POPULAR ACOUSTIC MUSIC NIGHT CELEBRATES FIRST BIRTHDAY WITH STELLAR LINE-UP

A popular monthly acoustic music night is set to celebrate its first birthday with a special event at Storyhouse in Chester.

The brainchild of Katie and James McGregor - local folk-rock duo Igloo Hearts, The Blue Lantern Sessions were launched in collaboration with Storyhouse in the intimate surroundings of the Garret theatre 1 year ago, in September 2024.

Featuring an eclectic mix of folk music, roots, and Americana, the popular monthly sessions have built up a loyal following and have attracted an impressive line-up of big names including Michele Stodart (The Magic Numbers), Mark Radcliffe’s band (Radco), Welsh Music Prize-winner The Gentle Good, and songwriting royalty Boo Hewerdine, among others.

Inspired by the magic of the Blue Lantern Open Mic nights at which they met, Igloo Hearts have crafted an immersive experience for the audience, akin to being in the cozy atmosphere of their own living room.

To celebrate one year of The Blue Lantern Sessions, Katie and James have put together a stellar line-up for the special event which take place in The Garret Theatre at Storyhouse on Tuesday 9th September at 7.30pm.

Headlining the special evening, Charlie Dore is a multi-faceted genre-defying performer, singer, actor and an award-winning songwriter for dozens of different artists — from Tina Turner, George Harrison and Celine Dion to Martha Wainwright, Ricky Ross and Paul Carrack. Charlie will be joined by Julian Littman, her multi-instrumental, actor-musician friend since drama school and member of folk-rock legends Steeleye Span. Together, they create a unique atmosphere: instrument-swapping, storytelling, fast-moving yet relaxed, and full of edgy humour. Charlie’s recent awards include Female Vocalist Of The Year (FATEA, 2020) and Best Lyrics (US Indie Acoustic, 2021), while her tours continue to reach new and enthusiastic audiences. 

The evening will be opened by rising star Cara Hammond whose festival appearances include Glastonbury and Green Man. With a growing and impressive CV to her name, Cara has opened for Tom Jones and Nile Rodgers.

The special celebration will be hosted by North Wales based husband and wife duo Igloo Hearts; Katie, a classically trained pianist, and James, who started out as a solo roots artist supporting the likes of Oysterband and Nick Harper. The pair who recently featured on Channel 4 series "The Piano" where Katie was praised by Mika as giving "One of the best ever piano and vocal performance", met at an open mic night 15 years ago and have since gone on to produce a unique blend of "sweeping piano, intricate guitar and haunting harmonies" which has drawn comparisons to artists like Kate Bush, Mitski, All About Eve, Radiohead and Katherine Priddy. They have been featured on BBC Introducing, Focus Wales International Festival, and were runners-up in the Purbeck Valley Folk Festival Rising Competition. Their debut album, "Eyes Closed Against the Sun", is set to launch on 14th November 2025 at St Mary's Creative Space in Chester with tickets already flying out.

The birthday celebrations at Storyhouse will also feature The Blue Lantern's now famous Jools Holland style collaboration which will bring all the evening's artists together for a very special finale. 

Other upcoming Blue Lantern Sessions include a return visit by BBC's Mark Radcliffe and his 7 piece band on Thursday 2^nd December. 

Speaking about the celebratory event, Katie and James said "Since we founded The Blue Lantern Sessions at Storyhouse last year, we have been delighted to bring together breathtaking performers from across the UK with the evenings becoming more than just a concert, we have built something really special, a community if you like. We can't wait to celebrate with a very special first birthday edition of The Blue Lantern Sessions on 9th September featuring a truly unforgettable lineup and a few celebratory surprises, there may even be cake!"

Full details of The Blue Lantern Session First Birthday celebrations can be found at: 

www.storyhouse.com 

...where tickets can be booked online.

Pictured -  Igloo Hearts with Mark Radcliffe's band Radco.

Picture credit: Wowzers Photography.