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.
Showing their love of country music, NC4OM cover a wide range of tracks the ‘train beat’ style of Johnny Cash, the alt stylings of Steve Earle and Lucinda Williams to the more laid back style of Freedy Johnson all mixed with punk attitude.
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.
JINDER is a 36yr old songwriter, storyteller and international touring musician based in the UK's pastoral Westcountry. Following the lo-fi folk noir of 2015's critically acclaimed LP 'Traditional Dark', his tenth album 'Presents...KINGSIZE BLACKFOOT' (released on 17th July 2017) is an intense and joyful exploration of American blues and roots music, drenched in gutbucket Delta blues slide guitar, Bluegrass from the heart of Appalachia, Louisiana murder ballads, Country Blues and even an impassioned update of Yip Harburg and Jay Gorney's Depression-era anthem 'Brother Can You Spare A Dime', released in May as the first single from the album.
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.
A couple of local yokels who decided it would be fun to play covers in a metal style with some humour attached and suddenly found that people liked it! Expect very special versions of those favourite songs you know.
Sometimes an angel choir, Sometimes a silent screaming maelstrom, The Clash mating with Johnny Cash. Lady Winwoods Maggot have been storming the south for many years with their unique style of Death Western. Fusing traditional American and Irish music with self-written songs and presenting them with an old-school punk attitude. Banjo, Mandolin and Acoustic Guitar are backed with thunderous Drums and Bass. This is a band who believes in putting on a show, with their own full scale lighting rig, stage attire and presence they bring to the audience an energetic and absorbing performance that exudes an incredible atmosphere guaranteed to liven the crowd at any venue, festival or event
Andy Twyman – 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.
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.
Lost Revellers play an original fusion of swinging Gypsy jazz, fiery tangos, wild dance beats and stomping folk… Lost Revellers are a London based folk-fusion band playing daringly arranged traditional tunes, alongside their own imaginative compositions. Performed on violin, accordion, drums/percussion and bass, their bold and creative sound draws from Gypsy jazz, swing, tango, folk and more....
Rev Hammer is a maverick English Singer-Songwriter and veteran touring musician. He has released 8 studio albums: Industrial Sound and Magic (1991) recorded with the Levellers in an Essex Cow shed Bishop of Buffalo (1993), Freeborn John (1996) – The Story of John Lilburne, England’s First Radical, The Green Fool Recordings (1996), Spitting Feathers (1998), Down the Alley (2008) and Skald (2016) Although primarily a solo singer songwriter it is in recording and live performance collaborations that Rev has made his name. In 1986, he formed the Red Sky Coven Travelling Folk Club with the poet/Novelist Joolz Denby, New Model Army lead singer Justin Sullivan and bassist Brett Selby. They have recorded 5 live albums. Rev is also a founding member of Drunk in Public the irreverent acoustic touring group along with Mark Chadwick, Simon Friend and Jon Sevink from the Levellers. They have recorded six live albums. The Fabulous Goodtime Part Boys or Fabbies, a ten-piece soul and New Orleans festival ensemble saw Rev work again with his long-term friend and producer Phil Johnstone with whom he had recorded the epic Freeborn John, Spitting Feathers and the Green Fool recordings. The Fabbies have recorded one studio album Let’s hear it for the little fella (2008) and one live album Carbon Jackboot (2010). Rev’s songs have been recorded by a varied list of performers over the years : Eddi Reader, Rory McCleod, Maddy Prior, Rose Kemp, The Oyster Band, Justin Sullivan , the Levellers, Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman. In 2008 Rev received a gold record for 100,000 sales of the song Maid of the River recorded by the Levellers for their album Zeitgeist. His song Searchlights was featured on the record breaking, charity Warchild -Help album. (Rev was a member of the Serious Road Trip which toured war torn Balkan States back in 1994-5). Rev’s latest recording Skald features more collaboration. The musical wizard Nick Harper produced and played on the album as does Rev’s son Samuel Ryan who wrote the album’s title track the instrumental Skald.
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
Watch out this August for some real excitement as the Galway Street Club announce their UK tour. This tour has 5 dates only and represents a unique opportunity to see this unique band. Other dates are at Bestival, London and Exeter. Galway Street Club are a 14 piece collective of buskers from 7 countries, Ireland, Spain, France, Germany, USA, Russia and Argentina. The group formed in March 2016 and have gone on to take Ireland and then Europe by storm. The group have a unique sound cultivated by the various cultural and musical backgrounds of each member. The Band’s first Original Album, “Sovereign State of Madness’, is a collection of songs written and collaborated on by the Band over the course of 2 years. The wide range of Genre’s vary from Folk, Gypsy Jazz, Ska, Trad to Blues and Rock. "A voyage on a ship where the party never stops and the rum never runs dry. All are welcome aboard, just bring a story or a song. Galway Street Club have brought ten from all corners of the globe. Rough at the edges and hard as gravel, but passionate and welcoming. ‘Sovereign State Of Madness’ is a mongrel of styles, refreshing in its originality and atmosphere. An almost tangible atmosphere of fun. Well-needed in this too-oft dour 21st century." James Fleming, Golden Plec. "It's Madness of the highest degree watching these play live, they're the type of band that if you had an instrument with you and you joined them on stage they'd be only too happy for you to play along" Darragh Berry, Lovin.ie
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
Primitive Blues & Rhythm Stomp from Sir Bald aka Hipbone Slim! He sings whilst strumming guitar, blowing harp and banging drums and things with his feet!
Taking slide guitar out of the "Blues Ghetto" "Why, that's crazy talk!" you might say, but Garry's self appointed mission is to take slide guitar and it's associated open tunings out of the Mississippi Delta and into the wider world. So, using his own songs and instrumentals as well as carefully selected covers he's taken himself on a journey and He'd like you to come with him.
Six superb winning cheeses from the British Cheese Awards 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. 7:30pm and 8:30pm sittings available.
The Fat Marrow Band have been together for some time playing a mixture of funky rhythm and blues and jazzy rock and roll in pubs, clubs and at parties. Starting off as a six piece in the 90's with drums, bass, 2 guitars, harmonica and saxophone they have become well known around the Yeovil, Weymouth and Taunton area as a tight band who always play a good gig. With the odd change of drummer over the years they have featured in BBC documentaries, played the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis, Music for Africa gigs at Sherborne Castle and Montacute House and would have supported Otis Grand if he had turned up at the Cheese and Grain at Frome. Recently they have added keyboards and trombone to the full line up, what value! The emphasis for them is that the band should have as much fun as the audience and they always enjoy themselves
One man traditional Celtic music roadshow
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
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 west
Especially for Carnival Night, we are feeling Christmassy and are up for an evening of pure Ska delight. Put on your dancing shoes!
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 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
Benny Mayhem has covered a lot of ground, literally and figuratively. Written in a hotel room in the Austrian Alps, his latest single Song For Absent Friends is both a tribute to, and a product of, the songwriter’s considerable world travels. From being a guitar-strumming teenager in his bedroom at the turn of the millennium, to a decade as the shirtless-and-writhing frontman of rock monsters Project Mayhem, to performing over 500 shows in nine countries worldwide… the musical journey of Benny Mayhem has its own overfilled passport. From a home base on the west coast of Australia, Benny Mayhem has toured the world in a way that few other artists have considered… as a wandering troubadour. And through this lifestyle choice, Benny has toured continental Europe thrice and the UK four times; working his way up from busking outside Tube stations to the UK’s festival circuit within two years. But, more importantly, he has met people and seen places that have changed and forever enriched his life. Both a hook-laden sing-along and a song from the heart, Song For Absent Friends is an ode to the people that have helped shape Benny’s journey and, indeed, the person he is today. Equipping himself with a new live band, Song For Absent Friends finds Benny embellishing upon his trademark folk-punk sound with some Sunnyboys-style Australian power pop and a touch of Californian punk. And why not indeed…
Expect ska and reggae from these fine set of lads
Our annual Birthday Bash this year to raise funds for the artists and businesses that lost so much in the recent fire. Acts to be confirmed but will include Garry Smith, Tori Reed, DJ Santa, Chris Deacon and Shelby’s Martin
Celebrating the music of Bob Dylan in their own Dorset style, we bring you THE MILLION DOLLAR BASH at The Ropemakers in Bridport.
Tori and her band of Troubadours mix a quirky blend of genres to give something that is utterly unique, genuine and heartfelt. Tori's music goes from finger picking folk, through to jazz influenced beats, a dusting of country and vocals that could be soul. It's music that will touch hearts, get toes tapping and leave you wanting more. Born in New Zealand, raised in Australia, and having done a lot of travel, Tori has difficulty naming one place home. This affinity with being on the road has manifested itself in many songs and undoubtedly, being a wandering spirit, will do in many more. The second album, "The Snug Sessions", is now available. You can purchase it on the merchandise page. Look for the great two album deal of the first and second album. Tori has performed alongside the likes of folk great Martin Carthy, blues master Lloyd Spiegel and folk artist Tecoma, plus many more. From local Antipodean gigs, to far flung performances in Israel; tiny peña's in Argentina to large stages at charity events in Tasmania; big stages, small pubs, Tori has had the fortune to entertain and share stories with musicians and audiences from all over the world.
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.
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
Sixteen String Jack are a 3-piece band from Dorset that combine Americana, Irish Trad & Shanties to produce an original stripped down, unique sound. The band was formed in the summer of 2016 by Andy, Tom & Ethan three past members of the popular Bournemouth folk punk band “The Jack Ratts”. They have developed an entusiastic & lively experience for their audience which is guarenteed to get everybody up and dancing. The guys are currently working on a new LP which is looking to be released later this year.
Glastonbury based purveyors of folk toe tapping sounds. Swamp folk from the edge of the rhyne. Get ready to Revelate!
A charabanc trip to this popular event where there is not only cheese but drink as well! In 1999 they began preparations for the first Cheese Festival. A committee was set up known as The Cheese Board, who, together with the local National Farmers Union and the County Council, provided the much needed funding to help start the event. A programme of events over the second weekend of September was devised. The Creamery opened to visitors and Harts of Stur provided some refreshments and a BBQ. The local scouts provided a tent on the recreation ground for stall holders and there was even a fashion show, live music and a quiz in the evenings. The weekend turned out to be a great success with the promise of being repeated the following year - and it is still going strong. Details are behind the bar and our staff are more than willing to let you have them. Purchase your ticket as soon as possible in order not to be disappointed.
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.
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
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 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
Born in Boston, Lincolnshire 1949. A guitar player since he was a child. His stage work work is most usually associated with a humorous and deadpan delivery, and slick guitar accompaniments. Al has worked most of his life as a performer, songwriter and teacher of guitar. Highlights of his career include: writing and performing a top 40 song that was recently voted one of the best football songs in Germany; teaching Donald Ross Skinner of the Julian Cope Band to play guitar; three songs on the top selling Get in Line and Dance country music cd; songs published by the late Ewan MacColl and Peggy Seeger; MU award for the best performer in the BBC Write a Lincolnshire folk song competition, K&K True Western Guitar Pick-up Artist of the Month Al’s debut album St Peter and John Dillinger got a three star review in Maverick magazine and the reviewer called Al a ‘country music great’ – it also prompted Maverick to send another correspondent to review his live act when he headlined at The Maze in Nottingham. The reviewer called Al – ‘….England’s undiscovered treasure.’
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.
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. Mutter’s voice has matured too over the years. It remains blue eyed soul at its finest, but the edges are softer and the range subtly extended imbuing it with more poignancy and meaning than had been heard before The Mutter Slater Band.
Since her first live appearance in 2014, Exeter based singer-songwriter Sadie Horler has quickly established herself as a popular act on the South West festival circuit. With her intricate guitar picking and effortless vocals, Sadie performs with warmth and authenticity, captivating her audience with an engaging but unaffected stage presence. Her song writing reflects a maturity and perception beyond her years, with lyrics drawing on the events and people around her, every song telling a story that compels you to listen. Sadie’s first Single ‘25th’ charted at number five in the Itunes singer/songwriter category. It was followed by her much anticipated four track EP ‘Two For Joy’, which in turn led to an invitation to perform the title track on Balcony TV. Describing Sadie as ‘phenomenal’ and ‘one of the finest young female artists we have discovered’, BBC introducing in Devon have broadcast nine of her self-penned songs, twice chosen her songs as 'Upload of the Week', and invited her to perform live on the programme. And it’s not only in live performance and radio that Sadie’s been getting noticed. Her haunting vocals were used recently in a trailer for Channel 5's fantasy epic 'Emerald City', directed by Tarsem Singh and produced by Universal Television.
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.
Country Gospel, Rockabilly Blues, Folk, Americana… Equal parts good drinking music and hearts a-breaking music, good if you’re low, good if you’re high. Members of the Voodoogroove and Dana’s Stolen Band get unplugged for a lowdown hoedown.
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.
Garry has been playing guitar, in various styles, for more years since childhood, progressing from picked acoustics to strangled Strats. Always rooted in Blues and Americana, he got his first resophonic guitar and it was like turning on a light. This was the musical voice he’d been looking for, for nigh on thirty years. Performing his own charismatic songs and instrumentals as well as selected covers Garry will take you on his own special musical journey.