Whilst the name of their shows may change and the content vary yearly the essential formula at Christmas remains the same. Back by popular demand, the legendary quartet which is Coope, Simpson, Fraser and Freya bring their latest seasonal show to Otley. Their shows always feature the fantastic four part, polyphonic, soaring, a capella carols from Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and beyond but there is a lot more packed in. You can expect a glance at other aspects of the winter period often funny, sometimes quite irreverent, poignant and joyous. In addition to the a cappella style carols there are accompanied songs and instrumentals all filling the relevant spice mix of the season. If you’re still struggling to get into the Christmas spirit, then this show will have you easily in the mood and on your way.
Returning to the Courthouse following his sell out gig in 2016, top British soul jazz and funk saxophonist Snake Davis is widely known for his solos on tracks such as Lisa Stansfield’s “Change”, M-People’s “Search for a Hero” and “Movin’ on up”, and Take That’s “A million love songs”. This year the 4-piece band will include Snake on saxes, vocals and woodwinds including the evocative Japanese flute, the Shakuhachi. Also featuring the astounding virtuoso bass guitar player Simon Goulding.
A mix of original compositions and classic pop soul and jazz numbers by artists from Prince to Lennon to Brubeck. Audiences are used to an entertaining, uplifting musical treat an on this tour they won’t be disappointed.
The Sounds of Simon is a tribute to the wonderful music of Simon and Garfunkel. The Old Friends Duo tour is how the songs are meant to be: just two voices and one guitar. This is the music of Simon and Garfunkel up close and intimate.
Relive the classics, from Mrs Robinson, to Homeward Bound, as well as some rarely heard songs like A Most Peculiar Man, and A Poem on the Underground Wall. Paul Simon is a wonderful songwriter and this is your chance to hear these songs as they were originally performed. Paul and Art are played to perfection, bringing in elements of their famously fractious relationship, as well as replicating the beautiful harmonies flawlessly. This is a wonderful show filled with excellent music, nostalgia, and a genuine love for some great musicians.
A very special evening of eclectic, contemporary folk as Charlie Dore, one of the UK’s most respected songwriters teams up with multi-instrumentalist Julian Littman of Steeleye Span and virtuoso double bass player Gareth Huw Davies for a preview her brand-new album, Dark Matter. The new collection, described as a cocktail of speculation, stories and dreams served up in a hand-blown glass includes the songs Two Thousand Hour Lightbulb, Breakfast of Neutrinos, 15 Minutes with Danny Kaye and Personal Hell. Charlie promises another raid on the instrument cupboard as the pair swap guitars, mandolin, harmonium, ukulele, piano and autoharp as well as some new and different flavours to shine a personal light on her subject matter. They’ll dip into favourites from the past 6 albums too and share some original acoustic versions of hits Charlie has written for others, including George Harrison and Jimmy Nail. She may even do a new version of Pilot of the Airwaves if we ask nicely…
Do you feel like Dancing in The Street? Do you like Sweet Soul Music? Was the only boy who could ever reach you the Son of a Preacher Man? Do you demand R-E-S-P-E-C-T, or plead for Mercy? Do you want a ride with Mustang Sally?
Based near Skipton, North Yorkshire, this local band covers classic songs from Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Tina Turner through to Martha and The Vandellas, The Commitments and The Blues Brothers. Bring your dancing shoes for this standing room gig. Some limited seating will be available.
A recorded screening from Teatro Alla Scala, acclaimed American filmmaker Sofia Coppola and Italian haute couture king Valentino Garavani have teamed up for a stunning revival of Giuseppe Verdi’s classic opera, LA TRAVIATA.
Coppola breathes new life into Verdi’s 1853 opera, that tells the story of tempestuous love and heartbreak. Violetta Valéry is a well-known courtesan in Paris whose life appears to be glamorous. However, she’s suffering from a serious illness and her survival relies on the kindness and generosity of her male patrons. Her life seems empty, until she meets and falls in love with the young and eligible Alfredo Germont. But it’s not long before tragic circumstances tear them apart…
Celebrating female musicians and the stories behind their songs
The Sisterhood is four accomplished Leeds musicians: Fuzzy Jones, Fran Wyburn, Astraluna and Miranda Arieh – each of whom have been featured on BBC Introducing and have a wealth of composing, performing and recording experience between them.
At the heart of The Sisterhood is the belief that collaborating and not competing with fellow musicians makes us stronger, not only musically but also emotionally. Female musicians are still underrepresented in the wider music industry. The Sisterhood aims to address some of the issues faced by women in music, especially those who are not only writing, recording and performing their own material but also managing themselves and their careers, and ultimately encourage other women to write, perform and collaborate too.
Come along and support these local musicians and their mission in what should be a great evening of live music from talented local artists.
Poet, broadcaster & comedian Ian McMillan and Olympic composer Luke Carver Goss present a hilarious night of words, music & breath-taking comedy, featuring songs, stories and a musical created out of thin air!
Bard of Barnsley Ian McMillan hosts weekly hit radio show The Verb. He’s Poet-in-Residence for Barnsley FC, The Academy of Urbanism and, until recently, English National Opera. He’s a regular on BBC Breakfast, Pointless Celebrities, Coast, Countryfile, Pick of the Week, Last Word, The Yorkshire Dales and The Lakes (C4) … He was featured on The South Bank Show and cast away on Desert Island Discs. His rip-roaring poetry shows are legendary.
Luke Carver Goss has recorded & performed with his own group, the acclaimed Carver Trio, as well as The Ian McMillan Orchestra, jazz singer Tina May and story-teller Daniel Morden in the group The Devil’s Violin. Recent works with Ian include Snappy Opera the Magical Music Tree for Mahogany Opera Group, Looking for a Stable for Scunthorpe Rotary and local choirs, and Tiger Tales for Holmfirth Arts Festival. Expect a night of music, laughs and tales from two very talented performers.