Musical Sessions are back on South Beach
It’s all going down this month ... South Beach Sessions is BACK.
Ayrshire music promoters Plan B Events, the team behind the successful WinterStorm Rock Festival, are delighted to unveil their programme and new venue for 2018 with a mix of rock, country, blues, acoustic and top tribute bands all booked to perform in Troon. South Beach Sessions has been putting on occasional gigs in both The South Beach Hotel in Troon and the Harbour Arts Centre in Irvine but for 2018 have moved into a new home in the Reception Room above Troon Concert Hall. Overlooking the Firth of Clyde the venue could hardly be more appropriate for South Beach Sessions. The launch month of May features four superb gigs as a taster for what is to come with an almost sold out date for Grammy award winning Albert Lee and His Electric Band on Friday, May 11. This will be the fourth sold out gig for Albert Lee in Ayrshire following his first appearance in 2014 and he was recently featured in the anniversary edition of The Old Grey Whistle Test. Next up on May 12, is the legendary Sensational Alex Harvey Band bass player, Chris Glen with his band The Outfit. They will be launching the all new Friday Rock Sessions which will be compered by the Godfather of Rock Tom Russell and is the first of two great gigs for Ayrshire rock fans with much acclaimed girl group The Amorettes supported by new Ayrshire band ZANG performing live on May 25. Friday Rock Sessions will be a regular live rock night featuring touring and local bands on Fridays throughout the year – the list of bands ahead include Zal Cleminson, Praying Mantis, The King Lot, Pat McManus Band and Snakecharmer featuring Neil Murray from Whitesnake. The month will close on May 26 with the return of the ever- popular Jill Jackson, appearing as part of the tour to promote her new album “Are We There Yet?” and supported by the wonderfully talented Mandulu and Hephzibah Speaking about the events, organiser Ian McCaig said: “South Beach Sessions found its new home during WinterStorm Rock Festival Weekend when we set up a stage, a bar and full PA into the Reception Room overlooking the beach in Troon Concert Hall. “Not only has it the most spectacular views across the Firth of Clyde and the occasional breath- taking sunset it also felt straight away like a real venue!” “We started off needing a more permanent home for the year and we have leased the space for about 20 weekends from the Council and partnered with The Harbour Bar to ensure that we can offer a great service with sensible prices. “The list of artistes comprising some of the rock contacts we’ve made through WinterStorm but also includes some returning acts that we have booked previously such as the wonderful Albert Lee and Jill Jackson” “The team are really looking forward to the rock nights as it is something that Ayrshire has maybe lacked in recent years; full PA, stage and lighting will be installed and with opening acts in May such as the incomparable Chris Glen from SAHB for the opening Friday Rock Session and hot off their support slot for The Dead Daisies is The Amorettes who will be plugging a new album too.” He added: “The room has a feint 1980s Student Union feel about it and we’re happy with that vibe combined with great sound, great views and a great list of artistes booked to perform over the remainder of the year. “All we need to make it work in the longer term is the paying public! “We have 24 nights booked for 2018 already with a mix of rock, folk, bluegrass, Americana, blues, tributes and comedy to come before the end of the year.” “The bar is professionally provided by The Harbour Bar in Troon and will offer draft beer as well as bottles, spirits and wines. “It is for the moment over 18s only but we are hoping that we can develop the family friendly music theme as we move forward.” The full programme for 2018 can be viewed at www. southbeachsessions.co.uk or on the Facebook page and tickets are available online or from The Harbour Bar and Gaiety Theatre.