COOK ISLAND OPEN MIKE FESTIVAL NIGHT

Every year we like to invite someone to come along to play as a special guest. This year we were very fortunate in March when a young man came to Cook Island and asked to play. We had no idea as to what he would be like, but we lent him a guitar and put him on stage- he was fantastic and had the audience crying out for more. Never wishing to miss an opportunity Jennie asked if he would like to headline our event and we were pleasantly surprised when he said YES! Dan will soon be moving to North Devon with his partner to join relatives already established here - so hopefully we’ll see much more of him. So check out Dan and the line up below – this may be subject to some changes as the confirmations come back: Birmingham based Dan Greenaway is a singer, songwriter, guitarist and front man of indie quartet 'Rase' (www.myspace.com/raseuk). Born in Worcester, Dan has enjoyed continual local BBC radio support, showcasing both solo and band material taken from the 3 albums and 3 EPs he has written. Having served a long apprenticeship on the local covers circuit Dan has performed original material solo acoustic at Glastonbury Festival (backstage VIP tent) and, for the last 3years , featured on the festival's radio station, Worthy FM. Despite continual gigging and promo around the UK, the USA and Norway Dan’s talent has largely remained under the radar, yet to be discovered by the masses. This may be about to change...   Currently working with acclaimed producer Gavin Monaghan (Editors, The Twang, Ocean Colour Scene, Kings of Leon, Elvis Costello, Robert Plant, Scott Matthews etc), Rase release their first single on 5th April 2010 to be followed by a second single and the full album at the end of the Summer. Dan will be promoting both solo and with the band in the coming months...  A case of 'If' or 'When'? Decide for yourselves... see also www.dangreenaway.info

SENTRAL STATION Featuring singer-songwriters Joanne Geraghty and David Smith on guitar with Roger Beamer on bass, Sentral Station are a trio playing popular music in and around North Devon. With a unique blend of distinctive vocals they perform standards and favorites from a wide range of music. So from Duffy to Dolly, Johnny Cash to Jason Mraz, Van Morrison to Kings of Leon.........get down to Sentral Station and sing along with Jo, Dave and Roger.

ELLIE (16) ) is a young singer/ songwriter who is a regular performer at gigs and open mic nights locally. Ellie has been playing guitar, singing and composing from a very early age. Her style of music is very broad and her own song writing style changes a lot depending on who or what has inspired her. She has an exceptional voice and a gifted song writing talent.

Harry Fricker, a young, new up and coming solo artist/singer songwriter from Braunton, Devon who is currently studying Music at University College Falmouth. Now focusing on playing his solo ‘acoustic/folky’ style, he has been performing around the southwest for the last year or so. Inspired by his experiences and surroundings his lyrics can be powering and also soothing with his progressive melodic ‘tapping’ style. Harry is writing for an album to be recorded in the autumn, so keep your ears open.

John moved down from Essex many years ago, his style could be influenced by ' 'The Stones' but has been known to write his own material, which describes his passion in life. What happened to the 'Girl Named Sue' when he has Gloria!!

Keith Somerville My main influences come from the singer-songwriters of the last few decades, and as a result I've tended to concentrate on accompanying songs on the acoustic guitar; the songs of James Taylor, Jackson Browne and Paul Simon were some of the earliest I played. I also love the idea of playing with a band, hence my occasional turns with the Average Blues Band at Cook Island. I also like playing along with other singers, Laura is a good harmoniser, and recently I've got back together with Rachel Walker who has a fine solo voice, and opens up different possibilities for songs. I've always been keen to support open mics having run the Acoustic Cafe at the Landmark a few years ago; and it's been great to see Mike and Clive being so successful at Cook Island having got back playing together on those Fridays at the Landmark "

THE LOOK Paul – Guitar / Vocals Blues influenced and fond of ‘keeping it simple’. Paul’s playing style and musical approach is probably best described as ‘Clapton meets Mark Knopfler meets Joe Walsh’. Add some great music and his ability to adapt to different musical styles and, you have a performer who relishes taking on new ideas. Darren – Bass Guitar / Backing Vocals Influenced more by modern guitar bands, Darren has the ability to take bass-lines a stage further and really drive the rhythm section of a 3 piece set-up. Coupled with his ability to quickly memorise new material, he adds some excellent vocals, which really complement Paul’s lead lines. Stu – Drums / Backing Vocals Stu is as solid a drummer as any band could want. The backbone of any good rock band, the drummer has to be consistent with timing and really hold things together – no problems there.

LEIGH WIGG spent many years on and off working as a roadie and stage tech for well known punk bands, and he also has managed bands. Leigh comes from musical background – his father being on the British country circuit - and plays acoustic and bass guitars. After moving down to North Devon a couple of years ago and visiting open mic nights at the Cook Island and The Thatch- sitting at the back for a few weeks, Leigh decided to dust off the old guitar and have a go again, and he is now a regular at Cook Island – sometimes solo , sometimes with a backing band , but always an interesting mix of material

Rob & Ross Rob – dad, age 2 many but born in the fifties took up guitar at 15 joined bands and had an eventful youth, sorry it ended!! He then got married had a baby, which resulted in no money, no time, and a long gap. Was inspired to play by son Ross when he was about 23, he kept digging out the old guitar and trying to play it. Ross’s has a real desire to play so he will happily go along and play Robs older tastes in music, however he will occasionally do his own thing when his friend is home from university. Their music tastes vary Ross, is a Jack White/White Stripes fan, and dads is the era of Clapton and The Beatles. However, they both enjoy music and definitely playing together a great to team

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