JANUARY 2025
VIV & RILEY
Saturday 18th January / 8pm / £15
A bittersweet nostalgia lies at the heart of Imaginary People, the new album from Viv & Riley. Over ten tracks, the pair applies an indie roots sheen to newly composed pop gems. Rooted originally in the folk tradition, the pair reframe the production into experimental territory, crafting songs that speak to finding a path forward into adulthood in an uncertain world.
Gifted songwriters and multi-instrumentalists, Vivian Leva and Riley Calcagno’s first album under the name Viv & Riley is a subtle masterpiece of thought and reflection. The album brings a reflectiveness to summertime jams that speak of uninhibited joy and creative camaraderie. Coming on the heels of their acclaimed earlier albums that showed preternaturally talented songwriting from such young artists, now the songs have caught up with their lives. Now in their mid-20s, the two are building a life together, creating a supportive community, and looking back on everything they’ve been through. Based out of Durham, North Carolina, they’ve tapped into the area’s eclectic and collaborative music scene, recruiting Alex Bingham of Hiss Golden Messenger to produce the album. Bingham brings a sunny, lush sound to Viv & Riley’s music, moving beyond their earlier country roots and toward a layered sound and sonic experimentation. The songwriting has evolved as well, from the world-weary, stripped-down country songs they’re known for to indie songwriting at turns sweetly sad and gently sardonic. Ultimately, Imaginary People is about carrying and honoring our pasts, about letting that inform our new steps forward. No matter how much we might cling to where we are, sometimes we need to uproot and take a leap of faith, to open ourselves up to new experiences and ideas in order to grow and blossom.
JOHN REILLY
Saturday 25th January / 8pm / £15
He’s Back !! John Reilly in Concert
Singer-songwriter John Reilly (voice of Boy on a Dolphin, Acoustic Angels) returns to one of his favourite venues – the iconic Greystones Back Room in Sheffield with pianist and composer Lewis Nitikman.
Join them for an evening of moving and inspirational songs and the usual banter when these two fabulous musicians get together. John Reilly will showcase new songs, written with Lewis Nitikman during the lockdown, plus songs from his 3 critically acclaimed albums, as well as some Boy on a Dolphin favourites and a few choice covers. A great chance to chill, listen and relax, it’s an intimate, listening concert, no better way to spend a Saturday evening in January.
John Reilly provides an evening of wonderful live music leaving the audience enthralled and wanting more.
CRICKLADE 21ST MARCH 2024
About last night……John Reilly and Lewis Nitikman anointed the good souls of Cricklade with their songs of love and grace. Such beautiful musicians, power punch melodies and lyrics that would make Taupin and Joel weep. Yes, I loved it, hard to distinguish the cover song from their crafted originals. Catch them if you can in a venue near you. Sean Devine. Indevine Music Promotions
JIM MORAY
Thursday 30th January / 8pm / £16
Jim Moray is an award winning English folk singer, multi instrumentalist and producer, one of the most consistently inventive musicians working in traditional folk music today. He’s been a leading figure in the cutting edge of English Folk Music since his game-changing debut Sweet England in 2003 and is one of the most celebrated interpreters of folk song in the UK and a key influence on a new generation of folk singers and producers.
“A landmark artist” Mojo
“The most significant musician since Bob Dylan to decide that the folk idiom is the perfect vehicle for his musical adventures.” Sydney Morning Herald
Support Amelia Coburn has come through the English Expo Folk Mentoring Scheme #releasing her first album in early 2024. Produced by Bill Ryder Jones of the Coral it received considerable air play on Radio 2,3,4,5 and 6.
OPEN MIC NIGHT
Monday 27th January / 8pm / FREE
Anyone can join in, all abilities welcome. Contact Peter Hill on hillpeter@live.com or just come along on the night.
P.A. and mics provided, so just bring yourselves, your instruments and your friends to enjoy the proceedings.