Mike McKenzie / George Boomsma / Jodie Nicholson

Presented by: Off the Ground

---

0	MIDDLESBROUGH: Off the Ground
P	Saturday 3rd May, 2025
N	6:30pm

Event information

Mike McKenzie is an indie/folk-pop singer-songwriter based in Edinburgh, Scotland. After winning BBC Scotland’s ‘Singer/Songwriter of the Year’ award in 2019, Mike spent time writing, recording and independently releasing music with huge support from BBC Scotland, independent radio across the UK and Jo Whiley on BBC Radio 2 who described his songwriting as "Gorgeous". His laid back, inclusive shows have proved a smash with audiences around the UK and beyond. Touring has seen him perform at iconic venues across the UK including Glasgow's King Tut’s and TRNSMT Festival, Edinburgh's Queens Hall, London's Green Note and several SoFar Sounds shows throughout the UK and in Paris.

His debut album ‘I’D WAIT AGAIN’ is set for release on 25th April and includes 12 tracks written throughout the full career of this prolific songwriter. From joyous songs like ‘Out Alive’ and ‘Mr. BANG!’ to the melancholy of fan favourites ‘Breathe You In’ and ‘Homesick’ this record covers a full spectrum of emotion and sound. The first 3 singles from the album have already racked up over 25K streams and been played by more than 100 Radio stations across the UK including BBC Radio 4, BBC Introducing and BBC Scotland.

Hailing from Hurworth-on-Tees, now based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, North East songwriter and producer, Jodie Nicholson, uses brooding chamber-pop and synth-laden alt-pop to navigate many of the different relationships we have in our lives: friends, family, relationships with ourselves and, more personally, her changing relationship with music.

From infectious, anthemic tracks through to more spacious, melancholic tracks, Nicholson takes the listener on intimate journeys of minimalism and melancholy through to blooming, euphoric ends. Her signature rich harmonies and ethereal, reed-like vocals remain a compelling constant. Exploring themes of escapism, nostalgia, self-reflection and changes of heart, Nicholson leans on musical influences including Daughter, Matt Corby, The National, Warpaint, Lucy Rose and Laura Marling


George Boomsma is a singer-songwriter hailing from Northallerton, North Yorkshire. Known for his emotive vocals and soulful guitar playing, George has spent the last decade crafting a sound that blends both warmth and melancholy, captivating listeners across the UK.

His music weaves through themes of relationships, family, self-acceptance, grief, and navigating life’s many uncertainties. Over the years, George has shared the stage with celebrated artists like Richard Thompson, Scott Matthews, Katherine Priddy, Gaby Moreno, Kathryn Williams, and The Travelling Band. His songs have found their way onto BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 6 Music, RTE Radio 1, and BBC Radio Ulster.