Sunset Café Stompers
Mon 18th Nov - 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.
Surfin Birds
Fri 22nd Nov - 9:15pm
The psychosonic constellations are clearing so open your airwaves and countenance these cavalcades of swinging surf and raucous rockabilly. Thundering their way to a gathering near you this year secreting rustic rockabilly charm, allow their guttural guitars and dynamic drums to reverberate your reason and magnify the madness. Simply throw back your hair, whirl that waistline onwards and follow your frenzied feet to the searing sounds of Dorset's musical sensation that is The Surfin' Birds.
BEMIS
Sat 23rd Nov - 9:15pm
Formed in 2006, they have been making their name around the South and in London, with close harmonies, a huge list of covers, a long list of songs written by themselves and a strong commitment to the professionalism people expect from them. Through all this seriousness is the frivolous way they change the set during the evening after painstakingly planning it in the rehearsal, the dodgy introductions to the songs and the massive MASSIVE enjoyment they get out of doing what they do.
Mutter and Clive
Sun 23rd Nov - 4:00pm
Sublime Sunday sounds from two of the finest local musicians. Blues orientated with a host of other influences this should prove to be a sensational afternoon of fine music
The Bomo Swing
Fri 29th Nov - 9:15pm
The Bomo Swing comes bouncing out of Bournemouth, an eight piece band renowned for its high energy and unique blend of Balkan, Reggae, Cumbia and dance. All powered by sizzling Latin drums, jazz influenced bass lines and topped off with spirited gypsy violin. Their upbeat performance and passion will bring a smile to your face and have you dancing your worries away as you enjoy the fiesta with them.
Toxic Fish
Sat 30th Nov - 9:15pm
Original 3 Piece Ska/Punk/Reggae Band from Weymouth
Beautiful Beards and Magnificent Moustaches
Sun 1st Dec - 3:00pm
New for 2019, The Ropemakers competition for men and women who are perhaps facially hirsute. A prize will go to the holder of the most magnificent moustache or beautiful beard. In the Ropemakers tradition, this is not quite what it seems, but the relevant beard or moustache need not be their own, but can be made out of any material suitable, it is time to get creative! A separate competition will be held for similarly creative and talented women. Prizes etc. to be announced. Entry will be £5 per beard or moustache and all proceeds will go to Prostate Cancer UK
Dan O’Farrell and the Difference Engine
Sun 1st Dec - 4:00pm
Dan O’Farrell is a brilliant songwriter. One of the best in the UK. He’s kind of Morrissey meets Michael Stipe via Billy Bragg and Jonathan Richman – without consciously copying any of them … Dan O’Farrell has an unerring ability to smuggle complex and political ideas into seemingly blithe and simple pop-songs.
Muddy Summers and the DFW's
Fri 6th Dec - 9:15pm
Muddy Summers and the Dirty Field Whores are a radical feistyfolkpunkswingpop band based in the UK. ‘The musical melange draws in left-bank swing, Balkan gypsy dreamscape, jazz waltz fusion and cowgirl reggae-hop all bound together with sentient political verse with a razor edge that feels no need to growl before it bites.’ – Graham, Macstock Organiser
The Curst Sons
Sat 7th Dec - 9:15pm
The Curst Sons unique take on American traditional music mixes roots genres with powerful original songs and gutsy live shows. Now in their twenty first year the Curst Sons have released 6 CDs and one 10” vinyl EP on their own Curst Mountain label. They have been Runners up in the international Song Writing Competition (ISC), nominated for Best Alt Country Album in the Independent Music Awards and for Best Americana Act in the British Country Music Awards. They have played far too many pubs, clubs and festivals to remember, twice been Time Out magazine’s critic’s choice and recorded two live sessions for much missed Mark Lamarr show on BBC Radio 2.
Elfentale
Sun 8th Dec - 4:00pm
From a simple palette of two voices supported by an acoustic guitar, Elfentale have crafted a rich, nuanced offering of beautiful arrangements. The duo grew from a practice project between the two musicians separated by age difference but unified by impeccable vocal harmonies. Chris, the former lead vocalist and guitarist with Acoustic Rooster, was driven to form Elfentale after hearing Jess Yarham Baker sing a medley of Kate Rusby songs. Their repertoire of well worked songs has rightly earned respect for the complex and polished harmonies.
The Guns of Navarone
Fri 13th Dec - 9:15pm
Classic Ska with Big Brass Sounds and Skanking Rhythms. Guaranteed to make you dance and Smile!
N. U. M. B.
Sat 14th Dec - 9:15pm
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
Lil' Jim
Sun 15th Dec - 4:00pm
Lil Jim is an award winning, multi instrumentalist. Dynamic and irrepressible. Seamlessly tying the roots of traditional music with modern arrangements and hooks. Combining guitar, harmonica and accordion with vocals and foot percussion to create a fresh sound of unstoppable rhythm and unrelenting melody. From supporting Hayseed Dixie, Paul Jones and Midge Ure, with standout shows at Leek Blues and Americana Festival and Acoustic Festival of Britain, Lil Jim is fast becoming the must-see act on the festival and touring circuit.
The Sunset Cafe Stompers
Mon 16th Dec - 8:15pm
The Stompers are one of the top UK jazz bands and play the music of the golden age of jazz … great melodies from Scott Joplin, Irving Berlin, Jelly Roll Morton, Duke Ellington… and the band's wide repertoire also features songs made famous by artists as diverse as Patsy Cline, Marilyn Monroe, Fats Domino… Beneath it all lies that enthralling pulse - the sound of New Orleans. Great feet tappin' music!
The Skimmity Hitchers
Thu 19th Dec - 9:00pm
Rising from the cider soaked floors of Dorset’s back street boozers, the Skimmity Hitchers now roam the full girth of the West Country and beyond. Bringing their dry and fruity blend of Scrumpy & Western music to venues, festivals and fairs, these scrumpy swillin’ reprobates appeal to young and old, and everyone from folkies to cider punks, beardy badgers to shifty blaggers. The ‘Hitchers blend razor sharp parodies and original material with a raucous stage show, spontaneous audience interaction, cheeky banter and general cider shenanigans… In their quest to bring proper job drinkin’ music to the masses the band have stolen the show at events of all types and sizes. Highlights include Camp Bestival, Boomtown Fair, Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival and headline slots at the Great Dorset Steam Fair and OutCider Festival, but there’s simply nowhere these four fruity fellas can’t instigate a good time.
The Bad Cowboys
Fri 20th Dec - 9:15pm
Veterans of the local Glastonbury music scene, Steve Bilsborough and John Carroll have developed a country influenced acoustic sound. Their close harmonies and catchy tunes are full of poignant, satirical and sometimes humorous lyrics, and contain such obscure subject matter as: superheroes, corporate takeovers, the local bus route, and also the now infamous song about the town of “Street”.
Pronghorn
Sat 21st Dec - 9:15pm
The Undisputed Kings of Cowpunk and purveyors of the hardest and finest banjo/fiddle action you'll ever come across. A more motley collection of bad shirts, mullets, prison tattoos, broken teeth and greasy comb-overs you'd be hard pushed to find outside of a Dale Winton garden party.
Chris Webb
Sun 22nd Dec - 4:00pm
Solo acoustic performer of original contemporary folk songs with whimsical narrative and upbeat fingerstyle guitar playing. Guitarist for ‘Gaz Brookfield and the Company of Thieves’ and Lonely Tourist. Guitarist and co-writer with Plume Of Feathers
Big Fat Christmas Quiz
Thu 26th Dec - 8:00pm
Purely for the fun and frivolity we bring you the popular Christmas Quiz. The winner will receive a bottle of wine and they will be very proud!
The Fat Marrow Blues Band
Fri 27th Dec - 9:15pm
The Fat Marrow Band play jazzy rhythm and blues with a feel good factor. Experienced and reliable they find inspiration in traditional blues music and update and embellish it with brass, harmonica and sparkling guitar to create a fantastic sound. Influences such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, BB King, John Mayall and Robert Cray are all used, and, having played together for some time, the music is tight and polished.
Psychadelephant
Sat 28th Dec - 9:15pm
Psychadelephant is a groove heavy four piece smashing their way out of the Southwest UK. Celebrating a plethora of psychedelic funk, heavy soul, blues, jazz and R’nB. Expect gymnastic guitar and vocal shenanigans with provoking lyrics and a rhythm section that would keep James brown on his toes!
New Year's Eve with DJ Santa
Tue 31st Dec - 9:00pm
Party New Year’s Eve away with excellent tunes brought to you by DJ Santa
