Special 2-4-1 offer on tickets!
Use code ‘MVT241‘ to discount the price of the 2nd ticket – (booking fee applies) Please see below for further details…
A brilliant selection of the best local up-and-coming artists – selected by the BBC Introducing team and featuring:
Parris Robbo
A rapper that can sing or a singer that can rap? Both could be true, but Parris Robbo would much rather be referred to simply as an artist. Starting his musical journey in Ipswich, UK as a teenage Grime MC; influences from the Rap, Garage, Dancehall and sprinkling of Rock that Parris grew up listening to, led to his constantly evolving sound that’s often hard to define. Despite a somewhat introspective nature, Parris’ tendency to question the world around him often bleeds into the substance of his music too, however his focus on substance never outweighs his flair for creativity and style. Having been featured on the BBC Radio Hotlist, Lily Mercer’s ‘Viper Magazine’, DJ Semtex’s ‘A Nation of Billions’ as well as popular YouTube platforms such as Link Up TV, Mixtape Madness and FCK Them, Parris has been steadily carving a lane for himself as an independent artist to watch.
Sophie Mahon & The Ready Mades
“[Sophie] might have been born a decade too late to be a New Romantic, but she’s bang on time to start the revival.” – Maddy Costa
“Sharp-suited surefire future pop sensation” Sophie Mahon brings a form of escapism and a palpable new romantic shimmer that is somewhat lacking in today’s cynical 21st Century maelstrom of plastic pop. Sophie takes inspiration from her Eighties New Wave influences Roxy Music, Duran Duran and David Bowie “but far from being a mere pastiche of bigger-haired times, [Sophie’s] music is fresh, urgent and oddly moving” – Seymour Quigley.
Like her heroes, Sophie also has a strong awareness of the bigger picture – putting her creative skills into the artwork, music videos, fashion and production of her music and brand.
Sophie’s band (Sophie Mahon & The Ready Mades) have played gigs at Bearded Theory Festival, The Hope & Anchor and The John Peel Centre. Sophie and her Ready Mades have supported 80s legends The Blow Monkeys and The Wendy James Band.
Sophie has two E.P’s under her belt: ‘Xenon Nights – Dusk’ (2018) and ‘Xenon Nights – Dawn’ (2019), as well as her debut album ‘Xenon Nights’ which was released in November 2020. The track “The Beautiful And The Damned” was chosen as BBC Introducing In Suffolk’s track of the week. Sophie’s music is regularly supported by BBC Introducing in Suffolk and Norfolk, gaining live sessions as well as radio plays, including many other radio stations around East Anglia.
The band’s second album “Bogart’s Eyes”, inspired by the icon Humphrey Bogart, was released on 1st October and the singles ‘In A Lonely Place’ and ‘Bogart’s Eyes’ are receiving very good feedback. The latter has already reached over 7.3k streams on Spotify.
She’s In Parties
She’s in parties are a hazy and ethereal quintet whose own idiosyncratic amalgamation of shoegaze and dream-pop belies their relatively young years. Taking their cues from the likes of Slowdive, Cocteau Twins and the Cure, the band harbour a sense of nostalgia certainly, but they avoid feeling derivative. Instead, they succeed in marrying the classic and the contemporary, resulting in an aesthetic that’s both haunting, and effortlessly cool!
Jon Guelas
Age 20 An upcoming solo artist from UK. Singer and song-writer who has previously had songs in the charts in UK, Ireland, Philippines and other countries. Born in the UK to a British father and a Filipino mother, Jon has an two brothers and a little sister. His songs are influenced by both his British and Filipino roots. He spends a lot of his time if not at the studio with producers then in his room at the top creating new music. He joined X Factor UK in 2018 and was placed in the band United Vibe who was formed by Simon Cowell and Robbie Williams.
Doors 7.30pm.
Tickets £5 – Buy one get one free – use code ‘MVT241‘ to discount the price of the 2nd ticket (booking fee applies)
Book online (fee applies) or call our Box Office on 01449 774678 (open 10am to 2pm weekdays).
Licensed bar.
This event is supported by: Music Venue Trust & The National Lottery = The Revive Live Tours
Buy a ticket to this show and bring a friend for free! We’ve all missed music and mates over the last year. Now is the time to #ComeTogether to #ReviveLive music.
The free ticket holder just needs to demonstrate they’re a National Lottery player by showing either a physical ticket or one on the app at the door. This could be a weekly draw ticket or a scratch card and they must be over 18 to purchase and hold a National Lottery product. The original ticket holder must adhere to the age restrictions of the venue.
Independent Venue Week ’22
Vicki Swan and Jonny Dyer
Vicki and Jonny are two of the most versatile musicians of the folk circuit today, a on stage – and now online, the duo are recognised for the high quality of their polished concerts; not only by their charismatic singing and playing but also by their involving, winning presence and easy rapport, their polished delivery that genuinely respects their listeners, and their lively, informed backstories. The whole package.
Their performances showcase new interpretations of old songs alongside original self penned tunes and new contemporary songs that are entirely at home in the tradition.
Vicki & Jonny’s evening at the John Peel Centre will be centre around Vicki’s Swedish side. You’ll meet the Swedish nyckelharpa (keyed-fiddle), Swedish bagpipes, the willow flute and even the cow horn.
Vicki Swan is the UK’s leading expert in the Swedish nyckelharpa* and a second- generation piper, holding the prestigious Zorn Brons award for the traditional playing of the säckpipa (Swedish bagpipes). A Royal College of Music postgraduate, she is now bringing the nyckelharpa to a wider audience in the UK with her nyckelharpa UK project. As a fluent Swedish speaker and brought up surrounded by Swedish traditions Vicki is perfectly placed to perform Swedish music. Jonny Dyer is probably the UK’s leading exponent of the ancient Viking instrument the cow horn and also holds the Zorn Diplom award.
Bof!
In 2000, Bof! started playing as a four-piece band specializing in traditional French and Breton music for dancing or listening to. During that time they have played in folk clubs, for dance groups and at festivals in England and France, as well as organising regular French and Breton dance workshops and public dances in East Anglia, as part of the Burybal and Prêt à Danser groups. Breton singer Gwendal Moële became a full-time member of our line-up in 2018.
Michael Sheehy & friends
Michael Sheehy plays music from the Cork, Kerry, Limerick border, an area known as Sliabh Luachra which means ‘The Rushy Mountains’. It is one of the most vibrant musical areas of south west Ireland being known for its unusual polkas and slides (single jigs).
Michael Sheehy plays the piano accordion is now one of the finest exponents of this exciting music. He plays in a style which is firmly rooted in the traditions of Sliabh Luachra and he remembers his father telling him to ‘Put a bit of life into it’. He certainly does that!
Emerge is our local band night, showcasing exciting new local talent. Come along to support these talented artists and potentially see the international stars of the future!
“Worth supporting if you live locally, these emerge nights” – Steve Lamacq, BBC Radio 6 Music
Collars
Collars are an indie duo who have already received Track Of The Week from BBC Introducing twice this year for their singles ‘Jeremiah’ and ‘Hey Lizzie, Lay It On Me’. Their live setup is unique, with singer Dan strutting around the stage and into the audience like she owns the place one minute, then hammering out synth lines the next. Kane plays guitar and beats at the same time thanks to some drums he’s engineered to play with his feet. The results? Wholesome indie like your mama used to make! If your mama was Karen O and your grandparents were the White Stripes.
Phoebe Austin
Phoebe Austin is a Suffolk born singer-songwriter with a true talent in storytelling which will leave your heart both racing and broken. Phoebe’s rare ability to understand and appreciate life from different perspectives is evident in her lyrics. Wise beyond her years, Phoebe has received critical acclaim for her music and was signed to a record label at just thirteen. Her music has been regularly played on BBC radio and she has performed at many festivals over the years.
The songstress is keen to return to the gigging circuit having written almost a hundred songs in the past year. Phoebe is looking forward to releasing her first EP later this year on an independent label, produced by Stephen MacLachlan.
Ward Of Iron
Ward Of Iron is a 3-piece band based in Ipswich, bringing together elements of post-punk, shoegaze & darkwave music. Dreamy guitars swirl over a backdrop of ethereal synth, gritty bass and driving drum machine rhythms to create a textured sound that feels fresh yet familiar; modern yet nostalgic. With the name originally used for a solo project, Ward Of Iron was resurrected / recalibrated / reborn as a full band in 2019 following the dissolution of the Suffolk hardcore band Overrun. The first songs written together were self-recorded and released in 2020 as The Shards Of Reflection: four tales of anxiety, self-doubt and personal loss. With this EP as a foundation, Ward Of Iron move forward into 2021 to bring their multi-layered sound to live performances and further recordings.
Under The Sun
Under The Sun Formed in Early 2020 in Suffolk, UK With Two Previous E.P Releases and one single “Bloomer” in March , “Gated” In July and “Whirlwind” in November this year. After a Eight year Hiatus after brideburger decade to call it a day, Matt Catling is Back with A refreshing project Under The Sun, the project mostly take on the shoegaze genre with a experimental and dreamy expression, with influences of My Bloody Valentine, mogwai, Explosions in the sky, Jesu, Seefeel, Slowdive, M83, Swervedriver, Boards Of Canada and Slowdive, 2022 is going to exciting with a upcoming shows happening so keep your ears and eyes open
£3 entry on the door
Licensed bar.
Do you want to perform at one of our emerge nights? Then send us an email to emerge@johnpeelcentre.com, with details of who you are, where you are from, and a link to a video of you performing live. We are after acts who are able to perform approx 30mins of original music.
John is one of the most prolific figures on the English folk scene, performing solo, in duos, acoustic groups and electric bands, and has established an enviable reputation as an instrumental virtuoso (melodeon, Anglo concertina and button accordion), as well as a leading interpreter of English folk music. He has been a member of the Albion Country Band, Magic Lantern, The Richard Thompson Band, Umps and Dumps, Steeleye Span, Brass Monkey, Trans-Europe Diatonique, and Band of Hope, as well as numerous ceilidh bands.
As songwriter, composer, choreographer, and musical director, he has contributed to over sixty plays in the theatre and on radio. And as featured artiste, band member, or session player, his music can be heard on over 200 different commercial recordings.
John has lived in Shropshire since 1973, where he still dances with the Morris team he founded in 1975, The Shropshire Bedlams.
This event is part of Independent Venue Week ’22
Doors 7.30pm.
Tickets £15 advance / £18 on the door
Book online (fee applies) or call our Box Office on 01449 774678 (open 10am to 2pm weekdays).
Licensed bar.
Please note a change to the advertised line-up for this event – Jacob Hawley will now be replaced by Kai Samra – see below for details
This superb line-up for Independent Venue Week 2022 features Jarlath Regan, Ray Badran & Jacob Hawley.
Jarlath Regan is an all-rounder, but his talent for stand-up was spotted early. His first few gigs earned him places in the finals of every new act competition, tour support spots for Ardal O’Hanlon, Marc Maron and Jack Whitehall, invitations to the world’s biggest comedy festivals and television appearances on the BBC, NBC and Comedy Central.
As a presenter and podcaster he has won a legion of loyal fans through the creation of his multi-award-winning global hit podcast An Irishman Abroad. Jarlath’s ability to extract honesty from the likes of Sir Bob Geldof, Gabriel Byrne and Boy George has become legendary.
Jarlath’s other credits include Tonight at the Palladium (ITV), Stand up Central (Comedy Central) Russell Howard’s Good News (BBC3) Comedy Central’s The World Stands Up (Comedy Central), Last Comic Standing (NBC), Live at The Stand Comedy Club (BBC Radio Scotland), The Blame Game (BBC Radio Ulster) and The Apprentice You’re Fired (TV3).
Jarlath is also an outspoken advocate for equality and organ donor awareness. After donating a kidney to his brother he penned his hugely successful one man standup show Organ Freeman to tell his story and raise vital awareness of live donation. The show won rave reviews, sold out it’s run at the Edinburgh Fringe, Leicester Square, Vicar Street and Soho Theatre and Tatler Magazine named Jarlath their Comedy Man Of The Year.
What the Press Say:
★★★★ “skilfully seeded stand-up that confirms Regan’s abilities to move with belly laughs and tears in a single routine” – The Scotsman
“More laughs in the first 15 minutes than most comedians can muster in a whole hour” – Metro
“Regan is an expert storyteller and this is a beautifully constructed show that I could have happily listened to for twice its length.” – The Arts Desk
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Ray Badran is an acclaimed Australian comedian and winner of Best International Comedian at the New Zealand Comedy Guild; who is renowned for his quirky and sharp observations.
Ray can be seen on the 6 part Comedy Central series No Experience Necessary which he wrote and starred in as, well as the latest series of Jonathan Ross’ Comedy Club on ITV1. Ray is ready to tackle the big issues in life such as pockets, Subway sandwiches and fridges with his characteristic whimsy and off-beat observations.
“It all adds up to a beautiful, hilarious shambles” – New Zealand Herald
“Getting the entire crowd in hysterics” – Arts Review Australia
★★★★★ “This is uncomplicated comedy in its purest form” – Broadway World
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Award winning comedian Kai Samra has quickly risen to become one of the most exciting acts on the circuit today. Described as ‘a charismatic man with a great story’ (Chortle), Samra combines an edgy stage presence, a confident delivery and talks frankly about issues such as class, race and modern culture from an intelligent, unique and fresh perspective.
He has performed live on BBC Asian Network and been featured on BBC3, ITV2’s Stand Up Sketch Show, The Now Show, BBC Radio 4’s award nominated series Sketchtopia and his own BBC Radio 4 special of his debut stand up show ‘Underclass’. Most recently Kai has had his own 1 hour special released on Amazon Prime…
★★★★★ “With such an impressive debut it is exciting to imagine what Samra will go on to achieve, but for now, I simply cannot recommend this show enough.” – Ed Fest Mag
★★★★★ – “A star in the making” – Radio Haha
★★★★ – Fest Mag
★★★★ – The List
★★★★ – Broadway World
★★★★ – The Student
★★★★ – Moody Comedy
This show is not to be missed!
Line up subject to change
Doors open 7.30pm.
Tickets £10.00 advance / £12.00 on the door
Book online (fee applies) or call our Box Office on 01449 774678 (open 10am to 2pm weekdays).
Please familiarise yourself with our Covid-19 measures prior to booking and attending.
Licensed bar.
In his new show 50 Things About Us, Mark Thomas combines his trademark mix of storytelling, standup, mischief and really, really well researched material to examine how we have come to inhabit this divided wasteland that some of us call the United Kingdom.
Mark picks through the myths, facts and figures of our national identities to ask who do we think we are?
It is a show about money, history, songs, gongs, wigs, unicorns, guns, bungs, sods of soil and rich f*ckers.
And how we have so much feeling for such a hollow land.
The show is in the vein of The Manifesto [Mark’s book] meets a sweary History channel!
Suitable for ages 16+
Tickets £17.50 (*£12.50 for under 21s, students, carers who are accompanying the person they support. ID may be required for age/student verification), available in advance from the Box Office on 01449 774678 (open 10am to 2pm weekdays), or book online (fee applies).
Doors open at 7.30pm, for an 8pm start. There will be an interval.
Please familiarise yourself with our Covid-19 measures prior to booking and attending.
Licensed bar.
Please note that this is a seated event, with seating unallocated, though all with a good view.
Booking via 07972 668180 or email tickets@stowmarketchorale.org.uk
Open to all – visitors welcome! Ralph Vaughan Williams ‘5 Mystical Songs’ with baritone soloist Mark Saberton plus Bach, Monteverdi & Gershwin
Our very own Whole Shebang Open Mic Night returns with another evening of Whimsical, Homegrown, Organic Live Entertainment.
No fire, no nudity, no animals!
Other than that we like to keep the “open” in “open mic” so no matter what it is you do, music, poetry, juggling, dance, magic, exotic bird mating call impersonations, whatever, we’d love to have you along!
Anyone interested in taking part should email iain@johnpeelcentre.co.uk with details of what they would like to do and email title SHEBANG, or come along on the night and we should be able to fit you in. Max. 10mins/3 songs per act (subject to number of acts).
Alternatively, if you are more of an observer, just come along to watch an exciting evening of random entertainment!
Doors: 7.30pm
FREE ENTRY
Licensed Bar.
Please note that seating is available at this event.
The Vinyl Lounge
We’re back for our 5th Birthday!
Bring along your favourite 45’s & Albums, we’ll turn them into a show along with your favourite guest DJ’s
7.30pm till Midnight
£5.00 per ticket
Formed in London, The Kubricks are a seven-piece band who mix ska, reggae, and infectious melodic pop.
After surfacing in 2013 with their debut EP, “Wasters & Wannabes”, The Kubricks soon became one of the must-see ska bands of this generation. Tracks from their debut release were supported by Huey Morgan on BBC Radio 2, and Tom Robinson (BBC Introducing – 6Music), and The Specials’ bassist, Horace Panter championed the band, claiming “I can hear Madness, The Ruts, Squeeze and The Clash in there…” The timing was perfect, and coincided with a new interest in ska music, as many of UK’s festivals began dedicating entire stages to the genre. Riding on the back of this wave, the band soon found themselves supporting legends such as UB40, Bad Manners and The Toasters.
Produced by Toby Davies of Gentleman’s Dub Club, the band’s first album “The Heist” was released in 2017. The UK’s longest-running skazine, Do The Dog, commented at the time that it was, “A very strong contender for album of the year”, whilst Bucketlist in Canada called it, “A gem of an album that makes ska and reggae seem like a perfect fit with 21st-century musical trends.” Tom Robinson (6Music) immediately shared the track “Down With the Dogs” with his listeners, and BBC Introducing in Essex soon began supporting the album, inviting the band in for a live session.
In November 2019, the single ‘Humans’ was released and the band has been busy working with Tom Donovan, producer and musician from hip-hop act, Monster Florence.
The Kubricks have honed their commanding live set, headlining their own shows and playing festivals across the country. They have played to tens of thousands over the years with appearances at Boomtown Fair, Bearded Theory’s Spring Gathering, Wickerman (Scotland), Godiva, Dance Ska La (France), Brownstock, and The London International Ska Festival, amongst many others.
Support – Noel Dashwood
Doors 7.30pm.
Tickets £10
Book online (fee applies) or call our Box Office on 01449 774678 (open 10am to 2pm weekdays).
Please familiarise yourself with our Covid-19 measures prior to booking and attending.
Licensed bar.
Support: East Angles Brass
Stretch Soul Gang are a six piece, energetic, Soul, Funk, Hip-Hop, and Jazz band from Suffolk, England.
“excellent showmanship, inch-perfect falsettos, soothing basslines, and a great set of songs like the tunes Ain’t Got No Money and Sharks at the Wheel prove that Stretch Soul Gang are one of the most promising acts in the East” – Music Blog 42 30/09/17
East Angles Brass Band are a funky horn and percussion collective from Norfolk, Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire. Their number can fluctuate anywhere between 5 and 10 members and with plenty of improvisation involved, each show feels truly unique! With a sound heavily influenced by the street bands of New Orleans, East Angles play a mixture of original compositions, traditional ‘NOLA’ tunes and a few pop songs given a brassy twist, all designed to get you on your feet and dancing!
Doors open 7.30pm.
Tickets £6 in advance / £8 on the door
Book online (fee applies) or call our Box Office on 01449 774678 (open 10am to 2pm weekdays).
Please familiarise yourself with our Covid-19 measures prior to booking and attending.
Licensed bar.
Steve Knightley, frontman and songwriter of folk/roots heavyweights Show of Hands, has an impressive back catalogue. He’s regularly cited by emerging artists as a source of inspiration.
His enduring appeal is partly due to the fact that he’s as at home in a folk club or village hall as he is gracing the stage of a sell-out Royal Albert Hall concert. The Show of Hands fan base extends to luminaries such as Peter Gabriel, who described them as ‘one of the great English bands’. With his song-writing and commentary more razor-sharp and relevant than ever, Steve Knightley continues to remain at the cutting-edge of folk, roots and acoustic music.
Steve has always respected the audience’s interest and involvement in the stories behind the songs. Following the success of his intimate one man show, his latest outing is intended for anyone fascinated by the art and craft of song writing. Exploring his extensive back catalogue and introducing unheard new material, he explores the themes and stories that inspire him and shows how music and words can become lyrics, and chords and notes can meld to create songs that acquire a life of their own.
“Committed and distinctive songs of love, conscience and history” – BBC Radio 2
Doors open 7.00pm.
Tickets £20.00
Book online (fee applies) or call our Box Office on 01449 774678 (open 10am to 2pm weekdays).
Please familiarise yourself with our Covid-19 measures prior to booking and attending.
Licensed bar.
Please note that this event has not been organised by the John Peel Centre, and all aspects of it are the responsibility of those who have hired the Centre for the evening.
Lazy Habits + support t.b.c
Inspired by New Orleans Jazz, Soul, Hip Hop, Big Bands of the 50’s and soaked in British Culture, Lazy Habits eclectic sound packs a lasting and unforgettable punch!
Ever since Questlove picked up his drumsticks and gathered up a selection of kindred musical spirits in Philadelphia way back when, live bands within hip hop have been a cause for celebration. And today, carrying on that tradition, is the mighty Lazy Habits.
Having found a home within the infamous musical hotbed of London, UK, Lazy Habits have spent the last decade forging their own path in a territory increasingly populated by sound-alikes, thanks to a unique take on the live band angle, which includes two drummers and a substantial amount of brass.
The vision for the band was to create a sound that resembled the dynamic you get between a DJ and an MC, but through the use of live instrumentation. The result is a potent blend of contemporary and classic, with orchestral strains married perfectly with heavy hip hop drums and brooding bass-lines. At once gritty and soulful, they have managed to find a unique formula for success.
That formula has already earned them a lot of achievements, including the release of two acclaimed albums, a remix project, and a selection of singles and EPs. Their sophomore album, The Atrocity Exhibition, garnered a lot of attention from TV, with songs from the project used in a number of shows/films including Alleycats, Shameless (USA) and The Receptionist.
The band have a thirst for collaborations too, as demonstrated with the inclusion of a full string section and a harpist on each album. There are also collaborations outside the band, with features on recent albums from Joe Publik and More Like Trees, as well as past alliances with Miss Baby Sol, Ambush Tactics, Dizraeli and The Hackney Colliery Band.
As you would expect from a group of this nature, they excel at live show and have graced stages all over the world as a result. Notable performances include shows with Mos Def, Ozomatli, Young Blood Brass, Slum Village, MF DOOM, Asian Dub Foundation, Foreign Beggars and Kid Koala. There have also been a stack of festival appearances across Europe and Asia, including Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Their third album, which is due to emerge later in the year, continues their evolution and expanding sound, with vocal contributions from the likes of Miss Baby Sol, Onur, and Joshua Idehen of Sons of Kemet, as well as co-production credits from Benny Aves and Nutty P.
Doors open 7.30pm.
Tickets £12.00
Book online (fee applies) or call our Box Office on 01449 774678 (open 10am to 2pm weekdays).
Please familiarise yourself with our Covid-19 measures prior to booking and attending.
Licensed bar.
Two of this country’s finest and most engaging folk/acoustic acts, Reg Meuross and the duo Harbottle & Jonas, present their celebrated collection of traditional folk songs ‘Song of Love & Death’ alongside sets of their own original songs.
Described as “a mighty songwriter” by Martin Carthy, Reg Meuross has been a constant presence in the nation’s folk clubs and venues throughout his 30 year career with 13 solo albums to his name, songs such as ‘England Green & England Grey’ and ‘And Jesus Wept’ have entered the modern folk canon, but, until lockdown, he had never delved into the traditional songs that have so influenced his writing; “although these songs inhabited me, I realised I’d never inhabited them and I took the chance to explore, eventually settling on ten songs, and the idea of recording an album started to form in my mind.
I got a call from Harbottle & Jonas asking if I was interested in a collaboration for their Saving The Good Stuff series and my first thought was one of my favourite folk songs, Lord Franklin, which I’d loved since hearing John Renbourn’s version when I was 15 or so and first learning to play guitar. I loved what we did together so much that we decided to continue work on all ten songs and make an album.”
Harbottle & Jonas, husband and wife duo David and Freya, are “one of the finest folk duos in the country” according to Folking.com, and have made an impressive mark on the UK’s folk and roots scene in a short period of time.
Their most recent album The Beacon was written and recorded at home during the summer of 2020 and heralded as “magnificent” by Folkradio.co.uk. Matching Reg’s talent for conveying the true meaning behind a song in his delivery with David and Freya’s exceptional arrangement and accompaniment skills, Songs of Love & Death tackles some of the most enduring songs from the English tradition.
Photo Credit – Rachel Snowdon
In 1981, Ian formed The Icicle Works with Chris Sharrock (drums), and Chris Layhe (bass and vocals). They quickly gained a following through their debut single release, Nirvana, and extensive live performances up and down the country.
The Icicle Works became part of the Liverpool renaissance movement of the eighties, alongside acts such as Echo And The Bunnymen, The Teardrop Explodes, WAH!, Heat, OMD, Black, Dead Or Alive, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, The Lotus Eaters, and China Crisis. They signed to Beggar’s Banquet records, and under the guidance of Martin Mills scored a top 20 hit with Love Is A Wonderful Colour in the U.K ; and top 40 placings in the U.S, Canada, and Europe with Birds Fly (Whisper To A Scream), with their eponymous debut album. The Icicle Works achieved top 40 placings in the UK for all four of their albums – The Icicle Works, The Small Price Of A Bicycle, If You Want To Defeat Your Enemy Sing His Songs, and Blind – until they split up in 1988.
Since then Ian has worked on various music projects and has released a number of solo albums. In 2009 he published his autobiography. This decade, Ian has released a number of albums, including some harder rocking albums, an album of cover versions, and an collaborative album.
No support – Ian McNabb will be performing 2 sets of an hour each, with a break.
Doors open 7.30pm. On stage at approx 8pm.
Tickets £15 in advance / £18 on the door
Book online (fee applies) or call our Box Office on 01449 774678 (open 10am to 2pm weekdays).
Please familiarise yourself with our Covid-19 measures prior to booking and attending.
Licensed bar.
Joining forces for an evening to showcase the best in contemporary Folk, Alden, Patterson & Dashwood and Honey & The Bear are proud to bring you their own twists on the tradition, storytelling woven in to song and harmonies abound in a magical night to remember.
Honey & The Bear are a roots-inspired duo from the Suffolk Coast. Their softly interweaving vocal harmonies and foot stomping rhythms combine elements of Folk & Americana. The multi instrumentalist pair, comprised of songwriters Jon Hart and Lucy Hart, include Guitar, Banjo, Ukelele Mandolin and Double Bass and have been writing & performing together up & down the UK since early 2014.
“Accomplished, easy-on-the-ear acoustic folk-pop for grown-ups” – fRoots Magazine
“Beautiful harmonies and charisma from both aside, they were very obviously enjoying each other’s company which enhanced the atmosphere of the evening … Jon and Lucy spoke, played and sang with ease making it all look effortless … Their lyrics were significant without being contrived, and were enhanced by their storytelling and communication with the audience in between numbers.”
Norwich-based folk trio Alden, Patterson and Dashwood weave rich vocal harmonies, fiddle, dobro, guitar and mandolin around beautifully written original songs and melodies. Their music takes influence from folk traditions from both sides of the Atlantic with uplifting instrumentals and self-penned songs depicting tales of young travellers, sleepy seas and their affection for home.
Their independently-released debut album ‘Call Me Home’ received widespread critical acclaim and was awarded ‘Editor’s Choice Album of the Year’ by fRoots, the UK’s leading publication specialising in folk and world music.
Over the last three years the trio have made a name as one of the best new acts on the scene and have toured the UK and Europe extensively including main stage slots at the UK’s most prestigious festivals and a tour with folk legends Show of Hands.
‘It’s lovely stuff’ – Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2 Folk Show
★★★★★ Album Of The Year Editors Choice – fROOTS Magazine
★★★★★ R2 – ‘Talented and poetic triumvirate’
★★★★ Songlines – ‘Obviously something of enormous promise’
www.aldenpattersonanddashwood.com
Doors open 7.30pm.
Tickets £10.00 advance/£12.00 on the door
Book online (fee applies) or call our Box Office on 01449 774678 (open 10am to 2pm weekdays).
Please note that this is a seated event. Seating is unallocated, though all have a good view.
Please familiarise yourself with our Covid-19 measures prior to booking and attending.
Licensed bar.
Winning over audiences with their own brand of progressive, bluesy pop/rock, The Mentulls music transcends genres, sounding new and fresh yet timeless and classic all at the same time. Add in Andrew’s searing, soaring guitar work, Jamie’s ‘prog star’ style Hammond, synthesiser and piano work plus the soulful vocals and multi instrumental prowess of David Neil Crabtree, and you have something truly unique and special.
Being genre defying and original has been the band’s objective since it was formed by Andrew & Jamie back in 2008. In the years following the formation of the band, they have carved themselves a niche on the international rock scene, impressing a growing fan base and critics alike.
In the words of one well respected journalist, “these are genuine rock stars with the chops to make it happen live as well as on album”, which perfectly sums up the band’s ability to bring the goods in the recording studio as well as creating an impressive show on stage. Currently filling the drum stool at live shows is sterling drummer Steve Gibson (Van Morrison, Chris Farlowe, Jack Bruce, Buzzcocks).
As well as touring internationally in their own right, the band have earned their stripes opening for and touring with legendary acts like Wishbone Ash, Focus & Walter Trout. They are also equally at home on major festival stages sharing the bill with the likes of The Stranglers, Feeder, FM and Cats In Space.
When summing up the band, one reviewer proclaimed, “It’s hard to stand out, unless you are as superb as The Mentulls that is.”
Website: www.thementulls.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thementulls
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thementulls
Doors open 7.30pm.
Tickets £10.00 advance / £12.00 on the door
Book online (fee applies) or call our Box Office on 01449 774678 (open 10am to 2pm weekdays).
Please familiarise yourself with our Covid-19 measures prior to booking and attending.
Licensed bar.
Fairport Convention has been entertaining music lovers for over half a century. During that time the band that launched British folk-rock has seen many changes. But one thing has remained the same – Fairport’s passion for performance.
This concert will present a mix of long-established Fairport favourites and some surprises from albums old and new including Full House which was released 50 years ago this year. The band skillfully interprets traditional ballads and the repertoire also includes plenty of contemporary compositions. Their latest album ‘Shuffle & Go’ was released in February 2020.
Fairport Convention has won a BBC Lifetime Achievement Award and Radio 2 listeners voted their ground-breaking album Liege & Lief ‘The Most Influential Folk Album of All Time’. Their story has been celebrated with television documentaries on BBC Four and Sky Arts.
The band features founding member Simon Nicol on guitar and vocals, Dave Pegg on bass guitar (celebrating his fiftieth year in Fairport), Ric Sanders on violin, Chris Leslie on fiddle, mandolin and vocals, and Gerry Conway on percussion.
“Stuffing their set with a surprising amount of new material for a vintage act, Fairport are still clearly having fun and brought the house down.” – The Guardian
“Fairport is an institution, a festival, purveyors of memories, and keepers of the folk flame. But most of all they are a brilliant live band.” – Folk & Tumble
Doors open 7.00pm. On stage approx. 7.30pm.
Tickets are £25 seated or standing, available from the Box Office on 01449 774678 (10am-2pm weekdays) or book online (fee applies).
Please familiarise yourself with our Covid-19 measures prior to booking and attending.
Seating is limited to those who have purchased a seated ticket.
Licensed bar.
The JPC Funk and Soul Shack presents: A live band set from The Allergies with support from The Fresh Twang
“The Allergies are neck deep in the world of scratchy samples…This is truly funk and soul for the 21st century!” – Craig Charles, BBC 6 Music.
Since forming in 2012 The Allergies have made it their mission to reshape funky vintage sounds for the modern dancefloor.
Both skilled turntablists in their own right, and known for their 45 only vinyl sets, the duo of DJ Moneyshot & Rackabeat first bonded over their love of classic hip-hop and beats, then decided to pool their knowledge and skills into making their own music.
“We like breaks, funky basslines, horns, and dancefloor grooves. We’re inspired by the golden eras of funk, soul, disco and hip-hop, and we try and cram that into three and a half minutes”.
Along the way they’ve racked up two ‘Tune of the Month’ awards in Mixmag, topped download charts, and helped headline the BBC 6 Music festival in their native Bristol last year.
In 2015 they were snapped up by Jalapeno Records, and dropped their debut album, As We Do Our Thing, a year later. On release it gained ‘Album of the Day’ status on 6 Music, and became the bestselling hip-hop album in the iTunes and Juno charts.
The LP took in all their funk, soul, disco, hip-hop and breakbeat influences, and featured guest vocals from HypeMan Sage, BluRum13 and Ugly Duckling’s Andy Cooper, who mesmerized in lead single/video, Rock Rock.
The Allergies’ second album Push On charged up the UK’s official indie album charts on its debut and became album of the week on Juno. The singles started racking up serious plays on BBC 6 Music and BBC Radio 2 in the UK as well as across Europe, with a second 6Music ‘Album of The Day’ and a coveted ‘Album of the Year’ award to crown things off in 2017. Not to mention a feature in national paper – The Observer and another album of the year award from Juno Records.
After breaking onto the scene with a Mixmag ‘Tune of the Month’, The Allergies (DJ Moneyshot and Rackabeat) continued in their mission to bring re-fuelled funk and feel good hip-hop to the masses. The three LPs that followed, on Brighton’s Jalapeno Records, were sonic steps forward for the pair, winning them die-hard fans and BBC 6 Music ‘Album of the Day’ and ‘Album of the Year’ awards along the way.
With each successive release they found strength in numbers, with the duo forming a crack team of vocalists, rappers, and musicians around them, fleshing out their sound. Andy Cooper, of underground LA rap legends Ugly Duckling, became their powerhouse front man. Soul-sensation Marietta Smith, the deadly diva. And Dub FX’s sax star Mr. Woodnote, their master of the badass brass.
This unit, formed in the studio, since took to the stage, becoming The Allergies live band. What followed were barnstorming festival sets, and sell out shows at the world famous Jazz Cafe in London. Album number four, Say the Word, will be released summer, 2020. So, get ready for Latin, funk, hip-hop, boogie, and beats, on this one. Plus super special guest slots, and future Allergies live show classics in the mix. Business as usual, then!
The Fresh Twang
The Fresh Twang are a 4 piece, female fronted band that play LIVE fresh, alternative dance music, fused from influences including the reggae, electronic, and classical worlds. The Fresh Twang are quite a strange sounding band, but are certainly, absolutely unique.
With loud wobbly bass, they certainly aren’t for everyone, but if you want something guaranteed different, the Fresh Twang will absolutely provide something refreshing.
Doors open 7.30pm.
Tickets £15
Book online (fee applies) or call our Box Office on 01449 774678 (open 10am to 2pm weekdays).
Please familiarise yourself with our Covid-19 measures prior to booking and attending.
Licensed bar.