Americana music at the Muni

Music lovers are in for a treat when the very best of international Americana and folk music comes to Pontypridd in September.

Across The Borders offers music across two venues, The Muni Arts Centre, Pontypridd, on Saturday, September 5, 2009, from 7.30pm and on Sunday, September 6, at the Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl, from 1pm to 11pm.

The weekend of music is a new partnership between Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Bridgend County Borough Council Arts and Cultural departments and independent promoters Gathered in Song, supported by Capital Region Tourism.

Americana - a fusion of folk, rock, country and the blues, developed as an antidote to the radio-friendly polished sound of the 1990s music scene. Some of the biggest Americana names will be taking part in Across The Borders.

Performances at the Muni feature Richmond Fontaine, Willard Grand Conspiracy and Peter Bruntnell. Richmond Fontaine have established themselves as torchbearers of Americana alternative folk music. Willard Grant Conspiracy are a musical collective performing sophisticated lyrics, baroque chamber pop or noisy rock. Peter Bruntnell, a songwriter with many qualities has been described by Rolling Stone as "one of England's best kept musical secrets".

Live shows at the Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl, will feature Vetiver, Magnolia Electric Co, Adem, Alasdair Roberts, Aidan Moffat and Ohbijou.

Tickets for each venue are £17.50 per person or £30 for both days available at both venues by calling the Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl, Tel: 01656 815995 or The Muni, Pontypridd, Tel: 01443 485934.

The £30 weekend ticket also allows anyone who books accommodation in Porthcawl to take advantage of a FREE bus service, courtesy of Gwyn Jones and Son Ltd, which departs from The Muni and drops concert-goers at their accommodation following Saturday's show. Accommodation details are available at each venue and free bus travel can be booked by calling 07748 1600 40 or by emailing: gatheredinsong@yahoo.co.uk.