Thursday, 29 December 2011
Benefit for Lou Tempest
There’s a great and unmissable concert at the Trades this Friday (January 6th) with the amazing and very of-the-moment band Middleman, supported by The Collision, an 8-piece young Calderdale band featuring some superb songs by lead singers Anna Seccombe and Lucy Belfield.
The gig is a benefit to raise money for the Lou Tempest Fund. Lou is a young woman from Hebden Bridge who sustained severe spinal cord injuries in a devastating accident in 2010. Many local people have already raised money to help Lou buy a special wheelchair and other vital pieces of equipment, but the focus now is on enabling her to access the specialist treatment she needs, and which has the potential to make a real difference to her life.
Hailing from the Midlands but now firmly ensconced in Leeds, Middleman play their first gig of 2012 following an outstanding tour of Holland and Germany in December. The band has become especially loved on the UK festival circuit, playing at Leeds and Reading Festivals in 2010, and the likes of Kendal Calling and The Secret Garden Party last year.
Middleman’s debut album ‘Spinning Plates’ was released in May, and two tracks from it have been featured strongly on Radio 1. The band’s totally original and extremely powerful music has been likened to the Chilli Peppers, Rage Against the Machine, and The Streets; whilst some great melodies and huge choruses are reminders of their rock, pop and Indie roots.
The Collision was formed last year following a highly successful project for young Calderdale musicians led by Dave Nelson and Lucy (Lucy and the Caterpillar) Conroy – both are respected and established professional musicians from Hebden Bridge. Although the band has continued under its own steam since the project ended in July, both Dave and Lucy have continued to mentor the musicians and will perform alongside them at this concert.
“I taught Lou the piano until she went off to university, so I’ve known her and her family for a very long time,” said organiser Dave Nelson, “and it’s great to be in a position to be able to help. Lee Smith (from Middleman) and I have worked together on several music-education projects over the years - including one with members of The Collision – so it’s not been too difficult to bring everything together. It’s going to be great fun!”
The concert starts at 8pm and tickets are £8 (£6 for members and concessions). Advance tickets can be bought on line at www.thetradesclub.com and also in person from the venue.