ABOUT THE CLUB
From humble beginnings in 2004 as an open mic at a Northamptonshire village pub, Kontra gradually evolved through several changes of venue and format, all the while building a reputation for presenting entertaining and eclectic evenings of quality acoustic music. Eventually finding its natural home in 2008 at the excellent Kennedy’s Bar in the small town of Finedon, it is now acknowledged as Northamptonshire's premier acoustic roots club, attracting some of the best up and coming acoustic talent from across the country, as well as more established performers from home and abroad.
With an open music policy that welcomes all genres of acoustic roots music as long as it is of outstanding quality, Kontra is a rare success story in these harsh economic times. Run as a non-profit making enterprise, admission to the club is free, and the acts, many of them professional musicians, play for expenses only. That they do so is testament to the excellent reputation the club has built up over the years, with its friendly atmosphere, large, loyal, and enthusiastic audiences, excellent sound (courtesy of Geoff Bland), and the imaginative programming of organiser, Kev Buxton. Priding itself on the fact that it sets no musical boundaries other than quality, a typical Kontra session crosses many genres within the space of a single evening: folk, blues, Americana, jazz, world, contemporary, traditional, and experimental music all find a welcome reception on the Kontra stage.
Held on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month at Kennedy’s Bar in Finedon, Northants, a typical Kontra evening will showcase three very varied, top quality acoustic roots acts, who play for 45 minutes each approx. The club starts at 8pm and runs through till 11pm or later, and though admission is free, we do welcome voluntary donations. Kennedy’s is an ideal venue for acoustic music, characterful and friendly (it also serves real ale) and it can be found at The Tower Sports Ground, Irthlingborough Road, NN9 5EJ.
ROB HALLIGAN
The now annual visit to the club for a man considered by many to be one of the best unsigned singer-songwriters in the country. Rob specializes in uplifting songs about life from an alternative perspective, and is a passionate and charismatic live performer, equally at home at a rock gig, a folk club, or a singaround. His is a truly amazing talent. He went down a storm at the February’s Finedon Session, so if you’ve missed him previously make sure you catch him this time! (www.robhalligan.co.uk)
upcoming shows
8 JUNE MERRY TOM FOLK NIGHT
MUSICAL ROOTS
CHRIS CONWAY
LIZ & “SCATZ” SCATTERGOOD
PETER DUNN
22 JUNE
THE SHERI KERSHAW BAND
MATT WOOSEY
ADAM PIGGOTT & JAYNE FREEMAN
13 JULY
LIL’ IAN GOODSMAN
ANDREW DUHON
KARA GRAINGER
The club sends out a monthly e-mail NEWSLETTER that gives details not only of forthcoming acts, but other Kontra promotions and local acoustic events in the Northants area. Anyone wishing to join the mailing list should e-mail kev@kcbworld.co.uk. The newsletter can also be read on the newsletter page.
Information about the club can also be found at our myspace site:
www.myspace.com/kontrarootsclub
We are also on Facebook at:
GED WILSON
Acoustic roots with contemporary boots, often bluesy always engaging, Ged Wilson is well known and popular on the acoustic stages of British blues festivals, supporting the likes of Aynsley Lister, Michael Roach, and The Animals along the way, as well as making many appearances on radio. Along with a rhythmic approach to acoustic guitar playing and a love of alternate tunings and slide, Ged’s vocals are deep and passionate, his lyrics reflecting the world around him, sometimes poignant, sometimes quirky. He’s a great performer too, with live shows that are upbeat, passionate and laced with humour. A real treat. (www.gedwilson.com)
11 MAY ACTS
(clockwise from top)
Tony Haven • Sam Sallon •
Jamie Williams & The Roots Collective
OUR NEXT MEETING WILL BE ON 25 MAY
AND WILL FEATURE...
OCK ‘N’ DOUGH
A top drawer last minute replacement for French folk band Cleo T (who have unfortunately had to cancel their UK tour) the county’s most versatile and long-lived (25 years) folk band will be playing a special cajun/zydeco/blues/swamp-pop set in order to preserve the evening’s gallic element! Ock ‘n’ Dough can play pretty much anything though, and with some justification lay claim to being the world’s only Anglo-Latvian Zydecajun Ceilidh band! Anyway, great to have them back at the club after their terrific set last autumn. (www.ockndough.co.uk)
