25 years on from the release of The Seahorses’ seminal album Do It Yourself, acclaimed vocalist Chris Helme will revisit the iconic record with a series of one-off acoustic performances across the UK throughout 2022. Formed by Stone Roses’ guitarist John Squire, the English alternative rock band released their first and only album in 1997 to an outpouring of adoration from fans at home and around the world. The album reached number 1 and number 2 in the Scottish and UK album charts respectively, made the top 40 in countries including New Zealand and Sweden, and defined a moment in time for hundreds of thousands of people. The album’s success quickly led to a string of high-profile shows including tours with Oasis, U2 and The Rolling Stones and a spectacular performance at Glastonbury. The Seahorses were regular contributors to some of the most coveted Friday night TV slots going, with unforgettable appearances on Top of the Pops, Jools Holland and TFI Friday. It wasn’t long before Do It Yourself went platinum, selling 300,000 copies in the UK alone. The Seahorses never released another album and ever since Do It Yourself connected with the British public in the 90s, this debut record has continued to mean so much to so many. This year, Chris is set to take audiences back to 1997 and the era of Brit-pop classics as he performs the impactful album from start to finish, in a way rarely heard before. Watch as Chris lovingly brings the memorable album’s cherished tracks back to life, including Love is the Law – which reached number 3 in the UK and number 1 in the Scottish singles charts and has racked up more than 8.2 million streams on Spotify, and Love Me and Leave Me, which was Liam Gallagher's first ever songwriting credit. Chris, one of the finest singer-songwriters on the circuit today, has gone on to enjoy an established solo career. His “dreamy but driven indie folk” (Q Magazine) and blistering voice, which continues to stop audiences in their tracks, has garnered ongoing critical acclaim and he is readying a new solo album for release in 2023. Join Chris Helme as he marks the 25th anniversary of Do It Yourself with acoustic performances of this iconic album for the very first time at much-loved venues across the UK.

Nick Harper is one the UK's best kept musical secrets. Those who have witnessed the spellbinding, one-man show will tell you this. A childhood growing up surrounded by the musical prowess of some of the 60's most revered songwriters & musicians, not to mention being son of Roy Harper, along with 20 years of crafting songs & touring the land has spawned a truly one-off, original guitarist & songwriter who stands alone as a UK great, to be cherished & revered. For over two decades, he has been dazzling audiences, reviewers & fellow artists alike with his heady mix of virtuosity, boyish charm, showmanship & sheer bravado. An imagination bursting with ideas has seen Nick release 11 solo albums to critical acclaim, earning a Number 1 spot in the charts with the seminal hit 'Blue Sky Thinking'.

Chris Wood is an uncompromising writer whose music reveals his love for the unofficial history of the English speaking people. With gentle intelligence he weaves the tradition with his own contemporary parables. A self-taught musician, composer and song writer, Chris is a lifelong autodidact whose independent streak shines through everything he does. Always direct and unafraid to speak his mind, his song writing has been praised for its surgical clarity. He cites his major influence as Anon. On stage Chris has the air of a craftsman who no longer needs to be precious about his art. Without any apparent effort he reaches deep into an enviable repertoire of songs before revealing another gem.

Tom Waits for No Man is a set of sensitive and compelling reimagining's of the music of Tom Waits. Vocalist and composer Lindsay Hannon (A voice soulful, brooding & unselfconscious in its longing - Jazz Journal) has chosen and re-arranged a selection of songs from the legendary Tom Waits decades spanning back catalogue. From the tender nostalgia of 'Martha', the gospel infused 'Picture in a frame' and the variously, dark, comedic and lewd content of such numbers as 'Pasties and a G-string, 'Christmas card from a hooker in Minneapolis; this may be an opportunity to reacquaint yourself with this stellar artist, or perhaps discover for the first time, a few of the reasons that maintain his reputation as songwriter of international acclaim. Lindsay Hannon Vocals Alan Law Piano Paul Grainger Double bass

The launderette is a mixed seated and standing venue. If you have additional needs please email me [email protected] Good free parking. Doors 7pm. Music from around 7.45. Usually finished around 10.30 but thats a guesstimate. About BOB For more than 40 years BOB FOX has been regarded as one of the iconic voices of British folk song. HIs career began during the vibrant folk revival of the 60s and 70s and he has become one of the most highly rated and best loved singer/guitarists both in the UK and beyond. Masterful interpretation of traditional and contemporary song combined with an outstanding guitar technique has earned him countless nominations in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards over the years. Bob played the role of Songman for over 4 years in The National Theatre's West End production of WarHorse and in two subsequent touring versions. He can also be heard singing extensively with John Tams and Barry Coope on the new Radio Ballads commissioned by the BBC, has completed several sell out UK tours as one of the Pitmen Poets and most recently has joined HOME SERVICE as lead singer. Dont miss the chance to see and hear one of our finest exponents of story telling through song, expect to hear of love, joy, work and humour all accompanied by a wonderful guitar style that can both drive or embellish his supreme singing.

This magnetic bond still holds after more than 50 years of attempted escapes. Still loved for their total in-yer-face originality, the contrast between the deadpan humour of Barrett and mad onstage antics of Otway are hilarious to watch. John's lyrical genius and Willy's outstanding musicianship (he seems to play almost every stringed instrument known to man, plus a few hybrids of his own making!). Willy's interest in making instruments began when he commandeered two guitars made by his dad in 1965. One from an old guitar neck and a scaffold plank which became affectionately known as the Les Dawson, and the other branded the Mk1 Schitstik electric slide of similar pedigree. These instruments were used on many of the early tracks, including Really Free and Racing Cars. Willy's remark this will be the last time that many of you will see us together again was often hastily misinterpreted as the final throw of the dice, but the reason given: it's not us packing up, it's you lot dying off, you know who you are! is often overlooked by eager scribes. And so the rumours abound. Last year, John celebrated his 5,000th gig to a packed house at London's Shepherd's Bush Empire. And if that's not enough, we are now talking about DOCTOR JOHN an Honorary PhD in Music by Oxford Brookes University. Im really thrilled to be awarded this totally unexpected honour, especially as I failed all my A levels as I decided to concentrate on preparing for my burgeoning career as a rock star. To get this from Oxford Brookes 50 years later shows I did the right thing. For any Otway/Barrett virgins out there who dont know what to expect, be prepared for everything from bare-chested theremin playing to wah wah wheelie bin as the duo jump from one hit and 40 near misses to another: An amazing and irreverent performance by two master entertainers

Launderette Info Doors 7 Music from 7.45 Well stocked bottle bar all finished by 11 or earlier Launderette is a mixed seating and standing venue. Please arrive early to secure a seat. Wheelchair access/facilities. Please advise of attendance for support and advice to [email protected] Free parking locally Inglenook are a Durham-based four piece folk group, comprised of banjo, guitar, bass and violin. Expect unique, original tunes alongside covers of their favourite folk songs - given an Inglenook twist. With a varied catalogue embracing country, Irish folk classics and Americana, the band put their unique stamp on every song. Inglenook gigs are always fun & lively. The band are very excited to be returning to the Laundrette. The gig will also see the launch of the band's first EP, recorded at Collingwood College studios. Come along for a drink and sing along to some folkin good tunes.

Blair Dunlop begins the campaign for his 5th studio album announcing 25 UK tour dates in April and May 2024. Let's Get Out of the Rain will be Blair's first Studio album since 2018 (Notes from and Island). Where Notes was an introspective analysis of Brexit Britain, the new collection is a celebration of spring, newness and freedom. Songs of metamorphosis and wide screen road trips prevail. Blair has been hailed as one of the UK's most accomplished songwriters since he burst into the folk scene with his debut Blight & Blossom (2012). BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards followed along with critical acclaim. In 2016 Blair released on his own label (Gilded Wings) and received wider acclaim and BBC Radio 2 playlisting for singled The Egoist and 356. Appearances at Glastonbury and the major Folk Festivals followed, along with breakthrough tours of Australia; and Blair is now firmly established as a household name amongst respected British songwriters. On the new collection of songs and the album Blair says: It's been 5 years since my last record, comfortably my longest gap between releases, so it feels really good to be able to put this out in the world. Jim Moray is producing, and that's very exciting as he's someone I've admired for many years. He was one of the reasons I first got into traditional music in my teens. Since then, my personal style has evolved, but there are aspects of traditional storytelling that seep into my original works. I would say that Midday Mass is a reflection of that. It's a song about a café back in my hometown of Chesterfield, but I guess that it's a vehicle for a social commentary as much as anything else. Overall, I would say the sound of the record is more positive than my previous work. That's due, in part, to the world opening up post-pandemic, and is ultimately born from a will to connect with people and get out into the world again. The industry hasnt fully recovered yet, but it is a blessing to be able to tour in any capacity again. Freedom is a theme that runs throughout (unintentionally), and I reckon that's reflected musically as well as lyrically. I've reached a point in my career where I just want to make the music I want to make, and give less consideration to where it may sit in terms of stylings and genre. That's an empowering place to be and it opens up a world of sonic possibilities.

Withered Hand is the nom de plume of Edinburgh-based singer-songwriter Dan Willson, who started writing songs almost ten years ago during a period of reflection following the birth of his first child and the death of a close friend. With a wayward tenor and unaffected charm onstage he has come to be celebrated in his adopted country and further afield as a songwriter and lyricist of rare wit and remarkable honesty. Alongside activity with his band, Dan is also a well-travelled solo musician with a cult following. 2014 saw the release of his strident second album New Gods, which propelled Withered Hand into the charts, featuring appearances by friends, luminaries and supporters from the Scottish music scene, from Belle & Sebastian to Frightened Rabbit to The Vaselines and beyond.

Following an incredibly successful year of sold out big band shows at Kings Place in London, Edinburgh's Queen's Hall, Glasgow's Pavilion and the Sunday headliner at the iconic Cambridge Folk Festival, Blue Rose Code is taking his new songs on the road to workshop a new album in front of an audience before heading into the studio. New songs, borrowed songs, songs from the BRC canon, you'll get to hear the stories away from the edifice of a big band and be part of bringing the new album to life.

Expect new music, banter and Brtipop belters from the phenomenal frontman of The Bluetones.

Launderette Info Doors 7 Music from 7.45 Well stocked bottle bar all finished by 11 or earlier Launderette is a mixed seating and standing venue. Please arrive early to secure a seat. Wheelchair access/facilities. Please advise of attendance for support and advice to [email protected] Free parking locally About Sam there are vast emotional reserves at work reminiscent of the great Tim Buckley - The Independent "Nothing really prepares you for Sam Brookes ... he is a national treasure" - Folk Radio he excels at propulsive, narratively rich folk, delivered in a soaring, clear-as-a-bell singing voice - The Sunday Times Following the release of the album Black Feathers the title track has recently been used in Sky's biggest original Series The Day on the Jackal starring Eddie Redmayne. Music Supervised by Emmy Nominated Catherine Greeves (Baby Reindeer, Killing Eve) Black Feathers released in 2020 was produced by grammy nominated producer Dom Monks (Big Thief, Laura Marling, Nick Cave) Brookes was accompanied by a wealth of talented musicians which included Ethan Johns, Neil Cowley, Nick Pini, Daisy Palmer, Sam Sweeney & Rob Pemberton Sam Brookes is reminiscent of Tim Buckley as he glides between the lower and upper registers of his four-octave range. His pure voice, evocative lyrics and soaring melodies have cemented him as a respected figure in the alt-folk scene as an artist & collaborator. Inspired by the British and American folk revivalists of the 60's, a sixteen-year-old Brookes began to write and perform while training as a gilder in his late father's workshop. Brookes had begun to receive serious critical recognition when he self-released album, Kairos, being acclaimed by The Independent as one of the stand-out records of 2014 and tipped for the mercury nomination. The past couple of years has seen Brookes collaborate with artist & producer Pete Josef releasing music as Supalung. Brookes is currently recording a new solo material with a releases set for early 2025.