Show of Hands are to headline a special one-off free Folk Night in London, as part of the biggest outdoor summer events programme ever seen at Canary Wharf (Wednesday, August 10).
Part of the “Twilight Delights” programme, it will see award-winning singer songwriter Steve Knightley and multi instrumental wizard Phil Beer topping the bill in Canada Square Park, in the heart of one of London’s key financial centres, accompanied by regular guest Miranda Sykes on double bass and vocals.
Organised by Canary Wharf Arts and Events, “Twilight Delights” is a summer-long series of live concerts from classical to jazz, opera to Motown, played out in the dramatic Canada Square, towered over by some of the UK’s tallest and most dynamic buildings. It is part of a huge summertime entertainment programme at the regenerated Docklands site that also includes film, sports and Proms screenings. A parkside bar will be open during the Folk Night event. More info at http://mycanarywharf.com
Starting at 7pm the concert will also include performances from blistering bluegrass and banjo duo Dan Walsh & Will Pound and the captivating, haunting songs of Devon’s Phillip Henry & Hannah Martin who have supported Show of Hands on tour and who we reviewed in June.
It will be Show of Hands’ first appearance back in the capital since they played Hyde Park during the March for the Alternative rally this spring. The in-demand multi award-winners are widely recognised as one of the leading acts in folk roots today and have sold out the Royal Albert Hall three times.
Knightley and Beer won both the Best Duo title and Best Original Song at the 2010 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards -the latter for the topical title track of their acclaimed new studio album Arrogance Ignorance and Greed. The no-holds-barred Knightley track about bankers and bonuses, MPs and expenses saw them featured on BBC -1’s Breakfast TV and BBC1’s Andrew Marr Show – and is more than likely to get an airing at Canary Wharf!
Watch the video of the song below which was filmed on one night in London’s other financial district – the Square Mile.
Knightley’s cogent, “pull no punches” songs also include the BBC Folk Awards nominated Country Life – about the decimation of rural communities – and Roots, which called on the English to celebrate their culture and musical heritage.
Currently to be seen at festivals up and down the country, Show of Hands will embark on a double autumn tour this year, one of which will feature renowned American singer-songwriter Richard Shindell as special guest.
Show of Hands have also announced they will be returning to the Royal Albert Hall on Easter Saturday 2012 for a fourth time – a date which will see the Devon duo celebrate the incredible 20th year of their dazzling partnership.