A Liverpool musician has taken his ‘lockdown blues’ and created a new live music event that aims to “put a smile on everyone's faces”.
Liverpool Arts Bar founder and owner Tom Wilson was missing the buzz of live entertainment and suffering from the ‘lockdown blues’ when he decided to shake it off and make a change.
With his Hope Street bar closed for the foreseeable future and the hospitality industry suffering, Tom decided to take a leap and form a band during lockdown.
READ MORE: Merseyside beach named among the top 10 in the UK
He reached out to some of the city's best upcoming musicians, from four different bands and cherry picked them for his new project, ‘Tin Can Voodoo’.
They met up over Zoom during lockdown, showing off their skills and picking their favourite tracks to play. When restrictions relaxed in May they finally met up in person and took to the stage in a socially distanced rehearsal room - where they brought the room to life.
Now, with restrictions fully relaxed they have taken over Wednesday nights at Liverpool Arts Bar, and many people are reporting different stories about how it really is impossible to not get up and dance along.
Taking inspiration from the atmosphere of the Chicago Blues Clubs, Tin Can Voodoo brings the Arts Bar to life with some classic blues, soul and Americana.
The band includes musicians from local bands such as Motel Sundown, BANDITT, DADDY, IORA and more, covering songs by artists like The Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, Creedence Clearwater Revival, James Brown, and Elvis Presley, among others.
Tin Can Voodoo transforms the bar on Wednesdays, filling the night with call and response styled songs, giving the audience a chance to get involved with the band, with the famous ‘Minnie the Moocher’ making an appearance towards the end of the set.
Tom even invites members of the audience up to join the band, daring them to hold their own band, while regulars often turn up with their instruments in hand, eager to get involved.
The event is completely free of charge and takes place at the Liverpool Arts Bar every Wednesday at 7:30pm until late. The bar has even created a bespoke cocktail for the event, the ‘Makers Moonshine’.
Tom Wilson, founder and owner of the Liverpool Arts Bar, said: “The lockdown periods were really tough for everyone, but especially for those who work in live entertainment.
“At the Arts Bar we are passionate about supporting and celebrating the local creative scene and earlier this year we had an idea to bring different musicians together and put a smile on everyone's faces.
“The past few weeks have been just that. It has been amazing to see so many people singing along, dancing like they never have before. You can really see how much people have missed live entertainment. Come and see it for yourself.”
Get the top stories straight to your inbox by signing up for one of our free newsletters
