Calendar of Events
March 1, 2012
Eddie & Frank Thomas from Mississippi, USA
Eddie and Frank Thomas join us to share stories and songs from the American South. This journey filters through the hearts, minds and eyes of two ageless baby boomers from Mississippi, with music that “has the feel of a scrapbook stored in the attic” and lyrics having “a timeless ability to melt a romantic’s heart.”
With three CDs of original songs released in less than a year, brothers, Eddie and Frank Thomas are telling unique stories from a baby boomers’ perspective. They grew up in the northeast Mississippi foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and aren’t sugar coating or over dramatizing their experiences. With a wide-eyed, mischievous but serious point of view they say, “The stories we’ll be telling are all mostly true.”
During a thirty-year, award-winning career as Thomasfilms, Inc., Eddie and Frank learned to paint pictures. Original sound tracks always personalized the Thomas brother’s film and video productions, but “Angels on the Backroads“, a 4CD tribute to blues and jazz, took a different tact and moved the music to the forefront.
“Angels on the Backroads” became a multimedia stage show that spanned 12years and was featured on National Public Radio’s Weekend Edition Sunday.
Eddie and Frank leave film and silver screen behind for this spring 2012 tour of the UK. With guitar, bass and Southern accent they take you on an American journey of story and song through the eyes of brothers from Mississippi.
April 4, 2012
The Toy Hearts
Last September (2011) we had one of the best nights ever at Grateful Fred’s when the fantastic Toy Hearts appeared. We are absolutely delighted to welcome The Toy Hearts back to Grateful Fred’s for what will be another fantastic concert.
Since cutting their first record in 2006 The Toy Hearts, have been one of the hottest acts emerging out of the burgeoning acoustic scene. The band is fronted by sisters Hannah and Sophia Johnson, who bring both a feminine, and British perspective, to an essentially American music. However, they keep one foot in the traditional camp by employing their father Stewart on banjo and dobro, while non family members on double bass and fiddle complete the 5 piece line up.
Last time we sold out all 70 tickets in advance and had to turn away over 30 people. Please be sure to book your tickets in advance to be certain you can see this wonderful Bluegrass, Americana and Swing band.
Supporting The Toy Hearts is Pip Mountjoy.
Pip Mountjoy is a 17 year old sing-songwriter from North Yorkshire. In summer 2011 she was invited to record a live session and interview for BBC Introducing and has since been selected for the BBC Introducing masterclass at Maida Vale and Abbey Road studios.
Her debut EP, ‘Louisiana‘, which was described as ‘a beautiful, sweet and delicate thing‘ by Bob Fischer, BBC Tees, was self-released through bandcamp in December 2011 and can be heard here:pipmountjoy.bandcamp.com.
She has upcoming shows supporting a variety of artists, including Idlewild’s Roddy Woomble, which can be found on her facebook page -www.facebook.com/PipMountjoyMusic
May 2, 2012
Lyra Celtica
Grateful Fred are proud to welcome the award winning Lyra Celtica.
Founder member Frank Mcguire is an extremely versatile and talented, award winning Bodhran/whistle player and wonderful vocalist. He has a wealth of experience, playing all over the world with many wonderfully talented musicians. He has toured and taught seminars in America, Russia and Europe as well as all over the UK and Ireland. Frank brings his own unique flair and style to his instrument which gives Lyra Celtica an incredible sound, a delight for any audience.
Mark Canning has been with Lyra Celtica for many years, playing, touring and teaching alongside Frank. Incredibly gifted rythm guitarist, mandolin and bazouki player.
Ross Thomson is the fabulously talented and multi award winning fiddle player with the band. Has a wealth of experience on the traditional music scene. With his charismatic flair, style and incredible playing, Ross can rouse a crowd to their feet or leave them infused with emotion. He adds fantastic dimension to the band.
Liz Taylor Johnstone is the vocalist with Lyra Celtica. She has many years of experience covering a wide variety of genres but returned, 5 years ago, to her first and foremost passion, folk and traditional music. She has had an affinity with this genre from a young age and sings with all the emotion and passion each beautiful songs story conveys.
Lyra Celtica promise an evening of great musicianship and wonderful music.
Support from “Bo Weavil“. Old time, good time acoustic blues boys from Manchester way.
Plus, as always, (we are going to change the locks!!), your hosts “Grateful Fred” . A crabby bunch of 5 old gits’ from Liverpool.
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