It's a happy happen-chance that I've managed to find my way back into my blog after losing access the last 6 months. It's slightly sadder to be announcing that this is the last 'proper' Balladeers (we have a farewell event planned January 31st, 17.30 onwards).
In brief, I've been organizing and running B&C in Presteigne for over 10 years and I feel I need a break from it. It's been a joy and a privilege to meet so many wonderful people, musicians and punters alike and to have been able to keep my ideal going throughout-of a shared platform for musicians to perform, irrespective of experience or assumed ability- and for this to have consistently kept us all entertained.
Of course it would not have been possible without John and his team (Jan,Jo,Les) creating such a welcoming pub and being blessed with great sound: in the early days Pete Mustill who set up the p.a. and gave encouragement for the night and then Tony Lancett who's p.a.. skills have become legendary amongst performers and encouraged those who could charge decent cash to play elsewhere to come back just for the craic and share of the hat.
Before I give details of Novembers B&C, I'd like to acknowledge and thank all who've performed at Balladeers since 2006:
The Daughters; Lily Langworth; Ken Crowther; Izzyjack; Ted Smith; Joe Morgan; Sammy and Noah; Tonye; Lunacy; Joe Gardiner; Tripe and Funions; The Volunteers; Code X; Loose Hounds; Nick Baker and Stephe; Kevin Howcroft; Alex and Beat Box Boy; Little Rhumba; Jonny and Lou; John Standing; Small Blue Fish; Paul Hassett; Stephe; The Arquettes; Howard Bragen; Little Hoedown; Tony Walton; Paul Hassett; Kate; Bobshop; Emma and the Professor; John Eyre ;John Wickes and Bod; Whitton Voices; Black Mountain Bluegrass; Steve Williams and Tony Lancett; Richard Lewin; Dave Luke and the John Beddoes Stars; Toby Wainwright Johns; Mad Hatters; Sam Smith; Ann Grey; Sue Littlejohn; Jerry Price; Gareth Owen; Mark and Jill (from the Rhythm Thieves); Virg Clenthill and Comfort of the State; Cailyx; Alex Croose; Fetch the Deckchair; Borderline Blues; Loxley; Mr Lloyd; Roger Keenan; Remi Harris; Jarvis and Trigg; Steve Littlejohn; Tim Parkes; A Month of Sundays; Beth Prior; Star of the Sea; Heed the Thunder; Ragged Glory; Wattie and Bragen; Rapsquillion; Rhythm and Bob; The Almshouse Band; Katie Green; Tree Frogs; Grey Wolf; Neon Blue; Appleby-Kinsey; Banjanova; Gwen and Ken; The Fordsons; John Wood; Aspel Orchid; Red Madog; Adam Campbell Jones; Brother M and Sister C; Toby Parker; Geoff Rogers; Jack Brett; James and Cetys; Vaginapocalypse; Sam Thomas; Pete Newcombe; Tobian; The Tony Burt Band; Chris Edler; Crying Out Loud; Murray Esplin; Roger Pugh; Mark Stephenson; The Happening; Alex Cook; Clive Williams; Three Cool Cats; Benji Kirkpatrick; Stack; Toby Parker; Ross Mc Queen; Ragwort, Mice in a Matchbox; The Incurables..
(if i have missed any of you out, you know it is not intentional and I'd be gutted to have done so).
..and in November we have performing:
Toby Johns
Bardic Folk Rage from the Black Mountains/Herefordshire. Distinctive
bass voice, nylon stringed classical guitar, live looping and effects.
Captain Gerry
Forever lost upon the tide but now safely anchored in Radnorshire
entertaining us with his brand of great folk songs.
The Stoned Cherries
A band that enjoys playing songs
and tunes with verve and passion, and a sprinkling of humour that make people
dance, smile and think. The 'Cherries
have played the Worcester Music Festival, Earth Fest at The Fold, Bransford,
BearFest, the opening night of Bromyard Folk Festival, "A Major Folk
Festival" at The Majors Arms, Halmonds Frome and The Lowfield
Inn, Marton, The Sun Inn at Leintwardine, amongst others. http://dgand2.wix.com/thestonedcherries
Mark Leedham
Direct from the Severn Valley comes Mark Leedham's virtuosic guitar,
original songwriting and deep toned, soulful vocals with infectious grooves.
Mark has had a diverse career as a session guitarist in London, including a BBC
@Maida Vale live session (For BBC Radio 1 broadcast) with Pyrelli, supporting
Mika and touring the UK and Europe. Right now Mark is playing in a power duo
with Marc Miletitch (Babajack, Roving Crows) on double bass. Mark's first EP launch is planned for end of
year, his second already in the making. www.markleedham.com
The Swifts
Best described as theatrical country rock- Big original melodies with a
dramatic edge, delivered with conviction by this passionate duo!
