Slowly, glacially, Horse Feathers’ music has turned outward. What began as Oregon songwriter Justin Ringle and violinist Peter Broderick’s hermetic take on Appalachian folk eventually blossomed out with the addition of a larger string ensemble. It became the quintessential sound of the band. Yet even when the group lightened the mood with electric guitars and lively percussion on 2014’s So It Is With Us, it was hard to shake the feeling that they were still singing primarily to themselves. But on Appreciation, Horse Feathers’ sixth full-length, that introverted persona has thawed, revealing a surprising affinity for the joy of both Stax-era soul and the country-fried sound of Doug Sahm and the Flying Burrito Brothers. While the looser grooves can deflate the tension, they also frame Ringle’s world-weariness in terms that are directed, finally, at us.

Horse Feathers’ transition to a full band is by no means novel among the folk revivalists who got their start in the aughts; Steve Gunn, Vetiver, and Devendra Banhart have followed similar trajectories. Yet unlike those artists, Horse Feathers have undergone a grand re-shuffling as well as an expansion. While the strings sometimes flutter a bit listlessly, they generally compliment J. Tom Hnatow’s basslines and Robby Cosenza’s spritely percussion. On single “Don't Mean to Pry,” violins arc overhead, reinforcing Cosenza’s lithe patterns. Later, standout track “Faultline Wall” utilizes glissandos with similar economy, accentuating the song’s underlying menace.

What’s most intriguing about Appreciation is just how well the fulsome songs suit Ringle’s voice. The jauntier the tune, the more he embraces a more sensual approach to his singing: We get flashes of John Fogerty, Sturgill Simpson’s rebel yell and, nestled in the melodies of “Born in Love,” a fully unexpected oooh that would make Josh Tillman proud. For the first time, he sounds like he’s actually having fun.

Twelfth Day are fiddle player Catriona Price and harpist Esther Swift. Described as a two-person quartet they use harp, fiddle and both voices to conjure a broad array of sounds, textures and rhythms. They have played everywhere from Malawi to Mongolia, Canada to Brazil. They weave traditional folk with classical elements to create music that’s outside of genre, combining their own experiences, inspirations and dreams, informed by musical travels around the globe and their upbringings in Orkney and the Scottish Borders. Throw in a handful of grit and guts, add their sense of humour, and you’re pretty much there.

“21st century art music for trad fans.” – ***** fRoots

“Surrender to their charms you must… It would be a sin not to.” – Folk Radio UK

Support comes from the fine singer-songwriter Andy Griffiths. Well-known on the Leicester scene, he has released a number of albums and played more gigs than most people have had hot dinners.!

Tonight's previously scheduled John Otway and Serious Moonlight shows have been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances and the venue will now be closed. Refunds are available from all points of purchase.

Fast rising star on the U.K. Folk/Americana scene Emily Mae Winters has that rare quality in a singer that makes critics reach for the superlatives. Described as having a voice that “stops you in your tracks” and “arresting, enthralling, tantalising” by Folk Radio UK, Emily combines straight-to-the-heart bittersweetness with her own unique passion and drama in performance. Emily Mae Winters’ exquisite songs which sit between the gentle seas of folk and country are influenced by artists including Alison Krauss, Emmylou Harris, Gillian Welch and Sarah Jarosz. Emily’s self-penned debut album Siren Serenade was produced by Ben Walker of BBC Folk Award winning Josienne Clarke and Ben Walker fame and Lauren Deakin Davies who’s worked with the likes of Laura Marling and Peggy Seeger. Described as “Vibrant and experimental” by Songlines magazine, one of the record’s standout tracks ‘Anchor’ won her the Guardian Songwriting Competition.

Winters is currently working on new material for the release of her second album which is being produced by Matt Ingram (Lewis and Leigh, Florence and the Machine, Laura Marling). It will be previewed this Autumn with a band at venues across the U.K.

“Vibrant and Experimental” **** Songlines
“Outstanding.. rich and expressive.” **** RnR (R2)
“Invigorating and Impressive” fRoots

Edensong is a New York-based orchestral progressive rock band formed in 2004. Their 2008 debut album, The Fruit Fallen, and 2009/2010 festival performances have received much praise within the progressive rock community. The band released their latest album, 'Years in the Garden of Years' on September 30, 2016.
Golden Caves is a prime example of the new generation of progressive rock bands. All five members were students at the Dutch arts university Codarts (Rotterdam).
December 2013 the band released their first EP in Rotown, which secured them of their first gigs. In the second half of 2014 they reached the finals of the Sena Grand Prix of Rotterdam and became 1st at Band Boost 2014. After the release of the single My Demon's Hunt (2015), the band recorded their 2nd single Bring Me to the Water(2016) together with producer Christiaan Bruin, released with remasted versions of their earlier songs by FREIA Music on EP. Last year they released their debut album Collision, and it gained a lot of good reviews in the prog world.
Those Amongst Us Are Wolves are a Coventry based instrumental rock band. A three piece featuring guitar, bass, noise boxes/synth, and drums.
They have been described as creating psych infused soundscape wonderment.

Big Wolf Band are very excited to announce that we are joining forces with the amazing Zoe Green for our 2019 Be Free Tour. This is a unique collaboration between two major forces that will deliver incredible live shows. Zoe has forged a reputation as one of the best female vocalists on the scene with her band the Zoe Green Band; Big Wolf Band has carved out a reputation as being one of the best live bands on the scene, along with their number 1 debut album “A Rebel’s Story”.

We are all super excited about the forthcoming Big Wolf Band album “Be Free” featuring Zoe and our upcoming collaboration on live shows. Zoe has blown us away in the studio and has really captured the energy of the songs. Zoe will be joining us on all shows and tour dates next year to promote this second album, which will be released late March.

This is an exciting time for the Big Wolf Band and having Zoe join us on vocals will take the band to new heights during 2019!

“With the Seahorses over his shoulder, Helme continues to create glorious music in his own name.”

Chris Helme first rose to prominence as the front man of John Squire’s post-Stone Roses band ‘The Seahorses’ which saw him touring extensively and sharing the stage with The Rolling Stones, U2 and Oasis in numerous support slots. Now solo- he is still rightfully remembered for Britpop classics ‘Love Is The Law’ and ‘Blinded By The Sun’ – songs that evoked everything the 90’s stood for, the excitement, the culture and the bands that provided a voice in a period of political and social imbalance.
Chris’ enviable back catalogue, is bolstered further by his acclaimed works with The Yards, but it’s his last solo album ‘The Rookery’ that portrays him at his very best. The album combines melody with imaginative, intricate, three-way guitar interplay that brings each track to a lush, blossoming climax. Add to this Chris’ keen ear for arranging, plus some brooding string passages and it becomes the perfect platform for his wonderful songs. Melodies rooted in traditional folk are reimagined on an album of rich variation, testament to his most powerful weapon – his voice.

Ultimate Leppard are the U.K’s truest tribute to Def Leppard. Based in Leppard’s hometown of Sheffield, they re-create the most authentic sound yet, providing audiences with the ultimate Def Leppard experience.

Experience an engaging and authentic musical feast featuring awesome vocal abilities, monster guitar riffs and a sound akin to the real thing. Costumes, mannerisms and the Def Leppard look are all re-created, although you won’t find any comedy wigs or gimmicks. These guys go all the way and guarantee the audience always get rocked!

Ultimate Leppard deliver atmosphere and authenticity in spades making this a show fans of the band won't want to miss.

At a time when full blooded rock ‘n’ roll music often seems to be in terminal decline and dour singer-songwriters hold sway, it’s reassuring to know that there are still individuals out there ornery enough to believe that salvation and deliverance from the trials and tribulations of modern living can still be achieved through the application of excessive amplification. And it’s always cause for celebration when such an individual returns to active service after a period of relative inactivity.

One such person is Warner E. Hodges of Nashville, Tennessee’s legendary Jason & The Scorchers, a man who definitely knows what the business end of a Fender Telecaster is for. Warner has been a cult hero’s to many for over two decades now. A figure renowned not only for his blistering and instantly recognisable style of playing, but also as the most dynamic and entertaining guitar player of his generation.

Tonight, Warner will be joined by guitarist Ben Marsden (Main Grains) along with his established rhythm section of drummer John Powney and Jason Knight on bass.

The Shackleton Trio (formerly The Georgia Shackleton Trio) features fiddle player Georgia Shackleton alongside guitarist Aaren Bennett and mandolinist Nic Zuppardi. Together they play an exciting blend of folk, Americana, and self-penned material instrumentally influenced by British, American and Scandinavian folk traditions, with a regional twist from their native East Anglia. Following the success of their debut album ‘The Dog Who Would Not Be Washed’, they are excited to be heading back out on the road with a brand new release ‘Fen, Farm, and Deadly Water’.Sparky, charismatic and intensely assured. An exciting and innovative young trio. A hefty thumbs up” fRoots

"An excellent debut album" – R2 Magazine

“A hugely talented lass”
– Mike Harding

“The combined forces of the trio deliver a stylish mix of material and influences with a direct and equal-handed commitment and tremendous panache”
– FATEA

“Fundamentally, I’ve always been a guitar player since the age of eleven and it’s the only instrument I can hold confidently and assuredly and write songs with.
“I was closer to 20 before I started getting into the realms of acoustic guitar playing. Neil Finn is a pivotal artist who helped me to bridge the gap between understanding how I could incorporate all the things I’d learnt on the guitar and how it can be a trusty tool in pursuing my craft for writing songs. I then discovered the open tuning approach to guitar playing through John Martyn, Bert Jansch, Nick Drake, Davy Graham and Joni Mitchell, which over night seemed to blow my whole creative world wide open.

Baskery is: Greta Bondesson - banjitar, guitars, beats & vocals, Stella Bondesson - double bass & vocals, Sunniva Bondesson - guitars & vocals.

Baskery is a swedish sibling trio, formed in 2007, labeling their music banjo-punk, mud-country, nordicana and kill-billy.

"This is absurdly wonderful... Stockholm sisters turn Americana on its head" MOJO (Colin Irwin)
"Sweden's own wildwood flowers" UNCUT (Rob Hughes)
"Don't fuck with the Bondesson sisters" Q MAG (Andy Fyfe)
"Frenetically energetic...a distinctively individual band sound primed to hone in on the mainstream" MOJO (Colin Irwin)

Adam Holmes and the Embers

Only in the world of folk music could you imagine the staff at one of the liveliest, smokiest and most famous music pubs in Britain making a space at the end of the bar so that an eight year old child could get the best view of the singers and musicians. But that was the experience in legendary bar Sandy Bell’s of Edinburgh singer/songwriter Adam Holmes, who now at the age of twenty-one has been a Celtic Connections Young Traditional Musician finalist, BBC Radio 2 Folk Award nominee and Scottish Traditional Music Award winner.

With his band The Embers he combines the songwriting influences of artists such as John Martyn, Bon Iver, James Taylor and Townes Van Zandt with the rhythm and blues, country and folk music textures of The Band, Neil Young and Ryan Adams and The Cardinals to play his own unique brand of Americana, with a hint of Scotland.

Debut album Heirs and Graces featuring The Embers, Kris Drever, Hannah Beaton, Alan Train and Stuart Goodall was released on the 17/01/2014.

With radio airplay, live sessions, sold out gigs throughout the UK, music press attention and interest from a number of the UK music industry’s most prominent movers and shakers it’s safe to say... It’s all happening.

Your last chance as 2018 is their final year of touring.

One of the most highly influential and recognisable names from the English Rock scene, Eddie & The Hot Rods have enjoyed a career that has now spanned nearly 40 years.

Although often categorised as one of the founding fathers of the punk era, they were simply interested in playing loud, fast, in your face Rock ‘n’ Roll rather than bad mouthing the Queen or fermenting anarchy.

The energy and attitude certainly endeared them to the punks, but the hard and fast style that made Eddie & The Hot Rods one of the most exciting bands of the era has never really dated or gone out of style.

Eddie & The Hot Rods were included in the Mojo Top 100 of most influential bands and they are often cited as an inspiration for some of the high profile new bands – young Irish rockers, The Strypes being one example.

Lead as ever by Barrie Masters, the line up of Simon Bowley (drums) Dipster (bass) Richard Holgarth (guitar) and Chris Taylor (guitar) has been on the road almost continuously for the last 10 years, serving up a high energy mix of those classic Eddie & The Hot Rods songs including “Teenage Depression”, “Quit This Town”, “Life On The Line”, “Gloria” and the Top Ten UK “Do Anything You Wanna Do”, alongside newer songs taken from their last two studio albums, including “Better Without You”, “Bad Time Again” and “Why Should I Care”.

Triple J features lifetime music industry veteran and drumming powerhouse Jeff Rich (Of Status Quo), Joined on blues guitar and vocals by a young(ish) larger than life Yorkshireman in the shape of ten year professional Jamie Godfrey. The pair formed Triple J in early 2015 and in that time have played some great shows and seen their first full length album take shape.

With the trio stable Jeff, Jamie and Clem set about attempting to capture the catalogue of songs they had written on record, the result being a full length, 12 track, blues rock album entitled Chapter 1. the record features songs that will cater for all tastes but its roots are firmly planted in the British power trio tradition.

Chapter 1, the first Triple J full length album was released worldwide in January of 2018 and is available to buy via the band website or preview via their soundcloud page.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Dr Blue show has been cancelled and refunds are available from all points of purchase.

Following the release of his solo album ‘Happy Ending’ in 2014, Glenn embarked on the critically acclaimed ‘At Odds Couple’ UK and US acoustic tours with long-time collaborator Chris Difford. In 2015 Glenn and his Squeeze bandmates wrote, recorded and released their first album of new material in eighteen years - which was written for the BBC drama of the same name, inspired by the memoirs of friend Danny Baker. It was a glorious musical return, ‘Cradle To The Grave’ was met with rave reviews and entered the UK Official Album Chart at number 12. The band embarked on a sold–out tour across the UK, including a packed out date at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall.

Anyone who has witnessed Glenn on the live stage can attest to the properness of his doings, as it were. Armed with ready wit, raucous vibes and a shed load of grin-inducing great songs, there are few musicians able to connect with their audience on such an immediate and warm level. The ever burgeoning festival circuit is frequently enriched by Tilbrook the troubadour, whether he be leafing through his own plentiful back pages or dashing off impromptu audience requests ranging from Jimi Hendrix to Tony Orlando & Dawn, and all points in-between.
This solo tour will be promoting awareness and donations for The Trussell Trust, the charity that supports a network of foodbanks around the UK. At all venues there will be food drop points and collection boxes, and Glenn will also be donating all profits from his merchandise, including an exclusive 4 track EP, to the organisation.

Glenn says “it is shameful that in the 21st century there are people that can’t afford to put food on the table.. Anyone, from any walk of life, can fall upon dire times, and I hope that by doing this tour it will remind people that there is a very real need. Most of us can do something to help - be it giving some food or a little money – and I hope people coming to the shows are inspired to donate.”

Food donated at each venue will be collected and distributed to the nearest Trussell Trust foodbank.

Rock and Roll outfit from Tennessee featuring former members of Lynyrd Skynyrd and Blackfoot

Hot on the heels of their rammed and raucous autumn tour, North Western psychedelic punks The Lovely Eggs announce a return to Leicester.

The Lovely Eggs are one of the most unique, innovative and genuine bands on the British Underground music scene. Setting themselves apart from the mainstream, they’ve built up a cult following which is due to blow wide open with their mild-melting new album,produced by Flaming Lips/ Mercury Rev producer, Dave Fridmann. You can sample what’s in store with their brand new single, 'Big Sea' which is out on May 18th see below.

Rob Auton
Charming and eccentric stand-up from a wholly original voice.

This is a comedy/theatre/spoken word show about talking. Following on from previous shows about hair, sleep, water, faces, the sky and yellow, Rob now turns his attention to talking because he is ready to talk. 'A genuine original. Poetical, philosophical, humane, completely charming and funny to boot' (Guardian). 'His delicate turn of phrase is a delight to hear and he has a truly unique voice, which, among the hundreds of acts at the Fringe, is no mean feat' (BritishComedyGuide.info). 'One of my absolute favourites' (Daniel Kitson) 'Just sad' (Vanessa Feltz).

Kelly has won many awards including Fatea "Female Artist of the Year"

Kelly has travelled the country with Thea Gilmore, as tour support, and recently supported Barbara Dickson. Kelly has duetted with Luke Jackson, Will Pound, Ciaran Algar, Lukas Drinkwater and Dave Swarbrick, who had this to say “Kelly has the vocal skills and an exquisite voice to boot. For one so young to have such a grasp of life’s travails is unusual, I like Kelly Oliver’s approach to the present and the past and I predict a glittering future for her”

Kelly is widely regarded as a 'rising star' and is unusual in that she plays guitar and Harmonica (is sponsored by Hohner). She brings 'folk' right up date.

“an emerging voice in British Folk.... a beautiful, pure voice’ Bob Harris BBC Radio 2

“delightful fresh new talent with a future take on traditional folk” Chris Hawkins, BBC 6 Music

“Kelly Oliver, an artist who blends traditional values with hints of a bold, indie-pop sensibility” The Times

“getting on everyone’s radar’ Spiral Earth

Hattie Briggs is a 25 year-old singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, originally from Chichester but currently based in London. Recently named Fender Undiscovered Artist of the Year 2017, she won the prize of supporting Lucy Rose at the prestigious O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire. Her music brings together pop, folk and electronic influences, which she delivers with honesty and intent.

Since making the decision to drop out of a Russian degree in her second year at Oxford University, she has released several EPs, two critically acclaimed albums, had airplay on BBC Radios 1, 2, and 6 Music, and embarked on tours around the UK, the Netherlands and the U.S.. Festival appearances include "The Great Escape" Brighton, "Secret Garden Party" and a showcase in the Club Tent at Cambridge Folk Festival. During her travels she has supported some well known bands and artists, including chart topping duo, Ward Thomas, at the O2 London’s Brooklyn Bowl, Lauren Aquilina, Stornoway, John Smith and Seth Lakeman. Influenced by Joni Mitchell, Foy Vance and Jeff Buckley, Hattie writes and sings straight from the heart.

Tom Robinson, BBC 6 Music - "knows exactly what she's doing", and "it's gorgeous" - commenting on single "Up to You"
Kev Jones - Communion Records, Bears Den “Brilliant songwriter…. your voice is off the scale”

Kick off your festive season with some Pop Punk and Ska Punk! Expect some Christmas tunes, Santa Hats and all the mince pies you can dream of.

Next Year - The Leicester based punk rock quartet have been making waves over the past year getting signed by Standby Records, touring the U.K. and Europe, featuring on Kerrang! Radio and Classic Rock Magazine. Don’t miss them at The Musician!


Last Edition - a sax-fuelled ska punk quartet from Leicester, UK.
For fans of, Reel Big Fish, Less Than Jake, Mad Caddies, Capdown and third wave ska in general - Last Edition bring the party, the sax lines and the hooks to get you on your feet.

Slackrr - Easily one of the most Exciting & talked about bands in the UK underground circuit right now. With an explosive and exciting live show leaving audiences wanting more. Over
200 shows and festivals across the UK in less than two years, including a headline slot at the Isle of Wight Festival 2019.
Multiple appearances on BBC Introducing & BBC Live Sessions with hugely positive reviews. Slackrr are ones to watch for 2020!

We Give In. - Leicesters best kept secret, are a melodic punk band who keep going from strength to strength. With a debut EP under their belts and an album on the way, they are a band to keep an eye on.

The Real To Reel show has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances and refunds are available from all points of purchase.

Kingsize play foot-stompin', house rocking Kingsized arrangements of the finest original Jamaican ska sounds. Their style draws heavily on the classic Studio One song catalogue and traditional big band sounds of '60s ska.

Sam Huber
“The first time you experience Helsinki-born Sam Huber’s music, you hear nostalgic references to legends like Bowie and Prince mixed with the contemporary beats of hip-hop, soul and funk—it’s a modern urban hybrid that refuses to fit neatly into any box.”
— VENTS MAGAZINE

Siblings Of Samhain are a Horror Rock band from the UK, with all 3 members being in the scene for 10+ years. For fans of Misfits, Blitzkid, The Damned etc

For up to date info and news please join The City Acoustic Club Facebook group!

Lead singer and songwriter of The Felice Brothers, Ian Felice's latest album, "In The Kingdom Of Dreams, was described as "a masterpiece" by No Depression and received four stars from both Americana UK and Uncut. This is a rare opportunity to catch him solo and hear songs from both the album and the Felice Brothers.

Spirit Family Reunion deliver high energy roots music and it's a delight to have their main man Nick Panken doing a support slot here.

"Ian Felice is a unique voice" - No Depression

Emily Barker is best known as the writer and performer of the award-winning theme to the hit PBS Masterpiece drama Wallander starring Kenneth Branagh. Growing up in rural Western Australia, Barker fell in love with American roots music from the soul of Aretha Franklin to the country of Gillian Welch and Emmylou Harris. Her travels led her to settling in the UK, where she has released a succession of critically acclaimed albums, including Nashville-recorded Applewood Road with Amy Speace and Amber Rubarth.

Her new solo album Sweet Kind of Blue was recorded at Sam Phillips Recording Service in Memphis with Grammy winning producer Matt Ross-Spang (Margo Price, Jason Isbell, Mary Chapin Carpenter).

From country-soul ballads to the unfettered joy of the bluesy ‘Sunrise’, the album has been lauded as Barker’s best yet and features contributions from some of Memphis’ finest musicians.
“the arrangements are exquisite and the clear love [Barker] has for this music brings its own integrity” The Times


“country-soul with luminous warmth” Mojo

“finally sets out her true claim for stardom” Q

“the sweltering funk of Sunrise and the title track sound like lost Muscle Shoals gems” UNCUT 8/10

“[Barker is] not some cultural interloper, but a true believer who has it in her blood” No Depression

JACK CARTY
Opening the show is Emily's great friend, Australian singer-songwriter Jack Carty. Jack moved to the UK recently after a series of award-winning and critically acclaimed albums in his home country, announcing his arrival with a series of sold out shows at London's Green Note in January.
http://jackcarty.com