Amy Harrison and the Secondhand Stringband

Well, a lot has been happening this past month so I’ll give you a quick round up to bring you up to speed and then let you know what’s coming up on the Stringband agenda.

Malc with the lovely Casey Henry and Rachel Renee Johnson from The Dixie Beeliners

Dan’s hand is healing nicely after he broke his hand and we’ve been able to play gigs again which is great. He has now earned the nickname of Dan “nine knuckles” Edwards.

Last weekend we played a gig up in Reading supporting the fantastic Dixie Beeliners and the renowned Bluegrass band, The Coal Porters. Malc interviewed the banjo player of The Dixie Beeliners, Casey Henry for his new banjo repairs website (he bribed her with beer) and you’ll be able to read the interview there in the not too distant future! It was a really fun night and we were joined by bassist Nik Funke who kindly stepped in to help us out and did an awesome job, stealing the show with his solo singing part in “Cocaine blues”. Nik can usually be seen playing with the lovely Danni Nichols down at the Foundry every Sunday night.

The Coal Porters Closed The Show In Reading

Speaking of which, Dan, Malc and I will be playing with Nik again at the Foundry tomorrow night (Sunday 22nd) which is always great fun and it would be lovely to see you there.

At Reading we also were introduced to the lovely Lynne Butler, who hosts a great bluegrass radio show Butler’s Boudoir Bluegrass and she’s super passionate about spreading the word of the UK Bluegrass scene. Lynne will be playing and broadcasting at the Didmarton festival so we’re looking forward to bumping into her again!

Last Thursday we were at The Great Eastern, where my amp decided to die last minute. Malc disappeared over the road to The George and the lady there was kind enough to lend us a teeny tiny amp that really helped us out!

So, what’s next? Well we’re going to be playing at The Didmarton Bluegrass Festival on Friday the 3rd of September, which we’re really looking forward to, and then we’re at the Horse and Groom on the 10th. I’ve updated the gigs list so check that out and do come along, see us and say hello!

Hope to see you soon.

Playing at HazelFest on the Summer Shed Main Stage...

Well, it’s been a month, sorry about that!

Just a quick update, the Hand in Hand gig tonight has had to be canceled as Dan has hurt his hand

But we did get a call this morning from the lovely people at BBC Sussex who want to play one of our recordings tonight on their show for local unsigned bands.

We are very excited and Malc squealed.

If you want more details aout the show, here’s the link! http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0090xn7

Hello again,

Been a couple of weeks since my last post and I hope you’re well.

The Shoreham Folk festival was an absolute blast, I completed my half-marathon (thank you to everyone who donated) and we’re getting ready for the summer gigs ahead.

Hopefully we’re playing this Sunday for a fundraiser organised by the Hanover Day committee. Hanover Day couldn’t go ahead this year due to a lack of funds which is a real shame as it is a fantastic day. Fingers crossed it happens next year!

I’ll be writing more soon I promise, but if you fancy seeing us play on the 14th of August alongside the Coal Porters and the phenomenal Virginia based Dixie Bee Liners, get your tickets here:

http://www.wegottickets.com/event/85991

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Amy Harrison and the Secondhand Stringband Newsletter

Latest News Hello you! Forgive the rough version of our newsletter, this is something we’re working on improving for the future so that it’s a joy to read when it hits your inbox! Well, in the Secondhand Stringband world things are getting busier but first things first, I need to wish a big happy birthday to Tim and Malc! Last Saturday we played at Tim’s birthday party which was great fun and a Godsend for Tim who had no idea where to get hold of a band that would play for a couple of cans of Oranjeboom. We happily stepped in. This Thursday it’s Malc’s birthday which starts off the celebrations for 3 gigs this weekend (more information about that in the Upcoming Shows section below) In other news, we’ll be playing at the Didmarton Bluegrass festival this year. We’ll also be sharing a bill with The Coal Porters and Virginia band The Dixie bee Liners in August in Reading at what should be an awesome gig! hope to see you soon! Upcoming Shows Okay, this is where you can find us hanging out in the coming months!: Date Venue Friday 18th June The Ranelagh Arms, Brighton Saturday 19th June The Horse and Groom, Brighton Sunday 20th June The Bridge Inn, Shoreham Sunday 4th July The Hand in Hand, Brighton Saturday 17th July The Great Eastern, Brighton Saturday 14th August Cold Dog Soup, Reading 3rd-5th Sept Didmarton Festival Friday 19th November St Julians Club, Sevenoaks Monday 6th December The Lord Nelson Other News If you’ve visited the website recently you might have read that I’m raising money for Marie Curie Cancer care by running a half marathon at the end of this month. I’m travelling up north to see family and go on a 13.1 mile jaunt. All money I earn from gigs in June will be donated to Marie Curie and I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone at The Great Eastern who kindly donated £40 towards the pot.

Thanks to everyone in The Great Eastern Pub last night at our gig who donated their spare change so generously.

At the end of this month, I’m going to be running a half marathon to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care. I’m donating all the money I earn from our gigs in June and had a little jar last night to collect additional donations.

So far, from gig money and donations I’ve raised £66.31 and have 3 gigs to go next weekend!

If you fancy making a donation, just click on the donation box to the right.

Hello again – so soon I know, but I needed to update you all on tonight’s gig.

There’s been a double booking unfortunately, so our debut at the Snowdrop in Lewes won’t be this evening I’m afraid, but we will be there very shortly and will let you know when to update your calendar.

Sorry about this folks, it’s such a good venue and will be a great night when we do get down there.

Thank you so much for understanding. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Last weekend was beautiful in Brighton and we stepped out to do some busking on New Road.

We also played on the stage for the Fringe Festival – it was pretty hard to avoid us that day!

Had a fantastic time and have the sunburn to prove it (just ask Malc)

Thanks to the wonderful Emma for the photees!

in mid song.

Getting ready to play

Get your smart self over to the Music and Videos Page to check them out!

The Secondhand Stringband has a very good friend who will remain nameless as I don’t want to embarass Mr. X.

Mr. X has an unusual fascination with small garden creatures that have died from natural causes but could, if one wanted to, be placed in a cabinet to make an interesting display.

(I’m a copywriter and it took me half an hour to write that sentence, and it still sounds bizarre, but I assure you, it’s not.)

Last week, Malc found a poor dried out frog in his back garden.It was very sad and we suspect it may have been a result of the hot weather.

Unfortunately for the frog, it had dried out in such a position that made it look like it was about to take a blinding banjo break.

Because we are grown ups, we made him a little banjo and bow tie and made him the unofficial Secondhand Stringband mascot.

No frogs were harmed in the making of this mascot. We are all complete animal lovers.

Dan's thinking of Spinal Tap right now, I can tell...if only I'd seen it I could laugh along too.

Good evening Stringband friends!

We’ve got a couple of fun gigs coming up for you this week whether you’re looking for a late night on Friday or a chilled music night on Sunday.

Friday

This Friday we’re playing for the first time at The Hydrant pub, on London Road. It used to be the Hare and Hounds and is fast becoming a hot spot for some of the unique Brighton bands such as The Bobby McGees who we saw playing earlier this year, and who were (as always) just bloomin’ brilliant!

It’s got the makings of a great night, least of all because we don’t have to get up for work the next day so can let our hair down.

Sunday

We’re back at The Foundry on the 16th which is a great night if you’re looking for something live and acoustic to make you forget about work the following day. Get down, try one of their amazing pizzas and relax with some twiddly-diddly guitar and  biddily-widdly banjo.

Other News

Last Sunday at The Hand in Hand I busted out my Mandolin for one song. I’m a total beginner and the guys are  encouraging, but they do insist that until I watch Spinal Tap, I’ll never really be part of the band. The Mandolin only gets me so far into the inner circle. One day, I will know what they’re talking about when they mention Stonehenge and start giggling till Dan can’t even drink his tea.