Local & Live
Wednesday August 23 | 2017
FEATURES
with the
PARTY IN THE PARK!
OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS
… and a variety of other venues around town
HELLO HEADLINERS Meet the local bands who are making waves
CATCH ALL THE PERFORMANCES
Photos: Michael Houghton, Nigel Martin, Chris Pope & Sarah Bond
Don’t miss a thing with our comprehensive list
YOUR DEFINITIVE
GUIDE TO THE
FREE
In association with
TUNBRIDGE WELLS
MUSIC FESTIVAL AUGUST 25-28 Noble Jacks
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Local & Live
Wednesday August 23 | 2017
WELCOME TO LOCAL & LIVE By Paul Dunton, Organiser
A
hello@localandlive.org
The Standard Lamps
Sean de Burca
‘The festival officially starts on Friday August 25 at 6pm, featuring music from popular local acts Steve Hewitt, Harry Whitty, Dull Knife, The Standard Lamps, who recently toured with The Who for the second time, and Noble Jacks, who played five stages at Glastonbury!’
FTER a break from the normal format in 2016, I am delighted to announce The Local & Live music festival is returning to the beautiful Calverley Grounds this August with an extended programme, in addition to an open-air stage in the idyllic grounds of The Spa Hotel on Bank Holiday Monday. The Forum will be hosting after-show parties all weekend and there will be several pubs putting on plenty of live music under the umbrella of the festival, including The Bedford, Cassidy’s Sports Bar and The Royal Oak, with more to be confirmed. In Calverley Grounds, Local & Live is teaming up with numerous renowned local food and drink traders to provide a varied selection of quality concessions, including beer tents from Fuggles and The Ragged Trousers, a ‘Food Comes First’ traditional barbecue, Alice’s Ices, Indian cuisine from the Raj Pavilion, organic vegan offerings from Mother Bhumi, smoothies and burritos from Souper Juice, coffee and teas from Fine Grind, and paella, Pimm’s and bubbles from Sankey’s. The festival officially starts on Friday August 25 at 6pm, featuring music from popular local acts Steve Hewitt, Harry Whitty Quartet, Dull Knife, The Standard Lamps, who recently toured with The Who for the second time, and Noble Jacks, who played five stages at Glastonbury! The main stage in Calverley Grounds will run from noon to 10pm on Saturday, and some of the popular local acts performing that day include headliners Youth, who will be supported by Suncharmer, Bluetones front man Mark Morriss, I am Aquitaine, Cyrano, Kyla & Nat, The Varlies, The Diarys, Sorrel Nation and many more.
2017 Sunday’s line-up again starts from midday with an array of local stars taking to the stage, including Ant & Fie, Poppy Raine, The Breretons, The Ackerleys, The Orange Circus Band, David Migden & The Twisted Roots, Sarah Tonin, Steffan James and headliners Harley & Woods. The main focus switches to the grounds of The Spa Hotel on Bank Holiday Monday. With music starting at 1pm, crowds can enjoy live sets from local acoustic-style acts, including Abi Hudson, Jack Burns, Alex Beharrell, Hannah Richards, Chasing Shadows, Alana Hazzard and more. Renowned local songstress Phoebe Katis will be headlining at around 7pm, and The Spa Hotel will be providing various food and drink concessions onsite. Also, Local & Live will be running free evening shows at The Forum on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9pm until 1am. I would like to express my deepest thanks to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and Tunbridge Wells Together, who are both supporting the festival with grants of £2,000 and £,1000 respectively. Coupled with generous support from local businesses and individuals, this collective financial help has enabled Local & Live to return to its much loved home of Calverley Grounds and a similar format to the 2014 and 2015 events. Once again, the entire festival is FREE to attend and its ethos remains to showcase the leading original soloists and bands from the local area. See you there from August 25 to 28! PAUL DUNTON Founder of Local & Live
Wednesday August 23 | 2017
In association with Thomas Mansfield | www.tmfamilylaw.co.uk
…Out of the Woods comes foot-tapping musical magic
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Jez Harley
Headliners Harley & Woods will perform on the main stage of Local & Live in Calverley Grounds on Sunday – a special gig as the band will also be launching an album. Hannah Patterson catches up with one half of the talented mix, Sam Woods…
I’ve been playing music for as long as I can remember. It all began in pub bands when I was only 12 years old, then I began playing professionally in original and function bands from the age of 15. I studied popular music performance at the University of Kent, followed by two years of teaching in a local music school, and I’m currently touring the UK and Europe with The Michael Jackson UK band under James Baker Productions. I’ve been lucky enough to play with some well-known artists like Paloma Faith, Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal, Lillian
Boutte, Treme Brass Band and Khris Royal, and at some world famous venues like Ronnie Scott’s, The Cavern Club, The Jazz Cafe, De Effenaar, The 100 Club and the New Orleans French Quarter Festival.
When and how did you come to team up with Jez Harley? I believe it was around 2012-2013 – we were at university together. Jez asked me to sit in on a gig playing some of his original tunes. As soon as we started rehearsing the songs it was clear we worked really well together. We’ve been writing and playing music together ever since.
We’ve been through a couple of different line-ups with the band, but I feel it’s the best it’s ever been right now, and we’re very lucky to work with the amazing players we have – Pete Wheeler on drums, Phil Scragg on bass and Josh Roots on keys.
What can we expect from your music for those who haven’t heard it yet? It’s a tough one to describe! I suppose it’s a mixture of Americana, R&B and blues – lots of soul and energy. Our Local & Live show this year will also be the launch night for our album, which will be available for sale. ▼
What’s your background in music?
Sam Woods
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Wednesday August 23 | 2017
Dull Knife
What has influenced your sound? I suppose it’s made up of the influences of the guys in the band. We’re all fans of similar stuff to a certain extent, but everybody brings their own creativity and ideas to the music. Some of my personal biggest influences include Prince, Robben Ford, Derek Trucks and John Scofield, whereas Jez’s include artists like Jeff Buckley, Bruce Springsteen, Otis Redding and Tom Waits. Of course there are many more and, combined with the band, the list of names is endless!
Has your sound evolved since your beginnings? And if so, how? It has evolved with the writing, but the sound of the band is what tends to inspire us to keep writing new stuff, so it’s all relative. We are really proud of what we produce.
Apart from each other, who is your favourite act to have played with? We’re spoilt for musicians in this area – there are so many great players around. Aside from the guys in the band, who are definitely my favourite musicians to play with, I’ve been doing a few gigs recently with a local band called Release the Geese. It features brothers Joe and John Sam on bass and drums. Those guys are astonishing musicians!
What do you love about playing live? I think it’s the most creative musical situation! I’m a big fan of spontaneity when playing live, particularly with this band. Our Harley & Woods work is only rehearsed to a certain point in terms of song structures, so every gig has its own surprises. And most of
Youth
our recorded arrangements are made up of moments that have happened during gigs. That said, we’re rehearsing a new show for Local & Live this year, featuring our extended nine-piece with some brand new songs and arrangements. We’re very excited about this one!
How did you become involved with Local & Live? I’ve been playing at Paul Dunton’s gigs for around seven years with various bands and artists, including Ross & The Wrongens, Freddy Green, Marie White, David Migden & The Twisted Roots, The Good Ship Band, The Paul Dunton Orchestra and, of course, Harley & Woods.
What does this particular festival represent for you? I love Local & Live. It’s so encouraging to see so many people show up every year to support original music from the area. The festival has grown through the years and is the best it’s ever been since the original move to Calverley Grounds. Local & Live is also the best independent music festival I’ve seen. It’s very rare to find someone as dedicated to local artists as Paul Dunton. I’m proud to have played at his gigs for so long, and hope to continue to do so!
Could you describe the Tunbridge Wells music scene in five words or less? Eclectic mix of musical goodness! ■ You can see Sam perform as part of Harley & Woods on the main stage in Calverley Grounds on Sunday August 27 at 9.10pm. For more information on the band, visit www.harleyandwoods.com
HEADLINERS: CALVERLEY GROUNDS Noble Jacks Friday August 25 | 9.10pm This band are certainly no strangers to the local music scene thanks to their ‘rip-roaring’ Alt-Folk music played with an abundance of energy. The upbeat folky rhythms and engaging lyricism have captivated crowds across the UK. The band encompasses heartfelt yet up-tempo songs showcasing fiddle, blues harmonica and big anthem top lines. This year, Noble Jacks released their debut album, What the Hammer, with the Union Music Store record label, and kicked it off with a sold-out launch gig at Harvey’s Brewery in Lewes. The band have a relentless gigging schedule, stompin’ their way round the British folk scene, including major festival performances at Beautiful Days, Bestival and Glastonbury.
Youth Saturday August 26 | 9.10pm Youth are a five-piece band, with its members hailing from both Brighton and Tunbridge Wells. Jack Mackey, Sam Frost, George Miller, Chris New and Alex Howis describe their sound as big indie anthems from the heart of Kent, and they are regular faces at local venues such as The Forum, Trinity Theatre and The Grey Lady. Most recently, they have played to a packed out gig in front of 2,750 people at The O2’s Indigo club with indie heavyweights Razorlight, as part of the Live at Your Local competition.
Harley & Woods Sunday August 27 | 9.10pm Harley & Woods is the collaboration of singer-songwriter Jez Harley and guitarist Sam Woods. Their music is described as a soulful fusion of blues, funk and Americana. The pair met while studying music together at the University of Kent, and it quickly became clear that they shared similar influences, taste and ideas. Since starting this project, they have played together in many UK venues, and even embarked on a trip to New Orleans, where they performed at the French Quarter Festival. You can see them as a duo or with their electrifying six-piece band, whose members include musicians Phil Scragg (bass), Pete Wheeler (drums), Josh Roots (keys) and James Penny (saxophone/ flute).
HEADLINERS: THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM Dull Knife Friday August 25 | 11.45pm Named after a Native American renegade, Dull Knife are an alternative country duo. George Woosey and Jack Greenwood view genre brackets as pointless and don’t like categorising their sound too rigidly, but if you want to know what to expect, think heavy, electric, country and grunge. They formed at the back end of 2013 after a few living room jams, having met through 60s band The Pretty Things. Most of their repertoire has been penned on the road in hotel rooms – and in Jack’s living room.
Wednesday August 23 | 2017
In association with Thomas Mansfield | www.tmfamilylaw.co.uk
universally relatable narratives are her muse, told through music that dances between ballads and jazz-pop fusions. Phoebe received a BA in Music from the University of Leeds in 2014, and is now based in London, where she regularly gigs with her five-piece jazz/neo-soul band. The group is influenced by artists such as
Noble Jacks
Local & Live
FEATURES
Natalie Williams, Carole King, Lianne La Havas, Joss Stone, Emily King, Norah Jones, Robert Glasper, Gretchen Parlato and Alicia Keys, and have played in a number of prestigious London venues, including The Pheasantry Music Club at Pizza Express, The Old Queens Head, The Bedford, The Blues Kitchen Camden and Ronnie Scott’s.
Flawless Carbon
Flawless Carbon Saturday August 26 | 11.50pm Flawless Carbon are a captivating femalefronted blues rock band from the UK. A unique blend of British and American influences provides a sonic backdrop where parallels can be drawn with artists such as Joe Bonamassa and Beth Hart, and John Mayer and Joanne Shaw Taylor. Their individual take on blues rock is powerful, energetic and unmistakable. Having graced the stages of clubs and festivals across the South of England, and into London, and with two EPs under their belts, Flawless Carbon bring a contagious electricity that has them well and truly standing out from the crowd – and audiences far and wide taking note.
Cyrano Sunday August 27 | 12midnight Originally formed as a three-piece band back in 2001, indie rockers Cyrano soon became a foursome with the addition of lead guitarist Karl Barton. From this moment on, their sound was born. With influences from bands like Pearl Jam and Elbow, Cyrano have crafted a unique blend of thoughtfully-written songs, rock guitars and vocals reminiscent of Thom Yorke
that result in their powerful, melodic music. The band has recently finished recording their much-anticipated second album at The Assault & Battery 2 studio in London.
Alex Beharrell Monday August 28 | 8.55pm Alex Beharrell is one musician not to be missed. Whether he’s gigging solo or with The Reckostacks, he is certainly a big noise in the Kent music scene. Armed with his jumbo Guild acoustic guitar and one of the most powerful vocals to be found in the county, Alex’s eclectic mix of songs have wowed thousands over the years. Bringing influences from all genres, including blues, folk, reggae and jazz, Alex loves performing, and with each set he continues to expand his repertoire of songs.
HEADLINERS: THE SPA HOTEL Phoebe Katis Monday August 28 | 7.20pm With strong lyrics, beautifully crafted tunes and a soaring soulful voice, Phoebe writes from the heart: Raw, emotional, yet
Phoebe Katis
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FESTIVAL
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Local & Live
Wednesday August 23 | 2017
Wednesday August 23 | 2017
In association with Thomas Mansfield | www.tmfamilylaw.co.uk
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Local & Live | Listings James Levitt The Standard Lamps
George Woosey Dull Knife
Friday August 25, 2017
3:40pm – The Paul Dunton Orchestra 4:20pm – The Ackerleys 5:00pm – The Breretons 5:40pm – The Orange Circus Band 6:20pm – Storm Engine 7:00pm – David Migden & The Twisted Roots 7:40pm – Sarah Tonin 8:20pm – Steffan James Band 9:10pm – Harley & Woods
Calverley Grounds Main Stage 6:00pm – Steve Hewitt 6:30pm – Harry Whitty Quartet 7:10pm – 13 County 7:50pm – Dull Knife 8:30pm – The Standard Lamps 9:10pm – Noble Jacks
The Tunbridge Wells Forum 7:45pm – White Space 8:35pm – Orestea 9:20pm – Eliza Lewis 10:10pm – Wake Up Leo 11:00pm – The Violet Jive 12midnight – Cyrano
The Tunbridge Wells Forum 7:45pm – Second Helpin’ 8:45pm – Riff Raff 9:45pm – Ebsen 10:45pm – Night Without Sleep 11:45pm – Dull Knife
Saturday August 26, 2017 Calverley Grounds Main Stage 12noon – Paul Monham 12:30pm – Sam Firth 1:00pm – Emily Izen Row 1:30pm – Isabella Coulstock
Suncharmer
2:00pm – Sorrel Nation 2:30pm – Jack Clarke 3:00pm – Katy Virgoe 3:40pm – The Varlies 4:20pm – Kyla and Nat 5:00pm – Mark Morriss (Bluetones) 5:40pm – The Diarys 6:20pm – Cyrano 7:00pm – The Naming of Things 7:40pm – I Am Aquitaine 8:20pm – Suncharmer 9:10pm – Youth
The Tunbridge Wells Forum 7:45pm – Heyzeus 8:35pm – John McLane Band 9:25pm – Son of Kirk 10:15pm – Black Gabanza 11:05pm – Higgs & the Bosons 11:50pm – Flawless Carbon
Sunday August 27, 2017 Calverley Grounds Main Stage 12noon – Sofia Ford 12:30pm – Fred Clark 1:00pm – Ryan Weeks 1:30pm – Peter Taylor 2:00pm – Ant & Fie 2:30pm – The Gallerys (acoustic trio) 3:00pm – Poppy Raine
Monday August 28, 2017 The Tunbridge Wells Forum 1:45pm – Gronk 2:15pm – Red, Green & Blue 3:00pm – Ashley Evans 3:45pm – Matt Falloon 4:30pm – Dave ‘Shep!’ Sheperd 5:15pm – Will.B & DJ MVP 6:00pm – Code: Marla vs The Impossible Man 6:45pm – Sean de Burca 7:30pm – Andy Twyman 8:15pm – Josh Renton Band 8:55pm – Alex Beharrell & the Members Few
The Spa Hotel 1:00pm – Daisy Port 1:30pm – Duke Lloyd 2:05pm – Nick Stephens 2:40pm – Chasing Shadows 3:15pm – Becky Briggs 3:50pm – Alana Hazzard 4:25pm – Hannah Richards 4:55pm – Rob Picazo 5:30pm – Quentin Holway 6:05pm – Jack Burns 6:40pm – Abi Hudson 7:20pm – Phoebe Katis
All schedules subject to change. For the latest updates, see www.localandlive.org
Fringe Venues Cassidy’s Sports Bar Saturday August 26 5:30pm – Open acoustic jam session 8:00pm – Riff Raff 9:15pm – Kharma & The Devil Sunday August 27 5:30pm – Open acoustic jam session 8:00pm – Velvet Goldmine 9:00pm – The Cockroach Squad
The Bedford Saturday August 26 1:00pm – Ellie Wade 1:40pm – Vispers 2:20pm – James Medhurst 3:00pm – Kay Hazelden 3:45pm – Hey Zeus 4:30pm – Laura Lamn 5:15pm – Ryan Weeks 6:00pm – Frankie Swain 6:45pm – Second Helpin’ 7:30pm – 8 Car Attach 8:30pm – Move Over Dali Sunday August 27 1:00pm 2:00pm 3:00pm 4:00pm 5:00pm
– Strawberry Blue – Spyplane – Tuff Duo – Alley Devils – Ukelear Fallout
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Local & Live
Wednesday August 23 | 2017