Kris Drever is among Scotland’s most acclaimed and distinctive contemporary musicians, celebrated for his warm voice, virtuosically expressive guitar playing and imaginative and evocative songwriting. Raised in the Orkney Islands, Drever has carved out a unique place at the intersection of traditional folk and modern acoustic music, as a solo artist and as one third...
We are pleased to welcome back Aba Shanti i The last time he performed at Upfront he blew the roof off the place. He will be playing a set on resident dub / reggae custom built North Fire Sound. Aba Shanti i has been a resident sound system at Notting Hill Carnival since 1993. He...
IN THIS UNIQUE double-bill, two actor-writers—GRACE KIRKBY & PETER MACQUEEN perform their own one-person shows, each directed by the other. Grace Kirby as a put-upon but compassionate NHS delivery driver, carrying meds to a cast of memorable characters (all played by Grace), along the the Cumbrian stretch of Hadrian’s Wall and Peter Macqueen as a butterfly lover...
Blantys enthusiasm for music & life is contagious, his songs are very catchy, his music is distinctly individual in a wonderful way. The dynamics of Blantys guitar playing & songs are breathtaking and he puts an amazing amount of energy into his live show & everything he does. "The human jukebox of legend, the almighty...
We kick off the Dub N Grub after summer season. Inviting guest sound system Messenger all the way from Edinburgh Scotland. Stevie Messenger has been promoting and playing roots sound system music since 1987. A true pioneer of the Scottish sound system scene. Stevie and his crew have been promoting one of the longest standing...
‘Ambassador of the Blues’ Guy Davis is a two time, back-to-back Grammy nominee, a recipient of the Blues Foundation's, "Keeping the Blues Alive Award" in Theatre, has over two dozen Blues Music Award nominations for Best Acoustic Blues Artist, Best Song, and Best Acoustic Album of the Year. He has recently added Broadway Composer to...
Bio:Guitarist and singer, Heather Cartwright, resides in Glasgow after the completion of her degree in Traditional Music at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland; "Talent and years of dedication have created a guitarist of the first order" (The Quintessential Review). Her virtuosic fingerstyle and flat-picked guitar playing provides a vibrant backdrop to her self-penned songs and...
Dub N Grub is back for 2025 with the first event happening at the end of this month. This is another first time event for Cumbria as we welcome internationally renown Sinai Sound System from Sheffield for an intimate session as they meet local sound system crew North Fire Sound. Sheffield based, Sinai Sound System...
Kris Drever and Chris Stout are icons of the Scottish roots culture and two of the most powerful contemporary voices to sing out of it in the last quarter century. Both come from the Northern Isles (Kris from Orkney and Chris from Shetland) and represent the strength of those identities in the music they inhabit....
Work with the amazing Bloomhead from the North East. Bloomhead is an independent Eco Floral Designer, Wedding Florist, and creator of Seasonal Wreaths & Bouquets. This is a great opportunity to learn her unique way of putting together flowers and foliage to create your own personally designed and made Christmas wreath. Mulled wine and nibbles...
Raz Olsher & Afla Sackey: a bond that fuels a dynamic and effortless musical relationship. Their music represents a harmonious union of African influences with electronic music, full of soul, vibrant energy and captivating rhythms. Originally from Tel Aviv, Raz, owner of Fossil Studios is an award-winning, chart topping, multi-platinum producer. His repertoire includes a...
Dub N Grub is proud to welcome one of the UK's top mic men, vocalist & host to a special intimate session at Upfront all played on the full North Fire Sound - custom built reggae sound system. Solo Banton has worked with the likes of Mungo's Hi Fi, Dubkasm, The Uppercut Band, Gentleman's Dun...
'Madalitso band are a two man musical army from Malawi. Described as 'Uplifting and Vibrant' by the BBC, they get crowds beaming with wonder and on their feet dancing every time. Their first album was produced by Bongo Joe records and the band has already performed at Womex 2020, Womad 2019, Roskilde 2018, Sauti Za...
Usual activity at Dub N Grub - food served from 6:30pm Music played on the North Fire Sound - Reggae sound system for the full audio experience This time we welcome Omega Nebula for their first venue show in Cumbria. Electronic future-dub duo OMEGA NEBULA are a force. Their music takes the most powerful elements...
A brand new free event for Upfront Arts Venue We welcome you to enjoy an evening in the gallery barn with a full menu provided by the Upfront Kitchen. Enjoy your food while listening to the sounds of talented local musician Paddy Rogan. Paddy has performed at many events at Upfront over the years and...
Mishra are a global folk band from the UK gathering international recognition, who draw together roots in UK traditional music with continent-spanning musical textures into a breathtaking 5 piece performance. Performing finely crafted songs with stunning vocals and exhilarating instrumentals, Mishra span eclectic moods; from meditative raag inspired improvisations to high-energy celtic dance tunes underpinned...
This concert has moved to the new date of 30th June as Upfront totally flooded, due to the extreme weather conditions on 22nd May. We have been working non stop to keep the business open with as little disruption as possible. Please support us and the musicians who very kindly changed their schedule. We have...
It is a real pleasure to bring Rory McLeod back to Upfront Arts Venue as he was the first person to ever perform in the newly built arts venue many years ago. An ex-circus clown and fire eater Rory is a one-man-soul-dance-band, and poet. He has a natural troubadour's talent for weaving magical, musical, storytelling...
SHOW CANCELLED DUE TO ILLNESS AND WITHDRAWAL OF A CAST MEMBER. Show performed by Cumbrian theatre company "Ragged Edge Productions. Devised and Performed by Stefan Escreet, Peter Macqueen and Claire Webzell A comic radio play presented live on stage with the assistance of the audience. Suitable for ages 7 - 97.An American Wild West town 1870....
Iration Steppas have played all over the world from Mexico to New York, Yorkshire to Barcelona. What an pleasure to bring one of the most respected sound man and music producers within the Dub & Reggae scene to Upfront Arts Venue intimate performance for Dub N Grub all played on the full North Fire Sound...
Based in amongst the wild natural beauty of the Lake District Olivia’s music is deeply rooted in her connection to the living earth. With a quality of the liminal to it, Olivia’s melodies and lyrics evoke a sense of the unseen but tangible depth and beauty in life and the world around us. An emerging...
For the first time we are inviting a guest sound system and crew. Mighty Oak Sound System have been friends with the North Fire crew for many years and it is a great pleasure to bring this session together. Mighty Ben & Jofis have been regularly hosting events across Scotland. Jofis has also been producing...
Hedera is a new Bristol-based quintet of instrumentalists brought together by a desire to lean into the slower and more delicate side of European folk traditions. Their growing repertoire draws on French, English, Eastern European and Scandinavian music, with playful and inventive arrangements that reflect the diverse array of experience brought by members of the...
Very special guests Mungo's Hi Fi DJ set. Long time friends of North Fire Sound. Now a well known name in reggae & dubwise music across the globe. Mungo's have toured the world with original music productions, sound system and live vocal sets. Having worked with the likes of Barrington Levy, Dawn Penn, Tippa Irie,...
Described by Folk Radio UK as ‘weaving an especially compelling magic’, and 'showing British acoustic music in its best possible light’, Northumbrian duo The Brothers Gillespie make music that is animated by lyrical songwriting, fine fingerstyle guitar playing, multi-instrumental musicianship and ‘the glorious tones of their blood harmony’ (Sam Lee). Brothers James and Sam Gillespie...
We have a series of three Antique Fairs over a three month period. 26th September & 31st October. Whether your taste is jewellery, ceramics, glass, fine art, toys, militaria or diverse collectibles, the Fair offers a unique opportunity to those in and around the Penrith area to buy (or sell).
Come an enjoy a first time exclusive performance as Tamsin Elliott brings her new music project to Cumbria. "There is a rich thread of collaboration throughout, one which both celebrates and highlights the coming together of cultures and music... dreamlike and mesmerising" - Folk Radio UK Exploring the parallels and celebrating the idiosyncrasies of both...
The South African roots of Cape Town born pianist/composer Philip Clouts have inspired a voyage of discovery that has lead him to soaking up the joyful passion of Caribbean calypso, the bluesy melodies of middle eastern praise songs, the exuberant sway of Cuban dance music and the tuneful essence of Gospel while honouring jazz heroes...
Eduardo Martin, the Grammy nominated and multiple life-time achievement award-winning Cuban guitarist and composer, joins forces with fellow award-winning, London based Cuban musician, Ahmed Dickinson - a guitarist described as a ‘true pioneer’ by Classic FM - to present ‘The Bridge’. Launching an expansive tour of the UK and Ireland, Martin and Dickinson perform the...
“A sublime fusion that combines pastoral dreaminess with the heat of highlife and Afrobeat sounds” Songlines “Such interesting influences… beautiful” Cerys Matthews Me and My Friends play soulful, poignant music with a beat: a unique blend of Afrobeat grooves with deliciously rich harmonies, languidly graceful cello and playfully funky clarinet, all tied together by the...
We are pleased to welcome An Dannsa Dub for their first major performance in Cumbria. Music is one big conversation. And few bands live at the heart of it like An Dannsa Dub. Born from a love of traditional Scottish folk, dub reggae and dance music, together they summon the joyous, communal energy of a...
"Riddles, Tunes & Tales from The Tale Coat" A unique collection of tales to treasure – from the nation’s first Laureate for Storytelling, Taffy Thomas, MBE.Storytelling sessions at 11am & 3pm"The master storyteller from Grasmere, travelled the length and breadth of the country. People would come from miles around to hear him tell his tales....
N’famady Kouyaté is a young energetic master musician from Guinea (Conakry), who relocated to Cardiff (Wales) in 2019. A talented multi-instrumentalist who wowed audiences across the UK and Ireland during autumn/winter 2019/20 with his modern interpretations of traditional West African Mandingue songs and rhythms supporting Gruff Rhys on the Pang! album tour. N’famady’s primary instrument...
(Roots Garden Records, Worldwide FM) Manasseh soundsystem was built in 1985 by a group of friends and finished on the Sunday morning of Notting Hill Carnival. With the aim of playing reggae with a roots focus, the soundsystem was based in the Shepherds’ Bush area of West London.Nick Manasseh started producing the same year, beginning...
“Sometimes it takes a global pandemic to slow down and focus on the fundamentals. When Ben Caplan lost the opportunity to tour and create with the regular cadre of musicians that he typically works with, he went into a tiny studio and made an achingly beautiful solo album. Caplan is now back in the UK...
Friday 10th June at 8pm Critically acclaimed guitarist and composer Richard Durrant returns to Upfront as part of his popular 27-day Music for Midsummer tour 2022 At this concert Richard will play his Sussex downland inspired "The Crest The Coombe The Twitten" and the richly melodic “Book of Spells” on a concert guitar made from a 5,000 year...
A unique band which tastefully blends folk and world music Solana’s rich and inventive sonic tapestry is anchored by a deep respect for traditions rooted in all corners of Europe and beyond. The virtuosic 5-piece weave together a multitude of instruments to take listeners on a journey from the contemplative to the euphoric and even...
"The League of Ukulele Gentlemen are an exciting and dynamic quartet. Over the past few years (a slight hiatus over the last 20 months!) they have been thrilling audiences all over the Uk in concerts and festivals as well as on the continent; playing concerts in Portugal, Ibiza, Czech Republic, Germany, Finland and Austria. Their...
Playing on the custom built reggae sound system North Fire Sound Aba Shanti iSound of Jah Lighting & ThunderPlus support DJs This is a special opportunity to witness one of the best reggae sound system DJs and vocalist in the world perform on the custom built high power reggae sound system North Fire Sound at...
An intimate evening with The Rob Heron Duo. Hosted in the barn gallery at Upfront Arts Venue with limited tickets available.Rob Heron and Tom Cronin don’t care what genre you choose to put them in – western swing, blues, country, rock & roll or whatever else – as long as you understand that they’re 100%...
Local Selectors Session Once again we come together after the festive period to raise the vibes and enjoy some quality music on a lovely hand build sound system with the contributions of an improved and affordable menu of food specially for the event.This time we focus on the locals DJ & selectors from Cumbria to...
The Real Story of Christmas as Revealed in - "THE SCROOGE DIARIES" - Peter Macqueen ‘Marley was dead: to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that.’“Oh no he wasn’t! Bah! Dead? Humbug, Mr. Dickens! Dead? As sure as the moths in my wardrobe have be-shredded my best nightcap, Marley was not dead but...
URGENT UP-DATE Due to a band member having Covid we have had to cancel our original date of 9th October. New date as below. If you have already booked tickets for the original date these will be carried over with exactly the same seating plan. If you cannot make the new date, please contact us...
We are looking forward to welcoming back old friends of Upfront Arts Venue For a knees up, dancing folk music session with one of the top live trios in the country. High energy, unhinged, and musically extravagant, taking traditional acoustic idioms and delivering with punk abandonment and virtuosic flare. A dynamic three piece offering a...
A family friendly Reggae Sound System social gathering for the love of Reggae, Dancehall, Roots, Dub, Rocksteady, Dubwise & Ska music.Hosted by North Fire Sound - authentic reggae sound system.Family Friendly, Vegetarian Food, Kids Art Workshop, Dancing, Fully Licensed Bar, Seating, Outdoor Space. Line up -Little Rocket - (Local Selector)Mighty Oak Sound - (Edinburgh Sound...
Upfront Arts Venue is looking forward to kicking off our 2021 music program with a bang. We welcome back one of our favourite acts Rob Heron with his new duo for an intimate socially distanced seated performance. Rob Heron and Tom Cronin don’t care what genre you choose to put them in – western swing,...
Featuring Paddy Rogan, Sam Robinson & Uncle Carbunkle. Traditional Folk, Acappella Song, Blues & beyond. Please come and support Upfront Arts Venue and the local musicians who have not been able to perform live for many months. This is a socially distanced seated event with a limited capacity. The theatre space has been rearranged to create a larger floor...
A DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS SUPPER EVENING Friday 20th December at 7pm Actor and writer Peter Macqueen will read excerpts from some of the Charles Dickens Christmas stories. Joy, laughter and perhaps a tear evoked by the mastery of the Dickens pen, will be brought to life by Mr Macqueen…….and of course it wouldn’t be...
Solo acoustic guitar & vocals performance. There is no doubt that after 45 years as a professional musician Martin is, right now, better than ever. Widely acknowledged as one of the finest acoustic and slide guitar players in the world, his interpretations of traditional songs are masterpieces of storytelling. His solo shows are intense, eclectic,...
Kirsty is making a very welcome return. She was one of the first musicians to ever play at Upfront and she has returned several times. This occasion will be part of her 2019 Tour with fellow singer songwriter Ben Bedford, from America. “A couple of years ago, at 3 in the morning, two songwriters collided...
One of Africa’s leading traditional drumming groups, the Kakatsitsi Master Drummers from Ghana, combine with Mbilou, a ceremony leader, spiritual healer, musician and dancer from Gabon to present a unique fusion set. Mbilou is a ‘Nganga’ (spiritual healer / ceremony leader), musician and dancer from the Bwiti traditional religion of the forest regions of equatorial...
Anna Mieke is a singer – songwriter – acoustic folk musician from Wicklow, Ireland. She performs on guitar, bouzouki and piano; backed by 2 other musicians on fiddle, harmonium & percussion. Following on from the release of several live performance videos and studio-recorded singles in 2018 and 2019, Anna Mieke released her debut album “Idle...
David MacGregor Guitar Concert “IMPROVISED JOURNEY” ……Travel the World with Sound. Solo world-Jazz guitar concert and storytelling show in which David takes the audience on a journey around the world with sound. He uses a fingerstyle technique to play a mixture of original compositions and arrangements of world-renowned songs, as well as telling the stories...
Experience the thundering, exhilarating rhythms of Taiko in a dynamic and captivating show, and gain a unique insight into the world of this powerful art form. A fusion of primal rhythm, energy, choreographed movement and infectious humour to captivate audiences of all ages and backgrounds… After years of performing at some of the country’s most...
Concert guitarist and composer Richard Durrant makes a welcome return to Upfront. He will perform solo, instrumental Durrant originals, JS Bach and British Folk from his new double album Stringhenge on a guitar made from a 5,000 year old English Oak tree, his four string Uffington Tenor Guitar and a humble ukulele. The album Stringhenge...
We are very pleased to have Zion Train playing at Upfront Arts Venue as part of their 30 year live on the road anniversary tour. The band have played festivals and venues across the globe, clocking up over 2750 shows. They were one of the first acts to pioneer the cross over between Reggae and...
Here at Upfront we believe this band to be on of the top Reggae Dub bands in the UK and we are so happy to finally welcome them to Upfront Arts Venue for a standing concert. Soulful UK Reggae in a Dubwise fashion. 9 piece band – Performing on custom built Reggae Sound System Resonators...
Following a standing ovation concert last year ,the duo are back. Ahmed Dickinson Cardenas is described as “a true pioneer” (Classic FM Magazine). The award winning London-based Cuban guitarist, is one of the finest performers of the Cuban classical guitar school. His sixth album, features Grammy nominee and fellow Cuban guitarist – Eduardo Martin. In...
