At times like this, there’s only one way to beat the blues. Sing. So hallelujah to the Voices Festival heading our way this weekend.

For three days, under the very capable tonsils of the Sense of Sound choir Liverpool’s set to celebrate the very best of a cappella singing in all its spine tingling forms. From goosebump-inducing massed choirs to human beat-boxers, from Teflon-lunged Connie Lush to a big singalong in the Bluecoat, this weekend promises the chance for us all to make SingStars of ourselves.

The festival kicks off on Friday 16 March with a National Conference for Singing and Health featuring a number of presentations from key UK vocal experts, but then it’s on with the showtunes…

The Details

Friday evening’s concert celebrates Joni Mitchell. The concert will feature special guest star, Connie Lush, and the Sense of Sound Singers performing Mitchell’s hits in unique a cappella arrangements.

Saturday 17 March has performances and interactive events for singing enthusiasts, starting with a series of performances from choirs across the region. Merseyside choirs have been invited to perform in the Bluecoat Hub venue, and is a free event offering the opportunity to enjoy the musical diversity of a cappella singing. Members of the public are able to come along, enjoy the music and take part.

Choirs that will perform on the day include The Raucus Caucus Recovery Chorus; Vox Voices; Singing Our Socks Off; Liverpool Community Choir; Liverpool Harmonic Gospel Choir; Indigo Vibe.

Shlomo, takes to the stage at the Black-E arts venue - the one man beat box has shared a world stage with Björk, at the Athens Olympic opening ceremony to 4.5 billion viewers across the globe, and he’s worked with Martha Wainwright and Damon Albarn.

Shlomo is also in Liverpool to work alongside the Voices Festival to provide a workshop for local youth workers to learn more about his skill and how it can connect and inspire the young people of the city.

A free day of vocal fun will take place at the Bluecoat on Sunday 18 March. With interactive activities for all ages taking place throughout the day, this is any budding singer’s opportunity to take part in workshops covering many musical genres, with an a cappella twist.

The festival will end with a massive ‘Big Sing’, which will take place in the Bluecoat Hub on the afternoon of Sunday 18th.

Voices Festival
Friday 16 – Sunday 18 March
The Bluecoat & The Black-E
www.senseofsound.net