Ropewalk Guitar Festival June 2 – 4
Three evenings and one afternoon of total guitar enjoyment are being played out in Barton upon Humber at the beginning of June at The Ropewalk’s first ever Guitar Festival.
Taking place from Thursday June 2 until Saturday June 4 the three day guitar fest has been put together by the Festival’s musical director Mark Keable of mtm promotions aided by Ropery Hall’s Liz Bennet.
The Festival could not get off to a better start on Thursday, June 2, with the appearance of Martin Taylor whose inimitable style has seen him recognised as the world’s foremost exponent of solo jazz guitar playing.
“As well as being a true guitar innovator, he is also a master concert performer, dazzling audiences with his solo shows, which combine virtuosity, emotion, humour, with a strong stage presence and I think that all those who come along to Ropery Hall will not be disappointed,” said Mark.
While Martin Taylor is the undoubted headline act of the three day festival those going along to Ropery Hall on the final two days of the Festival will not be disappointed.
“On Friday we have Chris Sherburn and Denny Bartley along with Dave Swarbrick, formerly of Fairport Convention, returning to the Ropery Hall stage but I am also sure there will be a very warm welcome to Steve Tilston, one of this country’s greatest song-writers with many of his songs considered modern folk-song classics and covered by the likes of Fairport Convention, Dolores Keane, John Wright and others,” Mark went on.
On Saturday another newcomer to Ropery Hall is the Steve Skaith Band. Steve was the singer and co-writer of Latin Quarter which had a 80s hit single, Radio Africa but after a stay in Mexico he has now returned to the UK with his own band.
The band will be playing in the Saturday afternoon session along with an old favourite, Paul Liddell, and the Marcus Bonfanti Trio who are at the moment basking in the knowledge that Marcus has been nominated in two categories – Best Male Vocals and Best Guitar – in the British Blues Awards 2011 which will be announced at the Newark Blues Festival in September.
Saturday evening brings the Festival to a close with the appearance of old favourites Walter Strauss and Ezio along with Chantel McGregor who is making a rare appearance as a solo artist.
“What better way to bring the Festival to a close than with such a line up,” said Mark.
Walter will be making his penultimate appearance in this country during his current UK tour and he is unlikely to disappoint his many friends in Barton.
“It’s rare and exciting to witness such artistry and technique on the guitar. Walter layers on highly articulated melodies and harmonies, rhythms and counter-rhythms giving the impression he is magically playing several instruments at once while EZIO with its two lead guitarists, Ezio Lunedei and Mark Fowell, form a perfect unit” Mark revealed.
Chantel normally appears with her rock blues trio, the Chantel McGregor Band, but during the final session there is a rare opportunity to hear this outstanding performer as a solo artist.
Tickets to see Martin Taylor cost £15 or £17 in advance and for the remaining two days there are several ticket options including packages for both Friday and Saturday performances, the two sessions on Saturday as well as the individual sessions.
To view all the details including ticket prices and timings please go to www.roperyhall.co.uk