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Folk sensation John Smith to play Prescot Festival

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He's a Devonshire lad, he made his name in the pubs and clubs of Liverpool, and he's been described by folk legend John Renbourn as "the future of acoustic guitar music". He is singer-songwriter John Smith, one of the lead attractions at the Prescot Festival this June.

Smith has made a big impact on the Merseyside music scene, releasing his debut album, The Fox and the Monk, in 2006. More recently, he's taken his sound nationwide, supporting cult favourite John Martyn on tour.

His unashamed romanticism and warm lyricism, combined with his original style – he often stops strumming his guitar and turns it into a percussive instrument – make him unique. NME predicted it was "only a matter of time before he is enormous".

The team behind the Prescot Festival are justifiably excited to have Smith on the programme.

"This guy's been compared to musicians of the stature of Nick Drake," said Artistic Director Dr Robert Howard. "He's been singled out by The Times for his talent. We have a feeling this concert is going to be something really exceptional."

Smith will be playing in the gothic surroundings of Prescot's 17th-century Parish Church of St Mary's. Organisers felt the architecture and atmosphere would complement the rich sounds of Smith's music.

The concert takes place at 9.30pm on Saturday, 28th June. Tickets are just £7.50, and are available by phoning Ticketweb on 08444 771 000, or by visiting the official website at www.prescotfestival.co.uk.

Source: Knowsley Online (http://aboutknowsley.typepad.com/news/2008/04/folk-sensation.html)

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I've attended these Prescot festivals over the last few years. Well worth supporting.

Stage is set for festival
Jun 7 2008
by Catherine Jones, Liverpool Echo

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FINAL preparations are under way for the fourth annual Prescot Festival of Music and the Arts, which starts next week.

Liverpool-based singer-songwriter John Smith, Korean classical pianist Young Choon Park, the Fairey Brass Band, St Helens Sinfonietta, Liverpool Philharmonic resident cinema organist Dave Nicholas and Birkenhead Operatic Society are among the attractions in a packed, 10-day programme, planned especially for 2008 by the Arts in Prescot group.

There will also be a sing-a-long Sound of Music screening, Prescot’s Got Talent night, arts exhibitions, dance displays, and a massed choir “come and sing” performance of Vivaldi’s Gloria.

Dr Robert Howard, head of music at Deyes High School in Maghull, founded the festival in 2005 as a way for Prescot to contribute to Liverpool’s year as European Capital of Culture.

He said: “We’re 100% behind the Capital of Culture, and felt strongly a town with such a rich history and heritage should be involved.

“As usual, we have a broad mix of local, regional, national and international artists, and all open to everyone at affordable prices.”

The festival opens on Friday, June 20, with the West Lancashire Big Band performing at Prescot Parish Church. Other venues include Prescot Methodist Church and centre, Our Lady and St Joseph’s RC church, St Paul’s church, Prescot Leisure Centre and Prescot Museum.

The festival runs from June 20-29 and the full programme can be viewed on www.prescotfestival.co.uk

Source: Liverpool Echo (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2008/06/07/stage-is-set-for-festival-100252-21037029/)