JIMMY JAMES & THE VAGABONDS LIVE SHOW IN BLACKPOOL

Now Is The Time ...to Get On Down&Boogie

At The Merrie England

Soul supremo Jimmy James&his 60's super group The Vagabonds are going to be stomping into the sunset on Blackpools legendary Merrie England Bar, on North Pier, this Saturday night, July 8th.

The popular live entertainment venue is hosting a series of free Live Music events on Saturday nights this summer including Clem Curtis&The Foundations on Saturday August 19th.

Hailed as The High Priest of Soul - Jimmy James&The Vagabonds are the ultimate 60s live soul act - their reputation built on a storming residency at London's famous Marquee Club.

One of the legends of British soul, Jimmy James and his band The Vagabonds, were rivalled only by Geno Washington's Ram Jam Band as a live club attraction in the 60s.

The band built a happy-go-lucky sound on fast disco dance floor fillers and soul ballads hitting the UK Top Ten with a succession of sensational soul classics such as a rendition of Neil Diamond's 'Red Red Wine', the classic dance floor anthem 'Now Is The Time', and one of the best disco-pop records of all time - 'I'll Go Where The Music Takes Me'.

The big man stands alongside Otis Reading, Sam Cooke and Wilson Pickett as one of the all-time R 'n' B greats.

Jimmy went on to join Biddu Records, recording 'I'll Go' and You Don't Stand A Chance (If You Can't Dance) which is still sounding wonderful.

Further releasing one of the best-titled singles ever 'If You Think This Funk Is Junk, You're Drunk'. (The other side of that, incidentally, was 'Let's Go Disco', which The Real Thing also recorded with Biddu.)

Nowadays Jimmy is still shaking dance floors across the UK with a Live show that is jam-packed with poptastic disco crowd-pleasers. Jimmy James's phenomenally successful full on party crowd-pleasing set will have soul&disco lovers dancing all over North Pier this weekend.

The dynamic funky pop duo ITCHY&SCRATCHY will warm up the crowds early doors with live music to get the party started.

Joey Blower will be hosting the special Live @ The Merrie England Nights with a full, fun packed evening of his hilarious comedy antics and formidable style followed an exclusive LIVE performance by Jimmy James&The Vagabonds.

The entertainment continues after the show with Resident DJ Johnny Vee spinning classic soul&disco sounds to keep the crowds buzzing in the party spirit.

Joey Blower recently saw Jimmy James and the Vagabonds, at a Soul Weekender in the Star Light Rooms in Lincolnshire and was completely awestruck:

"Musically Jimmy James&The Vagabonds are everything you would expect of a serious soul band, solid, tight with a driving bass and sparkling brass section and from the moment Jimmy James stepped on to the stage the audience was his.

And the man himself - after 40 years in the business, he still has the energy and drive of a 20 year old. From his opening 'That's Where the Music Takes Me' to his closing number, 'Now is the Time to Say Goodbye', Jimmy took the audience on a musical motorway of memories of 60's and 70's Soul. His imaginative sing along's and crowd interaction got the crowds up singing, dancing&clapping for more.

The dance floor was heaving as the crowd surged towards the stage, and there they stayed for a night of non-stop brilliance! With these guys, this joint can't fail to jump!

It's going to be a very special live music night&we're going to have lot's of fun on stage, great classic soul&disco sounds and we want everyone in Blackpool&all over the North West to get grooving this weekend!"

Jimmy James is looking forward to his visit to Blackpool saying why he thought that Blackpool was the one of the best places to perform:

"The Merrie England is the ideal venue for soul music because of the fun people that go there. Just like soul music, it appeals to so many across the generations&Joey is legendary for getting to know all his customers&reaching out through his comedy&music.

"Soul is a one to one type of music, we try to get people involved. It's a party, I'm just the host for the party for the night. That's the thing about soul music; it involves you. You listen to it.

You feel it. You can't help but feel good&get up and dance to it. I want everyone to walk out the gig singing.

Blackpool is world famous for it's lively party vibe&unrivalled feel good atmosphere so I am truly excited at being here.

Blackpool is soul music heaven!."

· Admission is Free.

· The Merrie England is located at the front of North Pier&doors open from 7.00pm

· Funky Pop duo Itchy&Scratchy LIVE on stage from 8.00pm

· Joey Blower performing a special fun packed show prior to Jimmy James&The Vagabonds from 9.00pm

· DJ Johnny Vee keeps the disco dancing flowing into the early hours.

Get there early to ensure you don't miss one of the most fun packed Saturday nights out in Blackpool - EVER!

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For further PR information please contact:

Pearl Mina

PR&Media Creative

North Pier

Tel: 01253 621 452

Mobile: 07901 696 490

Fax: 01253 752 308