therock@maltby

Wesley Centre

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abrochea blackwhite

 

 

 

 

introduction

 

forthcoming

 

 

Welcome to live folk, roots, acoustic music every Friday night at The Wesley Centre, Maltby.  The Wesley Centre is a newly refurbished concert venue with a bar, cloakroom, annexe and excellent disabled facilities.  Please click on the venue photograph above for a map and contact details.  Tickets can also be purchased for currently listed artists from that site.

 

Artist biographies into the Summer months can now be found below and forthcoming artists to the right hand side.  Please note that we are closed throughout August.

Tickets can be booked in the usual way by contacting Rob and Jan on 01709 585977 or by email to rob.shaw@therock.org.uk

 

There is accommodation available for anyone wishing to stay overnight at a little guesthouse just minutes from the venue.  Please contact The Cottages directly to make a reservation or for further enquiries:

 

The Cottages Guesthouse, Blyth Road, Maltby  Tel: 01709 813382

Reduced weekend rates all including breakfast: Standard Single £20, Single En Suite £24, Standard Double £36 and Double En Suite £40

 

All concerts start at 8:30pm with local support artists and doors open at 7:30pm.

 

JOHN TAMS AND BARRY COOPE

Friday 4th September 2009

 

DAVE KELLY

Friday 11th September 2009

 

BOB FOX AND BILLY MITCHELL

Friday 18th September 2009

 

CHRIS WHILE AND JULIE MATTHEWS

Friday 25th September 2009

 

CLIVE GREGSON

Friday 2nd October 2009

 

NAOMI SOMMERS

Friday 9th October 2009

 

 

 

 

 

biographies

 

 

 

 

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TOM McCONVILLE BAND

Friday 1st May 2009

 

Tom McConville, formerly known as the Newcastle fiddle player, now known as the 2009 BBC Radio 2 folk musician of the year, is one of the leading fiddle players of our time.  A virtuoso musician and fantastic singer, his rich, warm voice makes his interpretations of traditional and modern songs greatly admired.  His live performances combine a rollercoaster of musical delights, from fast, rhythmic dance tunes through to beautiful slow airs and of course, great singing.  His new album “Tommy on Song” received nominations for album of the year and his band includes Joss Elliot and Aaron Jones.  Definitely not to be missed.  Tickets £10 (£8 Concessions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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JON STRONG

Friday 8th May 2009

 

Jon Strong is a tremendous songwriter and guitarist.  He lived in Holland for quite a while touring with great artists such as Ry Cooder, Van Morrison and Robert Palmer.  On returning to Leeds he put together the Jon Strong Band and they toured constantly throughout Britain and Europe for 10 years or so before Jon went back to solo and recording work.  It took him some time to rid himself of the shackles of working with a band, but now he is totally relaxed performing his wonderfully crafted songs with just a guitar.

Tickets £10 (£8 Concessions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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BOO HEWERDINE

Friday 15th May 2009

 

The life and career of Boo Hewerdine first began to blossom with a group he formed in the mid 80’s “The Bible”.  Two of their finest songs Graceland and Honey Be Good came tantalisingly close to becoming huge hits.  Boo says he has various influences and ideas in the back of his mind permanently; country, blues and pure pop.  Some people look at him as a folk singer, but he likes to think people see him for more, although he likes the idea.  He is a special songwriter and musician and lots of his songs have been covered by a host of musical royalty.  Most of his songs are well known and a lot of people out there do not realise that he has written them.  Charisma indeed!  Tickets £10 (£8 Concessions)

 

 

 

 

 

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MIKE WHELLANS

Friday 22nd May 2009

 

Mike Whellans lives in the Scottish Borders and works as “Scotland’s only one man blues band” with his guitars, mouth-harps, vocals and drum kit – and of course his show stopping “mouth percussion”, a real tour de force.  Conversely in the early 70’s Mike was a member of traditional Scots – Irish Band “Boys of the Lough” and worked in a duo with fellow-Boy Aly Bain.  Mike is an astonishing guitar picker on 6 or 12 strings and an amazing mouth-harp player, a writer of songs with boundless energy he brings total entertainment.  Tickets £10 (£8 Concessions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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NANCY KERR AND JAMES FAGAN (PLUS SPECIAL GUEST JON BODEN)

Friday 29th May 2009

 

Nancy Kerr & James Fagan are quite simply the most refreshing, impressive and compelling duo to have emerged for a long time.  They have that magical quality combining highly skilful and innovative musicianship and vocals.  Rarely are duos so full in sound; Nancy’s earthy and exquisite fiddle and viola playing along with the striking rhythmic texture of James’ bouzouki is breathtaking.  They approach their music with energy and infectious smiles.  Rapid musical communication with one another and the audience makes their performance spectacular and unforgettable.  Tickets £10 (£8 Concessions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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ERIC BOGLE AND JOHN MUNRO

Friday 5th June 2009

 

Eric Bogle heard his first folk songs at various protest marches he had attended.  Soon his interest in folk music had turned to passion which then turned to love, and which to date has proved to be a lifelong, enduring relationship.  In the late 60’s he realised that this alone would not support or energise him enough so he emigrated to Australia.  The rest, as they say, is history.  Eric has now recorded umpteen albums, together with his long time musical partner John Munro.  He has toured worldwide over the last 25 years almost constantly and his songs have been recorded by Joan Baez, Mary Black, Donovan, Billy Bragg, The Pogues and The Furies to name just a few.  It goes without saying that he is an unparalleled songwriter and his live performances are gritty, witty but maybe not pretty.  Sorry, sold out!

 

 

 

 

 

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KEN NICOL AND PHIL COOL

Friday 12th June 2009

 

Ken Nicol – guitar virtuoso and member of Steeleye Span.  Phil Cool – famous comedian and impressionist.  Together they produce a show of music that plucks at the heartstrings and tickles the funny bone.  Everything from Jake Thackray to Johnny Cash.  Ken contributes the lighter side of the show while Phil shows off a host of impressions from Paul McCartney to George Bush, declaring to his fellow Americans: ‘Osama Bin Laden’s fate can be summed up in just one word, we’re gonna get him!’  Ken plays the straight man in the guise of Donald Rumsfeld, declaring: ‘going into battle without the French is like going to a turkey shoot without a banjo.’  What a great night out and not to be missed.  Tickets £10 (£8 Concessions)

 

 

 

 

 

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HARVEY ANDREWS

Friday 19th June 2009

 

Harvey Andrews was born in Birmingham.  He trained as a schoolteacher and began his singer-songwriter career in 1964.  He turned pro in 1966.  He has produced 15 albums of his own songs, many of which have been recorded by other famous artists.  Harvey has toured, playing concerts and festivals worldwide.  He sang and wrote the theme songs for the TV series ‘Golden Pennies’ and ‘The Haunted School’, as well as for the British movie ‘Psychomania’.  The lyrics of his songs were used in coursework for the National GCSE English Language exam and another lyric was included in the Oxford University Book Of English Traditional Verse.  His finger picking guitar style and distinctive tenor vocals, along with the clever delivery of his songs have made him a long-time favourite of the British Folk Club circuit.  Tickets £10 (£8 Concessions)

 

 

 

 

 

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CHRISTINE COLLISTER

Friday 26th June 2009

 

Christine Collister’s voice has mesmerised and astounded both audiences and critics throughout her career.  Her live performances have always been wonderfully magical experiences.  She combines self-penned songs with a carefully selected choice of other people’s material.  Basically Christine can sing the birds down from the trees.  She grew up on the Isle Of Man and her professional recording career began in the mid 1980’s with Clive Gregson.  She sang the theme for the 1987 BBC series ‘The Life and Loves of a She Devil’ and she also toured extensively in Richard Thompson’s band.  Christine has, for many years now, toured as a solo performer and since returning from an extended stay in America is now out and about again in England.  Tickets £10 (£8 Concessions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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REG MEUROSS AND JACKIE OATES

Friday 3rd July 2009

 

Reg Meuross started his musical career in 1986 with the Panic Brothers.  They toured successfully for 5 years before Reg went on to form The Flamingos with Martin Belmont and Bob Lovejoy.  More recently he has been a crucial member of Hank Wangford and The Lost Cowboys.  His latest album ‘Dragonfly’, his most accomplished work so far, has received much and deserved critical acclaim.  There’s certainly something special about the way he writes and delivers a song.

 

Jackie Oates was born in Cheshire.  She was steeped in traditional music from an early age along with her brother Jim Moray; her parents were both members of Morris sides.  She studied classical music but gave it up at 18 and moved to Devon to study English Literature at Exeter University.  It was there that she met lots of inspiring singers and musicians.  In 2004 Jackie was a member of Rachel Unthank and The Winterset until she left in 2007 to perform as a soloist.  She has also toured in duos with Phil Beer and on this occasion with Reg Meuross.  Tickets £10 (£8 Concessions)

 

 

 

 

 

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SINGERS AND MUSICIANS

Friday 10th July 2009

 

As a result of the cancellation of Spencer Bohren’s tour, we are now having a singers and musicians night.  There are a limited number of spaces available, so please get in touch to find out availability.  Thank you.  Entrance £2 (£1 Concessions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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MIKE SILVER

Friday 17th July 2009

 

Mike Silver says that being able to play music is like having a birthday every day.  He signed to Elton John’s ‘Rocket’ label in 1973 and was based in the States where he toured with the likes of Dory Previn.  His ability to write songs which transcend musical styles has long been recognised.  He is a consummate guitarist and has a crystal clear voice.  Mike Silver is in a class of his own when it comes to writing and performing, and because of this skill he makes audience involvement an artform.  He really produces the goods – something that will come as no surprise to his loyal fans; for anyone else, if songwriters who can really sing and play guitar are your thing, discover Mike Silver as fast as you can.  Tickets £10 (£8 Concessions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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SKYHOOK

Friday 24th July 2009

 

Skyhook are Martin Harwood, fiddle, bouzouki, guitar.  Cath James, fiddle and viola.  Eoin Teather, bouzouki, guitar and voice.  Martin is an exceptional multi-instrumentalist, whose playing is noted for commitment and passion.  Cath and her fiddle have graced stages across Europe and America.  She is an award winning player much in demand as a teacher.  Eoin is an exquisite accompanist and singer-songwriter with a voice that silences rooms.  He has played with some of the biggest names in Irish traditional music, including master fiddler Tommy Peoples.  Eoin also combines teaching and performing.  Skyhook are an exciting collaboration characterised by breathtaking twin fiddles along with sublime guitar, bouzouki and voice.  They seamlessly shift between driving dance music and spine-tingling songs, all played with a joy and precision that’s hard to match.  Tickets £10 (£8 Concessions)

 

 

 

 

 

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STEVE WOMACK

Friday 31st July 2009

 

Steve Womack has long been established as one of the Country’s finest comedy entertainers.  His humour is sharp and fresh without being the slightest bit bland.  It’s fair to say that Steve Womack is unique.  His ability to maintain equal credibility in both music and comedy is unrivalled.  He has travelled the world with ‘live’ recordings from his native Doncaster to the Middle East and Australia, and he has blown all aside with his wonderful stage presence, quick wit and amazing musical and vocal abilities.  Tickets £10 (£8 Concessions)