Spotlight on... The Lost Fingers - Lost In The 80s | Sesame Street Live - Elmo Makes Music

LIAM Rudden previews just some of the many events to look forward to for next month’s Fringe festival

THE LOST FINGERS - LOST IN THE 80S

AS the countdown to Fringe 2012 continues, this week’s spotlight falls on a music act famed for giving eighties pop hits a gypsy-jazz makeover and a long-running kids’ show, coming to the Fringe for the first time.

First up, platinum-selling Canadian trio The Lost Fingers will make their UK debut at the Famous Spiegeltent on George Street.

Over the years the band have achieved international success performing witty, jazzed up renditions of 80s hits in the style of 1930s guitarist Django Reinhardt.

Everyone from Michael Jackson to Bon Jovi, George Michael to AC/DC, and Culture Club receive their decade-defying treatment.

Evoking the era of 1930’s Paris and the music of the Hot Club de France, the band’s principal charm comes from how successfully they time-warp numbers such as Pump Up The Jam or Careless Whisper - a fun twist that has won them a dedicated and growing fan base.

Comprising Alex Morissette (bass/rhythm guitar/backing vocals), Byron Mikaloff (lead & rhythm guitar) and Christian Roberge (vocals / lead & rhythm guitar), The Lost Fingers take their name from the legendary Django Reinhardt, who became one of one of the world’s most influential jazz guitarists despite losing the use of two of his fingers in a fire.

Check out their debut album Lost In The 80’s ahead of their Fringe run, or have a listen to the follow-up, Gypsy Kamelion.

Or for a sneak preview, visit http://youtu.be/x3E2HeAfcdM

The Famous Spiegeltent, George Street, 6.30pm, August 15 - 26 August, 6.30pm, £14, www.edfringe.com

SESAME STREET LIVE - ELMO MAKES MUSIC

MONSTERS make music. That’s Elmo’s message this Fringe. Fans of Sesame Street, young and old alike, are in for a treat this August when their heroes coming to the Meadows Theatre Big Top. During a one-hour show, Sesame Street fans will see Elmo beat the drums, Oscar the Grouch’s trash can lid stomp and Cookie Monster crumble cookie jars. Joining them will be Abby Cadabby, Bert, Ernie and all of your favourite friends. Let’s hope the grass has dried out a bit.

Meadows Theatre Big Top, The Meadows, 11am and 2pm, August 5–12, £11, www.whatsontickets.com