Soulfest Northwest

When Amy Foley had a pacemaker fitted, it meant that her chances of a kidney and pancreas transplant ended, because of the trauma risk to her heart. Amy is an end-stage renal patient which means Amy is a terminally-ill kidney dialysis patient at Hope Hospital satellite dialysis unit in Rochdale.
Amy’s husband and full-time carer, Steve Foley, inspired by his wife’s courage, has come out of retirement to write, record & produce an album of original soul influence songs.
The album SoulFest will be launched and given away free to attendees at SoulFest
Northwest an al-day soul festival taking place on Sunday 25th September 2016 at the O2 Ritz Manchester.
The purpose of the album and series of events is to raise funds for charities close to their hearts. The charities to benefit are Cancer Research UK, British Kidney Patients Association and Help Musicians.
SoulFest NorthWest features live acts plus Northern Soul & Motown DJ’s. Most of the acts contributed to the SoulFest album by F.O.L.E.Y & Friends. Acts include extraordinary Soul vocalist Johnny ‘Boy’ Pryers, local legend Dougie James Soul Train, Groovemental - 9-piece Soul/Disco band who put the fun in funk – guaranteed to fill the Ritz famous sprung dancefloor. The UK’s #1 Lionel Ritchie tribute Hamilton Browne who has a huge following locally will have them Dancing on the Ceiling. Soulvation are a 5-piece band featuring soul-lady Angela Foy, Manchester’s answer to Nile Rogers, guitarist Alan Clare duets with Linda Jennings as Clare & Jennings. Take That vocal coach, Sheila Gott will belt out a set of Motown hits. The lineup of Northern Soul DJ’s will be finalised in the next week.

The album is currently being finalised at Gracieland Studio, Rochdale (owned by Lisa Stansfield) and sees Steve reunited with his former employee Steve Boyce-Buckley who got his start as a sound engineer at Steve Foley’s Smile Studio in the 1970’s - 80’s.
Smile Studios was in Whalley Range, opened in 1975 where Steve produced many upcoming bands & artistes including Mick Hucknall (pre Simply Red), Mike Sweeney (Salford Jets), Pete Shelley (Buzzcocks) made a solo album with Tony Wilson & his wife, The Alarm from North Wales were regulars, Mick Colman (Brian & Michael) recorded 2 albums, US balladeer Solomon King plus many punk and New Wave acts such as Fast Cars and many local Soul & Reggae bands from nearby Moss Side came through Smile. In all Foley produced over 300 records with over 120 on his own Smile Records. (Some now collectors items on eBay).
SoulFest NorthWest is the first in a series of fundraising events which also include SoulFest
-2-
Show Sat 1st October at Heywood Civic Centre and SoulFest NorthWest Xmas Bash Sunday 18 December at O2Ritz Manchester.
Tickets will be available from O2 Ritz Box Office, Ticketweb, Ticketline, Ticketmaster and See Tickets at just £11 plus booking fee – all attendees will receive a FREE copy of the CD as they leave the gig. This is a family / inclusive event aimed at dancers of all ages - youngsters under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Gig times are 2pm-10pm