Double Bill: Monroe’s Revenge and Jolene & the Leaves of Life – Saturday 09th December from 7.45pm (Doors 6.30pm)

Monroe’s Revenge has been a mainstay of the British bluegrass scene since 1987. They played regularly at festivals such as Didmarton and North Wales until founder Roger Blackbourn retired in 2016. Now the remaining members have reunited around singer Dave Plane, a stalwart of the folk scene since the 1960s, continuing to mine his extensive catalogue of songs drawn from a wide range of genres but especially American old-time and traditional bluegrass. With Dick Embery (double bass), Hilary Gowan (banjo), Hippy Joe Hymas (mandolin – also plays with Hayseed Dixie), and Richard Partridge (fiddle).

To hear Jolene Missing sing is a rare delight. Her pure, soulful voice has been compared to some of the classic voices of the folk revival of the 1960s and 70s – a combination of Shirley Collins and Shelagh McDonald. Joe Hymas is best known for his wildfire mandolin playing in madcap “rockgrass” band Hayseed Dixie, but he is a multi-instrumentalist, equally adept at fingerpicking guitar styles and clawhammer banjo. Drawing songs from British and American folk and contemporary traditions, they are accompanied by Richard Partridge (bass). Jolene has released an album called Leaves of Life.

Doors open from 6.30pm. Reservations will be held until 8.30pm and then released to walk ins. Please refer to terms and conditions for full details.