As part of the incredible ‘Music Migrations’ themed Commissions at Liverpool International Music Festival 2015, The Routes Jukebox live show will retrace the key influencing records that came to Liverpool from the U.S. after World War II inspiring pioneering movements from Merseybeat to Doo Wop to Rock n' Roll. Musically directed by Grammy award-winning producer Steve Levine and presented by BBC Radio 2’s Janice Long, the event will welcome a plethora of legendary as well as emerging artists who encapsulate these influences and who will share their own sounds via live performances. 

Special guests include local chart toppers The Farm, along with Chris Difford of The Squeeze, guitarist Ian Prowse, R&B singer Terri Walker, reggae crooner Christopher Ellis signed to Damien Marley's label and LIMF Academy's latest protege and huge talent, Jalen Ngonda. The performances will be backed by an all-star band comprising of Paul Weller's drummer, Steve White, bassist Martyn Campbell of the Lightning Seeds and The Waterboys' Richard Naiff on keys. Taking place at Liverpool's Epstein theatre on 28th June, tickets are available at £10 with one final very special guest to be announced soon.

The documentary and live event will tell the definitive story about the cultural impact of music from the Americas and the resulting tide of influence Liverpool bands have had on the world of music.

Special Guest TBA, The Farm, Chris Difford (Squeeze), Ian Prowse (Amsterdam/Pele,| Terri Walker, Christopher Ellis (Damian Marley's Ghetto Youth International Crew), The Hummingbirds, Natalie McCool, Jalen Ngonda (LIMF Academy 2015).

Steve Levine, Routes Jukebox Music Director comments, "I'm excited to be Involved with the LIMF festival for 2015, the success of last year’s " Assembly Point Sessions" really showed me how receptive audiences can be to unique musical events. This year’s commission "Routes Jukebox" builds on that success and exams the influential records and music that arrived in the Liverpool area via "The Cunard Yanks" - This music became the catalyst for the young musicians and songwriters in the North West - that new music became the Mersey Beat that rocked the world forever. Our event at the legendary and iconic Epstein Theatre, takes the form of a live radio documentary presented and narrated by broadcaster Janice Long along with an all star house band and some very special guests. An evening of rich musical delights will await you …"

Broadcaster and Mercury Music Prize judge Janice Long comments: “When I was asked to take part in this special event I jumped at the chance. I love music. I get such a buzz from finding new talent but at the same time I get excited about where the inspiration comes from. Liverpool has played an absolutely massive part in the music industry and we can put that down to what was coming in at the port. Our heritage is unbelievable. Liverpool and music have blessed me with my beautiful career which kicked off at Radio Merseyside, made me an honoured friend of LIPA presented by Paul McCartney last year and given me awards for my outstanding contribution to music. Thank God I was born here."

LIMF's Music Curator, Yaw Owusu comments, "The Routes Jukebox live show is one not to be missed as it will not just be thoroughly entertaining but also a dynamic musical education - with some surprises planned!"

Further additions to LIMF's esteemed line-up includes two exciting collaborations on LIMF Summer Jam's It's Liverpool stage. Sunday's programme welcomes 'Herstory'. From Lita Roza, through to Cilla Black, right through to Atomic Kitten and Rebecca Ferguson, women have always been right at the heart of making Liverpool music great. This show features a brilliant all female in house band specially put together for the event and the always magical Sense of Sound Singers. All this and a stunning line up of featured artists including Natalie McCool, Jennifer John (Founder, Sense of Sound and lead singer with Killerfernandez), Siobhan Maher Kennedy (ex River City People) and Jayne Casey (Big In Japan, Pink Military/Pink Industry) with a stunning mixture of original material and a few carefully selected covers. Helping to pull this unique collaboration together are Keith Mullin (The Farm /LIPA lecturer) and Kev McManus.

Monday's collaboration comes in the form of "Loveless ft Esco Williams" where Liverpool‘s acclaimed singer/songwriter/producer Esco Williams is joining with new Liverpool band Loveless to create an unmissable unique exclusive live performance at LIMF. Esco has spent the past 6 months in Los Angeles, Stockholm and London writing and producing for his protégé's MiC LOWRY as well as other international acts. He is returning home to work with Loveless who are a recent Liverpool Echo ‘Buzz Band of the Week’ and were shortlisted ‘2015 Ones to Watch’ by Getintothis. Both acts have already enjoyed ongoing support from Dave Monks at BBC Introducing in Merseyside, and the fruits of their collaboration are sure to be a highlight of LIMF.

LIMF is an inherently different festival representing the latest chapter of an ever-evolving global music city. Presenting its most ambitious and vibrant programme to date, Liverpool welcomes artists, creatives and music-lovers for a celebration like no other and one not to be missed. The five-day programme will encompass Commissions, Partnerships and the grand finale, LIMF Summer Jam, and will take place over several iconic Liverpool venues including Sefton Park. The programme will continue to cement Liverpool International Music Festival as the must-visit musical event of the summer.