Musicians from across Derbyshire and Yorkshire will be converging on the Heights of Abraham (Matlock Bath) this Coronation Bank Holiday Weekend for the biggest ever musical event hosted by the award-winning tourist attraction.
Events will take place on the 6th, 7th and 8th of May, and start around 11am with different solo, duo and full bands of musicians playing until approximately 4.00pm. All the musical performances are included in the normal cable car ticket price.
The event is the latest in a series of “Fantastic Happenings” taking place at the Heights in 2023. The Big Music Weekend will be launched with a performance by Wirksworth Ukulele group “Wuzzalele” on the amphitheatre main stage (11am Saturday 6th May), and the first day’s entertainment includes performances by local music legend John Gill, The Groovy Cats from Chesterfield, and 4 piece folk band “Kootch” who promise to play a mix of re-done traditional songs and self-penned originals, all with added shimmy.
Most performances will take place on the main amphitheatre stage and the smaller pergola stage at the summit of the Heights, however on all three days “Cage of Crows” will be performing in the Rutland Cavern as part of a special musical cavern tour.
With an acoustic sound described recently as “dark, spellbinding folk” Cage of Crows are local musicians Niki Adlam-Stiles (vocals) and Mat Adlam-Stiles (Guitars). They are regular performers at storytelling events and music festivals, whilst their original music tells contemporary stories, with a jazz-tinged gothic vibe. In the Rutland Cavern they’ll bring you songs of mining, of demons, and of local Derbyshire folklore. Rutland performances will take place at 1.15pm, 2.15pm and 3.15pm and audience size in the cavern is limited to 60 guests for each performance.
On Sunday and Monday the line-up includes Derby based “Herron Brothers” and Derbyshire based Jazz quartet “Double Standards” made up of vocals, guitar, bass and drums. They perform a mixture of Jazz standards alongside an array of popular covers in their signature style. Their repertoire covers music from the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Taylor Swift, Outkast! and many more. The band provide an inclusive setlist to ensure there is a little bit of something for everyone.
On Monday 8th Sons of Rodger will be performing on the amphitheatre stage, and then giving a special unplugged performance in the Woodland Corner in the afternoon. The Sons of Rodger are a Sheffield-based rock/roots/acoustic band comprising band members Nigel Parsons (Vocals, Guitars, Harmonica, Kazoo) – Richard Memmott (Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Mandolin) – Ian White (Percussion) playing some original songs written by the band featuring varied instrumentation, emphasising melody and vocal harmony, with a strong rhythmic sense. Influences rising from English folk music blended with jazzy and funky elements. Sets also include well known popular music, the likes of which include Steve Earle, REM, Clapton, and James Taylor.
Rupert Pugh, Development Director for the Heights of Abraham, said:
“Our Big Music Weekend is an ambitious programme of live music, combining jazz, pop, folk and rock to create something for everyone. We’re delighted to provide a unique and memorable platform for these superb local musicians to perform on, and we can’t wait to hear them on Masson Hill. Most of the musicians are bringing their instruments up by cable car, and I wouldn’t be surprised if one or two give impromptu performances as they take the flight across the Derwent Valley”.
The full line up for the entire three-day weekend is printed below this press release along with brief descriptions of the musicians performing at the Heights.
Full details of all future “Happenings” released so far can be found at www.heightsofabraham.com/fantastic
Musicians and Bands performing at the Heights on 6th, 7th and 8th May:
The Longmen
Derby based band ‘The Longmen’ play rock covers by The Beatles, Queen, The Rolling Stones, Dire Straits, Bowie and many more as well as their own original rock and blues songs. Band members Graham Marriott, Mark Dixon, Feritt and Kirk Hegarty have played at venues all over the country, and are particularly looking forward to performing at this unique venue.
Double Standards
Double Standards are a Derbyshire based Jazz quartet made up of vocals, guitar, bass and drums. They perform a mixture of Jazz standards alongside an array of popular covers in their signature style. This means their repertoire covers music from the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Taylor Swift, Outkast! and many more. In the last year Christian, Dennam, Hayley and Paul have worked hard to create an inclusive setlist to ensure there is a little bit of something for everyone.
The Herron Brothers
The Herron Brothers are Paul and Steven Herron. As a two man indie outfit they write/record/release/perform all of their own music, and are currently putting the final touches to their third studio album. To pay the bills, Paul and Steven play cover versions of their favourite songs from the 1950s to around 2001. Yes, they can play The Killers, but it won’t be the one you want.
John Gill
Veteran local performer/singer songwriter and environmental campaigner who’s played everywhere – from the Falklands to the Shetlands, from street busking to Glastonbury, from Blackpool Opera House to Brighton Dome and shared stages with such luminaries as Jools Holland, The Clash, Dire Straits, Johnny Vegas and many more. His new solo album ‘Stories Like Mine’ is out on CD and all the usual download sites.
Wuzzalele
Wuzzalele is a Uke Jam that formed about 10 years ago in Wirksworth. Their weekly meetings are boisterous, and always hilarious as they play and sing those songs that they wish they had forgotten. When they’re on the road they become Wuzzalele – The Wirksworth Ukulele Orchestra.
Phoebe Shaw
Phoebe Shaw is a talented young singer songwriter from Derbyshire. As well as performing her own songs, Phoebe is a skilled interpreter of other songwriter’s work. She has an easy rapport with the audience and a voice to turn every head in her direction. She is building on last year’s successes where she performed to several thousand people at festivals in Germany and France. Closer to home she performed at the Cromford Mills 1771 Festival last year alongside Mark Radcliffe, The Boo Radleys and the Stereo MC’s. Phoebe is looking forward to performing selections from her debut album: ‘New Leaf’ which you can listen to on Spotify and iTunes.
Cage of Crows
Cage of Crows will be the only band performing inside the Rutland Cavern during the Big Music Weekend at the Heights. Performances will take place at 1.15pm, 2.15 and 3.15pm as part of a special musical cavern tour lasting around thirty minutes. With an acoustic sound described recently as “dark, spellbinding folk” Cage of Crows are local musicians Niki Adlam-Stiles (vocals) and Mat Adlam-Stiles (Guitars). Regular performers at storytelling events and music festivals, their original music tells contemporary stories, with a jazz-tinged gothic vibe. In the Rutland Cavern they’ll bring you songs of mining, of demons, and of local Derbyshire folklore. Cage of Crows have recently finished recording their debut CD “Demons”, which releases on 1st May this year.
Kootch
Kootch, the once-was folk duo of Beth and Dean Lilleyman, have persuaded Katy Campbell to bring her fiddle, and Ian Tilbrook to sit on a stool with his banjo. Beth sings, and sometimes the other three join in. Kootch, the now four-piece folk band play a mix of re-done trad songs and self-penned originals, all with added shimmy. Straddling the border of Yorkshire and Derbyshire, Kootch will sing you stories of love and loss, of yearn and spook, and of course, murder. Come tap your feet, wiggle your bum, and sing along as Kootch wander through folklore forests, sentient swamps, and the garden of Beth-pun. Contains guitars, mandolin, aforementioned banjo and fiddle, a wooden box thumped by a foot pedal, and a tambourine.
Leftychris Band
The Leftychris Band. Acoustic guitar playing singer songwriter Chris Carr is backed by Alex Ivanov on Drums, Simon Ball on bass, Annie Botham on violin and Rosana Coll with co vocals. Delivered in a heartfelt, authentic and jammy style.
Sons of Rodger
The Sons of Rodger are a Sheffield-based rock/roots/acoustic band comprising band members Nigel Parsons (Vocals, Guitars, Harmonica, Kazoo) – Richard Memmott (Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Mandolin) – Ian White (Percussion) playing some original songs written by the band featuring varied instrumentation, emphasising melody and vocal harmony, with a strong rhythmic sense. Influences rising from English folk music blended with jazzy and funky elements. Sets also include well known popular music, the likes of which include Steve Earle, REM, Clapton, James Taylor, CS&N….
The Groovy Cats
THE GROOVY CATS from Chesterfield, will be performing as a four piece band at the Heights. This well established party band started like all good bands start – as a group of friends making music in their spare time. They played a few local venues and quickly grew a following, which lead to the band playing weddings and parties. That’s when they realised their calling!
Full line up and timetable:
Saturday 6th May
11.00am Amphitheatre
We kick off our celebrations with WUZZALELE, the Wirksworth Ukulele orchestra. A highly entertaining group with a professional sound.
11.30am & 3.30pm Pergola Stage
Local legend and songwriter JOHN GILL. John has amassed an enviable catalogue of songs written for many and varied audiences including children. There are songs to make us laugh, think, to make our heart break or sing.
12.15pm Amphitheatre
The enchanting voice of PHOEBE SHAW. Derbyshire based Phoebe is a singer, songwriter who has performed internationally.
1.15pm / 2.15pm & 3.15pm RUTLAND CAVERN
Join our Victorian cavern guides as they take you deep underground to hear the enchanting music of Derbyshire duo CAGE OF CROWS giving a 20 minute concert in this ancient cavern. A truly magical and memorable experience you won’t want to miss.
1.30pm Amphitheatre
The Heights welcomes KOOTCH, playing here for the very first time. They describe themselves as a “sort of folk band” comprising of guitar, Cajon, banjo and fiddle. Beautiful music!
2.15pm Pergola Stage
PHOEBE SHAW performs a mixture of popular and original songs on our Pergola stage. Her new CD is available to buy in our Gift Shop.
3.00pm Amphitheatre
THE GROOVY CATS will be performing as a four piece band at the Heights.
Sunday 7th May
11.00am & 2.30pm Pergola Stage
Derbyshire singer / songwriter (and fine artist too!) PHOEBE SHAW returns to perform on our Pergola stage.
11.30am Amphitheatre
THE HERRON BROTHERS (Derby) take to the Amphitheatre stage and play their way through a great songbook of classic hits from the Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, Crowded House, Oasis, The Jam, David Bowie, Paul Heaton, George Michael, to name but a few!
12.30pm Amphitheatre
THE LEFTYCHRIS BAND join us in the amphitheatre. This 5 – piece band led by Chris will be playing mainly original songs. Great music for a bank holiday Sunday afternoon.
1.00pm Pergola Stage
THE HERRON BROTHERS play a second set of classic sing-a-long songs on our more intimate Pergola stage.
1.15pm / 2.15pm & 3.15pm RUTLAND CAVERN
Join our Victorian cavern guides as they take you deep underground to hear the enchanting music of Derbyshire duo CAGE OF CROWS giving a 20 minute concert in this ancient cavern. A truly magical and memorable experience you won’t want to miss.
1.45pm (approx.) Amphitheatre
DOUBLE STANDARDS is a 4 piece Jazz band with Guitar, Bass, Drums and a Female Vocalist. Their repertoire is a mixture of classic jazz and post modern jazz, perfect for young and old, performing songs from the likes of Etta James, Nina Simone, Amy Winehouse and Meghan Trainer all in their Jazzy style.
3.15pm (approx.) Amphitheatre
KOOTCH are back for the second day, playing a cool mixture of folk music with guitar, Cajon, banjo and fiddle. Lovely music to end the day with!
Monday 8th May
10.45am Amphitheatre
We start our final musical day with SONS OF RODGER an exciting, Sheffield-based rock/roots/acoustic band.
11.45am Amphitheatre
THE HERRON BROTHERS are back today, with a show stopping collection of well known sing along songs from popular bands including the Beatles and Oasis.
12.00 noon & 2.30pm noon Pergola Stage
Local musical legend and song writing maestro JOHN GILL performers more of his enviable catalogue of songs written for many and varied audiences including children. There are songs to make us laugh, think, to make our heart break or sing.
12.45pm Amphitheatre
THE LONGMEN join us for the final day of our music celebrations. On the menu today will be a blend of classic rock covers and delicious Original Tunes from band members Graham Marriott, Mark Dixon, Feritt & Kirk Hegarty.
12.45pm Woodland Corner
SONS OF RODGER UPLUGGED down in the Woodland Corner.
1.15pm Pergola Stage
THE HERRON BROTHERS back on the Pergola stage for the final time today. They’ll be back for our garden celebrations next month!
1.15pm / 2.15pm & 3.15pm RUTLAND CAVERN
Join our Victorian cavern guides as they take you deep underground to hear the enchanting music of Derbyshire duo CAGE OF CROWS giving a 20 minute concert in this ancient cavern. A truly magical and memorable experience you won’t want to miss.
2.15pm Amphitheatre
DOUBLE STANDARDS, the 4 piece Jazz band with Guitar, Bass, Drums and a Female Vocalist return to the main stage. Their repertoire includes songs from the likes of Etta James, Nina Simone, Amy Winehouse and Meghan Trainer.
3.30pm Amphitheatre
KOOTCH end our Live Music Weekend of celebrations with their folk music sounds.
Programme information can also be downloaded at www.heightsofabraham.com/bigmusic
Posted on 03 May 2023
