The Churchfitters is a folk band like no other. Bass guitars made out of frying pans and hub caps. Heart-wrenching vocals accompanied by a musical saw. Foot-stompingly fast fiddle mixed with infectious funk-rock banjo, and traditional melodies reinvigorated with mesmerising rock rhythms.
The three virtuoso musicians from England and France strut their stuff on a stage that bristles with instruments, adding flute, mandolin, strum box, tin whistle, guitar, ukulele, saxophone, stand up dustbin bass and a sackful of percussion to their ensemble. And let’s not forget the unique ‘bing-bong’ machine made out of hack-saw blades.
Throw in some exquisite harmonies, a slew of startlingly original songs and a few jokes that create instant rapport and you’ve got a high energy show that always leaves audiences cheering.
How do you adequately describe such a musically diverse, uplifting band? You leave it to Mike Harding, a self confessed ‘huge, huge fan’. He calls them ‘totally brilliant and beautiful’.
Dave Pegg, Fairport Convention: “I can honestly say that they are the most musically inventive band that I have seen in decades. They received a standing ovation from the festival. Go and see them and you will understand why. A must.”
Chester Folk Festival: “Stunning, energetic performances, inspired arrangements, superlative stagecraft.”
Suffolk Online: “I knew they came highly recommended but previous publicity had not prepared me for how amazing they are in the flesh!”
The band
Rosie Short – Vocals, banjo, tin whistle, flute, saxophone, ukulele, strumbox, guitar, percussion
Like Annie Lennox in full flow’ – Rosie’s achingly beautiful voice is equally at home singing husky blues, plaintive femme folk or ethereal originals. A talented songwriter, she’s also a ‘one woman orchestra’, deftly swapping between flute, saxophone, banjo, tin whistle, dulcimer, ukulele and any number of things you can shake, rattle, or whack with a stick.
Chris Short – Fiddle, musical saw, mandolin, vocals
Chris is a feverishly fast fiddler who has the annoying habit of getting people, who were sitting quite comfortably, out of their seats and dancing. When required, he also plays slowly and most of the other speeds. A mean mandolin player, he sings great vocal harmonies too. Finally, he’s a raconteur with a great sense of humour – but then you need that if you play the musical saw.
Boris Lebret – Scrap metal basses, hubcap bass-bouzouki, percussion, vocals
Part bass player, part mad inventor, Boris hates to play a regular instrument when he can cobble together a better one out of scrap metal. Like when he discovered four strings weren’t enough for his driving bass rhythms, so he simply reached for the Black & Decker and bolted on another six.
Advance Tickets cost 13 (plus booking fees). On the door on the night they will cost £15.
Additionally there are some tables available from £31 for two (plus booking fees)
Licensed bar. Doors open 5:30pm. Concert starts at 6pm
This event is supported by Arts in Rural Gloucestershire