Events
The Ropemakers is a popular local venue offering regular live music, open mic nights, a monthly chese club, a weekly quiz, a meat draw, and various events throughout the year.
Dana Immanueal & The Stolen BAnd
Fri 1st Feb - 9:15pm
Dana Immanuel is a banjo-toting, whiskey-drinking, poker-playing singer-songwriter currently operating from a north London hideout from which emerges a sound more usually associated with the bayou, triple filtered through bourbon and distortion pedals, with a dusting of fiddle and a touch of alt-country eccentricity. With the five-piece, all-female Stolen Band, Dana has been getting feet stomping across the UK folk, blues, Americana and rock scenes since 2015, winning over crowds from Glastonbury to Boomtown, the Barfly to Union Chapel. The Stolen Band’s sound reflects its members’ eclectic influences, from Alice Cooper to Hank Williams, Led Zeppelin to Crosby, Stills & Nash, routed via the bluegrass turnpike around the oldtime township of alt-country. Whether in front of intimate club audiences or huge festival crowds, their high-energy genre-defying live show is not to be missed.
The Transitions
Sat 2nd Feb - 9:15pm
The Transitions are a band created by men old enough to know better but still young enough to care less. They make a bit of dosh mostly having fun covering great songs you had forgotten you liked, and playing them to poor unsuspecting folks in drinking establishments all over sunny Dorset, Hampshire and Somerset. They don't stick to any genres really so we do have a wide and varied arsenal which is perfect for entertaining varied audiences. When they don't have our primitive cave dweller Mr Listy tapping out beats on his ca’jon (a kind of drum), Karlos plays bass guitar and a bass drum whilst Fatt’s plays guitar and tambourine with his foot. As a result Karlos and Fatts will both need hip replacements in a few years time. Come and check them out and witness how a band with no real talent manages to trick drunk people into thinking like they do. Bare in mind in order to do this you will have to stay sober which may not be worth the prize. When you first hear The Transitions you will be amazed by the fact that there are actually only 2 members. They produce the sound of a 4 or 5 piece band. You will hear drums, bass, guitar, harmonica, melodica, keys, lead vocals and harmonies. All performed live by 2 guys standing right in front of you.
Adam Whichever
Sun 3rd Feb - 4:00pm
This is a solo set by an ex-member of Phat Bollard and currently playing in the Devil’s Doorbells singing a soulful set of gentle thoughtfully provoking folk songs.
Open Mic Night
Wed 6th Feb - 8:30pm
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
***CANCELLED*** The Guns of Navarone
Fri 8th Feb - 9:15pm
Unfortunately the Guns have had to cancel this event
Big Red Ass
Sat 9th Feb - 9:15pm
Tonetastic new line up for the skanking best. Come and shake your backside to the bombastic horn fuelled ska reggae rock dance explosion that is BRA!
Andy Twyman
Sun 10th Feb - 4:00pm
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, Andy Twyman blends blues with humour and rock and roll to titillate your ears, mind and toes. Having already performed at Glastonbury Festival, on BBC Three and on Channel 4, Andy’s reputation is growing as a highly original emerging artist.
Cheese Club
Wed 13th Feb - 7:30pm
Six superb cheeses all served with a selection of crackers and accompaniments. Tickets are available from the bar at £6.50 each. Get your tickets early for this popular night as we have limited spaces. Booking for this event is essential.
Mother Ukers
Fri 15th Feb - 9:15pm
Playing songs from throughout the ages on their Ukuleles, the Mother Ukers are a three piece Ukulele band based in Bournemouth, England. The Band take on modern day classics with their ukuleles and forge them into timeless wonders of a bygone era with the power of ‘Ukular Fusion’ Warping time and Space… The Mother Ukers are ‘The Ukulele Band’
Vanilla Radio
Sat 16th Feb - 9:15pm
Emerging from the darkest depths of Dorset, Vanilla Radio burst onto the funk rock scene in 2013 delivering their soulful funky grooves to crowds all over the south coast. At its core Jamie Parker, Jack Ansell and Rick Veall have been playing in various line-ups for the last 10 years with the later addition of Will Sear on keys adding another dimension to their sound. Vanilla Radio’s live set is a funk rock explosion taking influence from jazz, funk, soul and motown and mixing all out furious guitar and keys, exploding bass lines and outrageous drum breaks to create a sound that will get you grooving.
Uphill and Still
Sun 17th Feb - 4:00pm
- Jon and Maddy form a powerful duo of commanding Vocals, Mandolin, Guitar and Washboard, as well as influences of home drawn from opposite sides of the Atlantic. Since their EP release (2016), they have spent 18 months busking and performing across Canada; from PEI fishing bars, to Prairie porches; from West-Coast surf towns, to festival stages in Yukon Territory, absorbing life into their sound.
Sunset Cafe Stompers
Mon 18th - 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
Shelby's Elbows
Fri 22nd Feb - 9:15pm
You all know what to expect – A brilliant fun night with the local chaps ripping their shirts off in support of this popular local duo.
Danny Adams
Sat 23rd Feb - 9:15pm
At the age of 27 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.
Chris Webb
Sun 24th Feb - 4:00pm
Chris Webb is a 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
The Surfin' Birds
Fri 1st Mar - 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.
N. U. M. B.
Sat 2nd MAr - 9:15pm
Formed in 2007, N.U.M.B. (Never Underestimate Musical Belief) are a live alternative Hip Hop band successfully fusing Reggae, Rap, DnB and Folk. With a reputation for energetic, foot stomping live performances, sublime grooves and infectious songs that stick in your head, N.U.M.B. bring the festival vibe to any event. With over 700 live performances under their belt, they’ve honed their craft and have supported Arrested Development, Peter Andre, Mica Paris, Frank Turner, The Beat, and Finley Quaye to name a few. They’re a festival favourite too boasting appearances at Glastonbury, 02 Wireless Festival, Beach Break Live, Solfest, Farmer Phil’s Festival and they’ve been nominated for Best Band of the Year and Best Album of the Year at The South West Music Awards. They came 2nd in the UK heat of Global Battle of the Bands and got to the final 10 bands from 30,000 in the 02 Wireless Unsigned Competition. N.U.M.B. have are also sponsored by UK guitar manufacturer Faith Guitars and ethical urban clothing firm The Hemp Trading Company.
Arnie Cottrell and the Velvet Doonicans
Sun 3rd Mar - 4:00pm
The Velvet Doonicans were formed when the Velvet Underground replaced Lou Reed with Val Doonican in the early 70s. It was a whole new direction for the band and, sadly, soon led to the demise of the band that had come to represent the complete anarchic anti-music antithesis to the summer of love and to middle of the road cartoon Irish folk music.
Open Mic Night
Wed 6th Mar - 8:30pm
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.
The Devil's Doorbells
Fri 8th Mar - 9:15pm
The Devil makes work for idle hands, and Doorbells were made for pushing. The Devil’s Doorbells play a mix of trad and originals with subjects as diverse as coal mining to anarchist uprisings to Alan Titchmarsh on Desert Island Discs. It’s music to cleanse and then to dirten. Pushing it, the debut album, was recorded in fields and car parks via solar power.
Cuba Libre
Sat 9th Mar - 9:15pm
Headlining shows throughout the UK and supporting some of the biggest artist in the music scene Cuba Libre are making their mark. With recognition from bands that have had world wide success and help inspire them throughout the years helping the band to create a unique sound and a performance that is unforgettable. Cuba Libre have travelled around the UK packing out music venues and have a constant growing fan base. There E.P which was released last year with previous members Steve and Adam made its way to being played on Brighton's radio station Code South and the track Alice has been used by top DJ's in remixes and mixtape's.
Lil Jim
Sun 10th Mar - 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, The Waterboys and Midge Ure, with standout performances at Leek Blues and Americana and Acoustic Festival of Britain, Lil Jim is fast becoming the must-see act on the festival and touring circuit.
Cheese Club
Wed 13th Mar - 7:30pm
Six superb cheeses all served with a selection of crackers and accompaniments. Tickets are available from the bar at £6.50 each. Get your tickets early for this popular night as we have limited spaces. Booking for this event is essential.
The Sweetchunks Band / The Devil's Prefects
Fri 15th Mar - 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 Devil’s Prefects - Country music with its tongue firmly jammed in its cheek. Johnny "Country" Crow and Willie "The Fury" Ford are a country duo; two men and a guitar, bringing you songs about beer, automobiles, trailers, zombies, television and more beer. With a nod to Johnny Cash and a wink to Elvis, this is what happens when country music goes bad. These boys do for country music what Scooby Doo did for paranormal investigation. Bring your cowboy hat, we know you have one! "Had the whole field singing along to instant classics" - ukfestivalguides.com "A hilarious country & western pastiche" - efestivals.co.uk
The Mighty Small ft Paulo Morena
Sat 16th MAr - 9:15pm
If you thought you'd seen and heard it all music-wise, you’d better prepare for TheMightySmall: a one man band for the 21st Century. The music grabs you from the very first breath and takes you on an emotional journey of soulful melodies and classic rock whilst hailing the distant tones of Van Morrison, Jeff Buckley and a slight hint of Dylan. The live-looping approach to performance, wrangling loops in similarly compelling style to a professional spinner of plates whilst turning out perfectly crafted multi-instrumental electro/folk/rock mash-ups is a show to behold.
Mutter Slater and Clive Ashley
Sun 17th MAr - 4:00pm
Mutter Slater was the front man and flute player for the 70’s 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 song-writing 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 2006; Riding A Hurricane 2008 (produced by Billy Bragg) and 2014’s Absobloodylutely. His songs reflect his primary interest in 60’s American blues, soul and R’n’B as well as his persistent addiction to a ‘half decent tune’. The music is warm, harmonically panoramic and edgy. Lyrically it’s intriguing; telling of human strengths and frailties and illicit loves, bar room observations, train rides, bus rides, long walks and cosmic disintegration.
The Sunset Cafe Stompers
Mon 18th Mar - 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.
Toxic Fish
Fri 22nd MAr - 9:15pm
3 piece Reggae/Ska/Punk band from Weymouth, Dorset
Two Man Ting
Sat 23rd Mar - 9:15pm
TwoManTing was formed in 2004, when Jon Lewis and Jah-man Aggrey were working together in world/dance band Le Cod Afrique, performing at the likes of WOMAD, Montreux Jazz Festival and Glastonbury. Since then, the duo has been performing regularly throughout the UK, and particularly on the Festival circuit. Festie shows have included Glastonbury, the Secret Garden Party, Musicport, Green Man, Whychwood, Big Green Gathering, Off the Tracks, Sunrise Celebration, Broadstairs Folk Week, Small World, Waveform....to name but a few. Recent arts centre shows have included support slots for Mali desert-blues legends, Tinariwen, and Muntu Valdo. TwoManTing are regularly featured on UK and US radio stations. The album “Legacy” is a collection of 12 songs, some old, some new, all recorded in the Autumn of 2010. We feel it captures the essence of the live TwoManTing show, with Jon’s bouncy African guitar licks, live looped to create a full band sound. This is complemented by Jah’s djembe beats, and meaningful and witty lyrics, sung in Krio - his native tongue from Sierra Leone
Elfentale
Sun 24th Mar - 4:00pm
Two superbly talented musicians presenting traditional and contemporary folk, with the beautiful vocals of elegant Jess Yarham-Baker accompanied by Chris Deacon former lead of Acoustic Rooster. They have been together for just over three years focusing on close harmony vocals with a little guitar accompaniment. They perform some self penned material to supplement their own arrangements of better known songs from Kate Rusby to the Saw Doctors.
The Junkyard Angels
Fri 29th Mar
Junkyard Angels will be hitting The Ropemakers, Bridport, on Fri 29th March! Expect to be taken on a trip from New Orleans, through Mississippi, up to Chicago, and back...
Two Man Travelling Medicine Show
Sat 30th Mar - 9:15pm
Two Man Travelling Medicine Show – 9:15pm – Eight piece Americana/Country/punk outfit. Think CSNY meets The Band and has a fight with The Libertines. Up for any shows anywhere including guerrilla gigging in people's front rooms. Critically acclaimed and garnering great radio support. 'Funked up folk with a mohawked heart' Yack Magazine 'Pastoral folk on a white knuckle ride on an out of control Cider cart' Dancing with architecture blog
Slack Bird
Sun 31st Mar - 4:00pm
Well this is going to be a delight. All the way from Finland this three piece folk unit will blow you away with their unique style. Banjo led and backed by accordion and may be a hurdy gurdy this band are starting to get noticed by some top festival bookers. Well, you saw them here first!
