A CELEBRATION of Reading’s diversity this autumn will see a host of talented acts perform for the crowds attending.
Reading Pride has revealed its line-up for the Pride aLive stage, featuring a mixture of artists from the local music scene who are either friends, allies, supporters of, or identify as, LGBT+.
And there is a mixture of genres and styles, including individual artists and bands, ensuring there is music for everybody.
To help curate the right playlist, Reading Pride has teamed up with Readipop, a Reading-based charity which uses music and arts to work with aspiring artists and musicians, as well as vulnerable young and older people.
The line-up is: folk rock band Dream Sellers, groove rockers Cities In Dust, Wokingham-based country poppers Country Chicks, folk guitarist Ellis Ballard, Hillbilly Ramones tribute band Country Moans, singer-songwriter The Chah, fusion group Glass Half Broken, songmaker Oliver Hagen, bohoemian rhapsodies from the Boho Supergroup, indie folk artist Colours and Fires, folk band WolfNote, and acoustic covers band Lack of Faith.
There are three music stages in all, with the Sue Stevens main stage being headlined by Claire Richards from the band Steps.
The other stage is the Club F.O.D. community hub, which will be a cabaret featuring drag performers, comedians, karaoke, bingo and music.
A spokesperson for Reading Pride said: “We have a strong and vibrant music scene here in Reading with many bands and acts on the cusp of breaking into the professional industry. This stage showcases that talent and the generous support there is locally for LGBT+ and across all diversity.
“Throughout the day they will be performing a mix of their own original songs and popular tunes.”
The event takes place on Saturday, September 2, starting with a parade through the town centre, before heading to Kings Meadow. It is sponsored by SSE.
Entry is free, with the opportunity to make donations towards its running costs.
For more details, log on to: https://www.readingpride.co.uk/pride
The Pride aLive Line-up
Dream Sellers
Dream Sellers is a Folk Rock band playing a wide range of well-known and obscure folky rocky songs. Formed almost three years ago, the band is an increasing presence on the Reading, Berkshire and Oxfordshire music scene.
The band’s influences range from Fairport Convention to The Strawbs, Dylan, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Show of Hands, Goats Don’t Shave, Crowded House, America and some original songs. Mike Bostock, one of the founders, says, “We like to play songs that have a story to tell, usually sad as is the way with folk songs but played so that the music is uplifting and stirring. Most of all, we just love to play.”
Cities in Dust
Described as “lysergic groove rock” by Nightshift Magazine. People have also compared Cities in Dust to “Death in Vegas meets Ride” with a decent amount of accuracy, but the unique style of the quartet keeps amazing us each step of the way thanks to their versatility and humanity behind their music.
Other comparisons have included Gorillaz, The Stone Roses, Beck and The Charlatans. And it’s a rich mix – of indie rock, punctuated by a wide range of genres. There’s hip-hop, electronica, punk, and psychedelia. Yet, it’s all still perfectly formed pop.
Country Chicks
The Country Chicks are a newly formed six-piece girl band who have just started jamming in a garage in Wokingham! They are doing a set with guitar, mandolin, Drums, Bass, fiddle and
vocals to give you a taste of their vibe. They will play some new and old country pop songs with rich harmonies and an earthy country sound.
Ellis Ballard
Ellis Ballard (they/he) is a Reading-based musician and songwriter combining intricate folk guitar melodies with heartfelt modern lyricism.
Country Moans
Country Moans is the UK’s one and only Hillbilly Ramones tribute band. They play Ramones songs in a Country & Western stylee. That’s it.
The Chah
Chanelle writes as THE CHAH to inspire with music to strive and conquer fears in this ever-changing world. A singer-songwriter who writes of life experience and finding strength in turbulent times through the true essence of music.
Glass Half Broken
Glass Half Broken are a feel-good fusion band with bouncing beats, tooting trumpet, and smooth vocal harmonies, coming straight from their instruments into your ear holes!! Combining an eclectic mix of genres, from folk and ska to soul and funk they’ve created a sound coined as “Acid Skiffle”. Their groovy bass lines and empowering lyrics are sure to have you singing and dancing along!
Oliver Hagen
Oliver is a 21-year-old musician and song maker who’s currently enjoying getting to know Reading’s wonderful music scene, and happy to play his weird songs for you all.
Boho Supergroup
The Boho Supergroup are like Scooby Doo’s Scooby snacks! Piled high and super tasty! Formed from talented regulars at Reading’s popular and longest-running open mic ‘Bohemian Night’, they promise to get your feet itchy with their unique cover style, lead by the sassy, smokey vocals of Gillie Tunley. Come and get a taste!
Colours and Fires
Acoustic Indie folk artist. Performing songs that will make you listen and sounds which will make you think. Their songs give an insight to personal transformation across genders and relationships.
They are active supporters of LGBT+ equality, specifically around transgender rights.
Recent performances include Alphabet Soup, Oxjam Reading, Reading Pride, Readipop Festival, Are you Listening Festival, Reading Beer Festival. Here Comes The Sun Festival, Marvellous Festival, Trans Pride Brighton, Brighton Pride, Supporting Suede’s Richard
Oakes’ ArtMagic and an Official Artist for BBC Sounds Independent Venue Week 2020 & 2022.
WolfNote
WolfNote are a modern original folk band based in Berkshire.
WolfNote blends multi-instrumental and vocal harmonies to create a semi-orchestral feel. Our original material is written by different members of the band, and lead vocals are shared, reflecting the diversity of creative input. This produces songwriting that speaks to the wealth of our collective experience, travelling a musical spectrum from upbeat to melancholy, but always with a sense of fun.
Lack of Faith
Lack of Faith is a four-piece acoustic covers band, comprising Kelly Marie Wilson on vocals, Brian Kin on Guitar and keyboards, Daniel Locke on cajon and Chris Locke on guitar. They love to play songs that make you want to sing and dance for the ‘70s to now; from Pink Floyd to P!nk.
