Simon Says... gearing up for 2017 event
GREAT news for music fans looking forward to the Simon Says.....2017 Festival: the full line-up has now been confirmed.
An additional 36 bands are to join headliners Jah Wobble, Jim Bob, Smoove & Turrell and Uncle Frank, for the event in De Montfort Hall and Gardens on July 29 and 30.
The announcement has been made by organisers De Montfort Hall, The Donkey, Firebug and The Musician.
The confirmed new acts include Paul Weller collaborators Stone Foundation, Stone Roses and Simply Red guitarist Azim Ibrahim, Glastonbury first-timers Hymn for Her, and a tribute to Quadrophenia featuring The Specials Drew Stansell.
The event also sees the return of Let’s Play… 2016 which will close the festival on Sunday night. This features a range of Leicestershire musicians celebrating the work of some of the artists that the music industry has lost over the last year, such as Prince and George Michael.
The Donkey’s Gaz Birtles says: “This year’s line-up, once again, will offer something for every-one; a healthy blend of new, emerging and established artists – the vast majority of which are locally based or connected with Leicester in some way. We are also very excited to be closing Sunday night with a multi-performer tribute to lost music legends – expect to end the weekend on a high!”
Debutants at this year’s Simon Says… include Kenneth J Nash, a BBC Introducing act with a delightful folky sound, four-piece naïve art rock band Produkty, and one of Leices- ter’s finest blues musicians Mick Pini, supported by local favourites the Strange Blues.
Others making their festival debut are accomplished singer songwriter, Mim Grey who has supported Tom Jones and Roxette on tour in recent years, Rice ‘n’ Peas with their authentic ‘Lovers Rock Reggae’, and blues/country hybrids, The Downtown Drifters.
Families are welcome at the festival, and activities for younger children include arts, crafts and traditional games. New for 2017 will be the Utterly Butterly Ukelele Project providing music and junk instrument making workshops, a special children’s performance by various artists on the indoorstage, and a child-friendly show on the outdoor stage by comedian Jay Foreman.
Weekend tickets for Simon Says...2017 cost £40 for adults, £30 for students, £5 for under1 6s and under 10s are free (although they still need a ticket). To book or for more information, call De Montfort Hall on 0116 233 3111 or visit: www.demontforthall.co.uk www.simonsaysleicester.com