Wainsgate concerts
Tuesday, 12 April 2022
The 2022 Wainsgate Concert Series gets underway the weekend after Easter with two very different events.
On Saturday April 23rd the season kicks off with a poetry double-header with Hebden Bridge's very own Amanda Dalton who is celebrating the launch of her new collection Notes on Water, and Carola Luther who will be reading from her recent collection On The Way To Jerusalem Farm.
The music programme commences the following day (April 24th) with glorious folk music from a dynamic and engaging Yorkshire duo. Union Jill (Helen Turner and Sharon Jagger) - photoed above - are a UK female folk act, whose original material has delighted audiences around the country over the last ten years. Noted for their stunning harmonies, Union Jill weave storytelling into their shows, often with a political edge that aims to engage audiences with their on-stage conversation. Their quirky and engaging act features tales of ghosts, pirates, historical figures and events, feminist commentary and personal experiences, delivered with humour that has audiences laughing out loud.
Sharon and Helen both began their music careers as solo performers, but when they came together in an experimental session they realised their voices were made for each other. Their trade-mark harmonies are supported by their accomplished instrumentation, including guitars, mandola and mandolin, concertina and banjo.
Union Jill have come to the attention of the BBC Radio Tees DJ Bob Fischer who commented "It's always nice when you find a stunningly good act…making lovely harmony-drenched acoustic music reminiscent of the Indigo Girls". Radio 2's Rock and Reel programme were impressed: "Accomplished guitarists and articulate songwriters although the first attribute to win over audiences is the intuitive harmony of their distinct yet complementary voices."
Further concerts during the spring and early summer include jazz from the Neil C Young Trio, acoustic music from Les Gillon and the Agents of Karma, contemporary and Baroque recorder music with Spirited Flutes and Indie/folk from The Horse Puppets. Lots more information about all of these, plus links to buy tickets (there are limited numbers so don't bank on being able to just turn up on the day) - See website for more info and to book tickets
All concerts start at 3pm and there'll be a licensed bar and other refreshments available. Tickets the poetry events are £6, £4 and £2 for under 18s, and all other concerts are £11, £9 and £5 for U18s. Seating will be limited in line with any necessary covid precautions and doors and windows may be kept open to increase ventilation. Concert-goers are advised to bring their own blankets and cushions.
