Miles Salter: Gang leader of Miles And The Chain Gang
YORK band Miles And The Chain Gang will release new single Road To Damascus on July 18.
“It feels like an Americana classic with shades of blues and soul, but with the energy and swagger our fans have come to expect,” says frontman Miles Salter, York songwriter, musician, poet, storyteller, podcaster, presenter and festival programmer.
“The song first came out in 1995, when I made an album of songs called Time To Credit Marvels. I think I pressed 200 copies of the cassette. I was living in Hull at the time and the sleeve was done by a back-street printer with mixed results. It was before I started to put CDs out. Those tapes were always a labour of love!”
The new version of Road To Damascus was recorded in York at Young Thugs Studios, where Miles has recorded nearly all of his songs since 2018, working with producer and musician Jonny Hooker.
“Jonny is very patient,” says Miles. “I get a bit perfectionist-neurotic in the studio; I can’t bear doing stuff that’s ‘nearly but not quite’, so I keep going back to something until it’s right. It can be frustrating, but I honestly feel the catalogue of songs we have now is really good.
“So when something comes out, it has to be as good as I can get it. If that means re-doing the vocal five times, so be it.”
As for the lyrics, is this a tale of love as redemption? “Yes,” affirms Miles.”The idea that love can save you. Saint Paul had his ‘Damascus Road’ experience, but not everybody, these days, gets the reference. Biblical and classical ideas are less available to people than Marvel superheroes.
“There’s a link between spirituality and love. Think of I Say A Little Prayer by Aretha Franklin, or Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen, although I wish I could write lyrics as good as Leonard’s – he’s in the premier league of songwriters, as far as I can see. He closed the gap between poetry and lyrics.”
Joining Miles on the new recording are a talented bunch of York musicians: Stomp! percussionist and drummer Billy Hickling, bass player Tim Bruce, York pianist par excellence Karl Mullen and saxophonist Fay Donaldson. Holly Taymar-Bilton provides backing vocals and York blues enthusiast Paul Winn plays harmonica.
Miles And The Chain Gang have released ten songs in total, reaching listeners in the United States, Canada, Australia and Europe as well Great Britain via indie and internet radio. “The internet is a mixed blessing, but it’s cool to know that people are listening to the songs around the world,” says Miles. “We’ve racked up more than 30,000 listens on Spotify and 50,000 views on YouTube too.”
Emma Scott, radio presenter and PR guru, praises Miles’s tunes. “They’re very good songs,” she says. “Miles has an ear for hooks, and that’s what rock and pop is all about at the end of the day: those little earworms that keep coming back for more.”
Going One Step Beyond: left to right, Liz Quinlan, Chris Meadley, Stuart Green, director Jon Mills, Jess Murray and Pamela Gourlay
THE Direct Approach is York Settlement Community Players’ scheme to support first-time or emerging directors, but in this case it is giving a boost to the writer too.
Jon Mills steps into the director’s chair after making his mark already as a filmmaker, script writer, theatrical prop and set designer and producer of promo videos for YSCP shows.
Likewise, fellow polymath Miles Salter adds play writing to his skills as a poet, songwriter, band frontman, journalist, podcaster and festival director.
One Step Beyond has its roots in Salter’s application for a York Theatre Royal commission for its Love Bites showcase of York creative talent when lockdown was lifted. His monologue, It Must Be Love, was rejected but central character Steve re-emerges in a 45-minute play – it just had to be 45 or 33 – that again takes its title from a Madness hit.
Steve (Stuart Green) goes nuts for the Nutty Boys, still the nuttiest sound around, collecting rarities obsessively, but this could be the vinyl countdown for his marriage to Kerry (Pamela Gourlay), who is doing her nut. Welcome to the house of no fun. The Madness and the maddening.
Married in 1999, the couple is in a rut of routine, now that the children have flown the nest. Steve does pretty much what he likes: she doesn’t like what he does. He feels the same, because each day she packs him off to work with the same sandwiches; every night, she lines up two crackers, little chunks of cheese and a dab of pickle for his final nibble before bed. Steve sees this metronomic behaviour as being controlling. Kerry carries on regardless.
Steve likes to go to record fairs and meet up at the pub with his steady Eddie of a friend, Boring Ryan (Chris Meadley), so named because he is, well, boring.
Taking his next step:One Step Beyondwriter Miles Salter
Except that maybe he isn’t because he is full of facts that he is wont to drop into the conversation in the quiet moments. Such as? Did you know that the elephant is the mammal that requires the least sleep? You’ll sleep better for knowing that one.
Salter’s play has a stock of such minutiae, coupled with an observant eye that he brings to his poetry too with a humorous flourish that had him worrying that maybe One Step Beyond is too much of a nod to John Godber’s combative northern plays and Nick Hornby’s culturally savvy southern books. Yes, he shares their ear for fractious dialogue and eye for telling detail, but Salter’s humour is his own.
Boring Ryan, for example, is a collector of trouser presses, forever advocating their value and recommending their purchase to all and sundry. Cue a Baggy Trousers gag that is beautifully timed.
Steve is essentially contented; Kerry, discontented, because he is contented. She is sharper of mind, unfulfilled, bored, and, truth be told, Steve would annoy any partner.
This can go only one way: off to the marriage guidance counsellor they trudge, Steve more reluctantly, but at least he turns up. Counsellor Marcia (Liz Quinlan) emerges as the one-woman Greek chorus of the piece, stepping out of scenes to break down the fourth wall in candid direct address. She’s a realist, but one drawn to the bright side of the road like Van Morrison.
Some of Salter’s best writing comes from this ostensibly dispassionate observer, whose role is to steer discussion, to keep order, to ensure equal say, but not to judge (but passes her thoughts on to the audience instead). He wrote the part initially for a Marcus, not a Marcia, but it wholly suits being played by Quinlan – a boon for smart casting by Mills.
Faced by such negativity, like batteries connected the wrong way, Marcia seeks to find a way for Steve and Kerry to re-energise the lost spark, only for them to explode. Comedy on a tightrope, always better that way, when something is at stake.
The poster artwork for York Settlement Community Players’ One Step Beyond
Time for a time out, a re-set. Kerry takes up pottery, the cue for a lovely, calming cameo in stripes, polka dots and headband by Jess Murray’s ceramics tutor Jen, “exuding warmth – like a Zen hot water bottle,” as Salter put it in his character profile. Steve, meanwhile, writes a poem: the cue for another dip into Madness.
Salter manages that trick of making the dislikeable and unreasonable – selfish nerd Steve, overbearing Kerry – very watchable in Green and Quinlan’s performances, and as can be the case with writers, there is something of him in each of the characters, even the Zen Jen.
Ultimately, the Marcia/Marcus and Zen Jen in him win out, encouraging us to do exactly what the title says: go that One Step Beyond, as he applies the writer’s principles of “Make’em laugh (plentifully); make’em cry (not so much here); make’em wait (for that closing pay-off line).
Mills’s direction is suitably playful, not least in his use of cartoon imagery on a screen that depicts a row of houses for domestic scenes and the football scores on rotation on the pub telly.
I could say it would be madness to miss One Step Beyond, but given that all three performances have sold out, let’s say you will be mad at yourself for not booking earlier if you have missed out on a ticket.
York Settlement Community Players present One Step Beyond, The Wolfe Room, Black Swan Inn, Peasholme Green, York, tonight, 7.30pm, SOLD OUT.
The next Direct Approach plays will be in September at the Black Swan Inn. More details to follow.
Ready to go One Step Beyond: left to right, Liz Quinlan, Chris Meadley, Stuart Green, director Jon Mills, Jess Murray and Pamela Gourlay
YORK poet, songwriter, journalist, podcaster and festival director Miles Salter is adding playwriting to his cultural tool bag.
His debut short play, One Step Beyond, will be staged by York Settlement Community Players in a sold-out run at the Black Swan Inn, Peasholme Green, York, from tonight (26/05/2025) to Wednesday.
“It started life as a short monologue several years ago. It’s a bit Nick Hornby meets John Godber. I like the humour in it. All men are a bit nerdy about something. I enjoyed writing it. I think it’s good fun,” says Miles in a aptly short summation.
One Step Beyond is being directed by Harrogate filmmaker, scriptwriter, prop and set designer and promo video producer Jon Mills in his directorial debut under YSCP’s nurturing project The Direct Approach.
Meet Steve and Kerry: married for a long time, but Steve’s vinyl collection, Madness to the max, may tear them apart. Luckily they have a counsellor…and Steve’s friend Boring Ryan on hand to help them out. It must be love, love, love.
Steve (played by Stuart Green) is “a man in his 40s or 50s, depending on how many pints he’s had. Content and uncomplicated,” says Miles. “Kerry (Pamela Gourlay) is a woman in her 40s or 50s, depending on how much sleep she’s had. Pin-sharp and unfulfilled.
“Boring Ryan (Chris Meadley), Steve’s friend, is that mate we all have but we’re not sure why. Counsellor Marcia(Liz Quinlan) is a professional listener who can still – just – see the bright side.
“Our fifth character, Jen (Jess Murray), runs a ceramics class. She exudes warmth and calm, like a Zen hot-water bottle.”
Seeds were seen for One Step Beyond in 2021 when invited Miles was among more than 200 York artists who applied for £1,000 love letter commissions to be staged at York Theatre Royal in Love Bites on May 17 – the first day theatres could reopen after lockdown restrictions were first lifted – and May 18 in a celebration of the creative talent across the city.
“I wrote a ten-minute piece, originally called It Must Be Love, about a bloke talking about his midlife crisis, his wife and his love of Madness, ” he recalls. “Juliet [Theatre Royal creative director Juliet Forster] said ‘close, but no cigar’.”
Hey you! Don’t watch that, watch this! It’s the heavy-heavy-monster sound of a brand new play, Miles Salter’s One Step Beyond
Rejection did not deter him. “Last year I went to one of Settlement’s summer sessions, where I saw a play about two people watching their child in the park and it turns out one is a ghost. Anyway, after that, I started writing It Must Be Love about Steve and Kerry.
“He’s obsessed with Madness; she’s a control freak. Their marriage has lost its spark and energy, and so they go to see a therapist, Marcia, who’s rational and almost like a Greek chorus, connecting the action and saying ‘when are you two going to wake up?’.
“It’s fun, not particularly profound, and it’s very influenced by John Godber’s plays and Nick Hornby’s writing.
“At first I wondered if I was being a bit unoriginal, but I decided I wasn’t! Everything is influenced by something else, isn’t it. The play has as many laughs as possible in there, and it abides to that thing of not taking yourself too seriously.”
Miles quoutes a “very good piece of advice” he received. In a nutshell, “Make’em laugh. Make’em cry. Make’em wait.” “Every good writer understands that. When I write, I don’t want it to be too dark or too light. That’s what life is: funny and ridiculous, but also sad and melancholy and beautiful – and that’s what you’ll find in my poetry too.
“Life is a crazy, strange mixture. One moment you’re sad, and then you’ll hear a funny story and you’re laughing your head off. My play reflects that.”
One Step Beyond takes its title from Madness’s 1979 debut album and second hit single, but it also nods to another meaning of that phrase. “One of the things about therapy is that it’s quite a brace thing to do. A lot of people avoid it. Only a relatively small number of men will go to counselling or therapy.
“It occurred to me, that thing of going one step beyond what you think you’re capable of. Be brave, go for it, whereas if we don’t try things, we can get terribly stuck in our little worlds, which is kind of sad. As the therapist says. ‘it’s sad people when people give up, it’s too easy to do that’.”
You could say that writing One Step Beyond was a case of doing exactly that by taking the step beyond after Miles missed out on selection for Love Bites. Once bitten, but not twice shy.
York Settlement Community Players in Miles Salter’s One Step Beyond, Black Swan Inn, Peasholme Green, York, May 26 to 28, 7.30pm. Tickets update: SOLD OUT.
Writer Miles Salter
Miles Salter: the back story
WRITER of poetry, journalism, fiction and songs since 1990, when he first came to York as a student of English Literature and Drama.
His CV includes stints as presenter of The Arts Show on Jorvik Radio and director of York Literature Festival and York Alive festival. Host of York Calling podcast.
Fronts York rock and Americana band Miles And The Chain Gang.
Jon Mills: the back story
ORIGINALLYfrom Birmingham. Studied English at University of Leeds before settling in Harrogate.
Background in film-making and scriptwriting. Now rekindled his interest in theatre, creating props and sets for York Settlement Community Players’ productions of Separate Tables and Picasso At The Lapin Agile, along with York Mystery Plays’ A Creation for York and A Nativity for York.
Produced promo videos for YSCP productions. One Step Beyond marks his directorial debut under YSCP’s Direct Approach scheme.
The Wizard of York, Dan Wood, sets his spellbinding WizardFest in motion for three magical days. Picture: The Story Of You
NOT only a new festival of wizardry, but Charles Hutchinson has plenty more wizard ideas too for the Bank Holiday weekend and beyond the wand.
Enchanting festival of the week: WizardFest, waving a wand over York, today to Monday
ORGANISED by The Wizard of York, Dan Wood, York’s first ever festival of wizardry promises 25 activities, events, workshops and fantastical food and drink, featuring the city’s most magical businesses.
Highlights include Wizard Walk of York walks; a Brick Magic LEGO workshop; screenings of the first three Harry Potter films at City Screen Picturehouse; Professor Kettlestring’s Puzzling World needing help to defeat dark wizard Mortius Darktrix; The Cat Gallery’s Black Cat Trail and Make It York’s Owl Trail; Monday’s Magical Night Market at Shambles Market and a fancy dress parade between St Helen’s Square and York Minster at 3pm on Monday. Plan your magical itinerary and make bookings at wizardwalkofyork.com/wizardfest.
York Printmakers’ poster for the 2025 Festival of Print
“More than an exhibition” of the week: York Printmakers, Festival of Print, 22 High Petergate, York, until July 20, open every Friday and Saturday, 10am to 5pm, and Sundays, 10am to 4pm
YORK Printmakers celebrate creativity, craft and community in a curated exhibition of original prints, from linocut and etching to screenprint and collagraph, complemented by demonstrations, talks and workshops. Visitors can explore the stories and processes behind each piece and meet the makers behind the art.
“This year’s festival is more than an exhibition,” say the organisers. “It’s an invitation to discover, to ask questions and to support York artists keeping traditional and contemporary printmaking alive.” Entry is free.
Festival Of The Force: The Star Wars convention from another galaxy, here in York
Film convention of the week: Festival Of The Force, York Railway Institute, Queen Street, York, Sunday, 10am to 5pm
MAY the Force be with you for this Star Wars convention, Festival Of The Force, whose mission is to deliver an immersive experience in celebration of the Star Wars universe while building a strong sense of community among collectors, fans, and cosplayers of all ages. Look out for a galaxy of merchandise, celebrity appearances and fan-led events. Box office: eventbrite.co.uk/e/festival-of-the-force-tickets.
Wanted in York: Julian Clary swaps guns for puns and putdowns in A Fistful Of Claryon Sunday
Camp sight of the week: Julian Clary in A Fistful Of Clary, Grand Opera House, York, Sunday, 7.30pm
JULIAN Clary goes Western as he saddles up for entendres at the double, sure that the men in the audience won’t be able to keep their hands off his Rawhide.
The lucky few will play with him on stage in the Hang‘em Low saloon, but life in the Old West was tough. Not all of Julian’s wild bunch will be around to witness the final shoot-out when he gives himself selflessly at high noon to the last man standing. Tickets update for Clary’s pun fight: still available at atgtickets.com/york.
Sophie Ellis Bextor: Disco nights at York Barbican and York Racecourse
Dancefloor diva at the double: Sophie Ellis Bextor, York Barbican, May 26, Spring Bank Holiday Monday, 7.30pm; York Racecourse Music Showcase Weekend 2025, July 25, after 8.23pm last race
“IT will be wonderful to bring the disco fun to everyone,” says Sophie Ellis Bextor, lockdown queen of the Kitchen Disco online sessions, as she heads to York twice. Buoyed by Murder On The Dancefloor’s appearance in the final scene of Emerald Fennell’s film Saltburn returning her 2001 smash to number two in the UK charts, she takes to the road with a career-spanning set also featuring Groovejet (If This Ain’t Love), Take Me Home (A Girl Like Me) and Freedom Of The Night.
The former lead singer of theaudience will be joined by special guest Natasha Bedingfield for the post-racing concert on Knavesmire in July. Box office: yorkbarbican.co.uk (last few tickets); yorkracecourse.co.uk.
Jon Mills’s cast for Miles Salter’s short play One Step Beyond, premiering at the Black Swan Inn next week
Premiere of the week: Yortk Settlement Community Players presents Miles Salter’s One Step Beyond, Black Swan Inn, Peasholme Green, York, May 26 to 28, 7.30pm
STEVE and Kerry have been married a long time. Steve’s vinyl collection may tear them apart. Luckily they have a counsellor…and Steve’s friend Boring Ryan on hand to help them out. It must be love, love, love. Jon Mills directs Stuart Green, Pamela Gourlay, Liz Quinlan, Chris Meadley and Jess Murray in York writer Miles Salter’s short play for YSCP’s Direct Approach project. Tickets to enter this House of Fun: £5, pay on the door, cash or card.
Victoria Delaney, left, and Clare Halliday in rehearsal for York Actors Collective’s production of Tiger Country at Theatre@41, Monkgate
Hospital drama of the week: York Actors Collective in Tiger Country, Theatre@41, Monkgate, York, May 27 to 31, 7.30pm, Tuesday to Friday; 2.30pm and 6pm, Saturday
NINA Raine’s doctors-and-nurses drama, last performed at Hampstead Theatre, London, in 2014, is revived by Angie Millard’s company York Actors Collective.
This fast-paced play considers doctors’ dilemmas as a range of clinical and ethical issues come under the spotlight in a busy hospital. Professionalism and prejudice, turbulent staff romances, ambition and failure collide as Raine depicts an overburdened health service and the dedicated individuals that keep it going. Box office: tickets.41monkgate.co.uk.
Nick Mohammed’s alter-ego, Mr Swallow, in Show Pony, cantering into the Grand Opera House next week and in the autumn. Picture: Matt Crockett
Comedy gig of the week: Nick Mohammed Is Mr Swallow in Show Pony, Grand Opera House, York, May 28 and October 23, 7.30pm
COMEDIAN, writer, Ted Lasso regular and Taskmaster loser Nick Mohammed transforms into his alter-ego, Mr Swallow in Show Pony, a new show that will “cover everything from not having his own sitcom to not having his own sitcom… and everything in between (critical race theory). As per – expect magic, music and a whole load of brand-new mistakes”. Box office: atgtickets.com/york.
Sir Tim Rice: Mulling over a life in musicals at the Grand Opera House, York
Musical knight of the week: Sir Tim Rice, My Life In Musicals – I Know Him So Well, Grand Opera House, York, May 29,7.30pm
LYRICIST supreme Sir Tim Rice reflects on his illustrious career at the heart of musical theatre, sharing anecdotes behind the songs, both the hits and the misses, complemented by stories of his life and live performances by leading West End singers and musicians, led by musical director Duncan Waugh. Box office: atgtickets.com/york.
YORK band Miles And The Chain Gang have released their ninth track, Wildcats & Koalas, on digital formats such as Spotify and Apple.
This acoustic love song, with its shades of English songwriters Billy Bragg and Ray Davies, was written by Syd Egan, a friend of frontman Miles Salter since schooldays.
“Syd writes very good songs,” says Miles, who formed a short-lived band with Egan as teenagers. “I wish he would write more. I’ve been playing his songs for more than 30 years.”
Syd penned Wildcats & Koalas for his wife, Raf. “The song goes back to 2018 and the lyric is very personal,” says Miles. “Syd played it to me one day at my home in York and gave me a sheet with the lyrics and chords.
“We started to record it in 2021, the year after the pandemic struck, when Young Thugs Studio had moved to the Arts Barge in York while the studio at South Bank Social Club was renovated.”
The recording features contributions from Alan Dawson, Andrew Willie and Antony Thompson. “Alan did a great job with the guitar part and solo – he’s a great musician. Andrew supplied the piano and synth and the trumpet part was by Antony,” says Miles.
Syd Egan’s artwork for Miles And The Chain Gang’s Wildcats & Koalas
“It has a very English feel to it, like something Billy Bragg, or Squeeze, or maybe Ray Davies might have written. I think Syd escapes some of the Americana cliches I might fall for by writing very atmospheric lyrics.
“There’s a tenderness to it that’s very affecting. When Syd and Raf got married in 2023, I played it for them and their family and friends at the reception in London.”
Miles And The Chain Gang have released nine songs since 2020. “Last year our cover of Black Hole by Griff was played around the world on indie and internet radio, and we’ve racked up in excess of 25,000 plays on Spotify,” says Miles.
“We keep chugging on. It’s not easy to get noticed when there’s so much stuff out there, but I like to think we put out good songs that have a bit of heart. It’s energising when you know people listen around the world.”
Miles And The Chain Gang will play The Terrace, New Street, York, on April 12 in a full band show from 8pm. Entry is free.
Listen to Wildcats & Koalas at: https://open.spotify.com/album/2dl4FXgLu0EoqvbEKFeAoC?si=ZsIEjspQRmuW9Sgg3bdm1
Miles Salter: Director of the new York Alive festival
THE inaugural York Alive festival of comedy, spoken word and music will be held in late-September and October in the city’s theatres, music venues and pubs.
Director Miles Salter and his team are working with venues throughout York to deliver an “exciting and dynamic” programme of events this autumn.
Ending a seven-year itch, York Alive marks Miles’s return to co-ordinating festivals in York, where he programmed York Literature Festival from 2008 to 2016.
“I learned a huge amount running York Literature Festival: how to put on engaging events, how to make sure people heard about it, and I’m still driven by the same desire, wanting to see York have an exciting, inspiring, great arts festival,” says the York published poet, storyteller, York Calling podcaster, broadcaster and songwriting frontman of Miles And The Chain Gang.
“We have so much to offer. Badging things together helps to raise awareness of the fantastic arts scene in York.”
Helen Mort: Poet and novelist, performing at York Alive on October 10 at the Victoria Vaults, York
Under the York Alive banner, the festival acts will perform at venues across York, including York Barbican, the Grand Opera House, National Centre for Early Music and Victoria Vaults pub.
Among the contributing acts will be musicians Howard Jones, Paul Carrack and Gabrielle; comedian, author and presenter Ruby Wax; poet Helen Mort, spoken word performer Luke Wright and Miles himself in myriad guises.
For blues lovers, York band DC Blues, American guitar wizard Toby Walker and fast-emerging Belfast guitarist Dom Martin will be in action at the Victoria Vaults, in Nunnery Lane, where Miles is the gig programmer.
“The team behind this new festival live and work in the city,” says Miles. “Friendly and intimate, York is one of the best places to live and work in the UK. Visitors love coming to our historic city, but York is more than Romans and Vikings.
“Today, it’s home to so many talented writers, artists, actors, comedians, filmmakers, musicians and dancers. That’s why we want York Alive to celebrate this talent, as well as our great venues and fantastic city, by showcasing some of the best art and culture that’s happening in York this October.
Paul Winn of York band DC Blues: Booked for York Alive on October 6
“There’ll be a brilliant mixture of music, comedy and spoken word, and we’re delighted to include some events run by other venues and promoters in York.”
Miles has one regret. “Stopping my involvement in York Literature Festival in 2016 was a mistake really,” he says. “It was a bit like when Berwick Kaler said he was retiring from the Theatre Royal pantomime, but then wanted to go back to playing the dame again.
“I wish I hadn’t made the decision but I was in a bad place at the time, but my ambition was always to broaden it out to include other things: some theatre, comedy and music, some cross-artform combinations, like when we put on folk musician Martin Carthy with crime writer Peter Robinson at the NCEM. Now we can do that with York Alive.”
Miles has not sought any funding. “My passion is just to see a really good arts festival running in York. Why haven’t we got one already?” he says. “I thought what happened when Martin Witts’s Great Yorkshire Fringe came to an end in 2019 was an awful loss to the city.
“I must be crazy to try, but I hope that York Alive can become a regular yearly event.”
Ruby Wax: Opening show under the York Alive banner, presenting I’m Not As Well As I Thought I Was at Grand Opera House, York, on September 28
York Alive:Calendar of Events
September 28, 7.30pm, Ruby Wax: I’m Not As Well As I Thought I Was, Grand Opera House. October 2, 7pm, Toby Walker, guitar virtuoso, Victoria Vaults. October 4, 8pm Luke Wright, spoken word, Victoria Vaults. October 6, 7pm DC Blues, Victoria Vaults. October 8, 7.30pm, neo-classical Gifts From Crows Trio, National Centre for Early Music.
October 10, 8pm, Helen Mort and Miles Salter, poetry, Victoria Vaults. October 11, 7pm, Howard Jones: Celebrating 40 Years 1983 – 2023, York Barbican. October 12, 7.30pm, The Waterboys, York Barbican. October 14, 10.30am, Stories with Miles (Salter), children’s show for ages 6 to 10, The White Horse, The Green, Upper Poppleton, York.
October 15, 4pm, Miles And The Chain Gang, Victoria Vaults, free entry. October 19, 6pm to 7:30pm Dylan Thomas: 70 Years On, York Stanza’s Professor John Goodby in conversation with Miles Salter, Marriott Room. October 19, 7.30pm, Paul Carrack, York Barbican.
October 21, 7pm, Gabrielle: 30 Years Of Dreaming Tour, York Barbican. October 21, 7pm, The Very Grimm Brothers (poet Adrian Mealing and guitarist John Denton), plus Miles Salter, Victoria Vaults. October 24, 7pm, Samantha Fish & Jesse Drayton, American blues and rock, York Barbican. October 27, 8pm, Dom Martin, Buried In The Hail Tour, Victoria Vaults.
New on the Chain Gang: Drummer Steve Purton, bassist Matthew Watt and keyboard player Daniel Bowater line up with band leader Miles Salter, back, left
YORK band Miles And The Chain Gang play their first home-city gig in almost a year at the City of York (Roland Walls) Folk Weekend on Sunday.
Catch singer-songwriter Miles Salter and his new line-up on the Marquee Stage at 5.30pm at the Black Swan Inn, Peasholme Green, York, where entry will be free.
“Come by and see us, we’d love to see you, as we kick off a run of events that takes us on a mini ‘tour of Yorkshire’, with dates over the summer at Doncaster, Helmsley and Harrogate, as well as gigs closer to York,” says Miles.
Joining guitarist Miles on stage will be drummer Steve Purton, bassist Mathew Watt and keyboards player Daniel Bowater.
“It feels good,” says band leader Miles. “We’ve got some great little gigs lined up and we’re looking forward to heading out.”
In the Chain Gang diary are: Doncaster Leopard, June 18; Helmsley Arts Centre, July 23; Blues Bar, Harrogate, July 24; The Smithy Arms, Swinton, August 27, and Jolly Sailor Inn, Cawood, September 24.
The band’s fourth single, Love Is Blind, is out now, accompanied by a video by York filmmaker Dave Thorp that has clocked up more than 25,000 views already in only two weeks.
“It’s a good song. People are really responding well to it,” says Miles. “It’s been played on lots of smaller, independent stations in the UK, as well as in the USA and Australia. Several stations made it their ‘single of the week’, including Jorvik Radio in York. It’s great to see it going out into the world – thanks to everybody who helped make this happen.”
Recorded and mixed at Young Thugs Studios in York, Love Is Blind features Salter on vocals and guitar; Tim Bruce, bass; Billy Hickling, drums and percussion; Karl Mullen, piano; Holly Taymar, backing vocals, and Jonny Hooker, organ.
YORK band Miles And The Chain Gang’s new single, Love Is Blind (Billy Bragg Said), is coming soon.
“Recorded and mixed by Jonny Hooker at Young Thugs Studios in York, the song will be released in May and has been compared to ‘a bar brawl between Squeeze and Springsteen’s E Street Band,” says frontman Miles Salter.
“There’s a great video by Dave Thorp to accompany the track, which will be on all the usual platforms, Spotify, Apple, YouTube etc.”
Writer, musician and storyteller Salter is working with a “re-wired” Chain Gang, the new line-up featuring Daniel Bowater on keyboards and accordion, Steve Purton on drums, Mat Watt on bass and Mark Hawkins on lead guitar.
“We’re lining up summer dates, including gigs in Helmsley, Harrogate, Doncaster and York, with more details to follow,” says Miles.
Bohemians in rhapsody: We Will Rock You weaves its way through 24 Queen songs at the Grand Opera House, York. Picture: Johan Persson
FROM Queen’s “rock theatrical” to Britney fandom, a café’s mug exhibition to folk’s witching hour, outlaw cabaret with gin to confronting digital intrusiveness, Charles Hutchinson finds diversity aplenty to enjoy.
Musical of the week: We Will Rock You, Grand Opera House, York, Monday to Saturday, 7.30pm; 2.30pm, Wednesday and Saturday
WRITER and comedian Ben Elton directs the 20th anniversary of We Will Rock You, the “guaranteed-to-blow-your-mind” Queen musical built around his dystopian futuristic storyline.
In a system that bans rock music, a handful of rebels, the Bohemians, vows to fight against an all-powerful global company and its boss, the Killer Queen.
Musical advisor Brian May says “the world’s first true Rock Theatrical” now has a state-of-the-art new look, with a story of breaking free from conformity more relevant than ever. Box office: 0844 871 7615 or at atgtickets.com/York.
Reiko Kaneko: Taking part in the Cups and Such exhibition at FortyFive Vinyl Cafe. Picture: Cat Garcia
Cracking (or hopefully not) exhibition of the week: Cups and Such…or, A Hug In A Mug, FortyFive Vinyl Café, Micklegate, York, until March 6
“A HUG for you, or for someone else, Cups and Such is an exhibition of beautiful, handmade drinking vessels that promises to offer comfort and solace for all,” says curator Lotte Inch.
Working in tandem with FortyFive Vinyl Café, that welcoming haven of music, coffee and comfort food, Lotte Inch Gallery has selected cups, mugs, beakers, tea bowls and more, made by hand by Rebecca Callis, Reiko Kaneko, Ali Tomlin and the Leach Studios to “offer someone a moment of warmth, a sense of connection and an opportunity to embrace”.
“This can’t be it,” ponders Mark Watson in Pocklington tonight. Picture: Matt Crockett
Topical comedy gig of the outside York: Mark Watson, This Can’t Be It, Pocklington Arts Centre, tonight, 8pm
AMID so much pandemic pondering about the fragility of life recently, don’t worry, comedian Mark Watson has it covered. At 41 – he turns 42 tomorrow – he is halfway through his days on Earth, according to the life expectancy calculator app that cost him all of £1.49.
That life is in the best shape in living memory but one problem remains. A huge one. Spiritual enquiry meets high-octane observational comedy as the No More Jockeys cult leader strives to cram two years of pathological overthinking into an evening of stand-up. “Maybe we’ll even solve the huge problem,” says Watson. “Doubt it, though.” Box office for returns only: 01759 301547 or at pocklingtonartscentre.co.uk.
Shereen Roushbaiani in Saving Britney at Theatre@ 41, Monkgate, York
Noughties’ nostalgia of the week: Saving Britney, John Cooper Studio, Theatre@41 Monkgate, York, tomorrow (13/2/2022) at 8pm
MILLENNIALS such as Jean grew up with Britney Spears. Saving Britney recounts how the Princess of Pop influenced Jean’s life and how the connections shared between them led to an unbelievable moment of self-discovery.
Inspired by the #FreeBritney movement, Shereen Roushbaiani takes a humorous yet heart-breaking look at celebrity obsession, sexuality and growing up in the early Noughties. Box office: tickets.41monkgate.co.uk.
Heal & Harrow’s Rachel Newton and Lauren MacColl
Folk concert of the week: Heal & Harrow, National Centre for Early Music, York, Monday, 7.30pm
HEAL & Harrow are folk musicians Rachel Newton, from The Shee, The Furrow Collective and Spell Songs, and Lauren MacColl, of Rant and Salt House.
Working as duo for the first time, they combine newly composed music and accompanying visuals in a tribute to those persecuted in the 16th and 17th century Scottish Witch Trials, 80 per cent of them women.
The project also explores historical beliefs in the supernatural and modern-day parallels, each piece being based on commissioned works by author Mairi Kidd. Box office: 01904 658338 or at ncem.co.uk.
Reality check: Corinne Kilvington’s Polly in The Girl In The Machine
Premiere of the week: Theatre Space North-East in Girl In The Machine, John Cooper Studio, Theatre@41 Monkgate, York, February 17, 7.30pm
STEF Smith’s ground-breaking play Girl In The Machine explores our unease over digital intrusiveness, then pushes it a step into the future in Jamie Brown’s touring production.
In brief: Owen (Lawrence Neale) and Polly (Corinne Kilvington) are in successful careers and wildly in love, feeling ready to take on the world, but when a mysterious new technology, promising a break from the daily grind, creeps into everyone’s phones, their world is turned upside down.
As the line between physical and digital dissipates, Owen and Polly are forced to question whether their definitions of reality and freedom are the same. Box office: tickets.41monkgate.co.uk.
Back on the Chain Gang: Miles Salter lines up new band members for Black Swan gig
Meet the new Gang: Miles And The Chain Gang, The Black Swan Inn, Peasholme Green, York, February 19, 8pm to 11.30pm
YORK writer, musician and storyteller Miles Salter is back with a new Chain Gang for a headline show at the Black Swan.
“This is the first gig with the new line-up and it’s sounding great,” says Salter, introducing Daniel Bowater on keyboards, Steve Purton on drums, Mat Watt on bass and Mark Hawkins on lead guitar.
Miles And The Chain Gang will be supported by Sarah Louise Boyle, Lee Moore and Monkey Paw. “It’ll be a diverse and fun evening, so do come along,” says Salter. Tickets: at prime4.bandcamp.com/merch/miles or on the door.
Sax Forte: First concert of York Unitarians’ 2022 lunchtime series
Sax to the max: Sax Forte, York Unitarians Friday Lunchtime Concerts, St Saviourgate Unitarian Chapel, March 11, 12.30pm
CELEBRATING their 350th anniversary in 2022, York Unitarians open their 11th season of Friday lunchtime concerts with the return of York saxophone quartet Sax Forte.
Playing together since 2016, Chris Hayes, Keith Schooling, Jane Parkin and David Badcock all have extensive experience with other quartets, bands and orchestras. They are equally at home playing programmes of serious and light classical music or jazz and swing standards. Tickets cost £6 (cash) on the door.
Gin up: Drag diva Velma Celli hosts Outlaw Live cabaret night with a dash of York Gin
Not just the tonic: Velma Celli and York Gin’s Outlaw Live cabaret night, National Centre for Early Music, York, March 25, 8pm to 10.30pm
YORK drag diva Velma Celli invites you to “celebrate your inner outlaw” at York Gin’s cabaret soiree at the NCEM.
For one night only, glamorous Velma and friends will be celebrating all that’s naughty, villainous and defiantly outrageous about York and its outlaws, from Guy Fawkes to Dick Turpin, with a combination of song, laughter and York Gin.
Tickets are on sale at tickettailor.com/events/yorkgin/590817/ and admission includes a gin cocktail on arrival.
YORK writer, musician and storyteller Miles Salter is back with a new Chain Gang for a headline gig at The Black Swan Inn, Peasholme Green, York, on February 19.
“We had some line-up issues with the first version, so I’ve re-wired the band and it sounds great,” says Miles, introducing Daniel Bowater on keyboards and accordion, Steve Purton on drums, Mat Watt on bass and Mark Hawkins on lead guitar.
“Daniel previously played with Acko Pulco And The Cliff Divers and has been musical director at the Richmond Theatre pantomime for a number of years; Mark is a veteran of hundreds of gigs, including as stand-in guitarist for NoWaySis, the touring Oasis tribute.”
Counting down to the debut gig with the new gang in tow, Salter says: “After a very quiet couple of years – we played just one gig in 2021 – I’m pleased with how the new line-up sounds; it feels great. We’re looking forward to playing more gigs in the area soon.”
The support slots on the 8pm to 11.30pm bill go to Sarah Louise Boyle, Lee Moore and Monkey Paw. “It’ll be a diverse and fun evening, so do come along,” says Salter.
Tickets are on sale for £5.50 at prime4.bandcamp.com/merch/miles or at £7.50 on the door.
