeat to the famous Cavern Club, to Billy Fury and undoubtedly their most successful export, The Beatles, the city’s heart certainly beats to a tune. Liverpool International Music Festival has become the current voice of the global music city, shining a spotlight on its musical pedigree with an experimental but accessible programme like no other in 2015.
Consisting of Commissions, Partnerships and the grand finale, LIMF Summer Jam, LIMF 2015 takes place in several iconic Liverpool venues, attracting thousands of music lovers and making it a must-visit destination this summer.
LIMF SUMMER JAM
Saturday 29th, Sunday 30th & Monday 31st August – Sefton Park – FREE
LIMF Summer Jam, a free outdoor music event on Sefton Park, marks the end of Liverpool International Music Festival and the end of summer. Kicking off Saturday proceedings is veteran dance duo Basement Jaxx, responsible for hits such as ‘Romeo’ and ‘Where’s Your Head At?’, supported by Garage legends Artful Dodger. Sunday takes an urban pop flavour as the multi-talented singer, songwriter and producer Labrinth takes to the stage along with Queen of Dubstep Katy B. Joining them is the of the moment chart topper dance music vocalist and now solo artist Becky Hill, plus producer Naughty Boy who has been responsible for hits with Emeli Sandé, Sam Smith and Ed Sheeran.
The itsliverpool stage will celebrate local talent in the form of 1970’s soul group The Real Thing, up-and-coming Scouse Louis Berry, plus acts from LIMF’s very own music academy. The three-day festival will also see other phenomenal Liverpool legends taking to LIMF's main stage including, Echo and the Bunnymen performing live with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in their 175th Anniversary year, in what will be a truly unforgettable collaboration. Unique British soul-singer Laura Mvula will also play along with lady-of-the-moment Rae Morris and fellow North-Westerner, Bipolar Sunshine. Representing the city are bands Space and Hooton Tennis Club, the former an indie rock band that came to prominence in the 90’s with hits such as ‘Female of the Species’, and the latter a hot one-to-watch in 2015.
Summer Jam’s monumental music offering will be available for all to see for free, making it one of Europe’s biggest free outdoor events and an unmissable date in the diary.
THE COMMISSIONS: 'Music Migrations'
Routes Jukebox – Friday 28th August – The Epstein Theatre – £10 + Fees
Grammy winning producer Steve Levine and BBC Radio 2's Janice Long along with esteemed video documenter Mark McNulty, retrace the key influencing records that came to Liverpool from the U.S. and beyond via the air and the sea in the 1950’s. The documentary and live event will tell the definitive story about the cultural impact of music from the Americas and the resulting tide of influence from Liverpool bands have had on the world of music.
The Revolution Will Be Live: A Tribute to Gil Scott Heron – Thursday 27th August – St George’s Hall – Tickets TBC
An event in tribute to the chart topping revolutionary artist, poet and civil rights activist, Gil Scott Heron. Featuring veteran rapper, movie star and civil rights activist Yasiin Bey a.k.a Mos Def, plus legendary UK Reggae bandAswad, local chart toppers The Christians, poet and protégé of Gil’s Malik & the O.G's plus Sophia Ben-Yousef and much more. Gil’s son Rumal Rackley and non-other than Ndaba Mandela, grandson of the late great Nelson Mandela, will be guest of honours whilst a DJ set from BBC Radio 6’s Craig Charles completes an unforgettable night.
Liverpool, Next Stop New York! – Friday 28th, Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th August – The Palm House, Sefton Park – FREE
This series of events will explore the unique association between the city of Liverpool and Black American music, and its huge impact on the region and its people. A weekend of celebration in Sefton Park’s Palm House will feature a must-see headliner in the company of influential figures from Liverpool’s musical heritage – seminal DJsGreg Wilson, Les Spaine, and long running Liverpool hip hop crew No Fakin’. This will be preceded by an exhibition in Liverpool city centre including and a party on the Friday night will be followed by a weekend of activity and exploration; featuring broadcasts, DJ sets, the Independent Record Label market (Monday), and interactive discussions and Q & A’s with key figures; including members of the Chants and The Real Thing,Bernie Connor, and original Cunard Yanks.
Global Roots International Mixtape – Sunday 30th August – The Palm House – £5 + Fees
Exploring international electronic music from Lagos to LA via London, The Global Roots crew comes together to celebrate the sounds of the DJ's mixing it up around the world. Thris Tian & Blackfoot Phoenix of NTS/Boiler Room invite their selector, DJ & A+R friends from across the Globe to make the ultimate mix – created in a relay style. Some of the names involved in the project include Lena Wilikens – Comeme (Berlin); Hannah Faith – Soulection (London); Clap! Clap! – Black Acre Record (Toscana); Ebbo Kraan -Rwina Records (Amsterdam) and many more. The project will culminate in a live event that will be broadcast on NTS. Full line-up to be revealed.