Live music at the Rachel Fowler Centre

THE Kennet and Avon Brewery is hosting two music concerts at Rachel Fowler Centre in May.

Managing director Malcolm Shipp said, “We are big music fans here at the brewery. Our MD, Malcolm, has been running music events in the area for the last six years including Seend Acoustic Club that ran very successfully for five years until last December. Friend, poet and brewery shareholder Andy Fawthrop runs these events with Malcolm.”

Firstly, on Saturday 7th May, one of their favourite performers on the acoustic scene today, Henry Priestman, returns to Wiltshire.

After over 30 years in the music business and with a long credit list which includes being the main song-writing talent behind The Christians and Yachts, in 2008 Henry Priestman reinvented himself as a singer-songwriter, and finally released his debut solo album.  Entitled “The Chronicles of Modern Life” it’s the sound of a man who’s seen the music world explode from punk (he supported the Sex Pistols in 1977 and the Who in 1978 on a European tour) through to pop (three million albums with The Christians; a top five single for Take That’s Mark Owen) through to the digital age (soundtracks for James Bond/Xbox, BBC’s Wildlife on One).  In 2014 he released his latest album “The Last Mad Surge of Youth” to both popular and critical acclaim, and in 2015 his live DVD set “Settle Down”.

Henry is a consummate performer, great entertainer and a man who absolutely believes in audience participation.  His songs reflect upon love and upon life, always delivered with wry good humour.  He’ll be supported by his frequent musical collaborator, a man “of a certain age” “loved-up” Les Glover.

Doors open at 7.30pm and tickets cost £7.50.

Then on Sunday 29th May, an afternoon of music with the duo Hickman & Cassidy. Hickman’s emotive, soaring vocals and driving guitar is complemented by Cassidy’s ingenious and virtuosic fiddling. Their sound flows from the connection between British and American folk and is bursting with all the humour, heartbreak and excitement of these genres.

The lively English wit of Hickman is set against Cassidy’s bone-dry irony and American drawl as they take audiences on a dynamic and unforgettable transatlantic journey.

James’ and Dan’s duo was formed in 2008, beginning with several successful local shows in James’ hometown of Shrewsbury and the surrounding county of Shropshire. Their relaxed banter and unique musical style was well received and they were soon performing further afield.

The following year, with the prospect of more comprehensive tours approaching, they recorded and released their debut album ‘Severn Street’, featuring arrangements of traditional songs and tunes and several of their own compositions.

Doors open at 2pm and tickets cost £7.50.