Silver Singers and Friends
Wed 1 July
1pm
F:£2
A chance to hear ARC’s very own Silver Singers group perform some of their most popular songs. Feel free to join in if you want to – it’s infectious! There will be tea and coffee available after the event with a chance to talk to the singers and group leader Rebecca Pedlow.
Clare Teal
Thur 2 July
8pm
F:£16
Singer, songwriter, BBC Radio 2 personality and columnist Clare Teal returns to the stage to Get Happy - a brand new show celebrating songs from her highly acclaimed latest studio album and introducing new material from her first ever live CD, released in March.
Voted Jazz Vocalist of the Year three years running and blessed with a stunning voice, the ability to write songs that promise to be classics and a wonderful warm humour, Clare is a rare commodity - in every way a major star.
This uplifting new show features brilliant musicians, sparkling arrangements and inspired interpretations of great songs both old and new.
"Clare has a timeless sound to her voice and classic touch and sound to her own songwriting. Now how modern is that? Music to melt to I'd say." Jamie Cullum
Paul Lamb and the King Snakes
Sat 4 July
8pm
F:£10
One of Europe’s foremost blues harmonica exponents, Paul Lamb has won countless awards, sold record-breaking quantities of albums and performed the world over with his long-standing musical compatriots, The King Snakes. He was recently inducted into the British Blues Awards Hall of Fame alongside the likes of Peter Green and John Mayall.
The King Snakes boast their strongest line-up ever, featuring former Strawbs bass player/vocalist Rod Demick, lead guitarist Ryan Lamb, fellow guitarist and lead vocalist Chad Strenz (Big Town Playboys) and amazing swing drummer Sonny Below.
With a wonderful equilibrium of real blues, boogie, swing and good time jump, Paul Lamb and the King Snakes bring their infectious brand of soulful blues to ARC.
“Simply better than the opposition from whatever side of the Atlantic they come” Blueprint
James Taylor Quartet
Sat 18 July
8pm
F:£15
British keys-led funk outfit James Taylor Quartet are masters of the jazz-funk-r’n’b workout. 60s spy themes, psychedelic and free-form jazz all add something to the band’s distinctive sound.
Although perhaps best known for the acclaimed theme tunes from Starsky and Hutch and spy spoof Austin Powers, the band has an established 'live' following and been feted by the biggest names in jazz, blues and soul.
Chart success and sell out tours make JTQ one of the greats of this generation. The Wonderstuff, Manic Street Preachers, The Pogues, U2 and Tom Jones have all featured James and his distinctive playing on their albums.
“Taylor’s organ sound first sears the ears and then goes straight to the feet” BBC Music Magazine
Giulio Tampalini (guitar)
Presented in association with Master Musicians International
Tues 21 July
1pm
F:£5 C:£4
Giuliani: Rossiniana Op. 123, No. 5
Rodrigo: Fandango, Zapateado
Tarrega: Recuerdos de la Alhambra
Brouwer: El Decameron negro
Giulio Tampalini is considered to be one of the best Italian guitarists. He has been awarded first prize in many of the major guitar competitions and played across the world, both as a soloist and accompanying prestigious orchestras such as the Sofia Symphony and Rotterdam Philharmonic.
Beverley Craven
Thurs 24 Sept
8pm
F:£17.50
Beverley Craven is best known for her 1991 hit Promise Me and multi-million selling self titled album. She is back on the road supporting Close To Home, her first album in ten years. Her soaring vocals deliver superb melodies and deeply meaningful lyrics, backed by an array of multi-talented musicians.
“..more than demonstrates that Beverley has retained that striking quality in her voice, even after all these years.” Fatea Magazine on Close to Home
Gretchen Peters
Tues 10 November
8pm
F:£15
The twice Grammys award nominee Gretchen Peters has realeased a retrospective charting 13 years of recording history, Circus Girl: The Best Of Gretchen Peters. Critical acclaim for Peters’ songs is nearly universal, having won her a CMA Song Of The Year award for the groundbreaking Independence Day, taken her on repeated sold-out tours across the UK and Ireland and seen the release of seven critically acclaimed albums.
Having written songs for artists as wide-ranging as Martina McBride, Etta James, Trisha Yearwood, Bonnie Raitt, The Neville Brothers, Patty Loveless, George Strait, Neil Diamond, Bryan Adams and Faith Hill, she got her first solo recording contract in 1996.
As a performer, she began touring in the UK and Ireland soon after her first album The Secret Of Life was released there and named by Mojo magazine as one of the year’s best records. Peters is currently touring on both sides of the Atlantic, and writing songs for her next album.
Eliza Carthy
Friday 4th December
8pm
F:£16
A truly inventive and innovative singer and fiddle-player, Eliza Carthy is arguably one of the most impressive and engaging performers of her generation.
Eliza has won an unrivalled seven BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards along with two Mercury Prize nominations. She has performed and recorded with artists including Paul Weller, The Wainwrights, Billy Bragg, Nick Cave and Joan Baez.
Eliza has revitalised folk music, made it relevant to new audiences and captured the most hardened of dissenters with intelligent, charismatic and boundary-crossing performances.
“Seriously impressive” Daily Telegraph
Wildcats of Kilkenny
plus support
Sat 19 Dec
8pm
£10
It is Christmas and that means The Wildcats of Kilkenny are back with their festive blast to get you in the party mood.
Expect the usual song sheets, snow, sparklers and surprises as Mike and the boys put the jog in your jinglebells and bring back the real meaning of Christmas!
One of Tees Valley's finest live bands, the Wildcats return for their fourth annual Christmas concert.