Our monthly "Ashcroft Presents" showcase welcomes local favourites, up-and-coming artists and special guests. Discover a wealth of talent on your doorstep. Try out new music, unearth local gems and expand your playlist with our varied quality selection of live music each month.
ACCLAIMED NATIONAL TOURING ARTIST MARK HARRISON BRINGS HIS UNIQUE MUSIC TO ASHCROFT ARTS
Frequently heard on BBC Radio 2, including its Pick of the Week show, and described by countless audience members and reviewers as ‘uplifting’ and ‘inspirational’, Mark Harrison is a totally original songwriter, a stunning guitarist, and a master storyteller. His highly individual music takes him and his brilliant band to some of the top venues and festivals in the UK, attracting acclaim wherever they go.
Mark’s live shows are well-known not only for the memorable melodic songs but also for his introductions to them, often described as ‘wry’ and ‘dry’. With a very distinctive guitar style, he takes elements of folk and blues to create something new that is very much his own genre. Constantly touring and multi-awards-nominated, he is widely considered one of the top artists in UK roots music.
"He's kind of reinvented the blues in this country. What a glorious sound he makes"
Frank Hennessy, BBC Radio
Mark’s songs are about all manner of non-standard subjects. With catchy tunes, lyrics than intrigue and engage, and striking rhythms, they make you smile, think and move.
Mark has released seven albums which have been unanimously acclaimed across a wide range of areas of the music world, receiving a very great deal of airplay and highly enthusiastic reviews in the UK, Europe and the US.
Mississippi MacDonald is an English Soul-Blues singer/songwriter/guitarist, fronting a four piece band. He is a 6 times British/UK Blues Awards and three times US Independent Blues Awards nominee.
Since his signing to APM Records in 2021, he has appeared on BBC Radio 2’s Blues Show with Cerys Matthews and has played extensively in the UK and the US including a Washington State Blues Society showcase on Beale Street during the International Blues Challenge, appearances on King Biscuit Time (Helena AK), and Radio Memphis. He has recorded recently in the US with established artists Vaneese Thomas (Rufus Thomas), Benny Turner (Freddie King, Mighty Joe Young). In the summer of 2023, he recorded with the legendary Hi Rhythm (Al Green, Ann Peebles, OV Wright and more) at Royal Studios in Memphis, working with producer Boo Mitchell.
Mississippi’s first record for APM, “Do Right, Say Right” was named in the top 10 Blues Albums of 2022 by Mojo Magazine, and was album of the year on HRH Blues Radio.
Touring his second album for APM Records, Heavy State Loving Blues, he was appraised by Blues In Britain Magazine as “one of finest modern bluesmen in the U.K. and on this release he’s excelled in all areas.”
“Mississippi MacDonald represents the next generation of great guitarists who hail from the UK…wholly authentic, he’s earned the right to claim the name”
Living Blues, USA
Event: Friday 10 May, 7:30pm
Bar open: 6:30pm
Tickets: £7 advance / £10 on the door / £5 young person (14-25)
