There’s long been a tradition of making music in Upper Wharfedale, but in recent years the Dale has been noticeably silent. Grassington’s voluntary organisation, Grassington Hub, aims to change all that when they host an evening of traditional music, with the hope that it will become a regular event, encouraging local musicians to sing and play.
And there’s an impressive line-up to start things off with a bang.
Damien Barber and Mike Wilson top the bill, fresh from their recent nomination for Best Folk Duo in BBC Radio 2’s 2010 Folk Awards. Enjoying a strong local following, Damien’s band The Demon Barbers were one of the highlights of the 2009 Grassington Festival.
Local musicians and singers will also feature, and the evening will also reunite some of the professional musicians who are currently appearing as contestants in Channel 4’s Love Thy Neighbour.
Andrew Jackson, one of the Music Night’s organisers, said: “Making music has always been a part of what makes us human. With the current wash of recorded music this has been neglected over recent years, but there’s a backlash happening, as people rediscover the great reward in making their own music and getting together to make it into a social event. We hope this will mark the beginning of a regular get-together in Grassington.”
Grassington Hub co-ordinates the diversity of community and social organisations in the village, and its office houses a library, box office and tourist information service. The Music Night event is one of a number of fundraising activities which will help to support the Hub’s work.
If you’re keen to perform, please get in touch with the Hub on 01756 752 222.
Where: Grassington Town Hall
When: Saturday 2 April, 7:30pm
Tickets: £8
Refreshments and snacks available
Tickets can be purchased from the Grassington Hub or on the door, and you can find a raft of superb Grassington accommodation on Hello Yorkshire.