Red Shoes still in fashion 7 years down the line …..supporting LIVE music

After a well earned summer break Jennie and the Average Blues Band returned to the stage at the Open Mike, Cook Island, Mullacott Cross on Thursday 8th September and again be welcoming all musicians from every genre of music, be it full bands, solo acts or duos. There is a full sound system and backline plus drums, and keyboard. Just bring your guitars and voices then plug in and go. Should anyone need support of the band they will endeavor to do their best! Please try and arrive by 8.30 to be guaranteed a slot.

This ever popular open mike is now in its 6th year - and February 2012 will be its 7th.
For the past 4 years the Cook Island open mike has featured in the North Devon Festival, with this year’s line-up featuring 25 local musicians performing to an audience of approx 250 people. It was a huge success.
Over the years many musicians have passed through Cook Islands doors, some as young as 13 - and some whose ages are best not to mention! Many are now performing on the North Devon Circuit and some have gone further a field such as Elli Campbell who first attended Cook Island at the age of 12 and recently got through to the final of UK Live and Unsigned. This venue has also become a meeting place for like minded musicians and many friendships -and bands -have been formed over the years.

“Red Shoes Music” was developed by Jennie, Mike and Clive (check out Jennie’s feet for a clue to the name!), primarily to promote ‘LIVE MUSIC” on a strictly non-profit making basis - a way of putting musicians and venues in touch.

Many musicians have been Cook Island regulars from the very start, some come and go, but we do get the odd surprise from professional musicians who drop in whilst in North Devon. One such guy was DAN GREENAWAY – he was so impressive that he was asked to headline a festival night for Cook Island. He accepted! Jennie through “Red Shoes Music” helped Dan set up a successful tour of North Devon at some of the popular local music venues. Dan is now a popular visitor to North Devon. www.dangreenaway.com

During 2010, “Red Shoes” had their own North Devon Festival event at Boston Tea Party with MARTIN HARLEY performing, supported by the acoustic version of Average Blues Band ‘BLUE ZOOTS’ – it was a sell out. Martin has become a firm friend of Jennie and the band and he is due to return on FRIDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2011 to THE PLOUGH in Torrington. Don’t miss this exceptionally talented singer /guitarist and for more information check Martins web-site. www.martinharley.com

From this friendship Martin introduced another musician to Jennie and “Red Shoes”, Jay Carter and his recently formed a band “ NEWRISING“. “Red Shoes” helped Jay secure gigs in July at several North Devon venues and the mini tour was a great success. The band has further bookings in September 2011“ check out their web site myspace.com/newrisinguk for times and venues.Red Shoes also ran the busy busking stage at Pilton Green Man festival this July, as well as putting The Average Blues Band on the main stage.

So whether you are planning a private party, charity or fund raising event or any other function, the live music is a crucial decision for success. You just can't beat the buzz of professional musicians playing in a genre perfectly suited to the atmosphere you want to create and engage with your guests.
Our shared passion and know-how for creating that live-music buzz was how we originally got together to develop RED SHOES MUSIC PRODUCTIONS. For example, if you have experienced the hugely successful Open Mike evenings at Cook Island, you will understand how THE AVERAGE BLUES BAND and many other acts are in constant demand.

Over the years we've put together an impressive collection of well established bands and talented performers. So when you contact us for help or advice to make your event successful, we will endeavor to put you in touch with musicians that meet your specific requirements. Of course we know that success relies on the organization of more than the music and we have learned more than a thing or two about what makes events successful as well.redshoesmusic@btinternet.com