The Liam Sweeney Songwriter Showcase Presenting Zoe Alexandra, Ike Thomas & Bluesman Mike Francis – Live at Prohibition

The Songwriter Showcase – Friday 22nd January 2027

A collection of material and solo performances from 4 very different, accomplished Merseyside based Songwriters. The event is being held in support of the Alder Hey Children’s Hospital where Bluesman Mike Francis late partner Sue spent her working life in the highly revered, specialist intensive care unit. The profits from the show will be donated to the unit.

The date also coincides with 11th anniversary of the tragic passing of one of Liverpool’s most celebrated songsmiths, Colin Vearncombe, aka ‘Black’. In memory one of his classic songs will be performed on the night. Is also a celebration of 50 years of touring for aforementioned Mike who completed their initial European musical adventure back in 1976.

Finally a mention for supporters UK volunteer organisation Play 2 All UK Directory that was set up in 2024 to get the lapsed, less able & more vulnerable reintroduced as well as new blood encouraged into our world renowned Live Music Scene. Scheme President, Britain’s first ever female World Champion Boxer, Jane Couch MBE will be in attendance. Thank you for supporting this promotion in a fantastic venue that promises to be a very special experience.

Liam Sweeney

Event host Liam Sweeney has been referred to as Liverpool’s own Bob Dylan. Having just completed his third US tour and now working on his third album, is fast becoming as prolific. His sharply delivered songs have a genuine sincerity and Liam has a passion for promoting the Song writing talent of Merseyside & the North West.

‘Liam returns to Prohibition Recording Studios for another songwriter showcase, he has recently released his third studio album ‘Rush To Escape’ and has another album on the way titled ‘Living With Gravitas’ Liam has a lot of releases under his belt and is a regular staple in the local music scene, a multi instrumentalist Liam likes to incorporate a lot of different instruments into his music such as Guitars, Harmonica, Flute, Piano, Saxaphone and Mandolin, he has also performed overseas too in the USA in places such as New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and Portland’.

Zoe Alexandra

Blending indie folk, soul and a sound that is distinctly her own, singer-songwriter Zoë Alexandra writes songs as a form of emotional excavation.

Through her deep and clear voice, raw and confessional stories of heartbreak, change, regret and self-discovery are shared honestly. Zoë skillfully balances intimate songwriting with a powerful vocal delivery, with each performance (accompanied by keys or guitar) given the space to take its own shape. Her music is personal without being overly polished, inviting audiences to fall into the stories and acknowledge their own moments of change.

Ike Thomas

Resonating a tapestry of loss, hope and human connection, Ike Thomas offers any listener a gentle escape into the tales of an artist paving their way their way to becoming one of liverpools most compelling storytellers.

Weaving their spiritual upbringing with a generous helping of vulnerability, and casting reflections of folk artists before them. Ike is carving out their own evolution of the genre. A nuanced style of humble story telling of the self and others met along the way. Their trademark voice, low and softly spoken, along with the music’s persuasive drift, instil a sense of warmth and invites you to jump in and surrender to its undertow

Bluesman Mike Francis

Publicly voted WRC UK Best Unplugged Act 2022 at the 100 Club London, former European Blues Awards finalist Bluesman Mike Francis now pioneers his very own brand ofNew Era Blues & Alt Rock. Recent UK tours include Erja Lyytinen (BBC6 Music), Big Boy Bloater, Chris Difford (Squeeze) & Cold Stares (USA). The event provides apersonal 50th Anniversary celebration of his first European tour. Also a member of community music and film project Echo Assembly, Mike is a well-recognised 12 String advocate & ambassador for custom made UK brand Winyard Guitars.

Consider this your chance, as a fan, to come hear the artist you love perform in an intimate, inner-city studio environment and also discover new, similar and fantastic musicians.

This is a unique gig experience that puts you at the heart of the artist’s performance.

Due to this we have a minimal talking/phone use policy during performances. Any unnecessary noise during performances will result in you being asked to leave the event.

We thank you for helping us to create a listening environment and respecting the artists.

No under 18s allowed.

Doors open at 19:00 and the show starts shortly after. We politely ask all guests to arrive within 30 minuites of the door opening time to ensure performances are not disturbed. Once performances start, our doors will be closed.

A large proportion of the revenue raised from ticket sales is returned to the artists as payment for their talent and musicianship.

Prohibition Recording Studios prides itself in having musical integrity on behalf of ourselves and the artists.

Tickets are allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis and are non-refundable for any reason.

Main Act: Liam Sweeney, Zoe Alexandra, Ike Thomas, Bluesman Mike Francis.

Support: N/A

More Info

Ticket sales end at 17:00 on the day of the event – No tickets will be available on the door unless specified by Prohibition Recording Studios. 

TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL GUESTS ON ENTRY. If you have any questions regarding the event or our policy’s, please view our terms and conditions and FAQ section. Unfortunately, due to building restrictions, we are not fully accessible and have no wheelchair access to our venue, we apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Sold Out? Drop us an email on info@prohibitionrecordingstudios.co.uk with the subject title ‘SIGN ME UP!’ and we’ll add you to our exclusive events newsletter so you don’t miss out next time.