With the party season now upon us I thought this would be a good opportunity to highlight many of the wonderful live music events happening. And the good news is there’s plenty of genre variety so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Internationally renowned guitarist Richard Durrant will be performing a candlelit show at Trinity Theatre on December 15. Durrant is a world class virtuoso, compelling storyteller and genial host. Audiences will be treated to a varied repertoire spanning Renaissance, Christian, Pagan and Folk music plus Durrant’s own tunes. He will be joined on the night by special guests Amy Kakoura, Brian Gulland, and Django & Felix Durrant.
Fans of Jazz, Blues and everything in between can catch the vibrant Richard Exall’s Shooting Stars Quintet at The Masonic Hall on December 3. For classical music enthusiasts, The Church of King Charles the Martyr is a noted venue for classical music events and I highly recommend their December 4 concert where they will be offering a breathtaking performance of Handel’s Messiah.
The Forum has collaborated with The Assembly Hall to bring live music to the Ice Rink in Calverley Grounds. Up and coming local bands and artists will be performing on four Thursday nights in December playing a mix of pop/rock to indie, Americana and folk. Two to three exciting acts will take to the stage every night from 7-9pm. The final Thursday gig will be on December 16. Situated inside the SKATE marquee, there will be the chance to see live music, enjoy a drink and have a bite to eat. And of course – the opportunity to have a skate! For details of which acts are performing visit www.twforum.co.uk/listings
Back at its original venue The Forum has a jam-packed music programme during December and my top recommendations include the rip-roaring alt-folk four piece Noble Jacks on December 3. The Forum’s popular emerging acts showcase The Stable enjoys a healthy Christmas run with shows on December 6, 12, 13 and 14. There are some great line ups to enjoy with acts such as Alex Beharrell, Higgs & The Bosons, The Act, Claire Pitt, Illusive Fish, Gatling, The Secret Crowd, The Next Agenda, Ash Dodd and Ruan Fox and many more all taking part. Tim Cullen’s popular ‘Switch’ house and techno DJ night returns on December 4. The line-up will feature international headliners alongside Tim and local up coming talent. The U18 open mic returns on December 7 and the superb folk inspired Beans On Toast headlines on December 8. Ozric Tentacles formed during the solstice at Stonehenge Free Festival in 1983 who went on to become psychedelic staples at Glastonbury and other festivals take to the state on December 9. The creative vision of multi-instrumentalist Ed Wynne, the Ozrics’ uniquely trippy soundscapes connect fans of progressive rock, psychedelia and dance music culture.
For Eighties fans who enjoy a good boogie and singalong DJ Alex Macnutt (of Ministry Of Sound) brings you a night of 80s classics on December 11. The excellent Black Foxxes top the bill a few days later on December 15 with support from Emily Isherwood and Neve and on December 16 look out for Neville Staple, the Legendary front man of The Specials, Fun Boy Three and Special Beat. Duran Duran tribute act Duran will be rocking the Forum on December 17 while on December 23 The Local & Live Festival will be hosting its annual Christmas party fundraiser featuring a selection of popular local bands with all proceeds will go towards next year’s festival. If you are looking to dance the night away on New Year’s Eve, then Boogie Nights presented by DJs Markus Holler and Richard Marshall will be playing old school Soul, Funk, Disco and Classic Hip Hop.
There is plenty of wonderful live music taking place at The Grey Lady Music Lounge during the festive period. Don your dancing shoes for Soul Avenue on December 3; Groove Agents on December 4; Into The Blue on December 10; Disco Odyssey on December 17 and Over The Edge on December 18. All are absolutely superb live acts so make sure you catch a few. Plenty of excellent local singer-songwriters and original bands will also be in action at The Grey Lady Sessions showcases. They include Luke Jackson & Mike Wilton on December 5, Marie White & The Frampton Sisters on December 12, Prison Beach Club & The Charlie Rivers Band on December 19 and Harry Whitty Band December 26. Post Christmas you can check out Suncharmer & Sorrel Nation Band on December 27, Anna Howie & Jennifer Lee Ridley & Chris Parris play the following night with Cyrano, Steffan James & All The Above taking to the stage on December 29 and Jono Harrison and Duch Jo on December 30.
The Royal Oak Pub has a busy evening of live music with The Harveys and The Watermen Trio playing on December 3. Local Americana inspired group Coney Island Maybe launch their new EP on December 10 while lSuper Duper and The Ya Yas return on December 11. Saturday December 18 sees the Supajam Christmas fundraiser with Kharma and The Devil, The River Flows and more to be announced. Sunday December 19 sees the Harry Whitty Trio perform a headline afternoon show at 4pm so make sure you get there early.
And as for New Year’s Eve? Well my top choice would be the Hug-Many event on The Pantiles, which raises money for numerous local charities and features live music on the bandstand, culminating in a superb fireworks display.
All that’s left for me to say is to keep supporting live music all year round and best wishes for Christmas and the New Year!
