THE party mood was guaranteed at the Please Please You Christmas Party last Friday after promoter Joe Coates was named Cultural Champion at the 2017 York Culture Awards held in York Minster.

Taking part were Schwervon!, The Cornshed Sisters, The Magic Words and DJ Need-A-Stack at The Fulford Arms, York.

Headlining the show were two-piece American rock band Schwervon! "Nan plays drums. Matt plays guitar. They both sing. Their band name is a warped variation of an urban slang, meaning: 'to do something well in one’s own way or in a unique manner, usually involving members of the opposite sex'," says Joe.

"Their music is an expression of imperfect love through jagged rock minimalism. They've released six albums and four seven-inches, the latest recorded in Memphis, Tennessee, out now on Brokers Tip Records, a label run by Bob Nastanovich."

The Cornshed Sisters are Jennie Brewis, Cath Stephens, Liz Corney and Marie Nixon, four singer-songwriters from Tyne and Wear who weave together pop, folk, ballad and protest music. Each band member has contributed songwriting talents to Honey & Tar, the Sisters’ second album, recorded and produced by Field Music's Peter Brewis at his band's studio on the banks of the river Wear and released on Memphis Industries on November 3.

The Magic Words is the new solo project from Lisa Walker, the vocalist and guitarist for Cincinnati wonders Wussy.

"All stops removed. It was a triple bill of the highest order with Bob Nastanovich from indie legends Pavement playing records from 11pm till 2am for your dancing pleasure too," says Joe.