May was a sensational month for live music in Sunderland. Not just because of the performances we were 'blessed' with or the 'supreme beings' who bowled us over with their frighteningly talented sets, but because of the 'holy' ability of our local promoters and events teams who joined forces to bring us music from venues of a 'higher power'!
Now enough of the puns, I for one was absolutely blown away by some of the best gigs I have witnessed in Sunderland for some time. It takes something to live up to the settings of the beautifully structured Sunderland Minster and Holy Trinity Church, but the likes of Natasha Haws and The Futureheads did that and much more.
I attended both gigs and can honestly say the small cogs in my head have not stopped turning since. The fact that Sunderland's biggest names worked in partnership with top promoters Independent [LIVE] and POP SEX Ltd to bring to life two of our regions finest landmarks was very exciting.
The second of those I mentioned was the Holy Trinity Church who launched the Canny Space initiative on the weekend of the 18th & 19th of May with some stunning live performances from local musicians like Ernie Stafford and Ani Sandwith during the Open Day, along with a wealth of young talent from local schools and youth groups who brought the house down in Variety Shows each night. Both of these venues proved that for the right occasion, there is sometimes nothing better than an alternative twist to breathe a little magic into music.
On a very different note, another bit of news that had my cogs spinning into over-drive, was the news this week an established venue in the City is set to relocate as developers prepare to demolish the grounds where Independent currently sits. Over the past 5 years, Independent and it's Little Room have not only worked hard to showcase our finest talent in Sunderland, but have mastered the art of breaking the UK's biggest names before the likes of NME and Radio 1 get hold of them.
Independent are planning their move to an 'alternative' location to continue to provide our locals with fine gigs and up and coming talent. We wish them all the best, but have no doubt with Ben and Paul at the helm they will continue to help music to thrive in Sunderland.
