Issue 86

Nov 2018 FREE

SLAP Supporting Local Arts & Performers

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SLAP MAGAZINEUnit 3a, Lowesmoor Wharf,

Worcester WR1 2RSTelephone: 01905 26660editorial@slapmag.co.uk

EDITORIALMark Hogan - Editor

Kate Cox - Arts EditorSub Editors

Helen Mole, Katherine HarrisProof Reading - Steve Glazzard

CONTRIBUTORSAndy O’Hare

Will MunnGraham Munn

Rebecca FarkasBob Southern

Kate Ford Helen Mole

Chris PrestonChloe Mogg

Katherine HarrisJason KernohanSuz WinspearRos Sidaway

Richard StansonNicholas Burford

Megan WhiteDan Knight

Jennifer RichardsEleanor Miles

Sophie Williams

DESIGNMark Hogan

WEB & SOCIAL MEDIAAnt Robbins, Katherine Harris

Published by The Whole HogPrinted by Vernon Print

ALL RIGHTS RESERVEDReproduction in whole or part prohibited without permission.

Artwork, prints or any pictorial media for this publication are sentat owners risk and whilst every care is taken, neither SlapMagazine or its agents accept liability for loss or damage.

DISCLAIMERWhilst every effort has been made to ensure that adverts and

articles appear correctly, Slap Magazine cannot acceptresponsibility for any loss or damage caused directly or indirectlyby the contents of this publication. The views expressed in thismagazine are not necessarily those of its publisher or editor.

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Hello and welcome to Slap Magazine November issue, afull a varied edition it is too. I’ve said it before but it neverceases to amaze me just how much creativity andenthusiasm there is for the arts in the Three Shires. So don’tlet the cold weather stop you from exploring the rich anddiverse creative scene around these parts...

Within these pages we publish the winner and runners-upin the Worcester Music Festival photography competition. Ifyou went to the presentation at the Paul Pry you’ll know justhow high the standard was agin this year. If you missed itthen visit Paadiddles café & music bar in Sidbury where the20 finalists shots will be on display throughout November.

We bring news of the very successful Worcester StandsTall big Giraffe auction which raised over £200k for St.Richards Hospice. We look forward to a contemporary artexhibition by artist Yinka Shonibare MBE by Meadow Artsand Hereford Cathedral.

Our front cover, a painting by artist John Piper, has aslightly halloween feel about it showing Orcop Church inHerefordshire along with its graveyard foreground.

As usual we feature some of the latest releases by localartists, interviews, reviews and gigs, including a look back atthe John Bonham Festival celebration in Redditch towncentre.

Our gig previews include the Triple Header at the MarrsBar on the 18th November featuring Chris Helme (TheSeahorses, Mark Morriss (The Bluetones) and Nigel Clark(Dodgy) which simply cannot be missed but, tickets areselling fast so be warned!

See you next month...

Bless-Ed

Our front cover image is ‘Orcop’. A painting of Orcop Church,Herefordshire, by the artist John Piper.

John Piper has an exhibition at Elmsie House, Malvern laterthis month curated by Fifties Art.

NEWS

4 SLAP NOVEMBER

Second chance for second BestivalAfter going into administration the Bestival and Camp Bestival

music festivals have been taken over by a company whichextended a £1.6m loan to the Dorset-based festival in February.Bestival was previously held on the Isle of Wight until moving toLulworth Castle this year when many acts were cancelled on thefinal day due to rain. Tickets are on sale for the 2019 event butquestions remain...

Sorry BlobbyLocal Robbie Williams tribute act Tony James AKA Blobby

Williams says he's disappointed that footage of him performing atWembley Arena and dancing with Robbie Williams was cut fromthe final showing on the X Factor ITV show. Tony has previouslyperformed with notorious local tribute group Take Fat and has alsoappeared on Come Dine With Me.

We've still got our seagullsAfter a final showing of the 30 large and 27 small giraffes of the

heartwarming Worcester Stands Tall arts project together in oneplace at Worcester Cathedral Chapter House - all 30 large andone small statue were sold at an auction conducted by local TVceleb Philip Serrell, raising more than £210,000 for St Richard'sHospice - with sale prices ranging from £4,500 to an incredible£15,000. Two of the statues, Wishing Star designed by ToyahWillcox and Snowdrop, were donated back to the Hospice by theirbuyers - a nice touch!

In our back yardGood news for the north of our region as Yardbird Arts -

founded by jazz guitarist Remi Harris and his wife Dani - haveannounced a programme of events between now and New Year atThe Hatch at Tenbury Wells, Clows Top Victory Hall, KingslandCoronation Hall and Fownhope memorial hall - emailyardbirdarts@gmail.com for more info

'Passey' the beer on the left hand sideKidderminster's own poet and troubadour Ian Passey AKA The

Humdrum Express has released a video for his new single OnlineBeer Club about bloggers' extravagant descriptions of 'craft beers'- featuring Mr Cynical himself dressed as the Invisible Man (!)around Kidderminster including the Severn Valley Railway -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRnMV1x0Y0E

Pete Locks door on closet and denies its existenceCongratulations to the always offbeat and Masters Of The

Universe fiend Pete Adams of legendary local outfits And WhatWill Be Left Of Them?, Hey You Guys!, Lost Boy Scout, GodSave The King etc for tying the knot with missus Rosie Green atno less than St Paul's Cathedral in London - best gig ever!

Brewing great beer at The Talbot, Knightwick

since 1997.Farmers’ Market second Sunday monthly

and three beer festivals every year. Call us for sales to trade or public on

01886 821235 www.temevalleybrewery.co.uk

Back and Forth to ManchesterFair play to Bewdley's Becky Hill for playing a gig on the street

outside Manchester Academy to 200 fans when a burst water pipecancelled her show there at the last minute. Becky's currently at#17 in the charts with single Back And Forth, and the Manchestershow's been rescheduled for next spring - footage of theimpromptu performance here:

www.facebook.com/Beckyhillofficial/videos/554648841631019/

The 'C' wordDates and times have been announced for the local Christmas

lights switch-ons with Worcester's event taking place at theGuildhall from 4pm on Thursday 22 November presented by BBCHereford and Worcester with BBC Introducing musicians and'special guests to be announced'. There'll be music and eventsthroughout the day from 10am in Malvern town centre onSaturday 24 November and 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs'will switch the lights on at 6pm!

Friendly Funding for CourtyardThree art galleries, a theatre and an orchestra in the West

Midlands are sharing £1.5m of Arts Council funding - largely aimedat making them more environmentally friendly. The Courtyard inHereford will redesign their front of house area, making their BoxOffice more accessible for disabled people. They will add a shopselling locally-made arts and crafts, and a new multi-purposemeeting room. The funding will also be used to extend the café-bar area and first floor dining space to create an outside terrace.

Worcester Music FestivalPhoto Competition Winners Announced

Thousands of music fans descended upon the city for the annualWorcester Music Festival in September and once againorganisers invited amateur photographers to capture theirmemories of the weekend in a bid to win the festival’sPhotography Competition. Hundreds of entries were received andassessed by a panel of judges, all of whom boast a wealth ofexperience in live music photography.

Music lovers and keen photographers attended the event onSunday 21 October at The Paul Pry where the top 20 photographswere on display and the winning three photos were announced.

Competition judge, James Watkins, said: “Congratulations to allphotographers who made the top 20, especially the winners. Itwas a very challenging decision and we argued a case for each ofthe top three photographs.”

Fellow judge, Andy Burton, commented: “As always, the qualityof entries was extremely high, which always makes it difficult forus to agree on the final top 20 photographs. We’ve noticed agrowing number of talented female photographers entering thecompetition in the last few years who have captured someoutstanding photographs of the music festival. ”

The judges commended all entrants and commented on howdifficult a job it was to select the top 20. Judge, Steve Johnstonsaid, “Simply enough, we were drawn by the vibrant colour andstriking pose caught by Adriana Vasile for first place. Underextreme lighting conditions at The Firefly, this is a lovely frame and

worthy winner. It was impossible to ignore the strength of secondplace Sarah Lissemore John’s image. She captured a greatmoment of joy and celebration at Paradiddle’s Music Café Bar.Finally, Roy Jenks’ third place photo immediately stood out to usfor the wonderful framing of the subject and shadow. It is a superbeditorial image.”

Adriana won a £100 camera store voucher that was kindlydonated by festival sponsors, Child Care Bureau, with £50 and£25 vouchers going to second and third place respectively.

The exhibition will continue at Paradiddles Café Music Bar onSidbury throughout November.

Pictured left to right holding their winning photographs: SarahLissemore John - 2nd, Adriana Vasile 1st and Roy Jenks - 3rd

It’s that time again when I don myVictorian attire and get back down thatalley for the Worcester Victorian Fayre!

Step back in time and into the darkworld of ‘Gin Lane’: a Victorian alleywaywith its debauched inhabitants, cast out ofsociety due to their unsavoury behaviour!

Back for a fourth slice ofmischief, this immersive andplayful installation brings youshady characters, performancesand sing-songs to provide analternative Victorian experience.

Make your way down theShambles and look for thisprecarious alleyway to hang outamongst the hawkers and flowersellers, magic and alchemy,urchins, gin addiction, singingand dancing…

Gin Lane, produced by Clik Clik Collective, combines thetalents of local artists and performers. Come sing-a-long with ‘Playit again Dan’ (Dan Bramhall) tinkling the ivories to bring the oldMusic Halls back to life, and watch out for your pockets as‘Worcester Theatre Makers’ are back, accompanied bymischievous urchins from their youth theatre and after schoolclubs. There will be a diverse and unruly gang of characters lurkingover the two days so get ready to wash away those Victorian bluesand bring the Worcester Victorian fair cheekily into disrepute!

You might also see the Victorian Flower Seller roaming thestreets of the Fayre. Don’t be shy; she’s here to take yourphotograph behind her gold gilt frame capturing that festivemoment so you can find your face via social media pages with thisplayful mobile photo-booth experience!

You can find Gin Lane between New Street and The Shambles Fri30th Nov 5-9pm & Sat 1st Dec 3-7pm

Find the flower seller on Thurs 29th Nov & Sun 2nd Dec 1-4pm.

www.clikclikcollective.com

ID Night The Courtyard and 2faced Dance Company present an event

that champions the work of emerging artists. I.D is a unique andexciting opportunity for up and coming artists from every art formto have their work profiled whether they are an aspiring artist,choreographer, filmmaker, up and coming scriptwriter,performance poet or musician or if you just want to try somethingnew.

7th Nov, The Courtyard, Hereford.

6 SLAP NOVEMBER

ART NEWS by Kate Cox

Quiet RevolutionDancefest’s performance Quiet Revolution, about how the

First World War fundamentally changed the lives of women, isreturning for a final time this month, as part of Worcester’s WorldWar 100 Armistice Day commemorations. Two of Dancefest’sperformance groups, DFA and Chance to Dance Company, havebeen working alongside choreographer Marie Oldaker torecreate this stirring and poignant piece that looks at how the FirstWorld War brought about a quiet social revolution on the HomeFront, as many women came out of domestic service to take onthe traditional roles of men. Having waved goodbye to their lovedones, women endured loss, adversity and hardship, but alsodiscovered a new sense of purpose and unity. There'll be two freeperformances on Sun 11th Nov, one outside The Guildhall,Worcester at 2.30pm and at Fort Royal Park at 6pm, followed bythe lighting of a beacon at the park at 7pm. Dancefest areencouraging their audience at Fort Royal to bring torches(including on their phones) to help them light the performance asthey mark this very important day.

Quiet Revolution was first created for Kidderminster ArtsFestival in 2014 and has since been performed at BromsgroveFestival, Artrix, Pershore Carnival, Watch Out Worcester andNational Trust Croome. These are the final performances of thismoving piece, much loved by both its dancers and audiences.

Find out more at dancefest.co.uk

Mind@40 A week of special

events including awhole range of artsand well being,celebrate 40 years ofHerefordshire Mindthis month. The eventssupport mental healthin the county andcollaborate with otherlocal organisationsincludingHerefordshire Make, The Cartshed, Hereford College of Arts,Herefordshire Wildlife Trust, The Music Pool, HerefordshireCouncil, Hereford Library and Shyppe. Many of the week’sevents will be free and open to everyone.

For more info & tickets, email mindat40@herefordshire-mind.org.uk, call 01432 372404 or follow Herefordshire Mind onfacebook/twitter. 20th-27th November. St Peter's Church,Hereford.

For Arts Submissions News & Eventsemail Kate at

arts@slapmag.co.uk

John Piper at Elmslie John Piper is one of the major figures of 20th century British art

and design, whose joyful, creative and dynamic works reflect hisfascination with architecture and landscape. Curated by FiftiesArt, an organisation that specialises in affordable mid-century art,this exhibition showcases over sixty exhibits including colourfulfabrics, limited edition prints, original drawings and paintings forsale and for viewing.

Elmslie House, Malvern. 24th-30th November. www.fiftiesart.com

Mammoth Beat OrganThe Dunning Underwood Mammoth Beat Organ is a modular,

mechanical music contraption, created by Worcestershire basedSam Underwood and Graham Dunning. Designed as a two-player, semi-autonomous musical instrument, it plays unusual,sometimes erratic compositions drawing on drone music,minimalist repetition and fairground organ techniques.

This is the first instrument built in collaboration between artistsDunning and Underwood. Its ambitious scale and scope driven bytheir mutual interest in creating engaging live performances andletting the machine decide some of the outcomes. Their history inpushing the boundaries of performance and sound come togetherin this new machine.

This is just the start of the project. With the core system in placeDunning and Underwood are keen to develop existing and newmodules that exploit the unique way this contraption functions.They hope to drive this development through performing regularlive shows across the world. Keep your eyes and ears peeled forthis.

For further information: hello@mammothbeatorgan.co.uk mammothbeatorgan.co.uk

Feature

8 SLAP NOVEMBER

Broadway Museum & Art Gallery exhibitionsBroadway Museum and Art Gallery have two opportunities

for you to catch both fascinating mini sculptures and Impressionistprints.

The popular micro-sculptures: In theEye of a Needle exhibition, featuring thework of Dr. Willard Wigan, has beenextended until 19th Dec, when themuseum closes for the winter. Theexhibition is a joint collaborationbetween the museum and BroadwayLuxury, a neighbouring showroom.There will be a permanent display ofWigan’s work at the museum when itreopens in February 2019. BroadwayLuxury also has two of his works ondisplay, including one of the BroadwayTower Willard has created since theexhibition opened at the museum.

Willard said: “This area is so beautiful and Broadway in particularnow holds a special place in my heart. Creating the Tower was ano-brainer and I’m so pleased to create something for the peopleof the Cotswolds to enjoy.”

Meanwhile the museum’s special exhibition, 'Making anImpression', includes prints by Impressionists Manet, Pissario andtheir contemporaries including work loaned from the AshmoleanMuseum, Oxford and was curated by the Ashmolean’s Katherine

Wodehouse.

Manet, Pissarro, Cezanne, Renoir, Morisot and Cassatt,whose works feature in the exhibition, all created printsthat provide a fascinating corollary to their famouspaintings. The Impressionists' characteristic subjects; themodern life of the city, portraits, landscape, and weatherare all represented in their prints which exploit andcultivate innovatory techniques and aesthetic effects.

In mid-19th century France prints were essentially areproductive medium, for which the approved means wasengraving. However, in the 1850s a revival of etchinggathered momentum, signalled by the foundation of theSociété des Aqua-fortistes in 1862. The exhibition alsoshowcases the work of influential printmakers whoexhibited with the Impressionists, including FélixBracquemond (1833–1914), and those who succeededthem, such as Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1864–1901).

Many of the works are being exhibited for the first time atBroadway Both exhibitions run until 19th Dec. Broadway Museum& Art Gallery is open 10am-4pm, seven days a week.

Great PlaceFour unique arts projects will soon come to life after they won

funding through the Herefordshire’s a Great Place scheme.

Hush Now, Hidden Women; DEN (Digital Engaged Nature),The Pirene Project and Creatures of the Mappa Mundi willeach use arts and digital technology to raise the profile ofHerefordshire’s fascinating heritage.

Hereford-based Feral Productions has been awarded £12,000to create ‘Hush Now, Hidden Women’, an ambitious countywideseries of digital and live performances that will give voice to theunmarried mothers who were stigmatised and hidden away inMagdalene Homes across Herefordshire.

New Leaf Sustainable Development Ltd, based at QueenswoodCountry Park at Dinmore near Leominster, has been awarded£12,000 for DEN (Digital Engaged Nature), developing digitalAugmented Reality artwork and an app with young people andprofessional artists inspired by Queenswood’s trees and plant life.

CreateRoss, a membership association based in Ross-on-Wye,has been awarded £11,500 for The Pirene Project, working withschools and other local groups to create an Augmented Realitytour of local heritage sites, with the recreation of a dramatic 18thcentury fountain that once stood on the Prospect at the centre.

Meadow Arts, based in Ludlow, has been awarded £12,000 fora project called Creatures of the Mappa Mundi (See page 12),commissioning international artist Yinka Shonibare and working

with Herefordshire-based groups to create bold textile worksinspired by the creatures depicted on Hereford’s medieval mapand what it means to be ‘an alien’ in 2018.

To secure grants through the Hidden Gems scheme - a brandnew arts funding opportunity that’s been created byHerefordshire’s a Great Place - each project had to show thatdiverse and different communities would be involved.

Lauren Rogers, from the Great Place team, said: “We are reallypleased to be able to support these four projects. Not only willthey raise the profile of our county’s history, they’ll give thousandsof people an opportunity to get involved in something creative andcollaborative. For us that’s key because we know that arts andheritage have a huge impact on people’s lives in Herefordshire:culture can make us happier and healthier, it supports the localeconomy, and it can be a powerful tool for tackling social issues.”

The 2018 Hidden Gems applications were assessed by anindependent panel of local experts who work in film, festivals,heritage, community engagement and tourism.

Co-funded by Heritage Lottery Fund & Arts Council Englandwith support from Historic England, it is a flagship part of theGreat Place project being delivered by Rural Media on behalf ofthe Herefordshire Cultural Partnership.

More grants will be on offer in 2019 and later this month(October) Great Place will launch a new website called ‘The Shire’dedicated to promoting and supporting Herefordshire arts andheritage. To find out more email greatplace@ruralmedia.co.uk orcall 01432 344039

Feature

SLAP NOVEMBER 9

What Do We Want?Art trail starts at Worcester City Art Gallery & MuseumTo coincide with its current autumn exhibition What Do We

Want?, Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum is the startingpoint for a trail of artworks made by TurnerPrize-nominee Mark Titchner incollaboration with the communities ofWorcester, including representatives fromWorcester’s homeless community.

The new artworks can be seen at TheHive, Ping An Oriental, Tudor House andWorcester Arts Workshop, as well as inand outside the Art Gallery & Museum.The works are inspired by Titchner’s 2006work The Invisible Republic; a huge two-storey high banner which can be seen inthe Art Gallery & Museum. The new worksbring the voices of local people to the forein a combined public expression of WhatWorcester Wants. A leaflet of the art trailcan be found in the Art Gallery & Museumand in all the participating venues.

Titchner worked with a number of groupsto create the artworks, including MaggsDay Centre, Worcester Belles WI,Arboretum Residents’ Association,Worcester Photography Open Salon andthe University of Worcester Fine Art department.

The exhibition What Do We Want? brings together works fromthe Museum’s historiccollection of satirical andpolitical prints along withartworks by MarkTitchner and GillianWearing and runs until 24November 2018. Sinceopening in September theexhibition has alreadywelcomed hundreds ofvisitors to explore thelarge-scale artworks andmore intimate videobooth as well as thehistoric collection ofpolitical prints.

What Do We Want? has been funded by the Weston LoanProgramme with Art Fund and features works on loan from theArts Council Collection. Created by the Garfield WestonFoundation and Art Fund, the Weston Loan Programme is thefirst ever UK-wide funding scheme to enable smaller and localauthority museums to borrow works of art and artefacts from thenational collections.

Deborah Fox, Senior Curator, Museums Worcestershire said:“We are really grateful to our partners in Worcester for workingwith us on this exhibition and to the venues for displaying theincredible artworks which are creating quite a stir in the city.”

Laura Worsfold from The Hive said: “The Hive is pleased tosupport this innovative project to bring contemporary art to thestreets of Worcester. We are proud to host the artwork by a TurnerPrize-nominated artist and it’s very fitting for us to be a part of anexciting project that has included both city residents andUniversity students.”

Do the words on the artworks reflect what you want? To join inthe debate about What Do We Want? residents can tweet usingthe hashtag #Whatdowewantworcester @worcestermuseum orfollow museumsworcestershire on Instagram.

What Do We Want? is free and open Mon – Sat 10.30am –4.30pm. For more information contact the Art Gallery and Museum

on 01905 25371 OR visit www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk orfollow @worcestermuseum #Whatdowewantworcester

Royal Worcester’ and the C51 crown device are registered by and used under kind permission from Portmeirion Group UK Ltd to whom all rights are reserved

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Porcelain in contemporary artMuseum of Royal Worcester 20.09.18 - 20.03.19 www.meadowarts.org ©

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10 SLAP NOVEMBER

Preview

Suz WinspearHow can it be November already? This year has gone by

ridiculously quickly – it only seems like last week that I waswalking down by the river and seeing the first leaves opening onthe tress, and now they’re all falling! This has been a strange yearin so many ways, with a lot of uncertainty and disruption in theworld. Yet whatever happens, there will always be art, music andpoetry being created for our complicated times, and maybe aworld like this needs art more than ever.

Here are some dates for poetry and spoken word events inWorcestershire for November . . .

Thursday 8th – SpeakEasy at Waylands Yard - Poetry from awide range of local poets. Our featured performer this month isthe current Worcestershire Poet Laureate, Betti Moretti! She’s agreat performer, and I’m looking forward to hearing more of herwork. Open mic slots available on a first-come, first-served basis.They’re popular, so get there early. £3 admission, 7.30pm.

Sunday 11th – Worcester Remembers This is a special eventto mark the hundredth anniversary of the ending of the First WorldWar. It will be held in Fort Royal Park, and following a parade up thehill, a beacon will be lit at 6pm. The event will also include aperformance from Dancefest, and the lighting of the beacon willbe introduced and concluded by readings of poetry. This is a freeevent, there’s no need to book, just turn up. Everybody welcome!

Thursday 22nd – Dear Listener at Boston Tea Party, AngelPlace. This is an early-evening event of eclectic poetry and spokenword, from both new and established voices. The featuredperformer for November is the wonderful Brenda Read-Brown,who has won poetry slams all over the country with poems thatare often deeply poignant. £3 admission. 6.30 – 8.30pm.

Wednesday 28th – 42 at Drummonds Bar - Life, the Universeand Everything – prose and poetry – Gothic horror, science fiction,fantasy, storytelling, comedy, reportage, genre fiction, and a fewcategories that haven’t yet been given a name . . . You never knowwhat you might see and hear at 42 . . . Free entry. 7.30pm.

Suz Winspear

Enlighten|EveshamThis autumn an exciting new creative lighting trail comes to

Evesham called 'Enlighten'. It opens with the 'The Hut of Silence',a contemporary sound and film installation.

The Hut of Silence conducted a drop-in interactive artsworkshop at the Evesham War Memorial asking people to writea letter or short note to a person that had died. The War Memorialitself was then adorned with a sheet containing a printed letterwritten by someone that was in the trenches. David from CreativeSolutions has been busy filming andrecording local people from the Britishlegion and local dementia café abouttheir memories of family in the war.Jacqui also from Creative Solutionsworked with 6th formers from PrinceHenrys School to help create thephysical installation. The sound and filminstallation will be open until 28th Novand will include four ‘live edit’ sessionswhere the public can come andcontribute their thoughts and memoriesof family in WW1 or Evesham in WW1and other wars. These will be uploadedto the exhibition so that it changes overits time period. These dates are 1st, 12th& 22nd, November 12-2pm at thebandstand, Abbey Park and 17thNovember 5.30-7.30pm at All SaintsChurch.

Lights Up! Is the launch event for thepermanent war memorial lights in AbbeyPark, Evesham and will be happeningSun 11 Nov, 6-7pm. There will be a shortservice from Reverend Andrew Spurr

and performances from Deborah Rose and the children fromBroadway School. You can also view The Hut of Silenceafterwards. Please bring a torch or candle.

Evesham Library also houses an exhibition during Novembershowcasing the community engagement work which has takenplace throughout the project. The Enlighten team have had agreat time over the last five months running drop in artsworkshops at The Almonry Museum, The Valley, The RiverFestival and The Battle of Evesham. The work you will seeincludes collages based on the river, stained glass designs onacetate, coats of arms, a textile wall hanging, poetry and more.

Young people from The De MontfortSchool in Evesham have also made ashort animation about Evesham’s history.Entitled 'Evesham Sham Ow Best' theanimation explores the various elementsof the town's past. Check it out on thewebsite.

Jenny Davis, Arts DevelopmentOfficer said "It’s been a very busy fewmonths engaging with the community onthis amazing project . We are on track tolaunch the war memorial lights on 11Nov in Abbey Park as we did 4 years agofor the beginning of the 100 yearscommemoration of World War One".

Permission has also been granted bythe church faculty and Historic Englandto install the new lights to The BellTower including the 4th new light. Thesewill launch on 15 December from5.30pm.

Sign up to the newsletter here:www.enlightenevesham.co.uk, and go toFacebook and Twitter for all info.

Photography by Creative Solutions

SLAP NOVEMBER 11

November sees a focus on music and live events here at WAW.As we widen our offering, while still bringing you all the usualthings you know and love, we have new events to launch and newopportunities for local talent!

If your taste is a little more subversive, then Art Rock In TheAfternoon will tickle your fancy. Combining music and visual artit showcases the more rebellious side of Worcester’s local musicscene.

Singer-songwriter Goodall, will be playing his own hybrid music.Hotly tipped by Elbow frontman Guy Garvey, he's has taken aunique and contrary musical path, at times funky and bombasticand at others, delicate and sedate. Based in Bromsgrove, Goodallhas toured the UK, Ireland and Canada.

Skillful songstress LaylaTutt will be fashioning tunesto groove to, tunes to moveyou. Inspired by Old GreyWhistle tests, Woodstockfestivals and PompeiiAmphitheatres, expectpercussive, guitar strings andethereal vocals to spark thespirit and soothe the soul.Layla will also be exhibitingher exciting batik artworks.

Also bringing his unique musicand art is Worcester’s own AndyTyler of the Oohz.

Sunday 18th November, 3pm to6:30pm. Tickets will be £7 on thedoor.

And we’re already lookingforward to December with the

launch of our Open Mic Afternoons kindly supported by SevernArts. Supportive, exciting and ready for anything, everyone iswelcome!

Starts 2nd December, 2pm contact Jack Read for a slotjackread98@outlook.com

If you’re a local band, DJ, performer, producer or anyone elseneeding space to bring your vision to life, then we’ve got it!

We can offer tech support, bar, rehearsal space, a fully workingtheatre and our underground “vaults” space for competitive coststhat make space accessible for emerging talent.

We also have space to hire for Christmas parties and birthdayparty packages.

Contact Hannah.phillips@worcesterartsworkshop.org.uk

Don’t forget November sees the start of our usual visual artsclasses including; ceramics, fused glass, life drawing, portraitdrawing and watercolours.

And finally if you’re a home educator come along to our HomeEducators Art Sessions. Explore Art and wider topics whileconnecting with others.

Ecology Through Art - 8th November to 22nd November,10:30am to 12:30pm

Time Travel Through Porcelain - 29th November to 13thDecember, 10:30am to 12:30pm

For more information on any of our classes, workshops or eventsor to book your place on anything we’ve listed here visitwww.worcesterartsworkshop.org.uk

Ital Sounds at the Angel CentreWhat better way to spend a few hours on a cold damp October

afternoon than listening to some wonderful live reggae followedby some classic vinyl tracks all in the company of some greatpeople. A cultural market and family arts day, hosted by Drumlovethis family friendly day of music and arts including a drummingworkshop and the sale of wholesome food and crafts was yetanother reminder of how lucky we are to have such a thrivingcultural scene in Worcester. This promises to be a regular event at

the Angel Centre so check out the Drumlove Facebook page tofind out when they will be holding another.

Co-organiser Pat McCardle said, ‘A massive thank you toeveryone who was a part of the first MultiKulti event... Some lovelyfeedback already and great to see some of the moments capturedby the wonderful Carl John Freeman.’

Next one will be at the beginning of December so look out formore details very soon.

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12 SLAP NOVEMBER

PreviewYinka Shonibare at Hereford Cathedral:Creatures of the Mappa MundiContemporary art exhibition, 21 Jan – 1 Jun 2019Meadow Arts and Hereford Cathedral are working in

partnership to commission a new artwork, inspired by the MappaMundi, by highly esteemed artist Yinka Shonibare MBE (RA),with funding from the Herefordshire’s a Great Place scheme.

Displayed next to the Cathedral’s Chained Library, the HerefordMappa Mundi is the largest medieval world map to survive. Oneof its most remarkable features is that it is illustrated with strangepeople and animals, drawn by artists from the exaggerateddescriptions of travellers to far off lands. Shonibare has beeninspired by the map and its alien creatures to create a new workfor Herefordshire, on show during the first half of 2019.

Illustrated on the map are various creatures, natural andsupernatural, including camels, elephants and unicorns. The morehuman-like creatures are sometimes outrageous in form, forexample the Blemmye; a warrior race of people with no heads andfacial features in their chests, or the Sciapods, a race with onegiant leg and foot each.

Creatures of the Mappa Mundi will explore what Shonibarerefers to as, “Two of the most pressing concerns of our time,environmental protection and immigration. Inspired by the abilityof the Mappa Mundi to still be reflecting our contemporaryconcerns of fear of the stranger or “other” which often leads toxenophobia. The depictions of extinct creatures of legend are areminder that we may yet become extinct if we do not take careof our environment.”

The exhibition will contain a series of textile works, depictingvarious creatures and strangers from the map. These new workswill feature the vibrant Dutch-wax fabrics that have become iconicof Shonibare’s work. Each piece will have been made with the helpof different groups of people across the county of Herefordshire,including those linked to disabled people, the homeless andrefugees.

Director of Meadow Arts, Anne de Charmant, says, “MeadowArts are thrilled to be working with Yinka Shonibare, whose workis famous across the world and delighted that he has foundinspiration for a new project in Hereford. It is an honour to be ableto work with Studio Shonibare and even more so here in theregions, away from the more usual art ‘scene’.”

Hereford Cathedral Librarian, Rosemary Firman says, “TheHereford Mappa Mundi has been a source of inspiration andwonder for over 700 years. It is always exciting for us to engagewith new interpretations of the Map and we feel very privileged tobe able to host Shonibare’s new artwork.”

Creatures of the Mappa Mundi will be on display within HerefordCathedral’s Mappa Mundi & Chained Library from 21st Jan until1st June 2019. Normal admission charges apply.

This project is part of ‘Hidden Gems’, supported byHerefordshire’s a Great Place, a Herefordshire CulturalPartnership development project delivered by Rural Media. GreatPlace is co-funded by Arts Council England and HeritageLottery, with support from Historic England.

HOGAN’SHOGAN’SBESPOKE HAIRDRESS ING

SLAP NOVEMBER 13

FeatureGiraffe auction tops £210,000 for hospice

Celebrations are taking place after an auction of the amazing 31giraffe sculptures seen in Worcester over the summer, raised£210,400 for the St Richard’s Hospice Build 2020 Appeal.Worcester Stands Tall, a Wild in Art event brought to the cityby St Richard’s, captured the hearts of the community andattracted thousands of visitors to the city.

The auction at DRP Group, in Hartlebury, was a toweringsuccess – with people bidding to give their favourite giraffes aforever home.

Tricia Cavell, Fundraising Director at St Richard’s Hospice,said: “Last night’s auction was incredible and we are thrilled tohave raised £210,400 for our hospice’s Build 2020 Appeal. Thefunds raised will make a huge difference to our project to expandand redevelop the hospice – ultimately allowing us to extend ourcare to more patients and families. To all of the buyers, artists,sponsors, partners, supporters, schools, community groups andpublic who helped make this project possible – we would like tosay a sincere thank you for your immeasurable support. Together,we have truly stood tall for Worcester and beyond.”

Over the summer, the giraffes stood through the city’s streetsand open spaces for 10 weeks attracting visitors from all over thecountry. Of the 57 sculptures, 30 were giant giraffes and 27 werecalves – 26 of which were decorated by schools and communitygroups.

All the giant giraffes and onecalf, Lily the Pink, went toauction while the remaining26 calves will return to thosewho decorated them as alegacy of the project.

Worcestershire businessmanDave Graesser, fromHanbury, generously added tothe £1,700 raised in afundraising appeal to bring theSnowdrop giraffe sculptureto the hospice gardens with awinning bid of £8,000.

St Richard’s had earlierlaunched the Save OurSnowdrop campaign to buythe giraffe which was paintedby Katie Hodgetts, an artistwhose granddad was caredfor by St Richard’s Hospicebefore he died in 2016.

Mr Graesser, whose wife Sue is being cared for in the hospice In-patient Unit, said the couple wanted to support St Richard’s as away of thanking them for all they have done.

“We have first-hand experience of hospice care since we wereintroduced over two years ago,” said Mr Graesser. “Everybodyinvolved is caring and full of love. Sue and I talked about helpingto save Snowdrop for the hospice and she’s delighted – it’s reallygiven her something to smile about. To us Snowdrop reflects thefact that so many people love and support St Richard’s and willhelp people to understand they are not alone.

We hope when Snowdrop is in the hospice garden that she willbring a smile to the faces of those that see her and also act as adistraction from whatever they are dealing with at that moment.”

Mr Graesser also praised the hospice for the support they havegiven him and the couple’s son, Josh, during Sue’s illness.

Snowdrop will have company at the hospice as another giraffesculpture, Touch the Wishing Star, designed by Toyah Willcox,was donated to the hospice by its winning bidder. John Sheenbought the sculpture inmemory of his daughterSarah Trueman, neeSheen, who was caredfor by St Richard’s beforeshe died in August, aged31.

Mr Sheen said, “Sarahdied at St Richard’sand I thought it wasappropriate to bid forWishing on a Star ashopefully she is up therelooking at us. I hope thatchildren will go and seethe giraffe if theirgrandparents or parentsare ill and they can wishon that star. It’s also inmemory of my daughterand will always be there.”

The hospice’s Build2020 appeal aims to raisethe funds needed to builda bigger hospice, enabling more patients and loved ones to becared for in the future. The total cost of the project is £5.3 million.To find out more about St Richard’s Hospice and to show supportfor its Build 2020 Appeal, visit www.strichards.org.uk

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14 SLAP NOVEMBER

PreviewNew work in the frame at arty city pub A new art exhibition which runs until the end of the year has

opened at the Worcester city centre pub the Cap ‘n’ Gown. Theart space at the Upper Tything pub is run in conjunction withWorcestershire Open Studios, which was highly commended inthe Best Festival or Event category of the Visit Herefordshire &Visit Worcestershire Awards for Excellence ‘18. The exhibitionshowcases work by Worcester artists Caroline Hall, FransWesselman, and Malvernbased photographer, MarkZytynski.

Caroline Hall’s colourfulacrylic paintings capture themoods of familiar Worcesterstreet scenes and the MalvernHills. She says, “I trained as afine artist and have movedaway from creating abstractblack and white prints to morecolourful work. I am veryinterested in colour and feelingin painting.”

Frans Wesselman, who grew up and trained in the Netherlands,often puts people atthe centre of his workacross the multipledisciplines of painting,printmaking andstained glass. He hasselected a series ofnarrative monochromeetchings and colourwood cuts for thisexhibition.

Trees and woodlands are the focus of Mark Zytynski’sphotographic captures, which are displayed as framed limitededition prints. Mark says, “I love trees! I regard a tree as one ofnature’s works of art as well as providing us with food, shelter,shade and fuel. Working from high resolution photographs I aimto portray the likeness, personality and even the mood of a tree orwoodland clearing.”

Worcestershire Open Studios co-organiser, Cherrie Mansfield,said “A year ago landlord Ted Marshall approached us and offeredthe pub as a year round space for showing local artists' work. Thefirst two exhibitions were a great success and we’re hoping thisone will excite art lovers and pub goers alike.”

The current exhibition is on display until the end of Decemberand can be viewed during normal pub opening hours.

Worcester Alternative Artists MarketHeroes Bar, Worcester

Saturday 3rd November, 3-7pmAs anyone who reads this

mag will know, just beyondthe horizon of themainstream - with its ever-compounding conformityand unwillingness tochallenge convention - thereis to be found a wholevibrant world of music,poetry, performance - andgood, honest arts and crafts.

Art that pushes theboundaries. That is as goodas or, usually, way betterthan anything themainstream has to offer.

Alternative DIY music is ofcourse a perennial cause célèbre. Worcester does rather well inthis regard. With multiple independent live music venues, bands,and not mention its own annual - and totally not for profit - music

festival the area punches way above its weight. In this vein, thealternative arts and crafts scene is getting itself good andorganised.

And so, Worcester-based artists Claire Hilton, Katt Lepak andChristian Burton have put their collective heads together to

curate a new regular art market - WorcesterAlternative Artist’s Market (WAAM) - to beheld monthly, right in the centre of Worcester.

Showcasing local artists and craftspeople, theaim is to bring something to Worcester to caterfor its vibrant alternative arts scene, to providean outlet for, to support and to hopefully inspireestablished and up & coming artists.

The first WAAM event will take place in theback bar at Heroes and will feature work fromMiss Hilton Ink, Katt Lepak, Astrogiant,Antidote and PING amongst others. Plus therewill be homemade cakes also for sale. And whodoesn’t like cake.

And, of course, fees for the artist’s pitches willgo towards supporting local charities.

You can find out more details and followWAAM at : facebook.com/WAAM2018/

And come along. And find out more in person. Like the glorioushumans you are. Words: D.B. Schenker Image by WAAM

Contemporary Craft FairThe Blue Magpie Contemporary Craft Fair is set to return to

Elmslie over the weekend of November 16th, 17th & 18th.

This year, for the first time, ElmslieHouse will be opening their doors fora late night shopping experience andpreview evening on Friday 16thNovember from 4.00 - 8.00pm. Therewill be mulled wine and home-mademince pies available and theopportunity to buy gifts for theFestive Season ahead.

As ever, Blue Magpie is committedto supporting and promoting the verybest Designer-makers, includingprintmaker Emma Hardicker whosework is on display all year round atElmslie. She is currently working on acommission for Elmslie House to beunveiled for the first time at theFriday night preview and will beavailable exclusively from ElmslieHouse and Emma in the future!

The opening hours on Saturday17th & Sunday 18th Nov are 11 - 4pmand there will be home-made cakes, savouries and soup on offerthroughout the day. Admission is FREE so do go along and seethe fabulous creations of the selected makers.

CultivateCourtyard Artists Announced

Visual Arts ProjectThe Courtyard is pleased to announce the three emerging

artists selected to work on the second year of itsCultivate@Courtyard visual arts project.

Sarah Pitcher, Rebecca Hand, and Lauren Waycott all live, andhave studied, in the local area and their disciplines range frombasket weaving, jewellery design, and illustration. Over the nextsix months they will be mentored by professional artist MariaMorgan as they develop their work for an exhibition at TheCourtyard and Old Mayor’s Parlour Gallery in May and June2019.

“This is a really exciting time for our Visual Arts programme hereat The Courtyard as we look to build on the success of last year’sCultivate@Courtyard project” says David Durant, AssociateDirector. “To be able to see the process from start to finish willbe a really interesting and rewarding experience for us all.”

Maria Morgan, Project Co-ordinator, says: “I am alreadyexcited by the ideas and proposals which have been broughtforward by Sarah, Rebecca and Lauren. This is a wonderfulopportunity for them to develop themselves as professional artistsand I can’t wait to see the end result.”

For more information on this project please visitcourtyard.org.uk/visualarts Box Office: 01432 340555

SLAP NOVEMBER 15

Thousands raised for local carers during the2018 Worcester Music Festival

Worcester Music Festival organisers have presented a chequefor £5307.15 to their chosen charity, Worcestershire Associationof Carers. The festival, which took place from 14-16 September,hosted over 200 bandsand performers in 20venues and sawthousands of musicfans descend upon thecity centre for aweekend of live musicand art. Festival goers,volunteers and venuesdonated throughoutthe weekend, with allmoney going directly tothe charity whichsupports carers acrossthe county.

Nicola Boraston,Festival Director said,“We are overwhelmedby the generosity ofthe public in their support of this local charity which is so close toall of our hearts and impacts on so many people. The venues,bands, promoters, sound engineers and volunteers have allworked incredibly hard to raise awareness of the amazing workcarried out. We’re delighted that so much money has been raised.”

Carole Cumino, Chief Executive of Worcestershire Associationof Carers said, “On behalf of everyone at the charity, I would liketo say thank you to everyone involved with the Festival. We havebeen blown away by the support and efforts they have made andcannot thank everyone enough for their time. It was a fantastichonour to receive the cheque and it will make a big difference tothe charity. We are well aware of the power of music to heal andwe intend to use the funds to support our carers choir which helps

so many carersthroughout the year.”

Over the course ofthe weekend,volunteers could befound with donationbuckets whilst thecharity team gainedattention in theirfantastic fancy dressoutfits which includedsafari animals andmime artists.

Nicola continues,“The festival teamwould like to offerthanks to those whohelped to make the

weekend a success and those who donated so generously.”

Worcester Music Festival will soon be opening up applicationsfrom local charities to apply to be beneficiaries of the 2019festival. Follow their social media for more information on this indue course.

16 SLAP NOVEMBER

BlackballedKatie Fitzgeralds, Stoubridge|30th Sept“How many miles do you want to travel”? my friend ask’s as she

signs me up for online dating, “3 miles” I reply. My philosophy, theywould have to be worth it to fill my car up with petrol. Well,Blackballed is a band that has certainly got me pumping up mytyres and going the longer distance and since March, I have seenthem six times!

Tonight it’s at Katie Fittzgerald’s, Stourbridge. This was tocelebrate the landlord Eddy Morton’s birthday and his band gavean excellent set. But headlining was Blackballed, based inManchester, a blues / groove / rock hybrid fronted by MarshallGill (vocals/guitar) who you may have seen slinging the axe forNew Model Army, Tom Wibberley (bass) and Leon Gill (drums).

They always impress me with their sleek dress and hat code andtonight Marshall gave his new grey suit an outing and under thespotlight he looked like a silver bullet, ready to get loaded andmake his audience pay attention.

Kicking off was ‘Olde England’ which is a slow rift but with Leon’sdrumming, your hips are mesmerised into swinging mode andthen they hit you with the vocals and with a ha ha haha, you haveupped a few levels and your hips go into overdrive and your feetare stomping. For any newcomer this first track certainly gets thecrowd warmed up and ears pricked.

The band has a tight combination of killer rifts, explosivedrumming and a bassist beyond belief. Their songs are what I canonly describe as ‘get up on the table tracks’.

“Tell Me I’m Wrong” is a track sounding like you are pressing onthe accelerator to make a quick getaway. Leon reminds me ofAnimal of The Muppets, he goes for it like a mad man and Marshalland Tom have to keep up. I would like to see a drum off withAnimal and Leon, if you have ever seen the You Tube drum off,Dave Grohl would be left at the starting blocks!

Then, “Fultons Point”, the name of their latest album, this trackhas a slow start with Marshall’s smooth, seductive vocals, sendingyou into a mood wheich I can only describe as getting into afreshly made bed (apparently that’s been voted the top spot forfeeling happy and relaxed), his voice makes your hairs stand onend. The track then builds up into crescendo which makes mewant to kick off the quilt!

Blackballed’s performance throughout the night was highlyentertaining not just with their songs but spicing it up with a bit ofdisco mix and their banter about facial expressions of guitarists,was just hilarious. These northern lads are excellent musiciansand once heard they have lured you into their net. For me, I’m welland truly captured by the authenticity of their tracks. As my mumwould say ‘you can hear all the words” and I have to state thatthere is not one song I skip on their CDs.

If you are not one for travelling, make an exception to see thisband, and they have just announced they are back at this venueon 3rd February 2019. I’m buying a new car next year with a satnav because these boys are going places!

Megan White

The Dead Dads Club Actress & Bishop Birmingham|13th October

Dead dads club pulled out all the stops for their first headlinegig in Birmingham. The young Malvern band lead the crowdthrough a 60's influenced musical journey of original material, anddelivered a strong performance.

Opening track "Valentine" set the tone for the evening, adominating drum beat by James Devine building the roomsenergy very quickly. "Party" saw the band visit their 60s influenceswith the crowd clearly enjoying its upbeat early Beatles sound."Homeless Blues" and "Buttons Of Gold" followed next, allowinglead guitarist Milo Hayes to display guitar skills of a player withthe maturity far beyond his 17 years.

By now, the Club was in full swing, and lead singer LeeRichardson introduces a brand new track,"Black Dogs Mess". It doesn't disappoint.Imagine a cross between Joy Division andearly Oasis, and you'll get the picture.Richardson certainly knows how to involvethe crowd, at one point urging a maleaudience member to remove his shirt inorder to put on a different one.

Two more tracks, the rocking "Castle",and "Autograph", lead to the closer "MustBe Crazy". By now the crowd is unable tostand still, and before they know it, thesong is over, as is the first Dead Dads Clubheadline show in Birmingham. Next up is aslot at Nambucca in London on the 19thOctober.

Richard Stanson

Photos by Dazz Green

Review

SLAP NOVEMBER 17

New ReleaseThe Humdrum ExpressOnline Beer Club

Friday September 28th saw the release of thebrand new single by The Humdrum Expressentitled Online Beer Club. It is a tale of the everincreasing “craft ale to your door” services, andtheir ostentatious subscribers. In the HumdrumExpress’s own words, Online Beer Club is“something of a multi-tasking release to givepeople a (palate cleansing) taste of how the newalbum is progressing, and to let people know I’mstill alive!”

After a number of successful live dates with afull band, Humdrum main man (and cynical

curmudgeon of some note) IanPassey is now working andwriting with the said musiciansgiving The Humdrum Express adifferent type of creativity andsong-writing that can only beachieved from performing as aband. Alongside Ian, the band inquestion comprises of Boz onBass, Chris on Keyboards and Carlon Drums. They are all intalented musicians who aremembers of other notable localbands such as Flying Ant Day,Sleuth and Amoeba Teen.

The song itself opens with acatchy jangly guitar riff before bursting into an up-tempo rhythmof drums, bass and swirling 60’s-esque keys. It’s the perfectaccompaniment for Ian’s vocalisation of this humorous tirade atthe whole internet based beer to your door service phenomenon.With such lines as “his palette cleansed with his selection, drinkingalone with his vinyl collection...hipster paradise” you can’t helpbut chuckle.

Online Beer Club is yet another infectiously catchy, smileinducing release from the ever dependable Humdrum Express. It’sa full bodied brew of acerbic observational humour sprinkled witha pinch of dry hoppy cynicism. All one is left wondering is whenThe Humdrum Express will release an IPA (Ian Passey Ale) to bemarketed online one day.

Online Beer Club is available now as a digital download from TheHumdrum Express Bandcamp page and all good digital musicstores - thehumdrumexpress.bandcamp.com

Jason K - Punk by Nature

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18 SLAP NOVEMBER

New ReleaseWood and Nails|Lights Out

Having spent the last two years on tour as support acts forGranwolves, Spunge and BeachSlang to name a few, the boysof Wood and Nails are aboutto drop one of their mostexciting songs yet. With a debutEP and two previously releasedsingles already in the bag, theindie-punk rock band fromBirmingham are ready to gettheir claws stuck into a biggermusic scene. Their songs arestarting to get the recognitionthat they deserve with aprevious single getting justunder 5,000 streams on Spotify.They’re latest single “LightsOut” is due to drop soon andit’s their best yet in my eyes.

A warm production blossoms throughout the track for whatfeels like a sad song about depression and turning to alcohol when

things are going bad. Lyrics such as "If you stay I will make it worthyour wait, but I pray I can drink this all away” are quite dark, andmake you believe that turning to alcohol could solve yourproblems, when we all know, that is NOT the thing to do. I feel

there is a hidden message in this track thatidentifies as the lights out meaning, that thingsaren’t ok and the singer’s simply “turned off."There could also be another side of this song,maybe the singer is singing to someone elseand is telling them “I will drink all yourproblems away.” Never the less, if you’restruggling as a human being and finding timestough… talk to someone, confront them andalways be honest with yourself OR if you’re amusician, write a song about it.

I love how the band portray a real emotionalfeeling with completely oppositeinstrumentation. The music of the song isupbeat and remind of the feel good essencesthat Blink 182 lift up, but Wood and Nailsfeatures a more rock theme.

Wood and Nails are playing their biggest hometown show atBirmingham’s O2 Academy, 12th Dec opening up for FloggingMolly and The Bronx, you don’t want to miss that. Chloe Mogg

[Spunge] - Liar'Liar' by Midlands band [spunge] wastes no time in getting going, as the

energetic intro riff pulls you in from the get go. When the vocals kick in, the skaand punk influences behind the band are extremely clear to hear, leading usinto a very catchy groove. However, when the chorus of Liar takes over, thesong takes on a more punk rock feel, and the later musical interlude bringsGreen Day crashing to mind.

The song itself tells a relatable tale of how people can be fickle and two faced,telling you one thing to your face and another behind your back, and droppingyou as soon as something better comes along. If you're looking for a song to letyour anger out to, this is it. Despite being around since 1994, this is their firstrelese in a good while, and I'm keen to hear more. If you get the chance to seethem live, they are playing some dates in December. I reckon you'd be in for abrilliant night.

Kate Ford

The Strays|Go Go BoyHaving followed The Strays

online for a while I'm pleased tohave the chance to share mythoughts on their latest single.Described as No Doubt meetsChuck Berry meets Imelda May,you know that whatever theyproduce for our listening pleasurewill be nothing short of wonderful.

Crashing cymbals tease us into agroovy guitar intro whichinstantaneously had me jiggingaround in my seat along with thevigorous, danceable tempo.

Vocalist Estelle uses clever lyrics,that highlight the band’s retro andvintage appeal, to encourage anypotential suitor to dance in order

to impress her. The song keeps up its up tempo vibrancy, beingfast paced and edgy throughout, only taking a mildly slowerbreather mid way, before rising back into the infectious hook

we've heard at the start. If you take thetime to watch the accompanying video,the song takes on even more life, as theartists themselves and the performersinvolved really impress, stitching togetherthe masterful lyrics and the visual aspectdelivered, into a sugary sweet candy boxof delights.

The whole production is catchy,refreshingly unique and well worth alisten. Extremely talented musicians, whovery obviously wish to deliver fast, loudand loveable music. They are certainlydoing just that. Just don't forget yourdancing shoes.

Kate Ford

SLAP NOVEMBER 19

New Release

SwaktangThe Woebegone Tale Of A Procrastinating SociopathBack in my well-spent youth, I could usually be found staggering

around the various venues of the West Midlands seeking outcrunchy punk chords or hardcorehollering, whilst sticking to sweat andbeer laced floorboards, swigging theodd dubious looking beverage andspending my well earned pennies oncheap D.I.Y. records and discs. Duringthis time I must have watched literallyhundreds of half-forgotten acts in suchexotic places as The Stage, Brewery Tap,The Old Railway and The Foundry, toname but a few, and I can rememberseeing the name of Swaktang onvarious posters and flyers from my earlydays of gigging. In fact I'm fairly sure Icaught the Midlands based trio once ortwice, hey I may have even written areview but names and faces are a weebit blurred.

What does remain is my continued love for pogo inducing punk,a snotty snarl, serrated buzzsaw guitars and that DIY ethos thatfirst seduced this wide-eyed boy from Worcester all those yearsago. Thankfully punk veterans, (well they did form back in ‘89),Swaktang share that same love, and despite line-up changeshave never deviated from that well beaten path, giving their all,whilst having a bloody good laugh doing so. Following on from arecent stomp at Worcester Music Festival and the criticallyacclaimed, (EP of the month in a certain local monthly, no less),Happiness Wants Me Back, the three-piece decided to set upcamp and record a brand new full length album, well twenty fourminutes, (this is punk rock you know!).

Brilliantly named, The Woebegone Tales Of A ProcrastinatingSociopath, opens with a quick cymbal tap before frontman, Syattacks his guitar. Whilst the rhythm-section set off at a franticpace, an impassioned holler of 'YEAgH Right' sets the mood as theband showcase their credentials with a frenzied three minutegallop, disillusioned punk howls and the pounded drums of Major,

compete for supremacy whilst bassist Cieran brings a few Clashlike shapes, to the mix. Throw in a chanted outro and Swaktanghave you standing to attention.

Having grabbed the attention with the opening salvo, the triothrow a huge curveball with the following Firebird, despite militarylike drums, the song sees the band step off the power and velocity

pedal to deliver a heartfelt, punk balladwith Sy (sort of) crooning and guitars setto strum, (as opposed to stun), for thebest part of the three and half minuteduration. The band soon rev up theproceedings with M.I.A. and the gloriousstop-start, shout-a-long of TOTW (Top ofThe World) before a minute ofProcrastination, gives way to aninfectious elastic bass riff and the skaflavoured Good For Nothing. Swaktangsprint towards the finish line with theaptly named Brief Encounter beforeoffering up One More Night, wrappingup The Woebegone Tale, much as theybegan, with a raucous, holler a long slabof skate punk that will have youbouncing up and down on the

neighbours car in celebration of all things punk, D.I.Y. andSwaktang.

Will Munnwww.swaktang.50megs.com

Navajo Ace|UndeservingDrum sticks tap to take us into an underlying guitar riff and an almost

silently screaming note beneath it all, which makes up a very intricatelylayered musical poem delivered by Navajo Ace, who, at the time of goingto press, would've played their final ever gig in October. Undeserving is apowerful song, one whose meaning can vary depending on the listener.The lyrics, to me, are beautifully poetic, although their meaning I suspect,are of a dark and serious nature. For me, they are most definitelyrelatable to the fact all proceeds from the track are being donated tohelprefugees.org. I feel it sensitively covers the issue of fleeing a countryin hope of better times, although the journey is harrowing, you becomejust a number. "Your sea of faces had the features removed".

The awesome accompanying music to the tale is delivered expertly bypassionate, professional artists who are tackling serious and importantissues, but wrapping it all up in a grungy, indie rock package to get themessage out to us. It's sad to be saying goodbye to such a well lovedWorcester band, but at least they've left us with another solid, polished,finale song. Kate Ford

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20 SLAP NOVEMBER

Leon Daye|The GiftLeon Daye maybe something of a new name to most of us, but

the Cirencester based singer-songwriter has been writing,recording and performing for over twenty years, recording anumber of albums and EPs along the way both as a solo artist andas the leader of the Leon Daye Band. Taking his cues from anumber of different influences fromalternative rock to acoustic pop,Leon has built a reputation for beinga varied, energetic and engagingartist around his local area andbeyond.

The Gift, a six-track affair is Leon'slatest, a diverse affair that shouldappease newcomers and longstanding members of Daye'sfanbase in equal measure, as heeffortlessly flits between strippedback folky affairs to theaforementioned upbeat, pop-rocker.Darkside opens proceedings witha bang of the drums, beforestrummed acoustics and choppy electric guitars combine tocreate an instantly infectious melody that builds to a stirring choralhook. Daye allows a once melodic almost melancholic lead toswoop and soar, grabbing at the listeners attention and remaininglong after the final chords play out.

Following on, the title track motors into focus on the back of acontagious drum salvo and an urgent riff, soon complimented byDaye's acoustic and a fine slice of social commentary, that asks

what will we leave when we're gone. Leon addresses world issuesbut does so with a winning hook as he realises that a keen melodywill draw an audience to the song and indeed the lyrics, more sothan a morose self-pitying. The following duo of tracks provesDaye's adaptability. On the one hand you have A Reason To Live, astripped-back, welcoming ballad and the introduction of keyscomplimenting the omni-present six string, whilst on the other,Centurion Town, opens with a folky strum before developing into

a brilliant observational romp that wouldn'tsound too out of place on one of Tilbrook andDifford's finest. The two tracks may differ instyle but the pen still resonates in Leon's handas both sides of the coin leave you nodding(and singing after a spin or two) along gleefully.

This six-track affair is the (and pardon thepun) gift that keeps on giving. The penultimate,Building A Life is one of those handmade forradio. Pop rock anthems (beamed in from atime when guitar, melody and hook were thethe three musketeers of the airwaves). Thatcomes complete with a sing-a-long wordlessrefrain and a catchier than the common coldchorus, perfect for those daytime drivers outthere. If that wasn't already a reason to be

cheerful, Daye perhaps saves the best for last as Diamonds AndDreams starts as an intricately plucked acoustic folk lament,before developing into a gorgeous widescreen slice of shimmeringpop (and can I detect a gospel tint) that's worth the price ofadmission alone.

Trust me when I say this is one gift you won’t be returning!!www.leondaye.com www.facebook.com/leondayemusic/reverbnation.com/leondaye m.soundcloud.com/leon-daye

Will Munn

Ian Parker|Spoonful Of GoldIan Parker needs no introduction. He is one of the UK’s

outstanding blues rock guitarists, as well as being a talentedwriter, whose work has taken other paths over the years,producing some wonderful music. Ian’s Politik Blues, released in2015, finds airplay regularly in my world.

Spoonful Of Gold came from anabsorbing read in a Paris book store ofThe Willie Dixon Story, ‘I Am The Blues’.Willie was a prolific writer of some of thegreatest and most recognisable bluessongs. Songs that have been covered byevery major artist both in the blues worldas well as pop and rock, often findingtheir way into film and televisionembedded in soundtracks. Ian Parker hasdelivered us his pick of some of WillieDixon’s finest music, and has done sowith very much his own interpretation inthis engaging portrait of the great man.

Joining Ian at the Rockwell Studio in Monmouth were his bandof brothers, Morg Morgan, on everything keyed, Chris Finn onpercussion, bassist Chris Lomas, and Chris Eaton with lap steel,electric and dobro ‘guitars’. That’s far too many Chris’s for myhead, just 1 short of a crisis!

It’s extremely difficult to pull out particular tracks that stand out,as all the material is exemplary and it’s impossible not to want tokeep hitting the repeat. Straight off, Ian’s guitar sweeps in, takinga gritty vocal line. Chris E and F set up the shadowy ‘Back DoorMan’ slipping out the back as the husband enters in the front. A

funky bass line and calypso rhythm paint the arguably lesserknown ‘Mighty Earthquake and Hurricane’ bringing a deliciousCaribbean groove to the foreboding lyrics.

Etta James will forever be associated with the sultry, ‘I JustWanna Make Love To You’, but it’s a Willie song, and here, Ianmakes his offer with a fabulous honeyed guitar you’ll not find on

Etta’s recording. Finn and Lomas set upanother lovely intoxicating rhythm for, ‘ICan’t Understand It’, beautifully decorated bya complex weave of guitar strings, andtouches of Hammond, superb throughout.This is followed by a hauntingly soulful, ‘MyLove Will Never Die’, Ian’s imploring vocals,lead the way. Sparse but sweet guitar notesare picked out, it’s a massive track, full ofundying passion, an undying epitaph to a lostlove (warning it will burn deeply into yoursoul)

‘The Seventh Son’ and a ‘Weak Brain’ willinevitably lead to overdosing on the glorious‘Spoonful’ which you could argue is probablythe most ripped song in the Willie Dixon

collection. Every blues band throughout the sixties and seventiescovered it, and many of the great old bluesmen of the fifties. Today,it continues to be offered up, an everlasting medication that canlift you from the realities of this weird world we have created.

If you’re familiar with Willie Dixon, and you probably are, evenunknowingly, you’ll want this. If you appreciate subtle guitar andfine musicianship, you’ll want this. If you’re a fan of Ian Parker,you will pick up a copy. I highly recommend getting yourself aSpoonful Of Gold to be taken regularly, and whenever you feel likea dose. Graham Munn

New Release

Every MondayAcoustic Night 8.30 till Late01684 778158

Paul White & Ray MyttonSunday 18th November

3.30pm Free Entry.

The Rollin Hills Restaurant

The Rollin HillsUpton upon Servern

SLAP NOVEMBER 21

New ReleaseRHR|Mahogany Drift

Seems Troy Redfern ispopping up all over the placelately, his own band back onthe road, solo excursions, partof the Babajack project, andnow one of the trio that is RHR.

Jack Hutchinson, on vocalsand guitar is based in Londonand renowned for his Southernsmokey blues rock, audible inthe sample track. Troy addsvocals, guitar, bass and banjoand brings savage dirty slide,cutting guitar riffs and a voicethat’s formed in a cement mixer full of ballast. Mike Ross onvocals, guitar, bass and harmonium has his own take on blues androots, smoked over a soul drenched charcoal burner. Darren Leesits at drums.

The album opens with She Painted The Moon, written by Ross,with a heavy rock opening taking you back into the 60/70’s era,firmly nailing the colours to the mast. Hutchinson takes up themantle with a pulsating, fast rolling rock anthem, ‘Rapture’, hishard, gritty vocals cutting through the track. It’s time for a Redfernfusion, bringing an exotic flavour to the opening bars, with banjoadding to the mix, that brings the taste of North Africa, and surfrock.

Needless to say, vocals are scattered through like granitechippings. ‘Mahogany’ is an involving instrumental that draws youin, a jam you’d happily spread on thick, but it steps aside for MikeRoss’ ‘Ghost Town Riders’, his falsetto voice riding high above theenergetic gallop.

A fully charged, triple celled accumulator of rock riffs, ‘Satisfied’is helped along by heavy bass and Darren hammering out the

rhythm, Troy’s, hard edged, song, implodes, leaving alighter residue of more soulful country blues from Jack.

‘Drift’ takes us into another RHR instrumental jam, withsweet plummy guitar riffs and driving percussion, driftingaway to reveal the final songs, to complete an incrediblytasty cocktail, three spiky spirits, served on the percussiverocks, each leaving their distinctive imprints. Mike Ross’scontribution is a superb ‘Leviathan’ with the distinctivesound of a resonator, adding colour to the song.

Blink and in the shadows, you may think you have triplevision, all favour the shaggy, bearded and hatted look. Butthe album speaks for itself, Mahogany Drift is animpressive start to a band so freshly forged from abedrock of blues.

Graham Munn

Kings Of The Quarter Mile|Only Dark HorsesKings Of The Quarter Mile may well be something of a new

name on the local music scene, but the four-piece are seasonedmusicians and long term natives having honed their craft invarious different bands for over fifteen years.The rhythm section, Brian Richards (bass)and Dave Smaylen (drums) have performedtogether for a number of years in the likes oflocal heroes, The Cohen Brothers and WhenIt Rains. Frontman and guitarist, SteveCounsell has been treading the boards withthe likes of Marina Del Ray, Badge andGeneva, whilst lead guitarist Pete Juzl hasmoved up from London, having played in thelikes of Loretta & The Elevations and Lucy'sDiscipline, before co-writing and performingon an album by Gods Of Stream.

With a wealth of experience and a love of bluesy Americana, thenewly named quartet, Kings Of The Quarter Mile headed toRhythm Studios in Bidford-on-Avon to commit their formativesongs to disk, in the shape of a seven track EP entitled Only DarkHorses, as an introduction to the band.

The EP aptly opens with a track entitled Ain't Wasting Time, andlike the title, the band take little time to set their stall. An instantlycompelling dusty riff is joined by a second twanging country-esquesix-string as we lurch down desert highways and past treesdripping in Spanish Moss, KOTQM drum up visions of broken-hearted drifters and shattered dreams. Counsell delivers a gravellycroon, drawing the listener further into the song, much in the

same vein as Willy Vlautin (of Richmond Fontaine) or Jason Isbell.Dreamsville follows and proves that the opener was no mere flukeas a dreamy acoustic jangle is quickly complimented by agorgeous electric twang and slide, as the band straddle the dividebetween Americana and 60's inspired pop. As the EP continues,

Mexico sees the band change tact again, asthe rhythm section lay down a thickinfectious groove, whilst Juzl and Counsellbend blues shapes with the former allowedoff the leash to prove his chops. The latterdelivers a ballsy, contagious lead, provinghis vocal versatility at covering the entireroots spectrum.

Continuing the EPs diversity, the near fiveand half minuteb Another Nail smolders andburns, suggesting a soulful southern rockinfluence as Counsell broods and Juzldelivers a solo that simply soars. It Ain't No

Use continues the impressive, more muscular rock vibe, withSteve delivering an addictive and muscular choral hook that sticksaround long after the final chords ring out. The band close the EPout with another impressive slab of rootsy Americana in the shapeof What Have You Done? before leaving us with the glorious, subthree-minute rock 'n' roll buzz of Flashback Lightning, crowningan already impressive debut with a guaranteed floor filling finale.

I'm not sure that KIngs Of The Quarter Mile are Dark Horses,more like roots thoroughbreds as this EP has it all, from Americanaheart wrenchers to thrill-seeking rockers. Catch them burning upa saloon near you at your first opportunity.

www.facebook.com/KOTQM Will Munn

22 SLAP NOVEMBER

Spaztic Robot & The Epileptic MothA couple of years back Spaztic Robot unleashed his gloriously

deranged debut album Skip Rope Rhymes to an unsuspectingnation, an album that garnered attention from the likes of Vive LeRock Magazine and The Ringmaster, who respectively describedthe disc as 'pleasantly unpleasant' and 'invasive yet solemnlybeauteous darkness' whilst I myself stated it was an album 'forthose unafraid to embrace the unknown'. Following a two yearabsence Robbie Sparks, who you’llremember from Rebel City Radio returnsto Spaztic Robot for another bout of darktales, aptly released on Halloween.

Spaztic Robot & The Epileptic Mothopens with Assholes and an eerie, otherworldly moan before Robbie adds his ownknowing laugh as electronic pulses andbrooding beats join the mix. Sparks asksthe listener directly 'Hey mister do I haveyour attention?' before delivering adevilish lead vocal where he comparespoliticians to two dogs sniffing eachothers assholes. A sinister clash ofcinematic, industrial rock where waves ofguitar and hard hitting electronica collide,creating a dense and impactfulsoundscape. Half whispers and buried harmonies add to the tracksclaustrophobic nature, bringing to mind the early days of MarilynManson among others. The self-titled (and recent single) SpazticRobot ups the ante with hard hitting, machine gun like technobeats that assault the senses, triggered samples and driving riffsjoin Sparks’ cackled lead as he delivers a darkly delicious slab ofinfectious electro-rock.

From here on in, the album takes something of a more surreal,nightmarish turn. We CU! has the feel of a twisted lullaby, as asimplistic, melody plays over throbbing beats whilst Robbie

delivers a sinister spoken-word monologue before delivering amantra like chant of 'we see you hide'. Blasphemous Rumoursreign things in with shimmering guitars and a straight vocal, butSparks still can't help throwing in barbed one liner such as 'I don'twant to start blasphemous rumours but I think god's got a sicksense of humour' as he gives listeners a clever and welcomerespite from the opening and subsequent industrial onslaught. Asthe album continues, Robbie unloads sonic barrages of noise onthe likes of Pond Scum and Back To Inferior Ways, whilst the likes

of the seven minute Shark Attack andWindmill linger and sneak in the dark,weaving seemingly harmless melodieswith creepy rhymes, samples ofchildren and unsettling beats to createsomething all the more disturbinglycompelling.

Among the various chillingsoundscapes and foreboding vocals,Sparks also showcases a great deal ofmusicality and imaginativearrangements. Blisters for example isbased around a soothing piano ledmelody, Demons has an unusual, deepseated dub styled groove bubblingaway beneath the surface, whilstNirvana's Heart Shaped Box is

completely reworked, barely hinting at the original as Robbietwists unimaginable shapes from the source to create somethingnew and fitting within the world of ...the epileptic moth.

Much like the debut, Spaztic Robot's second is not for the faintof heart. It's a dark and creepy affair that burrows beneath theskin and gnaws at the senses, beckoning the listener deep intothe shadows. But as you become more accustomed to the darkyou come to embrace it and before you know it, you're waitingwith baited breath for the next thrill. Will Munn

www.spazticrobot.com www.facebook.com/spazticrobot

New Release

James Gittins|ChoicesThe debut solo album “Choices,” from the Lickey Hills based

guitarist, opens with 'Disgrace,' a fast paced lament of the humanrace and its part in the mass extinction taking place on the Earth.James' stance for the album is clear and with 20% of streamingprofits going to save planet Earth,James seems on a one man missionto save the planet with as much funkas possible.

'Sugar,' the album's second trackhits the listener with a jumped upfunky riff which seems intriguinglyjuxtaposed to the song's messageabout the country's woeful sugarydiet choices: “you are wonderful inmoderation,our abuse of you iswhat's killing the nation.” The bouncyguitar and percussion blend wellwith the jovial tone James uses toconvince the listener of the direstate of the nation's health. Heproclaims the public “whales” andstates they “better watch out for theJapanese.” A humorous take on theserious issue of obesity.

The soft and syncopated 'Save Our World' feels like it should beaccompanied by an obligatory disco ball. The song has a seriousmessage for the world's youth that, as adults, “we will save ourworld for you so you can know the life that we knew” and that itis our responsibility to “stop the poisoning of all generations.”James' positivity that the human race will turn its assault onecology around for the sake of the younger generation is uplifting

and heart-warming. We can onlyhope that he's correct.

'Kind Once Again' is a guitar-effect dream stating that we canstill “save the human race.” Jamesbelieves that, as a society, we canchange and use the informationand science available to educateourselves. James' confidence inmankind and our capabilities totransform and save the planet isinfectious and I hope his visioncomes true in all its funky discoglory. The album ends withseveral remixes of its previoussongs which display James' abilityto change the mood of a pieceand allow the listener to see adifferent side to his music.

Katherine Harris

SLAP NOVEMBER 23

ReviewRich Hall

Evesham Arts Centre|20th OctThe gauge of a good night out must be the excited chatter of all

involved discussing the experience, as they make their way acrossthe carpark, at the end of the night. As we made our way alongthe terraced streets of Evesham, at the end of the night, theexcited chatter was framed by the shards of early October chill, aswe shared our contemporary memories. Rich Hall’s recounting ofthe sad departure of his drummer, “…who drunk and depressed,had thrown himself behind a train” – was a throwaway line thathad seared itself on the memory of the couple infront of us, and rightly so. For us the realisation that“Northampton is nowhere near Southampton”proved just what a tricky nation we are, with Hallconfessing to, “…the longest across town driveever.” Our grumpy narrator is great at holding upan elucidating mirror to the caprices of Albion.What other culture, that rises each morning with“a sense of mild disappoint” would champion asuccess with the phrase “… well, that wentsurprisingly well.”

Well, the audience that embraced Rich Hall’sgimlet-eyed observations were not surprised bythe proceedings of the evening. The first half ofgrouchy stand-up won over a willing audience thatwere not thrown by the need for participation forthe second half of the evening to work, when Hallwas complemented by “two of the best musiciansavailable, in their price range.” The final hour of

three chord ditties and self-styled Sillybilly lampooned andmocked with laser precision. I was pleased Dave the ex-prisonwarden, finally, had his unofficial retirement party with a room fullof strangers! He is probably excitedly chattering about his 15seconds of fame as I write this….

Our night with Rich Hall at the Evesham Arts Centre was justthat, a drama hall, rich with roaring laughter, wry tittering, breath-drawing honesty, shoulder shaking mirth and collectivechuckles…and as we made our way along heavily congestedroadsides and another recently shut pub, I couldn’t help butthink…“well, that went surprisingly well.”

The Swilgate Scuttler

24 SLAP NOVEMBER

Preview

SheelanagigMalvern Cube, Malvern, Sun 18th Nov

Sheelanagig for over a decade have brought theirarray of foot-stomping folk tunes to audiences acrossthe globe. A quintet with a well-stocked armoury ofstringed instruments – guitar, fiddle, double bass -added with the rhythmic energy of flute and drumsand a bagful of joint-jumping tunes, these boys fromthe South-West England create a real dynamic whichis inherent in both their furious dance medleys aswell as their interestingly arranged original pieces.

Putting the groove into a selection of traditionaland original European folk music dating from themedieval times to present day, it’s difficult – nay,impossible – for your limbs to remain stationarywhen you’re within earshot of them in full flight. Thefact that they often play with a knowing winkshouldn’t obscure their impeccable technique, andoutstanding musicianship that raises the roof inevery place they play.

2018 sees an exciting brand new line up includingflautist Luke Phillips-Griffiths fresh from theNewcastle folk music circuit, and Alex Bishop -acclaimed folk guitarist and luthier, who both bringan exciting new direction and energy to the group’smuch loved sound. Busying themselves this springthe band are preparing to hit the road to tour acrossFrance, Switzerland and Australia and will return forthe summer festival season and a UK tour inNovember.

Doors 7pm Starts 7.30pm Tickets £13 OTD £15www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/worcestershire/the-

malvern-cube/sheelanagig-support/2018-11-18/19:30

Jonah Matranga(Full Band, Water & Solutions)

with Oxygen ThiefI The Lion, Soeur, Blank AtlasThe Frog and Fiddle|Sat 10th Nov

After a life-affirming set atthis year’s 2000Trees Festival,Jonah Matrangais coming back tothe Frog AndFiddle – this timewith a full liveband of friends toplay through the classic album ‘Water & Solutions’. He is backedon the tour by Oxygen Thief who take to the road with JonahMatranga in Nov, finishing at The Monarch in London

Bristol-based alternative-rock trio, Oxygen Thief have sharedthe new riff-ladened single Graffiti; Irony; Lists alongsideannouncing full details of their new album, Confusion Species, setfor release on November 16th through Xtra Mile Recordings.

Confusion Species will be available on limited edition 12inchtransparent blue and orange with black splatter vinyl - Available

from Oxygen Thief on tour, as well as a very limited amountthrough the Xtra Mile webstore. Confusion Species will also beavailable on 12inch transparent blue at retail. Or you can pre-Orderhere: https://oxygenthief.lnk.to/confusionspecies

It’s been just over four years since the release of Oxygen Thief’ssecond album, The Half-Life Of Facts, and the world has changeda lot in that time. In fact, a lot has changed since Barry Dolanstarted the project in Bristol back in 2006, and the 11 tracks ofConfusion Species are the sound of him trying to make sense ofit all, rather than be overwhelmed, lost and consumed by thesludge and noise of this modern, post-Brexit, post-Trump world.

WeGotTickets.com/frogandfiddle

SLAP NOVEMBER 25

PreviewSarah McQuaid

The Old Baptist Chapel, Tewkesbury|Fri 30th NovInternationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Sarah McQuaid is

currently on an exhaustive world tour which will see her travel thelength and breadth of the USA - before she arrives in Tewkesburyto play at the Old Baptist Chapel at the end of November.

Born in Madrid (to a Spanish father and an American mother),raised in Chicago and now living in Cornwall, Sarah McQuaid wastaught piano and guitar by her folksinging mother, and from theage of twelve she was embarking on tours of the US and Canadawith the Chicago Children’s Choir.

At eighteen she went to France for a year to study philosophy atthe University of Strasbourg, before moving to Ireland in 1994. Shelived there for 13 years, working as a music journalist andmagazine editor, and in 2007, she re-released her 1997 debut soloalbum, When Two Lovers Meet, and launched her solo career witha performance on Irish national television.

Ten years and four albums later, in April 2017, Sarah waspresented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the ArdsInternational Guitar Festival, in recognition of her innovative useof the DADGAD tuning and her authorship of The Irish DADGADGuitar Book.

In 2018 she is touring her fifth and latest CD, If We Dig AnyDeeper It Could Get Dangerous, produced by the legendaryMichael Chapman.

Start Time: 8pm, Doors Open: 7:30pm Ticket Price: £10 advance/ £12 on door. Tickets available in person from the John MooreMuseum or from https://www.wegottickets.com/event/442334

The Berkeley ArmsChur Street, Tewkesbury

Great bands every SaturdayLast Friday in the month...

Open Mic with - The Future SetTythe Barn for private meetings/functions

Real Ales, Real Food in a Real Pub4 Cask Ales, 3 Real Ciders01684 290555 | berkeleyarms01@hotmail.com

An Evening with Rick KempThe Old Rectifying House, Worcester

Thursday November 8thAcoustic Music Convention began in late summer, upstairs at

The Old Rectifying House, Worcester promising to bring regular,quality, acoustic acts and artistes from blues, folk, roots,Americana and singer/songwriter genres. The ambience ismaintained by ensuring that the musicians are not struggling tomake themselves heard above the chatter and noise that somevenues attract. Our audience enjoy a truly listening andappreciative experience.

The first three concerts bought sensational acts from around thecountry, with their respective repertoire of jazz, bossa nova, bluesand folk to appreciative audiences, with every guest act supportedby a local musician.

For the remainder of 2018, monthly concerts will be presented,moving to twice-monthly in the new year. The Next Conventionevent brings Rick Kemp to Worcester for the first time as a soloperformer.

Rick is best known as an early member of Steeleye Span andthe evening will obviously include some memories of thoseexciting years. The evening will take the audience from his earlyyears in a teenage skiffle group in Hull through to playing with KingCrimson, Michael Chapman and Whapweasel and much more.

Rick Kemp is recognised by fellow musicians as one of theforemost singer/songwriters in the folk world so the evening willobviously include many of Rick’s memorable compositions.Leaving his familiar bass at home, Rick will pick up the acousticguitar and the audience will be treated to some great solo songs,

including Deep In The Darkest Night and Somewhere Along TheRoad – a song almost lost forever and now the subject of morethan twenty cover versions by famous artists.

Anyone who has been to a Steeleye Span concert will know thatRick Kemp has a dry and engaging wit which the audience trulyenjoy. The evening should attract a wide audience ranging fromthe many thousands of Steeleye Span fans and also those whowill enjoy an evening that is not just confined to one song afteranother, but includes memories and reflections of a long andsuccessful life in a wide range of music genre.

On December 13th we welcome Martyn Wyndham-Read tothe Convention. Originally from Sussex, Martyn has lived inAustralia, collecting folk songs, and performs both Aussie andBritish songs with an equal fondness for both.

Bar and doors open 7.00pm, start 7.45pm. Tickets for bothevents will be available from the following outlets: Text/phone -07771 825331, Email - Acoustic.music.convention@btinternet.comOr from: The Old Rec & Kestrel Gallery, Sidbury, Worcester.

26 SLAP NOVEMBER

SLAP NOVEMBER 27

ReviewElles Bailey BandThe Marrs Bar|27th Sept

Elles’ relentless progress continues, recording sessions inAmerica, European tours, UK tours, new songs, impending albumand single releases, her star firmly in the ascendency. A number offirsts unwrapped at The Marrs Bar in Worcester, new songs for hernext album, performed for the first time live, a new, albeittemporary, line up, and her first ticketed gig in Worcester. The bandfor this stage of her tour included James Graham on keys, andCraig Prior on percussion, both making their presence feltthroughout.

Joe fired up the guitar, as the band powered in, before Ellesstepped up, ready to ‘Scream’. The house needed noencouragement to join in from this electric start followed closelyby the first airing of a song fresh from Nashville, ‘Woman Like Me’.Destined for the new album, Joe attacked his guitar, Elles exploringher vocal range for this rocking song, it’s going to become a firmfavourite for her followers.

This is followed by ‘What’s The Matter With You’ a powerfulsoulful blues which Etta James would have been proud of, withJames working the keys hard as Elles delivered with power andpassion. Time to slip in a rare cover, wonderfully structured witha multi layered chorus from the band, ‘When I Go Away’, abeautifully presented, Carolina, gospel hymn.

’When The Devil Comes Knocking’ is ripped open across Joe’sstrings, a punchy song, Elles prowling the stage, James testing thekeys, and always the relentless rhythm from Zac’s bass and Craig’sdrums, devil’s work indeed. ‘Medicine Man’ injects a dose of sharp

biting blues, raw and edgy as a surgeons saw. Elles sings it fromthe heart, with Joe’s dirty slide, cutting through to the bone.

You can’t have an Elles gig without a bit of Howling. It may beone of her earliest songs, but it still has the right moves (what isit with these girls from Bristol, they’re all howling mad, Elles stillwolfing it up, and a week or so back, Beth Rowley, is howling at themoon, there’s a connection there, wolves and full moons, don’t goto Bristol after dark).

The gig races on, there’s no shortage of material, but I cannotsidestep the heartfelt, spiritual song, written for a dear friend, butalso dedicated to a lost fan, who found peace in the lyrics of,‘There’s A Light Ahead In The Distance’.

Given the new material aired this evening, I cannot wait to getmy paws on the next recording, an excellent gig by an artist whois truly on fire.

RHRThe Globe at Hay-on-Wye|20th OctoberRHR - Ross, Hutchinson & Redfern - three blues rock guitarist

with their own bands and projects, drawn together on a tour topromote their album Mahogany Drift to be released in November(see album review on page 21). The Globe Arts Cafe in Hay setthe scene for RHR, along with drummer, Darren Lee, and bassist,Jack ‘Ulysses’ Browning. The event flew under the banner of TheMid Wales R and B Club, with Chris Rogers sporting his JackHutchinson T shirt, filling the role well.

The band burst into life with, ‘She Painted The Moon’, a MikeRoss song, but the effect of being driven by three guitars isincredible, Darren and Ulysses grounded a triple edged attack thatcould anchor a battle cruiser.

Hutchinson’s ‘Rapture’ lifted the weight off with its rock ‘n roll,foot tapping, hip swinging, head nodding, groove. By the time Troytook the lead for ‘Home On Judgement Day’, this superband weretruly settled, interaction between the three honed to its sharpestedge. These are early days for the band, I can only imagine howthe gig will develop further into the tour run.

‘Mahogany’, is phenomenal, a sweet jam, that bubbles in thepot, full of beautifully balanced flavours, spicy fruit mixing withblueberries, stunning the gathered crowd in The Globe. ‘Drift’came downstream a little later, another intoxicating, intenseflavoured, well structured jam, with all 3 leads making their mark.Jack Hutchinson’s ‘Sorrow Song’ brought weeping guitar and asoulful, slow blues with its easy rhythm to chill out to. Mike’s‘Leviathon’ bubbled brightly, with a lovely Southern, swampy edge,as Darren’s bass drum pumped along.

RHR worked their way through their groundbreaking album tothe delight of those gathered, a mix of locals, fans of the threeguitarists and acolytes of The Mid Wales Blues Club before theobligatory encore, took a whole different direction. It’s Hay on Wye,so why not take us, ‘Down By The River’ with a Neil Young cover.Ross, Hutchinson and Redfern baited their hooks, each leading,then weaving there weapons of choice, closing to an emphaticovation.

The Mahogany Drift album, surprises with its maturity and depth,for a first release from this project band. Live, they have matched,and indeed, exceeded expectations, early in the tour, and withlittle time to play together as RHR, they have completely won overtheir audience, 3 shaggy, hatted, waistcoated outlaws, more NedKelly than Jesse James, dragging hard, slide driven, dirty blues androck, out of the swamp, to an appreciative gang of followers. Abrilliant evening. Graham Munn

28 SLAP NOVEMBER

Preview

November at ArtrixExpect an energetic evening of skill, stamina and red hot

rhythms as Artrix welcomes Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers: Tribeon 8 November.Award-winning fiddleplayer and formermember of SteeleyeSpan, Peter Knightperforms as part ofGigspanner on 9November followed bythe return of RickyCool & The In Crowdon 10 November. Music industry stalwart Raymond Froggattreturns to Artrix on 18 November and there’s a 50th AnniversaryCelebration of one of the world’s favourite duos with The Simonand Garfunkel Story on 22 November. Family band Robinson-Stone come to the Main Stage to perform an evening of music

from Worcestershire’s own, Clifford T. Ward, on 24 November andSouth African singer-songwriter and guitarist, Dan Patlanskysings the blues on 28 November.

Multi-awardwinning comedianFelicity Ward will beBusting A Nut withher brand new stand-up show on 3rdNovember andEdinburgh Fringe sell-out Juliette Burtonbrings her hugelypopular tour ButterflyEffect to Artrix on10th November.

November at Artrix is a monthpacked with cinematic treats, startingwith screenings of the cult horrorclassic The Evil Dead on 2 November.There are live screenings of LaBayadère Royal Ballet Live on 13November and Troilus and Cressida:RSC Live on 14 November along withthe box office blockbuster, A Star IsBorn on 9, 16, 17 &19 November.

Visitors to Artrix are warmlywelcomed to indulge in a spot offestive retail therapy at Artrix’s annualChristmas Craft Fair on 24November.

Details of all events can be found atwww.artrix.co.uk or by calling BoxOffice on 01527 577330.

SLAP NOVEMBER 29

PreviewKatey Brooks

Elmslie House|Sat 10th NovSinger-songwriter Katey Brooks’ unique sound epitomizes the

culturally diverse environment in which she grew up. Born andraised between Bristol, London and Arizona to musical parents,the Indie Award nominee is best described as a female Hozier,with all the haunting intensity and every bit of the soul.

Brooks’ is at home anywhere she can take her guitar. From theLondon 2012 Olympics to Glastonbury Festival, from WOMAD toAbbey Road, Brooks has garnered her admirers from across thespectrum of the industry. She has featured on tracks with PalomaFaith, Imelda May, The Rolling Stones’ Bill Wyman, Nick Mason ofPink Floyd and Brian May, not to mention sharing the bill with actslike Newton Faulkner, Ghostpoet, Deaf Havana and Mystery Jets.

The haunting, ethereal sound of her latest I Fought Lovers EP isprelude to the sonic largesse of future releases, as she heads tothe studio to record her new album with a few of Britain’s finest.

Now under the wing of UK based label Abandon Music Group,Brooks has already packed in tours in France, Australia andCanada this year and is in the studio finishing her brand newalbum We The People.

Jack BlackmanElmslie House|Sat 24th Nov

Jack’s music fuses early blues styles with classy song writingand a folk sensibility. His voice has been described as sounding‘older and more careworn than his tender years should allow’(Acoustic Magazine, 2011), and he is also arguably the best slideguitar player of his generation.

In 2017 Jack played a number of festivals including to anaudience of 25, 000 at Stratford-upon-Avon River Festival, his 9thconsecutive appearance at Upton Blues Festival, the Great BritishRhythm and Blues Festival in Lancashire and the main stage atWarwick Folk Festival.

Jack’s 3rd album ‘Nearly Man’ was released in November 2016and has received positive reviews, 2018 will see the release of his4th album on Tuery Records. www.jackblackman.com

SLAP NOVEMBER 31

Preview

King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys 30th November - £18

Stephen Dale Petit 22nd November - £15

Dario Napoli Modern Manouche

Project20th November - £14

Deborah Bonham3rd November - £16

Curtis Stigers

6th November

- £25

BOX OFFICE: 01905 611 427www.worcesterlive.co.uk

at Huntingdon Hall

at Huntingdon Hall

at Huntingdon Hall

elivcesteror.wwww905 61X OFFICE: 0BO

.co.uke4271 1905 6

Huntingdon Hall November HighlightsOver the course of an

impressive career, DeborahBonham has established herselfas one of the finest blues-rockvocalists the UK has producedand she brings her mesmerisingvoice to Huntingdon Hall onSaturday 3rd November. She willbe performing many of the songsthat have kept her at the veryforefront of the internationalmusic scene since her 1985debut album, For You And TheMoon.

A few days later, on Tuesday6th, the Hall hosts CurtisStigers, one of theworld’s leading jazzsingers. When speakingabout his career, Curtishas said, “what I likeabout what I do for a livingis that it’s never boring…it’s always changing –from song to song, fromgig to gig, from album toalbum. It’s always asurprise…” So get readyfor a unique evening, filledwith great music.

On Saturday 10th November, experience the passion, power andmajesty of The Who – one of the world's greatest rock bands – inan unforgettable two-hour show! The Total Who Show paystribute to The Who in its own unique way, capturing the originalband's pure adrenaline-rush-giving energy and adding their ownindividual flair to the songs.

Following his successful tour of the UKin 2017, Phill Jupitus is on the roadagain this year, with his acclaimed stand-up show, Juplicity. Join this TV stalwart forover an hour of tales, laughs anddiversions on Friday 16thNovember. Watch in delightand/or horror as thisexperienced funny man dragslaughs out of the chaos of hisown life and the uncertainworld that surrounds it. Andby that world, he meansyour world too.

A musical tour-de-force is set to sweep through Worcesterwhen Stephen Dale Petit and his band take to the stage onThursday 22nd November. Expect fireworks and breath-takingdynamics from Stephen Dale Petit and his formidable, whip-crackband as they deliver their exhilarating fresh take on the blues.

Finally, on Friday 30the November, expect a riveting stageperformance as King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys (otherwiseknown as the ‘Kings of Swing’) return to Huntingdon Hall as partof their celebration of 30 fantastic years on the road.

For these and all shows visit www.worcesterlive.co.uk or call theBox Office: 01905 611427

ReviewThe Jericho Racks

Wisenheimer, Effigy for SleepParadiddles Worcester|Friday 19th OctThe Paradiddles side

room was packed for anight of sweat andnoise from three youngrock bands.

Birmingham trio Effigyfor Sleep kicked thingsoff with some proggymetal riffs and math-rock rhythms, whichwere the backdrop forunexpectedly smoothand soulful vocals- a distinctive sound indeed and a great opener!

Next up, Herefordshire’sWisenheimer broughtsome playful, ramshacklegarage punk to the tableand kept the roommoving. With memorablemelodies and the odd ska-inspired break, these boysset themselves apart fromthe rest of the retrogarage-rock scene!

The Jericho Rackshave played plenty gigs inWorcester in their shortlifespan, at least a few ofthem at Paradiddles- infact most of their songswere born in therehearsal room at theback of the venue!Tearing out of the gate with Caroline, the duo’s gritty blues-rockmakes you want to drink neat bourbon and ride a Harley into thesunset (not necessarily in that order)! Like the best guitar riffs,Caroline’s riff feels familiar, like it has existed forever in some form,lying dormant until its discovery earlier this year during a routinepractice session.

Deleltor’s scuzzy, fuzzed-out swagger and staccato vocalscontinue the energy. The band’s sound is what I would describe as“blues-punk”- rougher and more animated than most of the blues-rock genre. It’s also tailor-made for live performance, withdrummer Rich pounding the skins like they owe him money, andJack’s vocals alternating between yelps and growls, like a beatendog lashing out at anyone who’s around. Newer songs, like CrazyCity Sex and Ground (which offers a change of pace from thesleazy late-night rock riffs, with a folk-inspired melody andsurprisingly heartfelt vocal) go down just as well as the older ones,played with an unrestrained intensity that The Jericho Racks geteven better at with each gig!

After bringing the roof down with retro, loud-quiet-loud closerRound and Round, Jack managed (with a little encouragement!) tosuccessfully pull off Paradiddles’ first ever crowd surf - notsomething I expected to see in such a small room!

Words: Dan Knight Photos: Alex Knight

Jack White / Demob Happy02 Academy, Birmingham|17th OctoberEntering a venue with no expectations is the best way to go into

a gig. I literally walked in completely blind for the support act. Ihad heard a few of their tracks online the previous night andthought they were good. Once Demob Happy came on stage,they dominated their whole set. For a trio, their sound was loudand everything you’d want a support act for Jack White to be like.Think melodic, chunky guitar riffs similar to Queens of the StoneAge but with The Beatles harmonies thrown in. A band youdefinitely do not want to miss when they’re in your neck of thewoods.

As for Jack White, well, he literally blew my mind. My innerteenager came out once again (haven’t seen her in a few years!)and the night was purely emotional. Playing hits old and new, hestretched to songs even off The White Stripes’ debut album.Bouncing off each of the other 4 band members, the band gelledin a way that even the slightest mistakes were extraordinary. Whatmade the gig that extra special is that it was strictly no phonesallowed, so seeing an audience with no handhelds was shockingbut so mesmerising. As an audience, we Connected by Love andmade the night memorable.

Before we knew it, the night was coming towards an end, theband went off stage and that was that. Or so we thought… Theband then returned for a killer, 5 song encore. “Icky Thump” had tobe a favourite of mine for the night because of it being such apersonal special song. “Seven Nation Army” concluded the nighton Jack’s famous 1950s Kay Hollowbody Guitar and my goodness,it tore the roof off the 02 academy. In a nutshell, the night was

everything you could imagine a Jack White gig to be like… noisy,adrenaline pumped and creative. Chloe Mogg

32 SLAP NOVEMBER

LEARN JAZZ PIANOA specially created course for beginners

through to intermediate students.

Based Kington/Leominster, but happy to travel.

SLAP NOVEMBER 33

ReviewJohn Bonham A Celebration Festival

Rocked RedditchFollowing the installation of a permanent bronze memorial

statue in his hometown of Redditch, Worcestershire, a very specialmusic event occurred in Redditch town centre on Saturday tocelebrate the legendary Led Zeppelin drummer’s 70th Birthday, lifeand legacy.

Organised by The John Bonham Memorial Friends and inpartnership with Heart of Worcestershire College, the

celebration festival tookplace at Peakman Street,Redditch on Saturday 22ndSeptember, with live musicfrom 1pm till 11pm.

A stellar line-up ofrock/blues artists andspecial guests, all with aconnection to John and theBonham family, took to thestage as part of a full dayof live music. This includedan epic performance fromJohn’s sister Debbie, afamous blues and rockvocalist, fresh back from aUS tour with Paul Rogers,

with Debbie also showing video messages sent in support of theevent from Robert Plant, Roger Daltrey, Paul Rogers, MickFleetwood and son of John Bonham, Jason Bonham, who iscurrently on tour.

This memorable event hosted a mix of well-known stars,including ELO drummer Bev Bevan, Chicken Shack’s AndySylvester, Honeydripper’s bass guitarist Wayne Terry, and LittleAcre vocalist Johnnie Bryant, who joined various members of theBonham family on stage for an emotional rendition of the Beatlesclassic ‘With a Little Help from My Friends’.

Everyone involved donated their time to remember JohnBonham and to raise vital funds totalling £21,000 for TeenageCancer Trust and their outreach nurse programme across theWest Midlands.

Special collector’s souvenir programmes are still available onlinefrom www.johnbonhammemorial.com (£10 plus p&p) or VintageTrax Records, Headless Cross, Redditch.

The show began with a stunning solo set by Ritchie DavePorter and was followed by old friends Leon and Mart from YouDirty Blue. Lenny James & the Gator Squad were up next withtheir low down, dirty blues and R & B.

Worcestershire based Arcadia Roots delivered an excitinghypnotic blend of trance, dance, reggae and roots music followedby Steve Gibbons, a founder and mainstay of the Brum rock andpop scene, with a career spanning over 50 years.

Vincent Flatts Easily Ledfeaturing legendary frontmanSteve Burton came toprovide a set of ‘take noprisoners’ blues boogie. Nextcame Led Hendrix payingtribute to Led Zeppelin andJimi Hendrix - possibly thetwo most influential acts onmusic, ever.

Rock blues powerhouse Big Wolf Band followed backed by thetalents of Mick Jeynes (bass), Tim Jones (drums) and PaulBrambani (keys). Birmingham-based Rebecca Downes and herband gave a powerful performance with her co-writer SteveBirkett alongside her.,

John’s younger sister Deborah Bonham performed with herband and some special guests, including ELO drummer BevBevan, Chicken Shack’s Andy Sylvester, Honeydripper’s bassguitarist Wayne Terry, and Little Acre vocalist Johnnie Bryant.

British hard rock/heavy metal band Quartz performed nextshowing just why they were cited as forerunners in the developingnew wave of British heavy metal movement.

Letz Zep closed the event showing why they’re cited as theofficial number one, ‘The Most Popular’ and ‘The Most HighlyRated’ tribute to Led Zeppelin in the UK today.

Ros Sidaway, Event Organiser said after the event that it hadbeen a fabulous day with visitors coming from the US, Mexico,Europe, Australia and all around the UK to attend the festival andto see the bronze memorial to John which is situated on MercianSquare, outside the library, in the heart of Redditch town centre.

“On behalf of the small organising team, I would like to say a BIGthank you to everyone who made today a very special occasion,especially our associates and sponsors, without whose supportwe could not have staged the event.”

“This was the first of what we intend to make an annualevent to celebrate the life and legacy of a local lad whowent on to become a global rock star, and still cited as thegreatest rock drummer of all time”.

The date of next year’s event is set for Friday 20th & Sat21st September. Further details will be posted online viawww.johnbonhammemorial.com, facebook group JohnBonham Memorial Friends and twitter JBonhamMF.

Nick Sharp Photography

34 SLAP NOVEMBER

In The Studio With... The WhipjacksLocal speedfolk merchants, The Whipjacks are long term local

faves. The five-piece band have become renowned for their highenergetic frollicks, infectious hooks and shout-a-long anthems. Awinning combination that has seen the band perform throughoutthe county and beyond, taking in numerous festivals along theway, including the likes of Lakefest, Nozsdtock, Mello and RaggedBear (to name but a few). Having continued to write new materialand hone their sound, the band have decided that it's high time tocommit a collection of their finest to disk, as they head to OldSmithy in Kempsey to record their long awaited debut album. Wedecided to follow them in, to ask a few questions...

So you guys have been together for a number of years and havejust decided to record your debut album, why now? Is it a case ofhaving a collection of songs that you thing deserve capturing, oris there growing demand for a Whipjacks full length affair?

Tim P. - There’s been changes to the line up over the years fora number of reasons and the way we are working together nowhas resulted in a wave of new material and a more unified soundwe can call The Whipjacks. It’s time to capture what we have andkeep moving forward with writing and gigging. It’s a milestonethat’s been needed for a while and now is the time we arepresenting ourselves how we want to go forward.

Arran - we are always asked for an album but wewanted the first album to be full of ‘Bangers’ so wehave waited until that Whipjacks sound Timmentioned really came together. We’re alreadyworking on new material for a second album.

Dean - There are a number of songs we’reputting on the album that have been with us fromthe start and a lot of new stuff that’s soundinggreat too! This will be the album we alwayswanted to record and until now haven’t felt it wasthe right time.

Can you reveal what the album's going to becalled yet?

Tim P. - Everything we seem to do is constantlychanging and developing so no surprise this hasbeen one of them. Over the first few days ofrecording it has been talked about a lot and seemswe have decided now. It will be announced soonwith a few sneak peeks of what’s been happening.

Arran - The Album title is still secret… even to us.

Dean - Yeah, I guess we’ve talked about it, bounced ideas about,agreed and then changed our minds about a million times. Wemay have decided, but that could change when we’re done.

Why did you decide to record at Old Smithy? And what can youtell us about the production?

Tim P. - We recorded the EP here and love the atmosphere.There’s a lot of history and Woody is just awesome at what hedoes and keeping it moving smoothly. We have no doubt thefinished product will be what we are hoping for (as long as we cando our bit!) and the process of getting there will be as much a partof it all, hopefully the enjoyment we’ve had getting it done willcome across.

Arran - Definately, as Tim said the Old Smithy hasloads of history and Richard the engineer hasworked with bands like Judas Priest. We neededsomeone experienced with all the different acousticinstruments we play.

Obviously you're only just started recording, buthow are the early sessions going?

Arran - Early sessions have gone better than wecould’ve hoped!

Dean - We’ve done two full days so far, laid downthe drums and bass for most of the tracks. It’s allstarting to sound really good. The Ghost trackswe’re working to sounded awesome as well, I thinkwe’re just feeling really excited and working reallyhard to produce something special.

What songs have you got earmarked for thesessions? And will you be revisiting any of the tracksfrom your previous EP?

Dean - We’re recording 10 tracks in total. Most of which we getasked about at gigs. All Whipjacks original material and previouslyunrecorded. Songs like “Forever Free” and “Farewell to the Ladies”which are older songs we’ve reworked over the last year or so andsome of the new material such as “Sundown Devil” will also be onthere.

Arran - We may include the EP songs as bonus material but thewhole album is previously unrecorded material.

How do you guys go about writing, is it a collaborative effort, isit lyrics or melody first?

Feature

SLAP NOVEMBER 35

Tim P. - Things normally start with a bit of a jam with a riff orchord structure then things develop normally with the musicaltalents of Arran taking the basics to a chorus or alike. After that,it’s anyone’s guess. It can be a done deal in 10 minutes as was thecase with Sundown Devil as this just worked from day one, or LSDwhich has been re-written several times and is now a song whichdeserves to be on the album. Lyrics, rhythm, even entire chorusescan change until we are happy with it. Recording has reallyfocussed us on a lot of the older tracks too, not only individualparts but song orders too, such as Forever Free being re-jigged tofit in more with the sound we are aiming for now.

Arran - We all come up with the ideas and write together. Oftenstarting as Tim says with a riff or chord progression butoccasionally lyrics first.

Dean - I have reams of lyrics I have jotted down over the yearsand whilst the guys with talent are jamming through something Itend to flick through them and sometimes I’ll just dive in with oneand it works. Sometimes this develops into a full track, sometimesit sits on the cutting room floor. But we always come back to it inthe end and give it another lease of life.

As we’ve improved with our ability we can add ingredients to a‘dead’ track and suddenly that was what was missing and itbecomes something great.

Where do you get the influence for a song such as The Ballad OfJack Cade from? And what other tales will hear on the album?

Arran - Jack Cade is an interesting tale about over throwing theestablishment, which in these troubled times is something we canall get behind. Plenty of other tales about love, life and lostopportunity. All done with a rowdy Whipjack spin.

Dean - Jack Cade was a real person. Quick history lesson… in1450 Henry VI was on the throne and not well liked. Cade ran arebellion that ultimately led to his demise but for a short time hesucceeded in cowing the Throne and making a difference. It’s ouronly, to date, solid attempt at a traditional(ish) folk number,although all of our songs tend to tell a tale or follow a story. JackCade was written, in part, with input from Arran’s dad Richard.

What are the plans with the album, when do you think it shouldbecome available? And after the release will it be a case ofpromoting and pushing towards next year's festival season?

Dean - Really, we just want to get it out there, in people’s handsand see what they think. Hopefully it’ll be something people enjoylistening to as much as we enjoy writing it.

We’re aiming at getting it out by the end of the year, or at leasta track or two and maybe even a video?

We’re hoping next year will bring as much to us as this one, weplayed loads of great festivals and with a tonne of amazing bands.It's been a privilege to get the opportunities and meet some greatpeople. We’re hoping the album will open a load of new doorsand allow us to play even bigger and better shows.

www.whipjacks.com Will Munn

W H O L E H O G P R O M O T I O N S

TRIPLE HEADER

Chris Helme Mark Morriss

theseahorses

Nigel Clark

Sunday 18th November ‘18

12 Pierpoint St, Worcester WR1 1TA

7pm start (Door 6.30pm)Tickets £15

www.wegottickets.com/event/439506

(01905) 613336

36 SLAP NOVEMBER

The regal Danny BakerThe Regal cinema, Evesham|29th Sept

The icy chill of a late September evening was starting to takehold as I drew my jacket around me. My determination remainedsteadfast. As I patrolled the side door of a theatre for the first timein my life. The friendly merchandise seller assured me he wouldnot be long. With a seeming effortless charm, despite his heroicfour hours on stage, the ever engaging Danny Baker, signed mybiographies, posed for photos, apologised profusely to me forkeeping me waiting and simply made everybody around him feelgood about themselves. When security want a selfie with you, Iguess you have made it? Big time Charlie was most definitelyback in town…

It is without doubt a cliché to employ the phrase …”he boundedonstage”…however, Danny Baker bounded on stage with all theverve and inextinguishable confidence of a barrow boy at the topof his game. Baker is no confidence trickster though, he is no“cock’s egg”, in boxing parlance he is the real McCoy. A naturalraconteur, our host relishes the anecdotes as much as hisaudience. An audience that filled, to capacity, the salubrious Regalcinema for the second time on this tour. Just to hear a man speakand oh boy can he speak…impressive.

Armed with a powerpoint presentation, an enviable lexicon and,eh, a snooker cue – you had to have been there – Danny amused,amazed and astonished us with such alacrity , it was difficult tokeep up, at times, it was like “trying to get to Jupiter on a strip ofcarpet.” But what a magic carpet ride the evening was! From thehysterical Gazza and Twizzle story, to the lost two-tone trouserssaga, to the elucidating Wacko Jacko vignette…a night of tales thatlike the “explosion of punk” will never be forgotten.

He has never forgotten that he was always cast as the“professional cockney” and the clichéd moniker clearly grates. Andit is easy writing to pander to generalisations but when DannyBaker shouted out my nickname and thanked me for coming, well“my old china plate,” I strode to my car feeling like a king…

Nicholas Burford

Bunker Mentality Bang! and the leaves have gone...

So that was October, and things have continued to be busy atthe studio. The autumn has brought its distinct fireworks displayof colour to the trees surrounding us on the slopes below NorthHill. Its been good to stomp up the hills with wind sometimeswhispering, then howling, the sun shining; time to reflect and timeto plan the next move. The recent stormy weather has strewn thecar park here with many leaves, twigs and branches. It has alsoswept a few musicians up here for good measure. They lean intothe breeze with intent, hauling much gear to the door with thecontinued aim that keeps them doing what they do; to write,discover and keep getting it better.

It was especially good to see the newly rebooted Time of theMouth walk through the door recently. Chris Jones is of coursewell known on the local scene and beyond, and is now fullycomplemented by the gifted and able Mitch and Ollie. And I shouldknow; before this Mitch and Ollie had been regular visitors to thestudio with their previous band Valence, who were showing muchpromise for the future, so we were very sad to learn of the loss oftheir bassist Alistair in May. It was no small thing to see Mitch andOllie regrouping and moving forward in this intriguing and excitingnew project with Chris, and I can't understate my respect andadmiration for their courage; looking forward to seeing what thefuture holds for all three members of this exciting new project…

Time to go sweep the car park again; on a final note the InEvolution album being recorded here is on the home straight, withthree new songs being finished right now! Release is imminent forend of November, review to follow in this here SLAP magazine.Spread the word…

The Funky Bunker, Recording Studio & Rehearsal Rooms,Raglan House, Westminster Bank, Malvern, WR14 4BN

For more information:01905 570522 or email: info@funky-bunker.com

Chevy Chase pinched my Frogg Soufflé…Confused? Don't be, and you won't be if you were in attendance

at the Old Pheasant, Worcester on Wednesday 17th October.This was the debut gig of Frogg Soufflé with support from ChevyChase Stole My Wife; respectively featuring regular frequentersof the Funky Bunker. Lewis Boulton for Frogg Soufflé andJamie Raynor making his debut on bass for Chevy Chase StoleMy Wife. I was amazed at the effort that had been made to makethe occasion memorable, with the back room of the Pheasantdraped out and decorated with hundreds of little lights. Someone(I think the very talented FS frontman Terry Walls and helpers)had put in a lot of work.

Word had clearly got round, as the place was packed for bothbands, and they did not disappoint - CCSMW leading the chargewith a tight, well executed set and FS stamping their authoritywith impressive, carefully crafted funky soulful goodness thatmakes them one to watch out for at a venue near you. Crackingdebut and a good night had by all, go get some...

Triple HeaderChris Helme, Nigel Clark & Mark Morriss

The Marrs Bar, Sunday Nov 18thWorcester is tapping into the current wave of 90s nostalgia with

a stellar line-up at The Marrs Bar on Sunday 18th Novemberfeaturing lead singers of The Bluetones, Dodgy and TheSeahorses.

The singers from three of the decade’s most successful bandswill be performing solo songs and hits from their bands’ backcatalogues. Between them they have had seven top 10 singles, anumber one album, five top 10 albums and have spent more than70 weeks in the top 40.

Mark Morriss is a singer songwriter who famously made hisname fronting English indie outfit The Bluetones over a

successful 15 year period touring the UK, Europe and Japan. Markhimself has released three solo albums and has been described asa "national treasure" by The NME for classic British songwriting.

Mark continues to gig both independently and with TheBluetones, receiving rave reviews for his honest, heartfelt andfunny shows.

Nigel Clark has been the front man of Dodgy since theirbeginning in London 1990, achieving 6 top 20s including StayingOut For The Summer, In a Room, So Let Me Go Far and GoodEnough.

Away from Dodgy, Nigel pursues new material and ideas,performing his own songs and paying homage to story tellingthrough song, influenced by artists from Townes van Zandt toBlaze Foley, Simon and Garfunkel to Nina Simone. He released hisfirst solo album '21st Century Man' in 2006.

For Nigel, playing live is about having a personal connection withthe audience. His easy manner and rapport with audiences makesfor an inspirational evening for lovers of live music.

Chris Helme first rose to prominence as the front man of JohnSquire’s post-Stone Roses band The Seahorses which saw himtouring extensively and sharing the stage with The Rolling Stones,U2 and Oasis in numerous support slots. Now solo - he is stillrightfully remembered for classics Love Is The Law and Blinded ByThe Sun – songs that evoked everything the 90’s stood for, the

excitement, the culture and the bandsthat provided a voice in a period ofpolitical and social imbalance.

Chris’ enviable back catalogue isbolstered further by his acclaimed soloworks. His outstanding voiceguarantees a moving live performanceevery time.

6.30pm door 7pm start - Be early anddon’t miss out! Tickets available athttps://bit.ly/2ySYgQC

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38 SLAP NOVEMBER

PreviewMoore Moss Rutter

St Peter’s Church, Cowleigh Rd, Malvern|Sat 10th NovA series of remarkable gigs has heightened the sense of

anticipation around the reunion of Tom Moore, Archie Churchill-Moss and Jack Rutter in the trio that won them the 2011 BBCRadio 2 Young Folk Award. Now seven years on, having touredwith some of the biggest and best acts in contemporary folkmusic, they now reconvene to release their third album together.Widely regarded as three of the best players of traditional folkamongst a precociously gifted generation, their finely-craftedarrangements wield a rare potency. Their music features newcompositions as well as ancient traditional material from Britainand Europe, this record focuses on their own movements fromthe countryside to large cities and the contrasts that come intoplay. Liberally sprinkled with a modern electroacoustic grit, thistrio has as much to do with contemporary music as it does withfolk or baroque.

Don't miss your chance to see this amazing Band, Book yourtickets now!

Doors 7pm, show starts 7.30pm. Tickets ADV £11.00/OTD £13.00

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/worcestershire/st-peters-church-malvern/moore-moss-rutter/2018-11-10/19:30

Jane SiberrySt Peter’s Church, Cowleigh Road, Malvern|Fri 30th NovIconic and enigmatic; Jane Siberry is one of the world’s most

unique and gifted singer/songwriters. Blessed with a sincereintegrity and emotional depth, her work has spanned 3 decades,with the release of 14 studio albums and performances on concertstages around the world. Her 1985 album The Speckless Sky wasa huge critical and commercial success and the follow up albumsThe Walking, Bound By Beauty, When I Was A Boy and hersignature song Calling All Angels cemented her status as one ofthe world’s foremost performance artists.

Jane’s recentalbums Ulysses’Purse and AngelsBend Closer havebeen released torapturous acclaimand she will beperforming tracksfrom this alongsideher classics. ACanadian native,Jane’s songs havebeen covered bynumerous artists,with particularsuccess by KD Langon her renditions ofLove is Everything,Haint It Funny and astunning renderingof The Valley. This is guaranteed to be a very special evening withJane performing some of her most beautiful music.

Doors 7.30pm Tickets ADV £14.00/ OTD £16.00 (cash only)

www.ticketsource.co.uk/cfspresents

Mike Dennis|Edge in Wordways Tour Fourth Engine

West Malvern Social Club| Friday November 17thMike Dennis is a

classically-trained violinistwhose boyhood love of RunDMC, Beastie Boys andGangstarr led him to createa unique kind of string-heavy hip hop music herefers to as violinica. Withthe aid of looping, Mikecombines layers of harmonywith thoughtful, energeticrhymes drawing inspirationfrom daily British life. Mikeis taking his new album“Edge in Wordways” out onthe road for his first UK tour- you've never seenanything like this anywhere,let alone in Malvern!

Bristol-based synth-pop duo Fourth Engine return to WestMalvern having enhanced their reputation with appearances allaround the UK. Combining retro and modern synth-waveinfluences with emotional vocals, you can expect to hear somepowerful new additions to their set list as work on their debutalbum is well underway.

Thursday 01 November 2018Kent Duchaine, LeadbessieCrown And Sceptre, StroudAlbino TarantinoStroud Valleys Artspace, StroudFive Valleys SessionStroud Brewery, StroudFaye BagleyKatie Fitzgeralds, StourbridgeSynergy TrioThe Queens Head, BromsgroveSad Boys Ltd, Sleep Beggar, Dan Cooper, J E Double F,MoonbearFrog And Fiddle, CheltenhamFisherman’S FriendsTown Hall, CheltenhamTerry Walls Vox & Piano 8:30PmThe Oil Basin Brewhouse, WorcesterDom Franks & David Ferris Hammond TrioSmokey Joe’s Coffee Bar, CheltenhamGareth LemonThe Stable, CheltenhamLuke PhilbrickThe Tank, GloucesterShred Kelly, The WhipjacksThe Marrs Bar, WorcesterRemixcity - DJ Stuey & Reuben Lovett acousticCoco, CheltenhamJacksonSwan Theatre, WorcesterLrtBolero Bar & Kitchen, WorcesterVoodoo StoneWorley’s At The Swan, Stourport-On-Severn

Friday 02 November 2018The WurzelsThe Subscription Rooms, StroudSound Of The SirensThe Subscription Rooms, StroudD’BizeThe Prince Albert, StroudOffthegridThe Frog, Bidford-On-AvonThe Meekers And Chinese BurnCrown And Sceptre, StroudGas Attack, Halloween PartyThe Cotswold Inn, CheltenhamNeil IvisonNo.3A, BromsgroveThe Long Goodbye, Grande Valise, Dan HartlandClaptrap The Venue, StourbridgeIgnitionSlug & Lettuce, BromsgroveJon TownleySadlers Brewhouse & Bar, The Lye, StourbridgeUltimate ColdplayThe River Rooms, StourbridgeLutherTown Hall, CheltenhamThe Boys From The All Night ChemistThe Queens Head, StourbridgeThe Unravelling WilburysBacon Theatre, CheltenhamThe BridgeLondon Inn, Charlton Kings, CheltenhamIzzy The PushThe Wharf, Stourport-On-SevernAndy MarlowStourport Marina Clubhouse, Stourport-On-SevernDave OnionsRed Lion, EveshamChicago BytesThe Black Star, Stourport-On-SevernLila JThe Tank, GloucesterLuna Kiss, Agoraphobia, The EllipsisThe Tin Music And Arts, CoventryFront RunnerJAX Bar And Nightclub, GloucesterStephen FearingElmslie House, MalvernOpera BoysRoses Theatre, TewkesburyFifty4The Plough Inn, Upton Upon Severn

The Leylines, Davey Malone, Brad DearThe Marrs Bar, WorcesterThink FloydSwan Theatre, WorcesterVintage Inc.Millers Arms, PershoreThe Rock ShackGordon Bennett’S, HerefordChloe Mogg LiveVeenos Wine Bar, KidderminsterTexan PeacocksDrummonds, WorcesterAbba Tribute NightHagley Golf Club, WorcesterThe Tragic Magic Blues BandThe Golden Cross, HerefordBig Jim & The Black Cat BonesWorley’s At The Swan, Stourport-On-SevernThe Story Of Goth Tour Tribute Double BillIron Road, PershoreJust CharlotteThe Castle, KidderminsterCracker Rockin’ 88The Queens Head, WolveryRebel HQ: Jess Silk, Ian Marry & GuestsKatie Fitzgeralds, StourbridgeThe FolliclesRussell Perks Martial Arts Academy, KidderminsterPoetry SlamThe Berkeley Arms, TewkesburyLounge ToadThe Great Malvern Hotel, MalvernJPDL & Yogi Beats, BaastCafé René, GloucesterThe Children in The MoonNumber 8, PershoreRed ShoesThe Palace Theatre, RedditchWillow HillThe Chestnut, Worcester

Saturday 03 November 2018Black Heart AngelsThe Unicorn, MalvernCeilidh With The Diatonics Caller Emma WoodersThe Subscription Rooms, StroudAutumnNew Inn, PershoreTredegar Orpheous Male Voice ChoirSt James’s Church Welland, Welland MalvernVintage Inc.Seaborne Leisure, Kempsey WorcesterOld Baby Mackeral, Zahra O’SheaThe Prince Albert, StroudAC/DC, Zeppelin And Hendrix To RockArtrix, BromsgroveJibbafishThe Cotswold Inn, CheltenhamEmily Barker, Jack CartyBrunel Goods Shed, StroudHolly CarterStroud Brewery, StroudTwo Blue AcousticThe Hanbury Turn, BromsgroveBrittlebonesThe Hop Pole Inn, BromsgroveP2MSadlers Brewhouse & Bar, The Lye, StourbridgeJess SilkThe Old Cat, Wordsley, StourbridgeRamonas, Chinese Burn, Cupcake Diaz, GommeFrog And Fiddle, CheltenhamKillerstreamThe River Rooms, StourbridgeAgoraphobia, The Face Of Ruin, Cultureblood, IncarnalZephyr Lounge, Leamington SpaThe Memphis SundogsHarry Cook Free House, CheltenhamHills AngelsThe Green Dragon, MalvernUB40 TributeStourport Marina Clubhouse, Stourport-On-SevernMidnight CityThe Riflemans Arms, DroitwichHats Off To Led ZeppelinThe Valkyrie Bar, Evesham

40 SLAP NOVEMBER

DukeGuildhall, GloucesterHelen Pearson Singing From The 70’S & MotownThe Old Beams, Stourport-On-SevernJust CharlotteYe Olde Crown Inn, Stourport-On-SevernO.C.DThe Black Star, Stourport-On-SevernThe ReflectionsThe Cross Keys Inn, MalvernThe Usual SuspectsWorley’s At The Swan, Stourport-On-SevernDelray RocketsRailway Inn, StudleyMemphisLower Lode Inn, GloucesterThe HawthornesThe Red Lion, GloucesterMotorboatCross Keys Inn, GloucesterMzleadingThe Angel Hotel, ColefordPlanet Loco, Strench of PissKatie Fitzgeralds, StourbridgeFree SpiritDick Whittington’s, GloucesterMark Walby DuoThe Railway Inn, Ripple, TewkesburyProme TimeThe Wheelhouse, Upton Upon SevernModified (Paul Modley)The Viaduct, KidderminsterThe HawklordsThe Marrs Bar, WorcesterThe Little Mix ExperienceSwan Theatre, WorcesterDeborah BonhamHuntingdon Hall, WorcesterSonic BoomGordon Bennett’S, HerefordPete HarringtonThe Gardeners Arms, DroitwichChloe MoggThe Old Rose And Crown, Stourport On SevernKiel WilkinsonThe Golden Fleece, HerefordPolkadot RobotPillar Of Salt, DroitwichThe After Dark BandThe Oak Apple, WorcesterEnmerkar, Brocken Spectre, Blind Divide, WisenheimerVictory Pub & Hereford Brewery, HerefordEmily Barker, CartyThe Goods Shed, StroudEmrys The Brave, Atto MulThe Globe, Hay On WyeTragic Magic Blues BandThe Plough Inn, HerefordSherryThe Goodrest, WorcesterJay & EliThe Swan, Barbourne, WorcesterThe RootersYe Olde Black Cross, BromsgroveThrown TogetherThe Berkeley Arms, TewkesburyHannah & BrianReet Petite, LeominsterMiss Chief & Mr MeanersThe Three Horseshoes, MalvernChris Taylor & His Band, Alex LleoWorcester Cricket Ground, WorcesterThe Fireballs UkThe Chestnut, WorcesterJon EselleRoyal British Legion, Claines, WorcesterThe East Coast BoysThe Palace Theatre, RedditchBonfire Metal Night: Last Agony, Rek’d. Unitra, CruelThe Railway, Redditch

Sunday 04 November 2018The Uplifter, The Mighty John Street Ska Orchestra, Jsso Dub ProjectBrunel Goods Shed, Stroud

Last Night Of The PromsBacon Theatre, CheltenhamThe FolliclesThe Wharf, Stourport-On-SevernLiz KirbyRed Lion, EveshamThe RantersThe Black Star, Stourport-On-SevernUpton Rock Fest Ii: Quo No, The Delray Rockets, Metal God,Forever Sabbath (1pm)Bar Severn, Upton Upon SevernRay MyttonThree Kings Inn, Hanley CastleChloe MoggThe Cock And Magpie, BewdleyBite The Buffalo, Agoraphobia, The TouristsNambucca, LondonJay And Eli (5pm)Imperial Tavern, WorcesterTee’D Up (4pm)Prince Of Wales, LedburyWoo Town Hillbillies (5:30pm)The Chestnut, WorcesterKev DonaldsonAlestones, Redditch

Monday 05 November 2018Jack Wright, Dominic Lash, Chris Cundy, Stuart WildingSmokey Joe’s Coffee Bar, CheltenhamFrank Harrison TrioEveryman Theatre, Cheltenham

Tuesday 06 November 2018The Fureys: 40th Anniversary ConcertArtrix, BromsgrovePeggy & Anthony John ClarkeWorley’s At The Swan, Stourport-On-SevernCurtis StigersHuntingdon Hall, Worcester

Wednesday 07 November 2018Ads King & Dan VickersCarpenters Arms, Miserden, StroudRemembrance Themed EveningDragon Folk Club, WorcesterJohn Martyn TributeThe Prince Albert, StroudSons Of PitchesTown Hall, CheltenhamJunkyard, The JokersIron Road, PershoreLewis Clark DuoCafé René, GloucesterLegends Of American Country ShowThe Palace Theatre, Redditch

Thursday 08 November 2018Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers: TribeArtrix, BromsgroveThe BagelitesStroud Brewery, StroudElessar UKFrog And Fiddle, CheltenhamCove, Aviira, Rxptrs, Bio-StrikeFrog And Fiddle, CheltenhamGentleman’s Dub ClubThe Mill, DigbethFleecey Folk: TidelinesThe Fleece Inn, BretfortonLeon DayeThe Tank, GloucesterRuben Seabright AcousticThe Oil Basin Brewhouse, WorcesterUncover: Lower Loveday, Poppy Ws, Coat Of Many, RedwoodThe Marrs Bar, WorcesterRick Kemp, Claire BoswellThe Old Rectifying House, WorcesterSweet Fanny AdamsWorley’s At The Swan, Stourport-On-SevernMr Punch Plays MarillionIron Road, Pershore

Friday 09 November 2018N My Life: A Musical Memoir With Alan JohnsonThe Subscription Rooms, StroudProfessor Nohair And The WigliftersThe Prince Albert, Stroud

SLAP NOVEMBER 41

The Groove CollectiveCrown And Sceptre, StroudGigspannerArtrix, BromsgroveAtea Wind Quintet : Bromsgrove ConcertsArtrix, BromsgroveImprintsThe Queen Vic, StroudAlex LleoNo.3A, BromsgroveThe HeelsClaptrap The Venue, StourbridgeDennis Seaton From Musical YouthThe Old Bank, StourbridgeFolk in The Foyer: Magpie LaneConquest Theatre, BromyardThe PersuadersSadlers Brewhouse & Bar, The Lye, StourbridgeOasis V The Stone Roses, Definitely MightbeThe River Rooms, StourbridgeHighway - The Eddge FoundatioStourbridge Rugby Football Club, StourbridgeAmplified HeatThe Maverick, StourbridgeThe Strays / The Delray RocketsSmokey Joe’s Coffee Bar, CheltenhamHired Guns, Last Safe Moment, Mirages2Pigs, CheltenhamMolly-AnneCheltenham Brewhouse & Kitchen, CheltenhamMitzyStourport Marina Clubhouse, Stourport-On-SevernLittle DaveRed Lion, EveshamTom Hingley & The Kar-PetsGuildhall, GloucesterThe Lost PathThe Black Star, Stourport-On-SevernJack MooreThe Tank, GloucesterThe Lizzy LegacyGloucester Irish Club, GloucesterReloadedJAX Bar And Nightclub, GloucesterThe Three DisagreesElmslie House, MalvernGasoline & MatchesThe Hope Pole, BewdleyThe SimmertonesThe Marrs Bar, WorcesterJibbafishMillers Arms, PershoreThe All TonesGordon Bennett’S, HerefordThe Hatstand BandThe Left Bank, HerefordThe RonaldosThe Barrels, HerefordTerryThe Grosvenor, St. Johns, WorcesterThe KachinasThe Golden Cross, HerefordJamie KnightYe Olde Talbot Hotel, WorcesterLynne HansonSt George’s Hall, BewdleyBourbon Alley Blues BandWorley’s At The Swan, Stourport-On-SevernEd Steelefox, Michael D. Wynn Vs. Charlie Baxter, The Purple Shades, The CasiosParadiddles Music Cafe Bar, WorcesterSecond Self, InairThe Cotswold Inn, CheltenhamQuill Featuring Bev Bevan (The Move, Elo, Black Sabbath)Kidderminster Town Hall, KidderminsterSteve Ajao Blues GiantsThe Queens Head, WolveryTwo Blue AcousticThe Castle, KidderminsterLimehouse LizzyIron Road, PershoreBunter & The VibesKidderminster Harriers Social Club, KidderminsterPaul KeyesThe Berkeley Arms, TewkesburyFiddlers TwoThe Nest, Ledbury

Mark LeedhamThe Great Malvern Hotel, MalvernFrankly SkankyCafé René, GloucesterDancing QueenThe Palace Theatre, Redditch

Saturday 10 November 2018HunkydavyThe Oast House, RedditchArrested DevelopmentThe Subscription Rooms, StroudAfter DarkNew Inn, PershoreKevin Paul As ElvisKings Court Hotel, AlcesterBelle DayThe Prince Albert, StroudStuart From StrangersThe Cock And Magpie, BewdleyFlatworld, ConnieWest Malvern Social Club, MalvernJust CharlotteHorn And Trumpet, BewdleyRicky Cool & The in CrowdArtrix, BromsgroveRick LavelThe Goodrest, WorcesterMadi Stimpson TrioStroud Brewery, StroudThe East Lonesome Drifters at the Silver Dollar Honkytonk, Upper Sapey Village Hall, WorcsRestless DogMillfields & District Social Club, BromsgroveThe Final FourSadlers Brewhouse & Bar, The Lye, StourbridgeJames HarrisThe Old Cat, Wordsley, StourbridgeJonah Matranga (Full Band, Water & Solutions)Frog And Fiddle, CheltenhamNoughty NinetiesThe River Rooms, StourbridgeThe Lennon MantraPittville Pump Room, CheltenhamSilver Angel (Aka 2/3 The Executives)The Green Dragon, MalvernMagic Of MotownThe Regal, EveshamMatty JayStourport Marina Clubhouse, Stourport-On-SevernSoul Stripper, Voodoo StoneThe Valkyrie Bar, EveshamJah Wobble & The Invaders Of The HeartGuildhall, GloucesterMissing LynxThe Black Star, Stourport-On-SevernGroove DynamiteThe Cross Keys Inn, MalvernOld RaskalsRailway Inn, StudleyKatey BrooksElmslie House, MalvernSun RecordsRoses Theatre, TewkesburyRaising CainThe Cotswold Inn, CheltenhamRough SixThe Pilot Inn, GloucesterStipe (Rem Tribute)The Marrs Bar, WorcesterThe Total Who ShowHuntingdon Hall, WorcesterBlack Heart AngelsGordon Bennett’S, HerefordMalvern Hillbillies (Beer Festival)Three Kings Inn, Hanley CastleOxygen Thief, Jonah MatrangaFrog And Fiddle, CheltenhamThe UnconventionalsThe Swan Inn, Barbourne, WorcesterChloe MoggYe Olde New Inn, Arley/BewdleyLiberty Artillery, GlitchParadiddles Music Cafe Bar, WorcesterCollisionThe Grapes, HerefordBilly Walton BandSmokey Joe’s Coffee Bar, Cheltenham

42 SLAP NOVEMBER

The Last Minute BoysWorley’s At The Swan, Stourport-On-SevernRathlin Road For Mind (4pm)St. Peter’s Church, HerefordCommon PeopleYe Olde Black Cross, BromsgroveThe Supersuckers, Blind River, Senton BombsIron Road, PershoreIrish BonesThe Berkeley Arms, TewkesburyMister WolfThe Wheelhouse Marina, Upton On SevernTrevor ‘Babajack’ StegerThe Great Malvern Hotel, MalvernMoore Moss RutterSt. Peter’s Church, MalvernGroovyheadThe Chestnut, WorcesterRob LloydSouth Redditch Sports And Social Club, RedditchThe Shaggy Dog RaconteursRailway Inn, Newnham On SevernWorcester Guitar Orchestra, Worcester Youth GuitarOrchestraSt. George's Church, Barbourne, Worcester

Sunday 11 November 2018SunjayThe Cock And Magpie, BewdleyRichard CoxLittlevic, StroudDashboard ConfessionalThe Mill, DigbethThe Lionel Richie SongbookBacon Theatre, CheltenhamPay The PiperThe Wharf, Stourport-On-SevernFriggSt, Peters Church, MalvernRick Wakeman Piano OdysseyThe Regal, EveshamSid HarveyRed Lion, EveshamThe FolliclesYe Olde Crown Inn, Stourport-On-SevernClaudiaThe Black Star, Stourport-On-SevernPete HarringtonNottingham Arms, TewkesburyJames GittinsHope Pole, BromsgroveSoeur, No Violet, BloodragThe Marrs Bar, WorcesterThe Sultana BrothersGordon Bennett’S, HerefordWill KilleenThree Kings Inn, Hanley CastleThe Armed Man & Rutter’S GloriaThe Courtyard, HerefordTerryThe Morgan, MalvenSerious All Stars: Rouen, Arcadia Roots, Ryan Sparrow, Lost Tiger, Dharma Bums, Teddy Mathews, Chloe Mogg,Megg Shaw, Ellisha Green, Steve WorleyBolero Bar & Kitchen, WorcesterSerious Studios ShowcaseWorley’s At The Swan, Stourport-On-SevernWitcher (5pm)Imperial Tavern, WorcesterStone Mountain Sinners (4pm)Prince Of Wales, LedburyThe StrangersThe Berkeley Arms, TewkesburyThe MorganTerry Walls, MalvernJazz Express (5:30pm)The Chestnut, WorcesterSteve “Big-Man” ClaytonAlestones, Redditch

Monday 12 November 2018Pete AllenAggborough Music Sessions, Kidderminster

Tuesday 13 November 2018Adam Beatties Vs The Rail AbandonThe Prince Albert, Stroud

Wednesday 14 November 2018Show Of Hands Joint VentureTown Hall, CheltenhamSeth LakemanGuildhall, GloucesterStrawbsHuntingdon Hall, WorcesterDark IslandThe Carpenters Arms, Miserden, StroudPaul CowleyCafé René, Gloucester

Thursday 15 November 2018Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers: TribeTown Hall, CheltenhamPrazak QuartetPittville Pump Room, CheltenhamBlack GrapeGuildhall, GloucesterKringo Blue Acoustic 8:30pmThe Oil Basin Brewhouse, WorcesterPerry FosterThe Plough, WorcesterGaz Brookfield, Jake Martin, Michael VickersThe Marrs Bar, WorcesterCeilidh With The Organ GrindersHenry Sandon Hall, WorcesterJay & EliThe Anchor, Diglis, WorcesterEastwoodWorley’s At The Swan, Stourport-On-SevernBrent Loveday & The Dirty DollarsIron Road, PershoreSons Of The Delta DuoPrince Of Wales, LedburyThe Sensational 60s ExperienceThe Palace Theatre, Redditch\\Friday 16 November 2018The MurmurThe Hop Pole, BewdleyHazel O’connor & Breaking GlassThe Subscription Rooms, StroudPavilionThe Cross Keys, AlcesterWill KilleenCrown And Sceptre, StroudThe Elo ExperienceArtrix, BromsgroveHafdis HuldArtrix, BromsgroveElvis Tribute NightCatshill Working Mens Club, BromsgroveCheltenham Races, Gaf Franks, Adam Cross, Macca, Bobby SmithThe Cotswold Inn, CheltenhamThe Len Price 3Claptrap The Venue, StourbridgeThe Young Hearts, Cold Years, Future Kings, King CoveFrog And Fiddle, CheltenhamAC/DC UKThe River Rooms, StourbridgeWitcherLamplighter, StratfordThe Meat Loaf StoryTown Hall, CheltenhamGareth JonesThe Railway In, Lye, StourbridgeAlasdair Roberts (Solo), Alula DownCanon Frome Court, HerefordshireThe SkastudsThe Wharf, Stourport-On-SevernAlasdair RobertsCanon Frome Court, HerefordCharlie WaterfordStourport Marina Clubhouse, Stourport-On-SevernMatt BowenRed Lion, EveshamThe Texas Fraud Blues BandThe Black Star, Stourport-On-SevernAbi FosterThe Tank, GloucesterThe FolliclesThe Lodge, Stourport-On-SevernThe Rhythm SlingersThe Tall Ship, Gloucester

SLAP NOVEMBER 43

Mike Dennis, Fourth EngineWest Malvern Social Club, MalvernSoul and Motown NightThe Boathouse, Upton Upon SevernThe Len Price 3, The Humdrum ExpressClaptrap The Venue, StourbridgeMappfest Fundraiser: Foreign Quarter, State Of EmberThe Marrs Bar, WorcesterBlack KnightMillers Arms, PershoreThree DisagreesThe Left Bank, HerefordGenesis ConnectedThe Courtyard, HerefordBourbon Alley BandThe Golden Cross, HerefordBroken Bones Matilda, Duncan MccorkindaleThe Globe, Hay On WyeThe Fireballs UkWorley’s At The Swan, Stourport-On-SevernBig Q FishThe Queens Head, WolveryFleischIron Road, PershoreChrisophieThe Old Peacock, KidderminsterTrevor BabajackThe Berkeley Arms, TewkesburyThe Simon & Garfunkel StoryMalvern Theatres, MalvernLemonadeThe Great Malvern Hotel, MalvernNuns Of The Tundra, Dogs Of SantoriniThe Cross Keys Inn, MalvernCountry Music - Knoxville HighwayColwall Park Hotel, MalvernSnog The Dog, White CrossesCafé René, GloucesterThe Escobars, The Uproars, The Vht’sCrown Green Suite And Brinleys, Redditch

Saturday 17 November 2018Jersey BeyondThe Subscription Rooms, StroudThe OutcastsNew Inn, PershoreAlbino TarantinoThe Prince Albert, StroudZero Day JazzStroud Brewery, StroudMad MickThe Goodrest, WorcesterCadaYe Olde Black Cross, BromsgroveBleeding HeartsKatie Fitzgeralds, StourbridgeCheltenham Races, Gaf Franks, Adam Cross, Macca,Bobby Smith, Hambling & LloydThe Cotswold Inn, CheltenhamForever SabbathLickey End Social Club, BromsgroveIdlewarFrog And Fiddle, CheltenhamThe One Love BandThe River Rooms, StourbridgeThe Usual SuspectsThe Waggon And Horses, StourbridgeIan LutherThe Green Dragon, MalvernThe Floyd Effect - The Pink Floyd Tribute ShowHarlow Playhouse, HarlowSeahorse PilotsThe Valkyrie Bar, EveshamSoul StripperStourport Marina Clubhouse, Stourport-On-SevernBarefoot SerpentsThe Black Star, Stourport-On-SevernMel & HimThe Cross Keys Inn, MalvernRemi Harris, Simon SmithWest Malvern Social Club, MalvernThe QuadRailway Inn, StudleySpectrum 4, Black SeptemberCross Keys Inn, GloucesterMr John LaineThe Northway Pub, Tewkesbury

The StacksThe Queen Vic, StroudOver The HillThe Wheelhouse, Upton Upon SevernBourbon Alley, Charity EventThe Marrs Bar, WorcesterSurf’S UpHuntingdon Hall, WorcesterEnglish String OrchestraHuntingdon Hall, WorcesterHattie Hatstar, Kate Doody, Libbertine Vale & Dj DebbieThe Left Bank, HerefordMark Bond, Eve KellyCharles’ Bar, HerefordPete HarringtonThe Swan Inn, Barbourne, WorcesterHereford Choral SocietyThe Courtyard, HerefordRobbie JonesThe Golden Fleece, HerefordFeeling ItGordon Bennett’S, HerefordBorn Jovi - Bon Jovi Tribute 18Th Anniversary Tour WithReckless -Bryan Adams TributeHallow Village Hall, WorcesterThe Dirty DogsThe Grapes, HerefordThe Brwmys, Red EthelThe Globe, Hay On WyeBrightonersThe Plough Inn, HerefordSkawaddyViaduct Tavern, KidderminsterKings Of LyonIron Road, PershoreThe HushThe Berkeley Arms, TewkesburySlippery SlopeReet Petite, LeominsterCwmbach Male ChoirMalvern Theatres, MalvernMister WolfWorley’s At The Swan, Stourport-On-SevernThe Black PearsThe Great Malvern Hotel, MalvernBrattThe Express Inn, MalvernHump De BumpThe Chestnut, WorcesterRicky Cool And The in CrowdBeoley Village Hall, RedditchA Hard RoadThe Boars Head, Kidderminster

Sunday 18 November 2018The UnconventionalsImperial Tavern, WorcesterBush PioletsRichmond Place Club, HerefordRaymond FroggattArtrix, BromsgroveLost The PlotClaptrap The Venue, StourbridgeTony Wright (Terrorvision), Rich Howie, Hired Guns, Neil MorrisFrog And Fiddle, CheltenhamKev ( Mur Mur)The Wharf, Stourport-On-SevernNeon Creatures AcousticRed Lion, EveshamJust CharlotteYe Olde Crown Inn, Stourport-On-SevernElisha GreenThe Black Star, Stourport-On-SevernSheelanagig, The DrystonesThe Cube, MalvernLee Jay & HeidiThe Black Shed, GloucesterChris Helme, Mark Morriss, Nigel Clark Triple HeaderThe Marrs Bar, WorcesterMadi Stimpson TrioThree Kings Inn, Hanley CastleTerryBottles, WorcesterArt Rock in the Afternoon: Goodall, Andy Tyler & Layla Tutt (3pm)Worcester Arts Workshop, Worcester

44 SLAP NOVEMBER

Dan & King RichThe Sportsman, KidderminsterBand Of Tramps (4pm)Prince Of Wales, LedburyMice in A MatchboxThe Berkeley Arms, TewkesburyMark Leedham (5:30pm)The Chestnut, Worcester

Monday 19 November 20187Side Little Big BndThe Hope Pole, Bewdley

Tuesday 20 November 2018Amber LightsFrog And Fiddle, CheltenhamDario Napoli Modern Manouche ProjectHuntingdon Hall, Worcester

Wednesday 21 November 2018Daria Kulesh & Marina OsmanCarpenters Arms, Miserden, StroudFeaturing Sam ShemmellDragon Folk Club, WorcesterRich Hall’S HoedownThe Civic, Stourport-On-SevernWinter MountainCafé René, Gloucester

Thursday 22 November 2018False Flags, Mad Isaac, Rollin Sixes, StonecutterThe Griffin SU Bar, CheltenhamBig CountryThe Subscription Rooms, StroudBlood Moon Tour - Charlotte Carpenter And AlessiThe Prince Albert, StroudThe Simon And Garfunkel Story: 50Th Anniversary TourArtrix, BromsgroveDave SharpKatie Fitzgeralds, StourbridgeThe DamnedTown Hall, CheltenhamPeriscope EnsembleSmokey Joe’s Coffee Bar, CheltenhamDamon TThe Tank, GloucesterLemonade 8:30pmThe Oil Basin Brewhouse, WorcesterImmy & The BoatmanThe Plough, WorcesterAmy Rigby, Vinny PeculiarThe Marrs Bar, WorcesterStephen Dale PetitHuntingdon Hall, WorcesterTrio DhooreThe Courtyard, HerefordHeathensWorley’s At The Swan, Stourport-On-SevernRoy Mette Rough & Ready DuoPrince Of Wales, Ledbury

Friday 23 November 2018Rhythm StreetThe Cross Keys, AlcesterBenjamin Folke ThomasThe Prince Albert, StroudThe UnconventionalsThe Black Star, Stourport-On-SevernHarmonica Nick And FriendsCrown And Sceptre, StroudAbba ForeverArtrix, BromsgrovePinup, Me Me DetroitThe Cotswold Inn, CheltenhamFred ZeppelinLickey End Social Club, BromsgroveThe TroubadoursNo.3A, BromsgroveSwamp Stomp String BandClaptrap The Venue, StourbridgeMissing LynxSadlers Brewhouse & Bar, The Lye, StourbridgeFell Out Boy. Paramore Or Less, ElessarFrog And Fiddle, CheltenhamThe Ska45’sThe River Rooms, StourbridgeBlack Heart AngelsThe Maverick, Stourbridge

Michael Bublé Tribute NightJurys Inn, CheltenhamThe Charlton Blues KingsCheltenham Brewhouse & Kitchen, CheltenhamThe Fabulous BordellosThe Wharf, Stourport-On-SevernNyjo AmbassadorsAll Saints Church, EveshamWill KilleenRed Lion, EveshamBlancmangeGuildhall, GloucesterBen CipollaThe Tank, GloucesterThe StraysThe Doctors, GloucesterAnna BaleThe Hop Pole, BewdleyMused (Muse Tribute)The Marrs Bar, WorcesterGunnrunnerMillers Arms, PershoreBrendon ObrienThe Gardeners Arms, DroitwichTerryThe Old Pheasant, WorcesterSultana BrothersThe Golden Cross, HerefordForfeitsGordon Bennett’S, HerefordThe Rosellys, Brent LeeThe Globe, Hay On WyeBluzeboxWorley’s At The Swan, Stourport-On-SevernStripped BareThe Berkeley Arms, TewkesburyMiss Pearl And The Rough DiamondsThe Hunters Inn, Longdon, TewkesburyRuben SeabrightThe Great Malvern Hotel, MalvernChewie, VoxroxThe Cross Keys Inn, MalvernDan GreenawayColwall Park Hotel, MalvernTrue StraysCafé René, GloucesterMichael Buble TributeSouthcrest Manor Hotel, Redditch

Saturday 24 November 2018Signing OffThe Oast House, RedditchThe FerretsThe Cricketers, WorcesterMimosaNew Inn, PershoreAll You Need Is The BeatlesThe Subscription Rooms, StroudHeather Small, Damage. 5Ive, Dane Bowers, Jeremy Healy,Angie BrownWest Midland Safari Park, BewdleyHarbottle And Jonas And FriendsThe Prince Albert, StroudMel & HimThe Goodrest, WorcesterRob LloydThe Rising Sun, BewdleyRobinson-Stone: The Music Of Clifford T. WardArtrix, BromsgroveHighrollerYe Olde Black Cross, BromsgroveHealthy Junkies, A-VoidThe Cotswold Inn, CheltenhamHeadsticks, Jowe Solo, Jess SilkKatie Fitzgeralds, StourbridgeStuart BishopThe Queens Head, BromsgroveSupernovaSadlers Brewhouse & Bar, The Lye, StourbridgeKorn Again, Rammlied, Second SelfFrog And Fiddle, CheltenhamPaul Walker & Karen PfeifferClent Parish Hall, StourbridgeThe World Famous Elvis ShowTown Hall, CheltenhamAbsolute RewindThe River Rooms, Stourbridge

SLAP NOVEMBER 45

The Rain Trees (Andy Lindsay & Zoe Devonish)The Green Dragon, MalvernThe Floyd Effect - The Pink Floyd Tribute ShowGuildhall, GloucesterStraight AcesStourport Marina Clubhouse, Stourport-On-SevernChimp On A BikeThe Pilot Inn, GloucesterThe Shy TedsThe Gala Club, GloucesterOne Tree CanyonThe Black Star, Stourport-On-SevernRewind 80SThe Cross Keys Inn, MalvernThe RevolversJAX Bar And Nightclub, GloucesterAcoustic WhoRailway Inn, StudleyJack BlackmanElmslie House, MalvernDown & DirtyCross Keys Inn, GloucesterMzleadingThe Ridge & Furrow, GloucesterThe Mark Walby Band, Trevor Baberjack Steger, The BrethrynBredon Village Hall, Tewkesbury80`S Proof MojoThe Wheelhouse, Upton Upon SevernMark Morriss, The Humdrum ExpressThe Blue Orange Theatre, BirminghamMzleadingNew Ridge And Furrow, Abbeydale, GloucesterHoward James-Kenny, RichéThe Marrs Bar, WorcesterPlay It Cool – Celebrating 60 Years Of Billy FuryHuntingdon Hall, WorcesterDave LaineThe Gardeners Arms, DroitwichMichael Knowles Alternative Comedy Night!The Swan Inn, Barbourne, WorcesterPete HarringtonWest Midland Tavern, WorcesterBad SpanielCredenhill Social & Sports Clubs, HerefordA Night For Freddie - in Aid Of The Mercury Phoenix TrustSmokey Joe’s Coffee Bar, CheltenhamStone Mountain SinnersWorley’s At The Swan, Stourport-On-SevernAmy Winehouse Tribute By MarinaViaduct Tavern, KidderminsterLuke Doherty, Tommy Allen, Big GingeIron Road, PershoreRuffnecksThe Boars Head, KidderminsterGigspannerThe Market Theatre, LedburySlightly O.C.DThe Berkeley Arms, TewkesburyVoodoo StoneReet Petite, LeominsterDinosaur SqueakThe Great Malvern Hotel, MalvernJon Eselle - Olly Murs TributeMarston Green Club, BirminghamWitcherWoodland Cottage, Redditch

Sunday 25 November 2018Men in General (5pm)The Ale House, MalvernNicola Clark, Phil WaltersLittlevic, StroudBrendan O`Brian Multi International Vocal & Fine Irish CraicThe Wharf, Stourport-On-SevernAdam HigginsRed Lion, EveshamLeamonade Jazz/Funk/Soul SessionThe Marrs Bar, WorcesterKev From The MurmurThe Black Star, Stourport-On-SevernThe Roses’ ChoirRoses Theatre, TewkesburyMatt Woosey & BandElmslie House, Malvern

Vo FletcherThree Kings Inn, Hanley CastleFace Stealers (5pm)Imperial Tavern, WorcesterKent Duchaine & Leadbessie (4pm)Prince Of Wales, LedburyJon EselleThe White Bear, TewkesburyMadi Stimpson (5:30pm)The Chestnut, Worcester

Monday 26 November 2018Alcester Rock Academy: Punk Rock NightAlcester Academy School Hall, AlcesterRussell Watson: Canzoni D’AmoreTown Hall, CheltenhamPete Allen TrioAggborough Suite, Hoo Rd, Kidderminster

Tuesday 27 November 2018Andrew JamesArrow Mill Hotel, AlcesterGlenn TilbrookArtrix, Bromsgrove

Wednesday 28 November 2018BansheeCarpenters Arms, Miserden, StroudThe Magic Lantern, Rachel DaddThe Prince Albert, StroudDan PatlanskyArtrix, BromsgroveJames GittinsGreen Dragon, MalvernMartin Taylor & Martin SimpsonHuntingdon Hall, WorcesterGeoff Tate’s Operation Mindcrime, Till Death Do Us PartIron Road, PershoreThe Elvis Years At ChristmasMalvern Theatres, MalvernStickmanCafé René, GloucesterWashington Whirligig Jazz Band, David Hepworth –Clarinet/Tenor Sax, Wil Robinson – Trumpet/Flugel/Vocals,Andy Bramall – Guitar/Banjo/Vocals, Liz Hepworth –Bass/Vocals, Rob Cotterell – DrumsPershore Jazz Club, Pershore Town Football Club

Thursday 29 November 2018Rodda’S Hairy CracCrown And Sceptre, StroudDave OnionsKatie Fitzgeralds, StourbridgeSteve FerbracheThe Tank, GloucesterClive GregsonEvesham Arts Centre, EveshamPoppy Waterman-Smith Acoustic/Keys 8:30PmThe Oil Basin Brewhouse, WorcesterFcs: Uk Subs, Fights And Fires, Swan PrinceThe Marrs Bar, WorcesterThe GuvnorsWorley’s At The Swan, Stourport-On-SevernHawklordsIron Road, PershoreElles BaileyPrince Of Wales, LedburyTannahill WeaversNumber 8, PershoreRoy Orbison StoryThe Palace Theatre, Redditch

Friday 30 November 2018The ExilesThe Hop Pole, BewdleyThe Worried MenCrown And Sceptre, StroudGould Piano Trio With Robert Plane : Bromsgrove ConcertsArtrix, BromsgroveVndta, Dead Hands, Rollin SixesThe Cotswold Inn, CheltenhamWingwalkersSadlers Brewhouse & Bar, The Lye, StourbridgePaul henshaw, The Scientific Simpletons, Flying Ant Day Katie Fitzgeralds, Stourbridge[Spunge], Slagerij, The Sneak Eazies, WhippasnappaFrog And Fiddle, Cheltenham

46 SLAP NOVEMBER

Arts, Exhibitions & CinemaThroughout Nov – Enlighten, Evesham LibraryVarious locations around the town.

2nd The House With A Clock In Its Walls, Artrix Bromsgrove

2nd Zombie Poetry slam Berkeley Arms Tewksbury

Until 3rd Droitwich Arts Network exhibitionHanbury Hall, Droitwich

3rd Willow Pattern, Clay workshopMuseum of Royal Worcester

3rd Makers Market art materials fair, 1.30-4pm. St Georges Annexe Kidderminster. ArtsEtcWorcs@gmail.com

3rd Worcester Alternative Artists MarketHeroes, Worcester, 3-7pm

Until 4th The Embroiderers’ Guild, Artrix, Bromsgrove

4th Art Fair, Courtyard Arts, Royal Porcelain Works, Worcester.

5th & 6th The Seagull (12a) The Courtyard Hereford

7th ID Night, The Courtyard Hereford

7th – 2 Dec The Lickey Hills Art Society:35th Annual Exhibition of Members’ Work, Artrix Bromsgrove

11th Lights Up! Abbey Park Evesham

11th A Quiet Revolution – Dancefest.

UB40 Labour Of LoveThe River Rooms, StourbridgeEcg & Wunder://KammerSmokey Joe’s Coffee Bar, CheltenhamSoularThe Retreat Wine Bar, CheltenhamRisky GaloreCafé Rouge, CheltenhamTom JonesStourport Marina Clubhouse, Stourport-On-SevernAsh MandrakeRed Lion, EveshamTrojan Sound SystemGuildhall, GloucesterChristopher JohnThe Tank, GloucesterPay The PiperThe Black Star, Stourport-On-SevernSoul StruttersJAX Bar And Nightclub, GloucesterSarah McquaidThe Old Baptist Chapel, TewkesburyPhat Gary’s BandThe Black Shed, GloucesterJane Siberry, Nicola HardmanSt Peter’s Church, MalvernJust AdamThe Old Bakehouse, LudlowJohn Etheridge, Www.Yardbirdarts.ComClows Top Victory Hall, WorcestershireKing Pleasure & The Biscuit BoysHuntingdon Hall, WorcesterPearl JammThe Marrs Bar, WorcesterJunction 7Millers Arms, PershoreTwo Push CharlieGordon Bennett’S, HerefordRick LavalThe Gardeners Arms, DroitwichThe RonaldosThe Left Bank, HerefordThe Music Of Yusuf – Cat StevensThe Courtyard, HerefordTwo Push CharlieCharles’ Bar, HerefordTerryThe Bush Inn, St. Johns, WorcesterMatahariWorley’s At The Swan, Stourport-On-SevernThe BonesThe Bell St. John’s, Worcester

Counterfeit QuoHolme Lacy House Hotel, HerefordThe Delray RocketsBarbourne Ex-Servicemens Club, WorcesterThe AnimatorsThe Golden Cross, HerefordDave OnionsThe Cock And Magpie, BewdleyThe Burtonless BandThe Queens Head, WolveryFinsterforst, Obscurity, Countless SkiesIron Road, PershoreThe Future SetThe Berkeley Arms, TewkesburyA Beautiful NoiseMalvern Theatres, MalvernJane SiberrySt. Peter’s Church, MalvernJohn Etheridge, Solo Guitar Show, Www.Yardbirdarts.Com, Clows Top Victory Hall, Worcestershire, DY14 9HPDead Dads Club, Sons Of Pluto, Amanda StoneThe Cross Keys Inn, MalvernTom ForbesThe Great Malvern Hotel, MalvernJane SiberrySt Peter’s Church, Cowleigh Bank, MalvernGrinny Grandad, Prime PositionCafé René, Gloucester80’s Mania At ChristmasThe Palace Theatre, RedditchHarcourt Players Film ShowThe Chestnut, WorcesterThe Memphis King Live With Buddy HollyStudley Road Soci

For Arts Events email Kateat arts@slapmag.co.uk

Guildhall 2.30pm and Fort Royal Park at 6pm, Worcester

12th Swan Lake, The Russian National Ballet,The Courtyard Hereford

13th Drink & Doodle, The Paul Pry, Worcester

20th-27th Mind@40 exhibition, St Peter's Church, Hereford

21st In Search Of Mary Shelley – The Girl Who Wrote Frankenstein, The Courtyard, Hereford

24 Nov Christmas Craft Fair, Artrix Bromsgrove

24th-30th John Piper exhibition. Elmslie House, Malvern

24th & 25th Ludlow Medieval Christmas Fayre

29th-2nd Dec Worcester Victorian Fayre

30th & 1st Dec Gin Lane, Worcester Victorian Fayre

Until 24th – What Do We Want? Mark TitchnerWorcester Museum & Art Gallery (and city trail)

Until 30th Fabric Africa Exhibition. Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

Until end Dec – Art exhibition Cap n Gown Worcester

Upload your events atslapmag.co.uk/get-listedFor your free listing in SLAPor why not consider an ad?slapmag.co.uk/advertise

SLAP NOVEMBER 47

Every Monday - Folk NightWorley’s, The Swan, StourportEvery Monday night - Acoustic NightThe Rollin Hills Restaurant, Upton Upon Severn1st Mon of Month - Acoustic SessionThe Pickled Plum, Pershore4th Mon - SingaroundPidele House, Wyre Piddle, WorcsFortnightly Mon & Wed (check website) - Folk NightsThree Horseshoes, Frampton-On-Severn, GlosFirst Tues - Open MicBar 57, PershoreLast Tues - Folk Night The Millers Arms, PershoreFirst Tues - Folk Session run by Phil KnowlesRose and Crown, FeckenhamFirst Tues - The Courtyard Open Mic NightCafe Bar, The Courtyard, HerefordEvery Tue Perdido Street Jazz BandThe Fox & Hounds, LulsleyFirst Tues - For 12-19 year olds 7pm Pershore LibraryEvery other Tue - Open Mic Night with Pete KellyThe Queen's Head, WolverleyEvery Tue - Open Mic The Firefly, WorcesterEvery Tue - Plug and Play The Cotswold Inn, Cheltenham3rd Tues - Acoustic Jam Night with Ian & Kevin FullerThe Millers Arms, PershoreEvery Tues - Enzo’s Open MicGreat Malvern HotelEvery Tue - Acoustic/Singaround (Folk, Blues, Country)The Falcon Hotel, Bromyard2nd Tue of Month - Acoustic SessionThe Farriers Arms, Worcester3rd Tues - Folk EveningThe Crown Inn, Longtown, HR23rd Tues of Month - Acoustic Session with Mick MorrisThe Bell, Pensax, Worcs1st Tues of Month - Acoustic Session with Pauline MolloyThe Cardinal's Hat, WorcesterEvery Wednesday - Open micThe Maverick, StourbridgeEvery Wednesday - No Poetry Open mic with Cheating LightsThe Garrison at the Grapes, Hereford1st Wed Every Month - Sing/Playaround The Talbot Hotel, KnightwickEvery Wed - Swan Sessions - Open MicWorley’s The Swan, StourportEvery Wednesday - Ukulele SessionThe Old Cock Inn, DroitwichEvery Wednesday - Open mic with Debbie Parry & Andy LindsayGreen Dragon, Bishops FromeEvery other Wednesday - Open mic/SessionsRose & Crown, Severn StokeEvery other Wednesday - Open mic/SessionsFox & Hounds, BredenEvery other Wednesday - Folk SessionsThe Crown, Colwall2nd Wednesday Permission to speak - spoken word & poetryClap Trap The Venue, StourbridgeFirst and third Wednesday - The Dragon Folk ClubThe Dragon in The Tything, WorcesterEvery Wednesday - Irish SessionKatie Fitzgeralds, StourbridgeEvery Wed Music night - Andy Lindsay & Debbie ParryThe Green Dragon, MalvernFortnightly Wed Open MicThe Queens Head, RedditchLast Wednesday Priest & The Beast Jam Night (No covers) 7pmClap Trap The Venue, StourbridgeEvery 4 wks on a Wed - Acoustic SessionThe Rose & Crown, Severn Stoke, WorcsEvery Wed - Olá Samba DrummingAll Saints Academy, CheltenhamEvery Wed - Folk Jam SessionPrince of Wales, LedburyEvery Wed - Marzys Jam NightMarrs Bar, Worcester3rd Wed of Month - Acoustic SessionThe Admiral Rodney, Berrow Gn3rd Wed of Month - Celtic folk sessionThe Fleece Inn, Bretforton, WorcsLast Wed - Under 18s open micReet Petite, LeominsterEvery Thursday - Drumlove Adult Workshop 7.30pmThe Angel Centre, WorcesterEvery other Thursday, Open Mic with Dan JamesThe Chestnut, Worcester1st Thurs - Folk SessionFarmers Arms, Wellington Heath1st Thurs - Black Hill Tune ClubThe Crown Inn, Longtown, HR2

Every other Thursday, Bromsgrove Folk ClubCatshill Club, BromsgroveEvery Thur - Open Mic Night/Jamming SessionThree Horseshoes, Frampton-On-Severn, GlosEvery Thurs from 9.30 - West Malvern Open MicWest Malvern Social Club, MalvernEvery Thursday Open MicGardeners Arms, DroitwichFirst Thurs - Open MicThe Oddfellows Arms, Astwood BankEvery Thursday Open MicThe Eagle Vaults, Worcester Every Thursday - Acoustic SessionThe Fleece Inn, Bretforton, WorcsEvery Thur - Open Mic Night/Jam NightThe Swan, Barbourne, WorcesterEvery other Thursday, Open MicThe Prince Albert, StroudEvery Thursday - Spoken word 7-9pmAbbey Road Coffee, Great MalvernEvery Thursday - Folk NightThe Fleece, Bretforton3rd Thursday - TTs Musonic NightThe Cap n Gown, WorcesterEvery Thursday - Folk Session run by Bob ChanceBlack Swan Muchdew Church, Hereford3rd Thur - Mainly Irish SessionThe King's Head, Tenbury Wells3rd Thur - Jam SessionReet Petite, Leominster3rd Thursday - Malvern StorytellersThe Great Malvern Hotel - £1.50. See malvernstorytellers.co.ukEvery 4th Thursday - Open mic night with Blue StreetThe Berkeley Arms, TewkesburyEvery 4th Thursday - SessionNew Inn, MalvernAlternate Thurs - Mainly Irish & Scottish SessionThe Morgan, MalvernEvery Friday - Somers Trad Folk Club (8.15pm)Bishop Allenby Hall, St Stephen’s Church, WorcesterEvery Friday - Open mic 7-9pmAbbey Road Coffee, Great Malvern1st Fri - Acoustic SessionThe Camp, Grimley2nd Fri - Open micReet Petite, Leominster3rd Fri (usually) - Beginners/Improvers Session/WorkshopThe Methodist Church, LedburyLast Fri - Acoustic SessionThe Fox, Monkwood Green, WorcsEvery Fri - Irish SessionSt Ambrose Hall, KidderminsterEvery Friday Lunch Time - Folk SessionThree Kings, Hanly CastleLast Friday - Resident band The Future SetThe Berkeley Arms, Tewkesbury2nd Sat (3rd Sat in Feb) - Rushwick Folk ClubRushwick Village Hall, WorcesterEvery Sunday starting at 3:00pmThe Morgan, MalvernEvery Sunday Acoustic Sunday at 7.30pmThe Wharf, Stourport2nd & 4th Sundays Open Mic with Tom Doggett 6pm-9pmThatched Tavern, HoneybourneSunday Live Open MicThe Cotswold Inn, CheltenhamEvery Sat - DiscoDucker Bar & Beer Garden, Leominster2nd Sun - Singaround SessionThe Yew Tree Inn, Peterstow, HerefordshireEvery Sun 8.30-Midnight - Open SessionSocial Club, West MalvernEvery Sun Lazy Acoustic Afternoon with Liz Kirby 4pmRed Lion, Market Place, Evesham Sunday Shenanigans Open Mic Night 7pm every SundayClap Trap The Venue, StourbridgeEvery Sunday Unplugged 3pm-5pmThe Iron Road Rock Bar, Evesham2nd Sun - Acoustic SessionThe Hop Pole, DroitwichEvery other Sunday open mic hosted by Ruben Sebright 9pmThe OIl Basin, WorcesterEvery other Sunday open mic hosted by Ruben Sebright 9pmThe Unicorn, MalvernSunday afternoon jazz 12.00 - 3.00Lichfield VaultsLast Sun - Mixed Acoustic SessionsThe Bowling Green Inn, Stoke Prior1st & 3rd Sun - Singaround format SessionThe Galton Arms, Himbleton, WorcsJazz every Sunday 12.30 till 2.30 ishPickled Plum, Pershore2nd Sun - Moonshine Acoustic Jam ClubPiddle House, Wyre Piddle, Worcs

Music Sessions/Open Mics

If any of these regular music nights are no longer running or you runone not on this list, please let us know editorial@slapmag.co.uk

2018

NOVChris Helme, Mark Morriss & Nigel Clark

Sunday November 18thDEC

www.marrsbar.co.uk01905 613336

Wednesdays - Jamming night - FREE entry

Available for private hire

Late Fridays & Saturdays - Midnight till 4am

Thursday November 1

Shred Kelly, The Whipjacks£8 in advance £10 on the doorFriday November 2The Leylines, Davey Malone, Brad Dear£10 in advance £12 on the doorSaturday November 3The Hawklords£15 in advance £18 on the doorThursday November 8Uncover: Lower Loveday, Poppy WS, Coat of Many, Redwood£5 in advance £7 on the doorFriday November 9The Simmertones£8 in advance £10 on the doorSaturday November 10Stipe (REM tribute)£8 in advance £10 on the doorSunday November 11Soeur, No Violet, Bloodrag£7 in advance £10 on the doorThursday November 15Gaz Brookfield, Jake Martin, Michael Vickers£8 in advance £10 on the doorFriday November 16Mappfest Fundraiser: Foreign Quarter,State Of Ember£3 in advance £5 on the doorSaturday November 17Bourbon Alley, charity event£5 in advance £7 on the doorSunday November 18Whole Hog Promotions - Triple HeaderChris Helme, Mark Morriss, Nigel Clark £15 in advance £18 on the door

Thursday November 22Amy Rigby, Vinny Peculiar£8 in advance £10 on the doorFriday November 23Mused (Muse tribute)£8 in advance £10 on the doorSaturday November 24 TTIH: Howard James Kenny + Riché £5 in advance £7 on the doorSunday November 25Lemonade Jazz/Funk/Soul session£4 on the doorThursday November 29FCS:UK Subs, Fights And Fires, Swan Prince£12 in advance £15 on the doorFriday November 30Pearl Jamm£10 in advance £12 on the doorThursday December 6FCS: SkindreadSOLD OUTFriday December 7The UB40 Experience£8 in advance £10 on the doorSaturday December 8Moretallica (Metallica tribute), London Black£7 in advance £10 on the doorThursday December 13Heathans, Liberty Artillery, Glitch£3 in advance £5 on the doorFriday December 14Dreadzone£19 in advanceSaturday December 15Motorheadache (Motörhead tribute)+ Soul Stripper (AC/DC tribute)£8 in advance £10 on the door