A few weeks ago, a host of clever and opinionated North East musos (and Team Manifesto) got together and pitched their favourite up and coming artists from the region to one another. Imagine a cross between Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and Alcoholics Anonymous. Choices, were noted, scribbled, and placed into a huge, flaming receptacle. What was spat forth from the mythical cup was the colossal, glimmering line-up for 2012's Evolution Emerging.
All right, that's not EXACTLY how it happened. However, wizardry or no wizardry, the line-up for the June 1st music-fest has been whittled, honed and finally announced.
The pre-cursor for Newcastle's Evolution Festival weekender, Evolution Emerging will see over twenty-five of the best local acts appearing over six venues in Ouseburn Valley. With last year's events rammed to capacity, this year looks to be just as popular, with a staggering assortment of music on offer.
Of course, Sunderland's own grabbed a number of the juiciest spots, with Wearside being represented by the likes of Lilliput, Reckoner and Natasha Haws. Head-liners Beth Jeans Houghton & The Hooves of Destiny and We Are Knuckle Dragger will round off the night at The Cluny and The Tyne Bar respectively, with an official after-party being hosted by The Star and Shadow Cinema.
Preceeding Beth Jeans Houghton at The Cluny will be Teeside's Eeves, Boy Jumps Ship, Deerhart and Lulu James. Over at The Tyne warming up for We Are Knuckle Dragger are The Watchers, Acrobatic Society, O'Messy Life, and Nately's Whore's Kid Sister. Or if you fancy a more chilled out line-up, head over to Cluny 2 for Let's Away, Amy Holford, Natasha Haws and Fantasy Rainbow. At The Star and Shadow you can catch Young Liar, weird Shapes, Apollo Gets The Girl and Ghosts of Old Berlin, while The Tanners will play host to Bird Island, Iceni, Reckoner and Ben Watson.
Finally, head to The Cumberland Arms to see Symphonic Pictures, Collectors Club, Lilliput and Crooked Hands. Utterly spoiled for choice, and all events are absolutely free to boot. Better start working out an itinerary...

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