Gerry & the Pacemakers were at their height during the 1960s. In common with The Beatles, they came from Liverpool and were managed by Brian Epstein. They are most remembered for being the first act to reach number one in the UK Singles Chart with their first three single releases.

To really appreciate the hard work that is going into preparations for the People’s Opera, YourThurrock spent the afternoon at rehearsals.

It is a fascinating process. Director Tom Guthrie spends a long time with the “people’s” performers, choreographing and nurturing them. It is interesting to watch those involved as we see them in their “ordinary” walks of life. Mike Ostler from the Heritage Groups, Karen Glazzard from the Beehive and Jeffrey Nathan from the Grays Community Forum.

The film is divided into two parts:

The first is a series of interviews with the staff involved. The second is the culmination of a week of rehearsals.

Touring the country, the “So you want to be famous” panel will be out to source the best unsigned music talent the UK has to offer.

Whether a band, solo singer, rapper or a fully committed choir, if you think you can hit the notes necessary then this competition is for you.

Kat Price ……..“I know it’s going to be a huge project to try and change people’s perception of the dreaded “Talent Competition” but our team has the natural ‘go get it’ ambition. None of us are lime light grabbers and all work together to achieve one goal – to find a hidden talent”.

Applications can be submitted now until the end of January with auditions starting from January through until March.

“There is no entry fee attached to this competition. We wanted to make sure it was viable for everybody. So many young musicians spend all of their savings just to take part and try out; we didn’t want to be attached to that.” Said Kat.

As well as Kat the judges consist of Tom Fowler Co-Director, and Co-Director, Amanda Jacks, Vicky Jones, Songwriter.

So if you think you can sing the blues, or create your own sound of music then visit their facebook site or e.mail soyouwanttobefamous@hotmail.com and apply to guarantee your place today.

The band include former Gable Hall student Jack Allinson. The group are blessed with a singer with a glorious voice who, with the rest of the band produce an elegiacal pop, a smoother Radiohead, a tougher Turin Brakes or simply Films in Colour.

Have a look at the interview and then watch one of their earlier videos.

ON OCTOBER 7th a showcase for emerging talent will be launched at the Thameside Theatre.

The show is the brainchild of singing teacher, Shana Elliott-Hayers and Jo Hyland. Shana felt that many young singers were not getting enough or indeed any experience of performing on their own on stage.

So, the process is simple: book yourself a slot, turn up, bring your music, get up on the stage and sing. The performance will be filmed by YourThurrock and published on the site that week.

The singer can then look back on their performance enabling them to learn and develop. The central theme of the show is learning your craft. It is not the X Factor.

If the pilot is successful, then the show will run once a month in 2011.

YourThurrock’s Lucy Jordan interviewed Shana and Jo at the Thameside to find out a little bit more.

Application Forms can be obtained from: yourvoice@live.co.uk
The Facebook site is called…YourVoice

We caught up with John at The Ship in East Tilbury where he performed ‘Just Loving You” and then spoke to us about his plans for the rest of the year.

It doesn’t get better than that. It is good to see the young talent working together. Have a listen, have a look.

We will be catching up with both artists very soon.

Drew, 17, from Bulphan, recently appeared at the Live and Unsigned at Shepherd’s Bush.

The audience loved him both on and off the stage on what was a cracking sunday afternoon at the T-Fest.

We caught him backstage before he went on to wow the crowd.

It is amazing how many of the crowd are familiar with his work and enjoyed singing along to the music. Listen to Mosquito and you will see that the production values have increased.

You should also watch the performance of Mosquito to see TDF play the last part of the song on the floor!

A remarkable artist whose career is steadily being nurtured by management team, Gary Walker Associates and at home by biggest fan, mother, Terri Gray.

The main object was to raise funds for St Luke’s Hospice and Janet couldn’t have been more pleased with the turn out. She will already be thinking ahead to next years concert and as this annual event grows in popularity then it’s good news for everybody. I must say well done to the publicity team on this event who must be delighted with the fruits of their labours.

A lot of the artists that came on stage at Hassenbrook took on a number of challenging songs. That is brave as it could very easily go wrong.

Kieran took on an acoustic version of Poker Face by Lady Gaga. We were impressed. Tell us what you think.

Kieran is a member of a local band called Blur in Blue. We look forward to catching up with them soon.

The Overtures are described by no less a figure as Sir Elton John as ” They’re just the best band of their kind in the world”. What that kind of band is you’ll have to find out for yourself.

So bring a picnic, hope this glorious summer continues and turn up at Baker Street Mill in Orsett at 1.00pm . Oh bring your own chair and £12 as well. Tickets on the day will cost £15 .Enjoy

Sunday 18th July 1.00.pm to 5pm.

Gates open 12 noon

A new album is out soon and Jordan tells me its going to be rockier and a change in direction from his last outing. Can’t wait

Here he is then at this years Basfest