All aboard!
All aboard!
The Groovetrain rolls into Gateshead’s Glasshouse this weekend with a star-studded posse of first-class entertainers on board. Simon Rushworth caught up with conductor Michael Lavery.
It was De La Soul who declared three to be the magic number and, for two of the North East’s favourite charities, one of hip hop’s most famous lines is set to ring true this weekend.
The third Groovetrain and Friends show, taking place at Gateshead’s Glasshouse on Sunday, might be a celebration of all things soul, funk and disco.
But it doubles up as a golden opportunity to shine a light on the excellent work of the Sir Graham Wylie Foundation and Teenage Cancer Trust — and raise vital funds for two worthy causes.
“Ten years ago I booked Hall Two at was then The Sage and took a risk,” explains Groovetrain founder, event organiser and musical director Michael Lavery — a man who wears so many hats as a central figure within the region’s vibrant music scene that he’s been known to pack a hatstand, as well as a mic stand, in the boot of his car.
“We wanted to raise money for the Rainbow Trust children’s charity and I wanted to do something special for the North East.
“Groovetrain was joined by Brendan Healy, doing a comedy spot, Baz Warne from The Stranglers, Imogen Williams — who’s really making waves as Imogen and the Knife right now — and Russ Tippins straight from the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal!
“That was my first line-up and everyone loved it. I think we raised around £7,000 and so, five years later, we decided to do it all over again.
“Vic Hope hosted the second i and this time we had Ryan Molloy, from the Jersey Boys, singing Frankie Valli, the Voices of Virtue Gospel Choir, Beth Macari and more. We raised £10,000 for the Graham Wylie Foundation that night and I’ve been working with them ever since.
“Now it’s time to celebrate the hat-trick!”
And Newcastle United fanatic Michael could be forgiven for stuffing the match ball up his top and racing along the banks of the Tyne arms aloft, such is the stellar line up of Groovetrain and Friends MkIII.
Three really is the magic number.
Of course there’s the über cool house band: in 2024 Groovetrain features Hairy Biker Si King, Sam Fender alumnus Johnny Blue Hat and Michael himself — joined by an array of dazzling musical and vocal talent.
There’s the razor-sharp funk rock of Edinburgh trio High Fade — fresh from a sold-out US tour and a game changing Glastonbury set — and powerhouse choir Northern Harmonix.
“Comedian and actor Jason Cook will be our compere for the night and I can’t wait to get back into Hall Two and recreate that classic Groovetrain and Friends vibe,” adds Michael.
“I love that venue and we’re so lucky to have it on our doorstep. It’s going to be a fantastic night and I’m hoping we raise a huge amount of money.
“Everyone involved is doing this for free and it brings home the generosity of the North East’s entertainment scene.”
Michael, as usual, has been a busy man this year, adding one of Newcastle’s best loved bars and music venues to his ever expanding portfolio of interests.
Earlier this month he was confirmed as the new face of Hoochie Coochie — fronting a three-man buy-out team — and his plans for the Pilgrim Street venue know no bounds.
“I’ve played there, partied there and met a bunch of amazing people there,” he adds.
“We’ve already lined up a great roster of talent for the next few weeks and we’ve got huge plans for the place. Watch this space!”
Groovetrain and Friends III takes place at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music on September 22. For the last remaining tickets visit the website.