Upcoming live music

The May Birds are Alice, Ella, Camilla and Charlotte; an acoustic soul/folk quartet comprising four vocals, two guitars, piano, 'cello and occasional percussion.

They have gained support slots alongside artists such as Ben Howard, Jesca Hoop, Smoke Fairies, Sea of Bees and Big Deal. They have also had the pleasure of playing at The Great Escape Festival in Brighton and Beautiful Days in Devon. They play a regular spot at Blacks, a beautiful club in Soho, and relish the opportunity to play in such a unique space. In an old house, in front of an open fire, unamplified and with the audience really close, it’s an ideal setting for The May Birds’ intimate and transporting style.

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Dick Gaughan has been at the cutting edge of Scottish music for over 4 decades. Guitarist, singer, songwriter, actor, musical director, composer, arranger, producer, engineer, he's been there, done it.

A full list of his musical collaborations would run to several pages and the huge range of diverse musicians he has played and sung with, both live and recorded, over the years reads like some manically eclectic Who's Who of the worlds of Celtic, Folk, Blues, Rock, Country and way beyond - Scottish Opera, 7:84 Theatre, Billy Bragg, Emmylou Harris, Tom Paxton, Kate and Anna McGarrigle, Sean McGuire, Deacon Blue, Dan Crary, Alex Campbell, Maya Angelou, The Dubliners, Loudon Wainwright III, Holly Near, Ken Hyder, Dundee Rep Dance Company ... the list just goes on and on ... and on and on ... he's even step-danced a duet onstage with Cherish the Ladies' Joannie Madden.

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Singer-songwriter Steve Forbert had his first major hit in 1979. Thirty-plus years later, he’s still writing acclaimed songs and has released 14 studio albums, including a Grammy-nominated tribute to another Mississippi legend, Jimmie Rodgers.

He continues to blend folk, rock and country into his unique American sound, where he performs around the world with his brash-yet-sensitive take on songwriting. His unaffected delivery has led to regular sell out shows.

This is the presentation of a new project that crosses disciplines, genres and artforms, upon a clear and stunning idea.

Singer/saxophonist/poet Alabaster deplume and pianist/composer Daniel Inzani are joined by an ensemble of strings, drums, percussion, horns and voices, in presenting orchestral folk, with afro-beat colours, around theatrical spoken-word, instrumental and song.

This debut presentation will be passionate, creative, unique, thought-provoking and delightful.

Opening the evening will be beautiful, obscure and divining voice of Wenonoah.

Presented at the event will be a collection of artwork, created in response to The Jester, by artists from around the country.

Alabaster deplume (Manchester) “…Lives among the memories of the best events I have ever witnessed... I do not have the wit to describe it” –Louis Barabbas of Unconvention

Daniel Inzani (Bristol) of Count Bobo and the Bullion, and the Mandibles “…the best act to take the stage… evocative, idiosyncratic and even slightly absurd…” –Venue Magazine


Jester Project website: www.thejesterproject.co.uk
Alabaster deplume: www.alabasterdeplume.com
Wenonoah: www.facebook.com/wenonoah

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21st Century Shantyman,  Chris Ricketts brings his youthful vision to songs drawn from deep in the folk and maritime tradition.
The rapid musical growth for singer and guitarist Chris Ricketts is evident in his many successes. His recent albums brings together his love of shanties and folk song, his formidable instrumental skills and ability to write relevant and thought provoking songs.

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Rory McLeod is easily one of the UK’s very best live roots musicians and songwriters. A live Rory McLeod set is un unforgettable experience. Rory’s solo sets combine virtuoso harmonica and spoon playing, great lyrics, rhythm generated by the use of the tap board and a percussive guitar style which at times echoes reggae and blues and other times folk and South American Music. Rory weaves yarns between the songs that often have a cultural or political significance.

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This Is The Kit is the shape shifting musical project of Kate Stables (from Winchester, England), who sings and plays banjo and guitar sometimes solo and other times plays with musical friends.

TITK has released two albums and a handful of singles since 2006.
they have toured in the uk, japan, and europe and may appear in many guises: solo, duo, psychedelic rock-formation, 4-4-2, unplugged acoustic gigs, choir workshops, homeshows, busking etc.
They have had the pleasure of supporting people like Jeffrey Lewis, Herman Dune, Jose Gonzales, John Parish, the National, Jolie Holland and Jil Is Lucky
Their 2008 album ‘Krülle Bol’, was produced by John Parish and 2010 album “Wriggle Out The Restless” features members of Francois and The Atlas Mountains, The Liftmen, and Get The Blessing to name but a few.

2013 – This year began excitingly with a short tour of Australia in Feb. Next we have plans to head back to NY to finish album with Aaron Dessner also playing Crossing Brooklyn Ferry festival while there. The band are also in the process of recording an EP of covers by pals (including some in French guys).