SONI celebrate 50th gig in Lisburn

WHEN local promoters SO:NI held the first of their monthly showcase gigs at Hague’s Bar, Lisburn back in January 2008, little did they know of what future the shows may hold. They simply knew that Lisburn needed a regular night of live music, and resolved to make it happen.

Happily, they have now reached the milestone of 50 gigs in the city, and are holding a special one-off Saturday night show to celebrate – and hope to throw a great party for all the bands and punters who have supported this showcase along the way.

The night will be headlined by perennial rockers Pay*ola, a band with big links to Lisburn, and a reputation for a passionate and gutsy live show. The boys are ending a challenging year on a high note - after guitarist Nick Joseph received a head injury whilst boxing the band had to put all plans on ice, but have returned to gigging and have also finished recording 4 tracks for a new E.P. There have still been many highlights this year though, including headlining the Anlassen motorbike and music festival in Germany, a storming set at Sunflowerfest, a trip to play the Rock the Rovers festival in Scotland and a recent headliner at the Empire Music Hall, Belfast. The band rate Hague’s as one of their favourite small venues to play, and promise to end the night on a high.

Special guests on the night are Deadlights – a Lisburn alternative rock 4-piece who will debut their brand new line-up on the night, following the addition of new guitarist Aaron McDowell. An energetic and edgy live proposition – Deadlights, like all of the other bands on the bill, have been regular performers at and supporters of the SO:NI shows in the city, and their big riffs and deceptively catchy melodies are a highlight of any gig.

Also playing is Full Rejector – a young Lisburn alt-rock power trio with a growing following and an increasingly original sound, combining attitude and a punky enthusiasm. The boys were finalists at the Music Quest in the Island Arts Centre earlier this year.

Kicking the night off is Smoking Tongue, who’s soulful and powerful rock is reminiscent of Pear Jam and The Who. This is also a very appropriate booking, as the lads opened up the very first SO:NI show in Lisburn, almost 4 years ago.

Doors open at 8.30pm, admission is only £4.50 – and as they are the main bookers for Sunflowerfest, there will also be great value Early Bird tickets for next year’s festival available on the night.

SO:NI will also host a Xmas party show in Hague’s on Monday December 19 with The Dead Presidents, The Everyday Superheroes, Duncan Campbell & The Duty Paid Society and Ezekiel Boom. Any acts interested in playing a SO:NI slot should contact them though Facebook by searching Soni Live – the showcases have featured many great acts over the years, including Mojo Fury, Two Door Cinema Club, Rams’ Pocket Radio, Silhouette, Aaron Shanley and Nasa Assassin – maybe your band could be next.

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