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- Tue 12 Nov 20:00 SOLD OUT
Oysterband - A Long Long Goodbye
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
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Now, with their new album In The Dark We Grow and a live show line-up featuring the inimitable Jon Thorne (Lamb, James Yorkston) on double bass, Hannah & Ben hit the road for the first time with a band of their own. Already so well known for their moving live performances, this unique musical collaboration promises to be balm for weariest ears.
Since emerging in 2016, Hannah & Ben have been defying all conventions of style, genre and compartmentalisation. A touch of ‘Americana’, yet quintessentially English. Traditional, yet contemporary, with their individual writing style. Playful and instinctive, they make music with such panache and natural chemistry it makes perfect sense.
Hannah Sanders has an alluring mystique and a voice of disarming purity that massages your senses. Ben Savage is a singular guitarist with a sound as distinctive as it is innovative. Together their harmonies and unique stage presence shimmer with an infectious passion and joy for the connection music offers.
'As heartwarming as it is beguiling' MOJO - Top 10 Folk Albums of 2022
'Enchantingly beautiful music' The Mirror
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James Delarre and Saul Rose
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.
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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.
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The Albion Christmas Band
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.
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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.
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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.
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Christmas Ceilidh
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
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Join the self-crowned ‘Queen of Oklahoma’ Carter Sampson with her full band for a hotbed of good music.
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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
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The Signatures
The UK’s most authentic Northern Soul Live Show.
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Bring Baby Choir
Singing is a great way to relieve stress and promote well-being.
Meet new people and take some time for you in this new acappella choir for mums, dads, grandparents, carers and their babies!
It is a baby friendly class, created especially so you can bring the baby you care for. Grown ups are in a semi circle (with room for your buggy next to you) and babies can sit, crawl or play on the blanket in front of you.
These uplifting classes are led by conductor/composer (and mum) Marta Radwan. There's no auditions, no singing experience is needed and you don't need to have a 'good voice' - just an openness to have a go! You'll be sure to know the songs and there will even be some which include your little one.
There's also:
* Free on-site parking
* Café (open all day)
* Baby changing facilities
Mums, Dads, Grandparents, Carers all welcome with their babies under 18 months
12.30pm - 1.30pm
Autumn
Fri 6 Sept - 11 Oct (6 weeks)
Fri 18 Oct - 22 Nov, exc 1 Nov (5 weeks)
Fri 29 Nov - 13 Dec (3 weeks)
£10 per session | £48 per 6 week course | £40 per 5 week course | £24 per 3 week course
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