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Catatonia star back in Cardiff 30/5/2006
Cerys Matthews returns to her old stomping ground from her home in the US this summer when she headlines the distinctly Welsh flavoured Admiral Cardiff Big Weekend on August 6 to round off the 2006 Cardiff Festival.
The Admiral Cardiff Big Weekend provides the traditional festival finale with three days of big names on the Memory Lane stage, and one of Europe's largest funfairs in the grand setting of the city's Civic Centre making up the UK's biggest FREE outdoor festival.
This is the biggest date on the former Catatonia singer's Welsh programme this summer, and marks her return to her birthplace. Councillor Nigel Howells, Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture said: "This year's Admiral Cardiff Big Weekend has one of the strongest line-ups for years. The many local fans of Cerys Matthews will have the opportunity to see the international star return to her home town to play live in the open air, and the programme is full of quality and home grown talent."
After the demise of Catatonia, Cerys' first solo recording was the theme for the S4C children's show Sali Mali. And in March 2002 she appeared at the Radio 2 Folk Awards to perform a duet with Eliza Carthy. In May 2003 she returned to the spotlight with the release of her debut solo album, the country-tinged Cockahoop. Cut adrift from mainstream musical trends, and produced by Bob Dylan's producer Bucky Baxter, it was a delightful and playful collection that proved hers was no fleeting talent.
Her Cardiff appearance ties in with the release of Cerys' new album on Rough Trade in late summer.
In addition to Cerys, this year's Admiral Big Weekend has a strong Welsh flavour starting on Friday with 80s heroes The Alarm back together and headlining, along with Katrina and the Waves, with their evergreen summer anthem 'Walking on Sunshine' and Eurovision Song Contest winner 'Love Shine A Light'; and 2-tone originals The Selecter with a selection of hit songs including 'On My Radio'.
On Saturday Kubb headline following a successful first album 'Mother', performances on Top of the Pops CD:UK and Popworld and a nomination for Channel 4's Best New Band For 2006 award at this year's Smash Hits Poll Winners' Party. They are supported by Cowbridge's own The Automatic (single 'Monster'), labeled 'the sound of 2006' by the NME who describe their live performance as 'an aural kick in the teeth'. Also on the Saturday bill are The Infidels, with their rockin' 60s Britpop style; and Crimea, co-founded by Welsh NME journalist Owen Hopkins.
Sunday features an eclectic musical mix with TexMex band Los Pacaminos featuring Paul Young, who had worldwide hits with 'Every Time You Go Away', and 'Wherever I Lay My Hat'; along with driving Transylvanian rhythms from Mukka; Stereo MCs who had a major hit with 'Connected'; and Cerys topping off a great weekend of music.
Also on the weekend, the Memory Lane Music Mix competition will give a new young band from the area the chance to perform on the Memory Lane Stage.
Justin Beddows of sponsor Admiral said: "Once again there is a brilliant line up of music for this year's Admiral Cardiff Big Weekend, with some classic acts and some exciting new talent. I'm sure everyone who goes along will find something to enjoy. It promises to be a great event and a real highlight in the summer calendar."
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