Another cracking evening at the 229 The Venue, in Great Portland Street, as Time Out presented their Rising Stars event. (My thanks once again to Laura Westcott for the invitation). This month’s theme was country and Americana, for which host Ray Jones had assembled a hard-hitting line-up of song-focused talent. Highlight of the night for many was Megan O’Neill, one of our most promising new artists who delivers a beguiling mix of modern Irish folk, country and pop alongside her excellent band, The Common Threads.
Also on the impressive bill were Luke and Mel, a talented multi-award winning singer-songwriter duo. Gary Quinn, winner of the ‘UK Songwriter of the Year’ and ‘Song of the Year’ at the British Country Music Awards. Katy Hurt, one of our brightest young country singer-songwriters who has just released her debut EP, ‘Blue Snake’. Steve Young, who began his career in a London-based rock band and has travelled the world as a session guitarist and playing for such names as Lionel Richie. Likeable Dylan/Cash/Springsteen influenced Scottish singer/songwriter Paul Carella and upbeat headliners Raintown.
Time Out are to be congratulated on creating a valuable addition to the London live stage, with the next Rising Stars event evidently planned for the autumn.
