Winter/Spring Programme 2016

Featuring...Aly Bain and Phil CunninghamVin GarbuttChris While and Julie MatthewsClimax Blues BandThe Ben Poole BandCold Ocean LiesThe Born Again Beatles

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Registered charity no: 1156217

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Friday 22nd January Noon-11.00pmSaturday 23rd January Noon-10.30pm£2 before 6pm (on the door) £3 after 6pm (on the door)This popular festival returns to the fantastic Guildhall rated by many as the best venue on the beer festival scene. Get rid of those post Xmas blues and enjoy a fine selection of Real Ales and Ciders from local and regional breweries, plus of course ‘The Famous Pork Pies’ and a choice of refreshments.

Live bands each evening:Friday 8.00pm Last OrdersStunning versions of classics from punk, pop, blues to rock.

Saturday 7.30pm Made in BritainReflecting the mid-60s’ music of the Beatles, Stones, Kinks and The Who plus more modern numbers.If you are bringing a party you are advised to book early in advance.

Welcome to Lichfield Arts Winter/Spring 2016 Season programme.

Coming up is a feast of high quality, varied concerts and events at affordable prices. We look forward to seeing you!

Please note: All concerts take place at Lichfield Guildhall and start at 8pm(unless stated otherwise).

BOX OFFICE: 01543 262223To book in person please visit our box office in Donegal House, Bore Street, Lichfield WS13 6LU open 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday.

We also operate an online booking system. Visit our website www.lichfieldarts.org.uk select ‘What’s On’ and choose ‘Tickets & Details’.

You can also e-mail our box office at: boxoffice@lichfieldarts.org.uk

Please note a £1 administration charge applies to all bookings. To help Lichfield Arts even more please ask about Gift Aid.

Lichfield Arts runs a well-stocked bar selling real ales, lager, cider, wine, spirits, soft drinks and snacks at all our concerts. All profits help to run Lichfield Arts.

Lichfield Guildhall is accessible for disabled users via a lift.

Ben Poole BandSaturday 9th January - £13.00(rescheduled from Autumn 2015)

The Lichfield Festival of Folk14-16 October 2016

Our 2016 festivals...

24-26 June

Vin GarbuttFriday 8th January - £14.00WINNER of BBC Radio 2 Folk “Best Live Act” Award 2001Powerful, hugely moving, warm, humane, inspired, funny and gut wrenchingly honest. These are just some of the superlatives used to describe Vin’s performances. Vin’s career has spanned over 40 years of constant world wide touring which must make him some kind of elder statesman of folk. His songs are inspired by the folk tradition, but have transformed into gritty social comment and life observations. He is renowned for his hilarious intros, but for him his song lyrics are the crux of his performance.www.vingarbutt.com“Vin cuts through the bull, grasping those he meets firmly by the hand and shaking them up with a dose of laughter and tears. It’s a true gift to be able to make us laugh and squirm at the same time, but Vin does both. He should be prescribed on the National Health.”English Folk Dance & Song Society.“Every budding singer-songwriter please take note: attending a Vin Garbutt concert is now mandatory before your first public performance. Garbutt is the undisputed master of communicating with an audience.” Penguin Eggs Magazine, Canada

“A Really great player!” - GARY MOORE “Unbelievable! It’s very refreshing to hear someone in today’s time who reminds me of the guys who inspired me when I was young. Amazing!” - RICHIE KOTZEN“Soulful voiced Ben Poole never strays too far from his soulful strengths on a live album full of feel, subtle dynamics and a passionate performance. Pete Feenstra.” - Get Ready to Rock“He’s a heck of a soulful singer and uses his guitar to great effect without overpowering you with guitar hero machismo.” - Blues Rock Review“A real talent, confident and skilled and with a sound that is fresh and rare today.” - Music News (UK)“If justice is served Ben Poole will, like Joe Bonamassa, play great venues again in his own right.“ - Fabrications HQ

When you hear comments such as these from some of the world’s greatest guitar players and one of the leading UK roots magazines you just know they have heard something very special. Twenty-five year old Ben Poole is currently being described as the most exciting young blues guitarist to come out of the UK for a long, long time. We are delighted to bring him to Lichfield Guildhall for the very first time. This concert is definitely going to be something special!www.benpooleband.com

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The StumbleSaturday 6th February - £13.00

Lichfield Arts are delighted to welcome this awesome six piece back to The Guildhall. The Stumble are based in and around Preston and what you get is a classic valve driven back line driven with shuffle and roll. Their music is heavily based on the rapturous electric blues guitar sound that emanated from Chicago in the 50s and 60s.

Their influences range from B.B. King, Freddy King, Muddy Waters, Maceo Parker, Peter Green, Booker T, King Curtis, etc. Basically, if music has that screwed down ambient live feel expressed by some of these guys, then it’ll be on the playlist. These guys are quite simply one of the best British blues bands around at the moment.

www.thestumble.com

Chris While and Julie MatthewsFriday 12th February - £14.00

10 times nominees and winner of the BBC Folk Awards ‘Best Duo’ category, Chris While and Julie Matthews return to the stage for their 21st Anniversary tour. Having started 2015 with a remarkable four weeks on the Radio 2 playlist and with a live session on Weekend Wogan they are all set to continue their success doing what they love the most, playing live to their thousands of loyal and devoted followers the length and breadth of the country. Drawing from their nine studio albums; songs from the heart, social conscience, love, life, human frailty and endurance and all knitted together with breathtaking harmonies, superb musicianship, humour and stories, While and Matthews are unrivalled singer songwriters on the acoustic music scene and an experience not to be missed.www.whileandmatthews.co.uk

Sticky Wicket and his SwingtetSaturday 20th February - £15.00

After another unforgetable performance last spring we just had to bring this great band straight back to the Guildhall.

The band play a mixture of instrumental and vocal swing from Benny Goodman to Carlo Emerald plus a touch of Latin flavour. The band are led by drummer Sticky Wickett with Maurice Merry piano, Tomas Pedersen bass ,Geoff Tooley guitar,

If you love music of any kind, this concert, part of their UK tour, is for you. These two masterly guitarists each have very different styles.

Oxley has been playing on the British jazz scene since 1997, with everyone from Stacey Kent to Gilad Atzmon, while Meier, originally from Switzerland, has toured the world, absorbing musical idioms en route.

In a 3-month flurry of activity, they wrote, rehearsed, recorded, mixed and mastered a set of 11 new pieces for their extremely diverse album “Chasing Tales”. The album features carefully crafted compositions, making use of various guitars, layered at times to symphonic effect.

Expect a dazzling display of contemporary fare, ranging from Turkish panache to soundscapes of latin America to English pastoralism. Hear this played on nylon string, steel string, electric, 12 string, fretless, slide, guitar-synth, glissentar guitars and more!

Pete Oxley and Nicolas MeierSaturday 27th February - £12.00

Jonny O’Niel Saxes and Clarinet and the very impressive singer Linda Morris.

Expect to hear wonderful swinging 40s jazz from these superb musicians not forgetting Sticky’s ‘Gene Krupa’ style amazing drum features.

Come and join us for another fabulous cabaret-style evening in the companyof Sticky Wicket and his Swingtet!

www.stickywicket.info

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SkerryvoreSunday 6th March - £16.00Skerryvore’s feel-good fusion of folk rock never fails to get audiences excited when the driving sound of bagpipes, accordions and fiddle, meet the kicking rhythms of guitar, bass and drums.

Often described as ‘a party waiting to happen’ the lively line-up consists of Tiree-born brothers Daniel Gillespie (accordion) and Martin Gillespie (bagpipes, whistles & accordion), Fraser West (drums & vocals), Alec Dalglish (lead vocals & guitar), Craig Espie (fiddle) and Jodie Bremaneson (bass).

Their 2011 album ‘Skerryvore’ won SNMA album of the year. Skerryvore celebrated their 10th Anniversary in

Marion has a voice which has been described as ‘mesmerising’ and ‘siren-esque’. Ashley Hutchings MBE has said ‘Marion deserves to be ranked amongst the finest singers in this country.’

She is probably best known as a member of The Jigantics and new folk supergroup TRADarrr. She was a member of the award winning ColvinQuarmby - now known as The Gerry Colvin Band, which she still performs with and has recently released her first solo album, Holding Space. She has appeared live with, amongst many

Paul LiddellSaturday 19th March - £10.00

Paul’s modern take on the ‘one man band’ uses live loops, guitar percussion, harmonies and effects. A diverse and challenging writer with a unique voice, his live performances range from whispering intensity to a white knuckle, edge of your seat, ear splittingly glorious racket.

2014 was a busy year for Paul with the release of 3 singles and accompanying music videos, and an impressive 195 gigs in three countries. The first of these videos ‘The Ends Of The Earth’ has been viewed over 20,000 times on youtube. As well as gigging extensively in the UK – including a main stage performance at the Beverley Folk festival - Paul has also

Marion FleetwoodSaturday 12th March - £12.00

toured recently in America, Italy, and Germany. Paul has shared billing with international artists such as Billy Bragg, Turin Brakes, Glenn Tilbrook (Squeeze), Karine Polwart, Calvin Harris, Jon Gomm and Florence And The Machine. Paul’s last tour in Germany was so successful that he was immediately rebooked for a 12 date tour of small venues in April 2015.

“Paul is a smooth and capable guitarist, and his low-key vocals tackle social injustice and media corruption with wry compassion. The vivid splashes of grungy electric riffage that punctuate this album add welcome force to this sharply etched portrait of life in modern Britain.” Guitarist Magazine

“An artist in the bloom of their creativity.” folking.com

“...the songs come armed with a social and political conscience... as well as exploring self-doubt and the human condition... sharp observations and unbridled romanticism.” Netrhythms

2015 including a 6,000 sell-out ‘Anniversary Bash’ and the release of their ‘Decade’ album, a collection of live tracks and previously unreleased acoustic versions of classic Skerryvore songs. The album also includes their recent single, ‘Happy to be Home’, featuring Sharon Shannon.www.skerryvore.com

Miranda Sykes and Rex Prestonwith support from Wildfire Folk (All proceeds in support of Wildfire Folk)

7.30pm Friday 25th March at Stonnall Village Hall - £11.00

others, Feast of Fiddles, Gigspanner, Little Johnny England and Leatherat.“Marion Fleetwood’s sublime voice alone would make anyone who hears it stand up and take notice: she is clearly a future force to be reckoned with.”Nigel Schofield, Author of Fairport by Fairport and RT - The Life and Music of Richard Thompson“I dare anyone to match her stellar performance.” Maurice Hope, Flyin Shoes“Fantastic music....a highlight act.”The Daily Telegraph

In just 2 years, Miranda Sykes & Rex Preston have become one of the most sought after duos on the English folk & roots scene. Well known as a central component of Show of Hands, Miranda has an exquisite and spine-tingling voice, whilst Rex, is one of the finest mandolin players in the UK.Wildfire Folk is a not-for-profit, Lichfield based youth ensemble. Since its formation by Lichfield Arts Wildfire Folk has amazed and excited enthusiastic audiences in equal measure at local events; concerts and festivals across the wider region.

Cold Ocean Lies + supportFriday 11th March - £8.00This Lichfield four-piece original rock band have been together for just over a year and have quickly made a name for themselves with regular sell-out headliner shows across the country. Influenced by Smashing Pumpkins, Ride and Oasis, their sound captures 90s grunge rock with classic British influences, culminating in an exciting live show. BBC Introducing West Midlands have already shown their support giving the band several plays. The blog world has also picked up on the band, including the likes of indie tastemakers Killing Moon and 7 Bit Arcade. This show for Lichfield Arts at the Guildhall will be their biggest hometown show to date, so book your tickets quickly to avoid disappointment!www.soundcloud.com/cold-ocean-lies www.facebook.com/ColdOceanLies

Lichfield Arts are pleased to be associated with Lichfield’s Got Talent 2016. Local performers of all ages and genres are invited to enter.

Lichfield’s Got Talent benefits local charities including Lichfield Arts.

The overall winner will have a slot at the Fuse Festival in the summer.

lichfieldsgottalent.co.uk

Lichfield’s Got Talent FinalSunday 20th March at Lichfield Garrick Theatre

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Renewing their partnership in 2016 after a two year lay-off with selected venues and festivals in the UK and Canada.

The on-stage chemistry is immediately apparent, stemming from their love and respect for the music they play as well as the deep knowledge of the genre. Although both coming originally out of blues/soul explosion of the late 1960s their repertoire is far broader than just that. When they first got together they both wished to sing ‘any song that took their fancy’, so the set includes folk, rock, country, gospel as well as blues and soul.

Their stage craft is as would be expected from two professionals with a collective experience of 100 years, but this is no slick show wheeled out with any predictability. Indeed when Maggie and Dave take to the stage anything can happen and often does!

Maggie Bell and Dave KellySaturday 2nd April - £15.00

Simply the best traditional musicians you are ever likely to hear!Aly and Phil have toured together since 1988 to packed concert halls all over the world, recording their first album ‘The Pearl’ in 1994 and following it with many more highly acclaimed albums. The pair have won the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Best Duo Award.

Aly is the best-known and most significant fiddle player in the Celtic tradition. In 2013 he received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. He was awarded an MBE in recognition of his services to music. He was a founder member of the ‘Boys of the Lough’ and has worked with Eddi Reader, Richard Thompson, Mark Knopfler, James Taylor and Midge Ure. He was responsible for launching ‘The Transatlantic Sessions’ TV series in which both he and Phil continue to feature. Aly celebrates his 70th birthday in 2016.

Phil is a world famous accordion player and composer. He was nominated in 1996 in The Scotsman as one of ‘Scotland’s most influential people’. He has worked on numerous commissions for TV and film. His ‘Highlands and Islands Suite’ and other collaborations have been a highlight of Celtic Connections in Glasgow. In 2002 Phil received an MBE for his contribution to Scottish music. He has recorded with top musicians including Mark Knopfler. Phil celebrates 40 years as a professional musician in 2016.www.philandaly.com

Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham(at Lichfield Cathedral)Friday 8th April - £17.00

The Sleaze BrothersSaturday 9th April - £9.00

Founded in the 60’s, by the much missed Colin Cooper, Climax Blues Band has always focused on its roots, a unique combination of jazz and blues. After 18 albums, the classic world-wide hit “Couldn’t Get It Right” and tours of the UK, Europe and the US, Climax Blues Band is still on the road playing the blues in a creative way that has always been synonymous with their name. The band will hit the high notes to get the crowd up and dancing. They are: George Glover (keyboards), Neil Simpson (bass), Lester Hunt (guitar), Roy Adams (drums), Chris Aldridge (saxes) and Graham Dee (vocals). All talented musicians, they play great music with passion, style and great enjoyment to produce that superb, unforgettable, Climax Blues sound. www.climaxbluesband.com

Climax Blues BandFriday 22nd April - £14.00

Local favourites The Sleaze Brothers make another welcome appearance following their roof-raising headline set at 2015’s Blues and Jazz festival.

Celebrating 30 years since originally forming in 1986 this highly accomplished eight-piece band are hell bent on one thing… making sure their audience have great night out!

Blues, soul and rock’n’roll classics played with verve combine to get you stomping your feet, dancing and singing along. The Sleaze Brothers

have a great sense of fun and don’t take themselves too seriously but, make no mistake, there is real musicianship in the band.

Art outreach projects for the communityWhy not take part?

Don’t miss out on an evening guaranteed to blow your cares away!

www.facebook.com/thesleazebrothersinc

See our latest projects at www.lichfieldarts.org.uk

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A fantastic opportunity to play at a unique venue in Lichfield and a chance to wina slot at the Fuse Festival, Beacon Park 8-10th July 2016. £10 entry fee per band. Bands of all genres whose members are 21 or under and live within a 30 mile radius of Lichfield can enter. Entry forms at: www.lichfieldarts.org.uk or email: pam.beale@lichfieldarts.org.uk

2-3 songs per act, depending on the number of bands entering. All funds raised go to Lichfield Arts’ Fuse Festival.

U21s Battle of the Bands Heat Saturday 23rd April 5pm - £2.00

A pairing that mix influences from a myriad of genres, with a strong folk vein running throughout. Dan Donnelly is an Irish Guitar player and singer songwriter who mixes Irish folk, American country and punk in equal measure. Ben Paley is an English Fiddle player steeped in Appalachian old timey music and Swedish folk music. The long time friends meander their way through original compositions from Dan and also Ben’s band McDermott’s two hours. The set is peppered with some stomping fiddle tunes and cow punk cover versions of the most unlikely songs.

www.benpaley.com sonavagun.com

Dan Donnelly and Ben PaleySaturday 7th May - £12.00

Lichfield Arts are delighted to welcome The Born Again Beatles back to the Guildhall! The ultimate tribute to the world’s greatest band The Born Again Beatles aim to replicate the authentic live sound of The Beatles with an energy that other Beatles tributes would find difficult to match... oh and there are plenty of laughs thrown in for good measure! With authentic equipment and costumes, The Born Again Beatles offer an experience that makes every performance a night to remember. The band’s highlights include playing at the Cavern Club in Liverpool and performing Hey Jude to a packed Walsall Town Hall with Slade’s Noddy Holder! With these boys a great evening’s entertainment is guaranteed!www.thebornagainbeatles.co.uk www.facebook.com/bornagainbeatles

The Born Again BeatlesFriday 20th May - £10.00

Lichfield Arts would like to thank the following for their generous support...

and our many volunteers for their help and assistance.

Battle of the Bands Final plus ‘Plug n Play’ sessionsSunday 8th May 5pm- £2.00The bands chosen from the ‘heat’ in April will get to battle it out! A panel of judges will give their verdict and the winning act will go on to appear at the Fuse Festival, 8-10th July 2016.

To get this great event off to a flying start we are inviting acoustic acts of all ages to register their interest for a short slot for the first half of the evening. We call it ‘Plug n Play’ – just plug in and get playing! Contact pam.beale@lichfieldarts.org.uk for info.

ABOUT

Lichfield Arts is an independent charity that has promoted music and Arts events in Lichfield since 1974 and is mainly run by volunteers.

Lichfield Arts promotes around 40 concerts a year including the genres of folk, jazz, blues, roots & rock. It also stages a number of festivals such as The Fuse Festival, L2F (The Lichfield Festival of Folk), a blues & jazz festival and various beer festivals.

Lichfield Arts encourages and promotes local talent in various ways: Running outreach projects; supporting Wildfire Folk, Blast Off!, Lichfield Lighthouse Company, Lichfield’s Got Talent and other events and projects.

Winter/Spring Programme 2016 at a glance

JAnuARy Friday 8th Vin Garbutt Saturday 9th The Ben Poole Band (rescheduled from Autumn 2015) Friday 22nd Beer Festival (Last Orders) Saturday 23rd Beer Festival (Made in Britain) FeBRuARy Saturday 6th The Stumble Friday 12th Chris While and Julie Matthews Saturday 20th Sticky Wicket and his Swingtet Saturday 27th Pete Oxley and nicolas Meier MARCH Sunday 6th Skerryvore Friday 11th Cold Ocean Lies Saturday 12th Marion Fleetwood Saturday 19th Paul Liddell Sunday 20th Lichfield’s Got Talent (at Lichfield Garrick)

Friday 25th Miranda Sykes & Rex Preston plus Wildfire Folk (at Stonnall Village Hall)

APRIL Saturday 2nd Maggie Bell and Dave Kelly Friday 8th Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham (at Lichfield Cathedral)

Saturday 9th The Sleaze Brothers Friday 22nd The Climax Blues Band Saturday 23rd Battle of the Bands heat MAy Saturday 7th Dan Donnelly and Ben Paley Sunday 8th Battle of the Bands final Friday 20th The Born Again Beatles June Friday 24th - Sun 26th Blues & Jazz Festival JuLy Friday 8th - Sun 10th Fuse Festival OCTOBeR Friday 14th - Sun 16th L2F - The Lichfield Festival of Folk

Donegal House Bore Street Lichfield Staffordshire WS13 6LU01543 262223 www.lichfieldarts.org.uk info@lichfieldarts.org.uk

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The programme is correct at the time of going to press but may be subject to change at short notice. Lichfield Arts is a registered charity no: 1156217.