Multi-genre showcase of live music, comedy and performance launches this September

A brand new live experience, featuring the best local and national talent, has been launched in the heart of Kent.

The A20 Live Arts and Entertainment Showcase (@a20livearts) will bring together both up-and-coming and established performers in a multi-genre, multi-discipline event.

Hosted at the LCC in Lenham, A20 Live Arts will curate an afternoon of music, comedy and theatre to suit all fans of live performance.

Crafted by professional voice coach Sheila Daniels, the show was designed to create a platform for people looking to show off their talents.

“The idea came from talking to my students, many of whom have a lot of talent, but nowhere to perform,” explains Sheila. “There are open mic nights and late night gigs, but I just wanted something where new talent could have the opportunity to perform alongside established artists and professional musicians. To create a really professional setup, and give young performers the opportunity to have that experience.”

The acts that will perform at A20 Live Arts over the coming events have all been specifically picked to complement each other, and to offer something for every guest in attendance.

“I've had loads of submissions,” says Sheila. “I mean, performers really want to work. I’ve been looking locally at what's going on in pubs, the running orders for festivals in the area. And I've listened and looked online, on social media, at busker’s sites on YouTube and I’ve looked for a good mix as well.”

The search locally has brought forward young Ashford singer/songwriter Robin Mack (@robinmakesmusic) and The Rec (@the_rec_ band), a rock trio comprising multi-instrumental brothers Lewis and Scott Cale with guitarist Jacob Topman, also hailing from Ashford.

Also confirmed for the show on September 25th is comedian Finlay Christie, who has appeared on ITV2’s The Stand-up Sketch Show, the BBC New Comedy Awards and 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown as well as Danny Buckler, who brings us his unique mix of comedy and magic.

Musician Oliver Anderson joins performers Pearl Schomberg, George Hogg, and Tom Watson alongside theatre star Carolyn Hartvigsen, while the House Band - made up of professional musicians - will provide backing for a number of the artists.

The stage production also will be by local audio-visual team Kent Media Group.

“I've been amazed how much talent there is around here,” says Sheila. “ But I'm looking for ‘unique’ as well. I'm not looking for anyone that sounds like anyone else. I'm looking for original artists.”

Shelia, who has put on sell-out productions in the past at the likes of Wimbledon Studio Theatre in London, is also looking to encourage the Kent audience to experience A20 Live Arts.

“We know people have tight budgets right now, and so we are also offering the PWYC (Pay What You Can) ticket option,” says Sheila.

General ticket prices start at £15 for group bookings and there are concessions available in other categories.

WHAT: A20 Live Arts

WHEN: September 25th

INFO: https://www.a20live.co.uk/buy-tickets