| Hello Everyone, 
STOP PRESS THE CON CLUB IS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE Government advice is that we should all avoid social activities, such as going to pubs, clubs and restaurants. The Committee has therefore decided to close the Club with immediate effect. We will continue to follow official government advice and will post updates on our website and social media. Where possible we will attempt to re-arrange gigs, so please do look at our What's On pages for specific gig details, but for ticket refunds please contact the seller. NO RIPPLE THIS MAY The Lewes Ripple team has spent the last 6 months preparing a town-wide event to take place between the 4th and 10th May 2020, in eleven different venues and involving over sixty performers. The Con Club has been especially helpful and supportive, with four major gigs, including the 8th May VE Day celebration, scheduled to take place at the club. Given the current medical emergency we now consider that it would be inappropriate to hold the event at this time. When the pandemic has run its course there will be a great need for people to come together again in large numbers and, at the first sign of daylight, the Ripple will be ready to roll. THE EVENT IS POSTPONED, NOT CANCELLED. Here are the next few events we're putting on at the club... 
We are very sorry but this event is cancelled COMEDY AT THE CON PRESENTS: ROGER MONKHOUSE, WENDY WASON, HORATIO GOULD PLUS! SPECIAL GUEST MC TBC ROGER MONKHOUSE ...is one of the most original and distinctive acts on the comedy scene. A consummate stand-up who employs a deadly combination of charm and menace to exert a masterful control over any audience. A highly original and quirky performer, Roger’s trademark stage-prowling style and curious, inimitable manner have established him as one of the hottest names on the comedy circuit.Distinguished as a comic by his eloquence and keen eye for a fine phrase, Roger’s easy observational style is spiked by the signal flares of an accomplished gag writer. A supremely confident compere and seasoned corporate host, Roger is happy to improvise freely with a crowd and is at great ease bantering with an audience, but has no shortage of first class observational material in his armoury. As one of the most sought after acts on the comedy circuit, Roger headlines at all the major comedy venues and has performed extensively throughout the United Kingdom and Internationally, most recently performing in Belgium, The Netherlands, South Africa, China, Singapore, Tokyo and the Middle East. He has also featured on major national tours of the UK sponsored by Hooch and J2O. Recent television credits include ‘The Comedy Store’ and ‘The World Stands Up’, (both Paramount), ‘My God I’m My Dad’ (Bravo) and ‘Street Cred Sudoku’ (UKG2). He is one of the regular writers on Channel 4’s hugely popular comedy panel show ‘8 Out of 10 Cats’ – responsible for scripting up-to-theminute topical gags every week for the show which features Jimmy Carr alongside team captains Dave Spikey and Sean Lock. On the airwaves, he was recently a guest panellist on comedy panel show ‘Jest A Minute’ (BBC Radio Wales) as well as contributing to review show ‘Serious About Comedy’ (BBC7). A fine topical writer and performer, and master of sharp observational comedy, Roger is a regular member of the prestigious and critically acclaimed ‘Cutting Edge’ team at the London Comedy Store. He also performed with the Manchester based topical and satirical team ‘MEN at Work’ at the Manchester Comedy Store. His forte is delivering intelligent, thought provoking material that pulls no punches and is always incisive, relevant and up to date. Articulate, quick witted and spontaneous, if something’s in the news, Roger has a routine about it. Roger’s distinctive voice and sharp enunciation make him particularly suited to voice over work. Raised in Kingston upon Thames, he retains his Estuary drawl and remains untainted by a South Yorkshire accent despite a decade of living in Sheffield. “unfailingly entertaining and skilfully able to pull punchlines, seemingly, out of thin air” – Chortle. “his laconic delivery shields an engaging persona and an enquiring mind” – The Guardian WENDY WASON - A Scottish actress and comedian, Wendy launched her comedy career in 2004, getting to the final of Funny Women and semi-finals of So You Think You’re Funny at the Edinburgh Fringe the following year. She was already an established actress with roles in Coupling and the IT Crowd working with everyone from Chris O’Dowd and Nicholas Lyndhurst to Johnny Depp and John Malkovich. February 2014 saw Wendy nominated for best actress in Hollywood for British Hustle, the Toscars spoof. Whilst her acting career continues, her comedy career has taken off. 2008 saw Wendy in America on NBC’s Last Comic Standing and was also the year she did her first one-woman show at The Edinburgh Festival: Things I Didn’t Know. Her charisma and wit ensured packed houses. After the success of that she returned with three further solo shows culminating with this year’s knock out show, Hotel California. She has performed in all the major UK clubs such as Just the Tonic, The Glee Club, The Comedy Store, The Stand, and Laughter House in Dublin. In 2012 she was invited to the New York Comedy Festival and charmed audiences there too. She currently performs as part of The Cutting Edge at The Comedy Store in London and has written and stars in her own sitcom for BBC Scotland – Half My Age Plus Seven.
"Exquisite timing” Time Out. "A natural on stage with bags of charm” Chortle. "She’s absolutely hysterical!” Jimmy Carr. "She’s charming, clever and funny” The Sunday Times. "Wendy Wason and her comedy are utterly fanciable” Fest Mag. "Intelligent, heartfelt and entertaining” The List HORATIO GOULD ... is undoubtedly the SPICIEST comedian on the circuit. Been described by spice merchant's as the 'VINDALOO of comedy'. Although a the man himself says "Going to be honest if you're after SPICY content then get off facebook grandad and follow me on instagram @horatio_gould." All round soundest comedian on the circuit. Wicked fast dab on him as well.
Chortle Student Comedy Award semi-finalist 2018. He did a three hander in Edinburgh this year called 'Daddy Longs Legs' and has been pro comedy gigging for 2 years now (80+ gigs). His biggest influences are Stewart Lee, Hannibal Buress & Jerrod Carmichael. His style is mainly observational and story based. An exciting young talent on the way up fast. Awards - Manford's New Comedian of the Year 2019 [FINALIST]. South Coast Comedian of the Year 2019 [FINALIST]. Hilarity Bites New Comedian of the Year 2019 [FINALIST] PLUS! SPECIAL MC TBC!! COMEDY AT THE CON! 2nd April 2020 Doors 7.30 Show 8pm
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Reservations on 07582408418 | We are very sorry but this event is cancelled The Doctors of Philosophy play original songs from the pen of lead-singer Professor Paul Stenner. The style is a fusion: rock and folk influences mingle with West-Coast sounds and even a hint of Prog ! As a Professor of Social Psychology, Paul writes lyrics that are literate, witty and thought provoking. Some may say baffling. The result is startlingly original and strongly melodic songs - for both the mind and body. The Doctors are: Paul Stenner (Vocals, Electric Guitar, Harmonica) - David Bott (Keyboards, BVs) - Steve Harrison (Bass Guitar) & Tom Andrews (Drums, BVs) The band recently released their debut album: ‘A Kiss on your Apocalypse’ and the single ‘Theresa Won’t’. Both available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and other on-line media.CD copies of the album will be on sale at the gig. https://www.facebook.com/thedoctorsofphilosophy/ www.thedoctorsofphilosophy.co.uk Bar from 4:30pm - Doors 8:00 to 11:30pm - FREE entry all welcome | 
Postponed. This gig has been rescheduled for 15th August 2020, more details to follow Global Beats presents: Adrian Sherwood (On U Sound) Plus support ADRIAN SHERWOOD (born 1958 in London) is an English record producer best known for his work with dub music as well as for remixing a number of popular acts such as Coldcut, Depeche Mode, The Woodentops, Primal Scream, Pop Will Eat Itself, Sinéad O’Connor, and Skinny Puppy. He is co-founder of Carib Gems and Pressure Sounds, and founder of Hitrun Records as well as Green Tea Records and Soundboy Records. His most well-known label is On-U Sound. During the early 80’s he brought together many Jamaican artists under the collective name of Singers & Players including Prince Far I, Mikey Dread, Bim Sherman and many others, this helped promote the individual artists at the same time as promoting the On-U Sound label. In 1986 he began working Jamaican dub producer and singer Lee Perry. They produced the classic album ‘Time Boom X De Devil Dead’ and Sherwood’s support helped relaunch Perry’s career.
He made contributions to the Industrial music genre in his remix of Einstürzende Neubauten’s song ‘Yü Gung’, on the album ‘Halber Mensch’, as well as his production work with Ministry, Cabaret Voltaire, KMFDM, Terminal Power Company and Nine Inch Nails. In 2006 he released his second album ‘Becoming A Cliché’ that again featured numerous artists such as Lee “Scratch” Perry, the late Bim Sherman, Dennis Bovell, Little Roy, Leigh ‘LSK’ Kenny, Samia Farah, Raiz and Mark Stewart. A limited 2-disc version was released simultaneously with the second disc titled ‘Dub Cliché’. On beginning a solo career, Sherwood stated, “I wanted to do some of my own writing and make something that was challenging for me… As a producer, it’s my job to satisfy the artist foremost. I wanted to make something that was a little more aggressive and modern. I wanted to paint a picture that was contemporary, one that specifically showed where my brain was at. I’ve got to the point in my life where it’s time for me to call all of the shots.” 7:30pm to 12am - Tickets £15 www.tickettailor.com/events/globalbeats/ Lewes Con Club member tickets £11 available only from the bar, 1 per member no booking fee | 
Postponed - this gig has been rescheduled for 22nd August 2020 Global Beats presents: A Ska & Reggae Fest featuring THE SKATALITES, FREEDUB PRESS, SAMSARA COLLECTIVE
Easy Skankin DJs, Caribbean food by IRMA’S KITCHEN THE SKATALITES began performing in Jamaica in May 1964. The group was so hot that their first rehearsal became a show. So many people had lined up outside the venue, they decided to just charge admission and let everybody in! They were the top musicians on the island at the time, having come together after playing in different bands and on various recording sessions. These records were made to be played at the many competing sound systems around the island. The band became legendary, backing all the developing artists of the day, such as Toots and The Maytals, Prince Buster and “The Wailing Wailers” featuring Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. These groups were all recording on the new beat called ska, which had an infectious rhythm that was catching on like wildfire. Eventually, the beat slowed down into rocksteady, and then reggae. This wildfire spread unstoppably around the world, developing into a huge musical tree with many stylistic branches, including lovers rock, dub, dancehall/ ragga, ska-punk,, and others. Hugely popular groups, like The Police, The Clash, The Specials, The English Beat, Sublime and No Doubt, all have their roots firmly planted in the music of The Skatalites. Since reforming after an almost 20 year hiatus in 1983, and beginning regular touring as a unit in 1989, they have not stopped thrilling audiences in every corner of the globe. Even after more than 50 years, and various lineup changes as members leave one stage for another, the band continues to perform and record new music in the inimitable Jamaican style, like only they can. The road has been long and hard, and sadly, seen most of the original members pass on. Often asked “when will you stop?” and “how do you keep doing it after all these years?”, the answer is simple: never – It’s the love of the music and the way our fans respond that keep us going Forward! Featuring original vocalist Doreen Shaffer, along with the current lineup of outstanding musicians they have chosen to accompany them, the band proudly presents live the music of Jamaican Ska. Forever indebted to the inspiration and talent of: Roland Alphonso, Lloyd Brevett, Don Drummond, Jerome “Jah Jerry” Haynes, Lloyd Knibb, Tommy McCook, Donat “Jackie” Mittoo, John “Dizzy Johnny”Moore, and Lester Sterling, collectively known as The Skatalites. SAMSARA COLLECTIVE As “one of the South’s most exciting reggae acts”, Brighton-based Samsara Collective create an open minded and fresh take on the roots tradition. The result is a fresh and hook-laden take on the style, morphing the reggae sound into something wholly new and exciting, and has been described as “a startlingly new angle on the Jamaican sound”. Having played alongside reggae legends such as The Wailers, Toots & the Maytals, Alborosie, Horace Andy, Groundation, The Easy Star All-Stars, and Aswad – they've also performed at countless festivals such as Glastonbury, Boomtown Fair, and Secret Garden Party. With the recent release of their 'Second Attention' EP and a tightly woven live show which combines intricate musicianship & improvisation with raw energy and infectious positivity, Samsara Collective have established themselves as “one of the best reggae bands in the UK at the moment.” THE FREEDUB PRESS Hailing from Brighton are The FreeDub Press. A six-piece outfit that create fuse dub, reggae, ska and hip-hop with punk inspired lyricism that doesn’t sit on the fence. Chris William’s soaring lead vocal creates a wave of melody that bounces off the contrast of Dean Ormsby’s gritty rhymes that explore serious issues and connect with audiences of all backgrounds. The lead vocal duo are backed by solid, pumping beats, groove heavy bass lines, bubbling keys and melodic sax which all blend together to create a truly unique sound. EASY SKANKIN’ are a collective of some of the best Reggae DJs in Brighton.
All have impressive backgrounds, which when bought together promises to uplift your soul as you skank to the sounds of Ska, Rocksteady, Roots, Rubadub and Dancehall! Doors 3pm - 12am Early Bird £20 // 1st Release £22.50 // Final Release £25 www.facebook.com/events/869222683535096/ FOR REFUNDS: https://buytickets.at/globalbeats/351450 Early Bird Lewes Con Club member tickets £15 available only from the bar, 1 per member no booking fee | 
We are very sorry but this event is cancelled Cajun Barn present, Dirk Powell, USA legend of Cajun, Old-Time and Appalachian music with Jock Tyldesley and Vera van Heeringen. Dirk Powell musician, writer, producer, composer, studio owner, theatre and art centre director, brilliant Cajun accordionist and vocalist, residing in Southwest Louisiana. He's considered one of the world's leading experts on traditional Appalachian fiddle and banjo styles, along with carrying on the traditions of his late and legendary father-in-law Dewey Balfa of the Balfa Brothers, as the accordion player in the legendary Cajun band Balfa Toujours. His roots in Kentucky and his commitment to Creole and Cajun culture have fused with early classical training to form an artistic palette and vision that are unique in today's musical environment. In addition to his own performances, he has toured with Eric Clapton, Joan Baez, Rhiannon Giddens, Linda Ronstadt, Jack White, Loretta Lynn, and many more. His work in film including the acclaimed Cold Mountain, has found him collaborating with producers such as T Bone Burnett, and directors like Anthony Minghella and Ang Lee. In 2018, he toured with both Rhiannon Giddens and Joan Baez selling out the Festival Hall for 3 nights. He is the musician's musician of choice and an incredibly nice guy! Jock Tyldesley renowned fiddle player and teacher, Jock is the fiddle tutor to be found at several camps and universities. He is perhaps best known for his fiddling in Cajun bands such as The Flatville Aces and the Bearcats, and old time bands including The Wagon Hoppers as well as more off-the-wall antics with The New Rope String Band. He's toured worldwide with his regular bands and US legends such as Eddie LeJeune. Jock nurtures a long-time passion for Southern Appalachian old time fiddling and has toured with Riley Baugus , Martha Scanlan and many more.
He is much in demand as a private and workshop tutor and taught for several years at Folkworks Summer School. Sore Fingers, Gainsborough, as well as being a visiting tutor at Blazin' in Beauly, The London Fiddle School, the Folk Degree course at Newcastle University, and The Laban / Trinity school at London Uni.. And don't forget 'Jocks Hot Sauce' of course! Vera van Heeringen is originally from Holland, but now settled in the hills of northern Powys, Wales. A consummate guitarist, highly acclaimed by her contemporaries, she brings the instrument to life in way that is entirely her own. She is well known for her big guitar sound and has worked on the acoustic music scene in Europe for the last decade and developed a reputation as a strong guitarist, back-up player on guitar, bass and fiddle in several Cajun and old-time bands. Vera plays with The Flatville Aces and has toured with Sheryl Cormier, the late Eddie LeJeune and Dirk Powell and more. She is an incredible singer songwriter appearing with her trio at prestigious folk festivals around Europe. www.cajunbarn.co.uk www.facebook.com/cajun.barn Bar from 4:30pm, doors 7:30 for 8:00 Tickets £15+b/.f www.eventbrite.co.uk | 
We are very sorry but this event is cancelled The Curst Sons have been playing their powerful stripped back take on early American traditional music since 1998. Performing mainly original material with a few distinctive arrangements of traditional songs they have released six full length albums and one 10” vinyl EP on their own Curst Mountain label. Over the years they have played venues ranging from tiny country pubs to festival main stages, appeared on several local radio shows and recorded two live sessions on the much missed Mark Lamarr BBC Radio 2 show. They were runners up in the 2013 International Song Writing Competition, nominated for Best Alt Country Album in the 10th Independent Music Awards 2011 and for Best Americana Act in the British Country Music Awards 2010. Tim Dunkerley (slide guitar, mandolin, vocals). Tim’s interest in music was first awakened by his father’s tales of wild living in a harmonica band on the minesweeper HMS Hound. Loath to leave his nautical background Tim coast hopped east from his Portsmouth home and soon washed up on the beach at Brighton. He is also a teacher/ facilitator with Unified Rhythm, a samba/fusion marching band for young adults, including those with learning difficulties. Willi Kerr (vocals, percussion). Born on Mersea Island on the marshy fringes of Essex, Willi abandoned his agricultural roots and took to the sinful ways of the city. Diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma (an incurable cancer of the bone marrow) in 1998 he was given 6 days to live. Being a cantankerous old cuss he decided that this was the perfect time to re-launch his musical career, and The Curst Sons were born. Thanks to the healing power of hillbilly music he is now in the rudest of health. Dave (Specky) Simner (banjo, lead guitar, vocals). Raised in the Black Country on a diet of heavy metal and motorbikes Dave fled south till he hit the coast. He lost the long hair and leather jacket and soon became entangled in the Brighton music scene. He has played in more bands than he can remember and somehow took up the banjo. He also plays with his own 60’s R&B outfit The Spectones, and in his day job leads music sessions for adults with learning disabilities. Scott Smith (guitar, banjo, harmonica, vocals) was born in Wichita, Kansas and heard a lot of country radio there at an impressionable age. Escaping North America, he found himself in the UK, where he remains, an ex-pat roots musician. Scott is a member of the Porchlight Smoker band, and makes sound designs and post production audio for whomever will employ him. Bar from 4:30pm - Doors 8:00 to 11:30pm - FREE ENTRY - All welcome | 
Postponed. This gig has been rescheduled for 17th April 2021, more details to follow Dictionary Pudding - Live music promotions present - The Monochrome Set consist of, original Monochrome Set members, Bid (Guitar/Vocals) and Andy Warren (bass) with John Paul Moran (keyboards) and Mike Urban, who was previously in the band in the early 90s, on drums, The Monochrome Set formed in 1978, and were heavily influential in the ‘post-punk’ scene that evolved after the initial scorched earth of punk.
The band’s early releases were on the legendary Rough Trade Label before signing with Virgin offshoot Din Disc. They also released several albums on the Cherry Red label, making a notable appearance on that labels’ well known ‘Pillows and Prayers’ compilation.Though The Monochrome Set split in 1985 the next decade saw several reunions for both live gigs and further studio recordings, their album release count now being well into double figures. Tickets - £14 + b/f www.seetickets.com 7:30pm | 
Postponed. This gig has been rescheduled for 4th October 2020, more details to follow Dictionary Pudding Present: Martha Tilston ‘Martha Tilston has carved her niche with sharp, original songs that dissect the modern world. It is an engrossing set.. She captures both the harshness and enchantment of life, with the salt of sea air almost palpable.’ The Guardian 7:30pm - Tickets £18 + b/f www.seetickets.com Lewes Con Club member tickets £15 available only from the bar, 1 per member no booking fee | | |
