CONCERT FOR JOHN II

Event information

After the very special 'Concert for John' that was arranged in memory of the late lamented John Drakeley in January of this year it was agreed with the family that A Concert For John would become an annual event. It may appear a little odd to have two annual concerts in one year but January is hardly ever going to be the best time for a live gig so November 15th was agreed upon to be the second John show.

Sandra's Wedding are a three piece alternative rock group from Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire. They are made up of members Joe Hodgson (Vocals), Jonny Hughes (Guitars) and Luke Harrison (drums). They released their first album physically and digitally on 14 February 2017 entitled Northern Powerhouse. The band's sound and musical themes address love, loss and life in industrial towns across the North of England, with guitarist Jonny Hughes telling one newspaper that the band try to write songs about things that they can identify with, residing and experiencing life in Northern, working class areas.

Several reviews and articles on the band questioned the origin of the unusual name, with singer/songwriter Joe Hodgson explaining that the band had struggled for a name initially, but hoped that the name evoked a certain kind of person, or specifically a woman, who may have a story to tell.

With the release of Northern Powerhouse, the band gained attention in the press and on radio after the MP for the Northern Powerhouse Andrew Percy commented on the album, stating that after hearing it he enjoyed it so he would try and mention it in Parliament if possible. The band described this as a "bizarre twist" due to the album's political themes of austerity and working class strife, explaining how they didn’t expect the demographic to be Conservative politicians, and expressed their surprise.

The album received initial praise for its "dramatic, powerful vocals" and the way Hodgson's lyrics dealt with heavy subject matter with wit and variety. The sound of the band and the jangly guitars evoke comparisons to bands from the 1980s such as The Smiths[4] and The Housemartins, while others likened the record to having an upbeat feel with an indie folk sound reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac. Another review described it as being a tight recording and praised the record's production.

The band's second album, Frame Yourself, was released in March 2020, followed later that year by Banana Bread, an album recorded entirely during the COVID-19 lockdown.

In 2021, they released a compilation of singles and previous album tracks, Our Previous Leaf, in 2021, to raise money for local charity The Moorlands Community Charity after it suffered a spate of break-ins.[10] Sandra's Wedding's fourth album, mini-album Pleasure Grounds, followed in late 2021, before the release of The Hopeful Boy Replacement Service in August 2023.

In 2024 the band contributed a song to the BBC Sitcom Alma's Not Normal created by Sophie Willan. Jupiter Song appeared in the episode The Black and White Movie and was performed by Richard (Craig Parkinson) with the band's own version played over the closing credits

Summer 2025 will see the release of album number six, Arturus Rex, which explores becoming a new father and all the emotions which come tied up with such a life changing event. 

Until the Howden Hopper came to being, Sandra's Wedding were the best thing to have come out of Goole since the Spurn Lightship. The people of Howden have claimed the Hopper and the folks in Hull have taken Spurn. Sandra's Wedding will never be appropriated, they're Goole through and through.

Just come along and have a nice evening in good company...

THE SHUFFLETON COOLIES: that well known ensemble from Goole with a penchant for secrecy and hermit impersonations...

CHRIS KELLY. Johns nephew returns for a second solo slot, Chris Kelly is an indie singer-songwriter from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, celebrated for his emotionally charged lyrics and compelling melodies. Drawing inspiration from Sam Fender, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, and The Gaslight Anthem, Chris crafts music that resonates deeply with listeners, blending heartfelt storytelling with
dynamic instrumentation.
His debut single, When it Rains, made waves in the indie music scene, soaring into thetop 100 of the iTunes singer-songwriter chart and earning him recognition as "the flag bearer for British indie folk" by IAMUR. Critics have praised his work, with The Crack
Magazine calling it "a gorgeous chunk of hook-infused pop/rock," and NARC Magazine likening his sound to "Tom Petty before he fell under the spell of Jeff Lynne."
Chris’s debut EP, The Middle of It All, released in November 2024, showcases his raw and authentic approach to songwriting. Exploring themes of heartbreak, mental health, and personal growth.
Beyond the studio, Chris has toured extensively across the UK and Europe,captivating audiences with his intimate and powerful live performances. He has shared the stage with legends like The Blockheads, as well as celebrated artists ChrisHelme of The Seahorses, Arms & Hearts, and Oli Ng.
Whether performing live or recording in the studio, Chris Kelly delivers music that is as personal as it is universal, ensuring his place as one to watch on the indie music scene.