Author Archives: Richard

The Sounds of New OrleansA 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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

David Barton & Al Kilvo – The Two Pianos Rock ’n’ Roll Experience David Barton and Al Kilvo deliver a high-energy unplugged rock ’n’ roll show built around the raw power of two pianos and a percussionist. Stripping things back to the heart of the music, the duo recreate the driving rhythms and electrifying spirit that […]

Known locally for their high-energy rock/pop/indie shows, Barton’s own The Silver Circle Band will present a special one-off acoustic performance exclusively at Ropery Hall. In a more intimate setting, the band will be exploring soaring harmonies and rich, layered arrangements, reimagining songs by Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, Paul Simon, Peter Gabriel and other much-loved classics. […]