Mar
4
Sat
In this recital talk the Bottle Bank Band will introduce you to the variety of tunes and melodies which have been inspired by and played in Tyneside over the years.
Apr
21
Fri
The Morpeth Northumbrian Gathering is celebrating its big 50th Anniversary this year and there is lots planned. On the Friday night there will be the Golden Gala Concert in the Methodist Church, in which I will be playing with Bottle Band Band, Tyneside Fiddle Alliance and leading the Morpeth Community Strings group in their debut performance. On the Saturday there will be the usual competitions, and I will be supporting family and friends in the fiddle classes, and might even be persuaded to enter the instrumental duos! The Tyneside Fiddle Alliance plan to defend their title in the Concert Band category and there will be many other great things going on. Do come along and support this wonderful celebration of Northumbrian traditional music, song and dance.
“An exciting three-day annual festival of street entertainment, indoor events, music, dance, craft, dialect, heritage and traditional fun – held the weekend after Easter in the medieval market town of Morpeth, 14 miles north of Newcastle upon Tyne.
The festival is a true gathering of people who come together to enjoy the traditional culture of Northumberland and the wider NE region. It features concerts, dance, crafts, battle re-enactments, dialect, stories, drama, workshops, sessions, singarounds, competitions, stalls, bellringing, orienteering, tours, walks, talks and street performances which include a young people’s pageant as part of the Saturday morning Border Cavalcade.”
Jun
4
Sun
Music returns to Hartlepool Cricket Club in a big way. Local stars, Maddison’s Thread – Singer songwriter Lee Maddison joined by his band that features internationally acclaimed fiddler Stewart Hardy. They create an earthy, acoustic driven soundscape that perfectly complements the realism of Lee’s conscientiously crafted songs. Strongly melodic and unashamedly accessible songs. Rooted in folk whilst embracing elements of blues, rock and country. And don’t forget superb bassist Nige Spavin holding things together.
Get there early for a six o’clock pick-off….seats WILL be at a premium.
Jun
28
Wed
Phoenix Folk presents a Summer Series of Concerts.
Sophy, Chloe, David and myself are delighted and honoured to be able to open the 2017 season with this evening concert on Weds 28th June.
Sep
29
Fri
Tickets also available from Tully’s in Rothbury.
Nov
24
Fri
Maddison’s Thread will be playing at Hartlepool’s Wintertide Festival this year, featuring the full 10 piece line-up that rocked the album launch in January. As well as Lee’s stunning vocals, I will be joining regulars Nige (bass) & Darren (drums), alongside Paul (guitars), Kieran (flute) and Suzy (backing vocals). I am absolutely delighted that the string quartet will be getting together once again, with Emma, Jill & Fiona bringing their glorious sounds to the string arrangements. Such a treat!
This will be a landmark performance as it is not often we can get a full line-up of such splendid musicians together! And all to support the wonderful tunes and lyrics that make up Lee’s enthralling songs. The event will be candlelit creating a very special atmosphere, with limited ticket allocation, so book your tickets now.
(and do you like the Wintertide poster? A spectacular piece of art by Amanda at Mandascat – check out her work on Facebook or her website)
Jan
10
Wed
Lunchtime Concert with Bottle Bank Band
12:30pm St George URC. Bridge St
Tickets £3.00 at the door. Doors open at Noon with tea, coffee & biscuits available.
Recordings
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Less than a month to go to our Arrangement Techniques course for mixed instruments, which will be my 100th residential JSArts course!* 🥳There is just one place left if you would like to join us. Get in touch quickly, so we can book you in with the venue - the beautiful Shepherds Dene near Riding Mill in Northumberland.
We will be learning a lovely selection of tunes, and choosing which to work on - exploring options for introductions & endings, varying instrumentation, creating harmony lines and different ways of accompanying the tune to produce alternate soundscapes and narratives. With a limited number of participants, there will be plenty of time to explore ideas from everyone. All instruments are welcome, and if you require notation in different keys or clefs, that can be provided. Dots and audio files are provided in advance, and any recordings from the weekend are sent on afterwards.
*There will be cake! 🎂😊
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Finally, a new tune for The Tune Vault, and to pick up where we left off, here’s another sparkling tune by Tyneside fiddle supremo, James Hill in the key of "F for vescence" 🤣Tykeside (James Hill) | The Tune Vault
youtu.be
Tykeside (James Hill)- The Tune Vault by Stewart HardyThis enigmatically titled reel in F major is another gem by Tyneside fiddling legend James Hill. No tr...
Happy May Day!Looking back, April had some very lovely moments...
At the Morpeth Northumbrian Gathering illustrating Amélie Addison's wonderful talk on William Shield and with cracking performances by Tyneside Fiddle Alliance, our April Workshops on Zoom, a trip to see the amazing Dudok Quartet Amsterdam, a duo gig with Ali Say at the Phoenix Folk Ltd. Spring Thing, the start of Block 3 at North East Fiddle School, and our JSArts Advanced Fiddle course at Rydal Hall. Happy Spring everyone 🎻