I’m delighted to report that True North Music has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Yorkshire Gig Guide Grassroots Awards 2017! We’ve made it to the top five in our category (Outstanding Promoter) among a lot of stiff competition – there were over 25 nominated promoters, some very well established, and the finalists were decided by a public vote. Thanks so much to all my friends, followers and True North Music fans who took the time to vote! The winners will be announced at the Awards ceremony at Pocklington Arts Centre on Saturday 7th October – more info here.
This is great publicity and recognition for a tiny grassroots operation with big ideas – we pride ourselves on putting on thoroughly excellent music, only booking artists of the very highest quality. Luckily for us there are many top notch musicians, both North American and European, looking for small gigs as they tour the country and the world, and we have hosted over 20 superb artists to date since the beginning of 2015, including: The Railsplitters // Front Country // Sierra Hull // Jaywalkers // Foghorn Stringband …to name just a few!
I fell into music promotion as a way of bringing some of my favourite bluegrass, Americana and old time artists to Yorkshire, and this has been a labour of love from the start, informed by my passion for the music and my desire to help some fantastic musicians continue to make a living out of their art. After putting on most of my early gigs at Sheffield Greystones, I’ve also established a regular programme of high quality gigs in the Huddersfield/Holmfirth area, building up great relationships with local community venues in Meltham, Marsden and Hepworth. It’s been fantastic to bring make world class live music happen so close to home, and I’m also keen to give support slots to local musicians wherever possible (always of the same high quality of course!).
It’s a privilege to get to spend time with these great musicians, host them at my home and sometimes get the chance to sing a few songs or pick a few tunes with them. It makes all the hard work worthwhile and reminds me how wonderful it is to be part of this massive grassroots music family! I couldn’t do it without the support of my (very patient) husband, as well as the friends who help move chairs, lug sound equipment and spread the word about gigs…and of course all those who buy the tickets and come out to support live music. Don’t forget to keep an eye on what gigs we have coming up next!
To celebrate, here’s a wee playlist of videos featuring some of the fantastic musicians that True North Music has hosted so far…