Town Hall Live (THL), Kirton has one concert in April and one on May Day. On Saturday 2nd April the Hall welcomes Canadian artist Lynne Hanson, who will be accompanied by Blair Michael Hogan.
At first listen, Lynne’s warm but gritty music leads you to think of the American south. It is too tough for folk and too blues-influenced for country. Her brand of porch music with a little red dirt, can turn on a dime from a sunshine, blue sky ballad into a full-on thunderstorm of gritty Americana swamp from one song to the next.
Lynne is known for her high energy and guitar-driven live performances, whether playing solo, with the excellent Blair Michael Hogan or with her band. She has an uncanny way of connecting with her authenticity that is entertaining and disarming. Her sense of humour and spontaneity as a storyteller is likely to have been honed from years of competing with eight older siblings at the dinner table – and speaking of tables, don’t be surprised if she hops on one to play unplugged for a song or two.
Support will come from Kate Ellis, who will be making her third appearance at THL. Kate was born in Louisiana and raised in New York and has been based in London for several years. Her music is intimate and evocative. Her emotional and seductive vocals take you into a world of private beauty, reflections and feelings.
Headlining on Sunday 1st May is Danni Nicholls. Danni’s interest in music began at a young age thanks to her grandmother’s collection of American folk, country and rock ‘n’ roll music. She got her first guitar at the age of 16 and her connection with it was instantaneous. As soon as she knew the chords, she started writing her own songs. It helped that she has a lovely rich and expressive voice that is instantly recognisable.
For Town Hall Live in concert she will be accompanied by CC Smugglers lead guitarist Sam Barratt and Mark Lewis from The Lauren Housley Band on bass. The word that recurs most often in reviews of Danni’s songs and performances is ‘elegance’. Danni is too modest to agree, but it is a style that she has lovingly honed and has been brought to the fore when playing in this format. Above all it is her rich, velvety voice and the emotion within it that makes her one of the country’s best singer songwriters of smoky soul, folk-pop and heart-warming alternative country.
Support will come from Town Hall Live favourite Rhiannon Scutt, who grew up in Owston Ferry but now lives in Sheffield.
Rhiannon is a great songwriter and singer. She is also a phenomenal guitarist, delivered in her own unique style.
Tickets for both concerts can be purchased from the Londis Store in Kirton, from Brian on 01652 649230 or brianchudley@btinternet.com or from www.wegottickets.com. They are priced at £13.50 for the Lynne Hanson concert and £14.00 for the Danni Nicholls concert.