The Hiding Magpies
October 2019
BOB FOX
March 2016
Our first concert and who better to open with than folk veteran and stalwart of the live music scene Bob Fox. Drawing upon a career that has so far lasted more than 40 years’ Bob’s set reflected his solo career, his time as ‘The Songman’ in the acclaimed stage adaptation of the book War Horse, his work with The Pitmen Poets and traditional North East folk songs and included Dreams Never Leave You, The Bonny Gateshead Lass, Big River, Galway Shawl, When the Boat Comes In, Rolling Home, The Year Turns Round Again, The Whitby Tailor, Learning to Plough and the truly magnificent Farewell Johnny Miner.
Pathos, passion, anger and a huge dose of humour and anecdotes, Bob provided a memorable evening and a fantastic start to our musical journey.
BILLY MITCHELL
November 2016
Legendary Lindisfarne singer Billy Mitchell was our second musical outing in November 2016, and what a fantastic night we had! Superbly accompanied by youngest son Tom on piano, guitar and vocals, Billy mixed Lindisfarne classics such as Uncle Sam, Clear White Light, Lady Eleanor and Winter Song with tracks from his solo album Devils Ground, including the title track Devils Ground and the achingly sad Collier Laddies Wife, and a number of covers including a beautiful Mr Bojangles.
Regaling us with stories and tales from his upbringing and times on the road, Billy’s skills as not just a musician but raconteur were hugely appreciated by a packed audience.
Tom himself took centre stage to deliver a superbly crafted selection of cover numbers including Willin’, Dancing in the Dark and, most movingly of all, the heartbreaking White Wine.
Father and son then reunited to deliver more Lindisfarne classics and the final encore of Meet Me On the Corner before leaving the stage to a standing ovation and a host of very happy faces.