STOURBRIDGE is gearing up for a big weekend of live music celebrating the town’s musical heritage.
The town will be hosting the first-ever One Heart One Way music festival which will see artists performing at an array of venues throughout Saturday May 25.
Stourbridge chart stars Ned’s Atomic Dustbin are headlining the event and will be joined by 90s indie stars Jesus Jones, and Joyce, at Stourbridge Town Hall in a sold-out show running from 6pm to 11pm.
The day-long music event will also see acts performing on a large outdoor stage under the clock in Stourbridge High Street.
Four other venues are also hosting free and paid for music events.
Claptrap the Venue in High Street will host Kill Your Television Part One - a free entry event from 2pm to 7pm featuring live bands; and Kill Your Television Part Two - a ticket-only event running from 8pm to 2am, featuring live bands and guest DJs. The venue is also the home of the official One Heart One Way after party.
Acclaimed folk musician Alex Hart, who has been described as “the Stevie Nicks of folk”, will top the bill at a ticketed event at The Talbot Hotel in the High Street from 7.15pm, with Gary O’Dea and Catch The Rain supporting.
At The Duke William pub, an open mic event run by Plugged Inn will run from midday to 5pm. The free entry event is open to anyone to take part. Guest acts will include Notion of Fortune, Deeprootjuice, No Business and Kerry Worton Trio.
Black Country rock bands Parlour Creepers, Stoneload and My Great Affliction will perform at a ticketed event at The Mitre pub in Lower High Street from 5pm to 9pm.
The outdoor stage by the clock will feature live music from 11am to 5pm with performers including The Vinyl Steppers, Back Chat Brass and Bhangra Smash Up.
Kelly Martin, venue manager for Stourbridge Town Hall, said: “There is not long to go now and we really can’t wait to welcome people to the town for this very special event.
“There really will be something for everyone. One Heart One Way is a collaboration with venues and businesses in the town to celebrate the immense influence of music in the town, past and present.
“We hope it will be the first event of many, and inspire a fresh wave of engagement in music lovers and players.”
Jonn Penney, lead singer of Ned’s Atomic Dustbin, told the News he’s looking forward to performing once again back in his home town and with fellow former chart stars Jesus Jones whom the Ned’s supported on tour in the USA in the 1990s.
He said: “There seems to be a bit of a buzz about the event.”
Jonn said he hopes music fans will pop along and check out some of the many different acts on the bill ranging from folk, rock and indie performers to brass and Bhanga artists.
A full list of events and artists lined up for One Heart One Way can be found online at https://boroughhalls.co.uk/one-heart-one-way.html.
Ticket details can also be found on the website.
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