A WELL-KNOWN musician turned promoter has said his “desire to bring exciting music” to the country’s smallest town inspired him to launch his own gig night.
Benjamin Brown, from Manningtree, is perhaps best known for being the frontman of both Dingus Khan and SuperGlu, two bands which have both enjoyed success.
Although he still regularly performs, currently as a solo artist and with Anna's Bones, the singer and guitarist has now turned his attention to not only playing shows, but also curating them.
His latest endeavour, Capturing The Moon, is a monthly concert which hosts upcoming artist and takes place at the Red Lion pub just 100 steps from his front door.
The idea had been in the pipeline for some time, and he had often spoken about running a night of original music it with the pub’s landlord Laura Trusson.
He said: “After dipping my toe back into the live scene post-pandemic and hearing the acts out there, it made perfect sense to do it now - we've finally taken the plunge.
“The main inspiring is a desire to bring exciting and original music to England’s smallest town and to pay the acts fairly for coming to play.
“We have a fantastic space above the Red Lion, so why not fill it with some fantastic live music?
"Also, the venue is 100 steps from where I live, so if I book acts I like, I won't have to travel to London to see them.
"Although the shows are for over 18s there is no upper age limit - this is an all ages show - provided you are legally allowed in the premises.
"If you are below the age of 18, and you're interested in what’s going on, please drop us an email and we can get you along for a soundcheck.
“Manningtree could quickly become the place to play for touring acts for the most exciting acts the UK music scene and Europe has to offer.”
The first official Capturing the Moon event, taking place this evening and strictly for over 18s, boasts a line-up of Bag of Cans, the Early Mornings and Ben himself.
Ben says he has tapped into his 15 years of live music experience in order to make the inaugural concert, in addition to the many more he plans to stage, a success.
“Making sure the performers are comfortable, fed and fairly financially compensated will undoubtedly translate into a fantastic experience for everyone involved,” he said.
“I have also enlisted the help of the fantastic Black Cactus Studio to help run the sound on the night so it is going to sound great.
"Black Cactus have been a beacon of the local music scene so it is an honour to have them onboard for these shows.
“I am sure we will soon be selling out shows well in advance - these are the kind of acts you wouldn’t see in a 100-capacity venue; and probably won’t ever again.”
Tickets for tonight's show, starting at 7.30pm, cost £10 and can be purchased at the venue or by CLICKING HERE.
To find out more visit capturingthemoonpresents@gmail.com.
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