OUR AUTUMN 2009 PROGRAMME

Sat 5th September     The BALKANICS Band         www.myspace.com/thebalkanicsband

With their unique blend of sizzling Balkan and Klezmer tunes, Lancaster's Balkanics Band deliver a big-band sound that ranges from driving dance rhythms to moments of melancholic introspection.
Since forming in 2007 they have been gigging throughout the northwest of England to increasingly large and enthusiastic audiences. Their idiosyncratic style reflects the diverse musical backgrounds of the band members, which include Balkan, Klezmer, traditional Irish, Scottish and English music, as well as rock, dance and classical.

Sat 3rd October       'INNER STATE'   For The Evening         www.innerstate.co.uk

Andy Andrews and Christine Bissell present a selection box of songs and theatrical nonsense to warm you up on a cold winter night. A 'retro' performance that brings a sense of the old variety shows with a modern twist. Audience participation as always.
They are also accomplished musicians so all their theatre shows include a goodly smattering of songs.
The second half will include a performance of 'PYRAMUS & THISBE', the Mechanicals scene from A Midsummer Night's Dream ... slight liberties have been taken with Shakespeare's excellent script and they'll need volunteer actors from the audience to complete the cast of thousands.
The show is designed for adults but it could amuse children of 10 or older.

Sat 7th November             CRGS Swing Band               crgsswingband.co.uk/

Clitheroe Royal Grammar School Swing Band was formed in 2001 by Musical Director Nigel Spooner and has built up quite a reputation in the Ribble Valley and beyond for the standard and spirit of its playing. There were only seven players at its first rehearsal, but the band now comprises 18 players aged from 13 to 18, in the standard big band line-up of saxophones, trumpets, trombones and rhythm. The repertoire extends to over 100 numbers, ranging from the standards of the 1940s to Gershwin, Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Louis Prima arrangements, film themes and music from groups such as Weather Report and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. It has a busy schedule of 15 performances a year and has gone on four Summer tours since its foundation.

Sun 22nd November   Maire ni Chathasaigh and Chris Newman present     FireWire

The brilliant, innovative harping of Maire Ni Chathasaigh, Irish Traditional Musician of the Year 2001, and the astonishing virtuosity and versatility of English guitar wizard Chris Newman, make a welcome return to Lancashire with their addictive and stylish cocktail of powerhouse Irish dance-music, gorgeous airs, evocative old songs and striking new compositions - with shots of hot jazz and bluegrass thrown in!
"Maire Ni Chathasaigh is in a class of her own" The Guardian
"An eclecticism and spirit of adventure that is quite thrilling ... Virtuoso playing... bewitching string fantasies and a wonderfully clear and expressive voice" The Times
Their "blazing guitar and dancing harp", coupled with Chris's "subversively witty introductions", guarantee a unique and captivating evening.

Sat 5th December           Millstone Ceilidh Band             www.millstoneband.co.uk/

The Millstone band was formed in 1985 when the band Flash Company were joined by legendary accordionist Mick Burke and Arthur Renshaw (Ripley Wayfarers) to perform at a local festival in Clitheroe but went on to play many more venues for the next few years. The name came about after practising in Dave’s house they all went for a pint in the Millstone Hotel thus the 'Millstone Ceilidh Band' was born.
"We would be lying if we said we had listened to every note of every tune. We would also be lying if we gave a detailed resume of each musician. But then a ceilidh band isn't about musical dissection or critical analysis, it is first and foremost about a rollicking good time, and that is what you get with the Millstone Ceilidh band!
"The band members are accomplished musicians and together hold a wealth of folk music knowledge. Having played together for many years the band have that 'understanding' and really bring tunes alive.
"Many people had neither attended or heard of a ceilidh so perhaps the many comments received stand testament for the band. Many said that their first experience of a ceilidh was very enjoyable, fun, Many said they wanted to attend future ceilidh events. They said how much they enjoyed the wonderful music and dances and the all inclusive feel you get at a ceilidh."