Mutter and Clive
Sun 4th August
Mutter Slater was the front man and flute player for the 70s cult band Stackridge (produced by George Martin, signed by Elton John): a group that established itself as a firm favourite on countless stages throughout the land and appeared regularly on BBC TV’s The Old Grey Whistle Test and John Peel’s radio programmes. After Stackridge, Mutter returned to a life of quiet domesticity in the South West of England. The songwriting and performing bug eventually got the better of him, leading to the formation of his band and a return to the recording studios – Love & Hate in 2006; Riding A Hurricane in 2008 (produced by Billy Bragg) and 2014’s Absobloodylutely
Open Mic Night
Wed 7th August
Pack your talent and leave the safety of the bedroom and come on down and strut your inner rock star so that all can enjoy. All types of musician and poet welcomed. Better come early to book yer space. Hosted by the talented Nick and Si from Behind Closed Doors
Toxic Fish
Fri 9th August
3 piece Reggae/Ska/Punk band from Weymouth, Dorset
Skalatans
Sat 10th August
The Skalatans play early 60s Jamaican dance tunes, from the era when 50s American R&B swung into Ska and Rock Steady - think Jazz Jamaica meets The Skatalites - and some latin/jazz dance tunes.
Andy Twyman
Sun 11th August
When Andy released the first ever naked Christmas music video it hit the national headlines, leading The Mirror newspaper to ask “Is this the best Christmas music video ever?” With the topics of his songs ranging from chickens to Luxembourg via Pot Noodle, 24 year old Andy Twyman blends blues with humour and rock and roll to titillate your ears, mind and toes. Having performed on BBC Three and Channel 4, Andy’s reputation is growing as a highly original and entertaining act. Andy first took to the stage aged 12 in pubs and clubs, with his guitar, voice and harmonica. Before hitting 18, he had gigged as a solo act in top London venues including The Jazz Café and 100 Club. Driven to create a distinctive and exciting act, Andy learnt to play foot operated drums, giving his songs a beat to get people on their feet. Drawing on influences as diverse as Muddy Waters, Monty Python, the White Stripes and Noel Fielding he developed a one man band show. In recent years Andy has brought this show to Spain, the Netherlands and France, has had airplay on BBC Radio Kent and London’s Resonance 104.4FM, and has had articles written about his music in The Sun, the Mirror, and The Daily Mail newspapers. When the summer arrives, Andy finds himself having fun at festivals all over the country inducing laughter and dancing amongst the drunk and disorderly. Allow Andy to tickle your funny follicles with lyrics absurd and profound, and dazzle your ear drums with music and sound. You know you want too.
Ropemakers Cheese Club
Wed 14th August
Six superb and superb different cheeses, all winners at the recent British Cheese Awards, all served with a selection of crackers and accompaniments. Tickets are available from the bar at £7.00 each. Get your tickets early for this popular night as we have limited spaces. Booking for this event is essential.
Julian Piper and the Junkyard Angels
Fri 16th August
JUNKYARD ANGELS are one of the longest running legendary British Blues bands. Formed in 1978, the band regularly toured the UK and Europe backing up many American blues masters, including Phil Guy, Lazy Lester, Tabby Thomas, Eddie Kirkland, Carey and Lurrie Bell, Kenny Neal, Lowell Fulson, amongst many others. Along the way they also shared stages with Buddy Guy and B.B. King, Robert Plant and Peter Green, and appeared at countless major festivals. Guitarist/singer and founder member Julian Piper played at the 2009 New Orleans Jazz Festival on the Blues stage in front of 4,000 people, and in 1987/88 lived in Baton Rouge Louisiana playing in the city's blues clubs, as well as New Orleans. The band currently have three albums out, and can also be heard on five others including Lazy Lester's 'Lester Rides Again' and Carey Bell's 'Straight Shoot', both of which received prestigious W.C. Handy Awards in Memphis.
Psychadelephant
Sat 17th August
noun [si-ca-de-li-fant] An eight legged mystical creature that appears to music lovers in the form of a psychedelic apparition, known to bring good fortune on a journey. Psychedelic Funk and Heavy Soul 4 piece based out of the South West
Howlin' Mat
Sun 18th August
Some say he tuned his guitar at the very same cross-roads that Robert Johnson sold his soul to the Devil. Others, that he roamed the wilderness, guitar in hand, for a thousand years playing only to the wind and rain. All we know for sure is that he is here and he means business. With just his trusty guitar, tapping' feet and a handful of well-chosen songs, Howlin'Mat plays with the intensity and reverence of a man who truly understands 'the Blues'.
The Sunset Cafe Stompers
Mon 19th August
The Sunset Cafe was a top night-spot on Chicago’s infamous South Side. Al Capone owned it, Louis Armstrong starred there. The Sunset Cafe Stompers do play the music of that period... great tunes from Scott Joplin, Irving Berlin, Jelly Roll Morton, Duke Ellington, Fats Waller... but the band’s wide repertoire also features songs made famous by artists as diverse as Patsy Cline, Marilyn Monroe, the Inkspots, Fats Domino... even Elvis. Beneath it all, one can sense the elusive, shifting, pulse which defines the sound of New Orleans. In that city, ever since the 1900s, bands have been hired to attract a crowd, or to add spirit and generate excitement for all kinds of occasion. Throughout the last twenty years we have followed in that tradition: playing jazz clubs, concerts for churches, arts centres, village dances, weddings, festivals, funerals, garden parties..
The Captain's Beard
Fri 23rd August
The Captain’s Beard are pirate minstrels from the humble fishing village of Brighton. Playing a mixture of rocked up maritime and Irish folk music from the British Isles and original tunes that combine the raucous folk-rock vibes of the Pogues, Flogging Molly and The Drop Kick Murphy’s with all the outrageous comedy of Flight of the Concords. This year sees them supporting the likes of Professor Elemental and on the same line up as Richard Thompson. With the release of their debut album “Same Ship Different Day,” they toured the entire south coast of the U.K and this year they’re going one further, embarking on a full UK tour taking them from Dover to Penzance and from Cardiff to Inverness. They’re looking forward to making you dance, drink and laugh along with them. YARRR!
N. U. M. B.
Sat 24th August
With over 800 live shows under their belt, sponsorship from international guitar manufacturer FAITH GUITARS and ethical clothing giants THTC Clothing, N.U.M.B. have been support for acts such as Arrested Development, Mica Paris, Peter Andre, Finley Quaye, Frank Turner, The Beat, The Reason, Stooshe, The Dub Pistols, Dreadzone, Transglobal Underground, The Correspondents, Zion Train, Natty, and Akala. They've recorded and released 4 albums, and with a reputation to get any crowd going N.U.M.B. pride themselves on their 'stick in your head' hooks and their proven track record for their song writing ability. Their song 'Night Time' from their first album 'Local Anaesthetic' appeared on the Brit comedy film 'Three and Out'. In 2009 they were finalists in the 02 Wireless Unsigned competition. In 2010 they came 2nd in the UK heat of Global Battle of the Bands. In 2011 they were nominated for 'Best Act' and 'Best Album' alongside Muse in The South West Music Awards. They've played Glastonbury, Secret Garden Party, 02 Wireless in Hyde Park, Beach Break Live, Farmer Phil's Festival, Solfest, Watchet Festival, Love Summer Festival, The Great Escape Festival, Colston Hall, The Clapham Grand, and heaps of smaller festivals and venues. So what do they sound like? With a catalogue of undiscovered hits, they're Hip Hop cross Reggae, infused with Soul and Ska with a sprinkling of Folk. Think stadium anthem songs, fuelled with countless infectious hooks, beautiful harmonies, fat beats and bass, finished off with conscious raps and an unforgettable live performance... The name says it all - Never Underestimate Musical Belief.
The Ropemaker's Birthday BAsh
Sun 25th August
Details to be announced
Million Dollar Bash
Fri 30th August
Almost a year to the day since their last appearance at The Ropemakers in Bridport, THE MILLION DOLLAR BASH are back! Celebrating the music of Bob Dylan and The Band in their own unique style, and featuring the charismatic Kipper Roberts up front, these boys will bring a great night of live music to Bridport on Friday 30th August.
Slack Mallard
Sat 31st August
The story of Slack Mallard begins in a Cornish village on the river Tamar. That was 2010, and the band then was Phat Bollard. They travelled extensively and busked our way around the country for 8 years, but everything in life is fleeting and the band imploded in August 2018. Yet the dust settled, the Earth continued to spin, time plodded ever onwards and old wounds healed. A new adventure begins
Jim Reynolds
Sun 1st September
Jim Reynolds is a guitarist and singer who writes and plays an eclectic mix of music. The individual pieces tap into blues, ragtime, rhythm and blues, music hall and folk traditions. Some are extremely sensitive songs about life, people and relationships, while others are tongue in cheek. His albums are also sprinkled with classics from the likes of J.J. Cale, Nick Drake, John Martyn, Roy Orbison, the Inkspots, Jelly Roll Morton and Jimmy Rogers. Having played abroad and in the U.K., especially in Bristol, the South West, Wales, the Midlands and recently the South East, at clubs, pubs and festivals, he has honed his singing and playing, creating a rich and cohesive sound. His finely crafted songs and guitar are a pleasure to listen to and live performances are always memorable. Despite the rarity of 'happy' tunes, the wry observations and descriptions of peoples' experience are somehow uplifting, delivering a sense of humanity and intimacy. Jim has chosen to play his own particular style of music producing albums appreciated and bought by listeners at live performances.
Ropemakers Open Mic Night
Wed 4th Sep - 8:30pm
Whether you are a musician, singer, poet or comedian please pack up your talent and bring it on down to the Ropemakers for all to enjoy. Hosted by the talented duo from Behind Closed Doors.
The Fat Marrow Blues Band
Fri 6th Sep - 9:15pm
The Fat Marrow Blues Band play a mixture of funky rhythm and blues and jazzy rock and roll and is well known locally as a tight band who play a good gig. Starting off as a six piece in the 90’s with drum, bass, 2 guitars, harmonica ad saxophone they have featured in BBC documentaries, filled the best venues in the southwest and nearly supported Otis Grand at the Cheese and Grain in Frome. Now featuring a trombone in the Mendip Horn brass section, the emphasis for the band is to have as much fun as the audience so come join in.
Pronghorn>
Sat 7th Sep - 9:15pm
In 1992 when grunge was what every self respecting alternative music fan was into, a group of friends who decided to go against the grain formed a band that the likes of Dorset and the world had never seen. 20 odd years ago they started off by busking outside Debenhams in Bournemouth and then played their first gig at the Brunswick Hotel in Charminster. It was after that gig they received their first ever review too- on collection of their gear the following morning, they discovered the landlord's dog had left a rather large message by the drum kit. The band was put together from the ashes of skiffle outfit 'Hoedown at Hanks'. a Cult tribute band ' Blue Rain' and local upstarts 'the Crunchy Tractors and quickly went onto busking outside more salubrious locations, Amsterdam Central Station, Copenhagen Homeless Hostels and Cherbourg docks to name but a few. As the band's sound evolved with a mash of punk, country and rockabilly which brought together the band’s very own genre “Cowpunk”, proper gigs soon followed and then the festivals came calling.. The line up has seen many changes over the years but the founder members, Toni Viagra and Lamma are still there, along with newbies(!) Ffi, Krusty, Gypo, Aussie Mike and Andy Law- who've only done the last twelve years or so.
Dread Balloon
Sun 8th Sep - 4:00pm
This is an amazing new band from Bridport playing some covers and originals in their own unique way. This is the product of a fusion of ex Cradle of Filth band member Rosie Smith and an innocent young man from West Dorset.
Ropemakers Cheese Club
Wed 11th Sep
Cheese Club is coming. The September Cheese Club is here with six cheeses from Herefordshire for you to try and compare. These will come served with tasting notes, crackers and accompaniments. With each Cheese, Palmers Wine Store have selected a drink to further enhance your enjoyment of the cheese and these are available at an extra cost. The cost for the cheese platter is £7 per person. Booking is absolutely essential as these evenings are very popular. There will be two sittings, one at 7:30pm and one at 8:30pm. Booking and pre-payment are essential for this event. The next Cheese Club will be held on Wednesday 9th October
The Sweetchunks Band
Fri 13th Sep - 9:15pm
The Sweetchunks Band are a Southampton based eccentric comedy outfit, performing bastardised versions of songs that you know and brilliant versions of songs that you don’t. They are known for their ability to entertain any audience with a fun, engaging performance that leave people smiling, dancing and humming the tunes for hours afterwards. The Sweetchunks Band create a memorable evening of fun and dancing. The festivals they have played so far in the UK include, Isle of Wight Festival, Beautiful Days, Mudfest, Watchet, Bearded Theory, Something to Smile About and many more. They have supported acts including Chas and Dave, The Wurzels, Hobo Jones & the Junkyard Dogs, Professor Elemental, Ferocious Dog and The Beards
The Boarding Crew
Sat 14th Sep - 9:15pm
The Boarding Crew are an original pirate band hailing from Chesil Bay and play original music that tells tales of the true hardships of piracy. Their mission is to inform the world that the pirates life isn’t a Disney film. Prepare to be boarded. Yarrrr!
Danny Adams
Sun 15th Sep - 4:00pm
Danny's art of performance and production has already helped him achieve some of his dreams and aspirations including making his first EP with Tribal Law at Abbey Road Studios with living legend Eddie Kramer in 2010, to being 1 of only one hundred singers chosen out of 180,000 to Audition For the first Series of BBC's The Voice UK 2012. Performing to live to audiences ranging from hundreds to thousands since the age of 6 and cutting his teeth gigging from age 13, Music and the love of music is as much a part of Danny as the love he has for his family and friends. With the release of his first album with "The Black Mariahs" in 2013 and constant work live and in the studio with up and coming talent of all genres, Danny hopes to make an impression on the world of music and its listeners with his unique style, performance, sound design, and song writing.
Sunset Cafe Stompers
Mon 16th Sep - 8:15pm
The Sunset Cafe was a top night-spot on Chicago’s infamous South Side. Al Capone owned it, Louis Armstrong starred there. The Sunset Cafe Stompers do play the music of that period... great tunes from Scott Joplin, Irving Berlin, Jelly Roll Morton, Duke Ellington, Fats Waller... but the band’s wide repertoire also features songs made famous by artists as diverse as Patsy Cline, Marilyn Monroe, the Inkspots, Fats Domino... even Elvis. Beneath it all, one can sense the elusive, shifting, pulse which defines the sound of New Orleans. In that city, ever since the 1900s, bands have been hired to attract a crowd, or to add spirit and generate excitement for all kinds of occasion. Throughout the last twenty years we have followed in that tradition: playing jazz clubs, concerts for churches, arts centres, village dances, weddings, festivals, funerals, garden parties... from our Dorset/Somerset base, down to Cornwall and up to Cumbria.
Mother Ukers
Fri 20th Sep - 9:15pm
The Mother Ukers are a Ukulele band performing covers and original material for your pleasure. Using ukuleles of all shapes and sizes the Mother Ukers take you on a musical journey through time and space. Mixing up sounds captured in the minds of mortals from over a hundred years to create their unique ‘Ukular Fusion’. With songs & flavours of Modern pop, Punk, Classic rock, the Swinging 60s, Fabulous 50s blended together and marinaded with the sound and rhythms of the roaring 20s and seasoned with a touch of the blues in a swamp grass melody. The Mother Ukers unleash the power of their humble little four string ukes and guarantee to tickle your ears, kiss your soul & get them feet a tapping!
BlimeyOhRiley
Sat 21st Sep - 9:15pm
BlimeyOhRiley (AKA the Mind Altering Sausages) are a band hailing from sleepy Devon. A collective of musicians who have gigged with the likes of Noel Gallagher, Frank Turner, & Megadeth to name but a few. This talented trio have also played individually in bands ranging from funk to grindcore in their ongoing quest to play “cool shit”. Together though they speedball more genres, styles, & influences into a single punk fuelled show, than you could shake a rhythm stick at! This combined with the all new originals album (which was met with outstandingly luke warm response) makes the band a force to be reckoned with at any event or show……………. just ask our fan
Robert Brown
Sun 22nd Sep - 4:00pm
Robert Brown is an emerging singer songwriter with obvious comparisons such as Nick Drake, Davy Graham and Jimmy Page, not only in his writing but with his remarkable finger style technique. “I was lucky as a kid. When I was 17 I got to tour with Dick Heckstall Smith, and later in my teens I toured the southern states for 6 months with the US funk rock outfit the Blast. It was a crazy learning curve in which I saw our promoter being shot and having Boy Georges producer chasing us all over Houston thinking we were the next big thing and had free coke to burn!” Whilst touring in New York last year, he was also approached by Alice Cooper’s Press agent and tour manager after they heard a particular track. Songs that are remembered the next day seem to be one of his main gifts. Extensive travelling in Europe, North Africa and North America have enabled Robert to absorb the music and culture, and this emerges in subtle rootsy nuances within his work. Some obvious, some hidden to all but the expert ear. “I’m flattered to have had artists use and want to cover my songs, but I won’t sell out for the privilege. I’ve met people who literally try to work out a plan for the fastest way they can sell their souls for a fast buck and 15 minutes of fame. Over the years the music business has come into and out of my life. To quote Roy Harper “It’s not important that I become a millionaire. I’m a sparrow in the gutter. I will always be able to make a living”
The Husky Tones
Fri 27th Sep - 9:15pm
This blistering Bristol-based duo hit with the force of a much bigger unit. A stand-up drummer who also delivers keening vocals, and a crunchy, dextrous, raging guitarist – the perfect girl/boy, punk- blues alchemy. Their latest release, a six-song EP ‘I Don’t Give a Damn Anymore’ continues their individual take on and exploration of the punk blues genre (begun in February 2017 with the album ‘Who Will I Turn To Now?’). Delivered by standing singer-drummer Vix Bourne and guitarist Chris Harper. Husky Tones’ songs have been played on national radio including the BBC Radio as well as international radio. Their 2017 album ‘Who Will I Turn To Now?’ has been album of the week on radio stations in the USA, UK, and Europe. They have built a reputation for intense live shows, performing headline shows at venues such as London’s 100 Club, Fiddlers Elbow and Blues Kitchen, Brighton’s Latest Bar, and The Fleece and The Louisiana supporting Cedric Burnside and national UK festivals such as main-stage performances at The Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival, The Green Gathering, Aberjazz, Off The Tracks, Leek Blues and Americana Festival,Tenby Blues Festival, Minety Festival.
Thin Wire Fence
Sat 28th Sep - 9:15pm
TWF's music is inspired by the grittier side of the alternative rock/ country movement and their mission is to write good songs to make people feel something. The lyrics are mostly dark and cynical social commentary (DC Smith isn't known for his cheer), the songs prove pedal steel can be a rock instrument (a distortion pedal helps) and they also include a healthy dose of fuzz. The band's eclectic musical influences make for a unique sound that's not so easy to describe ('Fuzzicana' and 'Crunge' are some top suggestions), and there's a lot of energy at their live shows (Janey's percussion enthusiasm would be hard to match).
Andrew Hurst
Sun 29th Sep - 4:00pm
Andrew’s varied musicality includes composing and performing music for theatre, presenting solo recitals in a variety of venues – with music including mediaeval and renaissance lutes, archlute, classical guitar, and steel-strung 12 string guitar, reaching out to wide audiences by giving bar, pub and street performances of classical guitar repertoire and arrangements
