Phil Mahon was born in Bury and has over 50 years experience of playing in bands and solo. He has played alongside many musicians from the UK, USA and Spain; notable names include Screaming Lord Sutch, Victor Brox, Mike Walker and many more. He has fronted The Johnny Friendlies for the past 35 years and also Phil Oksera & The Grapevines for the past 8 years. He was a singer and guitarist in Ribble Valley’s own soulsters, Rambunkshus. His solo shows cover blues, soul and R&B.
Margit Van Der Zwan and Richard Wetherall are two highly respected jazz musicians in their own right as we welcome them back to RVJBF and The Waddington Arms at Waddington. Margit is a singer and cellist and has performed with the likes of The Cinematic Orchestra, Jools Holland and Elbow. Richard Wetherall has played with top jazz musicians such as Richard Iles, Bobby Wellins and Mark Nightingale. He has toured worldwide with Casablanca Steps and Dominic Halpin and the Honey B’s including supporting Tony Bennett.
Organ drenched funky goodness......if you're hurting for some Meters and Booker T flavoured grooves then look no further than The Metermen from Lancaster. Featuring- David Shooter (bass), Gordon Walker (organ), Paul Graves (guitar) and Ben McCabe (drums). Another first time appearance at RVJBF.
Richard Moss is best known for being the guitarist and vocalist of Irish Band 'Drop The Floor' - but Richard is also an accomplished finger style blues and ragtime guitarist and we are delighted that he will be performing this set at RVJBF again last year following a storming gig at last years festival!
After Hours are a three piece Blues Rock Band from the North West of England with a powerful and melodic sound delivering a solid set of original and classic material.
Formed by Lee Wharton in the 1990’s, the band enjoys an established following who appreciate their unique blend of blues, rock, funk and progressive influences with carefully planned sets and spontaneous improvisation keep their performances fresh and exciting for the band and audience.
Exploring the blues with Hammond organ, harmonica, guitar, bass & drums and 150+ years of experience. Lead by James Mackie the organ player with The Selecter and then Madness during the 80's/90's, James shares the stage with Ben Ruth (vocals/harmonica), Rob Livesey (bass), James Barrott (drums) and Niels Rasmusson (guitar). This is what we call a proper blues band!
'Fat Snarly' will be making their RVJBF debut on Sunday evening and bringing their rock'n'roll, old R&B and blues boogie woogie styles to Clitheroe. As well as being first time performers to the festival, we are very happy to announce a new venue for the event at Ribblesdale Wanderers Cricket Club in Clitheroe.
Ancient Infinity orchestra is a jazz ensemble led by double-bassist and composer Ozzy Moysey, based in the bustling creative city of Leeds. Their Gondwana Records debut ‘River of Light’ drinks deep from the well of spiritual jazz and is especially inspired by the soulful sounds of Pharoah Sanders, Alice and John Coltrane.
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The Merkins make their RVJBF debut at the Rose & Crown and bring their 'good time' vibes to the venue on Sunday night. Featuring a host of quality musicians from the likes of - The Hiding Magpies, Atomic Rooster and Fruitless Forest! Popular tunes that groove are on the menu!
Shug Spencer - bass
Karl Francis - drums
Dan Arnold - guitar
Jack Herbert - keys & vocals
David Jaggs is the lead singer of the UK's leading Northern Soul band 'The Northern Soultrain' - as well as being the frontman for The Ragamuffins. A gifted multi instrumentalist and performer, David's solo shows can go in any direction, he'll even take a request or two as interacts with the audience with ease. Expect pretty much anything really!
Our Monday programme would not be complete without a Cheating Hearts performance at The Aspinall Arms. This has become a tradition with the Aspinall Arms demanding this band returns every year! The Cheating Hearts bring americana, folk, country and rock to the table with quality musicianship and vocals. They also bring the house down every year!
Cutting through the noise, bringing fresh sounds to Clitheroe. A free event outdoors in Holmes Mill yard organised by Stereo Press, the Grand's Youth Led programming group.
Line-up: Ed Lomax - keys; Derek Smith - Drums; Mel Hatchman - bass; Lyn Fairbanks -vocals; Mike Hope - tenor sax
A festival treat! Hear top American Songbook jazz standards at Spread Eagle’s Dinner Jazz with Mark Lewis Quartet & guest Mike Hope on tenor sax! Cool vocals from Lyn Fairbanks, & terrific tenor from Mike Hope.
The festival finale will be something very special this year. Ribble Valley Jazz and Blues are over the moon to welcome the award-winning pianist and composer Nikki Iles with her 18-piece Jazz Orchestra featuring a host of the UK's finest jazz musicians.
“Formidably creative.... The Heroine of British Jazz ...” - Dave Gelly, Observer.
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Bowland Brewery - Proud to be supporting the Ribble Valley Jazz & Blues Festival.
