Hamell On Trial + Ruth Theodore

HAMELL ON TRIAL

As good as it gets… ****** 6/5

“Bill Hicks, Hunter S. Thompson and Joe Strummer all rolled into one” Philadelphia Weekly

Headliner and one-man explosion, Hamell on Trial, is a dynamic performance informed by politics, passion, intelligence and the all-important sense of humour.
Armed with a battered acoustic guitar that he amplifies mightily and strums like a machine gun, a politically astute mind that can’t stop moving, and a mouth that can be profane one minute and profound the next, Hamell’s caustic wit and devil-may-care attitude has long been a favourite of anti-establishment icons Aesop Rock, Kimya Dawson, and has toured extensively with folk legend Ani DiFranco. His performances invoke thoughts of the great, rebellious satirists and social commentators of the past: Lenny Bruce, Richard Pryor and Bill Hicks. There’s no way around his obscenity but in that is a willingness to fight for the free thinkers of the world.

“Bald, bold and superbad!” – Rolling Stone magazine

“one man Tarantino flick: loud, vicious, luridly hilarious, gleefully and deeply offensive” – the Village Voice

RUTH THEODORE
No stranger to her own political standpoint, opening artist Ruth Theodore fascinates audiences with her gripping honesty and distinctive lyricism. A truly unique artist and performer, creating charming and humble yet challenging and compelling pieces of original work, her natural lyricism and deliberate turn of phrase is that of a skilled writer in command of, and having fun with, the idea of contemporary songwriting. Starting her career as a busker Ruth has gone on to perform alongside many great international artists including numerous performances with aforementioned folk legend and label mate Ani DiFranco at the London Palladium and Union Chapel, Dar Williams, Jane Siberry, Jeff Lang, Chastity Brown and Rory McLeod.

“Having received critical acclaim for her four outstanding and unique records, you’d be crazy to miss this chance to see her” – TimeOut magazine , London

“Confident and original” – The Guardian ****

And also Paul Jackson’s 64th Birthday celebrations.