From: Kim Headley [mailto:kim_at_broadstairsfolkweek_dot_org_dot_uk]
Sent: 02 March 2009 09:59
Subject: FW: Chris sherburn and Denny Bartley

Broadstairs Folk Week, in conjunction with The Sarah Thorne Theatre Club

is delighted to present an event to cheer you through the chill days of winter..

FRIDAY 20TH MARCH at 7.45pm

(slightly late St Patrick's celebration)

CHRIS SHERBURN & DANNY BARTLEY

were founder members of the band Last Night's Fun, now sadly disbanded, a group famed for their breathtaking virtuosity, creative arrangements, and the patter that was their trademark. They embodied a fire, passion and feel for traditional Irish music.

Now performing as a duo their soul-stirring songs, exhilarating tunes and a love of the craic, (Chris, concertina and craic! and Denny, vocals and guitar), ensure that no two concerts are ever the same.

Chris Sherburn grew up surrounded by folk music of all kinds. His parents, close friends of the Watersons and the Carthys, encouraged his musical abilities first on the accordion and then on the concertina. In the early 90s he teamed up with Denny Bartley. Between them they created the sound that would evolve into Last Night’s Fun and the craik that would have audiences returning to show after show. Their first album entitled Last Night’s Fun formed the blue print for a band that has excited and enthused Folk Clubs, Arts Centres, Halls and Festivals across Europe and North America.

He has played on many albums including "Anglo International", a definitive collection of world-class concertina players, and BBC Radio 2 Award winners Rachel Unthank and the Winterset's release "Cruel Sister". As well as his work with Last Night's Fun he also plays live with BBC Radio 2 Folk Award nominee Bella Hardy and appears on her debut album.

Denny Bartley was born in a remote village close enough to the traditional phrases of Limerick to feel drawn to the natural inheritance of age-old slides, slow airs, slip jigs and wild reels.

His distinctive personalised style of vocals and powerful open-tuned rhythm guitar evolved from an early introduction to classical guitar, contemporary dance and influences such as Joni Mitchell and Paco De Lucia. This and meeting and playing with bouzouki player Cyril O'Donaghue of Co. Clare, established his fate.

After exploring the tones of the mandolin and banjo Denny returned to singing with guitar accompaniment until he joined forces with Chris, which, in his words, "gave my guitar a whole new language."

The adjectives found amongst reviews to describe Denny's voice include 'breathtaking', 'mesmeric' and 'hypnotic', while his infectious, syncopated rhythms were the driving force and the backbone of the band.

This will be a terrific evening of superb Irish music. Chris & Denny will be doing only a limited number of gigs in 2009, so don't miss this opportunity to see them.

www.broadstairsfolkweek.org.uk   www.sarahthorne-theatreclub.co.uk      

Box Office 0845 2626263       Tickets £8 advance £10 door