paste catchy title HERE

I know. It’s been a while. I’m not sure exactly how long but, to be safe, I hope you all had a good Christmas.

In a world that continues to spiral out of the ever-thinning veneer of control - if you’ll permit the mixing of metaphors - I come bearing inconsequential news and updates sure to be of very little help in our shared struggle to survive to the next sunrise with something that could, in the right light, pass for some semblance of sanity. (Too much? What about the alliterations though, did you…? Oh, ok. Yeah, I’ll dial things back a bit.)

(ahem)

I’d like to say a huge and sincere thank you for the help and support that came our way a little while ago when we were experiencing a lot of car trouble. To say it made a big difference would be a gross understatement. Some attended the online gig and contributed, some who couldn't make the show contributed anyway! I'm so grateful to all, and also just for the good wishes too. I know there are far bigger and more threatening challenges many have to face, but it in its own way, things looked like getting a bit sticky for a time, and kindness helped to see us through. There are wonderful people out there, and to have found some of them through doing this remains one of life’s highlights, I can assure you.

It’s also been fantastic being able to catch up with some of you this year at various gigs, as well as meeting new folks too. I’m pleased to say that there are more opportunities coming up for our paths to cross, including the Autumn Tour which is taking shape nicely. (I’ll be publishing those dates in the coming weeks.)

In the meantime, there’s a list of upcoming shows below, along with links to the full details and tickets (where applicable) on the Event page. Included are three shows at this year’s Durham Fringe Festival. This will be my fifth consecutive appearance at the festival, and as always, there are so many incredible acts there from all over the country, and beyond, taking part. If you can make it along, I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Aside from shows, I don’t know that there’s a lot to report at present. The project that I mentioned some while back is still trying to get airborne. These things take so long to bring together, as many of you will know, but I believe we’re getting there.

Family health issues have dominated of late, and will likely continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Consequently, I’ll be doing whatever I can to keep as busy as I practicably can with gigs, but I don’t see any new recording projects happening this year. I’d hoped that it might, but naturally, priorities dictate. All in good time.

Hang in there, won’t you? A fella once said that hope is in our hands. Sometimes I’m not sure he knew what he was on about, but some days, I don’t know… perhaps he was on to something.

Steve x

15/5: The Howard Arms Hotel, Brampton, Cumbria

24/5: The Kings Head, Lanchester, Co. Durham

30/5: ‘Music in the Ruins' - Beaurepaire Priory, Durham

12/6: The Ship Isis, Sunderland

10/7: Sambuca, Consett, Co. Durham

12:7: Hyde Bar, Norton, Stockton-on-Tees

18/7: Together Lounge, Consett, Co. Durham

29/7: Durham Fringe Festival, Leonard’s Coffee House

30/7: Durham Fringe Festival, Leonard’s Coffee House

31/7: Durham Fringe Festival, Leonard’s Coffee House

2/8: Seaham Food Festival

original pics: Neil King