ORIGINAL BLUES, SOUL & ROCK’N’ROLL

WINNER BLUES & SOUL MAGAZINE “RISING STAR AWARD 2014
NOMINEE: BRITISH BLUES AWARD 2013 BEST ORIGINAL SONGWRITER
NOMINEE: MRU Awards 2012 BEST SINGLE (Lipstick & Cocaine)
WINNER: MRU Awards 2102 BEST BLUES/ROCK ACT

Mostly underground for years as a secret songwriter. Kaz Hawkins from East Belfast is now established as one the biggest singers to come out of Northern Ireland,  called “A Vocal Force” on stage, she envelops the fighting spirit of a true powerhouse singer in Blues/Soul & Rock n Roll. With comparisons to her idol Etta James, Mavis Staples, Janis Joplin, Kaz is loved for her down to earth attitude; she brings fun to every performance & is loved not only by her fans but anyone who meets her. She has lived and sang “The Blues” but has much more to offer across different genres in her song writing so is now embarking on an exciting mix of genres she has written for her debut album. With her album due for release on 27th August 2014 & a UK Tour September 2014 this formidable lady is a singer songwriter with a difference, she captivates an audition with her vocal range & emotional portrayal of her life.  GET READY 2014 is the title of Kaz’s album in dedication to East Belfast in her hope to show how much her community has suffered over the years but that there is hope for some much needed peace & love. Get Ready is also the name of her brand new vintage show.

  “Get Ready is a celebration of Life & Love“. & will be taken to venues across Northern Ireland. Featuring Stompin Heptkatz Dancers, Candy Girl Usherettes, Fire Eater’s & specially prepare visuals by Director Stephen Mullan.  Too book this show please email robmontmusic@gmail.com

With support gigs under belt such as Van Morrison, Nanci Griffiths, Pat McManus, Chris Farlowe, Matt Andersen & a special duet with Belfast’s Brian Kennedy when she supported his album launch.  Kaz has the backing of many influential representatives in Belfast with a recent presentation from The Lord Mayor of Belfast Máirtin Ó Muilleoir quoted saying “Belfast is proud of your talent & we know you will go on to great things & support you in all you do” when he was wishing East Belfast Arts Festival good luck in 2013.

Kaz will be the official opening concert of East Side Arts Festival 2014 being headlined by Van Morrison who will be throwing 3 concerts.

“Kaz Hawkins performs an exclusive debut album pre-launch concert. The official release date is 27th August but Kaz and her band will be giving an exclusive personal insight to her album especially for EastSide Arts Festival concert-goers. Awarded “Rising Star Award” of 2014 by the world famous Blues & Soul Magazine, Kaz will be heading off on her first UK Tour in September to promote the album Get Ready in which the title track is dedicated to East Belfast. She brings fun to every performance and captivates an audience with her vocal range and emotional portrayal of her life. An evening not to be missed”.

Below is a photo of Kaz with representatives from East Side Arts, Roger Courtney, Festival Director, Actor Sam McCready, Roisin McDonough,Chief Executive Arts Council of Northern Ireland, current Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Nichola Mallon,Culture Minister Caral Ni Chuilin and Maurice Kindead, CEO of East Belfast Partnership from the press launch at Orangefield school where Van Morrison will perform 3 concerts to say goodbye to his old school. (Photo credit Paul Faith

Kaz has also written the anthem for Cancer Focus Northern Ireland CHARITY & has donated the song “Run for yer Man” for download for Cancer Research in 2013

EAST SIDE SESSIONS a landmark cultural project aimed at showcasing the creative musical talent and iconic locations across East Belfast. The project ‘Eastside Sessions’, led by EAST SIDE ARTS and STRANDTOWN STUDIOS in conjunction with GIGA TRAINING, EAST BELFAST PARTNERSHIP and MOJO FILMS BELFAST is a digital production features 10 music videos filmed in iconic locations across the East of the City.

The production includes exclusive performances from, Duke Special, Eric Bell of Thin Lizzy, Gareth Dunlop, Kaz Hawkins, Dave C Clements, Belfast Community Gospel Choir, Edelle McMahon, Anthony Toner, Matt McGinn, Ken Haddock and Brian Houston.

KAZ SUPPORTS NEW CHARITY

Kaz has chosen EAST BELFAST COUNSELLING as her new charity. From June 2014- June 2015 Kaz will help highlight Depression, Suicide & other critical issues in her local community & around Northern Ireland.  We will be bringing the Get Ready Show to the counselling center in December for a Christmas Spectacular event including some very special guests. More announcements soon.

East Belfast Counselling website
http://www.eastbelfastcounselling.org/

They are also on FACEBOOK for anyone willing to show support or if you just need some advice on where to go if you need help.

East Belfast Community Counselling, East Belfast Network Centre, 55 Templemore Avenue, Belfast BT5 4FP,

Tel: 028 90460489, Email: info@eastbelfastcounselling.org

Kaz is very humbled to be invited to perform in the ONE LOVE MUSICAL at The Mac Theatre Belfast on 14th August 2014.  Written by Siobhan & David Brown inspired by key messages in songs of Jamaican reggae legend Bob Marley focusing on reflection,  redemption, unity and love for humanity;  ‘One Love’ explores the subject of mental slavery through music and a series of gripping monologues, visual imagery, poetry and creative dance.

This edgy performance will take you on a roller-coaster journey of deep emotions as well as providing the perfect opportunity to share in jubilant expressions of freedom.  The storyline follows the lives of characters representing our diverse Northern Ireland cultures and highlights how hate and intolerance has slowly enslaved the minds of so many. The production highlights the inner turmoil and challenges faced by people struggling with issues of displacement, migration, slavery, human trafficking and other human rights injustices.

(Taken from ARTS COUNCIL NORTHERN IRELAND WEBSITE)