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.

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The Mighty Small ft. Paulo Morena

Sat 13th Jul - 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.

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Brian Stone

Sun 14th Jul - 4:00pm

Brian was in his late teens when his first band The Sequels played popular 60s covers in the Hampshire area in the early 80s. A decade or so later he was in a covers and writing 3 piece party band in Cambridgeshire called Crimson Kipper among other things. These days Brian has taken to the road solo with his acoustic act and a whole load of new songs on the subject of life, love and piracy. At home on stages big and small at pubs, clubs, concerts and festivals, his catchy, witty, personal songs will strike a chord with many. He loves to get other musicians involved and whether in a big venue or jamming around a firepit you can be sure of some great entertainment. "Brian Stone is musician with bags of charm, enthusiasm and has a crowd magnetism that is a delight not to resist. His rumbustious eclectic mix of modern folk...is just a joy to be part of.

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The Sunset Cafe Stompers

Mon 15th Jul - 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

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BEMIS

Fri 19th Jul - 9:15pm

Bemis are recognised among their peers as a superb live act who can headline any bill. They are Gareth Howells, Louis Howells, Dillon Hughes, Mark Finn and Ian Scarbro. They're an acoustic rock group led by the songs of frontman Gareth Howells, with guitars played with attack, wrapped up in a punchy sound provided by a solid rhythm section. Getting an enviable reputation with their own take on the covers they perform, and their original songs heard across their albums.

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Doozer Mc Doooze

Sat 20th Jul - 9:15pm

Doozer is a modern bard whose rousing vocals and buoyant acoustics weave stories of life, love, and the struggles of the Everyman. At turns irreverent and evocative, Doozer's folkpunk vibe is equally fitting for a roaring time at the pub or a night of camaraderie around the campfire. He has toured Europe, and America and tons of Festivals such as Glastonbury, Bearded Theory and Beautiful days. Which is how the single "I Don't Wanna Go Home" came to fruition. This single nearly got in to the actual charts, but it was then knocked off the number one spot of the 'Movers & Shakers' chart on Amazon by The Rolling Stones. In a download world of media solitude, Doozer likes to give music back to the people

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James Hollingsworth

Sun 21st Jul - 4:00pm

South-West England-based James Hollingsworth has a passionate voice and a unique, complex acoustic guitar finger-style, reminiscent of Andalusian guitar, fusing elements of folk, blues, trance, metal and psychedelic rock. Since turning professional in 2006 he's played numerous festivals, private bookings, folk, acoustic and rock venues nationally, supported Nick Harper (twice since 2008), and again this Friday 1 Feb, 2019)), Cara Dillon, Hazel O'Connor, 60's legends It's a Beautiful Day and Barry 'The Fish' Melton (of Country Joe and The Fish), who said: "It was truly a phenomenal experience hearing James Hollingsworth's music, I know now that the tradition of groundbreaking music is in good hands. Thank you, James – Barry Melton." A former long-time resident of Bristol's Tantric Jazz Cafe, James is adaptable and spontaneous, picking material with his mood and that of the audience. As well as being a critically acclaimed songwriter, he performs soulful interpretations from his repertoire of 300+ covers

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The Wing Faced Earth Figs

Fri 26th Jul - 9:15pm

The Wing Faced Earth Figs were freshly formed in the past few years festival circuit. Combining the musical experience of Jake on folk fiddle, Ollie playing incredible jazzy flute and Jolly with his off the wall lyrics, guitar and clarinet, creating an infectiously dance-able delight that still seeks an accurate definition-”bounding campfire jazz”? you won't be disappointed.

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The Striking Clock

at 27th July - 9:15pm

The Striking Clock are an energetic and virtuosic trio specialising in instrumental Celtic music. Their arrangements of traditional tunes incorporate chordal accompaniments you’d want to serve up with a nice glass of red. Horizontal, harmonic lead bass

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Garry "The Slide Guy" Smith

Sun 28th Jul - 4:00pm

Playing a National Resophonic Style 1 Tricone Garry aims to take slide guitar out of the "Blues Ghetto". So a typical set will include his own songs and instrumentals alongside covers of artists such as Joe Ely, Richard Thompson or Tom Waits. There may even be some actual Blues. Or Irish Music.

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Behind Closed Doors

Fri 2nd August

Behind Closed Doors, (consisting of one Cajon player/vocalist - Si Dew and one guitarist/vocalist - Nick Randall) formed in 2014 and have been entertaining the locals of Bridport ever since. They perform up-tempo acoustic covers with a slight heavy metal undertone with, at times, a comical edge.

Negra Santa

Sat 3rd August

All the way from Argentina! Another massive coup for The Ropemakers brought to you by promoters Fuelled By Cider! NEGRA SANTA are in the UK this August as part of an extensive European tour. Alongside Outcider Festival and dates in London, Bristol, Poland and the Czech Republic, the Argentine 4 piece will be coming to Bridport on Saturday 3rd August. Mashing up ska, hip-hop and punk with a distinctively Latin American feel, Negra Santa are a band with huge energy, passion and a positive message - be prepared to dance, sing and punch the air throughout the night!

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 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.