Saturday November 16th
2024 at 8 p.m.
The
Hunch
Fi ve musicians at the top of
their game, honed from years of performance. With talent in great
measure, they showcase their creativity & technical brilliance in every
song. Intriguingly crafted classics and soul searching ballads shine
with five-part harmonies and instrumental virtuosity, all introduced
with dry wit and audacious humour. A unique band ….. to see them is a
must.
Mick Doonan was a founder
member of the legendary 70s folk-rock band Hedgehog Pie and comes from
the famous Tyneside dynasty. John Doonan Snr, was an All-Ireland flute
champion. Michael also fronts The Mighty Doonan’s folk-rock band. In
The Hunch he provides vocals as well as flutes and pipes. Bob Thomas
fronted another highly respected folk-rock outfit, Kitsyke Will, and has
since lent his wonderful soul-inflected vocal style to The Solicitors,
as well as singing, playing percussion and harmonica with The Hunch.
Alongside these two are the stunning acoustic guitarist/vocalist Chris
Hanks and keyboards/accordionist/vocalist Tony Bacon, both alumni of
West Yorkshire’s thriving roots scene. Marcus Frost is the latest
addition to the line up; with extensive experience in the local
blues/rock scene, Marcus brings his unique style of percussion and
vocals. A collective ready wit & easy rapport with audiences of all
sizes ensures that any gig involving The Hunch goes with a swing -
tasteful, exciting, assured, soulful, enjoyable and lasting in the
memory.
Where is Whitchurch Leisure Centre?
Click here
Saturday December
7th 2024 at 8 p.m.
A
Winter Union
 They sound like that moment,
on Christmas eve, when the kids have gone to bed, the presents are under
the tree, the fire’s just dying down, there’s pine, cinnamon and
nectarine in the air, there’s excitement, anticipation and giddiness.
Everything is just about to burst. Whatever that feeling is, A Winter
Union is that!
Hannah Sanders has a voice that is both snowflake perfect and icicle
pure. When she starts Ding Dong Merrily on High a visible chill ripples
around the room, and then Rhiannon and Gilmore join in the harmonies and
that Christmas Eve feeling washes over everyone.
The three voices twist and twirl together again and again – like Holly,
Ivy and Mistletoe weaving around an old tree trunk – making Joni
Mitchell’s River even more beautiful than ever. Jade Rhiannon,
 from much
missed Americana/folk dynamos The Willows, is like one of those actors
that help make everyone else look brilliant and then, when she’s in the
spotlight, you wonder why she’s not in every film ever.
Her voice is absolutely glorious, her harmonies are fantastic and when
she
sings solo the world simply melts away around her. On both Our
Wassail and The Holly and The Ivy she is divine. Whilst Rhiannon and
Sanders have these beautiful, crystalline voices, it is violin genius,
Katriona Gilmore, that has the voice of a cosy fireside. When she sings
her own Every Midnight Mile, every Christmas Eve spent with loved ones
is effortlessly conjured.
On the reflective Raise a Candle the others hover around her single
microphone but it is her voice that reminds us that December can be
tough as well as joyous. All of which just leaves Ben Savage and Jamie
Roberts. They are the sellotape on the carefully wrapped presents, the
extra, crucial roast potato at the feast. They hold everything together,
adding acoustic guitars and yet another layer of exquisite harmonies.
Roberts has an honest fierceness, bringing to mind harsh, frost hardened
ground while Savage gives us a different type of winter. His is sun
dappled and Los Angeles bound, with covers of songs by Townes Van Zandt
and The Band balancing the chill.
In amongst the glittering
jewels and celebrations of winter one song stood out however. An
incredible Gospel Folk version of the hymn Rise Up, Shepherd,
and Follow had all five harmonising, the unmistakable power of a simple
song sung with joy and passion. It was truly amazing. Seeing A Winter
Union in the weeks before Christmas is starting to become a bit of a
tradition. It’s one tradition that is well worth upholding. Time to deck
those halls.
Where is Whitchurch Leisure Centre?
Click here |
