2016 gigs

Brother Mule

Carlile Institute, Meltham 

Saturday 10th December 2016

Thank to the crowd who completely sold out the concert at The Carlile for our first full True North Music event there, an absolutely stunning gig from Brother Mule!

Brother Mule was formed over ten years ago by a couple of superb American roots musicians, Brian Wicklund from Minnesota and Ben Winship of Idaho. They will be joined on their short UK tour by top London double bass player, singer and saxophonist Ben Somers. Together this versatile trio of talented acoustic musicians will bring us music spanning many genres including bluegrass, old-time Americana, Celtic folk, Western Swing and more.

Advance tickets £10. Available locally in Meltham at the Library, Cafe 33 and the Flower Box, and online at wegottickets.com

 

Hen’s Teeth

Hope Bank Works, Honley, Holmfirth

Saturday 29th October 2016

Thanks to everyone who came along to both the workshop and the gig on Saturday – Hen’s Teeth were superb and made lots of new fans!

Hen’s Teeth makes dynamic new music that’s firmly rooted in the Appalachian tradition. With fiddle, cello, banjo and guitar in the mix, the instrumental and musical combinations are practically limitless! Fiddle and clawhammer banjo phenomenon Jane Rothfield has been playing traditional music for over 30 years and has performed all over the world. Currently based in Germany, Nathan Bontrager is a top-notch cellist and a talented old time fiddler, banjo and guitar player. Jane and Nathan met at the legendary Clifftop festival in West Virginia, where they spent hours exploring fiddle, cello, banjo and guitar combinations as the musical sparks flew! Hen’s Teeth bring their fresh take on old-time Appalachian music to Yorkshire this October. They’ll be joined by Sheffield-based Gina Le Faux, a superb folk fiddle and mandolin player who will open up the evening concert. There will also be an afternoon music workshop, where Jane, Nathan and Gina will teach a couple of traditional tunes.

As well as being superb musicians, Jane, Nathan and Gina are all excellent tutors. A talented and experienced music teacher, Jane Rothfield is the director of her own series of music workshops in the USA, Janie’s Jumpstart Music Camps, as well as regularly teaching at established music camps and festivals across the USA. Nathan is also an experienced music tutor, and Gina teaches mandolin and fiddle to private students and at courses in the UK. This is an excellent opportunity to learn from some top notch musicians in a fun and informal setting. Advance tickets available at the venue and online at Wegottickets.com

 

Tilter Wheel

Meltham Community Hub

Saturday 8th October 2016

Thanks to all who joined us for this fantastic, sold-out concert at The Carlile – can’t wait for the next one!

The fabulous Tilter Wheel comprises impressive and experienced players, well known on the UK bluegrass and folk scenes. Marsden-based banjo maestro Jonny Hulme is one of the best 5-string players around, and is also known for his playing with Celtic/bluegrass fusion band The House Devils. Lancashire-based Simon Brady (mandolin, lead vocals & guitar) is an exceptional singer and musician and in-demand session player. Glossop-based guitar whizz Paul Higham and phenomenal double bass player Ray Walmesley make up the quartet. Blending bluegrass, Western Swing, old style country and more, Tilter Wheel is a massively entertaining band!

Tickets on sale locally, at Café 33 and The Flower Box in Meltham, and online at wegottickets.com. This event is being sponsored by Kirklees Council’s Arts in the Neighbourhood funding, as part of the 125th anniversary celebrations of the opening of the Carlile Institute.

Hatful of Rain

Sheffield Greystones

Saturday 1st October 2016

Thanks to all those joined us for a fabulous concert from Hatful of Rain last Saturday.

This Brighton-based quartet has been riding high in the last couple of years, now with two albums under their belt and a busy gigging schedule including numerous festivals. Combining original songwriting with their own interpretations of traditional song, the band is a classy blend of folk and Americana with touches of bluegrass and old time. The legendary Bob Harris is a fan, and Hatful of Rain have featured on his BBC Radio 2 show. We’re delighted that they will be joining us in Sheffield on their autumn 2016 foray to the north of England.

 

Cahalen Morrison & Eli West

Sheffield Greystones

Friday 9th September, 8pm

Thanks to everyone who came out for a lovely concert from Cahalen & Eli, including some of Sheffield’s most celebrated local musical heroes, all of whom were very impressed!

 Last year Cahalen and Eli featured in the very first True North Music concert promotion and they wowed a sold-out room at the Greystones with their superb and distinctive blend of American roots music.

Drawing on old time and bluegrass traditions but with their own particular twist, Cahalen and Eli serve up some of the best duo harmony singing you’ll hear anywhere, along with gorgeous picking on mandolin, guitar and clawhammer banjo. Cahalen Morrison is one of the best songwriters on the scene, and the lads also put their own spin on a few classic old time country covers and traditional tunes. They have three outstanding albums to their credit and have toured extensively over the last five years. Their fans and collaborators include such luminaries as Tim O’Brien, Bruce Molsky, Kris Drever and Dirk Powell. These guys are a class act!

 

Front Country

Sheffield Greystones

Sunday 28th August 2016

Thanks to everyone who came out to fill The Backroom at The Greystones for a storming gig from Front Country & support band The Rye Distraction!

An immensely entertaining and creative band blending bluegrass with a broad palette of blues, rock, soul and pop influences, Front Country has quickly become renowned as a storming live act on the US roots music and festival scene, featuring the phenomenal voice of frontwoman Melody Walker (lead vocals/ rhythm guitar) plus excellent musicianship from Adam Roszkiewicz (mandolin), Jacob Groopman (guitar, vocals), Leif Karlstrom (fiddle) and Jeremy Darrow (bass). Front Country blend top class instrumental chops and superb vocals (including some high quality harmony singing). They also do a nice line in creative arrangements of some classic covers and standards, as well as being fine songwriters in their own right. Book your tickets now for what’s set to be a scorching evening of live music at the Greystones!

Advance tickets £14. Available now at Wegottickets.com

 

Anna & Elizabeth

Hepworth Village Hall (near Holmfirth)

Saturday 6th August 2016

Thanks to all who turned out for the very special concert and really enjoyable workshop by Anna & Elizabeth – a lovely evening!

We’re delighted to present the superlative Anna and Elizabeth on their August tour of the UK. Highly acclaimed American duo Anna Roberts-Gevalt and Elizabeth LaPrelle visited these shores for a short run of gigs last year, and attracted high praise for their excellent musicianship, matchless harmony singing and the unique charm of their live performance. Their self-titled album was also named runner-up in the FRoots Magazine Critics’ Poll of the year.

As well as the purity of their two voices and glorious playing on fiddle, guitar and clawhammer banjo, Anna & Elizabeth’s concerts include storytelling and anecdotes about the traditional music practitioners they have learned from and about. Their show features what they call “crankies” – beautiful scrolling illustrations made of papercuts and embroidered cloth. These interludes, often musically accompanied, make the experience of seeing them perform live even more magical. These gals are not to be missed – this is traditional music at its finest! PLUS singing workshop 5pm-6:30pm (doors 4:30pm), concert 8pm (doors 7:30pm).

 

Ron Block & Sierra Hull

Sheffield Greystones

Saturday 30th July 2016

Thanks to everyone who packed the Backroom to the rafters for an absolutely brilliant sold-out night of music!

I’m delighted to announce that True North Music will be hosting American bluegrass superstar duo Ron Block & Sierra Hull for a concert in Sheffield this summer! Nashville veteran Ron is a world class bluegrass banjo player, highly accomplished guitarist, multiple Grammy winner, songwriter and singer. Known for his award winning career with Alison Krauss & Union Station, Ron has released several solo albums including his latest, all-instrumental collection Hogan’s House of Music. Mandolin prodigy, multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter) Sierra Hull is a rising star of bluegrass & roots music. Ron & Sierra have been performing together as a duo for several years and we’re really excited to be bringing them to the Greystones for what is set to be a wonderful evening of music!

 

The Corn Potato String Band

The Greystones, Sheffield

Saturday 25th June 2016

Thanks to all who packed the room on Saturday night for a superb gig from the Corn Potato gang & special guests Murston Bapchild!

Looking forward to midsummer 2016, we’re pleased to present The Corn Potato String Band at Sheffield Greystones! This fabulous and fun trio has delighted audiences with their driving fiddle tunes and harmonious singing across North America, Europe and beyond. They are all multi-instrumentalists dedicated to continuing the music and dance traditions of the Central and Southern USA. In addition to being champion fiddlers, they play banjo, guitar, bass and mandolin. This will be a lively night of foot-stomping, old-time Appalachian merriment – put it in your diary now!

 

Hubert Murray

Hope Bank Works, Honley

Saturday 18th June 2016

Thanks to everyone who came out to this lovely intimate concert at Hope Bank, our first event at this great community venue

Hailing from County Galway, Hubert Murray is based in the South of England and is best known as the lead singer and guitarist of London based old-time/bluegrass supergroup The Hot Rock Pilgrims, and Irish bluegrass fusion band Lands End.  Hubert’s soulful voice is accompanied by a mix of delicate finger picking and fiery hot flatpicking on the guitar. We’re delighted to have added this gig as part of Hubert’s UK & Ireland tour to promote his brand new debut EP Shorten the Road. Hope Bank Works is a fabulous community arts space in Honley, near Holmfirth, and will be the perfect setting for this intimate gig. Come on down for a fab evening of folk, blues & bluegrass!

 

Webb Wilder

Seven Arts, Leeds

Saturday 23rd April 2016

Thanks to all who supported this fine concert by Webb on his first ever solo tour of the UK

Consummate showman Webb Wilder returns for a solo tour of the UK after a long absence, bringing us his unique blend of rock & roll, old time country blues and Americana-style roots music. Mississippi native Webb has been based in Nashville for over 30 years and his raw talent, smooth Southern baritone, honky tonk guitar picking and trademark charisma have brought him a loyal fan base on both sides of the Atlantic. Webb is the real deal and really knows how to entertain an audience. This is set to be a fine evening of foot-tapping roots music that will put a smile on your face!

The Railsplitters

Marsden Mechanics, Huddersfield

Friday 8th April 2016

Thanks to all who supported our first event at the Mechanics – a sell out crowd for this amazing night of music from The Railsplitters!

We’re absolutely delighted to have booked The Railsplitters from the USA, for a Yorkshire concert in April 2016. This fine five-piece band from Colorado is packed with talent and plays a modern style of bluegrass that also resonates with hints of jazz and blues at times. Their fresh sound highlights their original songwriting and the instrumental talents (on fiddle, banjo, mandolin, double bass and guitar) of all five members. There’s also superb singing from frontwoman Lauren Stovall and in the form of glorious harmonies. All that plus a banjo player who glories in the (genuine) name of Dusty Rider. What’s not to love?

 

Jaywalkers

Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield

Saturday 27th February 2016

Thanks to everyone who packed the room at The LBT for the fabulous Jaywalkers – phenomenal performers as always!

Our first gig of the year is the amazing Jaywalkers and their original blend of bluegrass, folk and a touch of jazz. Former BBC Young Folk Awards finalists Mike, Jay and Lucy are all extremely talented instrumentalists and engaging live performers, with three acclaimed albums to their credit. Mandolin whizz Mike Giverin is also a talented songwriter and Jaywalkers’ repertoire mixes his classy compositions with their take on some traditional songs and tunes. Jay Bradberry’s big blues voice is another hallmark of their sound, as is her mellow and smooth fiddling. Lucy Williams is one of the best double bass players around, and the whole trio is a tight musical unit.