Comprising 2 guitars, vocals and double bass, the Trio has many years experience between them, and all members have played throughout Europe including Montreux Jazz, WOMAD and Glastonbury Festivals Re-interpreting jazz standards in a different style, Jon Lewis and Matt Sullivan play guitar with a Flamenco technique – that’s right, not a plectrum to be seen! This brings a unique feel to the tunes, particularly those of Django Reinhardt, Charlie Parker and Thelonious Monk. In 2014, Matt Watson of Oxford based Cuban big-band Ran Kan Kan joined them on double bass and vocals, enhancing the Latin feel and leaving lots of room for improvisation and up-beat danceable rhythms.
Playing songs from throughout the ages on their Ukuleles, the Mother Ukers are a three piece Ukulele band. 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’
The November Cheese Club is here with six different Cheddars 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 £7.50 per person. Booking is absolutely essential as these evenings are very popular. There will be three sittings, one at 7:30pm, one at 8:00pm and one at 8:30pm. Booking and pre-payment are essential for this event.
Shelby’s Elbows are an acoustic duo, made up of Dorset musicians Martin P. Davies and Phil Jeffs. Formed after meeting in various Open Mic nights in 2008, Shelby’s Elbows have developed into a locally well known entertainment duo, playing a variety of instruments and producing an instantly recognisable sound that surprises people when they discover that there’s only two people making it. Starting out as a covers band, they are now writing and recording their own original music from a wide variety of influences gained from their covers set – from Nirvana to Neil Young, Seal to Skynyrd, Dire Straits to Turin Brakes and anything in between. Shelby’s Elbows are an exciting, dynamic duo, delivering a deep filled sound that punches well above the level which their numeric deficiency should allow. Inspirational lyrics and catchy conundrums for those who like to rock their fun but socially-aware world with guitars, exuberance and honesty, along with the misuse of inappropriate and inaccurate presidential quotes. ‘Shelby’s What?’ – Barack Obama.
Cornish sea-punk folk band JollyRoger fall somewhere between the sound of The Dropkick Murphys and Levellers. Inspired by the sea and growing up in the pirate haven of Penzance, they use nautical metaphors and pirate history to speak out about mental health issues and also the better things in life, like drinking beer. JollyRoger explodes with energy on stage and are an eclectic mix of shanty vibes, humour, and Celtic punk, with a metal head mentality. Equipped with zero previous experience in the music industry, JollyRoger sailed cluelessly into the southwest music scene in 2019 with a do-or-die attitude and a mission to one day shout ‘scream for me Download’ to a bunch of metalheads and they are prepared to do what it takes. So this underdog band decided to work their cannonballs off and learn the ropes as they went
When Andy Twyman 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?” Andy’s one man band act is a unique blend of blues music with comedy, cabaret and rock and roll. The result is an exciting and entertaining show packed with heart and humour. Having performed at Glastonbury Festival, on BBC Radio, and on Channel 4, Andy has found a place as one of the most original emerging acts on the circuit today. Andy first took to the stage aged 12 in pubs and clubs, with his guitar, voice and harmonica, often jamming with local musicians including Rory Graham (aka Rag and Bone Man). 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 performed five times on BBC Radio and on London’s Resonance 104.4FM, and has had articles written about his music in The Sun, the Mirror, and The Daily Mail newspapers. On Christmas Eve 2015, Andy's Christmas music video, 'A Naked Noël', was broadcast on Channel 4, and in 2017 Andy was interviewed on the London Live TV station to discuss his festival appearances and new live album release. In 2020 Andy was the subject of the short documentary "Lone Man Band". When the summer arrives, Andy performs at festivals all over the country inducing laughter and dancing amongst the drunk and disorderly. Andy has performed at many of the biggest and best UK music festivals including Glastonbury, Beautiful Days, Standon Calling, and Green Gathering. Allow Andy to tickle your funny follicles with lyrics absurd and profound, and dazzle your ear drums with music and sound.
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.
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.
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 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
Folk session hosted by local legend Chris Deacon
Swinging out of Bristol, Cut Throat Francis are interactive, raucous and pinpoint accurate. Watch four musicians juggle eight instruments to create a sweaty, eastern European flavoured jazzy fiesta – complete with whoops, wit and earworms. From songs about improving cheap wine with coke to their exploits with the circus, expect to be taken on all sorts of journeys. Will the short one play the big alto sax? And what does Francis grow in his garden?
Since 1993 Lady Winwoods Maggot have travelled afar spreading their distorted gospel. A unique, anarchic sound regurgitating traditional transatlantic music, blended with their own material. From dark tragic songs to the satirical and ridiculous interspersed with instrumentals. Incorporating Mandolin, Banjo, Guitar, Bass and Drums Lady Winwoods Maggot channel THE DEVILS’ MUSIC!
Nigel started singing professionally aged just 8 and did that until he was 12…after which a short 40-year break then followed! He was then encouraged to sing in public once again and made his first outing was a very nervy couple of songs on the same bill as Tom Palmer and Mad Dog Mcrea’s Mike Mathieson. Since that ‘comeback’ he has supported the likes of Gaz Brookfield, The Leylines, Hobo Jones and the Junkyard Dogs and enjoyed regular slots at the Watchet and Beautiful Days festivals. From classic pop through comedy to shanties, you'll hear this all in Clatter's inimitable style!
Some very good friends of ours! 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…
The Curst Sons have been playing their powerful stripped back take on early American traditional music since 1998. Performing mainly original material with a few distinctive arrangements of traditional songs they have released six full length albums and one 10” vinyl EP on their own Curst Mountain label. Over the years they have played venues ranging from tiny country pubs to festival main stages, appeared on several local radio shows and recorded two live sessions on the much missed Mark Lamarr BBC Radio 2 show. They were runners up in the 2013 International Song Writing Competition, nominated for Best Alt Country Album in the 10th Independent Music Awards 2011 and for Best Americana Act in the British Country Music Awards 2010.
Mutter Slater, already legendary on the music scene and in Bridport. performs live in Bridport at The Ropemakers pub. 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. 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
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 Chris Deacon
Classic Ska with Big Brass Sounds and Skanking Rhythms. Guarnateed to make you Dance and Smile! :-)
Defenders of guild socialism and the honest values of the working class, the British Dorset-based band SAVAGE UNDERDOGS take pride in toiling hard to get a job well done. Their artistic commitment comes from an understanding of shared kinship and a sense of responsibility. Their objective is to deliver a quality music product to their enthusiastic audiences. The band bring a uniquely thrilling proposition to music fans: hard-driving punk ‘n’ roll influenced by a worthy nostalgia for lost or dying American culture. They’re naturally inclined towards the tribulation and redemption of Johnny Cash or the blue-collar perspective of Springsteen, yet their exquisitely crafted songs also combine the ever-present fidelity of original punk credentials. At the heart of the SAVAGE UNDERDOG sound is implacable spirit and the authentic verse-chorus-verse of true rock. But also, these days, their songs tend to pack the lilt of country-blues and the subtlety of folk. Their output is less stereotypically punk-sounding than other bands in the field and that’s because their lyrics don’t naturally express anger or social alienation, but rather a sense of commitment and responsibility. Now that they’ve moved away from pure punk, they’re keen to “get on with things.”
Inspired by Kate Bush and The Who as much as Steeleye Span, Rosie sings stories of people, places, and gin, written over many years gigging solo around the country, from a party in a field to Glastonbury’s Avalon Café, arranged around her love of folk, rock and thrashing her old nylon strung guitar. Her new album "Folk Pixie" celebrates her roots as a solo acoustic-folk performer with songs from the beginning of the journey to her most recent creations of 2019
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 fifteen years or so.
The Swamp Stomp String Band are not just another hillbilly-wannabe country band. Sure, there are twangy banjos, driving guitars, a honky-tonk piano, and a thudding double bass but these propel everything from drinking songs that will have the room stomping their feet and raising their flagons of cider, to ballads that will break even the toughest of folk. Play your cards right and you might even get invited to a waltz! Week after week you will find your Swamp Stomp boys rambling the length and breadth of the country, gigging a gruelling 200+ shows a year circuit, on a never-ending tour. However, they are seldom happier than when in front of a crowd and raising up a storm in their favourite haunts: from rural but rowdy roadside saloons; to dusty booze-fuelled cider festivals; to the finest, dimly lit, good-time bars.
– It has become evident that there is a lack of opportunities for non-artists and artists to compete on a level together in using their creativity and freedom of imagination. It is therefore with great pleasure that we announce the fourth, now annual, Bridport Turnip Prize. This is inspired as a spoof on the Tate Gallery’s Turner Prize and looks at the concept of art without thought There are three rules: 1. Does it show a lack of effort? 2. Entries must have an alliteration or pun in the title 3. Is it crap? Entries with too much effort, or not crap enough are immediately disqualified. The prize will be a turnip nailed to a lump of wood and each year’s winner can keep their trophy for life. Overall the concept will be ʻWe know it’s rubbish, but is it art?ʼ We are asking for entries to be brought to the pub between 1:00pm and 3:00pm on Sunday 17th December for judging. If we have a large number of entries then the independent judges will create a shortlist. The winner will be announced at 4;30pm. Be proud to be the winner with the most feeble work of art. Entries will be £5 per entry and this will go towards the Living Tree.
West Country boys, reliving days when in days gone by we played together in a cracking band. Time has passed, and (in the words of Jake and Elwood) 'we're putting the band back together' Same great music, just less hair and more chins...
Party New Year’s Eve away with excellent tunes brought to you by DJ Santa
