Newsletter            7^th May 2007

Contact details
Tel. 01342 716975
or email:
info_at_acousticsussex_dot_org_dot_uk

Our next show - CORINNE WEST “Siren of the Sierras”

Appearing next Monday 14^th May at The Ravenswood in Sharpthorne, Corinne West has been dubbed the “Siren of the Sierras” and “Princess of progressive folk” with music that lives at that intersection of folk, bluegrass, and country styles that is called ‘Americana’. Corinne can grab attention by almost whispering a hushed introduction to a ballad, but she’s also perfectly capable of raising the roof. Take a listen to a song from her forthcoming album, Second Sight, recorded live in BBC Radio Kent’ Tunbridge Wells studios a few days ago (click here).

For sound samples, visit our Myspace website

Now playing – Corinne West live sampler  plus Amelia and Angel from her current CD Bound  For the Living

Other News

Recently added to the Acoustic Sussex programme on Saturday 7^th July is Sandi Thom – tickets go on sale at East Grinstead’s Chequer Mead Arts Centre in a few days time (01342 302000) and are expected to sell-out quickly

We are pleased to confirm that the great songwriter Anna Ryder (aka annA rydeR) is joining the bill to support Vin Garbutt on Saturday 6^th June – also at Chequer Mead.

Anais Mitchell’s re-scheduled show (postponed from February) is confirmed for Saturday 16^th June at The Ravenswood, Sharpthorne, with support from singer songwriter (and actress) Kristen Marie Holly

The last in the current series of Folk Roots & Acoustic radio programmes on East Grinstead’s Meridian FM goes out next Sunday, 13^th May – hopefully it will run again later in the year as the station moves closer to its goal of becoming a permanent, full-time station. More information at: www.meridianfm.com

Sandi Thom

                                                  OUR NEXT EVENTS (click on the links for more)

Ø     Monday 14^th May – Corinne West + support Piefinger at The Ravenswood, Sharpthorne

Ø     Monday 4^th June – Vin Garbutt + support Anna Ryder at Chequer Mead, East Grinstead

Ø     Saturday 16^th June – Anais Mitchell + support Kristen Marie Holly at The Ravenswood, Sharpthorne

Ø     Friday 22^nd June – Claire Martin + support (tbc) at Chequer Mead, East Grinstead

Ø     Future shows

Monday
14 May
CORINNE WEST
at
The Ravenswood
Sharpthorne
www.theravenswood.co.uk
£10adv (£12 door)    8pm

Buy tickets online or:
Tel. 01342 714810/716975
or email

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From the open meadows of California’s sierra mountains, Corinne West spins tales with a part velvet and part grit voice that is both achingly penetrating and highly addictive. Her music has a cool, layered, yet driven sound and has been referred to as "utterly spell-binding", "radiant", and "extraordinarily beautiful" by reviewers world-wide.

Fellow musician Buddy Craig describes her sound as a cross between Alison Krauss with Union Station and Natalie Merchant. Indeed her writing runs a golden thread through the likes of country, bluegrass, western, Americana and folk, but the resulting style is hers alone.

Her debut album Bound for the Living, was released to widespread acclaim; even earning Grammy consideration and the attention of “whispering” Bob Harris.  She is about to release her second album, Second Sight and is touring the UK for the first time this year, with a fabulous guitarist, Walter Strauss.

“It’s quite impossible to not give your full attention to Corrine West; her enchanting voice, music and exceptional lyrics simply will not allow it”
Alan Cackett, Maverick

Support for this show is from Piefinger, one of London's more absorbing acoustic acts. The band began initially as a duo in Vienna when acoustic singer-songwriter Glynne Steele met vocalist Jana Carpenter whilst working at the English Theatre. In the subsequent three years, the band has steadily evolved into a dynamic and original five-piece, with the addition of violinist Rachel Steadman, singer-songwriter David Sherwood on bass and Ben Woollacott, formerly of The Veils, on percussion.

Corinne West

Piefinger

Monday
2 June
VIN GARBUTT
at Chequer Mead
East Grinstead
www.chequermead.org.uk
£12 (£10 conc)     8pm
Box Office 01342 302000

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One of the best-known performers on the music scene today, and one of the most sought-after. It is no surprise. His song-writing is witty and powerful, tackling thought-provoking issues which others prefer to avoid. Despite years of performing, the songs always remain fresh and vibrant, and his repertoire is always changing. Vin is genuinely funny, and his quirky observations of life are always very much part of the act, delighting audiences everywhere – book early for the best seats

“The diversity and controversial nature of his powerful, thought provoking self-penned songs performed with passion, integrity and a sincere belief in the subject matter earn him universal respect. Add to this his wealth of traditional songs, fun songs, fine musicianship, a zany rare wit, with introductions which could send his audiences "rolling in the aisles", and you have the ingredients for the perfect recipe for success.”
Folk on Tap

Support: annA rydeR

Vin Garbutt

annA rydeR

Saturday
16 June
ANAIS MITCHELL
at
The Ravenswood
Sharpthorne
www.theravenswood.co.uk
£10adv (£12 door)    8pm

Buy tickets online or:
Tel. 01342 302000
or email

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Anais Mitchell began writing songs at 17.  At 18 she moved from Vermont to Boston, and started playing for whoever would listen. After a year of that, Anais enrolled in a liberal arts school back in Vermont, where she studied political science and languages, ran a folk radio show, and wrote and performed a good deal. She spent a half-year in Austin, waitressing on 6th street and playing as much as she could. She also recorded her debut album during that spring ('The Song They Sang When Rome Fell').  In 2003, The Kerrville Folk Festival honoured her work with the prestigious New Folk Award .

After spending time in Cuba, a semester in the Middle East and some unexpected touring with a rock project called "Circus Guy's Rock & Roll Revue" Anaïs released her acclaimed album, 'Hymns for the Exiled'.

Anaïs is passionate about the music of her native land, from old-school country to dustbowl labour ballads to rebel rock. However, the time she's spent in Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East has lent a worldly depth to her writing, which she presents to her audience with a graceful presence of spirit.

"A songwriter of startling clarity and depth, equally skilled at turning a melody or lyrical phrase into what you didn’t know you needed until you heard it.”  Acoustic Guitar magazine

Support: Kristen Marie Holly

Anais Mitchell

The Brightness CD

Friday
22 June
CLAIRE MARTIN
at Chequer Mead
East Grinstead
www.chequermead.org.uk
£13 (£11.50  conc)     8pm
Box Office 01342 302000

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Acclaimed as the best ever British jazz singer in a recent issue of America’s leading jazz publication Jazz Times, and several times winner of the Best Britsh Jazz vocalist awards, Martin was born to sing. Growing up in a house full of music in Wimbledon, South London, she’d learned all of Judy Garland’s songs by the time she was 12. But it was hearing Ella Fitzgerald’s legendary Song Books that changed her life inspiring her to go to Stage School and then to study singing in London and New York. A further seminal moment came at 18 when she saw the great improvising singer Betty Carter at Ronnie Scott’s. It confirmed what she already felt ­ she had to be a jazz singer.

“The best British jazz singer for a generation.“ Mojo magazine

“Talented and hip beyond her years… the most exciting jazz star to soar to my attention in a decade” New York Observer

Claire Martin

For your future diaries..

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Future dates in the 2007 Acoustic Sussex programme include:

Ø    7 July –  Sandi Thom (see website)

Ø    15 September – Ric Sanders Group  (see website)

Ø    8 October – Hans Theessink  (see website)

Ø    15 November – The Dylan Project  (see website)

More information on all up-and-coming artists can be found on our website: www.acousticsussex.org.uk. You can also find us on MySpace (with samples from some of the artists appearing) at: www.myspace.com/acoustic_sussex. If you know anyone who you think may enjoy our events, please forward this email to them.

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