STEREO MC’s + KARL PHILLIPS & THE REJECTS (acoustic)
Thursday April 25th
The Picturedrome, Northampton
Born out of the mid 80’s hip-hop scene and the UK acid house/club scene, Stereo MC’s reputation grew slowly. After early chart success in America for their second LP Supernatural, they recorded the album Connected which became an international hit in 1992. This period culminated with a Mercury prize nomination and two Brit awards for Best Album and Best Live Act. The band these days are very busy with albums and collaborations, with a stronger and bolder electronic slant to the material. Support from the much-loved local ska-punk band. Doors 7.30pm, £18 tickets
ROZI PLAIN + AOIFE FOLEY
Friday April 26th
The Black Prince, Northampton
Off-kilter pop from London singer-songwriter, celebrating the release of her fifth album, What A Boost. The album was tweaked and refined during a year spent touring the world playing bass in This Is The Kit. Support from ShoeTown’s beguiling [and slightly reluctant] chanteuse. Doors 7.30pm, £9 tickets
KARL PHILLIPS & THE REJECTS + EASYDREAD + THE WAX LYRICAL SOUND + KING ALIAS
Friday April 26th
Fiddler’s Elbow, Northampton
The Northampton headliners mash up ska and punk with hip-hop for a full-on party. Support from reggae boys of the Luton and Chepstow persuasion, plus ShoeTown rap rockers sandwiched in between. Doors 7pm, free entry
ROMINA JOHNSON
Friday April 26th
The Picturedrome, Northampton
Live PA from Johnson, performing the Artful Dodger smash hit ‘Movin’ Too Fast’. DJs play throwback UK and speed garage from back in the day. Doors 9pm, £9 tickets
SNAKERATTLERS + THE SHAKIN’ NIGHTMARES + THE HURRICANES + GOGO LOCO
Saturday April 27th
The Lab, Northampton
Four incendiary rock’n’roll/trash bands. Married couple Dan and Naomi hail from York and bring their trash to headline The Lab. The next lot are from Redcar. Bringing up the rear is a pair of ShoeTown great, in the shape of mod garage quartet and the two piece, maraca driven – rhythm & roll reprobates. Doors 7.30pm, £4 tickets
LUNAXIS + SCOTT WALTERS
Saturday April 27th
Albion Brewery Bar, Northampton
Lunaxis are a festival vibe indie-pop band with influences of folk and blues, fronted by Carly Loasby. Support from ShoeTown singer-songwriter. Doors 9pm, free entry
THE BOPHINS
Saturday April 27th
The Coach & Horses, Wellingborough
The ShoeTown garage/new wave punks hit their neighbouring town with force at this Retro-Beat night. Doors 8pm, free entry
FATEFUL FINALITY + SIDERIAN + POINT OF EXTINCTION
Saturday April 27th
The Red Lion, Raunds
Original thrash metal night, with bands from Germany, Northampton and Milton Keynes. Doors 8.30pm, free entry
TRADARRR
Sunday April 28th
Albion Brewery Bar, Northampton
An intimate concert with one of Northampton’s, and indeed Britain’s, top folk-rock bands. Expect a modern take on traditional UK folk music. Doors 7pm, £12.50 tickets
JOEL HARRIES
Sunday April 28th
The Garibaldi Hotel, Northampton
The 72%/Big Loss man plays a solo set in the cellar. Doors 8pm, free entry
AMELIA WHITE
The Three Horseshoes, Ecton
Sunday April 28th
East Nashville singer-songwriter brings her ‘How It Feels’ tour to the Shire. Scott Warman plays double bass too. Doors 2pm, free entry
