Friday 16th May

 

Charity Night for

The MS Society:

Tom Bliss, Den Miller, Charlie Barker

& Pete Davies

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disorder resulting from immune system complications that damage nerves, potentially leading to severe and life-altering consequences. Over 150,000 individuals in the UK are currently living with this unpredictable and presently incurable condition. The MS Society supports people with MS in managing their symptoms and funds crucial research aimed at finding treatments and, hopefully, soon halting MS progression altogether.

Although the campaign focuses on MS, many healthcare professionals now believe that MS and motor neurone disease (MND) are closely related, suggesting that research into one is likely to benefit the other.

www.mssociety.org.uk/research

 

The performers are donating their time to entertain us and raise much-needed funds for research. Tom has already raised over £10,000 but much more is needed. You can donate seperately www.JustGiving.com/page/TomBliss

 

This charity is close to the hearts of the performers - Charlie Barker is living with Relapsing Remitting MS having had a stem transplant a year ago, Tom Bliss's daughter has MS and Pete Davies's father-in-law died from MS..

 

Tom Bliss

 

Tom Bliss (right) has a daughter with MS, hence his support for the Society.  A highly-acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, he writes catchy songs in a ‘folk’ style which typically tell true stories - some funny, some sad but always powerful. Tonight he‘ll play octave mandolin, mandozouki, long-necked dulcimer, guitar, penny whistle, concertina  -  and maybe some others too.  

 

In July 2023, Tom very kindly donated his time to help raise money towards buying a fire engine for Ukraine.

  

”Never have I heard tales told and sung with such humour and skill. A spellbinding couple of hours - where did the evening go?” Terry Ferdinand - Bishop FM

 

“One of the best nights I've had. Tom Bliss was brilliant; great songs, great performance, superb stories. I was enthralled and so was everyone else.” Simon Goodfellow - FCO Web Forum

 

"It will be an absolute delight to see Tom play a full solo set.  Tom’s songwriting skills and musical dexterity on a whole variety of instruments can best be seen unadorned and solo. Tom is one of the gentlest and most cheerful artists on the circuit. This is a treat for all the cognoscenti of the singer/songwriter’s art." John Waller - Topic Folk Club

 

www.tombliss.co.uk

YouTube - Autumn

You Tube - Tom at Wetherby, July '23

 

Den Miller

 

Strong melodies, catchy sing-along choruses and intelligent lyrics, are the trademark of songs composed and performed by singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Den Miller. Den is an engaging and entertaining live performer, delivering his music and his message with clarity, energy and a good deal of humour.  

His latest album "Bless The Rains" presents songs inspired by his time living in Kenya, including stereotypes, difficult decisions, corrupt leaders, gratitude for privilege, gratitude even for bad things, the power of hope and ... tea. Den's already known for an unusual viewpoint that entertains and is thought-provoking and his new album widens the perspective further.

During his performances you can expect songs “from wildly comic to deeply poignant”, backed by guitar, keyboard, harmonica, autoharp and, often, the audience. “An experience not to be missed.”

 

"Den can deliver a hefty punch with a killer turn of phrase" - FATEA Magazine

 

DenMillerMusic.com

YouTube - Cheese Strings

YouTube - First Cup of Tea

 

Charlie Barker

 

Charlie has personal experience of MS. She lives with Relapsing Remitting MS having had a stem transplant (aHSCT) on the StarMS trial just over a year ago.

With over 23 years in the music industry Charlie has released two studio albums, toured the venues and festivals of the UK and Europe. Within minutes Charlie pulls in the audience with her storytelling and crisp clear vocals. Charlie’s conversational style, relaxed stagecraft and guitar playing complement her confident vocals. Charlie was selected, at the age of 15 to appear on the BBC1 TV programme “The Next Big Thing”. She was the only young solo artist to both sing and play live before the studio audience.

 

CharlieBarkerMusic.com

YouTube - HavenFest22

YouTube - Dream A Little Dream

 

 

 

 

Pete Davies

 

Davies family mythology has it that Pete could sing before he could talk and that his first words were based on Frankie Vaughan’s 1950s version of “Green Door”. Whatever the truth is in this, it is a fact that he has always loved singing – he believes it is good for the mind and spirit.

Born in Bolsover in Derbyshire, Pete has spent over fifty years sharing his songs both at home and abroad. Now based on Teesside, in the North East of England, Pete continues to write and perform songs on a range of subjects that move him in some way.

 

"Pete Davies is a great singer-songwriter!” The late, great, Vin Garbutt, Teesside Troubadour

Long Way Home “……..disguises the iron fist of its messages in a velvet glove….” FolkWords

"Skilfully constructed songs presented with panache and passion – Pete Davies played a barnstorming gig at the Edinburgh Fringe!" Paddy Bort, Edinburgh Fringe

“North-eastern singer-songwriter Pete Davies has come up with a fine record of warm positivity. The anthem-like track ‘Miracles’ typifies this, but the mood of hopefulness and display of impressive musicianship pervades the whole collection.” Colin Bailey, The Bailey Beat

 

PeteDaviesMusic.co.uk

YouTube - Montana

YouTube - Go On and Dance

Tickets

 

7:30, Friday 16th May 2025

 

Watch the website for more terrific line-ups...

 

George Boomsma, White Sail, Chechelele, Gaelforce, Alistair Russell, Makk, Gary Stewart's Graceland, Edwina Hayes, Emily Slade, Katie Spencer, Iona Lane, Winter Wilson, Tom Bliss, Den Miller, Charlie Barker & Pete Davies (MS/MND Charity night)

Boo Hewerdine, Reg Meuross, Virginia & John Kettle (Merry Hell), Lindisfarne, Merry Hell