Local artists will get in formation to "slay" the music of Beyoncé at a unique live event.
ReWork: Beyoncé will see Norfolk artists cover iconic tracks from the Crazy In Love singer on September 29.
ReWork is a new local music event taking place every six weeks at Norwich Puppet Theatre. Each show sees five of Norfolk’s best artists interpret and reimagine classic hits in their own style.
So far, the event has featured the music of Fleetwood Mac and ABBA, with local artists including legendary jazz pop producer Gus Harvey, Grammy winner Harry Edwards, BBC Introducing's Sound of 2023 Kaspar Larsen, folk singer Marina Florance and Great Yarmouth rock band Jehenna.
Local musicians Kitty Perrin, Ben Rodwell and Alexander Carson launched the event in the aftermath of the pandemic to celebrate and encourage the local music scene.
“We are lucky to have so many brilliant local bands as well as an enthusiastic and supportive audience for local music,” said ReWork programmer Kitty Perrin.
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“We wanted to find a way to introduce some of these amazing local artists to new audiences who don’t normally attend local gigs, whilst also making use of a different venue.”
Kitty said that new artists must be able to grow their audience if they want to make a career in music.
“Artists in Norfolk can struggle because we are so out of the way in Norfolk and it can be hard to get out to other places to play.
“If everyone in a local scene is excited about a new artist, the industry will pay attention. ReWork felt like a really exciting way to introduce local artists to new audiences.”
Artists are asked to perform two cover versions by the same spotlight artist and two original songs.
“Our hope is that the audience will come along because they love The Beatles, for example, and leave as a fan of some new local artists too!” Kitty said.
“We have such a rich local music scene with so much amazing music right here on our doorstep and we feel that more people should get to be a part of it.”
The event on September 29 will feature Norfolk-based Mama Oh No, a four-piece British-Danish soul rock band.
The group was signed to hmv’s 1921 Records following a performance in hmv’s Norwich outlet in Chantry Place as part of the music retailer’s nationwide search for unsigned talent.
After being selected from more than 70 nominated acts, Mama Oh No will release their debut album Mamasaurus on vinyl on October 27.
Mama Oh No’s Jack Blair said: “We’re over the moon to be signed to 1921 Records, a label with the might of hmv behind it. It’s going to be a special moment seeing our vinyl on the shelves.”
But adapting the songs of ‘Queen Bey’ presents a different challenge.
“It's going to be new for us,” Jack said. “We actually haven't done a single cover ever. We're going to break down her tracks for what they are.”
The upcoming ReWork: Beyoncé show will also feature R&B artist Isamya, punk band Femme De and Lucy Pearson as DJ L U. Each event also features two performances from the House Band, which will be led by folk singer-songwriter Jeffrey Smith.
Future ReWork events include The Beatles on November 10 and Christmas Classics on December 15.
For more information, follow @reworknorwich and book tickets here.
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