The Harrogate Review | Issue 21 | April/May 2019

ISSUE 21

WOMEN ON TAP

COURTNEY PINE JOSH HILL YORK OPEN STUDIOS HENSHAWS BEER FESTIVAL

Apr | May 2019 FREE

Launc hin Summ g er 2019

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Editors Note Isn’t it great now the nights are getting lighter and there’s actually time either side of the working day to tag on some extra-curricular activity? And it’s a good job as the social scene is ramping up!

‘Tis the start of the season of festivals, and in the issue we’ve got more on a brand new fundraiser at Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre in Knaresborough. Spoiler alert: It involves BEER and a showcase of our outstanding local breweries, all for a good cause.

On the subject of beer as a subject close to my heart - it’s the third Women On Tap beer and arts festival in May this year. 30 events will be held across Harrogate, Knaresborough and the wider region, all in collaboration with local specialists in their field and all showcasing the very best in hospitality across the region, alongside creative talent & inspirational women. More on that inside.

Have a read also of DJ Trev’s latest column - in this issue he talks about music and the art of a good tribute band. There’s also a number of new fascinating art shows opening at the Mercer Gallery and Pump Room Museum, and you can find out more about the upcoming York Open Studios and The Northern Aldborough Festival.

Combine that with a couple of interviews with local exciting businesses, a film review, all the usual events listings and more, and you’ve got yourself a small but perfectly-formed magazine.

Thank you for reading. Bring on Spring!

Rachel Auty

Back Page: £350* Page 3 / Inside Front: £225* Full Page: £150* Quarter Page: £50* *All prices plus VAT, discounts available for block bookings. For more information on how to advertise email enquiries@festivalpublications.co.uk.

Submissions If you would like to contribute to the Harrogate Review email enquiries@festivalpublications.co.uk We’re always delighted to hear from writers, photographers and anyone involved in a local group or activity.

Disclaimer This magazine is published by Festival Publications Ltd. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of content we accept no liability for any resulting loss or damage. Views expressed by contributors are their own and not those of the publisher. ©Festival Publications Ltd. All rights reserved. No reproduction or copying without permission.

Produced By...

Josh Hill Josh Hill is a drone pilot, videographer and founder of Skyward Media - a young media production company based in the Harrogate area. Josh has a penchant for music and recently produced the much-celebrated video for local musician Jamie Bevan’s new single For The Love, which had 10,000 plays on Spotify in a week. Rufus Beckett finds out more about the man behind the creativity.

How and when did Skyward Media begin?

I started Skyward just under two years ago when I wanted to get into visual marketing and production. I had a couple of job interviews and trial days that didn’t work out and I then thought to myself, why can’t I just do this on my own? So I began by getting a few pieces of basic equipment and getting content out.

What’s been your high point since then?

My high point has to be every time I deliver the end product to a client because I get a massive sense of accomplishment and it takes me back a little thinking “wow we actually did that”.

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Which bands/artists do you most admire and why?

I really admire artists like Ed Sheeran, not because of his music or production but purely down to the fact that his hard work and raw determination he has taken him from being a street busker to a sell-out artist at places like the London O2.

What do you think about the local music scene in Harrogate?

The local music scene in Harrogate in simply amazing. At Skyward we work closely with Harrogate-based Homefire Recording Company to produce music videos and visual content for their artists. The raw talent in our local artists never fails to impress.

Which are you favourite local bands and musicians back in Harrogate?

This is quite a difficult one to put a favourite on.

We’ve worked with such a variety of artists and bands from pop-to-rock-to-funk-to-indie it’s so hard to put my finger on a favourite. I will say that everyone I’ve met in the music scene within Harrogate has been such lovely down to Earth and talented people. We have recently worked with a few local artists; we produced a couple of cover videos for Ciara Pells, a music video for Jamie Bevan for his new single For The Love, and we are currently in the pre-production stage with Zela, Morals and Jake Pattinson. ‘Pre-production’ is when we take an initial idea for a video, build on it and begin organising dates, locations, props, extras etc.

What have Skyward been up to lately?

We have recently just finished a long shoot for the Wye Valley tourism board near Wales. We have also been busy planning some exciting upcoming video shoots. Watch this space!

What are the plans for the future?

I want to keep growing and scaling the business and increase the size of the productions we work on. I also want to keep expanding the sectors and types of clients we work with.

What’s your biggest piece of advice for someone starting out in the music industry today?

My advice for anyone starting out in the music industry – or actually any industry - is to look to for advice and help because knowledge is wealth. Build your professional network – the types and amount of people you will meet will be eye opening. Most of all, don’t give up at the first hurdle - take your knock-backs and learn from them. Use them to build yourself up and keep moving forward towards your goals.

Tell us, what’s your favourite music video ever?

Oooh now that is a very tough one. When I watch a music video it’s really hard for me to look at anything other than the cinematography and the way it’s been produced. I really love the Billie Eilish videos as they are done in a way that I’ve never really seen done before within music.

The old Space entrance, since demolished!

Space celebrates 10th birthday Space Harrogate, the vintage and retro shop on The Ginnel in the centre of town, is celebrating it’s 10th birthday in April!

Started by Steve Elvidge in 2009 in the space now occupied by Porco Rosso, it moved across the courtyard in 2014 to share a building with Major Toms Social and Evil Eye record shop.

Selling vintage clothing, retro furniture and homewares, Steve recruited 12 different dealers to bring their particular brand to the store, many of whom are still with him 10 years later!

There’ve been many changes to the area, Jamies Italian has been and gone, The Pit and The Foundry bars have both opened but Space and Major Toms have established themselves as a real destination to locals and visitors alike.

Here’s to another 10 years!

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Views of Harrogate 16 Feb – 2 June 2019

Exploring Harrogate past and present.

Admission free Mercer Art Gallery, Swan Road, Harrogate HG1 2SA

t: 01423 556188 harrogate.gov.uk/museums /mercergallery

/mercerartgallery

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Gardener’s Friend

Learn to garden this spring.

Garden Coaching with you in your garden.

Contact Esther

on 01423 317 929 or visit www.thegardenersfriend.co.uk

Henshaws Beer Festival A new charity beer festival will be held in Knaresborough for the first time this summer.

Henshaws Beer Festival is taking place on Saturday 11th May at Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre. Local breweries Cold Bath Brewing, Daleside, Harrogate Brewing and Roosters are joining forces to create what promises to be a fantastic new event for the town.

Henshaws offers a unique outdoor setting for the festival in their courtyard which has a large stage area and undercover spaces. With a daytime and an evening session planned, the event will feature an enticing mix of beer, food, live music and family-friendly activities.

To celebrate Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre’s 21st birthday this year, visitors can choose from an extensive selection of 21 beers, including a Henshaws brew specially created to mark the occasion. There are also going to be plenty of alternative drink options available including cider, gin, prosecco and soft drinks.

This will be the first time that the four breweries have collaborated together on a beer. Tom Fozard, Commercial Manager at Rooster’s Brewing Co. said: “A charity beer festival showcasing the area’s four independent

breweries, while also raising funds for such a great, local organisation as Henshaws is an event we’re proud to be supporting. The opportunity to join forces with Cold Bath Brewing, Daleside and Harrogate Brewery to brew a one-off beer for the festival also promises to be a lot of fun!”

All proceeds from the event will help Henshaws to support disabled people in the area. The charity runs a range of creative and employability workshops to promote life skills and social skills, supporting them to become more independent in their everyday lives.

Event Co-ordinator Rufus Beckett said: “Following on from the success of Bed Fest and our popular Urban Beach, we are excited to be bringing a new community event to Knaresborough. We hope that everyone will come along and enjoy themselves.”

Tickets to Henshaws Beer Festival cost £12 each and there are two sessions available; 12pm to 5pm or 6pm to 11pm. Accompanying children are welcome to the daytime session for free (please note the evening session will be adults only). Book your tickets online at bit.do/ HenshawsBeerFest

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Burning

Film Review with Henry Thompson

One of the most pleasing things about cinema is its unfailing capacity to surprise. Take for example The Sisters Brothers, directed by Jacques Audiard.

The director’s last film, Dheepan- a story about an immigrant making a new life in France, was secure territory for a Parisian filmmaker. Audiard’s first English language project- a western- is a significant departure for him. The Sisters Brothers (John C Reilly and Joaquin Phoenix) are two Oregon-based assassins hunting two men amid the California gold rush. There are plenty of western tropes here that John Ford would have warmed to – shoot outs, a bear attack- but the dialogue is a little more interesting. In the interchange between the brothers, might there be just the slightest directorial nod to Vincent and Jules in Pulp Fiction?

Italian born Alice Rohrwacher’s new film Happy as Lazzaro won the award for best screenplay at Cannes last year. To sum up, the film is a magic-realist fake kidnap caper drama with an underlying social critique. As this is a Netflix production it will receive only limited exposure on the big screen but it is worth the trip. There is one more Italian film worth looking out for this month. Paolo Sorrentino won an Oscar for The Great Beauty in 2014. His new film- Loro- is a biopic about Silvio Berlusconi. Released in two parts last year in Italy, it has been combined into an 18-rated 151 minute portrayal of the grubbier aspects of Italian politics between 2006-10.

It is, as the Guardian’s Angela Giuffrida has suggested, a film about a period in history that many Italians are embarrassed by and would probably prefer to forget – much like the one we 10

are living through now in the UK. The cinematic back-catalogue brings two special treats in April. Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange (1971) is not quite fifty years old but perhaps the approaching Brexit apocalypse has tempted the distributors into this re-release. Based on Anthony Burgess’ eponymous 1962 novel, Kubrick’s dystopic violence-infused future vision of London was withdrawn from circulation in 1973 at Kubrick’s request after concerns were expressed about the explicit sexual content and allegations that the film had incited copycat violence. The film was only re-released after Kubrick’s death in 1999. Coincidentally the original distributor was Warner Brothers who became embroiled in similar copycat violence allegations some years later, following the release of Oliver Stone’s Natural Born Killers (1994).

The second archive treat also enjoyed controversy.

Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979) was originally banned, unseen, by Harrogate Council. The decision was lampooned in the Harrogate Advertiser for its ‘inept bungling’. The Council’s censorship sub-committee imploded in the wake of the fiasco. The ban was one of eleven outright bans in the UK. The film prevailed, nationally, and the setting of public morals passed out of the hands of self-righteous local guardians.

Henry Thompson is Research Fellow in film at the University of Manchester. His acclaimed book on Oliver Stone (co-authored with Ian Scott) was released in 2016. www.harrogatefilmsociety.co.uk

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The Great Gatsby 11-20 July, Harrogate Theatre It’s the roaring twenties – an era of bootleg liquor, red hot jazz and hedonistic pleasures. Jay Gatsby has invited you to one of his infamous parties and that’s not an invite you want to turn down.

This production of The Great Gatsby, however, takes place across various spaces around Harrogate Theatre and isn’t fixed on the stage like a traditional theatre show. The audience moves around with the performance. This is designed to create an absorbing and evocative experience which engages on a different level to a stage-based show with seated audience.

So, here’s your chance to step into a heart-racing adaptation of F Scott Fitzgerald’s seminal jazz-age novel which puts you in the heart of the action. Slip on your dancing shoes and watch the story unfold around you in this unique theatrical performance.

The cocktails are flowing, the music is playing, the party is in full swing and there’s the chance of more than a little scandal. Immerse yourself in one of the greatest stories of the 20th Century. 1920s dress encouraged, dancing shoes required! harrogatetheatre.co.uk

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Daniel Bell (Thug Sandwich) It may seem an unusual step to give up on a succesful career as a chef to open a sandwich shop. However, in channeling his skills and creativity into the humble sandwich, Daniel Bell has managed to create one of Harrogate’s most exciting food destinations. We went to find out more about the Thug Sandwich story.

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What’s the idea behind Thug Sandwich?

I was getting to the point in my chef career where it was time to start looking for head chef positions, I was however getting disillusioned with the industry and was getting tired of working evenings. I had no work life balance and barely got to spend much quality time with my fiancée.

At the time I felt that there was a gap in the market for a takeaway sandwich shop where everything was done properly, no shortcuts or compromises and with some quirky twists and indulgent snacks. When we started searching for a potential site it felt like fate that this shop was for sale, a place that I’d walk past everyday on my way to my job at the time. I’d always felt that the location was being underutilized.

What did you do before you started bossing sandwiches?

For the past decade I’ve been working as a chef in various hotels and fine dining restaurants both in Harrogate and my hometown of Durham, and before that I was a barman and a waiter.

The sandwich may be a humble food, but a lot of people get it wrong. what’s the key to a good sandwich?

I don’t think you can go wrong with a sandwich, even I sometimes have a hankering for a cheap cheese savoury sarnie from the supermarket! But I think the key is good quality fresh bread and don’t be shy with the fillings.

What’s your ultimate sandwich?

You may or may not know that we have a not so secret menu, the antithesis being the THUG Club, a triple stacked toasted sourdough combination of the pulled pork and KFCaeser special sandwiches.

It’s a monster and proving quite popular for those in the know.

Bagameri of SB Artisan Bakehouse deserves a mention. This guy eat, sleeps and breathes bread and without him I think I would of struggled to build the reputation we have in such a small space of time.

There’s always something exciting on the Thug Sandwich specials board, where do the ideas come from?

I started writing the menu ideas back when I originally planned on getting a food truck, so a lot of the options have a street food influence as well as just good hearty food that I’d want to eat myself. We try to keep the specials on trend while sticking to the tried and tested classics that you’d expect to see in any sandwich shop.

What’s next for Thug Sandwich?

We’re only six months old, so there isn’t anything major planned as we’re still finding our feet and trying to discover what works. We definitely like the idea of a second site outside of Harrogate, but also of doing pop-ups which expand on our current offerings and showcase our ability to cater for outside events.

You use lots of local suppliers, how important is that and are there any we need to know about?

I like to use local suppliers to ensure freshness of ingredients but also to support local businesses, we’re all in the same boat at the end of the day so it’s good to put faces to names. My baker, Sandor

OUT SUMMER 2019

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Women on Tap Festival Women On Tap Festival – a UK celebration of women and beer – will take place for a third year at venues across Harrogate and beyond from 1st-5th May 2019 thanks to financial backing from a number of sponsors. Headline sponsorship comes from Manchester-based brewer Cloudwater, with a number of other big northern beer names also pledging support.

Founded in Harrogate in 2017, Women On Tap presents unique events fusing beer, women and the arts in order to raise the profile of women in a traditionally male-dominated industry and to tackle some of the issues that brings. An annual beer and arts festival plus a programme of year-round events all showcase the very best in hospitality across the region, alongside creative talent & inspirational women.

This year’s programme has grown from 10 events in and around Harrogate to around 30 events across the north of England thanks to new partnerships and the addition of a ‘fringe’ offer.

The core festival programme this year takes place across 8 selected venues in Harrogate or Knaresborough, chosen as premium beer spaces and with standards of excellence in all-round hospitality. Popular micropub The Little Ale House is billed as the main host venue for the third year running. The core 2019 events line-up includes a 5-day Beer School, a 1-day Beer For All conference – the first of its kind in the UK – alongside live music, comedy, a bottle share, a beery brunch, beer yoga, and tap room street party, plus art exhibitions and brewing!

The fringe programme further enhances the core offer with tap takeovers, a discussion on sexist beer labels, a DJ set and history of brewing exhibition, beer and food pairing, women’s days at Ilkley Brewery and Brass Castle Taphouse in Malton, an intersectional inclusivity panel discussion, beer job speed dating, more live music and women in comedy.

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Beer School

Beer For All Conference

Beer School 2019 is series of five carefully devised sessions hosted by Harrogate-based beer guru, Nichola Bottomley. Starting with an introductory session, each day we’ll walk you through fascinating lessons, insights and tastings with a shifting focus on specific areas of traditional and modern-day beer. Sessions will be held at carefully selected venues in a unique and striking bar or brewery setting.

The first of its kind, #BeerForAll is a 1-day event at the heart of the Women On Tap 2019 festival in the stunning grade II listed Harrogate Theatre.

There’s one session each day of the 2019 festival, 1-5 May. You book as many beer school sessions as you like or do all five for a special price.

There’s also a discounted duo ticket to encourage people to introduce someone new to beer.

The Beer School timetable Beer School 1: An Introduction to Beer - A showcase of classic beer styles for beginners and enthusiasts alike. 1st May, Blind Jack’s Knaresborough Beer School 2: Best of British - The changing faces of British ale, from bitters to DIPAs. 2nd May, The Little Ale House, Harrogate

Hear leading industry and consumer voices collide for a day of fascinating research, open discussion & importanta debate around equality, diversity & accessibility in beer Britain has one of the lowest percentages of female beer drinkers in the world, despite the much-lauded craft beer boom. What’s more while there’s been a shift towards equality in the industry - there’s been very little change in who’s drinking beer over the last decade.

Annabel Smith from Dea Latis will kickoff the day by presenting some insightful research findings on women’s attitudes and behaviours around beer. A day of thoughtprovoking talks and interactive sessions will follow with some of the key names in the beer industry, alongside influential consumer voices. The day will culminate in a panel discussion and audience Q&A from the main stage, hosted by Annabel.

Confirmed speakers so far include Annabel Smith (Dea Latis), Jaega Wise (Wild Card), and Paul Jones (Cloudwater).

This event is open and applicable to everyone whether you are beer industry, a beer drinker, or just beer-curious.

Beer School 3: A Taste of Europe - Fruit beers, brut beers, sours, and the European influence on craft beer today. 3rd May, North Bar Harrogate

Tickets are £40 each (or 2 for £70) for the full day (9.30am-5pm), including refreshments, lunch, entertainment and beer.

Beer School 4: Into the Darkness - Dark beers, malt, and the brewing process, in association with Harrogate Brewing Co. the brewer of the stunning Plum Porter! 4th May, Harrogate Brewing Co.

£2 from every ticket will go to the Young Women’s Trust.

For more visit www.wotfest.com

Beer School 5: Advanced Beer Tasting - Including food and flavour pairing and more. 5th May, The Harrogate Tap

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York Artists and Makers Open up their Studios The York Open Studios returns this April with 149 artists displaying their work across a range of venues usually closed to the public. It’s a great chance to spend a leisurely few hours visiting the colourful and creative studio spaces of York’s potters, painters, jewellers and many other artists and designer makers.

Artists include Emily Sutton, dubbed by Tatler as the next Quentin Blake, she is an artist and illustrator whose work is inspired by the Yorkshire landscape and countryside, as well as treasures discovered in antique shops, museums and galleries. Emily’s work is to be seen on children’s books including a V & A colouring book and many of Bettys’ beautiful teatime tins boast her delightful designs.

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The beauty of the York Open Studios event is the opportunity to talk directly to the artists. There are so many interesting stories to be told, such as Tom Smith, who following a heart transplant in 2016, has been blessed with vigour, an unstoppable drive and an urge to paint! Take a look at his vibrant paintings which reflect this life-changing and psychedelic experience.

Discover ceramics to fall in love and take home, from teapots, vases and jugs of all shapes and sizes, to sculptural artworks – all of which reveal the versatility of this popular artform.

York is home to some of Britain’s best studio potters, including Ruth King and Isa Denyer whose pots are the result of a lifetime of skill, enjoy the vibrant colourful pots of Emily Stubbs or take a close look at Francesca Kings’ intriguing ceramic portraits.

Discover the beauty of wood through Marcus Jacka’s stunning handcrafted furniture and Dave Atkin’s lovingly carved spoons. Furniture designer - makers John Watts and Wilf Williams are sharing a studio space, this is a great opportunity to commission a bespoke piece for your interior!

Treat yourself to a handcrafted piece of jewellery, there are a wide range of contemporary designers taking part including Karen Ward whose fine gold and silver pieces derive from her beautifully observed drawings of plants and Jo Bagshaw whose designs embody simple lines and shapes.

Discover the lure of the printing press, with artists working in a range of techniques. The graphic linocuts of Michelle Hughes and Gerard Hobson are inspired by nature and the great British countryside. From bold landscapes and still life paintings to abstracts this is a chance to explore a dazzling array of painting techniques and styles.

York Open Studios takes place on Sat 6, Sun 7 April and Sat 13, Sun 14 April 2019 with studios open 10am-5pm. Visit www. yorkopenstudios.co.uk and for a free copy of the event programme email info@ yorkopenstudios.co.uk

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Northern Aldborough Festival Northern Aldborough Festival, the prestigious classical, jazz and folk music event, has unveiled a world class line up for this year. Beginning on Thursday 13 June – 22 June, the festival will feature its customary ten days of world class performances and will reach a new standard of musical excellence when it opens with an entirely festival produced, concert performance of Handel’s stunning semi-operatic oratorio Semele.

Putting on an event of this scale will be a first for the festival and represents a significant landmark in the history of the event.

Other highlights will include a performance from the jazz legend Courtney Pine, who will take to the Aldborough stage with MOBO award-winning pianist Zoe Rahman, to offer an intimate programme performed from his album ‘The Ballad Book’.

Two other national treasures appearing include The King’s Singers, the world’s leading vocal sextet and The Fitzwilliam String Quartet, both of whom are celebrating their 50th anniversaries.

Political commentator and broadcaster John Sergeant, will appear on Saturday 15 June, whilst Tim Kliphuis with his sextet will offer a stunning musical blend of gypsy jazz, classical and folk.

Among the emerging artists making Aldborough debuts are the German pianist Mario Häring, whose recent prize-winning performance at ‘The Leeds’ was widely lauded, A4 Brass Quartet, who prefer the use of traditional brass band instruments to orchestral ones, and North Yorkshire-born mezzo soprano Chloe Latchmore, currently finding employment at Glyndebourne Festival Opera.

There is a special performance for children on Saturday 15, Bessy Goes Busking which tells a fun musical story and provides an opportunity for youngsters to try out rhythms using spoons, frying pans and washboards!

The last night set in the grounds of Aldborough Manor will see a Motown-style supergroup, Low Resolution take to the open-air stage followed by a terrific firework display to send off the festival.

Courtney Pine No musician more embodies the dramatic transformation in the British jazz scene over the past thirty years than saxophonist Courtney Pine. The ground breaking, multi- instrumentalist has led a generation of exciting and innovative players who have broadened their styles to take jazz out to a wider audience.

In the 80’s he was one of the first black British jazz artists to make a serious mark on the jazz scene when his first album Journey To The Urge Within charted and some 30 years on (now with an OBE and CBE for services to music) he continues to break new ground with a string of highly acclaimed recordings and numerous prestigious Industry awards.

See Courtney perform with pianist Zoe Rahman on 14 June at St Andrew’s Church, Aldborough

www.aldboroughfestival.com

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MAKE HARROGATE YOUR ULTIMATE DESTINATION FOR THE 2019 UCI ROAD WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 21 – 29 SEPTEMBER 2019 Harrogate is celebrating a cycling first - the hosting of the UCI Road World Championships in Yorkshire with every race finishing in Harrogate, next to the town’s iconic Stray.

Throughout the year a series of events and installations will celebrate Harrogate’s role in welcoming the best of World Cycling, and its global audience to our special part of Yorkshire.

harrogatewelcomestheworld.co.uk 22

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac Review By DJ Trev I used to go to lots of gigs, but because society and capitalism was worried I couldn’t afford that, everyone stopped buying music and now gigs have to be on weekends when I work, and tickets cost about 80 quid. So thanks for that.

As a consequence, I’ll go to watch the odd cover band these days.

Fleetwood Mac are, unlike most bands I like, a band where I don’t prefer the earlier stuff. Saying “I like the earlier stuff” is an expedient way to make whoever you are talking aware to that you like similar things, but you liked them first, when they were still cool. With Fleetwood Mac, this isn’t the case for me. Yeah their early bluesy rock is ok if you like that kind of thing, but where I really got on board is the full M/O/R Radio 2 friendly stuff.

Therefore the set that Rumours of Fleetwood Mac played recently at The Royal Hall was ideal. They did play plenty of the early stuff, which gives you a context for the whole affair, but the majority of the set is pulled firmly from the hits. This means there is plenty of texture, you can then soak up the musicianship on display, but most importantly, it’s about the tunes.

Cover bands are obviously different to organic bands; with covers acts you don’t quite get the edgy anything could happen feeling of troubled lead singers who’ve drank 23 pints before going on stage - but what is missing in blood sweat and beers, is made up for in technical skill and

execution. Rumours have no less than four superb vocalists in their compliment, stepping to the fore or offering those pop perfection harmonies that the real Mac are renowned for. Each track is delivered with pinpoint accuracy, and whilst there isn’t the thrill of an artist going off on their own with a crazy unexpected solo, I’ve also seen enough of those that were only really interesting to guitarists to not really miss it.

Watching covers bands isn’t, of course, as good as the real thing. But given how well the members of Fleetwood Mac now get along, it’s probably as close as you are going to get. And as I mentioned, since the world decided to stop paying for music, I’d suggest that it’s something you might have to get used to. Don’t get me wrong, there are still some great artists coming through, but it is beginning to feel like the age of the megastar band is over. Unless you are happy paying £125 to watch Kajagoogoo sell out Wembley Stadium, you might need to check out the odd covers band to palpable hits.

In the field of covers, there’s a Whitney tribute at the Royal Hall on the 26th of April, on the 27th April Keane’s frontman Tom Chaplin brings the music of Queen to the Convention Centre, whilst further off on May 17th the UK Foo Fighters play the Theatre, which has the bonus of being a charity gig to raise funds for the Cardiac Care unit at the Hospital and Harrogate Theatre itself.

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Harrogate Music Festival Eric Lu, winner of the 2018 Leeds International Piano Competition, will headline the classical music line-up at the 2019 Harrogate Music Festival. The 21 year-old has blown audiences away with his breath-taking finesse, hailed as a ‘veritable poet of the keyboard.’ His appearance marks a chance to catch the young Chinese American acclaimed as one of the most exciting prospects in piano.

The month-long Summer Season offers immersive Arts experiences across a range of classical, jazz, folk, and family events in indoor and outdoor venues across the town.

The festival continues its legacy to provide a platform to rising talent with its Young Musician Series. The very young violinist, Christian Li, flies in from Melbourne to perform. At just 11, he is the little maestro with a big future after winning the 2018 Menuhin Competition, known as the Olympics of the Violin.

Other award-winning Young Musicians to appear include the Solem String Quartet, winners of the 2014 Royal Over-Seas League Ensemble Competition, and saxophonist Rob Burton, who won the Woodwind category of the BBC Young Musician 2018.

Young pianist Xinyuan Wang will also join the line-up. Wang came third in 2018’s Leeds International Piano Competition, cementing Harrogate International Festivals ties with its honorary patron Dame Fanny Waterman, who created the world-famed piano event. The 24 year-old was singled out for his fearless playing at breakneck speed.

This summer also sees the return of the evocative Concert by Candlelight, featuring all-male vocal ensemble, The Gesualdo Six. Festival favourites Oddsocks will give their wacky take on Shakespeare with Midsummer Night’s Dream, celebrating their 30th anniversary in the enchanted RHS Harlow Carr Gardens.

The finale sees the award-winning Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra with a programme celebrating Mozart, alongside Puccini and Brahms. It will feature one of Britain’s finest clarinettists, Julian Bliss, as guest soloist.

Harrogate International Festivals will also deliver a special one off event in May. The Hallé Orchestra will provide a live soundtrack to the James Bond movie, Casino Royale. Audiences will experience Bond on the big screen accompanied by the full symphony orchestra performing composer David Arnold’s thrilling musical score live to picture.

On June 23, the festival will also host an even bigger and better 1940s Day in Valley Gardens.

The free family day-out features military vehicles, vintage stalls, re-enactors and appearances from the Royal Air Force and the Army. Live music features throughout the day, with fairground rides, food trucks and bars. Many dress to impress in 1940s attire.

Priority booking for Friends of the Festival will open on Tuesday 2 April, with general booking opening on Tuesday 9 April. harrogateinternationalfestivals.com

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B i r ra More t t i , O rcha rd Th ieves & S h i pya rd 1 7 5 m l mea su res o f se lec ted w i nes .

As k at t h e ba r w hat i s a va i la b l e .

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Theatre Highlights Eleanor Conway’s Walk of Shame 2 13 April, Studio Theatre What happens when you wake up out of your last blackout and realise the party is over? Eleanor Conway’s returns with her hotly anticipated sequel about what happens when you stop chasing the ‘perfect’ version of you and realise she’s been there all along.

Much Ado About Nothing 21-25 May, Harrogate Theatre As faithful friends plot romance and a vengeful brother plans destruction, can true love conquer all, or will whispers and rumour win out? Told in true Northern Broadsides style, this production of Shakespeare’s glorious romantic comedy is sure to capture your hearts this Spring!

An Evening with Aggers 1 May, Harrogate Theatre Since the home Ashes series in 2013, the Evenings with Aggers shows have been delighting audiences and selling out theatres all over England. In his unparalleled View From The Boundary sessions, he has interviewed folk from all walks of life, including rock stars, film legends, writers, comedians, two prime ministers and a boy wizard!

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Family Events Springtime Live!

13 April, Great Yorkshire Showground

A fabulous fun day out for families, especially those with young children.

Mr Bloom from CBeebies is the special guest and will be performing with his band who’ve brought their instruments with them for a musical party! Around every corner you’ll find free activities for children of all ages based around Spring, new life, food and farming and the countryside.

Almsford Community Fun Day

9 June, Almsford Playing Field, (behind Oatlands Junior School), off Hookstone Road, Harrogate Free community event with live music from The Nightjars, All Together Now Community Choir, Harrogate Music School and Heydaze. Plus lots of free entertainment including Rascals Entertainment, Bob’s Your Uncle Magician, Noah’s Ark Exotic Pets, bouncy castles and inflatable shooting range. Bar serving Daleside real ales and home-made refreshments.

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Music Highlights

The Vamps 17 May, Harrogate Convention Centre The Vamps embark on their biggest tour yet bringing their fantastic live show to Harrogate Convention Centre in 2019. Since the success of their debut single Can We Dance? in 2013, the boys have released three hit albums and attracted a host of industry awards.

The Songs of Queen with Tom Chaplain 27 April, Harrogate Theatre Following an unprecedented response to his concert recorded at The London Palladium for BBC Radio 2’s Friday Night Is Music Night series, Keane frontman Tom Chaplin will once again celebrate the music of Queen on a 6-date UK tour this April. Backed by the 24-piece Leo Green Orchestra, Chaplin will perform an array of hits as he celebrates the life and music of one of the most enduring bands of all time.

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Leeds City Stompers

26 April, The Blues Bar Leeds City Stompers play the vintage blues, ragtime, swing and folk music that was popular in America in the 1920s through 1950s, but with the energy and feel of modern rock and roll music. The band swaps instruments and all three members sing lead, but essentially is a trio of guitar, double bass and drums or washboard. Christopher Fox is on guitar, double bass and vocals, Martyn Roper is on double bass, guitar and vocals and Jack Amblin plays the drums, washboard and does vocals too.

Since 2011, the band have supporting Steven Seagal at The O2 Academy Leeds and performed at the Beauvais Blues Festival in France, Scarborough Blues Festival, Tour De France, Tour De Yorkshire, Leeds International Beer Festival, Tramlines Sheffield and have headlined the acoustic stage at Colne Blues Festival two years in a row (Europe’s Largest Blues Festival).

01423 566881 www.bluesbar.co.uk

Live Music THURSDAY 4TH APRIL FRIDAY 19TH APRIL FRIDAY 3RD MAY FRIDAY 17TH MAY THE BREEZE THE JUPITER BLUES BAND PAT FULGONI & VINCENT FLATTS ... ... ...

THE SUPERSTITIONS ...

FRIDAY 5TH APRIL SATURDAY 18TH MAY (4-7PM) SATURDAY 20TH APRIL (4-7PM) THE MATT EDWARDS BAND SATURDAY SHAKEDOWN SATURDAY SHAKEDOWN SATURDAY 4TH MAY (4-7PM) DJ MARTIN - ON THE ONES AND TWOS ...

SATURDAY SHAKEDOWN DJ MARTIN - ON THE ONES AND TWOS ... ...

DJ MARTIN - ON THE ONES AND TWOS SATURDAY 6TH APRIL (4-7PM) ...

SUNDAY 21ST APRIL (3PM) SUNDAY 19TH MAY (3PM) SATURDAY SHAKEDOWN DJ MARTIN - ON THE ONES AND TWOS HOT SAUCE ALSO KNOWN AS SUNDAY 5TH MAY (3PM) ... ... ...

SKUTCH MANOS ...

SUNDAY 7TH APRIL (3PM) SUNDAY 21ST APRIL (6PM) SUNDAY 19TH MAY (6PM) STAX SLEEPY JAKE STONEY BROKE SUNDAY 5TH MAY (6PM) ... ... ...

ROBBIE MILLER ...

SUNDAY 7TH APRIL (6PM) SUNDAY 21ST APRIL (9PM) SUNDAY 19TH MAY (9PM) ROBBIE MILLER DOUBTFUL BOTTLE SUNDAY 5TH MAY (9PM) SERIOUS SAM BARRETT ... ... ...

THE MATT GOLDBERG BAND ...

SUNDAY 7TH APRIL (9PM) THURSDAY 25TH APRIL THURSDAY 23RD MAY THE MATT GOLDBERG BAND FRANK BOUGH’S CARDIGAN NOT THE HOUSE BAND THURSDAY 9TH MAY ... ... ...

THE RESONATORS ...

THURSDAY 11TH APRIL FRIDAY 26TH APRIL FRIDAY 24TH MAY THE RESONATORS LEEDS CITY STOMPERS FRIDAY 10TH MAY THE MITCH LADDIE BLUES ... ...

BAND THE WOLVES ... ...

FRIDAY 12TH APRIL SATURDAY 27TH APRIL (4-7PM) SATURDAY SHAKEDOWN SATURDAY 11TH MAY (4-7PM) SATURDAY 25TH MAY (4-7PM) THE GROOVE-O-MATICS DJ MARTIN - ON THE ONES AND TWOS ...

SATURDAY SHAKEDOWN SATURDAY SHAKEDOWN ...

DJ MARTIN - ON THE ONES AND TWOS DJ MARTIN - ON THE ONES AND TWOS SATURDAY 13TH APRIL (4-7PM) ... ...

SUNDAY 28TH APRIL (3PM) SATURDAY SHAKEDOWN THE REEDS DJ MARTIN - ON THE ONES AND TWOS SUNDAY 26TH MAY (3PM) SUNDAY 12TH MAY (3PM) ...

THE INTENTIONS BLUE STAR TATTOO ... ...

SUNDAY 14TH APRIL (3PM) SUNDAY 28TH APRIL (6PM) RIVER ROOTS SWAMP MONKEY SUNDAY 26TH MAY (6PM) SUNDAY 12TH MAY (6PM) ... ...

CARDBOARD COWBOY TEN SHEDS ... ...

SUNDAY 14TH APRIL (6PM) SUNDAY 28TH APRIL (9PM) SLEEPKICK COLD CULPRITS SUNDAY 26TH MAY (9PM) SUNDAY 12TH MAY (9PM) ... ...

ROB REYNOLDS BANG BANG BANG ...

SUNDAY 14TH APRIL (9PM) ...

THURSDAY 2ND MAY THE HIDING MAGPIES THE BREEZE FRIDAY 31ST MAY THURSDAY 16TH MAY ...

THE JUKE JOINT KINGS SCAPEGOAT KELLY THURSDAY 18TH APRIL SCAPEGOAT KELLY

Mondays - Jam Night Hosted by Martin Rose | Tuesdays - Acoustic Sessions Wednesdays - Paul Middleton Angst Band | Saturdays - Jed Thomas Blues Band

The Blues Cafe Bar, 4 Montpellier Parade, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG1 2TJ