Arts Bank

The Original Alternative: The Young'uns, Simon Stephenson and Sara Dennis. Friday 26th November at 7.30pm...

The Original Alternative: The Young'uns, Simon Stephenson and Sara Dennis.

Friday 26th November at 7.30pm.  (Doors open at 7.00pm)

An evening of live music at ArtsBank, presented by Saltburn Folk Club.

The Young'uns are a Hartlepool-based folk and maritime trio, recognised locally, nationally and internationally.  The group comprises Sean Cooney, David Eagle and Michael Hughes. 

One of the very few young folk groups to still sing traditional a cappella music, The Young'uns are three very fine singers who perform with passion and gusto.  Their music draws from many aspects of the folk tradition and Sean's superbly crafted local songs ensure that their sets are energetic and well-balanced. The Young'uns' latest album, Plastic Cod'eads, has received an abundance of praise from folk enthusiasts throughout the UK and Europe. 

"...just the best thing you've ever heard in your life before"

Keith Kendrick

"...a fantastic repertoire, intricate and pleasing harmonies, and fantastic patter to boot"

Bromyard Review

"...Sean Cooney, David Eagle and Michael Hughes are truly amazing"

Hexham Gathering Review

Simon Stephenson is an excellent guitarist and singer from Hertfordshire.  He has recently graduated from the Folk and Traditional Music Degree course in Newcastle upon Tyne and plays a mixture of traditional material, country and some original compositions with a jazz tinge.  Simon also plays in folk band Twisted String Theory and funk band Chromatic.

Sara Dennis is originally from Guisborough and studied music from an early age, playing a variety of instruments but concentrating mainly on piano.  As a child, Sara performed at music festivals in Saltburn and the surrounding area, and from this fostered a lifelong love of music.  This love was supported and encouraged by her musical family, in particular her grandfather, Billy Dennis, a well-known local musician and music teacher.

A belief that all good songs should tell a story drew Sara to folk music and she now enjoys performing regularly on the North East folk circuit, accompanied on guitar by singer/songwriter Daniel Pettitt.

Sara is also a keen writer and is currently working on her first novel as well as writing poetry, short stories and songs.  Her debut album, Time & Tide, will be available in early November 2010.

Singing and songwriting therefore combines her two greatest loves: music and literature.  Her songs explore this combination and feature poets, literary characters and re-workings of traditional folk songs and fairy tales, delivered with a contemporary twist.