The end of the month is in sight but times are tough. Soaring prices; an unstable government; a health care system in crisis; and war spilling into Europe. Yet, sometimes live music can be the medicine that washes our worries away, for a few hours at least, and this Saturday (26th November), The Soundhouse may just have the remedy we all need as it showcases some of Leicester’s finest alt-folk artists.
Headlining the evening is Andrea Kenny & Token Boy. Regular Music in Leicester (MIL) readers need no introduction to ‘The Tattooed Woman’ but for the uninitiated, Andrea is widely regarded as one of the best front women in the East Midlands. Best known as lead vocalist for the extremely popular Brandy Thieves (currently on hiatus), Andrea’s vocals can silence any room, raw and powerful yet delicate and heartfelt, she is a performer that never fails to give less than 110% to her audience. Backed by an almost supergroup of Leicester musicians, Token Boy features Helen Collins (Blue Skies in June) on keys/vocals, Natasha Pattinson (The Hardy Band, The Other Country) on violin, and Malcom D’Sa (Guru, King Brasstards) on drums.
Main support for the evening is MIL favourite Michael Vickers & The Bad Thing. Hailed by BBC Introducing as a sensational live act and a must-see for music lovers, Vickers has been a stable of Leicester music scene for a number of years. However, it is only recently that an indie acoustic artist has transitioned from a solo act to a full band by adding his comrades ‘The Bad Thing’ to the stage. Here at MIL, we are certainly looking forward to seeing the results. “Clever, captivating, beautiful, vivacious, unique and spellbinding.” Dean Jackson, BBC Introducing.
Also performing on the night, and worth the ticket price alone, are Celtic tinging Americana collective, The Table Troubadours. Featuring members of The Brandy Thieves, The 40 Hertz, Paddywax and New Age Grace, The Troubadours combine intricate guitars with soulful harmonies to take their listeners on a journey around their table and through their lives. Lyrically, the Troubadours are modern-day poets, musically, they have the ability to take folk to another level. A must see act.
Warming us up as the evening begins are Warren Ireland and Sozzle along with a free bowl of vegan chilli supplied by Soundhouse landlady Sue Lavender. There are also rumours of an additional act on the night but MIL can neither confirm are deny this speculation.
This could be the best £8.00 you spend this year; advance tickets are highly recommended!