A POPULAR Whitehaven singer has bitten the bullet to form her first band, with its first gig coming to Egremont.

Cindy Hoten has selected what she describes as a “meticulously hardworking and passionate” group of local musicians as she embarks on bringing to life her dream of a vintage band with a contemporary twist.

The band, named Cindy and The Bullets, will perform their first gig at Egremont’s Florence Arts Centre next Friday and Cindy says it’s been a “long time coming”.

“I decided to finally form the band after performing at Silloth festival last year and realising the stage was far too big for just little old me,” the 37-year-old said. “Lots of my followers had asked me when I was going to be in a band again, but it had to be right.”

Having performed around the county at weddings, corporate events, festivals and private functions for the last decade, Cindy says she’s looking forward to a new challenge.

She said: “I wasn’t prepared to work with just anyone, I needed a group that was meticulous hardworking and as passionate about the creation of what we deliver as I am.

“I had been seeking advice and mentoring from George Hexman from the band The Hexmen in Liverpool and was prepared to search the whole of the UK for the right people.”

Cindy didn’t have to search quite that far but she did find the people she was looking for.

Firstly Mike Ames. A London-born pianist and keyboard player who now lives in Broughton. Then it was Jimmy Bell, from Egremont, who, with over 30 years of musical experience, successfully toured the country with his last band Salvador and will play bass for Cindy’s band.

Her next pick was to find a drummer and, in Jonathan Gash, she found one. Having worked with Britain’s Got Talent winners Collabro, Cindy says Jonathan’s passion for music “shines through”. Last but not least was duo Anna Brown, trumpet, and Sarah Taylor, on the trombone. The St Bees pair were the final piece in Cindy’s puzzle.

Cindy said: “I’ve spoken with many bands over the years, asking for advice, and was told it’s hard work and to not stop until you’ve got the right crew. I’ve no doubt in my mind that the group of people I’ve had the good fortune to meet are the right crew for me. It’s the right time and together we will have many adventures.

“After performing solo at The Maryport Blues festival last weekend and chatting with my followers about the band, I cannot wait for everyone to meet them.”

Describing the band’s style Cindy said they will have a “unique sound” but admitted it wasn’t easy to pin down.

“Think 1920s bank robbers hosting a party for The Great Gatsby with a vintage twist and contemporary mixer, and you’re halfway there,” she said.

“We want to give new songs a vintage sound and old songs a new twist and when all that comes together that’ll be our sound.”

The launch is on Friday, August 8. Doors open at 7.30pm with the show starting at 8pm. Tickets can be bought from 01946 824946 or going to www.florencemine.com. The audience is encouraged to dress up to match a Great Gatsby theme.

n Also being held at Florence Arts Centre is a one-man homage to fictional detective Sherlock Holmes. The show includes autobiographical snippets detailing his life and times, the adversaries he has faced and mysteries he has solved. It takes place this Saturday at 8pm. Tickets as above.