Concert Alert

Three concerts in the coming months will celebrate the legacy of Joe Boyd’s 1960s Witchseason Productions:

(all curated by Joe Boyd)

May 16 in Birmingham Town Hall – "Way To Blue", the music of Nick Drake. A bit more than a tribute concert, Way To Blue will feature performances by Martha Wainwright, Graham Coxon, Beth Orton, Robyn Hitchcock, Vashti Bunyan, Boris Grebenchikov and Harper Simon. Kate St John is musical director and Robert Kirby will be on hand to conduct both his original string parts from Nick’s recordings, but some newly written arrangements as well. Legendary bassist Danny Thompson, who played on many of Nick’s recordings will anchor the house band, along with pianist Zoe Rahman, Neil MacColl and Leo Abrahams on guitars and Martyn Barker on drums.

Those who attended the Nick Drake panel at the Barbican 10 years ago will remember our special guest, Robin Frederick. Robin not only busked with Nick during the summer of 1967 in Provence, but she now teaches songwriting in California and can explain exaclty what makes Nick’s music so brilliant. She will take part in the concert and take part with Joe and Robert Kirby in a seminar after the concert. One of the songs performed during the evening will be by Molly Drake, Nick’s mother and Robin will discuss her effect on her son’s music.

On Sunday afternoon (May 17) at 430 in the Town Hall, Joe will share the stage with Robyn Hitchcock. He will tell tales from White Bicycles and Robyn will sing the soundtrack.

July 18 at the Barbican in London will see an all-star reunion of the early formations of Fairport Convention. Material from the first five albums will be performed.

July 19 at the Barbican – the second part of "Witchseason Weekend" will be a tribute to the songs of the Incredible String Band.

More about the latter concerts soon.