POCKLINGTON Arts Centre has pulled off a coup to play host to the Reveal Records Exclusive Ten Year Anniversary Concert on March 11 next year.
Taking part in this celebration night for the much loved British independent label will be Joan As Police Woman, Lau musician Kris Drever, Richard J. Birkin & Dan Whitehouse.
“Reveal is one of my absolute favourite labels; the family of artists is a very, very creative hub, to say the least,” says BBC Radio 2 presenter Bob Harris, as enthusiastic as ever in championing music that he believes deserves wide attention.
The headline act will be American songwriter and former Antony & The Johnsons member Joan Wasser, alias Joan As Police Woman, who will perform solo on grand piano and guitar, playing songs from her debut, Real Life, through to Let It Be You, this year’s collaboration with Benjamin Lazar Davis, plus new material.
What’s more, Joan As Police Woman will play a second set at Pock Arts Centre the next night in what will be her only solo gigs on this visit to Britain, with Birmingham musician Dan Whitehouse staying on too to be her support act.
Dan Whitehouse
“Following our Reveal Records anniversary show, Brooklyn songwriter Joan As Police Woman stays with us in Pocklington for a second night, performing a full solo set concert, her brilliant songs stripped back and re-imagined for our intimate concert setting,” says arts centre manager Janet Farmer.
“Joan is an exceptional performer, who’s collaborated with Lou Reed, Antony & The Johnsons, Rufus Wainwright, Sparklehorse, Nick Cave and many, many more, so we’re delighted her only UK shows will be at our venue. Joan Wasser performing solo is something extra special and these are two nights not to be missed.”
Wasser enthuses: "Great to play Pocklington Arts Centre and celebrate the decade with Kris Drever and others who work with Reveal Records.
"I am so looking forward to playing my first UK solo shows in a long time; stripping the songs back to piano and guitar and also playing some brand new material on the second night for my headline show. See you there."
Kris Drever, Lau lead singer and award-winning Scottish folk songwriter, will perform solo acoustic songs from his classic 2006 debut Black Water, through the decade to this year’s If Wishes Were Horses.
Kris Drever
"March 11 is going to be an incredible celebration of a terrific period in all of our lives," says Drever. "Lots of great artists paying tribute to a wonderful, supportive, independent record label. I'm delighted to be involved."
Minimalist contemporary classical artist Richard J. Birkin will play an “introductory live set”, presenting solo renditions of music from his new album, Vigils, on grand piano and guitar. For those yet to be introduced to him, Birkin has been described as a “must-hear new artist for fans of beautiful music such as Brian Eno, Talk Talk’s Mark Hollis and Nils Frahm and his music has featured on HBO ‘s The Young Pope.
“A venue, its piano, its acoustics, the audience that arrive. These are the things that make performing so joyous. They are the ever-changing factors," says Birkin. "I have a super positive feeling about Pocklington Arts Centre. For me to play on a bill with Joan As Police Woman and Kris Drever is an honour. It’s going to be really special.”
Dan Whitehouse will open the evening by playing a short set of his Black Country soul music, showcasing a few songs from his new Reveal Records album, That’s Where I Belong.
“This will be Dan’s second show at our venue, having opened as the special guest for label mate Eddi Reader in 2016,” says Janet. “Dan will play a different, longer support set when he supports Joan As Police Woman’s full solo concert the next night.”
Richard J. Birkin
Whitehouse praises label founder Tom Rose for developing a rich tapestry of music at Reveal Records over the past decade, "to which I'm honoured to now contribute".
"He works like a gardener tending his crops over time," he says. "Reveal don't bow to trends or fashion; they dig that bit deeper and seek out artists who follow their own truths and produce innovative, timeless records.
"I can't wait to play the Decade of Reveal show on March 11 with Joan, Kris and Richard then support Joan As Police Woman for her solo concert the next day."
Doors will open at 7pm for the 7.45pm start on March 11 and 7.30pm start on March 12. Tickets for each night cost £17 at pocklingtonartscentre.co.uk or on 01759 301547.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here