Leamington pub to showcase up-and-coming talent at open mic night

The event is being run by Ishia McKenley from up-and-coming Warwickshire urban duo VOIS.

“It’s exciting to be a part of a night like this, there isn’t another like it in Leamington,” said the 24-year-old.

“There are so many local acts doing amazing things within their scene, it’s so important that people are kept up to date and know where to find them. Musically it could be a huge year for artists in this town.”

One half of jazz and hip-hop duo VOIS, Ishia performs alongside 20-year-old Warwick rapper Luke Hartnett, aka Trojan.

The pair have been attracting attention from major record labels this year and have just completed recording their debut EP.

“This will be a great opportunity for local musicians to really build their home fan base and push their original material,” she said.

Other acts taking part include Levi Washington and Littlejack, who have both recently featured on BBC Introducing. Littlejack got to the bootcamp stage of XFactor in 2011, competing under her real name Faye Horne and Joe Doleman a singer songwriter.

Sarah Miller, who owns the Newbold Comyn Arms pub and events venue, said: “There are so many fantastic young artists in the area that we thought this would be a great way to show off all that talent.

“We’ve done open mic nights in the past, but this is going to be bigger than that, and a perfect way to finish the Bank Holiday weekend. We want to make it a monthly event, so if we are successful, it could be a great platform for young artists in the future.”

Opening especially for the event on Bank Holiday Monday, the pub will be offering a set menu to complement the evening’s entertainment, which starts around 7.30 pm