Parisian café music comes to Wainsgate

Monday, 12 October 2009

The autumn series of concerts at Wainsgate Chapel kicks off on Sunday October 25th with a bit of French flair and Ooh la la from Sheffield duo Verlan.

Imagine combining a bebop, swing and latin inspired tenor saxophonist, a rock and folk guitarist brandishing an acoustic, and a fantastic selection of French musettes out of the Parisian dancehalls, cafes and bistros and you start to get the flavour of Verlan’s music.

The band comprises tenor saxophonist Andrew Byrne, and acoustic guitarist Kieran Williams who perform music originally written for the accordion, but they’ve arranged and transformed it for guitar and saxophone adding their own style, flair and imagination. Their repertoire also includes the most tantalisingly delicate waltzes, mazurkas that race to impossible speeds, as well as some lively tangos and a bit of swing thrown in for good measure.

Andrew Byrne has travelled the world with his saxophone - headlining at Womad and the world music stage at Glastonbury, as well as performing at the Edinburgh festival. After playing in a variety of music projects around America, he returned to the UK and moved up to Sheffield from London.

Kieran Williams started gigging in pubs and clubs at fifteen, and has been part of a number of rock, folk and acoustic projects. From festivals to acoustic workshops, Kieran has over fifteen years of performing, writing and recording experience with the guitar, gazouki, violin and mandolin.

The concert will start at 3pm and should finish by 5pm. Tickets are available on the door at £6.00 and £5.00 (concessions). “ I think Verlan’s acoustic sound will resonate beautifully in the Chapel”, said concert organiser Dave Nelson, “and it’s great to be putting on such unusual, but entertaining music there. Moreover we now have heating and stage lighting at the venue so there should be plenty of that feel-good factor around that afternoon!”

Wainsgate Chapel is on Wainsgate Lane (Wadsworth, Hebden Bridge). Parking is very limited and reserved for disabled drivers. There are plenty of footpaths for those who’d like to walk from Hebden Bridge or there’s an hourly bus service to Old Town Mill Lane (opposite Wainsgate Lane) where there is also room for parking. For more information and news of up and coming events visit www.wainsgate.co.uk or phone Dave Nelson on 01422 843315.

October 25th, 3-5pm
Wainsgate Chapel
£6.00 and £5.00 (concessions)

Previously on the Hebweb

Wainsgate May Fair photos and info