This week in Notts! Enjoy the return of The Charlatans, The Clare Teal 5, tiny gigs, and lots more. Here's our top picks...
When: Tue 28 April
Where: The Bodega
How much: £12
Indie quintet Vona Vella, originally founded in Loughborough in 2020 by Dan Cunningham and Izzy Davis, have well and truly been on the up in recent months, with the release of a fantastic debut album Carnival, plus various national and international shows under their belt. Now, they're preparing for what's bound to be an excellent headline show in their adopted home of Notts. Dan and Izzy are profoundly talented storytellers with a love for the local scene and a knack for a catchy tune, plus Dan for a while co-ran The Grove, which is next door to LeftLion, so we'd really recommend you give this gig a go and lend them your support.
When: Wed 29 April
Where: Rock City
How much: £40
To celebrate their fourteenth album release We are Love, longstanding British indie rock band The Charlatans continue their April-May UK headline tour, stopping off at Rock city, then heading to Birmingham, Newcastle, Edinburgh and more. The previous thirteen of their studio albums have all charted in the official top 40 UK album charts, with three of them reaching number one. Formed by bassist Martin Blunt, they went on to become popularly associated with the late 1980s Madchester and Britpop scene. Their recent activity includes supporting Liam Gallagher and Gerry Cinnamon in 2022 before lead singer Tim Burgess announced that the band would return with new music in 2025, and later their album tour.
When: Thu 30 April
Where: Mansfield Palace Theatre
How much: £29.50
Singer and broadcaster Clare Teal is ready to take to the stage once again, bringing us an enchanting evening alongside her ensemble, with a distinctive combined style of swing and jazz. Having worked with multiple orchestras and top swing bands, Teal is recognised as a British jazz icon and legend, and it will be an excellent choice to experience her talents in the intimate setting of Mansfield Palace Theatre. The Clare Teal 5 consists of some of the UK’s finest jazz musicians, who will be performing a range of old favourites across her biggest albums, including her major label debut, Don't Talk (2004).
Ella Al-Shamahi: Becoming Human
When: Thu 30 April
Where: Lakeside Arts
How much: £22
British writer and evolutionary biologist Ella Al-Shamahi will be presenting a historical deep dive talk about the origin story of us, the human species, interweaving her own findings of following in the footsteps of our ancestors. Her long spanning and decorated career has given her the prestigious title of National Geographic explorer, and was previously announced to present the BBC show Human. Al-Shamahi will discuss the 300,000 years of human evolution, from our humble beginnings to how the modern world came about today.
When: Fri 1 May
Where: Billy Bootleggers Nottingham
How much: £13.20
Midlands punk band Stuart Pearce will support Leeds based group The 113, both bringing their ‘post punk poetry’ to Billy Bootleggers. Their 2023 debut album, Red Sport International, explored themes of football violence, political discourse and the importance of collectivism. Expect their bold sound to be carried by discordant guitars and thunderous offbeat rhythms. Billy Bootleggers is also a great spot for this kind of gig, perfect for anyone interested in high energy performance and a night of chaos.
When: Friday 1 May
Where: The Mist Rolling Inn
How much: £10
This Friday at Derby Road's smallest (and only) music venue, I'm Not From London presents three bands. Zopp are Nottingham's premier progressive rock band, playing sweeping jazz fusion reminiscent of 70s Canterbury bands, Frank Zappa and much more. The Pearl River Band from Sheffield bring a West Coast sound with a feel of female-led Pagan stoner rock bands. And finally, Notts own Dahlia Blume, who will jangle and spangle in a 60s psychedelic and flowery way with a rocking garage energy and a strong touch of glam rock. Bringing a dazzling array of colour, Metempsychosis Lights will be bringing their fantastic spectrums to the room, making for a super special evening of grassroots local music.
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