Artistes plug in for Electric Prom

Mar 17 2009 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

PERTH’S own version of the all-star Electric Proms is set to be staged for the first time later this year.

Rock, blues and country acts will join forces with classical musicians for the spectacular fringe show, which will form part of the hugely successful Perth Festival of the Arts.

Perth-based rock combo The Windows, local soulmeisters Wang Dang Delta and Americana exponents Southpaw have all been confirmed as participants in the event.

The mini version of the BBC’s autumn extravaganza, which has been held every year in London since 2006, will be staged in the Fair City’s AK Bell Library Theatre.

The gig is the latest brainchild of Windows frontman and Paul McCartney-obsessive Athole Fleming, who told Music Scene he was keen to see Big County performers rubbing shoulders with international talents on the PFA bill.

“I am delighted that local musicians can now play a part in the Arts Festival fringe,” he declared yesterday.

“The Perth Electric Prom night will have something for everyone.

“I am also delighted to welcome sponsorship from Louisvale Wines, whose owner Mike Johnston has kindly agreed to supply the wine for our welcome reception on the evening.”

The Perth Electric Prom will take place on May 29 in the AK Bell Library Theatre, where a seated audience of up to 125 will be treated to three live sets of wide-ranging styles.

The evening will begin at 7.30pm with a wine reception accompanied by classical music performed by a quartet of young Perthshire musicians.

Wang Dang Delta will be first on stage at 8pm, followed by The Windows an hour later, and finally Southpaw at 10pm.

Tickets are available from Bandwagon Music in St Paul’s Square, Perth.

Meanwhile, The Windows will be making their debut at the Glendevon Hotel in Auchterarder on Saturday.

The gig will start at 9.30pm, with the band planning to rock the joint all the way to midnight.