Keith James - The Songs of Leonard Cohen

Event information

Launderette venue information

Venue

Old Cinema Launderette is a 55 capacity venue with bar facilities. It has good wheelchair access and facilities. If you have additional needs, please email mrwishywashypresents@gmail.com to discuss.

The venue is compact and is a mix of seating and standing. Please arrive early to get a seat. This cannot, however be guaranteed as its first come, first served.

Doors are generally 7pm, sometimes a little earlier, sometimes a little later depending on how the soundcheck progresses. Please note there is no access to the launderette before doors open. There is a wee bar just up the street, the Hop Knocker where you can get a drink if you arrive before doors open.

Parking is free and on street. Generally, in the evening the parking availability is good.


Music is generally from 7.50pm and finished by 10.30pm but this is only a guide.


Keith James in concert
The Songs of Leonard Cohen
These remarkable songs - stripped back, honest, naked and sensual.
‘There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in’ Cohen’s most memorable and
visionary line from his song ANTHEM. If ever there was a sentence in modern poetry to
reflect on and give hope and understanding to us all, it is this line. This Concert begins
with ANTHEM.
Enigmatic, mysterious and sub textural, songwriter Leonard Cohen was an unflinching
character, with an exact sense of prose, wry humour and the courage to wrestle with the
unspoken, forgiving human frailty and indulgence with the stroke of each word.
The chilling announcement of Leonard's death marked the end of an era. His music
befriended an entire generation. Within every line of his writing, he has been challenging us
to listen more carefully, speak more thoughtfully, think more deeply and recognize our own
vulnerability. Our World misses him very much.
With a lifetime reputation of performing in this exact way and an undying love of the ‘pure
song’ Keith James gives you a concert of Cohen’s amazing material in the most intimate and
sensitive way imaginable, exposing the solitary inner strength of his greatest songs in their
original perfect form. Keith has performed an extensive tour of this concert in Theatres and
Arts Centres across the UK, giving over 550 concerts to more than 200,000 people. This has
proved to be one of the greatest honours in Keith James’ 40 year career in music.
Included in the concert are Cohen’s well-known songs: Famous Blue Raincoat, Sisters of
Mercy, Suzanne, and Hallelujah alongside his rarer and profound writing such as If it be
your will, Joan of Arc and Secret Life. Also included are Keith’s dramatic performances
based on the work of Federico Garcia Lorca – Cohen’s greatest influence. Keith has also
transcribed into song one of Leonard’s poems from his collection ‘Book of longing’ written
whilst on retreat during the 1990s.
‘Some of the most atmospheric and emotive music you will ever hear’ The Independent
‘Keith James’ Concert was truly memorable. My tears started as soon as he introduced the
first song, and I came away thinking the human spirit will not be defeated. Currently on tour
across the UK. Catch him if you can. He is such a lovely human being and so talented’
The Hay Festival