The Indigo Road at Blue Cat

The Indigo Road will finish their short tour of the North West with a gig at the Blue Cat Cafe in Stockport on Thursday 7th August. The band will play BBC radio slots in Manchester and Leeds and will be showcasing new material including the forthcoming single Monkey on the Bus as well as current favourite Simple. Fronted by Heidi Jo Hines, daughter of ex-Wings guitarist Denny Laine they have been building a following in London following their formation by song writer Mark Herbert in April. Catch them here, Thursday, for an intimate performance at the Cat with support from local singer songwriters Chris Layhe and Peter Walsh.

Til later

Love the Blue with splashes of Indigo Cat People xx

theindigoroad.co.uk
bluecatcafe.co.uk
myspace.com/bluecatmusic

Blue Cat In The City 2008

Hello Friends of the Feline!

Quick reminder that IN THE CITY music festival is scheduled to happen Oct 5-7 this year.

ITC is the world’s premier unsigned music event! A bold statement, but a true one: over fifteen years, In The City has seen now-legendary gigs by Oasis (Manchester Town Hall - 1992), The Chemical Brothers (Jabez Clegg, Manchester - 1995), Daft Punk (Aboard the Fitzcarraldo, Dublin - 1996), Coldplay (Cuba Cafe, Manchester - 1997), The Darkness (The Kings Arms, Salford, Manchester - 2002) and Nine Black Alps / Arctic Monkeys (Manchester Academy - 2005) Bands we guess you’ve heard of right?

And never forget, though all manner of wonderful things make up our annual music industry shindig, at the end of the day it’s all about the music.

As ever, we will be organising our own fringe event OUT OF THE CITY here at the Blue Cat. A quick look at the ITC links on our website will give you an idea of the talent that has pranced across the stage in years gone by. If you would like to take part in this years event please get in touch as soon as possible and declare your interest. Preference will be given to bands who have played with us before but we are interested in hearing from any unsigned acts making exciting new music.

If you haven’t played before please send a demo and brief bio to us.

Contact: mary@bluecatcafe.co.uk
Address: Blue Cat, 17 Shaw Rd, Heaton Moor, Stockport, SK4 4AG
Also contact us at the Blue Cat Myspace

Check our website for what else is coming up at the Cat in the coming weeks: bluecatcafe.co.uk

See you soon!

Blue Cat xx

Trio Valore inc. and Russian Roulette

Legendary Musicians; Steve White, Damon Minchella, Seamus Beaghan aka. Trio Valore inc. are playing a small warm up show at the Blue Cat Cafe in Heaton Moor on Wednesday 16th of July.

Expect some very special guests… (sorry we are sworn to secrecy on this one!)

With credits including; Paul McCartney, The Who, Paul Weller, Iggy Pop, Morrissey, Ocean Colour Scene, The Style Council, Death In Vegas, Supergrass, Babyshambles, Jimmy Page, Young Disciples and Oasis you know what you’re getting.

The media following is huge already, whilst the boys prepare to release their new studio album “Return of The Iron Monkey”.

Try and make it down - you won’t be disappointed - the biggest thing to hit Shaw Road since Mani dropped his nebuchadnezzar and mixed kebab outside the Kush in late 2003.

A fiver on the door for some proper funked up grooves… myspace.com/triovaloreinc

Also, Russian Roulette (the finest rock and roll riot this side of the Iron Curtain!) will be finally launched on Sunday 13th.

For more info see: myspace.com/russianroulettesundays

So, all in all, comrades, skip through the (un)seasonal puddles and get down to the Cat.

See you shortly!

Blue Cat xxx

Blue Cat Myspace

Chris Helme at the Blue Cat!!

Chris will be performing at Blue Cat Cafe, Stockport on Thursday 19th June - £5 on the door. For news, free downloads and gig listings visit the: Chris Helme Myspace

If you have managed to recover from the RIDING THE LOW rock and roll extravaganza on Saturday we’ve got another special night you might like to know about on Thursday…

Introducing - CHRIS HELME

Chris first appeared in the public eye fronting John Squire’s post Stone Roses project, the Seahorses. Releasing their debut album, Do it Yourself, in 1997 it went on to top the UK album charts and was followed by a string of internationally successful singles, Love is the Law, Blinded by the Sun, You Can Talk to Me and Love Me and Leave Me. After three years of touring the world, and playing with some of the biggest acts in music, including The Rolling Stones, U2, Oasis and Beck, the band called it a day in 1999.

After taking time out to “sleep, write and start a family” talented singer songwriter Chris Helme has returned to the UK music scene. Spring 2008 sees the launch of his first solo album Ashes. Recorded by his good self on his trusty, dusty old four track tape recorder, Chris has captured the spirit of his stunning live performances with a gritty honesty and passion rarely seen these days.

His songs are a sublime commentary on all that’s grim and great with love and hate and all the other special little things in between. Spitting forth words which are beautifully ambiguous yet charming and insightful; dark poetry, harking back to the troubadours of the seventies such as Townes Van Zant and Tim Buckley.

Chris says, “the last year recording Ashes has been fantastic but I’m really looking forward to the freedom to do what I want with these live shows. I’ve been writing all year and this will be the first chance I’ve had to play these songs to an audience that hasn’t heard them before and see what happens”.

As with previous gigs, each show on this tour promises to be unique, sometimes solo or sometimes with friends - see Chris Helme at his best… live and in person.

So, see you there, comrades… Blue Cat xx

Calling all Lowriders!!

Calling out around the moor
Are you ready for a brand new show?
Summer’s here and the time is right
To bring back Riding The Low!

Er, yes, do you remember the last time Paddy Considine and his gang took over the Blue Cat? I’ve never seen so much tequila slammed, consumed and spilt in such a short stretch!!

If you missed the last occasion here’s a little info and warning of what to expect:

The Low’s live sets are as unrestrained as their songs; they’re there to have as good a time as the crowd - the louder you clap, the longer they’ll play. The vibrant atmosphere the band provoke through open banter has earned them a group of loyal followers, known as ‘Low Riders’, and if you want to join the ride, listen to some great songs and drink some Tequila, make sure you are at 17 Shaw Rd on Saturday the 14th.

Riding The Low Website - Myspace

Tickets £10 in advance from the bar or on the door.

See you later…

Blue Cat xx

Blue Cat Website - Myspace

Russian Roulette with Gary (Haven)

Sundays from 7pm we play RUSSIAN ROULETTE at the Blue Cat. The perfect way to end the week and start the next…

(NB: On the first Sunday of the month Blue Cat Comedy happens instead: Myspace)

If we’ve got it we’ll damn well play it and if we haven’t got it and YOU have bring along your iPod and step into the hot seat for the “Hang the DJ” slot…

If you are in a band why not bring along your demo and if we like it we’ll stick it on… and if we like it a LOT we’ll talk to you about playing a live slot on another Russian Roulette night. Lots more adventures and twists typical of Blue Cat events are being dreamt up so come join us next Sunday 18 May.

Add Russian Roulette as a friend here… myspace.com/russianroulettesundays

Loads more coming up at the Cat over the next few weeks - check out our calendar at the Blue Cat Cafe website for full listings.

See you soon… Love the Blue Cat gang xx

Blue Cat Comedy Night

Spring is in the air (somewhere!) and laughter most definitely will be next weekend as we have a very special guest taking the mic at the next Blue Cat Comedy night…

JASON COOK, who has sold out three nights on the trot at London’s Soho Theatre this weekend to rave reviews. Things are really on the ‘up’ for Jason and Sunday 6th April is probably the last time he will be playing to such an intimate audience for a very long time.

So, come and see one of the brightest rising stars of comedy while you have the chance!

Comedy Night Myspace

The Blue Cat Cafe
17 Shaw Rd
Heaton Moor
STOCKPORT
SK4 4AG

Doors 7pm - Show 7.30pm
Admission £5/£4 NUS
Info 07874 152 338

With support from RAY KANE plus Joel Prittie, Don Barr and Rob Riley.

We look forward to having a good giggle with you!

The Blue Cat Xx

Upcoming bands at Blue Cat

It’s been a c-c-c-razy rock and roll weekend at the Cat and we’re just coming back down to earth…!

Hope some of you experienced Paddy Considine’s RIDING THE LOW who stormed the place on Friday night - Here’s the photographic evidence!

RAINMAKER kept the fire alight on Saturday and RUSSIAN ROULETTE on Sunday from our resident DJ Gary Briggs got us all back on our feet and brimming with musical mirth.

The good news is we can do it all again! RAINMAKER return on 12 April and RIDING THE LOW will ride back for another adventure on 14 June.

We play RUSSIAN ROULETTE every Sunday except the first one of the month when the BLUE CAT COMEDY CLUB returns (next one 6th April)

Highlights for the next few weeks include:

MARTIN STEPHENSON on the 13th. The ex-Daintees man has played many a magic gig here and expect Thursday night to be another one to remember.

Then on Friday GILLIAN GLOVER daughter of Deep Purple bassist Roger Glover will be performing with her band.

Gillian and her father Roger are dedicated supporters of The Linda McCartney Cancer Centre Charity and are coming together to record a single for the charity. Red Handed - Gillian’s debut solo album - is available now and this should be a very special night so join us if you can.

We’ll keep it coming and we’ll see you soon!

Riding The Low at the Blue Cat

We’ve got a major rock and roll event happening at 17 Shaw Rd this Friday (7th March) RIDING THE LOW are rolling into town and it is quite likely that things will never be the same!

Riding The Low are a five piece twin guitar indie/rock outfit hailing from Burton-On-Trent, Staffordshire featuring actor PADDY CONSIDINE, (Dead Man’s Shoes, 24 Hour Party People, A Room for Romeo Brass etc.) on vocals.

Since forming, the band have played several ‘local’ gigs and a London date at the Carling Academy in Islington drawing sighs and gasps and chants of “MORE MORE MORE!!”

Their lo-fi rock sound is influenced by Robert Pollard’s Guided by Voices who just happen to be Paddy’s all time favourite band. The band also cite The Smiths, Sparklehorse, Radiohead, The Pixies and The Smashing Pumpkins among their influences.

An eight track EP entitled ‘They Will Rob You of Your Gifts’ was released last October and was distributed at the gigs played around that time. Two more EP’s are scheduled for release in 2008.

Further details on this exciting new band can be found at:

myspace.com/ridingthelow & paddyconsidine.co.uk

RIDING THE LOW will appear at the Blue Cat Cafe, 17 Shaw Rd, Heaton Moor, Stockport, SK4 4AG on 7 March. Doors 7.30pm. Tickets £6 on the door. Press should contact Mary or Danny - mary@bluecatcafe.co.uk - danny@bluecatcafe.co.uk - 0161 432 2117 regarding guest list places.

See you there, comrades!

Love the Blue Cat people xxx

Blue Cat Website & Blue Cat Myspace

Latest at Blue Cat

Just to keep you up to date with what’s going on at the Blue Cat right now. Tonight (Friday 15th) we welcome Scotland’s Story About The Boy an infectious rock and roll band who we can’t wait for you to be awed by!

Saturday (16th) Leif return to enchant you with support from the stunning sight and sound of Pretty Ripped

Sunday (17th) is time to take A BREAK FROM THE NORM with DJ’s Kev Reid and Scott W.

Don’t forget every Monday is BLUE MONDAY (open mic night) and every Wednesday we play RUSSIAN ROULETTE with DJ Gary Briggs (Haven).

One last thing, if you fancy experiencing the Blue Cat from the other side of the bar we are currently looking for bar staff. Experienced (only) Part time bar staff needed, must be able to work weekends. Please call Danny between 12-5pm on 432 2117.

Loads more coming up over the next few weeks. We’ll keep you posted.

Love the cat people
xxx

The Blue Cat News

Hey! Comrades of the Cat!

Hope you’ve all settled happily into a brand new year!

Things have gotten off to a good start here at the Blue Cat with some superb bands taking to the stage and many more to come throughout the next few months.

A few things you may be interested to know:

From this Wednesday (30th) and every Wednesday, RUSSIAN ROULETTE will come to the Cat courtesy of resident DJ GARY BRIGGS (Haven). Playing the finest rock and roll and soulful sounds, Gary will also be introducing you to special guests and performers so watch the website for up to date info.

Friday (1st Feb) we welcome JAKE MATTISON back. Last time, all we remember is a smiling ear to ear audience, rocking, rolling and turning cartwheels cross the floor - am sure this will be a repeat so get on down!

BLUE CAT COMEDY featuring Josh Howie and ex-teletubby Dave Thompson happens on Sunday 3rd. Tickets 5 pounds on the door. Show starts 7.30pm sharp, so don’t be late! (doors 7pm) Comedy Night Myspace

BLUE MONDAY, the longest running open mic night in the North West still happens every Monday. Just turn up by 8pm and put your name down at the bar if you would like to perform (Please note, orginal music only!)

We have LOTS more coming up during February and March, including the Manchester debut of actor Paddy Considine’s new band RIDING THE LOW. More on that to follow, but in the meantime we hope to see you for more fun and games at 17 Shaw Road very soon!

Love the blue cat people xxxx

Christmas at the Cat

HO! HO! HO! Comrades of the Cat!

Christmas is just around the corner and we wanted to wish you peace, joy and thank you for your comradely custom at the Cat this year.

We’ve got a few extra special gigs lined up…

HAVEN’s legendary Christmas Party takes place on the Winter Solstice (21st) where the mulled wine and yuletide spirits will be flowing plentifully. May be the shortest day of the year but will be a lovely lengthy and magical night!

22nd REAL LIES Christmas Party bash follows with equal enthusiasm and abandon.

Then KARMA on Sunday 23rd to dazzle you even further!

So we hope very much we will see you all on one if not several of these nights!

Don’t forget tickets for our Hogmanay Fancy Dress Party are now on sale from the bar (£10) so start dreaming up your costume now!

Once again warmest purrs and paw-shakes to one and all at this time of year.

The Blue Cat People xxxxx

For all the upcoming gigs:

Blue Cat Myspace

Blue Cat News

Hey there, Friends of the Feline!

Quick word in your ear about what’s coming up at the Cat over the next week or so.

Weekend starts with BRIDES OF NEPTUNE on Friday 23rd - described as “electro country blues” and well worth popping in for.

HAVEN return on Saturday 24th - always a special night and always a full house so get down early!

THE KARMA are back on Sunday 25th - now becoming popular Blue Cat regulars, if you haven’t checked them out yet, now is your chance.

BLUE MONDAY - open mic night happens on Monday 26th (and every other Monday) Come and sample some of Manchester’s finest acoustic singer songwriters and if you ARE one of Manchester’s singer songwriters come and play us a few songs…

Finally, don’t forget the last BLUE CAT COMEDY night this side of Christmas on Sunday 2nd. Laughter is truly the best medicine and there’s no shortage of it in this joint (comedy night or not!)

See you there!
The Blue Cat xxx

Blue Cat News

Hey there Comrades of the Cat

We hope you enjoyed the OUT OF THE CITY escapades at the Blue Cat as much as we did! Thank you to all the bands who helped make the three nights such a blast and all the wonderful audiences who dropped by and got involved.

Some of you may have retired beneath the duvet to recuperate but we’re here to tell you the fun does not stop here! In fact, you could say it’s only just begun as we have an incredible line up of acts gearing up to carry on the beat for the rest of the week.

Tonight (Tuesday 23rd) stop by and catch LITTLE AVIS who’ve been making a few refreshing waves on the local scene.

Tomorrow (Wednesday 24th) takes on an international flavour lasting for the next three nights as we have MODERN SKIRTS straight from Athens, Georgia - we’ve been playing their infectious new album in the bar all week and their live debut here is eagerly anticipated!

SPELLBIND are coming to captivate you on Thursday from Germany and then INDIENATIONAL are popping over from Sweden on Friday.

Meanwhile HAVEN return from a sell-out gig in Cornwall to thrill your senses once more on Saturday (27th) Please note no advance tickets are available - please pay on the door on the night.

KARMA and SENSORITES wrap up this musical extravaganza on Sunday 28th. So all in all, we think that’s more than enough excitement for you for this week.

Be seeing you soon
Love The Blue Cat
xxxxx

Blue Cat Cafe
Blue Cat Myspace

BLUE CAT IN THE CITY

Autumnal Greetings to all Friends of the Feline

So much going on over the next couple of weeks we thought we better keep you posted!

IN THE CITY festival is happening all over Manchester from Saturday 20th to Monday 22nd and as usual BLUE CAT are showcasing some of the best new bands we have discovered as part of the fringe festivities.

First up on Saturday we have the delightful HAYLEY FAYE. No stranger to the venue Hayley featured on our OUT OF THE BLUE compilation a few years back when she fronted the band HANNAH. Sadly, Hannah are no more but what Hayley is doing now is startling and original and she is without doubt one of the most exciting female performers on the local circuit.

SENSORITES return to rock the cat afterwards and if their last performance is anything to go by everyone will be on their feet by the end of night with huge grins plastered all over their faces. A wonderful act that we are proud to present on the opening night of OUT OF THE CITY.

HAYLEY FAYE
SENSORITES

Sunday night (Oct 21st) will feature WIRED DESIRE who have become a regular featured artist on the Cat’s calendar. If you haven’t already, come down and see them! In their own words “With a sound that draws influences from the gritty blues of the Stones, AC/DC, Aerosmith and the dark sleazy image of Guns n Roses and Motley Crue, Wired Desire embody an aggressive live energy that is rarely seen today”.

MTV are popping in to film the headline act - JAKE MATTISON and band. Every time they play here the night seems full of stardust and joy! Completely enthralling, you really don’t want to miss this! We recommend getting down early particularly on this night as the words JAKE MATTISON and FULL TO CAPACITY go hand in hand…

WIRED DESIRE
JAKE MATTISON

MINT IVE kick things off on Monday night - The Ive are “an infectious blend of acoustic riffs, driving guitar hooks, unmistakable vocals, a solid back line and a now formidable-loyal-large-fanbase following the band around the country” and have already played some storming sets throughout the year here in the Moor.

The final night of ITC will be closed by CHRIS NORRIS and band who blew us away a few months back with an astounding voice and spine-tingling songs that promise to end things on a high and magical note.

MINT IVE
CHRIS NORRIS

Entry is free every night and we look forward to shaking paws with you all!

Love the Blue Cat Gang xxx

Blue Cat In The City 2007
Click here to see the Poster

Comedy Calling at the Cat!

Pssst! Comrades of the Cat…!

Need a big belly laugh to beat the approaching winter blues?

Live stand up comedy has returned to the Blue Cat on the first Sunday of every month.

With a new booking and promotion team The Blue Cat Comedy Night will be getting the cream of the circuit. Our first night in September was an outstanding success with seats fast running out.

We start early (doors 7pm, show starting 7.30 prompt) We aim to finish around 10pm most nights and in between we’ve got fantastic acts lined up, most of whom you could expect to pay two to three times as much to see in the City Centre venues. Stay local, laugh loads, save some money and let us deliver world class comedy to The Heatons!

Tickets are £5 on the door.

For more info see: myspace.com/southmanchestercomedy

Blue Cat Cafe: www.bluecatcafe.co.uk

Coming Up At The Cat

Quick shout to let you know what we have lined up in the near future…

JASON DUNKLEY, a favourite regular singer songwriter here returns on Friday 28th.

We’ve got cutting edge live music on most nights so check out the website to see what is happening.

See you all soon…

blue cat gang
xxx

bluecatcafe.co.uk
myspace.com/bluecatmusic

Weekend Happenings At Blue Cat!

A lot of good times have been going on under the roof of 17 Shaw Rd of late and a lot more’s coming up this weekend so just to alert you all!

Friday 13th July! The more superstitious of you may want to watch your step (!) but if you do venture out, no better place to spend the night than with WIRED DESIRE, Scottish metal band with attitude who return to rock the Cat from 8pm onwards.

Saturday 14th July! HAVEN take time out from working on their third album to try out some tracks acoustically. Don’t miss the chance to experience this charmed event including very special guests and DJ sets. Just £2 to get in - please arrive early, especially if you want a seat, as we’re expecting a busy night.

Sunday 15th July! Yes, you need more! Come and catch FAT COMFORT, new local indie band well worth a listen.

www.bluecatcafe.co.uk
myspace.com/bluecatmusic

Blue Cat In The City

Am sure you’re all currently enjoying a sultry summer in the city but we want to fast forward to autumn right now to alert all musicians amongst you that we’re starting our IN THE CITY showcase plans.

Just like last year, around 800 bands, artists and DJ’s will play across 70 venues in and around Manchester. Blue Cat will be hosting three nights of bands as part of the extravaganza beginning on Oct 20th through to 22nd.

Bands wishing to be considered are advised to visit us at Blue Mondays (open mic night which happens every Monday) and demonstrate your suitability. Please also bring a demo and biography.

If you cannot make Blue Monday please post us your details (and CD) and tell us why you want to be included. Like last year, we will unfortunately not be able to offer slots to everyone but we certainly want to hear what you’re up to so get down to see us soon.

Final decisions will be made at the end of August.

Keep an eye on the website for IN THE CITY updates and for upcoming gigs.

Let the sun shine…

Blue Cat Gang
xxxx

myspace.com/bluecatmusic
bluecatcafe.co.uk

Nell Bryden returns to the Blue Cat

Been a while… we hope you’re all doing well and been enjoying recent happenings at the Blue Cat

One special gig coming up this week we wanted to remind you of. Many of you will have had the pleasure of a NELL BRYDEN gig before but for those of you who haven’t, Wednesday 16th May is a chance to catch one of New York’s finest singer songwriter’s in intimate and perfect surroundings…

Nell has begun to grab the attention of the media on both sides of the Atlantic. After an opening slot with KT Tunstall, Nell Bryden first began touring the UK and Ireland this past spring to promote her mini-album “From Midnight On”, a recording inspired by her travels in New Orleans, and which echoes the blues and jazz sound that the city is famous for.

Media critics have received the release enthusiastically. Timeout New York said, “Bryden writes well-crafted pop songs, her voice has great depth, flexibility and energy.” Performing Songwriter called Nell “stirring and sexy.” Maverick Magazine found her “graceful, challenging, unguarded, powerful.”

Nell has quickly been establishing her reputation as a touring artist, having played 125 shows in the last six months. With glowing feedback from Bob Harris in England and the Pat Kenny show in Ireland, she is certainly stirring up a feeling of intrigue and excitement at the moment.

Look forward to seeing you there!

Blue Cat gang
xxx