Four unique shows coming to Newbury this month from homegrown musicians and community involvement in a professional production to a world-class tribute and British Blues Awards winners that have become synonymous with Arlington Arts Centre.
jOE hICKS FULL BAND (SUPPORT: GILES STELFOX)
sATURDAY 04 sEPTEMBER 8pm
£10
Newbury’s well loved singer-songwriter Joe Hicks blends pop, blues and folk influences, combining intricate guitar composition with classic pop song-craft. Having made a name for himself as a session guitarist, Hicks released his first solo single at the start of 2017 following a soul searching writing trip to a secluded Cornish Airbnb garage with no internet or phone signal. Soon after he was made ‘BBC Introducing Artist of the Week’, receiving extensive radio play across the U.K and also a CLASH ’Track of the Day’ feature. Since then the songwriter has built up a sizeable online following (+1 million Spotify Streams) helped on by extensive support from BBC Introducing and touring of the UK and Europe, including appearances at the Big Feastival, Are You Listening? Festival, over 30 Sofar Sounds shows and a slot supporting BRITS critics choice winner Sam Fender.
Joe’s self-titled album (06.03.20) was recorded at Studio 91 in his home town of Newbury with producer Sam Winfield (Amber Run, Fickle Friends).
“This guy is absolutely smashing it, we can’t wait to see what’s next for him!” – Linda Serck, BBC Introducing Berkshire
Support – Giles Stelfox
Songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist, Giles Stelfox is an indie artist from the South UK who combines dark guitar-driven rock with bright DIY pop production, fused with big ethereal synths and self-produced soundscapes. His lyrical themes cover romance, social issues, and self-reflection turned around in an uplifting and energetic way. His musical style is inspired by artists such as: The 1975, Coldplay, HAIM, Sam Fender, Jack Garratt and Foals. Giles’ eye-catching live shows incorporate the art of real-time looping where he creates the sound of a band, playing all the instruments surrounding him whilst only performing solo. After a series of radio plays from BBC Introducing Berkshire for his latest single ‘You Talk Dirty With Wine’, Giles is taking his attention grabbing shows to audiences across the country in 2020 and beyond.
Voodoo room: a night of hendrix, clapton and cream
saturday 11 september 8pm
£17
Celebrating the incredible music of Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton & Cream – Voodoo Room are a stunning high energy ‘Power Trio’ featuring some of the U.K.’s finest musicians whose credits include: Steve Winwood, Massive Attack, Arthur Brown, Fish, Thunder, Lulu etc.
No wigs, no pantomime – just great music played by great musicians!
“Incredible musicians” – Neneh Cherry
“Superb” – Time Out.
“Outstanding” – Blues In The South Magazine
A night of blues ‘n’ boogie
Friday 17 SEPTEMBER 8PM
£12
A wonderful and varied night of blues! Three great acts covering New Orleans boogie-woogie, acoustic country blues, and contemporary electric Hammond-driven blues.
Dino Baptiste – Duo (plus drums)
Dino Baptiste is a highly energetic pianist, vocalist and entertainer from London, with strong links to Blues, Boogie-woogie & Rock & Roll. His influences revolve around three idols: Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis & Ray Charles, and has worked with Mick Jagger, Lulu and Mungo Jerry to name a few.
Mark Harrison -Solo Acoustic
Described at BBC Radio 2 as ‘quirky’ and an artist who ‘makes you think afresh’, Mark Harrison is a totally original songwriter, a stunning guitarist, and a master storyteller. He is widely considered one of the most original and interesting artists currently operating in the UK.
Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion refresh the blues genre with hugely original arrangements, a great mix of old and new, virtuosic playing and, of course, Zoe Schwarz’s powerful, majestic vocal sweep and interpretative ability. Featuring Rob Koral’s unmistakable touch and flow on guitar and the highly accomplished rhythm section of Pete Whittaker (Hammond organ) and Paul Robinson (drums with The Proclaimers, Van Morrison, Nina Simone).
Each of these acts have received multi British Blues Awards.
Lîla Dance: Workshop
sUNDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 10AM-4:30PM
ONLY 9 SPACES LEFT!
£25
Join Lila Dance on stage for The Hotel Experience as part of the extended cast by joining the workshop. This day is aimed at dancers aged 14 years and above.
Lîla Dance: THE HOTEL EXPERIENCE
WEDNESDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 7:30PM
£14 ADULT, £12 CONCESSIONS, £8 SCHOOLS
A man checks into a hotel the night before his wedding, unaware that things may not be as they seem. As the clock ticks, the walls around him seem to blur and dissolve as fragments of memories tumble into the room in the form of past lovers. They fall from the ceilings, crawl out from under the bed and step out of wardrobes to face him once more with full force and in vivid colours. The Hotel Experience becomes a night of doubt, hope, crisis, and unexpected encounters. When the sun rises, he has an important decision to make.
Check in to AAC, come and watch your friends and family guest star alongside our four mesmerising dancers in this extraordinary night of dance. Come and find out why Lîla Dance are rapidly becoming one of Britain’s fastest-growing dance companies, with a reputation for redefining community involvement in professional productions.