The first three confirmed events for the new Howden Live season are now up on the website in all their glory! Read all about them! See them! Hear them! More to be added…watch this space!!!
Category: Shire Hall
CARNIVAAAAAALLLLLL!!
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 24th SEE’S HOWDEN’S FIRST EVER CARNIVAL!!
Festivities commence at 4pm with a parade leaving from the new Coop carpark led by the samba band that was created at the percussion workshop earlier in the day, also involved will be children from the Twinkletoes dance class and the Zumba crew! Both of whom will be performing setpiece entertainments
after the parade has wound its way back into the Market Place which has been specially closed off for the event.
For the next four hours or so the Market Place will be home to Buskers, street entertainers, trade stalls and excellent quality food with a hog roast, a barbeque courtesy of the White Horse, Brazilian specialities provided by Jay Jays and Steve’s coffee oasis. An outdoor pa, stage and lighting will also provide artists appearing at local venues later in the evening with the opportunity to play short sets as a taster for whats in store. Local businesses are also joining in the fun by staying open late.
As though all this wasn’t enough, the entertainment continues apace after the outdoor events wind up at around 8pm with the appearance at the Shire Hall of CLAUDIO KRON AND THE PAPA JACA BAND with their APRESENTA show, 
a show rich in many different rhythms, melodies, and the fantastic atmosphere that the band produces live! The repertoire is infectious and energetic and will give participants in the dance workshop earlier in the day the opportunity to really strut their stuff! The music created by the percussionist from Bahia, Claudio kron do BRAZIL, is approached with a passion that has surrounded Claudio all his life and is still rich across Brazil today. His on going drive and charisma has taken Claudio all over to share his love for music, an energetic and authentic evening of superb Brazilian music is guaranteed!
Tickets for the concert are £10 (half price for under 16’s) and can be obtained from Touchwood Homecare in Howden on 01430 431535. The percussion workshop starting at 1.30pm in the Shire Hall costs £5. Buy a combo ticket for £13 and see the concert too. Similarly pop along to the dance workshop at 2.30pm for £5 and combine that with a concert ticket for £13.
Next door to the Shire Hall from 9pm you will find top notch musical entertainment with guitarist Luciano Gerber playing a set of Popular Brazilian Music fusion with Milongas and Tangos, Middle Eastern Music, Flamenco, among others. As though that wasn’t enough Glenn Sharp is also on the bill, a superb guitarist who specialises in flamenco, spanish classical and world music. At around the same time at Jay Jays just around the corner the mighty Creek Cats can be found, a young band playing a dynamic combination of Country, Folk, Punk, Rockabilly and Skiffle. The Wellington plays host to an ‘unplugged’ session where you could well see carnival musicians holding forth as well as other local musicians. Next door at the Bowmans The Black Pearls can be found “Nothing is sacred,” say the fivesome who give overhauls to tracks by The Stones, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Hendrix and The Who.
Howden Live would like to extend their grateful thanks to Howden Town Council and sponsors Howden Rotary, Drax, St Cuthberts Lodge and Hoveden Homes. Without their support this inaugral Carnival would not have been possible.
MEAN EYED CAT
Saturday August 27th
MEAN EYED CAT £5
Rock Meets Country with a satisfying crunch!
During his teens, Lynn Blakeston heard the sound which was to shape his musical taste. It was the vocal harmonies of The Byrds – the American band who drew on country and rock music “Those harmonies switched me on to that type of music,” said Lynn, who runs The Gig Shop in Hull’s Beverley Road. The musician – who plays instruments including the pedal-steel guitar and the banjo – continues to explore that passion through Mean Eyed Cat. This five-strong country rock band, featuring musicians from East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire, is one which has four-part harmonies at its heart.The band has a repertoire which includes songs by The Eagles and Crosby, Stills And Nash. They also put their own spin on tracks by The Rolling Stones and The Beatles – including Honky Tonk Women and I Feel Fine – which are given a country and bluegrass makeover. “We really need a listening audience for the harmonies,” said Lynn. “If you are in a noisy pub, they don’t really get it.” Mean Eyed Cat – named after a bar in Austin, Texas, the home of American music – was formed three years ago, after Lynn bumped into fellow musician Robert Nicklas. Lynn and Robert – who sings lead vocals and plays the acoustic guitar and mandolin – were joined by Anita Sykes, whose instruments include the piano, violin and accordion. WhileLynn began playing the pedal-steel guitar 33 years ago – after seeing a concert by the American country rockers Poco – he says it continues to offer challenges.Five years ago he switched to a double-necked version of the instrument – which lies flat on a table and uses foot pedals and knee levers to change the pitch.”If I live to 150, I will just about have sorted it out,” he said. “It’s the only instrument in the world that you need both feet, both knees and both hands to play.” Tonight is a tremendous opportunity to see the band in all their glory on the Shire Hall stage, a concert not to be missed, especially at this price!
CARNIVAAAAAALLLLLL!!!!
Saturday September 24th will see Howden’s first ever carnival.
The plan is to close off the market place and have a party! We already have Claudio Kron booked in for an evening concert along with percussion and dance workshops at the Shire Hall. The ideal would be to get dance classes, schools etc involved in setting up a parade, a sound system in the market place, exotic food available, maybe buskers…..the skys the limit!
If anyone out there would like to get in touch with a view to helping out, please feel free!
JIM DIAMOND & SNAKE DAVIS
SATURDAY JUNE 4th 2011
JIM DIAMOND & SNAKE DAVIS £12.50
& Paul Liddell
The 13th fundraising concert for The Yorkshire Cancer Centre Appeal (Formerly Cookridge) Reg charity no 1075308.
Jim Diamond is best loved for his million selling hits “I Won’t Let You Down”, “I Should Have Known Better”, “Hi Ho Silver” and his beautifully haunting voice … Born in Glasgow’s East End, Jim, heavily influenced by the voices of Ray Charles and Otis Redding ,joined his first band at the age of 14. This brought his voice to the attention of the Godfather of British Blues, Alexis Korner, who invited him to work with him on his “Just Easy” album.
Jim was then approached to go to Los Angeles to form a band with Earl Slick (guitarist on Bowie’s “Young Americans”) and Carmine Appice from Rod Stewart’s band. All three went on to write and record with Eddie Kramer, the legendary producer of Jimmi Hendrix. While in LA, Jim was asked to return to London to hook up with Tony Hymas and Simon Phillips from the Jeff Beck band and so Ph.D were formed. The first single taken from “Ph.D The Album”, “I Won’t Let You Down” went on to sell millions and become the classic song that it is today. When Ph.D went their separate ways, Jim signed to A&M Records. Taken from his 1984 solo album “Double Crossed” the single “I Should Have Known Better” went straight to No.1 and went on to be nominated for an Ivor Novello award. The song’s success became synonymous with the Band Aid single released at the same time when Jim urged the public to buy the charity single and not his own.
His next single “Hi Ho Silver” taken from his second solo album “Desire for Freedom” scored Jim another top ten hit.
Jim went on the road to perform his songs acoustically in art centres across the country ending up at the Edinburgh Festival where The Scotsman described him, in their 5 star review, as Scotland’s answer to Ray Charles and a writer of hidden depth. In the late nineties Jim met up with saxophonist Snake Davis and discovering a shared love of blues and soul they joined forces and performed together to critical acclaim, performing together discovering a wonderful on and off-stage chemistry, based on their shared love of soul music, heartfelt melodies and great lyrics.
Snake Davis is well established as one of the UK’s leading Saxophonists. He is in demand from the biggest names on the British Popular music scene, as well as visiting artists from overseas. In recent years he has been extremely busy and in the public eye. As resident saxophonist on “Tonight With Jonathon Ross” he played with the likes of, James Brown, Smokey Robinson, Chaka Khan and many more. He has been seen regularly on TV with the Eurythmics and M-People . He played all featured Saxophone and Flute parts – on record and tour – for Lisa Stansfield and M-People.
A definitive list of the famous musicians that Snake has toured and recorded with would be far too long to include here, here are but a few: M-People, Lisa Stansfield, Ray Charles, Tom Jones, Culture Club, George Michael, Tina Turner, Take That, Cher, Kylie Minogue, Paul McCartney, Paul Young, Pet-Shop Boys, Soul11Soul, Robert Palmer, Motorhead, Primal Scream and the Spice Girls.
This is not the first time that Jim and Snake have played at the Shire Hall, in fact Jim’s very first appearance was back in 1998 for the very first Cookridge Cancer Centre appeal concert alongside Brian Willoughby who was then in the Strawbs. Other renowned artists who have appeared in the Cookridge (Now The Yorkshire Cancer Centre Appeal) series are: Jim and Snake (twice) The Groundhogs, Waterson:Carthy, Lindisfarne, Midge Ure, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Wilko Johnson and John Otway, Chris Farlowe and Mungo Jerry.
Over the years a significant amount of money has been raised for the appeal and this year, the 13th concert, it is hoped we can get past the 30k mark. With a superb musical entertainment such as this that must be a foregone conclusion?
It had become something of a tradition to feature two, sometimes three, support artists for this event but the person we have in that slot this year is so very, very good we thought we would give the audience the opportunity to sample the delight that is Paul Liddell in full. 
Paul is already somewhat a veteran of the acoustic music world, having released two solo albums and an EP, and an EP with his band ‘Delphians’. His second album ‘A Lighthouse Keeper’s Diary’ was released on his own label ‘Regulus Music’ and was distributed in stores around the UK by Universal/Absolute. Paul is an experienced live performer too. His raw and unpretentious delivery combined with the use of live sampling, guitar percussion and layered vocal harmonies provide a great platform for his wonderful songs to shine.
Have a listen to Paul here…….
Its only NEW2!
SATURDAY MAY 21st 2011
NEW 2 £10
New 2 are the International No 1 Tribute band for U2
Appearing tonight at Howden Working Mens Club.
The band is fronted by lead singer Frank Farkas who is the double of Bono .
When this band perform live on stage they re-create the magic of the real U2 like no other.
In fact it has been said on countless occasions that they sound even better than the real thing(please mind the pun!). Something commented on by numerous members of the audience at their last appearance in Howden at the Shire Hall was that the band were exactly that.
This is not just a case of ‘close your eyes and they sound like U2’, as mentioned Frank Farkas is the spitting image of Bono and he provides a dynamic, powerful and mesmerising performance that will have the audience clamouring for more. With riproaring renditions of songs like Vertigo, New Years Day, Desire, Beautiful Day and many, many more a memorable night indeed is on the cards.
In line with previous tribute presentations New 2 are appearing tonight raising funds for the local scouts and Howden Live. Other organisations that have benifitted from similar events in the past include: Howden Infant and Junior schools, Rock Challenge, Operation Lifestyle, and the Shire Hall.
2nd post fer the HAMSTERS!!
May 7th 2011.
….THE HAMSTERS…. £14.
THE HAMSTERS PLAY JIMI HENDRIX & ZZ TOP!
25TH YEAR – FAREWELL TOUR!
The guitar, bass and drums trio THE HAMSTERS have long been established as one of our premier Blues-Rock attractions, having performed over 4,000 concerts in 24 years.
Although usually playing their own brand of rootsy Rock, Blues and Americana – tonight they’ll be performing two sets of JIMI HENDRIX and ZZ TOP songs, for which they’re also widely regarded as being the UK’s leading interpreters. Guitarist/singer Slim has also just been featured in Guitarist magazine’s ‘Blues Guitar Heroes’ book.
“They’re fabulous: one of Britain’s very best live bands” – Bob Harris, Radio2
“No-one does Jimi Hendrix and ZZ Top better” The Times
“Technically flawless, before the Hamsters no-one has contemplated Hendrix covers on such a scale” Vox
“They really kick ass…Slim is one of your greatest guitarists” Walter Trout.
“Latest in a distinguished line of great British power trio’s, the whole band are technically quite perfect…Slim is simply outstanding” Blueprint
“Rock ‘n Roll at its very best…maximum impact…evil R ‘n B” Guitarist
An added motivation to come to this gig, them being brilliant aside, is that they recently announced their retirement in March of next year so this is the very last chance you will have to see The Hamsters at the Shire Hall.
Please see below a personal message from Slim.
“This is to let you know that The Hamsters will be retiring in a year’s time: 1st April 1987 was the date of our first band rehearsal, and 1st April 2011 marks the start of our 25th year together. We’ve long discussed ending the Hamsters adventure at the completion of 25 years as we’ve each a lot of other things we’d like to do, but have never had the time. So, we’ve got one more year to say goodbye to you all , and will play our final show on 31st March 2012.”
BUY TICKETS HERE
THE GOOD FRIDAY
FRIDAY APRIL 22nd
THE GOOD FRIDAY £5
With: VINNIE & THE STARS..COPASETIC and I SWIM WITH SHARKS
Three top bands for a paltry fiver…how can you not come?
Copasetics got together in early 2009, initially intending to put together a couple of sets of reworked ‘60s rocksteady hits, but while they were busy having fun with those tunes their own material began to take over rehearsals.
Based around the songwriting efforts of front man Benj, the band’s sound is still evolving rapidly. Having put out their first EP release last summer featuring their confident take on the ska/punk sound, they are quickly growing into their own skin; experimenting with more diverse influences and sounds for their most recent material, and promising a future that isn’t tied too tightly to the fickle fortunes of the ska scene.
Vinne & The Stars…What can we say? Local heroes.. Craig ‘Vinnie’ Whitehead started out as a solo acoustic artist and very soon got asked to perform with a full band.
Never to be same members for each gig ‘The Stars’ were formed. After the release of their debut album ‘Swings and Roundabouts’ , numerous local festival appearances and suport slots, including Beverley Folk Festival and the Beatherder festival. They have decided to whittle down to a permanant lineup of three members.
Going forward into 2011 the band has introduced something fresh into a new sound. This includes some of its original live sound feel of blues, funk, hip hop, soul and acoustic insrumentation, but also a modern sample based electronic twist.
I Swim With Sharks…..3 piece leeds based band who play rock smothered aggro pop. Played 50 shows last year including secret garden party festival, Wickerman festival and lounge on the farm, releasing their first single of 2011 “just be good” on the 23rd of April. Putting together their debut album aimed for release in October 2011.
25th YEAR – FAREWELL TOUR! THE HAMSTERS!
May 7th 2011.
….THE HAMSTERS…. £14.
THE HAMSTERS PLAY JIMI HENDRIX & ZZ TOP!
25TH YEAR – FAREWELL TOUR!
The guitar, bass and drums trio THE HAMSTERS have long been established as one of our premier Blues-Rock attractions, having performed over 4,000 concerts in 24 years.
Although usually playing their own brand of rootsy Rock, Blues and Americana – tonight they’ll be performing two sets of JIMI HENDRIX and ZZ TOP songs, for which they’re also widely regarded as being the UK’s leading interpreters. Guitarist/singer Slim has also just been featured in Guitarist magazine’s ‘Blues Guitar Heroes’ book.
“They’re fabulous: one of Britain’s very best live bands” – Bob Harris, Radio2
“No-one does Jimi Hendrix and ZZ Top better” The Times
“Technically flawless, before the Hamsters no-one has contemplated Hendrix covers on such a scale” Vox
“They really kick ass…Slim is one of your greatest guitarists” Walter Trout.
“Latest in a distinguished line of great British power trio’s, the whole band are technically quite perfect…Slim is simply outstanding” Blueprint
“Rock ‘n Roll at its very best…maximum impact…evil R ‘n B” Guitarist
An added motivation to come to this gig, them being brilliant aside, is that they recently announced their retirement in March of next year so this is the very last chance you will have to see The Hamsters at the Shire Hall.
Please see below a personal message from Slim.
“This is to let you know that The Hamsters will be retiring in a year’s time: 1st April 1987 was the date of our first band rehearsal, and 1st April 2011 marks the start of our 25th year together. We’ve long discussed ending the Hamsters adventure at the completion of 25 years as we’ve each a lot of other things we’d like to do, but have never had the time. So, we’ve got one more year to say goodbye to you all , and will play our final show on 31st March 2012.”
BUY TICKETS HERE
MARCH 19th ….FRAGILE….
MARCH 19th
…..FRAGILE…. £12.50
Formed in 1996 Fragile are the longest running UK performers of the classic and timeless music of YES.
Past and present members have left their mark on the wider music scene in projects with YES members Jon Anderson, Rick Wakeman, Steve Howe, Alan White and Peter Banks, as well as with Marillion (and separately with Fish), Voyager, Bernie Marsden and more.
Over the last 12 years Fragile have performed throughout Europe including a series of now legendary shows with Steve Howe. In 2009 they appeared on the Richard & Judy show and later that year, played to 35,000 with Alan White as one of the highlights at the Mathew Street Festival in Liverpool. Their set features many of the greatest songs in the YES catalogue.“A remarkable set of musicians who have set themselves a near almost impossible task and yet, succeed gloriously on every level” StandardFragile’s Spring tour features some of the greatest works by YES including Heart Of The Sunrise, Close To The Edge and Awaken in their entirety. A revisiting of the past with songs with early YES excerpts from: Sweet Dreams, The Prophet, Time And A Word, Every Little Thing and Astral Traveller as well as individual solo spots for acoustic guitar and keyboards and classic YES numbers Siberian Khatru, Your’s Is No Disgrace, And You And I, Soon, Owner of a lonely heart, Starship Troopers, I’ve Seen All Good People and Roundabout… a treat to be anticipated for all YES fans.
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