North Yorkshire’s SoundwavesandEscapades are off to the Live and Unsigned Festival while the Latin American colour of the VAMOS! Festival returns.

Viv Hardwick and Helen Brown report.

AFTER battling through an audition and two live heats in Newcastle, Soundwavesand Escapades from Northallerton/Thirsk have made it through to the National Grand Final of Live and Unsigned at the IndigO2, O2, London, on July 10.

The band’s journey began by auditioning against thousands of other acts across the UK and impressing the judging panel with their originality. Finally, they dazzled their way to victory at the North East and Scotland Final in Newcastle on April 25.

Now they’re off to London to take part in the Live and Unsigned Festival.

SoundwavesandEscapades will be performing on the main stage in front of a live crowd and judging panel. Some of the biggest names in the industry will be there to cast their eye over the unsigned talent including the legendary Noddy Holder, Radio 1’s primetime presenter Greg James, Urban DJ, Presenter and Radio 1’s Ras Kwame and RnB mega star Shola Ama.

This is the biggest original music competition in the UK for unsigned bands and artists and has attracted over 30, 000 entries in the past three years, with all genres of music represented, from Heavy Rock to Rap.

The line-up of Phil Ellis, producer/DJ; Toastie Taylor, MC; Louise Dawson, vocals and Alex Cromarty, drums, will now attempt to win part of the prize pool of over £75,000.

Things of offer include allexpenses paid trips to India and Italy to be part of two major festials, a slot on the main stage of Hellfire Festival, state of the art equipment, front cover features in popular music magazines, clothing, days out, coverage, development master classes and other highlights.

The overall winner gains equipment, coverage and promotion. They’ll also be offered a recording and management contract with Future Music to release a single, develop their own clothing brand to sell online and in retail with Extreme State.

Chris Grayston, events eirector of Live & Unsigned says: “We’re all about originality, live ability and credibility. It’s a fantastic achievement to make it to the Grand Final and there are plenty of opportunities for all acts taking part, not just for the winner. We’ve got some fantastic judges on board at the IndigO2 and I’m excited to see what the acts can do on the main stage.”

The winners will also tour the UK.

Tickets are available from the website and so are details of how to enter next year’s competition. Go to liveandunsigned.uk.com VAMOS! Festival 2010 returns from July 2-11 July 2010 with events across the North-East celebrating the culture and vibrancy of Latin and Lusophone (Portuguese speaking) cultures.

Live Lucha Libre (masked Mexican wrestling) is likely to be one of the highlights at The Star and Shadow Cinema in Byker on July 9 at 7.30pm, tickets £7.50.

There will also be a chance to book for secret restaurants in Latin homes across Newcastle and Gateshead plus an exclusive performance and discussions with members of the Danza Contemporanea de Cuba on July 5. Ten actionpacked days will also include contemporary and traditional Latin music, vibrant visual art exhibitions, authentic Latin cuisine and the popular Festival Outdoor Picnic in Saltwell Park, Gateshead, on July 3, 12pm to 5pm.

The event launches at Newcastle’s Dance City on July 2 with an evening of performances including Transtango, a bewitching and evocative audio-visual concert with live dance.

Latin Fever will grip The Sage Gateshead on July 4 when BBC Strictly Come Dancing favourites Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova will be joined by four leading Latin American dance duos.

vamosfestival.com