Mark Radcliffe presents exclusive evenings especially for Chester audiences
Live music returns to Storyhouse this June with the launch of an exclusive season curated especially for Chester audiences by Mark Radcliffe.
The radio presenter, musician and writer has partnered with Storyhouse to stage a series of ‘Mark Radcliffe presents’ evenings where music lovers can experience and enjoy some of the best emerging and established folk acts chosen by the Cheshire-based broadcaster.
The series opens on Thursday, 3 June when Mark Radcliffe presents The Breath, introducing talented Manchester musicians Rioghnach Connolly and Stuart McCallum who are winning plaudits and plenty of fans with their exquisitely crafted and heartfelt alt-folk songs.
The duo will perform numbers from both their first record Carry Your Kin and their latest album, Let The Cards Fall – a bewitching collection of tracks which showcase Connolly’s rich and powerful vocals, in what is promised to be an intimate acoustic set.
On Friday, 25 June a second Mark Radcliffe presents evening features the multi award-winning Rachel Newton whom he has described as “one of the standout musicians of her generation.”
Newton is a singer and harpist, a musical storyteller who draws on poems and ballads of a century ago and works them into contemporary compositions which are ambitious, original and unique.
She recorded her fifth solo album, To The Awe, during lockdown and released it last November. The record is a tribute to the women who have inspired Newton and is influenced by her recent work around the representation of women in the music industry.
Meanwhile music continues to take centre stage at Hunter Street elsewhere in June with a visit from Chester duo Belle Voci who return to Storyhouse on Friday, 18 June to share their musical passion in an evening of opera for everyone.
Emily Burnett and Sophie Rowland impressed the panel on ITV’s The Voice with their breath-taking version of The Flower Duet, and with judge Jennifer Hudson’s guidance went on to reach the 2018 final of the hit TV music show.
They appear at Storyhouse with a live pianist in what is promised to be an intimate evening of opera greats, musical theatre favourites and modern songs with a twist.
And then on Tuesday, 22 June internationally renowned, London-born jazz trumpeter Byron Wallen brings his band Four Corners to the venue as part of his Portrait album tour.
Wallen has appeared with jazz greats across the globe – including Hugh Masekela, Courtney Pine and Jean Toussaint – and is in demand as a performer, recording artist and teacher.
The award-winning musician’s work often draws inspiration from contemporary and indigenous cultures, and music fans will be able to enjoy numbers from his latest album Portrait: Reflections on Belonging.
The evening will also be streamed live direct from the Storyhouse stage.
Storyhouse artistic director Alex Clifton said: “We’re all excited to welcome live music and live audiences back to Storyhouse this June. These are nights to recover and reunite with great music: to celebrate and get back together around songs which move and inspire.”
Mark Radcliffe added: “Because we’ve all missed live music so much, I’m especially thrilled to be able to bring people I know audiences are going to love to Chester.
“I’ve been gigging in Chester myself regularly for over 20 years and have always found the audiences receptive and good-humoured and so I know a warm welcome awaits all these special guests.
“Some of the names I’m showcasing you might know, others you might not. But if as a listener to any of my radio programmes you have come to trust me a little, I can promise you that these are the pick of the current folk crop.
“So if it’s someone new to you, go on…take a chance.”
ENDS
For more information, contact:
Nancy Davies
Marketing and PR Manager
Storyhouse
07886 743531
LISTINGS
Mark Radcliffe Presents: The Breath
Thursday, 3 June 2021
8pm
Tickets from £20
An Evening With Belle Voci – Opera for Everyone
Friday, 18 June 2021
7.30pm
Tickets from £20
Byron Wallen Four Corners Portrait Album Tour
Tuesday, 22 June 2021
7.30pm
Tickets from £18
Mark Radcliffe Presents: Rachel Newton
Friday, 25 June 2021
7.30pm
Tickets from £19.50