Big Bands Make 'Little Noise' For Mencap

Tuesday 30 October 2007

Mencap Music presents Little Noise Sessions...join Queen of the airwaves Jo Whiley for a second series of stunning acoustic gigs at London's Union Chapel in Islington from Tuesday November 20th - Wednesday 28th.

Babyshambles, The Kooks, Declan O'Rourke, Billy Bragg and Noah and The Whale have all been added to a line-up that's crammed with credibility and boasts the hottest new acts around.

Following the huge success of last year's Little Noise Sessions, which included performances from Noel Gallagher and Amy Winehouse, Babyshambles will kick things off on November 20th. ‘Tortured genius' Doherty and his band are set to give a mesmerising performance and will be joined by Jack Penate, Laura Marling and Joe Lean & The Jing Jang Jong, setting the standard for the rest of the week.

The Kooks will bring some ‘ooh la' to Islington on November 24th as they are confirmed to join Leeds lads The Pigeon Detectives and The Metros for a night of acoustic pleasure.

On November 25th one of Ireland's best kept secrets, Declan O'Rourke, has been added to the line-up. He will join fans of his, Snow Patrol and Cajun Dance Party, rounding off week one of Little Noise Sessions.

'National treasure' Billy Bragg has been confirmed for November 26th, renowned for his passion and politically inspired music, Bragg will join fellow Brit sensation Kate Nash, Robyn and The Ting Tings.

The final addition to Little Noise Sessions is Noah and The Whale on November 27th. Known for their pure and organic sound the group will join Coventry lads The Enemy.

The Little Noise Sessions will raise money for Mencap's Arts Awards scheme, which enables children and young people with a learning disability to take part in local arts projects, helping them grow in confidence and ability.

Jo Whiley, who is an ambassador for the charity, said: "Mencap's Little Noise Sessions are a great opportunity to see big name bands play an acoustic gig in an intimate setting, whilst raising money for a really worthwhile cause."

Will Young, also a Mencap ambassador, said:  "I have always wanted to perform at the Union Chapel as it's such a unique venue, although it's slightly nerve-racking playing an acoustic gig!  It's great that the money raised will go to such a good cause."

For a full line-up see below and for more information about the Little Noise Sessions visit http://www.mencapmusic.org.uk/

Tickets are on general sale now priced at £35 each, to purchase tickets go to http://www.mencapmusic.org.uk/

The full line-up (with more acts still to be announced) is:

Tuesday 20 November
Babyshambles, Jack Penate, Laura Marling, Joe Lean & The Jing Jang Jong

Wednesday 21 November - SOLD OUT
Athlete, The Hoosiers, Palladium

Thursday 22 November - SOLD OUT
Will Young, Newton Faulkner, Adele

Friday 23 November
Biffy Clyro, We Are Scientists, Young Knives

Saturday 24 November
The Kooks, The Pigeon Detectives, The Metros plus special guests

Sunday 25 November - SOLD OUT
Snow Patrol, Declan, O'Rourke, Cajun Dance Party plus special guests

Monday 26 November
Kate Nash, Robyn, The Ting Tings, with special guest Billy Bragg

Tuesday 27 November
The Enemy, Noah and The Whale plus special guests

Wednesday 28 November - SOLD OUT
Keane, Rilo Kiley, plus special guests

-ends-

For more information please contact Lucy Pile, Mencap press office, lucy.pile@mencap.org.uk, 020 7696 6017