The Arena
Confirmed acts for YPF 4th September 2011 on The Arena Stage……
Hannabiell & Midnight Blue - is often called a melodic rhythm ensemble with a mixture of African drumming, reggae, jazz and funk music that will make you dance all night. The Band is committed to playing music that break down personal and cultural barriers; the performances never fail to convey the band’s passion for equality and change.
Mojah - Featuring some of Yorkshire’s finest musicians, Mojah has a deep grounding in reggae. Drawing on a wide range of influences including Tommy McCook, Jackie Mittoo and John Coltrane, Mojah combine the traditional sounds of roots reggae with soul, funk and spiritual jazz to create a heavyweight sound that is guaranteed to get you moving. Featuring Richard Olmrod on Saxophone, Sam Hobbs and Bongo Spear provide the drums and percussion together with Chris Campbell on guitar, Alex Davis on bass and Bob Birch on Hammond Organ.
Falling Spikes - With comparisons to bands like Spiritualized, The Velvet Underground, The Jesus & Mary Chain & Primal Scream, it’s no surprise they’ve been described as “A study in psychedelia, swirling dry ice, motionless figures and that perfect stoner ethos.” & “one hell of a cool band”.
We could be Astronauts - We Could Be Astronauts have emerged like a phoenix rising from the flames after the demise of Idle Jack & The Big Sleep and Hijak Oscar. The new band comprises Rob Hughes, former singer and main songwriter of Idle Jack and Simon Himsworth, formerly of Idle Jack. Dave Hartley, formally of Hijak Oscar is the pounding beat machine. Completing the rhythm section is Stu Fletcher who has impressively played for The Seahorses, The Happy Mondays, Rick Witter & The Dukes and Chris Helme’s, The Yards. The final member, Paul Heaney, is a particularly choice cut of musician meat. Formally of the Blackwater Trio which also featured Dave, this boy sure can play. The new band takes the good elements from all the previous bands and hones them into one beautiful omnipresent all encompassing rock beast.
The Players - York-based party band The Players, are in great demand for events across the country.
Equally at home on large stages for major corporate functions, or playing in the clubs and the pubs. With a huge range of classic covers, The Players are set to rock the park with powerful lead vocals from Sarah Stabler, Tom Johnson on drums, Patrick Berry on bass and a one off special appearance from Tom’s brother Joe Johnson (Shed 7) on guitar – this truly is a performance not to be missed!!
Bluephunk - A nine piece power funk and soul band. Playing a selection of classic grooves old and new, designed to entertain and get any audience dancing!
Mambo Con Rumbo - Mambo con Rumbo make a welcome return to YPF after there explosive performance last year. This is a salsa band made by dancers for dancers! 100% homegrown in Yorkshire, UK, every number in the set is short, sweet and played at just the right tempo for our familia of fellow salseros! A mix of original music with all your favourite salsa classics – from Tito Puente to Marc Anthony.
Karno’s Circus - Karno’s Circus is a York based band performing original material. They’ve a laid-back, acoustic sound and enjoy playing songs in different styles. Playing together for about 5 years but have only recently started gigging as Karno’s Circus. The name comes from Fred Karno, the great music hall impresario. He’s the originator of the custard pie in the face gag, and the man who gave Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel their first chance in show business.
