![Jake Shears [image courtesy: artist Facebook]](http://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/gitpics/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/26133028/22382309_331237667286610_1550948711006323510_o.jpg)
Jake Shears [image courtesy: artist Facebook]
Where else can we start this week but the passing of Aretha Franklin? Truly, we’ve lost one of the greats.
As far as last week’s tributes went, the Obama family crushed it. Calling Franklin‘s peerless voice as offering “a glimpse of the divine” when she opened her mouth, Barack and co. nailed it in a poetic sense.
We have probably all seen the footage of Franklin at the Kennedy Centre Honors this week. Honouring writer Carole King, a 72-year-old Aretha caused the then-commander-in-chief to brush away tears of joy as she delivered a defining version of (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.
We mentioned all this at the head of the gig guide as Aretha seemed to blossom in the live arena. Legendary Blues Brothers director John Landis remembered when asked that Franklin struggled to lip sync her iconic Think scene in the movie. He explained she had never sang the song the same twice.
The Queen of Soul leaves behind a rich body of work, but that’s bittersweet given that we’ll never get to hear her sing live again. Rest in peace Aretha, we never loved a voice the way we loved yours.
On with the gigs.
Jake Shears: Arts Club, Tuesday August 21
Scissor Sisters frontman Jake Shears’ self-titled debut solo album was released last week. So this much-anticipated Arts Club date comes exactly at the right time.
The adopted New Yorker has had a stellar 2018. Following on from his solo single Creep City last year, Shears’ debut was recorded with members of My Morning Jacket. He has also made his Broadway debut in Kinky Boots, and published an autobiography, Boys Keep Swinging. How will he fare at the Arts Club? Well. Boys always work it out.
![Pussy Riot [image courtesy: artist Facebook]](http://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/gitpics/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/10085413/10636529_1513027028953894_5746675476175724403_o.jpg)
Pussy Riot [image courtesy: artist Facebook]
How many acts appearing in Liverpool can say that they made it all the way to the world cup final? Fresh from a protest seen by millions, Moscow feminist art punk collective Pussy Riot hit the Arts Club.
The Riot Days format the group are set to follow is based on the book by Maria Alyokhina. Featuring actors, live instruments and singing… let’s face it, anything could happen.
False Advertising
False Advertising: Phase One, Friday August 24
This week sees the beloved city centre venue The Jacaranda reach an impressive milestone. Celebrating 60 years of the Jac, events are planned all weekend on the 24, 25, and 26 August.
This kicks off with a headline show at new venue Phase One. Punkish three-piece False Advertising are the headliners in question, with Gen & The Degenerates and Swearwolves also appearing.
The Jacaranda
The Jacaranda 60 Years Drinks Reception + Q&A: The Jacaranda, Friday August 24
Over at the Jac proper, the 60th Anniversary bash continues as Dave Haslam takes questions. Dave Haslam has been a resident at Manchester nightclubs such as Freedom and the Hacienda, now hosting a weekly XFM show.
A journalist and author, with several music-based books to his name, Haslam profiled The Jacaranda in his book Life After Dark: A History of British Nightclubs & Music Venues. He’ll be on hand to sign copies of his latest work Sonic Youth Slept On My Floor, as well as a drinks reception and more live music in the Jac basement later on.
Nick Ellis
Nick Ellis: Phase One, Saturday August 25
It doesn’t stop there either, with Nick Ellis laying down a set the following night at Phase One. Having appeared at Shout About It festival at Constellations last weekend and with an acoustic gig the next night (see below), Ellis is certainly keeping himself busy.
He’s not the only one, either. Edgar Jones supports, stepping up his gigging ahead of The Stairs‘ reunion show in a few weeks time.
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Mamadou & the Lekette [image courtesy: artist Facebook]
Serving up a unique mix of Senegalese mbalax music fused with salsa, afrobeat, jazz and reggae, Mamadou and the Lekette play the Kaz Garden this weekend.
The collective is made up of musicians from Africa, Spain, the US and right here in the UK. With free entry and DJs getting the party started from 6pm, this promises tip-top summery vibes whatever the weather.
Space’s Tommy Scott
Bootle Music Festival: Lock and Quay, Saturday August 25 – Sunday August 26
A bit further out of town, the Lock and Quay is a community pub in Bootle, round the corner from Bootle Oriel Road train station. They’re serving up a family friendly two day festival at the weekend, complete with food stalls and kids’ activities.
The lineup is not to be sniffed at either, with Hue & Cry, Space and The Real People appearing, and profits being sunk back into the community.
Seatbelts
Check out this weeks’ Getintothis Gigbites for some high quality best of the rest goodness.
- Ethan Johns, Robert Vincent: 81 Renshaw, Tuesday August 21
- The Bido Lito! Social presents Seatbelts: 81 Renshaw, Thursday August 23
- Haley Heynderickx: 81 Renshaw, Friday August 24
- Our Divinity, The Romanovas, The Rondays: Zanzibar, Saturday August 25
- The Protagonists: EBGBs, Saturday August 25
- Nick Ellis: Handyman Pub, Sunday August 26
Jenny Hval (Image credit; Tore Saetre for Wikimedia Commons)
Jenny Hval: The Bluecoat, Thursday October 25
Norwegian musician and writer Jenny Hval has just published her latest work Paradise Rot in English for the first time.
Paradise Rot brings Hval’s trademark sexual and political imagery to bear on a dreamlike prose. Appearing in a ‘in conversation’ format in Liverpool, Hval will explore her work and lyrics at the city centre’s beautiful Bluecoat. Tickets on sale as you read these words.
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