Two local bands – Skedaddle and Barrelhouse will be centre stage at Home-Start Kennet’s thirtieth anniversary party on Saturday, January 20 in the Town Hall – and they will be playing for free to support this local charity. Both bands will be known to many as popular regulars at the Marlborough Jazz Festival and at MantonFest.
What a way to mark thirty years of Home-Start Kennet’s service to the area’s families! The charity, which supports local families with young children who find themselves in difficulties, is one of Mayor Mervyn Hall’s chosen charities for his year in office.
Skedaddle – based in Manton – is a six-piece semi acoustic band playing a mix of blues, jazz and souls and a mix of covers and original material. They are known for the clear vocal harmonies of Jane Witcombe and Amanda Hancock.
They will be playing an hour-long set. Stuart Whant lives in Manton and plays bass and guitar for Skedaddle. He also plays bass for the other band playing at the party: Barrelhouse. They play ‘vintage blues with a hard edge groove’. With guitar, drums, vocals, bass and blues harmonica, they will be playing from 10.30 till the midnight closedown.
Barrelhouse brings together musicians from a bit further afield – “We’re more of a regional band” – with musicians from Manton, Minal, Swindon, Aldbourne and Gloucestershire. They are a busy gigging and recording band.
Last year they released their album Mooncalf Blues. This went to number 18 in the UK Blues Chart – and stayed in the chart for four months. It was also featured in RockFM’s Blues Albums of the Year.
Home-Start Kennet’s party organisers say: “We would like to invite all those who have been involved in supporting or volunteering for Home-Start Kennet, and to bring friends for a great evening.”
Beside the two bands, there will be Scottish Country Dancing (with a caller – so don’t worry you’ll get lost!), an evening buffet, a raffle prize draw and a cash only bar.
Admission is by ticket only – at £10 per person – and tickets are only available in advance – phone 01672 569457 or homestartkennet.a@btconenct.com
Tickets will not be available on the door.
That’s Saturday, January 20 at the Town Hall 7pm till midnight.