Wirral Guitar Festival stars line up for tribute to Brendan (From Wirral Globe)

Wirral Guitar Festival stars line up for tribute to Brendan

10:39am Tuesday 27th October 2009

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WIRRAL’S 21st International Guitar Festival opens next week with a tribute to its late co-founder.

Brendan McCormack died earlier this year and will be remembered in two special concerts taking place during the annual event, which runs from this Tuesday, November 3-28.

The first will be staged at Pacific Road Arts Centre in Woodside on Tuesday, featuring performances from the Liverpool Ukulele Orchestra, The Anne Jackson Quintet, and Modjango amongst others.

The second, which focuses on Brendan’s classical side, will be held at the same venue on Sunday November 22.

Among the all-star cast of musicians at this show will be Woody Mann, Stan Yates, Paul Balmer, Galina Vale and The Tivoli Trio, who performed with Brendan at last year’s festival.

It was during a conversation with Rob Smith, Wirral’s head of arts and museums, in 1988 that Brendan formed the idea for an annual music festival.

In recognition of his contribution and commitment to the event over the years he became an honorary ambassador, along with joining Woody Mann, John Williams, John Etheridge, Galina Vale, Lucky Ranku and fellow Wirral musician Gary Murphy.

Paying tribute to his friend, Rob Smith said: "All who knew him will sadly miss Brendan. In future years the festival will contain The Brendan McCormack Concert Series in recognition of his contribution to our Festival, but in this year's programme two special events have been dedicated to celebrate Brendan and his life.

"He was a virtuoso performer, excellent teacher and mentor, genial raconteur and a great friend to many."

As well as the special concerts for Brendan, there will also be performances from bluesman Albert Lee, rock guitarist Andy Fairweather Low and classical guitarist John Williams among many others.

The event will be staged at a number of venues, including Pacific Road Arts Centre, the Floral Pavilion Theatre in New Brighton and Williamson Art Gallery in Birkenhead.

Also appearing as a duo are Lorraine McIntosh and Ricky Ross from multi-million selling Scottish group Deacon Blue, Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, Catfish Keith, the Dylan Project, Woody Mann, Steve Gibbons, Steve Hackett, Ralph McTell, Georgie Fame, Squeeze co-founder Glenn Tilbrook and Martin Taylor's fraternity.

Rock and roll legend James Burton, who in a career spanning more than 50 years has performed with the likes of Elvis Presley, also returns to the festival stage.

Folk guitarist Nick Harper will also perform at Pacific Road, in a concert sponsored by the Globe.

Festival director Rob Smith said: "We bring the breathtaking wizardry of virtuoso players who will dazzle the most demanding critic, in a series of concerts that deliver the most enjoyable musical experience to those looking for a good time and good company, as well as those technical aficionados."

Tickets are from 0151 666 0000. Full details and tickets are also available online at www.bestguitarfest.com

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