YOUR FOLK GROUP
Name of event: Folk storytellers and musicians Harp and a Monkey.
Where is it?: Horse and Bamboo Theatre, 679 Bacup Road, Waterfoot, BB4 7HB.
When is it?: 7.30pm, Saturday, May 19.
Who is it suitable for?: The show is suitable for all age groups. In fact, the trio have been known to play some music festivals as a five-piece – the extended line-up including a couple of their children!
What does it involve: Tales of mermaids in cages in Rawtenstall, an East Lancashire oak tree that grows at Gallipoli and medieval pilgrims at Helmshore – there are clearly going to be no shortage of local talking points when an awardwinning folk trio arrive in Waterfoot! Ramsbottom-based storytellers, folk musicians and multiinstrumentalists Harp and a Monkey are also promising plenty of poignancy and laughs during their show at the Boo Theatre. The local favourites, described as “fantastic and fascinating” by Mark Radcliffe on BBC Radio 2 and who were voted ‘best band’ in last year’s prestigious folking. com awards, will perform a wide variety of material from a back catalogue they have built up over the course of the past 10 years. Regulars on the British folk and roots circuit, Harp and a Monkey traditionally played their annual local show at the Ramsbottom Folk Club, but since its closure they have alternated between local venues – and this is the first time they have been to ‘The Boo’. The band’s front-man, Ramsbottom resident Martin Purdy, said: “It’s going to be a great night. For those who haven’t seen us before, we have a lot of songs and stories inspired by the local area. It would be great to share them with some new faces alongside our regular followers.”
Any other information?: Tickets can be purchased in advance for £10/£8 concession or on the door for £12/£10 concession. Doors open at 7.30pm.