Acoustic Roots duo Chris While & Julie Matthews return to Southport on Thursday 8 October.
Chris While and Julie Matthews’ musical partnership began in 1994 when they were key members of influential folk super-group The Albion Band. In 1997 they left the band to concentrate on their work as a duo which has seen them tour throughout the world and gain an ever growing devoted fan-base. Their songs have been covered by a range of artists including Mary Black, Barbara Dickson, Christine Collister and Fairport Convention.
“Two of my favourite singer-songwriters in the whole wide world.” – Beth Nielsen Chapman
Both are multi-instrumentalists – Julie plays guitar, piano, ukulele, bouzouki, mandolin, harmonica and accordion and Chris plays guitar, bodhran, banjo, dulcimer and percussion – but it is the union of their two voices and skill as close harmony singers that continues to define their sound. Their musical careers have produced successful solo albums and a variety of projects away from the duo including St Agnes Fountain with David Hughes and Fairport Convention’s Chris Leslie. Now in its thirteenth year and with several albums to its name, the St Agnes Fountain Christmas tour continues to sell out every year.
“These women far outclass their many famous American cousins, and prove just how immediate and powerful well-written and performed music can still be. Awe- inspiring.” – Dirty Linen
Marking their 20th Anniversary, Chris While and Julie Matthews released their ninth studio album Who Are We on 1 November 2014 on the FatCat label. Who We Are finds While and Matthews in full creative flow and once again showcases their diversity as both musicians and songwriters. The eleven new songs stand comparison with any of their best and range from heartfelt observations of our human frailty to uplifting celebrations of the enduring human spirit.
Described by fRoots as awesomely talented, Julie was a key songwriter for the Sony Award winning Radio Ballads, made for BBC Radio 2 in 2006 and 2012 and is currently writing for the next series, The Ballads Of The Great War, which will tell the story of WWI through the words of the people who were there and songs based on their experiences.
Nominated in best duo category in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards
Winners of Best Duo at the 2009 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and nine times nominees since 2001 in the Best Duo, Best Original Song and Best Live Act categories
While and Matthews perform at The Atkinson on Thursday 8 October at 7.30pm. Tickets are £17 / £15 concessions plus booking fee. They are available online at theatkinson.co.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01704 533333. They are also available over the counter during The Atkinson opening hours.
Please be advised that there is booking fee of £1 per ticket online/phone & 50p over the counter.
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LISTING INFORMATION
While and Matthews
Thursday 8 October
Tickets £17 / £15 concessions
7.30pm
*Please be advised that there is booking fee of £1 per ticket online/phone & 50p over the counter.
The Atkinson
Lord Street
Southport
Merseyside
PR8 1DB
HOW TO BOOK
In person: Visit The Atkinson box office on Lord Street
For tickets: visit the website theatkinson.co.uk or call box office on 01704 533333
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About The Atkinson
The Atkinson is Southport’s beautiful new home for music, theatre, art, poetry, literature and history, right in the middle of Lord Street in Southport. Significant investment has been made in refurbishing the stunning 19th century buildings, to create a really welcoming multi art-form venue with a strong contemporary feel.
The Atkinson offers an exciting and varied destination for families, cultural tourists and arts enthusiasts alike, with a full day and night time offer. Wile the day away visiting the new shop, that sells gifts and contemporary crafts from regional makers and then relax in the Bakery, choosing from a selection of artisan bread sandwiches, cakes and sharing platters. You can even take little bit of The Atkinson home with you from the delicatessen. Wander through the major exhibitions and see performances from some of the UK’s foremost musicians, actors, performers and companies, films, family activities and much more.
The new Museum is now open. Sefton Between Land & Sea tells the story of Southport and Sefton as well as the area’s dramatic maritime history. While Discover Ancient Egypt – the new Egyptology Gallery is the home of the Goodison Egyptology Collection, a remarkable collection of archaeology that has not been seen for over 40 years.
Posted on 21 September 2015 under General news
