Harp and a Monkey

Filed under music, past events

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‘Harp and a Monkey’ bring their own special blend of electro-folk-storytelling to Chinley Community Centre on Saturday 14 October 2017. Their show, entitled: ‘The Importance of Digging Holes: The Great War and More’ includes a quirky blend of songs about cuckolded mole catchers, a lone English oak tree that grows at Gallipoli, care in the community and medieval pilgrims… Intrigued?

This talented trio, comprised of Martin Purdy (vocals, glockenspiel, accordion, harmonica and keyboards), Simon Jones (harp, guitar, viola) and Andy Smith (banjo, melodica, guitar and programming) have a deep Lancashire sensibility that shines through in their beautifully crafted vignettes of northern life, love and remembrance. The Daily Telegraph defines their performance as: “Rousing music and droll Lancashire humour”.

Formed in 2008, Harp and a Monkey have built up a loyal following and are regulars on northern festival circuit and beyond. The band are particularly proud of the fact that they have gained a strong reputation for building an excellent rapport with their live audiences and the fact that they have never played anywhere and not been invited back.

In addition to performing live, the band have a successful recording career. Their third album, War Stories, was released in July 2016, as part of an ongoing project (part-sponsored by Arts Council England and The Western Front Association) to mark the centenary of the First World War. The album received outstanding reviews, with the likes of The Observer describing it as “bold and brilliant”.
Support from BBC Radio 2 has been substantive, including sessions and interviews with Clare Balding (Good Morning Sunday) and Mark Radcliffe (The Folk Show).

They are described as “Undoubtedly one of the most vital and charismatic things happening in English folk music right now” by fRoots Magazine.

There is a bar with local real ale, wine, tea and coffee (open before the show and during the interval) and the venue has disabled access.

For more information about Harp and a Monkey visit: http://www.harpandamonkey.com/

 

You can download a flyer for the event here which also contains some further information> Harp & a Monkey event poster

Ceilidh

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Join us at the Chinley WI Hall on Lower Lane for a fantastic night of food, music and dancing.

The traditional music will be provided by the excellent local ceilidh band The Barnstormers who (for their day job only!) are longstanding players in the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. We are also fortunate to have Chinley’s very own veteran dance
caller for the evening – the one and only Paul Smart. The Barnstormers line-up of fiddle, accordion and bass is assured to provide the finest folk-dance music to accompany the sets and
reels. There is no need to worry if you have two left feet – the caller will call out all the moves so you can’t go wrong!

Tickets, priced at £10 (including a light supper), are available from Chinley Stores (Lower Lane, Chinley, SK23 6BD), blackbrookarts.org.uk and wegottickets.com
There will be a bar serving local real ale, wine and soft drinks.

Doors open at 7.30pm and the ceilidh starts at 8.00pm.

Roving Crows

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The Crows’ inexhaustible energy gives them stand alone status in the up-surging live music scene. They have won several awards including ‘Top Celtic Rock Band’ and ‘Top Fiddle Player’ at the 2012 Irish Music Awards and ‘Best Folk Act’ at the Exposure Music Awards.

“Relentlessly upbeat and uplifting”

Neil King, Fatea Music Magazine (2011)

They’re completely unique and uncontainable, often getting audiences on their feet and dancing the night away. The Roving Crows sing songs with bitter-sweet storytelling lyrics of no regrets and draw musical influences from genres including folk, ska, reggae and klezmer. With members of the band hailing from Ireland, they also boast an original Celtic vibe.

“Genuinely the next big thing on the folk scene”

Andy O’Hare, BBC (2011)

Their line-up features lead singer and frontman Paul on guitar and boasts Caitlin’s fiery fiddle playing and vocals, Greg’s syncopated trumpet, Tim on the drums and newest band member, Loz, on bass. They all get involved with backing vocals which gives a really rich group sound.

“Really individual Celtic folk rock group”

Mike Harding, BBC (Nov 2012)

The Roving Crows are charismatic, enthusiastic and entertaining and they come with bags of youthful charm. An original must-see act, with roots in Folk and Celtic music. Renowned for their high-energy live performance, their shows pull together funked up traditional tunes and catchy original song. Every performance bursts with energy so you’ll want to leave some room for dancing.

Hear more at:

 

Here is a photo from the show:

Blackbrook Valley Arts, Chinley Community Centre
Blackbrook Valley Arts, Chinley Community Centre