From their earliest days as a noisy, politicised ceilidh band in the late Seventies, Oysterband have never stopped evolving or providing soundtrack to the changing times.
The Oyster Ceilidh Band (as they were known then), were a band on a simple mission to get dancefloors bouncing. But with a chemistry between its members and music that made a profound connection with its audiences, greater things soon beckoned as the times became more complicated.
Emerging in the early 80s from their ceilidh band days they infused both the traditional and their own songs with a passion and energy that was electrifyingly fresh for the time.
Oysterband have been a constant and uplifting presence in music throughout the decades and have ratcheted-up dozens of studio releases throughout their career.
Their collaboration with June Tabor in 1990 produced the cult favourite album Freedom & Rain, and it was renewed 21 years later for ‘Ragged Kingdom’, one of the best-selling folk-rock albums of the new millennium.
Winners of several BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, including Best Band twice, Oysterband’s song-writing has never stood still, and hits such as The Oxford Girl, When I’m Up I Can’t Get Down (Best Song at the Canadian East Coast Music Awards, performed by Great Big Sea), Everywhere I Go and Put Out The Lights are now renowned staples of the folk canon.
The creative heart of Oysterband is still here after 45 years: John Jones (vocals, melodeon), Alan Prosser (guitars) and Ian Telfer (violin), with Al Scott, their longtime producer, on bass, Adrian Oxaal (cello and guitar) and newest member Sean Randle on drums.
They’ve travelled the world but they still play with the fire of that dance band back in Kent.
Courtyard Theatre
£27
Oysterband's website
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Fine musicians and old friends James Delarre & Saul Rose promise audiences a warm, joyful and very personal evening of exquisitely played traditional folk tunes & songs.
Fiddle player James Delarre, is a founding member of the critically acclaimed bands Topette!!, Mawkin and Mawkin:Causley and is in demand within the traditional English folk scene and beyond.
Saul Rose is an English folk melodeon player and singer. A long-time member of Waterson:Carthy, winners of two BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. Saul was nominated for the Musician of The Year award in 2010.
Their new album title, Kith & Kin, a nod towards their enduring friendship and expanding families, is a collection of 9 favourite tunes and songs from their live set.
Mixing their deep mutual understanding with the timeless combination of fiddle and box, James and Saul have been making music together since they met at Sidmouth Folk Festival, almost 20 years. The duo intertwine seamlessly, dancing around the tunes between the notes, finding space and air, and breathing fresh life and energy into the music.
'Outstanding musicianship, James and Saul performed a perfectly balanced mix of tunes and songs' Songlines
‘Masters of their craft. This duo is just brilliant’ FATEA Records
Studio
£16
Join The Dustbowl Sinners, a Roots/Americana band from the South East of England.
Their gigs range from upbeat foot stomping hollerin’ numbers, to slower soulful and gospel-style songs.
Instrumentation includes double bass, banjo, slide dobro, mandolin, acoustic guitar, harmonica, washboard and accordion.
The songs they perform (including many originals) come from a huge melting pot of influences including country, gospel, blues, ballads, ragtime and jug band music. While their repertoire is heavily loaded with older music of these types, particularly from the 1920’s and 30’s, their musical exploration continues right up to present day.
Come and enjoy the journey with them!
Studio
£16 | £14 supporters
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An Albion Christmas is widely regarded as the premier seasonal show. They have been touring for 25 years and attract sell-out audiences across the UK.
Featuring the combined talents of Simon Nicol (Fairport Convention), Kellie While (Albion Band), Simon Care (Edward II) and the Guvnor himself, Ashley Hutchings MBE this show takes you on a guided tour through the Christmas customs of Britain.
Kellie While, Simon Care and Simon Nicol join founder of Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span and The Albion Band, Ashley Hutchings, on stage for an evening of traditional English Christmas music, song and celebratory readings.
Kellie takes time out from working with her mum, Chris While, for which both the UK press and public alike have praised her. Folk enthusiasts will know Kellie from her work with The Albion Band. She received personal praise from Ron Sexsmith for her beautiful version of his song Riverbed on her album Tenacious, which put her on the map as one this country’s finest voices.
Simon Care is currently working with Edward II and has always had a passion for Traditional English dance and song. Simon also works with Banter, Tickled Pink and the Morris On Band.
Simon Nicol, founder member of Fairport Convention finishes the line up to make this a truly festive treat. He is regarded as one of the finest acoustic guitarists in the world... His voice is pretty special too!
The Albion Christmas Show is a seasonal mixture of carols, spoken word and humorous readings. It really is the perfect way to start your festivities. This year will see material chosen by the band from the last 25 years of shows and albums… a 'best of the Albion Xmas' selection.
With sell-out tours including venues such as Buxton Opera House, The New Vic Stoke and The Sage, Gateshead, The Albion Xmas Show is a very popular show appealing to all ages.
Described in the Guardian as 'the perfect antidote to the corporate Christmas', this is a show you must not miss! And also voted in the 'top ten unmissable shows this Christmas' by The Telegraph in 2018.
Courtyard Theatre
£26.50
An evening of music and dancing in the atmospheric 18th century Long Barn.
A caller will guide you through the dances while ceilidh band Nedron’s Jig provide the live music. Dances include the likes of Cumberland Square 8, Virginia Reel, Gay Gordons and The Willow Tree. No experience necessary!
WHY? A perfect social event for Christmas parties
Long Barn
£17
Join the self-crowned ‘Queen of Oklahoma’ Carter Sampson with her full band for a hotbed of good music.
Born and raised in the central state, Sampson writes relatable and honest songs about family, love, life and historical characters. She’s released six albums With her seventh expected out in January 2025. Her last album, Gold, spent many months on the Americana Music Charts.
Carter won first place in the Chris Austin Songwriting contest at Merlefest, NC, and has performed at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Rocky Mountain Folks Fest and the Lincoln Center in NYC as a top finalist in their respective songwriting contests.
The line up includes: Carter Sampson (guitar, vocals), Joe Coombs (electric and acoustic guitars), Jamie Dawson (drums) and Scott Warman (electric and stand-up bass).
‘Sampson sings from the heart. Nothing is sugar coated. She's as real as her red dirt roots or the red cowboy boots that she proudly wears’ Country Standard Time
‘Heartfelt, sincere, and honest. There’s an inherent happiness that populates a Carter Sampson record and it’s something I’ve truly come to look forward to with each album she’s released’ Americana Highways
Studio
£16
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Carter will be supported by Joe Martin. Described in his own words as a modern day troubadour, Joe is now a seasoned singer songwriter having toured extensively around the UK and Nashville, playing some of Music City’s most renowned venues. His sound is deeply rooted in the classic American style, with a focus on storytelling and lyric.
'Superb melodies accompanied by a fantastic voice and outstanding lyrics.' Fatea Magazine
Joe's website
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The UK’s most authentic Northern Soul Live Show.
Experience the soul-stirring magic of The Signatures, the official backing band for many of the Northern Soul original artists and featured house band on BBC 6 Music's The Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show.
Immerse yourself in the energy of a ten-piece live band, showcasing their exceptional talent in their own distinctive style. The Signatures, along with their power and expression, have worked with more original artists than any other band in the UK delivering a truly authentic performance.
Joining The Signatures on stage is the sensational Stefan Taylor, one of the hottest young vocalists on the UK Soul scene, and the iconic original Northern Soul artist Lorraine Silver (Lost Summer Love) a favourite from the legendary Wigan Casino.
This live show guarantees an evening filled with more than just the Northern Soul classics, presented in a unique and exhilarating manner. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a soulful journey that takes you back in time and captivates the essence of Northern Soul.
Courtyard Theatre
£25
Led by Seann Wilkinson
A non-audition community choir open to all. Working on everything from Madonna to Les Mis, from gospel to pop - this is an opportunity to meet people, learn some harmonies and sing your hearts out. No experience required. Enthusiasm absolutely necessary!
Autumn
Tues 10 Sept - 17 Dec, exc 29 Oct (14 weeks)
7.30pm – 9pm
£11 per session | £140 per 14 week term
Led by Jim Maving
Always wanted to learn guitar but never got around to it? Want to trade your air guitar skills for real guitar skills? It is never too late to learn. Learn guitar right from the very beginning. This is a foundation course for those with little to no experience of playing guitar. You will learn how to hold a guitar and to make the right noises out of it. The aim of these lessons is to get you playing your first song within 4 weeks of lessons, as no-one takes up guitar to strum random chords, it’s all about the songs.
If you are returning to guitar having not played for some time and can barely remember chords this is a great way of getting back into the swing of things.
If you've never played guitar you need to book on the Absolute Beginners course!
These classes are split by skills level;
Beginners A - Recently completed the Absolute Beginners course but still some way to go. Yet to tackle bar chords and complicated rhythms.
Beginners B - Well on the way and able to do bar chords
Beginners C - Almost Intermediate but not quite yet.
Autumn
Tues 10 Sept – 8 Oct (5 weeks)
Tues 15 Oct – 19 Nov, exc 22 Oct (5 weeks)
Tues 3 Dec – 17 Dec (3 weeks)
7.45pm - 8.45pm
£50 per 5 week course | £30 per 3 week course
Suitable for 18+ years.
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