Village Aid Gig This Saturday

Last updated : 21 March 2012 By Pete Chambers

Concerts like this don't happen very often, but when they do it's certainly something to shout about.

Village Aid takes place at the new state of the art Coventry University Students' Union, Square One venue off Jordan Well on Sat 24th March.

Many of a certain age will recall Patrick McGoohan's enigmatic TV series The Prisoner set in "The Village", and the concert with its Village Aid connections has been taking on a rather Prisonerish theme, including a short introductory film based on the famous opening lines from the TV show.

The concert will help raise funds for Teenage Cancer Trust and  a Coventry Music/2-Tone Museum at The 2-Tone Village based in  the Ball Hill area of Coventry.

It's a joint venture between 2-Tone Central Ltd and Specialized, Specialized is an album of Specials songs all covered by various artists of many genres.

Already Coventry Market, The Best of Coventry, Brody Swain and Coventry University Students' Union are supporting the event, we are asking for more help from businesses and individuals who can help in any way to create an exciting music museum in Coventry and help The Specials charity Teenage Cancer Trust.

On the bill will be many bands from the album including Coventry band This Modern Youth, and reforming especially Filthy Cake.

Topping the bill will be The 2-Tone Collection, made up of members of various bands that have a strong association with the label, they include Horace Panter from the Specials, Charley Anderson (The Selecter) Coming from Italy to play the show, Paul Heskett (Swinging Cats), John Shipley (The Special AKA), Silverton Hutchinson (Coventry Automatics) and Soul legend Ray King and some other special guests.

The Event Promoter Neil Twigger said, "With the wide range of musical genres on show with bands, D.J.'s and 'very' special guests and profits going to amazing causes this gig really is a must for lovers of live music and occasional gig goers alike, and all for only ten of your English pounds".

The packed night hosted by Brody Swain will begin at 7.30 till 1.30am (doors at 7.00pm), and will see Ska kings Orange Street take the stage, plus Ska originators The Rough Kutz and Roddy Radiation, Specials support bands Stone Foundation and The Tones+3. On the DJ decks that night is the legendary journalist Garry Bushell and Paul Hallam (who will be doing a book signing at The 2-Tone Village in the day). Lady Cardboard, DJ Dave and DJ Nutty Beats will also be spinning some sounds.

There will be raffles and auctions on the night, it promises to be  unforgettable and tickets are just £10- available at www.2tonecentral.co.uk or From Skopes Menswear in West Orchards, The Vinyl Destination Coventry Market and from the 2-Tone Village CV2 4ED.