Film Postponed – February 7

Martin Peirson and Emily River Thomson sing songs of mystery and imagination as part of the Three Voice show.

The Sounds of New Orleans
A very, very fine piano player indeed’ – Paul Jones, BBC Radio 2

‘Dale is the best New Orleans player I’ve ever heard’ – Richard Hawley

Described by Jazz Journal magazine as the ‘piano man’s piano man…’ and ‘a national treasure’, Dale Storr’s musical journey has now brought him recognition as one of the UK’s leading exponents of New Orleans piano. Immersed in the styles of heroes like Dr John, James Booker, Professor Longhair, Allen Toussaint, Fats Domino and Huey ‘Piano’ Smith, he established himself in his early career as a highly sought after pianist backing many top blues stars from the UK and America. But keen to follow his true passion, Dale went solo in 2008 with his now acclaimed ‘Sounds of New Orleans’ show and has not looked back since. In 2023 he opened the Buxton International Jazz Festival, his music has been played on BBC Radio 2 (Cerys Matthews, Paul Jones), BBC Radio 6 (Cerys Matthews) and BBC Radio 3 (Jazz Record Requests) and he has released three solo albums in the last decade.

Dale’s latest show is a celebration of the music of New Orleans piano legends Dr John and James Carroll Booker, two of Dales biggest musical influences. Incorporating piano mastery and mesmerising storytelling, he draws in the audience with the rich history behind the music and the captivating, sometimes risqué stories of his much – loved piano heroes.

This performance is part of our Members’ 241 Offer. Please ask for details.

From his breakthrough success with The Seahorses to an enduring solo career, Chris Helme has always excelled at pouring his heart into music – in the process creating songs as affectingly emotional as they are obviously accomplished. Now, thirty years on from that first spotlight moment, the singer-songwriter provides a taste of his ever popular live shows with the new album ‘Forest For The Trees’.

The record sees Chris revisit a selection of key songs from his journey so far. It covers hits and deep cuts from The Seahorses, favourites from his solo albums ‘Ashes’ (2010) and ‘World Of My Own’ (2024), plus the previously unreleased ‘Fancy Free’. The material is stripped back and warm in its organic live feel – the idea being to give fans a record which reflects the show they have just seen.

The Seahorses were only together for less than three years but they achieved more than most bands do in decades: a massive Platinum-certified album, several chart hits, gigs with Oasis, The Rolling Stones and U2, working with Tony Visconti, and selling-out tours around the world. And since then, Chris has flourished with a solo career, constantly playing up-and-down the country to audiences split between original Britpop-era fans and youngsters who have discovered his catalogue via their parents’ record collection.

The days of the Supergroup may be long past… but surely The Guilty Men would qualify for that description! The band is made up of five of the finest musicians from the Northwest of England. Between them, they have played over 10,000 gigs on planet Earth, recorded thousands of songs and made countless radio and TV appearances. To say they’re experienced would be an understatement!

The story starts in 1979, in Manchester, England when Clive Gregson met Neil Cossar. Neil was the guitarist in The Cheaters, Clive was the leader of Any Trouble. The Cheaters had a PA, Any Trouble owned a van. It made sense to pool resources, often with both bands on the same bill… happy days!

Any Trouble signed to Stiff Records, The Cheaters signed to EMI. Both bands released several albums and played thousands of shows. Both bands ran their course… Clive then went on to a successful partnership with singer Christine Collister, released over 20 solo albums, and spent 15 years in Nashville working as a session musician and producer. Neil became a radio DJ, formed a Music PR company and launched the online brand This Day in Music, before becoming a music book publisher.

Cut to 2021… Clive and Neil are catching up over lunch and thought it might be fun to try and write some songs together… several weeks and quite a few songs later, they decided to expand from a songwriting workshop to a full band. Clive recruited keyboardist Jez Smith and bassist Craig Fletcher from John Lees’ Barclay James Harvest… and the lineup was completed with the addition of legendary drummer, Paul Burgess, who has played with 10cc since 1973. They named the band The Guilty Men… and headed into the recording studio.

Cut to 2024… and The Guilty Men’s debut album “Invisible Confetti” is ready to roll. 13 brand new songs recorded in the old-fashioned way: everybody playing live in the studio, intent on catching the moment. Most of the songs were laid down in no more than 2 or 3 takes… and with four featured lead vocalists, the album covers a lot of musical bases. “Invisible Confetti” rocks… with nods to Americana, country, folk, pop, psychedelia… it’s an exhilarating ride from start to finish. All aboard!

Petunia is more than just an entertainer, he’s a modern musical enigma.  Imagine Hank Williams on acid, if David Lynch and Nick Cave had a hillbilly baby that yodelled, or Tom Waits met Elvis Presley at Woody Guthrie’s hobo junction.  These are just a few ways of describing the man known simply as Petunia.  He’s an adventure seeker, a poker player, and a mysterious stranger.  He’s been referred to as “The Saviour of Country Music”, and a man who exists in a different era, bringing the past forth as something new to be celebrated and not forgotten.

Petunia grew up in rural Quebec, but currently resides in Vancouver BC, and works with several sets of sidemen across Canada, the US and Europe in addition to his own Vancouver based band, The Vipers. A restless wanderer, a musical historian, and a quirky yet amazing talent, Petunia is simply a Canadian treasure. This is a solo show.

Petunia released a new album “Callin Me Back” in 2025.

This performance is part of our Members’ 241 Offer. Please ask for details.

The Albion Christmas Band is widely regarded as the premier seasonal show, which has been touring for 27 years, and attracts sell-out audiences across the UK.  Indeed, many people say that their Christmas doesn’t start until they have seen The Albion Christmas Band.

Featuring the combined talents of Simon Nicol (Fairport Convention), Kellie While (Albion Band) Simon Care (Edward II) and Blair Dunlop (Albion Band). This show takes you on a guided tour through the Christmas customs of Britain.

Kellie While, Simon Care, Blair Dunlop and Simon Nicol are joined on stage by founder of Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span and The Albion Band, Ashley Hutchings, for an evening of traditional English Christmas music, song and celebratory readings.

Kellie takes time out from working with her mum, Chris While, for which both the U.K. press and public alike have praised her. Folk enthusiasts will know Kellie from her work with The Albion Band. She received personal praise from Ron Sexsmith for her beautiful version of his song ‘Riverbed’ on her album Tenacious, which put her on the map as one this country’s finest voices.

Simon Care is currently working with Edward II and has always had a passion for Traditional English dance and song. Simon also works with Banter, Tickled Pink and the Morris On Band.

Simon Nicol, founder member of Fairport Convention finishes the line up to make this a truly festive treat. He is regarded as one of the finest acoustic guitarists in the world………His voice is pretty special too!

The Albion Christmas Show is a seasonal mixture of carols, spoken word and humorous readings. It really is the perfect way to start your festivities. This year will see material chosen by the band from the last 27 years of shows and albums … a “best of the Albion Xmas” selection.