Hi Everyone

January is finally over! And, as February makes an appearance, we are a little bit excited this month and it's because as we prepared for our talk at the Reading International Summit, we spent lots of time being reminded and talking about how everybody involved with the Rising Sun is amazing. 

So whether you are a performer, promoter, a visitor or a volunteer, thank you for being part of the Rising Sun! And keep bringing your ideas big or small, your energy, your enthusiasm to the centre. You are what makes the Rising Sun so special. This place wouldn't exist without you.

Also, we have a packed weekend to tell you about, as Club Velocity and the Rising Sun are playing host to INDEPENDENT VENUE WEEK!!

Independent Venue Week is a 7 day celebration of small music venues around the UK and a nod to the people that own, run and work in them, week in, week out. It’s supported using public funding by Arts Council England, bringing together great venues across the land along with breaking and established artists, promoters, labels, media, bloggers and tastemakers to create a nationwide series of gigs at the end of January.

It's the third successive year that Club Velocity and the Rising Sun have been involved, and we’re the only venue in Reading taking part – we’ve even got our own page on the IVW site!

http://www.independentvenueweek.com/portfolio/reading-rising-sun-arts-ce...

... and thanks to Sid and Club Velocity, we’ve got three fantastic gigs lined-up...

On Friday...

The AUGUST LIST
The second album by the August List was probably one of our favourite albums of 2017.  We'd even go as far as saying that the Rising Sun is probably their second home.  They certainly developed their fan base from here. They certainly deal in some mighty fine country-alt American greatness.Genius of a band!

LITTLE RED
Another band played the centre several times, and they've grown into something great.  Inspired by Neil Young,PJ Harvey, First Aid Kit and Elliot Smith.  They write and perform songs of a dark and playful wit with passion and sincerity.  Championed by the likes of BBC Introducing Berkshire and BBC Introducing Oxford.

MATT STOCKL
Another act championed by BBC Introducing Berkshire.  A one man who writes truly ace heartfelt songs.  Last seen here in September supporting Mark Morriss.

We'll be open at 8pm.  And it'll cost you £6 on the door to get in (£5 in advance from www.wegottickets.com).

On Saturday...

QUIET QUIET BAND
Firm favourites round these parts.  They might have been around for a while, but they are still genuinely one of the best live bands that you will see.  If you are not aware they deal in alt country punk, with balls on.  (So it says here)

WOLFS
Hailing from some place called Oxford.  The two piece band deal in some of the best bubblegum punk this side of New York City.  Championed by Kerrang! Radio,BBC Introducing Oxford and BBC Introducing Berkshire.

THE KEEP CATS
They are still stupidly young, but they're the most improved band over the last six months and really are finding their feet.  A delightful mixture of powerpop/indie/rock and they reach parts, that older bands fail to reach.

We'll be open at 8pm.  And it'll cost you £6 on the door to get in (£5 in advance from www.wegottickets.com).

And on Sunday...

SEAN McGOWAN
Raised on a diet of The Clash, The Jam, Specials, Billy Bragg and other such politically-charged, punk-ignited British pop, 24 year old Southampton-born troubadour Seán McGowan had been playing up and down the UK for five years, and DIY released three EPs (given away / sold on a “pay what you want” basis at shows), before catching the ears of the music industry at 2013’s Great Escape festival. 

An appearance on Billy Bragg’s Left Field stage at Glastonbury that year saw Seán exposed to his biggest audience yet, and touring / playing shows with artists the likes of Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly, The Rifles, Beans On Toast and Frank Turner.  

In early 2014, Seán McGowan started piecing together a new record with Sam ‘Get Cape’ Duckworth at the controls, at Sam’s own Amazing Grace studio in London.   The first fruits of these sessions are two slices of teenage Southampton life entitled ‘Come Unstuck’ (featuring Frank Turner on backing vocals) and ‘Swings & Roundabouts’, and were released as a double a-side 7”. He spent the rest of the year on the road. Touring with 'Get Cape' all over the UK and 'Rob Lynch' all over mainland Europe.
 
2015 saw Seán on the road pretty solidly. Supporting 'Skinny Lister' and then embarking on his first ever headline tour in December to packed rooms all over the UK. The release of 'Look Lively' set McGowan up nicely. 

2016 has proved to be the most exciting yet. Supporting 'Recreations' and 'Grace Petrie' in the first half of the year. The second half saw the release of his single 'No Show' and resulted in a small full band sold-out UK tour. 

2017 saw his single 'Apple Core' and a month long solo UK headline tour.  2018 might just be up for grabs...

JAKE MORLEY
An Ace/great/fab singer songwriter from London.

Here's what some other folks have been saying...

"He is certainly something else! Very Charismatic, warm and a fantastic singer and guitar player."

— Janice Long, Radio 2

"Jake Morley and his impressive band more than have what it takes… an ambitious pop sound that is every bit as bright and sparkly as the main player himself - 4 stars"

— The Independent

"A sound that can’t be ignored. Morley can do no wrong, and a wealth of fans can’t get enough. 9/10"

— Virgin.com

Great real life lyrics and superb virtuoso playing. That's extraordinary!

— Tom Robinson, 6 music

"Jake Morley is not just your average bloke with guitar, he stuns crowds with his unique style and is always a show stealer."

— BBC Introducing

It's phenomenal to watch him but it's still more daunting to consider that he also sings up a storm and writes cracking songs. Morley is a true original

— Acoustic Magazine

Jake is a man to follow, not just on social media, but in real life whenever he plays a gig. This is music to cherish.

BURNT TOMORROW
Our fave local forward thinking folk punks with a special acoustic set you don't want to miss.

We'll be open at 7.30pm.  And it'll cost you £7 on the door to get in (£6 in advance from www.wegottickets.com).

That’s everything for another week, just to remind you that we are, as always, at 30 Silver Street, Reading, RG1 2ST (If you pop it into your satnav or Google, we shall magically appear!)

Have a nice weekend!