Square Roots Promotions

“When the Hooten Hallers come to town, you KNOW it’s gonna be a party!”

Saturday 23rd November 2019

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/475073

Alternatively, physical tickets can be purchased in store at Pie & Vinyl in Castle Road, Southsea, Southsea Gallery in Albert Road, Southsea or Harbour Records in Emsworth. 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.

“Break out the bourbon, fire up some BBQ and call the neighbours - this Missouri blues-rock trio’s gravelly vocals and growling sax lines will keep the party going all night long!” (Toronto Sun)

Did you come to see The Dead South at The Pyramids earlier this year? Well if you did then you already know how pretty damn awesome this power trio are…and if you didn’t, then just check out the videos below! We were inundated by requests to try and get these guys back to Portsmouth for you, and we’ve managed to nab a date on their November UK tour, and what’s more it’s going to be in the intimate confines of the Square Tower too, so this is going to be some show!

This will be predominantly a standing show, as opposed to our usual fully seated shows, BUT we will be putting some seats out for those of you that like to sit, but please be aware that the majority will be standing (this is at the request of the band).

“Hard, dirty, rhythm and blues! With elements of blues, country and punk, they put on a great show that leaves us clamouring for more!” (Moshville, UK)

Columbia, Missouri trio The Hooten Hallers are a high-energy blues-rock band known for hard-traveling and wild live shows, with a seemingly endless tour schedule. The myriad of influences in their music incorporates elements of rhythm & blues, rock’n’roll, honky tonk, jazz, soul, and punk with a thematic penchant for the strange and the unexplained. Their live shows take the listener on a seamless ride from unapologetically raucous blues on the lap steel and bass sax, to a sweet three part harmony country ballad, to a romping dance number.



2017’s self-titled album ‘The Hooten Hallers’ on Big Muddy Records, is the culmination of their experiences from a decade of performing and traveling together. They’ve injected the album with the stories and characters they’ve encountered over many years and miles. Produced by Johnny Walker (Soledad Brothers, All Seeing Eyes) and Kristo Baricevic (Big Muddy Records), the Hooten Hallers' latest effort showcases their evolution as musicians and songwriters. It garnered attention by Vice’s Noisey -"This album rules"; Rock'N'Reel (UK) "This is a band that really understands and exudes the history of rock and roll"; Impose Magazine - "another stunner of a music collection"; New Releases Now - "one of the most dynamic live shows around"; AXS - "This album is sheer madness in the best way"; Ground Sounds - "gritty, groovy, and bluesy”; amongst others.

December 2018 welcomed the release of a new album, ‘Live in Missouri’, recorded at The Blue Note in Columbia, MO earlier in the year. This new recording closely captures the intense energy of The Hooten Hallers in concert, with a combination of improvisation, extended versions of songs, and many fan favourites.



Listeners often detect hints of George Thorogood, Morphine, and Tom Waits, but anyone who has seen The Hooten Hallers live knows that this power trio is unlike anything they’ve experienced before!

“Their ‘hillbilly soul band’ may be around for a while! An eclectic mix of blues, country, punk and just enough horns to bring out the rockabilly!” (New Noise)

John Randall’s demonically-tinged vocals and manic guitar, and Andy Rehm's screaming falsetto vocals and steady, pounding drum beat keep the band focused on their unique blend of deep blues and country punk. Kellie Everett brings the power with the deep rumble of her baritone and bass saxophones. When The Hooten Hallers come to town, you know it’s gonna be a party!!

You Tube Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=_YzKYJb4aIo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1IYf2gv2xY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCKnYR_6Ghs

“This is rowdy, heartfelt, room-shaking and spirit-stirring music that only the dead can’t enjoy!” (Rock n Reel Magazine)

Tickets £15 in advance, £17.50 on the door (if not sold out).

The Wedgewood Rooms,
147b Albert Road,
Southsea,
Portsmouth,
Hants, PO4 0JW.

Doors Open: 7.30pm. Show Starts 8.00pm.

Secure Online Ticket Sales: www.wedgewood-rooms.co.uk

Alternatively, physical tickets can be purchased at the Wedgwood Rooms Box Office: OPENING TIMES - Thursday & Friday from 3.30pm until 7.00pm (10.00pm on a show day), 12noon - 6.00pm on Saturdays and when the doors open for a Wedge event. Telephone calls and orders are taken from 12noon - 4.00pm Monday to Friday and 12noon - 6.00pm on Saturdays. Box Office: 02392 863911.

You can also purchase physical tickets in our usual outlets: in store at Pie & Vinyl in Castle Road, Southsea or Southsea Gallery in Albert Road, Southsea, OR our other new outlet Harbour Records, High Street, Emsworth.. 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 can be found on the right hand side of this page).

“You can hear jazz, gypsy and eastern European, klezmer, bluegrass, country and a bit of straightforward rock and pop all mixed together and marinated in bootleg hooch!” (Music Riot)

 



Mad Dog Mcrea blend a unique mixture of folk rock, pop, gypsy jazz, bluegrass and ‘shake your ass’ music. From self-penned songs of adventure, drinking, love and life, to traditional songs of gypsies, fairies, legless pirates and black flies – Mad Dog never fail to capture their audience with their infectious songs.

In constant demand and having played just about every festival and two-bit, jibe-arsed dive in Christendom, Mad Dog Mcrea are, in every sense of the word, a live, band.

“Musical magicians Mad Dog Mcrea are synonymous not only with a damn good party, but also quality musicianship….and the odd surprise!” (BBC Radio)

Matched with the unshakable dedication of their massive and “loyal-to-the-hilt”, fan base – Mad Dog Mcrea are more than just a very popular, festival act – with five albums under their belts, they are serious and acclaimed recording artists too. During 2019 Mad Dog Mcrea will be in the studio recording a new album.

“After 90 minutes, the band and audience are drained! Easy to see why they have built up such a fanatical following!” (Music Riot)

The famous purple happy bus is fired up and ready for action, and there’s room for you – jump aboard!

You Tube Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=42&v=keOQ1E8aw4g

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ts720RUn-Q0

“A feast of classic folk-rock - electrifyingly good live!”

Saturday 14th December

The Square Tower
Broad Street
Old Portsmouth
Hants
PO1 2JE

Doors Open 7.15pm. Show Starts 7.45pm.

Tickets £15 each (£18 on the door if not sold out).

Tickets available securely online at: www.wegottickets.com/event/477545

Alternatively, physical tickets can be purchased in store at Pie & Vinyl in Castle Road, Southsea, Southsea Gallery in Albert Road, Southsea or Harbour Records in Emsworth. 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.



Make a list of all the bands that the members of TRADarrr have been or are still involved with, and it reads like an encyclopaedia of the English folk scene! Ashley Hutchings’ Morris On, Fotheringay, Little Johnny England, The Dylan Project, Feast Of Fiddles, Tickled Pink, Cave, ColvinQuarmby, Peter Knight’s Gigspanner, Iota, Phil Beer Band, Steve Gibbons Band….and the list goes on…!!

You get the idea - a full 7 piece folk rock tour-de-force with an impeccable pedigree!

And here at Square Roots Promotions we’re absolutely delighted to welcome this awesome band to the Square Tower for the Square Roots Xmas Cracker show - and what a show it promises to be!

It’s 45 years since Liege & Lief almost single-handedly created the genre folk-rock. Since then, that simple marriage of traditional music and electric instruments had been suborned and sidetracked, dissected and documented, Oystered, Albioned and Steeleyed.



Time for a fresh approach. Enter TRADarrr.

“TRADarrr - a 21st Century take on Folk Rock!”

Punningly recalling the assault of the new which Fairport’s 1969 LP represented, they have reimagined folk rock, painting from a much larger palette, introducing the tints, tones and textures of a whole panoply of musical genres. As you’d expect, here are the precision percussion, searingly tasteful guitars, melodic basses and fiery fiddles that one associates with the genre. But in addition, one finds brass in truly British styles – the dazzling brightness of Purcell, the oomph of Elgar, the emotive richness of a Yorkshire brass band soloist - but also hints of jazz, trad and modern, and even the occasional mariachi riff, string sections, and countless astute references to a long legacy of pop and rock in its many forms.

“They took things to a whole new level, such was the synergy on stage”

However, this is by no means an “everything including the kitchen sink” approach. Elements are used sparingly, tellingly and, most important of all, appropriately. When less is more, the sound is stripped back – listen to their almost acapella take on My Lagan Love and no further explanation is needed. Many of the songs and tunes they perform are familiar classics. Many are simply gems from the tradition that band members have always wanted to perform - could there be a better reason for singing a song?

“Revitalising the native folk tradition - they add a hefty dose of Anglo American and British Folk Rock elements too!” (The Living Tradition)

After the success of their first album, Cautionary Tales, work was finished on the band's second album, 'Further Tales of Love! Treachery! and Death!' which was released through Proper Records with radio airplay including BBC Radio 2's Folk Show, and live performances where they have “wowed” the crowds at some of the biggest festivals in the country, including Fairport’s Cropredy!

This is going to sound mighty BIG in the Square Tower!

You Tube Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fm8gKCr1Vdg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUVG8TSZXOw

“Fuelled by the sounds of bands like Slade, Glitter Band, Hector, Third World War and Slaughter & The Dogs, Giuda offer fresh, powerful rock n roll, with attitude in spades!”

with special guests - The Glorias and Paul Groovy & The Pop Art Experience

Friday 17th January 2020

The Glasshouse @ The Pyramids Centre,
Clarence Parade,
Southsea,
Portsmouth,
Hants, PO5 3ST.

Tickets £12 (adv) plus booking fee. £15 (otd).

Available securely online at http://bit.ly/giudapyramids

Alternatively, tickets also available at the Pyramids Box Office in person, on the phone at 0300 500 0595, or in the shops at Pie & Vinyl (Castle Rd, Southsea), Southsea Gallery (Albert Rd, Southsea) or Harbour Records, High St, Emsworth. If in any doubt, you can always e-mail us at ken@squarerootspromotions.co.uk

“They carry the very essence of guitar rock into the 21st Century!” (The Guardian)

I know it’s not our usual genre for promoting, but as a massive fan of glam rock and this amazing band, when the chance came to bring the boys to Portsmouth I really couldn’t turn it down! So if you like your music powerful, anthemic, and touched by the hands of the gods of rock n roll, then you really need to see this band! Just check out the You Tube links below and see what I mean!

Their ONLY South Coast show, Giuda are Italy’s premier exponents of insanely infectious glam-tinged and gritty rock n roll. These lysergic power-pop warriors have a decade of active service under their belts.

Fuelled by the sounds of bands like Slade, Glitter Band, AC/DC, Slaughter and The Dogs and The Ramones, Giuda offer fresh, powerful rock and roll with attitude in spades!

“This is Irresistible stuff!” (Classic Rock Magazine)

Welcome shades of everything from Cheap Trick and Big Star through to Devo and the Ramones collide with some irresistible psychedelic embellishments and subtle bursts of sonic strangeness.

“Racey Roller caused me to piss my pants laughing because it was so brilliant, so exhilarating and fun!” (Joe Elliot, Def Leppard)

Support comes in the form of two of Portsmouth’s best loved bands. The Glorias with their crunching melodic punk sensibilities, and the legendary, and now re-formed, Paul Groovy & The Pop Art Experience who’s charismatic front man, Mr Groovy himself, leads the band in a writhing, twisting garage band tour-de-force.

What a show this is going to be!!

You Tube Links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOQkwkbnbP0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOQkwkbnbP0https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7Ib0KLtRP8

 

“Uncommonly deep and textured music that feels unique and is utterly spellbinding throughout!” (FolkRadio)

Thursday 30th January 2020

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

Tickets £12 for each show in advance. £14 on the door (if not sold out).

Doors Open 7.15pm. Show Starts 7.45pm.

Tickets available securely online at: www.wegottickets.com/event/480053

Physical tickets available in store at The Tea Tray itself too!

Wow! What an absolutely amazing chance to catch an artist of this calibre, and master of his craft, up close and personal in the beautiful Tea Tray cafe in Osborne Road!

“Virtuosity, intensity and charisma…bravely original!” (John Walters, The Guardian)

Most of you will know Phil as one half of award-winning roots stars Edgelarks, (with Hannah Martin), who have been established on the scene for many years now, but this is a very rare chance to catch him on his own and on the road - an evening that will inspire the mind and lighten the soul. As always, these Tea Tray shows are limited in numbers and this WILL sell out!

“Beautiful and perfectly crafted melodies…his elaborate creations sound more like the work of a band than just one man…it feels like he has harnessed the power of time itself!” (Artree)

Since his journey to Kolkata to study under the great slide guitarist Pandit Debashish Bhattacharya, Phil’s solo work reflects a life spent travelling the globe, collecting tunes, stories and instruments!

From music written whilst kangaroo spotting in Australia, to tunes learnt from a Canadian maestro on First Nations reservation land in Canada, songs of the road, and pieces written by musician friends from Kent to Kolkata, his music’s diversity is matched by only the virtuosity of his playing.

“Sublime in the extreme!” (Guitarist Magazine)

One musician, one instrument is the guiding principle; yet instruments range from mellow Weissenborn depths to spectacular Dobro flourishes, to the sounds of the rare Indian Chaturangui (a 22 string guitar from the sub-continent!). As well as his collection of guitars, his show-stopping beatbox harmonica, a great favourite with audiences, is sure to make an appearance.

Here is a fusion of styles deeply infused with Henry’s British folk roots, and bought together with a considered beauty all his own.

You Tube Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAEQO5fs5uc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0gbZylhi0g

“Relevant, thought-provoking songs that would make Woody Guthrie Proud!” (Acoustic Magazine).

Saturday 8th February 2020

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/469981

Alternatively, physical tickets can be purchased in store at Pie & Vinyl in Castle Road, Southsea, Southsea Gallery in Albert Road, Southsea or Harbour Records in Emsworth. 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.

“Seeped in history and offering inspirational tales, with this album you’re dining with delicate harmonies and listening so deep you’re immersed in the lush, passionate creation of one of the most exciting contemporary folk groups in the UK.” (Maverick *****)

Megson are Stu Hanna (Vocals, Octave Mandola, Tenor Banjo, Guitar) and Debbie Hanna (Vocals, Accordion, Whistle), and here at Square Roots Towers we’ve been massive fans of this highly original husband and wife team for many years, having seen them wow thousands of new fans at their many festival appearances over the last few years. If you’ve seen them before then you’ll already know how great they are, but if you haven’t then you really are in for a treat! We last had them at the Tower 4 years ago and naturally they sold the place out, and we’re delighted to welcome them back again at long last!

’Simply Brilliant’ - The Sunday Express

Stu and Debs bring an infectious mix of heavenly vocals, lush harmonies and driving rhythmic guitars. Megson have gained fame on the British folk and roots scene, not only for their arresting & intelligent songwriting, but for their exquisite musicianship and northern humour. As fRoots Magazine puts it “If you don’t like the music here then you have a problem!”.



Spring 2019 sees Megson release a brand new album “con-tra-dic-shun” - an equal mix of expertly executed original and traditional songs - the title song taken from the 1870 book “Tyneside Songs, Ballads and Drolleries by Geordie Victorian balladeer Joe Wilson.

The album has already been received The Sunday Times folk “album of the week” accolade and a Five Star review from The Morning Star who describe it as “Irresistible. Impressive vocal harmonies & intriguing, intelligent lyrics accompanied by inventive instrumentation. Touring now. Miss not!”

“Megson are among those writing the future history of folk. Good Times Will Come Again is a musical snapshot of now. The Hannas have captured a chunk of British social history in way that is entertaining, thought provoking, great to listen to and extremely well-constructed with nuances which are incredibly subtle. These songs will be a reference point for folk singers and musicians of the future as well a wonderful example of what more folk music could and should be doing!” (Folk All)

‘The most original duo on the British folk scene.’ – The Guardian

You Tube Video Links

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQrB5BYdDSQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrxJX7p4R_U

“A total discovery! Think The Eagles mixed with the graceful irreverence of The Pogues!”

Saturday 22nd February 2020

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/471645

Alternatively, physical tickets can be purchased in store at Pie & Vinyl in Castle Road, Southsea, Southsea Gallery in Albert Road, Southsea or Harbour Records in Emsworth. 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.

“The antidote to a bad day! Four part harmonies steal the show!” (Maverick Magazine)

So delighted to welcome this ‘awesome foursome’ back to the Square Tower, almost exactly a year to the day when they stunned a sold out crowd, most of whom didn’t know what to expect…and who immediately after the show were asking us when we would get them back again such was the reaction to their performance! Everyone left with big grins on their faces as they knew they’d just witnessed something very special!



If you weren’t lucky enough to catch them, then these boys will blow you away with their shiny happy music! Get ready to get your groove on!!

“We’ve had many bands and artists come through our doors over the years, but Track Dogs are right up there with the very best of them, that much is certain! The connection they make with the audience is something special - smiles are the currency that they deal in with their mesmeric and ridiculously addictive sound. Destined to be huge festival favourites!” (Ken Brown, Square Roots Promotions)”

Made up of two Irishmen, an Englishman and an American, the band came together in 2011 to create their unique brand of acoustic music - a veritable 4 x 4 of voices and instruments identified by the fusion of styles which include Americana, Latino, Folk, Bluegrass and (whisper it…) Pop!

“Superior Americana…joyous stuff!” (Hot Press)

The Madrid-based band, whose name derives from the maintenance crews working the New York subway system, released their fourth studio album earlier this year, “Kansas City Groove”. It was inspired in part by their recent career-changing experiences at the Folk Alliance in Kansas City in early 2017, and the album is a mix of all that makes theTrack Dogs sound so special - in healthy doses of Americana, Latin and Folk.

“Sun-shiny songs thriving on dark themes behind irresistible rhythms!”

You Tube Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUyPFlyHyz8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6ohMHdNqY0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVuzCrHWE6c

“Outlaws, modern hillbillies…Mumford & Sons’ evil twins…old-school bluegrass filtered through a punk sensibility, fuelled with an energy that suggests they also tear the roof off live!”

Fresh from a completely SOLD OUT UK tour in February 2019, The Dead South return to the UK in 2020, with their unique mix of Americana, Bluegrass and Country….that explodes!

And what’s more, it’ll be Square Roots Promotions biggest show to date, at Portsmouth Guildhall!!

Wednesday 26th February 2020

The Guildhall,
Guildhall Square,
Portsmouth,
Hants, PO1 2AB.

Tickets £22.50 (adv - not incl. booking fee or Restoration Levy)

Tickets on general sale Friday 3rd May 10am at:

www.portsmouthguildhall.org.uk/whats-on/

Box Office: 0844 847 2362

Guildhall Box Office Opening Hours: Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm. Saturdays: 10am - 2pm.
Sundays and Bank Holidays: From 1 hour before performances.

A limited amount of tickets will be available in store at Harbour Records, High Street, Emsworth - alternatively, you can also send a cheque for the required amount of tickets (made payable to Ken Brown), along with a SAE, to our address: 3 The Old Road, Cosham, Portsmouth, Hants, PO6 2SP, along with a stamped addressed envelope.



Currently one of the hottest tickets on both sides of the Atlantic, The Dead South's rise to touring juggernaut status is in part a very modern music biz fairytale, an algorithm-breaking success story in a one hundred-million (+) view youtube hit. The other factor, one simpler to see in terms of cause and effect, is their actual show - on stage they deliver, show after sold out show, a relentlessly great, high-energy frenzy.

The Dead South have been described as outlaws, modern hillbillies and Mumford and Sons’ evil twins, but the best way to describe the Regina-based band is fearless. They’re a rare musical commodity – a band that’s equally compelling on record as they are on stage.



While The Dead South’s signature blend of bluegrass and classic folk is familiar, it’s also eminently fresh; fuelled by the kind of energy and ethic you’d associate with a punk band. “A lot of our inspiration comes from an old school feel, but our sound is an amalgamation of the we all like, and the punk influence is definitely there,” says vocalist/guitarist Nate Hilts.

“Something different, something raw! The Dead South can make you forget your troubles and even what century you’re in!”

Few bands set themselves apart the way The Dead South do, musically and in terms of personality; from their recordings through their rip it up live shows to their distinctive hillbilly cum pioneer look; a dress code, Hilts says, “that’s become a staple of who we are!”

“Their aptitude for delivering a traditional roots sound with the energy and enthusiasm of a group of young upstarts has gained The Death South a massive worldwide audience in a very short amount of time.!”

You Tube Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9FzVhw8_bY

 

 

“One of England’s greatest singer songwriters” – Mike Harding, BBC Radio 2

(Seated show - unreserved seating)

Sunday 8th March 2020

The Wedgewood Rooms,
147b Albert Road,
Southsea,
Portsmouth,
Hants, PO4 0JW.

Doors 7.00pm - Show Starts 7.30pm

Tickets £19.00 (Advance). £22 (on the door, if not sold out).

Tickets available at www.wedgewood-rooms.co.uk

Alternatively, physical tickets can be purchased at the Wedgwood Rooms Box Office: OPENING TIMES - Thursday & Friday from 3.30pm until 7.00pm (10.00pm on a show day), 12noon - 6.00pm on Saturdays and when the doors open for a Wedge event. Telephone calls and orders are taken from 12noon - 4.00pm Monday to Friday and 12noon - 6.00pm on Saturdays. Box Office: 02392 863911

Alternatively, physical tickets can be purchased in store at Pie & Vinyl in Castle Road, Southsea, Southsea Gallery in Albert Road, Southsea or Harbour Records in Emsworth (these will be in the shops a little 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.

 



We’re absolutely thrilled to be able to bring the third instalment of Steve’s acclaimed solo show
back to Portsmouth, and in the awesome confines of The Wedgewood Rooms. If you caught the first two shows, then you know how great they were, and this one again promises to be very different again!

Steve Knightley is the songwriting force behind Show of Hands, widely acclaimed as the finest acoustic roots duo in England and with four Royal Albert Hall sell-outs to their name!

As a long-serving troubadour of the folk and acoustic music scene, master songwriter and storyteller Steve Knightley has spent much of his life on the road, collecting songs, stories, anecdotes and observations – with the odd disaster along the way! Steve once again takes to England’s highways and byways to present the next instalment of his acclaimed solo shows – a show which builds on the success of his sell-out 2018 and 2019 solo tours. This is a stripped-back, one-man show that’s infused with wit, warmth and alchemy, beautifully illustrated by his trenchant songs of history, love and conscience.

“Steve Knightley’s songs have developed such an edge it’s hard to deny them any longer” – MOJO

“The format of these solo shows allow me to share the stories I’ve collected over the years, along with plenty of observations along the way.

It’s just me, a radio mic and a couple of guitars which is daunting and liberating in equal measures, and it’s enabled me to build elements into my shows which I’ve never been able to before.

The reception from the 2018 and 2019 tours was fantastic – it really seemed to strike a chord with people – so I’m looking forward to 2020’s tour.”

 

 

You Tube Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5Syak6XPFI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NFytOKaxSU

"Somewhere on the spectrum between Old Crow Medicine Show and Mumford & Sons lies the spirited bluegrass-based artistry of The Way Down Wanderers. It is joyful, daring and occasionally sublime!"

Sunday 5th April 2020

The Square Tower
Broad Street
Old Portsmouth
Hants
PO1 2JE

Doors Open: 7.15pm Show Starts: 7.45pm.

Tickets £15 each, £18 on the door (if not sold out).

Tickets available securely online at: www.wegottickets.com/event/488798



 

“Number 1 of 10 new artists you need to know in 2019!” (Rolling Stone Magazine)

Here at Square Roots Promotions we’ve been massive fans of these boys for a while now, and we are SO excited to be bringing this amazing 5 piece to Portsmouth all the way from the very heartland of the USA - central Illinois to be exact! They should be playing much bigger venues, so this is going to be such an amazing chance to catch them in our beautiful Square Tower.

Check out the videos below and you’ll see exactly why they’re going to be blowing the roof off!!



Their origins are reflected in their distinctive sound, which draws on elements of bluegrass, but also touches on classic rock influences including the multi-part harmonies of the Beach Boys and The Band’s hybrid soul, as well as the roots qualities of The Avett Brothers and Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit.

“Combining elements of alternative folk, newgrass, rock, pop, and more, The Way Down Wanderers take the time-tested roots formula and dare to add their own unique ingredients and shake it up a bit. As a result, we get a refreshing contemporary take on an esteemed vintage sound, [with] polished, quality songs and an organic sound made up of lush strings, excellent picking, strong bass, tight drumming, and trade-off vocals that transition easily from grounded to soaring!” (No Depression)



Often referred to by fans as one of the hardest-working, hardest-touring bands on the circuit today, the 5-piece Illinois-based act not only proves that classification with their jam-packed tour schedule but also on stage every night, with youthful exuberance and a lively stage show, and totally infectious.

High energy percussion, mandolin, guitar, bass, banjo and fiddle weave seamlessly together to create an experience for fans that has sold out shows across the UK and the United States, filling the front rows with fans not just singing along to one tune, but singing along to all of them. “Everybody says it. We’d be nothing without our supporters. Yeah, they buy tickets and of course we love that, but when we’ve been on the road for 10 hours and walk onto a stage road weary and we see familiar faces singing along, it’s hard to describe. It's everything, really. There’s a whole lot of love there.”

 

“The best new discovery!” (Philadelphia Folk Festival 2019)

Their acclaimed live shows are truly unique, communal experiences - with acoustic encores taking place out in the audience and drummer Merikoski’s famous spoon solos! Come and see why they’re one of the hottest new Roots acts out of the USA!

“Infectious! There is an energy in this music that brings a smile!” (Americana UK)

You Tube Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwGUO8GJo5o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5ZEb3Tfwm0&feature=youtu.be

Due to unforeseen personal circumstances, May has had to cancel her entire UK tour.

We Got Ticket holders will already have been refunded, but if you bought physical tickets then please e-mail us so that we can arrange a full refund for you. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

 

“I’m going to have to file May beside all my Nanci Griffiths CD’s because these two women are gold!” (No Depression)

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/482475

Alternatively, physical tickets can be purchased in store at Pie & Vinyl in Castle Road, Southsea, Southsea Gallery in Albert Road, Southsea or Harbour Records in Emsworth. 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.

We’re so thrilled to finally be able to announce that at last we have managed to get the mega songwriting talent that is Michigan’s May Erlewine to our beautiful Square Tower! We’ve been trying for the last 2 years! The show will be in the trio format - and boy are we excited! We know that you are going to LOVE May!!

“Sitting in the midst of her on-stage charismatic appeal generated beams of spiritual waves and the introduction of an artist with an impressive trail could not have been a more fulfilling experience!” (Three Chords & The Truth)

Some people might call May Erlewine “Michigan’s Songbird”, but her songs have travelled far beyond her home state. One of the most prolific and passionate songwriters of her generation, May’s music has touched the hearts of people all over the world. Her words have held solace for weary hearts, offered a light in the darkness and held a lot of space for the pain and joy of being alive in these times. When she starts to sing, there’s no way around it. Welcome to the moment, everyone.

May Erlewine made a big impression when she played UK festival dates with one of her side projects, The Sweet Water Warblers, in 2017. Here, she tours in her own right, with two of her renowned backing band to perform in the trio format.

When she released her stunning solo album Mother Lion, in 2018, the UK finally sat up and took notice. Reviewers swooned as they wrote about the new record - at Americana UK, Michael Farley labelled it “superb! A coming of age!”, whilst RnR Magazine and Country Music magazine called it “enchanting” and “mesmerising” respectively.

“May Erlewine has the sort of soul-baring voice that moves the Alan Lomaxes of the world to abandon the ivory tower for the back roads of rural America!” (Harvard Independent)

 



Raised in a family rich with art and music, May began writing songs and playing them for the people at a very young age. Her journeys have taken her all over the world, from street corners to renowned stages, May has performed for all walks of life. In her travels Erlewine came to know the land and the pulse of the people. Her songs show a very real connection and concern with everyday folk.

May pulls from a wide variety of sounds and influences to create her unique musical landscape. You’ll hear traditional folk roots, old time country swing, soul and rock and roll but mostly she’s inspired by the hearts of the people and the one in her chest. This music is about feeling and it’s about telling life’s stories.

“Unexpected songs steal the show - Sawyer Frederick’s earnest ode “Shine On”, had viewers Googling the unfamiliar tune, which was penned by Americana artist May Erlewine!” (Rolling Stone Magazine)

You Tube Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRl-YzA1hFo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qH0qrHdb8jg