Square Roots Promotions

“British bluegrass at its brightest, breeziest and burlesque best!” (Maverick Magazine)

Thursday 28th September 2017

The Square Tower
Broad Street
Old Portsmouth
Hants
PO1 2JE

Doors Open 7.15pm. Show Starts 7.45pm.

Tickets £14 each (£16 on the door if not sold out).

This show is now completely sold out! E-mail ken@squarerootspromotions.co.uk for any returned tickets…

Alternatively, physical tickets can be purchased in store at Pie & Vinyl in Castle Road, Southsea or Southsea Gallery in Albert Road, Southsea. These won’t be in the shops until a bit nearer the time. You can also send a cheque for the required amount of tickets (made payable to Ken Brown), along with a SAE, to our address. If in doubt then please phone the box office on 02392 382888.

“Not your average fish and chips bluegrass, the Coal Porters have expanded their music with broad strokes and fearless execution!” (Chris Hillman)

We’re delighted to finally welcome back the rather awesome British bluegrass legends Coal Porters to our historic and beautiful venue. It’s been a few years now since they last rocked the Square Tower with their unique brand of good time music, and then it was a show that sold out very quickly - and we anticipate exactly the same this time around! Grab your tickets while they’re still available!

The Coal Porters were formed in the 1990s by ex-Long Ryder Sid Griffin. Relocating from Los Angeles to London the band left its electric instrumentation behind and slowly mutated into the acoustic act they are today. In fact, the Coal Porters claim to be the world’s first “alt-bluegrass” act, given as they take old themes and melodies and soup them up for the 21st century and their expanded listening audience.

The band has demonstrated the power of fiddle, mandolin, banjo, acoustic guitar and doghouse bass when matched with three and four-part harmonies and memorable melodies – and taken this sound around the world. They have wowed audiences at numerous UK and European arts centres, done no less than four North American tours and performed to tens of thousands at festivals such as Glastonbury, HebCelt, Stagecoach (USA), Larmer Tree, Didmarton, LaRoche (France), Cork Midsummer Fest (Eire), Wombwell and Hultsfredsfestivalen (Sweden).

“Sid Griffin was playing Americana years before the term was invented and that pioneer spirit shines on with his current band, the Coal Porters!” (Billy Bragg)

The Coal Porters have recorded six albums. Their most recent album, No. 6, was again produced by British folk-rock legend John Wood, who engineered and/or produced all the early Fairport Convention classic albums as well as Squeeze, John Cale, Beth Orton and the entire Nick Drake catalogue.  This is the Coal Porters album which took three years to incubate. Four new Sid songs, three new Neil Bob Herd originals, and Kerenza Peacock contributing her first recorded lead vocal on a very personal song. No. 6 was recorded in two creative bursts in late 2014 and in 2015 and is the Coal Porters’ follow up to Find The One, which was wildly received with great reviews in Mojo, Uncut, Word, The Daily Mail, The Sunday Times, Rolling Stone and many other publications.

The current line-up is Griffin (a native of Kentucky), long-term sidekick Neil Robert Herd from Scotland, fiddle virtuoso Kerenza Peacock, bassist Andrew Stafford and ace banjo guru Paul Fitzgerald. Griffin sums it up by saying ‘The Coal Porters are five musicians who play four chord songs from three countries for two good reasons; for health and for happiness’.

They have performed live BBC sessions for the hippest DJs on the airwaves in Blighty such as Whisperin’ Bob Harris and Marc Riley and indeed are no strangers to radio abroad be it the USA, Italy or Norway. In February 2011 the Coal Porters were recorded by NPR in the USA for their prestigious Regional Voices series at a benefit concert they gave at the International Bluegrass Music Museum in Owensboro, Kentucky, and they were recently featured nationwide in the States on NPR’s prestigious Weekend Edition show. Which proves they are truly international!

“Sidlicious licks from this vicious kid, a plucky Kentuckian who blows the socks off of Rocky Top, turns Mason’s Apron into shreds and leaves the audience in a foggy mental breakdown. Sid & his Coal Porters sidmen will leave you besid yourself with joy. Enough Sid!” (Rich Hall)

You Tube Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eiKpyPtRlo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTJXWWg3XIE

“It’s music with big ideas and a big idea that is also small enough to get inside the veins of your soul and sit there!” (Mark Reed, Sic Magazine)

Sunday 8th October 2017

The Square Tower
Broad Street
Old Portsmouth
Hants
PO1 2JE

Doors Open 7.15pm. Show Starts 7.45pm.

Tickets £15 each (£17.50 on the door if not sold out).

Tickets available securely online at: www.wegottickets.com/event/400904

Alternatively, physical tickets can be purchased in store at Pie & Vinyl in Castle Road, Southsea or Southsea Gallery in Albert Road, Southsea. You can also send a cheque for the required amount of tickets (made payable to Ken Brown), along with a SAE, to our address (which you’ll find on the side of the page here). If in doubt then please phone the box office on 02392 382888.

Here at Square Roots towers, we’re simply delighted (and very honoured!) to be co-presenting this brilliant show with Eastney Cellars guru and Portsmouth promoting legend Steve Pitt. As many of you know, Steve has been a stalwart and innovator on the Portsmouth live music scene for many years, so obviously we’re chuffed to be teaming up with him for what promises to be a corking show! And if you check out the videos at the bottom of this page, you’ll see and hear why we’re doubly excited!



“What Miles and Erica lack in smash hits they more than make up for it with inventiveness, entertaining dialogue and fine songs. The talent that brought Miles to public attention is still here, the muse is still strong, and he still has it, that mysterious X factor that elevates the average to the exceptional!” (The Final Word)

Since 2006, Miles Hunt and Erica Nockalls have toured the UK, Europe and the USA. performing acoustic shows including tracks from their own albums in addition to Wonder Stuff material and the occasional cover version.  All interspersed with Miles’ trademark inter-song banter and insight into the background behind some of the tracks being performed.

To date they have released two studio albums alongside one live album.

“Catching More Than We Miss - heralded by the press as Hunt’s best work in his 21 year career….”

Prior to this, Miles has performed as a solo artist as well as alongside former Wonder Stuff guitarist Malcolm Treece and also as The Miles Hunt Club (with Andres Karu, Michael Ferentino and Stuart Quinnell) and Vent 414 (Pete Howard, Morgan Nichols).

Erica has released two solo albums under the name EN (albums EN and EN2).  She has also worked and performed with a number of acts including The Proclaimers, The Mission, Ting Tings, Matt Watson and Mark Gemini Thwaite in addition to producing a number of outstanding pieces of artwork.  In 2016 she has written and recorded tracks for the Dutch Head album with producer George Taylor.

What The Critics Say….

“In truth, this was not just a gig….Erica’s violin performances are nothing short of electrifying and stunning….add Miles wonderful stories into the equation and you have a night with passion that’s really only matched by the very few…!” (Liverpool Sound & Vision)

“Always worth the ticket as a live gig with such a superb back catalogue combined with quality newer work, this is top banana and make no mistake!” (The Telegraph)

You Tube Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyYHEMr-BtE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zL9zwGqEURk

“East Nashville’s Wild Ponies are one hell of a rockin’ Americana band - twang-tastic riffs and killer harmonies!” (Pop Matters)

Sunday 29th October 2017

The Square Tower
Broad Street
Old Portsmouth
Hants
PO1 2JE

Doors Open 7.15pm. Show Starts 7.45pm.

Tickets £12 each (£14 on the door if not sold out).

Tickets available securely online at: www.wegottickets.com/event/402259

Alternatively, physical tickets can be purchased in store at Pie & Vinyl in Castle Road, Southsea or Southsea Gallery in Albert Road, Southsea. These won’t be in the shops until a bit nearer the time. You can also send a cheque for the required amount of tickets (made payable to Ken Brown), along with a SAE, to our address. If in doubt then please phone the box office on 02392 382888.

“Shimmering country beauty…the music seems to glow!” (No Depression)

Dead right, honest songwriting delivered in a hauntingly beautiful yet gritty, neo-traditional Americana wrapper!

Doug and Telisha, now residing in the new Bohemian Mecca of East Nashville, write songs about a place where old time religion, superstition, run down bars, gravel parking lots and boarded up factories all mingle together.

"Wild Ponies swing emotional wrecking balls with great delicacy!” (M Music & Musicians Magazine)

“Ghost of the Knoxville Girl”, received wide critical acclaim, and spent 15 weeks in the Americana Music Association Top 40 Radio Chart, landing a spot as one of the top 100 Americana Albums of 2010. The past few years have been filled with hundreds of shows and thousands of miles for Doug and Telisha. They’ve traveled from Florida to Oregon and Michigan to Texas, they’ve played with some of their most beloved heroes - Lucinda Williams, Darrell Scott, Charlie Louvin, and Joe Ely – and been on several of the nations most revered stages - Anderson Fair, The Birchmere, The Carolina Theater, Godrey Daniels, Madison Square Park and Floydfest. Quick wit and fearless delivery make every show different and personal.

They co-host the weekly songwriting group called the East Nashville Song Salon, they host a weekly radio show on East Nashville Radio called Whiskey Wednesdays, and if you're wandering around on the east side of the Cumberland you can expect to see, hear or hang with them at The Family Wash and other local spots. That is, if they're not on the road - they still manage to average over 100 dates a year, bringing a burning energy to every show they play. They mean it. They live it. Then they get on stage and rip the shit out of it.

“Every now and again you run across something that just knocks your socks off. This was one of those times... it all combines to obtain near perfection... Can anyone say, “oh hell yeah!”?!” (No Depression)

You Tube Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nbK4hxhnQI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUGzKtUy0JA

Angel - “Nashville’s next stealth pop weapon!” (Nashville Music Row)

Ida - “ This album (Time Of Ghosts) is an astonishing achievement….a magic borne of latent talent!” (Fatea Magazine)

Friday 3rd November 2017

The Tea Tray,
31 Osborne Road,
Southsea,
Portsmouth,
Hants, PO5 3LR.

Tickets £10 for each show in advance. £12 on the door (if not sold out).

Doors Open 7.30pm. Show Starts 8.00pm.

Tickets available securely online at: www.wegottickets.com/event/415523

Alternatively, physical tickets can be purchased in store at The Tea Tray itself - so why not treat yourself to a cup of coffee and some delicious food in this beautiful and quirky cafe run by Fark & Nicky? You can also send a cheque for the required amount of tickets (made payable to Ken Brown), along with a SAE, to our address (which you’ll find here on the website!) If in doubt then please phone the box office on 02392 382888.

Oh yes! We’re so delighted that we were able to squeeze one last show into the Square Roots 2017 schedule - and WHAT A SHOW it is too! Two amazing artists, up close and personal in our favourite small venue, The Tea Tray, limited amount of tickets..a double bill you’re unlikely to see again in such intimate surroundings! Americana superstar Angel Snow and Danish sensation Ida Wenoe! Wow! Can you believe that?!!

Angel Snow

An in-demand songwriter and acclaimed independent artist, Angel’s road twisted and turned to get to this point. She wrote three songs on GRAMMY® Award-winning singer Alison Krauss’s 2011 offering, Paper Airplane, as Nashville’s Music Row crowned her, “Nashville’s next stealth pop weapon.” Her 2012 self-titled debut spawned “These Days,” which notched 6 million-plus Spotify streams.



“When I met Alison I knew that something was about to happen in my life,” Snow recalls. “The stars aligned in one afternoon, and I met her at the home of a mutual friend. I gave her a CD and she asked me to come to her house the next day. She made me realize that better things were in store for me. It was more than I could have ever hoped for. She felt like her brother Viktor and I would have cool creative chemistry. She was right on, because a week later Vik and I wrote the song ‘Lie Awake’ on our first meeting. And that song ended up on the new Alison Krauss and Union Station record.”

The highest calibre of artistry is often intertwined with the deepest sincerity. As is the case with Angel Snow, whose music is the truest and most honest reflection of her life. Her story plays out in self-penned songs, where detail by detail she lets the listener in on her innermost thoughts, hopes, and dreams. Sometimes sorrowful, often hopeful, and always looking toward faith, Snow’s music is nothing if not sincere. Combine this honesty with sweeping folk melodies and bluesy guitar riffs, and the result is the captivating landscape of sound found on her self-titled debut album.

Much like the music of her greatest influences, Snow’s songs veer between imagined stories like this one and real-life experiences, always showing incredible sympathy for the suffering and downtrodden. Among her favourite songwriters are Radiohead’s Thom Yorke, Peter Gabriel, Brian Eno, Bob Dylan, Trent Reznor, and Elliot Smith.

After touring the globe, she desired to expand and evolve her style beyond traditional Americana and folk. "I've always tried to create things that express who I am or explore the stories of the people around me,” Angel comments.

Her long voyage of faith has led her to the present, where opportunity appears limitless. “It’s an amazing feeling,” she says of her success thus far. “It’s indescribable. It’s been a hard road, and a lot of hard work, but it’s all been worth it. It’s been a hell of a journey.”

“Angel Snow writes and performs the kind of music you can just fall in love with!” (Laurel Canyon)

Ida Wenoe

Ida Wenøe (pron. EEda VAYnoo) is an indie-folk artist of the highest calibre, with tinges of Americana and a Nordic inflection, the sum of the musical parts creating a rare beast and a thing of great beauty.

2016 saw a whistle-stop 7-day introductory UK tour, which showcased her genuinely unique talent as a solo artist here for the first time, bolstered by radio plays from BBC6Music’s Tom Ravenscroft and Gideon Coe. This was followed up by a two-week tour of England and Wales in 2017, to further cement her relationship with some UK audiences.”

“ A childlike fragility that makes the songs sound like whimsical folk for fairy tales with a sinister undertow. Her voice – weary but cute, with the power to cut through – is perfect; she sounds like the young narrator of her own magical-malevolent fantasies!” (The Guardian)

You Tube Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCihreoQjzg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GKtgFbToMA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkV5RxknMTA&feature=youtu.be

“Bluegrass hardly defines it - scintillating!! (R2 Magazine)

Wednesday 15th November 2017

The Square Tower
Broad Street
Old Portsmouth
Hants
PO1 2JE

Doors Open 7.15pm. Show Starts 7.45pm.

Tickets £12 each (£14 on the door if not sold out!).

Tickets available securely online at: www.wegottickets.com/event/397155

Alternatively, physical tickets can be purchased in store at Pie & Vinyl in Castle Road, Southsea or Southsea Gallery in Albert Road, Southsea. You can also send a cheque for the required amount of tickets (made payable to Ken Brown), along with a SAE, to our address (which you’ll find on the side bar here). If in doubt then please phone the box office on 02392 382888.

“This Canadian quartet captures the breadth and depth of bluegrass that bands in the chilly North aspire to. If you’ve grown tired of the same old sounds, here’s a band who reinvents a genre that’s growing through many changes of late!” (Bluegrass Unlimited)

Oh yes! Canadian Bluegrass served up by one of the most exciting young bands on the scene at the moment, and we’re absolutely thrilled that they’re going to be bringing their exciting live show to the historic and beautiful Square Tower!

They served their time the bare-knuckles way! Taming the rowdy bars of Toronto and teaching the masses that bluegrass, well played, was something to be loved and savoured! This is a city where audiences don’t respond to the clean-cut Nashville sound - the music has got to have dirt caked on its boots and more spit than polish. The Toronto crowd is a tough one to impress, but once you have captured their attention, they get firmly behind you!

The Slocan Ramblers tapped into the rough and rowdy heart of the music, blending lightning fast and devilishly intricate instrumentals with sawdust-thick vocals! In no time, they had developed a healthy following as a must-see act!

Their 2015 “Coffee Creek” album won the band respect and broadened out interest on this side of the Atlantic too. As their reputation grew, they won invitations to appear at prestigious US events such as Rockygrass and Merlefest, re-affirming the real, full-depth seal of approval from their peers and the diehards, as well as roots music fans who simply enjoy great music regardless of any labels.

“For a bunch of boys from Toronto, the Slocan Ramblers are turning out a piping hot brand of bluegrass that you just may think was cut fresh from a back porch in the Blue Ridge!” (Elmore Magazine)

Coffee Creek was produced by the band’s friend and mentor Chris Coole (The Foggy Hogtown Boys), a well-known banjo player and community leader in Toronto’s bluegrass and old-time scenes. Like Coole, The Slocan Ramblers bring the live, collaboratory aspects of the music to the fore, and they understand that if you polish up the music too much, you lose the raw excitement that makes it so vibrant. In the liner notes, Coole breaks it down: “What really impressed me while we were working on this album, was that, while they can pull off the precision and virtuosity that is at the backbone of bluegrass, they understand the power of the fragile moment in music. The fragile moment used to be a big part of what made an album cool – Monroe singing just beyond the edge of his voice, the moment right before you realize Vassar isn’t lost – the moment on and beyond the edge.” Listen to Evans’ worn vocals and you’ll hear some of the edge that great singers like Keith Whitley brought to the music. Or try Gross’ powerfully discordant and innovative mandolin solo on “Groundhog,” or Darryl Poulsen’s counterpoint Lester-Flatt-runs towards the end of the title track, or the rumbling beats of Alastair Whitehead’s acoustic bass on “Call Me Long Gone” (or Whitehead’s beautiful, world-weary original songs like “Elk River” or “Angeline”) to get a feel for how The Slocan Ramblers are pushing the envelope.

This is roots music without pretension, music intended to make you feel something, music to get you moving in a crowded bar. The Slocan Ramblers recorded Coffee Creek the same way they perform on stage: standing up, leaning into the music, and pushing harder and harder for that edge just beyond.

Traditional Album Of The Year Nominee - Canadian Folk Music Awards 2016

Emerging Artist Award - Edmonton Folk Festival

More Praise For The Slocan Ramblers….

“I Love it! Smokin’ bluegrass!” (BBC Radio)

“The Slocan Ramblers put on one of the most vibrant shows of acoustic music I’ve seen in some time. It’s rare for Canadians (especially young Canadians) to play this music with such authority, passion and yet ability for experimentation. Chops galore, and a handsome bunch of fellas!” (Tom Power, CBC)

“If the Slocan Ramblers’ first album, Shaking Down the Acorns, was an impressive debut, this second offering (Coffee Creek) is pure gold. Recorded live off the floor, and co-produced by Chris Coole (The Foggy Hogtown Boys), Coffee Creek strikes that perfect modern bluegrass balance of a deep respect for tradition and an itch for exploration. With this album, the Slocan Ramblers are living up to their reputation as the Canadian bluegrass band to watch, and then some!” (Exclaim Magazine)

“Though the Slocan Ramblers might sound like they hail from the rolling hills of Tennessee, they actually come from the West End of Toronto!” (The Bluegrass Situation)

You Tube Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aH30FGIK9l0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iYhreDGElQ

Exclusive “Up Close & Personal” show in the beautiful Square Tower

Thursday 30th November 2017

The Square Tower
Broad Street
Old Portsmouth
Hants
PO1 2JE

Doors Open 7.15pm. Show Starts 7.45pm.

Tickets £14 each (£16 on the door if not sold out!).

Tickets available securely online at: www.wegottickets.com/event/412736

Alternatively, physical tickets can be purchased in store at Pie & Vinyl in Castle Road, Southsea , Southsea Gallery in Albert Road, Southsea OR Heathen Chemistry Records, 130 West Street, Fareham. You can also send a cheque for the required amount of tickets (made payable to Ken Brown), along with a SAE, to our address (which you’ll find on the side bar here). If in doubt then please phone the box office on 02392 382888.

How exciting is this show going to be?!! We have three (YES 3!!) of the UK’s TOP Americana / Roots songwriters for you in one amazing show, Nashville style with all three (well 4 as the Worry Dolls are 2!) performers on stage in a semi-circle playing their own songs, and helping on others. We’ve been wanting to have something along these lines for a long time now, but this is just such am amazing line up that we’re utterly thrilled and know it’s going to be a very special night!

PLUS - it’s going to be one of our smaller shows, which will suit the format of the evening, so ticket numbers are strictly limited to 50 only, and once they're gone, they're gone! And this will sell out very quickly! Take a peak at the videos below and you’ll see why!!

The Worry Dolls

“The brilliantly quirky duo Worry Dolls – a super-shiny beacon of joy in a dreamland far, far away from the persistently ‘regular’ sound of folk that’s flooding the charts right now” (The Huffington Post)

Worry Dolls are a young, exciting duo born out of the joint talents of Zoe Nicol and Rosie Jones, who met in Liverpool when they were 18, both on their chosen path of becoming solo singer songwriters, and both falling under the spell of ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?’. Rosie joined Zoe’s band as a mandolin player and backing vocalist and their great chemistry and love of harmony led to them starting a contemporary bluegrass band playing Nickel Creek, Alison Krauss & Gillian Welch songs together. Paired by their teachers for an opportunity to have their songwriting critiqued by Paul McCartney, they were inspired to start co-writing, and could now be described as an almost telepathically linked songwriting force.

After a summer of grafting on the festival circuit, they made the decision to quit their day jobs & lives in London to fly to Nashville and record their debut album. They had a strong vision for the record even before it was fully written. The most important creative anchor was to stay true to their English roots and to work with people who could elaborate what they already had. It didn’t take long for personal recommendations to pair them with producer Neilson Hubbard, a veteran of East Nashville’s music scene with an ear for successful collaborations & a strong focus on vocals. It was soon obvious that the chemistry was mutual.

“We were instantly charmed by their glorious harmonies and idiosyncratic lyrics….two extremely talented musicians with seriously beautiful voices!” (For Folks Sake)

Robert Vincent

“I am so impressed with Robert’s music. Strong songs laced with blues and country. He is the real deal!” (‘Whispering’ Bob Harris)

Regular listeners to Bob Harris on BBC Radio 2 will already no doubt be familiar with the music of Liverpudlian Robert Vincent as Bob is a massive fan of this young man - indeed he was the first recipient of the Americana Music Association UK’s “Emerging Artist” Award last year, chosen by Bob himself.

Having seen him play live at an event called Bluebird at the Bluecoat which brought the legendary Bluebird Cafe from Nashville to Liverpool, Bob invited Robert to record one of his Under The Apple Tree Sessions in his home studio and also for his Radio 2 show. Clearly this consolidated Bob’s admiration for this talented musician as he recently awarded Robert the prestigious and first ever Bob Harris Emerging Artist Award for Americana UK describing him as ”absolutely magnetic” . Bob said: “ I am so impressed with Robert’s music. Strong songs laced with blues and country. He is the real deal”.

“Live, he is a colossus! In Robert Vincent, Liverpool has a giant of such lyrical repose, of such melancholic absolution, that he towers in virtue each time he steps on to a stage, physically and musically.” (Ian Hall, Liverpool Sound & Vision)

Dean Owens

“Celtic Americana from Leith - for God’s sake, buy this album!” (Russell Brand)

 

Dean Owens is one Scotland’s finest singer/songwriters. Armed with a searingly soulful voice, skilfully crafted stories and memorably heart-twisting melodies, he is a compelling and engaging live performer, with the ability to connect with any audience through an emotional hurricane of stories and songs.

In his early career Dean was the front-man of the much loved Scottish Americana band The Felsons.  His music has taken him far and wide, including Europe, USA and Australia. He  has played shows and toured with the Mavericks, Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, Joan As Policewoman, John Hiatt and Nanci Griffith, and opened for Rosanne Cash at London’s Union Chapel.

His new album (his sixth solo) – Into the Sea – was recorded in Nashville (with producer Neilson Hubbard) and released in  May 2015, to rave 4 and 5 star reviews and claims of “best yet”. Recent radio sessions include Bob Harris Country (BBC Radio 2), Iain Anderson Show and Ricky Ross Another Country (BBC Radio Scotland).

“One of Scotland’s best! (Whispering Bob Harris)

“Boasting a storytelling sensibility which deftly straddles folk and Americana…excellent! (Scotland On Sunday)

You Tube Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bbmy7xh7RnQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rw7np9QeHM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEvDaIXLJQY

The Square Roots Xmas Show!

“Western Swing, Bluegrass and lovelorn waltzes all delivered with panache in classic style!” (Blabber & Smoke)

Saturday 16th December 2017

The Square Tower
Broad Street
Old Portsmouth
Hants
PO1 2JE

Doors Open 7.15pm. Show Starts 7.45pm.

Tickets £12 each (£14 on the door if not sold out!).

Tickets available securely online at: www.wegottickets.com/event/399115

Alternatively, physical tickets can be purchased in store at Pie & Vinyl in Castle Road, Southsea or Southsea Gallery in Albert Road, Southsea. You can also send a cheque for the required amount of tickets (made payable to Ken Brown), along with a SAE, to our address (which you’ll find on the side bar here). If in doubt then please phone the box office on 02392 382888.

“This 6 piece band well and truly nail that classic western swing sound! Here’s a band that play with a smile on their faces - audiences are in for a treat!” (Fatea Magazine)

Here at Square Roots towers, we receive more video links from bands that would like to play at the Tower than we can shake the proverbial stick at! And very occasionally there’s one that makes us sit up and take notice! And so was the case with these guys - the Steve & Ben Somers Country Band! We just took one look at the videos below and just knew that they’d go down an absolute storm in this beautiful venue! Please check out the videos below for yourself and see why we’re really excited that we have booked this amazing band to play for us all at our Square Roots Xmas show.

Steve Somers started as a young singer/songwriter in the London Folk Clubs of the 60’s. In 1975 he won a national TV talent show called ‘New Faces’, after which he joined British hit pop/folk group ‘The Settlers’ and appeared on National and international TV, radio and records. Steve played for Skiffle Legend Lonnie Donegan, Cockney chart topper Joe Brown, American Legend Johnny Tillotson, sung on TV behind British legend Lulu, Don Everly and toured with Glen Campbell, Johnny Cash, Billy Jo Spears whilst still performing and broadcasting with his own band playing western swing and country and bluegrass.

“Guitars fizz and burn, while the pedal steel is a delight throughout! A tight little band delivering cracking slices of good old fashioned delights!” (Blabber & Smoke)

Ben Somers was practically ‘born in the dressing room’ and grew up listening to his Dad Steve from the side of the stage, Ben made his own way in music and after completing a degree in Jazz on the saxophone, he was rapidly in demand as a composer, arranger and session player on various instruments, recordings and performing live around the world. He also happened upon a TV concert by Steve Earle & Del McCoury and soon acquired a double bass and jumped head first into the musical world of bluegrass, country and folk. In the last few years he’s worked with some of his musical heroes such as Dr John, Dirk Powell, Nashville Grammy winners The Time Jumpers as well as Taylor Swift and Seal amongst others.

 

 



Steve and Ben, after years of playing together have finally found a group of musicians that have inspired them to form this brilliant band! So as well as Steve (acoustic guitar and vocals), and Ben (double bass and vocals), you’ll find Rob Updegraff (guitar), Marcus Bonfanti (guitar and vocals), Matt Park (pedal steel) and Wes Gibbons (percussion) and all contributed to the brand sparkly new album “The Highway Is My Home” - a collection of Americana, Western Swing, and Country old and new, sung and yodelled in harmony!

“Western Swing, Americana, Country and harmony yodel band led by father & son, Steve & Ben Somers. Featuring some of London's hottest pickers! This lot are some of the finest musicians you’re likely to find!” (What’s Cookin’)

 

You Tube Video Links

https://vimeo.com/196071537
https://vimeo.com/204282412

Saturday 13th January 2018 - The Black Feathers SOLD OUT 

Extra date added due to phenomenal demand  - Sunday 14th January 2018

Saturday 20th January 2018 - The Rosellys

Tickets £10 for each show in advance. £12 on the door (if not sold out).

Doors Open 7.30pm. Show Starts 8.00pm.

Secure Online Tickets Sales For The Black Feathers: www.wegottickets.com/event/407390
Secure Online Ticket Sales For The Rosellys: www.wegottickets.com/event/405934

The Tea Tray,
31 Osborne Road,
Southsea,
Portsmouth,
Hants, PO5 3LR.

Tickets for this one are ONLY available online at the We Got Ticket link above, to reserve via our e-mail address at ken@squarerootspromotions.co.uk , or in store in The Tea Tray itself. You can also send a cheque for the required amount of tickets (made payable to Ken Brown), along with a SAE, to our address (which you’ll find here on the website!) If in doubt then please phone the box office on 02392 382888.

This is part of our “Americana Series” of shows in the beautiful and quirky Tea Tray - we started this small series of shows last January with Dennis Ellsworth and Carter Sampson, and they sold out quickly and everyone really loved the unique vibe of this lovely cafe, and being so connected to the artists - so we thought, “let’s do it again!”!

There are only going to be 43 tickets available for each show due to the venue size, but this will be the most amazing chance to see 2 of the UK’s most exciting duos, in the most intimate of settings! We think this amazing little cafe is the perfect venue in which to see these amazing artists up close and personal! Notwithstanding that, The Tea Tray is fully licensed, so you’ll be able to have a nice drink and Nicki also makes the most amazing cakes! It promises to be 2 gorgeous evenings! And these WILL sell out, so get your tickets well in advance folks!

The Black Feathers

“Absolutely wonderful!” (Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2)

The ability to write songs that are both modern and ancient is a rare thing. The product of an arcane art of weaving in traditional influences so thoroughly that they become the warp and weft of fresh creations. The Black Feathers, made up of Ray Hughes and Sian Chandler are two such talents. They first became aware of the magic between them while collaborating on several musical projects, becoming The Black Feathers and life partners in 2012.

Americana, Folk and Acoustic Indie Rock sensibilities co-exist comfortably in their musical world, with Hughes’ guitar work buoying the kind of harmonies often only heard in family bands.

2016 was an incredible year for the Black Feathers. Their debut album was met with critical acclaim and broke into the Top 10 in the iTunes Country chart, and the Official UK Americana chart. A live album recorded at The Convent in Stroud has also been released and very well received. Tours in the UK and the USA, as well as an Irish tour supporting Eddi Reader, have kept Sian and Ray busy throughout the year. They could easily rest on their laurels, but instead have been spending their downtime working on new material to be released in 2017.

“Stunning harmonies that were so good it reminded me of seeing Gillian Welch and David Rawlings!” (No Depression)

You Tube Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiF1vMt3DG4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfKxeNsNUOs

 

The Rosellys

“Blending good time country vibes with bluegrass and Cajun traditions, even as a duo they are mesmerising, two guitars and two voices blending perfectly and playing around and between each other!” (Maverick Magazine)

We’re delighted to welcome The Rosellys back to Portsmouth following their sold out show with us last February where they wowed a packed out Square Tower! This time, Rebecca and Simon will be playing a special up close and personal duo show guaranteed to leave you smiling! Check out the You Tube videos below for proof of that!

In 2015 The Rosellys signed to Clubhouse Records (Redlands Palomino Co, Cale Tyson, Don Gallardo, Erin Rae) and released their first full band album 'The Granary Sessions', gathering praise from musicians, critics and audiences alike. They have toured extensively across the UK, Australia and America - notably the Southern States where San Antonio (Texas) has become their second home. Influenced by artists such as Emmylou Harris, Gram Parsons, Alison Krauss, Chris Stapleton, Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings, it is clear The Rosellys have an absolute love for Americana music.

“Brilliant! A good example of that crossover where Britain meets America, and it makes a very special sound indeed!” (Ralph McLean Country - BBC Radio)

“If the likes of Gram Parsons reframed country music through the lens of the 60’s counter culture and Ryan Adams did the same as an introspective, urban, country rock renegade, then there is definitely room for a new take on the genre by a bunch of English based interlopers!” (The Telegraph)

You Tube Videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSnqakqT7U0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvEbwlubvPU

Saturday 13th January 2018 - The Black Feathers SOLD OUT 

Extra date added due to phenomenal demand  - Sunday 14th January 2018

Saturday 20th January 2018 - The Rosellys

Tickets £10 for each show in advance. £12 on the door (if not sold out).

Doors Open 7.30pm. Show Starts 8.00pm.

Secure Online Tickets Sales For The Black Feathers: www.wegottickets.com/event/407390
Secure Online Ticket Sales For The Rosellys: www.wegottickets.com/event/405934

The Tea Tray,
31 Osborne Road,
Southsea,
Portsmouth,
Hants, PO5 3LR.

Tickets for this one are ONLY available online at the We Got Ticket link above, to reserve via our e-mail address at ken@squarerootspromotions.co.uk , or in store in The Tea Tray itself. You can also send a cheque for the required amount of tickets (made payable to Ken Brown), along with a SAE, to our address (which you’ll find here on the website!) If in doubt then please phone the box office on 02392 382888.

This is part of our “Americana Series” of shows in the beautiful and quirky Tea Tray - we started this small series of shows last January with Dennis Ellsworth and Carter Sampson, and they sold out quickly and everyone really loved the unique vibe of this lovely cafe, and being so connected to the artists - so we thought, “let’s do it again!”!

There are only going to be 43 tickets available for each show due to the venue size, but this will be the most amazing chance to see 2 of the UK’s most exciting duos, in the most intimate of settings! We think this amazing little cafe is the perfect venue in which to see these amazing artists up close and personal! Notwithstanding that, The Tea Tray is fully licensed, so you’ll be able to have a nice drink and Nicki also makes the most amazing cakes! It promises to be 2 gorgeous evenings! And these WILL sell out, so get your tickets well in advance folks!

The Black Feathers

“Absolutely wonderful!” (Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2)

The ability to write songs that are both modern and ancient is a rare thing. The product of an arcane art of weaving in traditional influences so thoroughly that they become the warp and weft of fresh creations. The Black Feathers, made up of Ray Hughes and Sian Chandler are two such talents. They first became aware of the magic between them while collaborating on several musical projects, becoming The Black Feathers and life partners in 2012.

Americana, Folk and Acoustic Indie Rock sensibilities co-exist comfortably in their musical world, with Hughes’ guitar work buoying the kind of harmonies often only heard in family bands.

2016 was an incredible year for the Black Feathers. Their debut album was met with critical acclaim and broke into the Top 10 in the iTunes Country chart, and the Official UK Americana chart. A live album recorded at The Convent in Stroud has also been released and very well received. Tours in the UK and the USA, as well as an Irish tour supporting Eddi Reader, have kept Sian and Ray busy throughout the year. They could easily rest on their laurels, but instead have been spending their downtime working on new material to be released in 2017.

“Stunning harmonies that were so good it reminded me of seeing Gillian Welch and David Rawlings!” (No Depression)

You Tube Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiF1vMt3DG4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfKxeNsNUOs

 

The Rosellys

“Blending good time country vibes with bluegrass and Cajun traditions, even as a duo they are mesmerising, two guitars and two voices blending perfectly and playing around and between each other!” (Maverick Magazine)

We’re delighted to welcome The Rosellys back to Portsmouth following their sold out show with us last February where they wowed a packed out Square Tower! This time, Rebecca and Simon will be playing a special up close and personal duo show guaranteed to leave you smiling! Check out the You Tube videos below for proof of that!

In 2015 The Rosellys signed to Clubhouse Records (Redlands Palomino Co, Cale Tyson, Don Gallardo, Erin Rae) and released their first full band album 'The Granary Sessions', gathering praise from musicians, critics and audiences alike. They have toured extensively across the UK, Australia and America - notably the Southern States where San Antonio (Texas) has become their second home. Influenced by artists such as Emmylou Harris, Gram Parsons, Alison Krauss, Chris Stapleton, Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings, it is clear The Rosellys have an absolute love for Americana music.

“Brilliant! A good example of that crossover where Britain meets America, and it makes a very special sound indeed!” (Ralph McLean Country - BBC Radio)

“If the likes of Gram Parsons reframed country music through the lens of the 60’s counter culture and Ryan Adams did the same as an introspective, urban, country rock renegade, then there is definitely room for a new take on the genre by a bunch of English based interlopers!” (The Telegraph)

You Tube Videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSnqakqT7U0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvEbwlubvPU