Doors for all shows are 7.30 for 8pm unless otherwise stated. Please not that as well as tickets being available online here they are also available from the Shire Hall Box Office on:          01430 432510

 THE BAR STEWARD SONS OF VAL DOONICAN

Saturday January 19th  £12.50

Put on yer finest knitted gladrags, style your barnet, put on your dancing shoes and bring your finest singing voices, as we cordially invite you to witness the Greatest Show On Earth (in tank-tops).

Hailing from Barnsley Rock City, The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican are on a mission! Determined to follow in their spiritual father’s immortal footsteps and keep his legacy alive, they have a talent for Bar-Stewardizing other famous people’s songs with new comedy lyrics, on acoustic geetar, ukulele, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, accordion and keyboard. To complete their squeaky-clean image, brothers-from-other-mothers Scott, Björn and Alan have become instantly recognisable for their immaculate hair and their stylish choice of knitwear.

A band that is both perpetually on the move and joyously independent, since forming in 2006, they have played over 900 side-splitting shows to date, and have brought smiles and belly-laughs to audiences across the UK; from Barnsley to Barnstaple, from Glasgow to Glastonbury. They continue to wow audiences with a fine selection of their greatest hits, including the likes of “Jump Ararnd”, “The Lady In Greggs”, “How Deep Is Your Glove?”, “Nandos”, “Paint ’em Back”, “Walking In Manpiss” and “If I Could Punch A Face… It’d Be Justin Bieber’s”.

As well as appearances at venues and festivals across the UK (including, Fairport Convention’s Cropredy Convention, The Levellers’ Beautiful Days Festival, Bearded Theory, Rebellion Punk Festival, Kate Rusby’s Underneath The Stars, Watchet Live, Off The Tracks and many, many more), they have also had the pleasure to collaborate with, support or share the same bill as many of the UK’s finest live acts from a wide range of genres, including:

The Levellers, Fairport Convention, Eliza Carthy & The Wayward Band, The Darkness, Chas & Dave, The Wurzels, The Gipsy Kings, The Blockheads and John Otway, to name but a few.

The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican can’t wait to bring their shindig back to the Shire Hall and they promise that they WILL rock you… but gently!

The greatest thing to come out of Barnsley, since the A61 to Sheffield” Jarvis Cocker, musician

“Loved The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican. Great fun” Jason Manford, comedian

“The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican are very, very funny… one of the hardest working bands on the planet” Mike Harding, comedian, folk-musician, author & broadcaster

A ridiculous family of genius, hilarious, irresistible music makers, currently crowd-surfing to the bar all over the great county of Yorkshire and beyond, into the venues and music festivals of the UK. Long may they rock… but gently” Eliza Carthy MBE, Multi-Award Winning Folk-Musician

“They deserve the reputation they have earned as one of the festival scenes hottest bookings.” UK Festival Guides

“Rapidly becoming the must-have, must-see festival band, The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican played to an over-capacity Woodland Stage arena as hundreds more queued outside for a chance a catching their much-anticipated antics” FestivalFlyer.com (review of Bearded Theory Festival 2018)

 

BUY TICKETS HERE

 

GARY STEWART’S GRACELAND

FEBRUARY 2nd AT HOWDEN MINSTER £15

 

 

BUY TICKETS HERE                                 This is they, do have a listen?

 

 

TOO REX

 February 16th.  £15.

Featuring the incredible Bobby T as Marc Bolan, Too REX bring back the Glam Rock era of the seventies to enthusiastic audiences across the land. With a magical spell binding show that covers most of Marc Bolan’s career, from the early hippy period of Tyrannosaurus REX to the megastar, chart topping days of T-REX, complete with real vintage equpiment, full costume changes, glitter, and more than a dash of star quality, Too REX, the band, come incredibly close to the real thing.

The two hour show usually includes some early singles such as “Deborah”, and “One Inch Rock” and “Ride A White Swan” to the huge hits like “Get It On”, “Telegram Sam”, Hot Love”, “Jeepster” and Children of the Revolution”, to some of the fondly remembered album material, including tracks from the acclaimed Billy Elliot movie soundtrack and even recent blockbuster movie School of Rock with Jack Black who is an avid T.REX fan!

BUY TICKETS HERE

 

MAX BIANCO & THE BLUEHEARTS

MARCH 2nd.  £10

Max Bianco speaks about his first album:

Finally I have the right producer and recording studio to put together my first album. Songs about all kinds of things that we all witness and are exposed to day to day, love, being scared, feeling alone, being up and down, the politics, travelling and many other things that have inspired me as I travelled around.

The sounds of the album will be quite varied from stripped back naked acoustic tracks, some pop fusion, Dirty riffs, blues and a big spirit of the 60s and 70s, Think along the lines Bob Dylan, David Bowie, The Pogues and Stone Roses in a super band at Woodstock.

There’s still a nice slice of indie pop and a subtle rock and roll vibe that give it all a distinctive sound, there’s some new songs that will feel immensely vibrant to hear. Having only really kicked off as a band earlier last year, the band are moving and shaking thanks to some intelligent song writing, with songs rich in heart and soul and a real rustic honesty clashing against a beautiful guitar sound and Bianco’s unique vocal melodies.

The past, present and future of all that is great in music.

And, in support, its only Max Bianco himself, on his own. Regular Howden Live visitors will recall Max from his appearances with the Jar Family, perhaps he will play one or two songs from that catalogue?

 

HOPE & SOCIAL

MARCH 16th.  £15

“A big sound from this impressive outfit…inspired, anthemic, great” ~ Q
Hope & Social are more than a band. They are a band anyone can join; a band who can turn their studio into a bistro for 70 fans; a band who involve people in what they do-from teaching brass instruments in their ‘Streetband Named Desire’ project to col-laborating with other artists in their ‘Crypt Covers’ Album. – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eaXx5YHxnY 
10 years has seen-in addition to the many projects-a wealth of recorded music-5 studio albums,2 E.P’s,an acoustic album, ‘Crypt Covers’, a Christmas song, music a for a theatre piece, and a collaboration with New York Brass Band. Come and see the Boys in Blue this September when they celebrate a 10 Year retrospective tour, revisiting a number of songs from their extensive ‘back catalogue’
Hope & Social are renowned for making every gig an event; a band who throw themselves wholeheartedly into every perfor-mance and perfectly bridges the gap between the stage and the audience. Anthemic songs, infectious melodies and a formida-ble live experience. – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-QirK-W2sk 

Don’t believe us? 
Here’s what others have to say…

“Brilliant, uplifting and inclusive. That was amazing, here’s your cheque” Michael Eavis – Glastonbury Festival

“Working with you was the highlight of the whole project for me. So talented and so genuine. A marvel”
Martin Green – Producer, Tour de France: Grand Depart Opening Ceremony 2014
(Also Head of Ceremonies: London 2012 Olympic Games and Chief Executive: Hull City of Culture 2017)

“The shows were incredible… truly awesome. An audience member summed it up, ‘the energy was incredible. They play every song like it was the encore’” Kate James – Festival Director, Durham International Brass Festival 

“You’re here because you galvanise people” Katy Fuller – Producer, Hull City Of Culture 2017.

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS.

 

KAZ HAWKINS

Friday March 29th  £12.50

The Journey of Kaz Hawkins

The story of Kaz has many wondering how she ever survived the trauma in her life but she puts it best herself saying ‘Music is the very thing that saved me, when I sing I am in the safest place on earth. It replaces all the cruelty, shame and pain in my life so all I want to do now is sing for those still fighting’ Multi award winning Kaz Hawkins is Northern Ireland’s very own Soul Superstar named after her self penned song about the childhood that was stolen from her. She sings to her young self to let her know that she was strong and now the song pays tribute to her following her dream on stage.

The Belfast born singer-songwriter has wowed fans with her emotional honest performances across the globe. Her music brings an honest, fun, inspiring & hopeful message to those who need it. Using her story in song to break the barriers around mental health, Kaz Hawkins proves that music can heal, soothe and sometimes save souls that are lost. After nearly losing her life when her throat was cut, it is a spectacular story of survival never mind a voice that has reduced grown men to tears at her shows. It took Kaz 20 years to follow her childhood dream and now she is living every minute by creating a legacy of persistence, empowerment and true Belfast grit. Her music is an achievement but Kaz gives credit to her fans for allowing her into their musical hearts. Kaz is the ultimate story of the Phoenix rising from the ashes.

Kaz wears many HATS!

BUY TICKETS HERE

 

THE GROUNDHOGS

APRIL 13th.  £14

Ken Pustelnik, the original Groundhogs drummer, has formed a new lineup of the band. Their show features all the classics from The Groundhogs long and very successful existence (formed in 1963), which featured Ken Pustelnik’s unorthodox drumming style.

All the traditional Groundhog elements will be on show, such as the high energy arrangements and the free-flowing psychedelic-tinged improvisations, all anchored by the underlying Blues Root ever present since the bands earliest days.

Click here for Groundhogs Tickets

THE JAM’D

April 27th £12.50

At Howden Working Mens Club

Please note: Partial unreserved seating only.

The Jam’d are now the UK’s leading tribute to the live performance and sound of The Jam, and are totally committed to giving an unforgettable, authentic performance with all the energy, passion and style of the Woking 3.

As full time touring professional musicians, and massive Jam fans, The Jam’d put on a performance from the heart and soul, drawing on all their memories, experiences and love of what was the country’s biggest band in their day.

Gigging up and down the UK at outdoor festivals, scooter rallies and some of the UK’s top music venues & events! The show also includes the only replica of Rick Bucklers ‘Great White’ drum kit & features their own brass section!……You won’t be disappointed! 

Every effort is placed into reproducing the sound, arrangements and energy of a Jam gig. Those who saw The Jam live will remember the electricity, aggression, passion, and even fashion on stage, something not always prevalent in today’s world, but to The Jam’d, it is a passion, a mission, and an honour to play for fans of “the best band in the world!”

BUY TICKETS HERE

 The Northern Showtime Orchestra is an eight-piece ensemble with it a difference.  Uniquely, it also tells the stories behind the music, combining commentary, slides and presentations alongside faithful re-creations of arrangements which changed the face of music.  So, how does Richard feel about walking in the footsteps of his hero?  “Sinatra is arguably the greatest voice of the 20^th Century so this is a huge challenge for any singer.  His sense of swing, timing and phrasing are extraordinary.  He used to practice these skills whilst holding his breath underwater in the swimming pool; stretching his lung capacity and seeing how long he could hold a phrase – an incredible perfectionist.  Richard’s performance with Northern Showtime is not about trying to be Frank or being a tribute act.  This band is made up of top musicians who have all played in leading orchestras or bands nationally and internationally.  This is about lovingly re-telling an amazing story and lovingly learning from the master,” says Adams.

Trombonist Tony Turner created the orchestra in 2012. Three members of the Northern Showtime Orchestra also perform locally with the Scarborough Spa Orchestra, Kathy Seabrook (flute and saxophone), Andy Crofts (drums), and Graham Quilter (clarinet and saxophone). Nigel Blenkiron (trumpet), Bob Walker (bass) and Dave Clegg (piano) complete the lineup.

BUY TICKETS HERE

 

SANDRA’S WEDDING

+ HAPPY ENDINGS and ALEX GOLISTI

May 25th £10

My well-thought-out finale to 28 bands in 28 days has suddenly been thrown into turmoil. Having set aside the last two days of my new music feature for a singer/songwriter from New Zealand and a rock ‘n’ roll combo from Finland, I happened to notice, late last night, that an outfit by the name of SANDRA’S WEDDING had started to follow me on twitter. Of course, I reciprocated and was immediately taken aback by the outrageous claim in their Twitter profile (courtesy of a review by Radio York), that the band was ‘a cross between The Beautiful South and The Smiths’. Could it possibly be true? I held my breath, followed the links, and played the first song, “This Heart”, from 2017’s Northern Powerhouse album…….it was love at first listen!As I worked my way through the album, it became apparent that there was an ace lyricist at work here – anyone rhyming Fray Bentos with asbestos in the middle of a pop song called “Death by Hanging” is top drawer in my book – and that I urgently needed to discover just who the mystery wordsmith was. It also dawned on me that it would be a dereliction of duty not to include Sandra’s Wedding in 28 bands. I certainly couldn’t scratch either of my last two acts (hey, I’m not wasting the hard work I’ve put in), so I’m just going to pretend that it’s a leap year and that February has 29 days this year and therefore 29 bands!The wedding singer (and songwriter), by the way, is Joe Hodgson and he is backed by Jonny Hughes, guitar, Tom Hill, bass and Luke Harrison on drums. The band hails from Goole and describe their debut album as featuring ‘sepia-tinged songs focusing on love, loss and life in a Northern town’. They credit The Byrds, Randy Newman, ABBA, and, it should go without saying, The Smiths and The Beautiful South among their many influences!

HAPPY ENDINGS hail from Hull, comprising of three sisters Emma, Rachel and Sara Fee, who share lead  vocals and harmonies along with guitars and piano, featuring AdamFee on guitar and Mike Jessop on percussion. They bring a mixed bag of styles to their performances, influenced by a variety of music spanning the decades. Their soaring melodies and memorable hooks will leave you humming to yourself once you’ve heard them. As regulars to BBC RadioHumberside , their music is often heard across the airwaves. They performed on the BBC introducing stage at Glastonbury and released their selftitled debut album in 2017.

BUY TICKETS HERE

FIRE AND RAIN

SEPTEMBER 14th £12

 

Fire and Rain is not a tribute or sound-a-like act. It’s simply a collection of five of the best musicians from the North of England coming together to play music they love.
Expect the classic James Taylor & Carole King songs played with skill, passion, emotion, humour and humility. Incredibly in-demand musicians in their own right, Tom Townsend (The Tom Townsend Blues Band) Rich Adams & Mark Gordon (Stony), Paul Tilley and Bob Walker abandon their usual bands and projects for this one-off tour to bring the joy of Taylor & King’s music to you in what they call a ‘magical musical holiday’. 
The band is delighted that Gracie Falls and Alex Staples will be supporting them on a number of the concerts. Gracie is an award winning singer and songwriter in her own right, and she will be accompanied by the wonderful guitarist Alex Staples.
Building on the success of the last few tours which have included a variety of halls and theatres around the region, the band are looking forward to bringing their very special concert to some new venues and look 
‘Fire and Rain’ hope that you will join them to celebrate the music of two timeless singer songwriters and performers in what will be a memorable evening of first class entertainment. 

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS

 

JON PALMER & WENDY ROSS. EDWINA HAYES. CARRIE MARTIN. DOGFINGER STEVE,

October 12th  £12.50

A gathering of musical talent it would be very hard to beat.’

Dogfinger Steve opens proceedings with his self penned, stompin’ cigar box guitar toons performed with passion and their very own brand of originality.
Carrie Martin next up: Hers is a true story of rags to – well, not quite riches maybe, but certainly success and critical acclaim in the world of contemporary acoustic-­‐based folk/rock music.
 
Edwina Haye’s beautifully written songs, charming stage presence and voice of an angel have won her a reputation as a true natural talent of gentle folk-Americana. She has opened numerous shows for Jools Holland and Van Morrison as well as her own gigs playing stages everywhere from Glastonbury Festival to The Royal Albert Hall. 
Jon Palmer and Wendy Ross may be a truncated version of the Jon Palmer Acoustic Band but they perform the same soaring, uplifting songs. Jon is a former winner of the Grolsch UK Songwriter of the Year, and a published songwriter with Sony.

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS

 

TWO PIANO’S

October 26th  £15

Are you ready to rock & roll like it’s the 1950’s again? Two Pianos will take you back in time to celebrate the magnificent “Sun Studios” era, performing classic hits from Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Elvis, Chuck Berry and many more.Your evening will kick of to a rockin’ start as two of the UK’s finest and charismatic rock & roll pianists each individually perfom, along with a five piece band, a score of hits including “Whole Lotta Shakin”, “Never Can Tell”, “Blue Suede Shoes”, “Roll Over Beethoven”, “Honey Don’t”, “True Love Ways”, “Chantilly Lace”, “Johnny B Goode”, “Great Balls Of Fire”, “Oh Boy”, “Blue Berry Hill”, “Love Me Tender”, “You Win Again”, “Maybellene”, plus many more! The evening will progress into a climatic and energetic piano duel between the two pianists, resolving into a memorable night of foot stomping rock & roll! A show that even “The Killer” himself thinks “ROCKS!” Al Kilvo is an Americana piano player from Hull, Yorkshire in England, who plays with a style and verve described as that of the ‘Killer’ Jerry-Lee Lewis himself. As a youngster, Al appeared in many line ups in his native Yorkshire UK before forming an original country-folk band with M.G Greaves and the Lonesome Too. He has toured nationally with Hull’s own Beautiful South taking in major venues such as The Hammersmith Odeon and Edinburgh Playhouse. Al continues to home his skills in the musical styles of Americas southern states.In 2013 Al was invited to record an album with his close friend Johnny Pat in the world famous Sun Studios in Memphis TN with Kenny Lovelace and Robert Hall of The Jerry Lee Lewis band. Subsequently the event and recording have been brilliant and now Al and ‘JP’ are enjoying playing the music they love to a wider audience across Europe and the USA. Later in 2013, Al and JP performed in live venues on world famous Bourbon Street in New Orleans and Phil Brady’s in Baton Rouge as they continue to sell the Americans back their music! Al also continued to perform all over northern England and appeared weekly with his Country band in Cottingham ‘The Fork Handles’David Barton is a pianist and singer from Hull in East Yorkshire. From the age of eight, David developed a passion for the blues and boogie woogie piano, later discovering the art of rock & roll piano and likened to other artists such as Jools Holland, Meade Lux Lewis and Jerry Lee Lewis.  At the age of 26, David has already performed alongside some of the world’s most accomplished musicians, including jazz maestro Jamie Cullum, American blues guitarist Walter Trout and classical Mezzo-Soprano Katherine Jenkins to name a few. David has performed in venues around the country, including the prestigious Royal Albert Hall.  ‘He’s better than me. I have a funny feeling he will have his own show here one day’ – Jamie Cullum, RAH London.

BUY TICKETS HERE

 

LIVE/WIRE

November 23rd.  £17.50.

There’s a good reason  we keep inviting Live/Wire back……They are simply….Awesome!!The unique six man tribute to rock’s greatest band AC/DC, complete with trademark cannons, a wall of Marshalls and two hours of High Voltage Rock and Roll. Forty One years into the AC/DC story and the band cover both eras as always with both ‘Gary’ Bon Scott and ‘Pete’ Brian Johnson present to take you on the Rock and Roll train for a night to remember.  The rhythm section keep it all meticulously together giving Ashgus the freedom to mesmerise the audience with his sublime playing and infinite energy. Those who have seen the show on the ‘For Those About To Rock’, ‘Ready to Bite’ and ‘Shake your Foundations’ tours are already witness to the talent and dedication Ash gives on stage with his portrayal of the livewire Angus Young delivering a truly amazing two hours of duck-walking, bedevilled Rock and Roll.The band aim to put you slap bang in the middle of the show with hit after hit, and for the aficionados !There’s always something special as well. Back in Black, Rosie, Highway to hell, the songs go on and on until the cannons fire ceremoniously to bring the evening to a superb crescendo. If by this time you are still standing……..we salute you !!

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THE REVOLUTIONAIRES!

Saturday December 7th     £12.50

So good we booked them thrice! Without doubt one of the very best bands ever to have appeared on the Shire Hall stage and they are in some illustrious company believe me…

Established within the ‘hotbed’ of the North East music scene in the UK, they power out jumpin’ hot rhythm & blues in their own indomitable hard hitting style.

Primarily, they are influenced by 1940’s and 1950’s R&B. In particular, Louis Jordan, Big Joe Turner, Little Richard, Chuck Berry and Roy Brown but have adopted a harder and more aggressive approach, synonymous with modern blues artists such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, Duke Robillard, Jools Holland and Mike Henderson which helps create their own high energy sound.

Over the last decade, The Revolutionaires have established themselves on the UK and European Rockin’ circuit, as well as the Blues scene.

They have toured extensively both in the UK and abroad, performing at festivals in Ireland, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Holland, Germany, Norway, Denmark, Italy, Spain, Malta and Dubai.

Highlights include performing at festivals with artistes such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Sting, Tom Jones, Hugh Laurie, Jimmie Vaughan, Robert Cray, Walter Trout, Eric Bibb, Albert Lee, Snake Davis and Dave Edmunds.

Now also touring with their Big Band project which consists of extra horns and pianist, The Revs are hitting the Festival circuit with this power house line up and big sound.

They have recorded five CDs to date containing a collection of Hot Rockin’ R&B tracks. Each CD captures the ‘rawness’ and sheer energy of the band, who like to give their performances a ‘hard-edged’ vibe!

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