OUR SPRING 2008 PROGRAMME

Sat 1st March     LAVA     Latino Guitar Blues   -   Musique sans Frontières

LAVA consists of a tight unit of four excellent musicians (including local regular Howard Haigh) who possess a real rapport with each other and with their audience.
Stunning musicianship in a fast-moving and exhilarating performance-filled with warmth, humour and audience participation, stories, exotic instruments, juggling, props and spontaneity. Songs and instruments from around the world mix with dazzling originals to create a rich varied and satisfying programme.
Although the focus is firmly on guitars, the show includes a good many other sounds, accordion (tango and folk waltzes), saxophone, drums, harmonicas, musical cheeks(l), all the ingredients for a truly memorable evening.

Sat 5th April     INNER STATE   presents   DRACULA   -   www.innerstate.co.uk

Andy Andrews and Christine Bissell have learnt a great knack of talking to their audiences and really include them in the action. This comes from years surviving as street performers. Consequently they appear to be so relaxed, frequently ad libbing with the audience, that some people really believe they make it up as they go along.
They are also accomplished musicians so all their theatre shows include a goodly smattering of songs.

... are you brave enough to spend the night with Inner State? Will the vampire be vanquished? And will it all be over before the 'pub shuts or the sun rises?"
It's 25 years after the vampire was defeated but things are going wrong and it appears that he is back! Jonathan and Mina Harker (with the help of the audience and some other ancillary characters) tell the original story in flashback. Will they manage to finally get rid of him this time?
The show is designed for adults but it shouldn't upset children of 10 or older ... too much!

Sat 3rd May       Anthony John Clarke   -   www.anthonyjohnclarke.com

Anthony John Clarke's songs include the legendary Broken Years, The Only Life Gloria Knows, Tuesday Night Is Always Karaoke, Irish Eyes, Between Midnight and Blue and the sensational Two People. His shows are funny, challenging and extremely popular. Anthony John Clarke is one of the music scene's real gentlemen.
There are very few places in the UK and Ireland that Anthony John has not played, his supporters are loyal and many and the tributes he receives from his peers bear witness to the talent and hard work of one of the folk scene's nicest guys. With several albums of songs to his name he retains his reputation as one of the top songwriters on the scene.
If you've not seen an Anthony John Clarke Concert, give it try! If you've not heard his music, you have a treat in store. He is no ordinary songwriter, and the warm feeling that you experience when leaving one of his shows will stay with you forever.

"Great Performer; so well crafted; totally at ease with his talent ... and you hear every word too." - Belfast Telegraph

Sat 7th June   Jaime RT & Andy Hillhouse   music to move your feet and soul  -  www.jaimert.com

Jaime plays a beautiful 5 string viola, a fiddola, creating the most rich, spacious and soulful folk sounds you've ever heard painted on a tapestry of groovin' guitar, hot hot world percussion, and sweet vocals. Original, award winning West Coast music.
Her latest album, "SPARK", just won a Canadian Folk Music Awards nomination. Her first solo album "Reach" also won a nomination at the 2005 Canadian Folk Music Awards for Best Solo Album of the Year and a 2006 Western Canadian Music Awards nomination for outstanding instrumental recording.
Andy Hillhouse is a singer, songwriter, composer, guitarist, music educator and nice guy. He has done it all, from touring Mexico playing Mariachi music to performing on main stages at major folk festivals. He is the founder of the popular Canadian celtic funk band Mad Pudding. He also plays guitar with Canadian roots groups Cleia and The McDades.
We are very fortunate to have been able to book these fine Canadian artists. Together, Andy and Jaime create music that moves your feet and your soul. Guaranteed.