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³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Kent Introducing, the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳'s weekly radio showcase of Kent's best new music, is bringing rising indie star Nick Harrison home for a special, one-off show to open the county's newest entertainment venue, Quarterhouse.

The ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Kent Introducing 1st Birthday Party, on Friday 6 March 2009, will be the first gig to grace the stage at the Folkestone venue as part of its first Music Month.

Folkestone born-and-bred singer-songwriter Nick, whose album One Drop is due out this year, is headlining the event alongside a line-up celebrating the best of Kent's new music scene, as heard on ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Kent Introducing, Sundays, 8.00-9.00pm.

Also performing will be the female-fronted indie quintet Kids Love Lies, Global Battle of the Bands winners Floors and Walls from Thanet, Tunbridge Wells four-piece Seven Story Down who have been played by Huw Stephens on ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Radio 1, and Folkestone act Elephants whose unique brand of indie-pop is a favourite of Steve Lamacq.

Performing acoustic sets between acts will be Tunbridge Wells sensation Tom Williams and The Boat, who played at Radio 1's Big Weekend and have been featured on three of the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳'s national radio stations.

Also on the bill is Ramsgate rapper MC Spooka, Tunbridge Wells experimental MC Mr Basista and Maidstone hip-hop collective Outa City Committee.

³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Kent Introducing presenter Jim Bursey said: "It's been a fantastic first year for ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Kent Introducing. We've developed a really strong following and most importantly more and more local acts are getting in touch.

"Live events like this are absolutely critical to building Kent's music scene and letting people know the talent we have.

"There's so much going on across the Kent music community and with ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Kent Introducing we can help give all this activity a focus. We're keen to help bring the community together and get Kent acts the national attention that they deserve.

"There's no reason why Kent shouldn't be successful on the UK music scene, we certainly have the talent.

"Artists like Nick Harrision show we've got what it takes in Kent and its great he's agreed to headline the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Kent Introducing 1st Birthday gig.

"It certainly is going to be a top night and we are really looking forward to introducing everyone to Kent's best new music."

³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Kent Introducing 1st Birthday Party is on Friday 6 March 2009, doors open at 7.30pm and tickets cost £8, available from The Quarterhouse box office on 01303 842192 or visit www.quarterhouse.co.uk. There is a 16+ age restriction.

Notes to Editors

³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Kent Introducing is presented live by Jim Bursey and Tom Kirkby, every Sunday night from 8.00 to 9.00pm on ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Radio Kent, 96.7, 97.6 & 104.2 FM and on DAB digital radio.

Quarterhouse is the new live entertainment and events venue in Folkestone with state-of-the-art auditorium facilities for performing arts events, concerts, gigs, comedy nights, festivals and more.

Music Month takes place at Quarterhouse every Friday and Saturday night in March.

HB