Message from the band –
“We are soooo looking forward to connecting again this evening!! In celebration of togetherness we are dedicating this weeks gigette to the wonderful Nordoff Robbins music therapy charity in appreciation of their amazing work and the support they are offering at this difficult time. See you later with love from Clare and John xx”
You can watch the gig on their Facebook page
The total raised was £98.20, made up of £5 donation, £30 raised by Biscuithead & the Badgers at their gig and the rest was raised via eBay from signed items/tickets kindly donated by Ed Byrne, Billy Lockett & Paul Carrack.
Not as much raised as in 2019, however the social media activity was higher this year, which was great to see as the aim of Fifty Gigs In A Day has always been to raise awareness of the Nordoff Robbins charity and music therapy in general. Any funds raised has always been a welcome bonus!
It was going to be the last Fifty Gigs this year, however it is always heartening to see the artists & bands helping spread the word. I will have a look to see if a series of gigs throughout the year plugging the work of Nordoff Robbins, coupled with the annual day of Fifty Gigs on February 8 could work better.
Any suggestions on how to improve and/or gain more exposure for the event are more than welcome. Please get in touch via the contact page.
Still to come…
Dandelion Charm have a gig supporting the Emerald Dawn in Brighton on March 23, full details can be found here
Also Milton Hide play the Stag Inn on February 16
2020 Roll of Honour –
BEANS ON TOAST, BISCUITHEAD & THE BISCUIT BADGERS, THE BLUES BAND, ED BYRNE, PAUL CARRACK, DANDELION CHARM, THE DARKER MY HORIZON, FAIRPORT CONVENTION, JIMEOIN, RON KEEL, THE KING’S SINGERS, LETZ ZEP, BILLY LOCKETT, MILTON HIDE, THE MONOCHROME SET, NEVER THE BRIDE, NINEBARROW, TERRORVISION
A BIG thank you to all the artists for joining in this year.
The third (and final) 50 Gigs In A Day is this weekend with the aim being to raise awareness of the work done in music therapy by the Nordoff Robbins charity.
A BIG thank you to all the bands and artists taking part this year and if you can get along to support them at one of the shows.
ABOUT NORDOFF ROBBINS
(All on February 8th unless stated)
BEANS ON TOAST appears at the Castle & Falcon in Birmingham
BISCUITHEAD & THE BISCUIT BADGERS appear at the Whitby Steampunk weekend
THE BLUES BAND play the Hartington, Fleet
ED BYRNE appears at the Anvil, Basingstoke
PAUL CARRACK will be playing at the Eastbourne Congress Theatre
DANDELION CHARM will be supporting The Emerald Dawn at The Green Door Store, Brighton on Monday March 23
THE DARKER MY HORIZON will be streaming a Facebook gig on the day
FAIRPORT CONVENTION appear at the Leeds City Varieties
JIMEOIN is appearing at the Cambridge Corn Exchange
RON KEEL sets sail on the Monsters of Rock Cruise
THE KING’S SINGERS perform at Musikhuset Aarhus, Denmark
LETZ ZEP play Rem, Mercia in Spain
BILLY LOCKETT plays at the Arts Club, Liverpool
MILTON HIDE play on 16 February
THE MONOCHROME SET play Waterfront Studio, Norwich
NEVER THE BRIDE play the Green Note, London
NINEBARROW play the Holy Trinity Church, Sutton Coldfield
TERRORVISION play a sold out gig at The Warehouse, Leeds
Just Giving page is here if you’d kindly like to donate and support the work of Nordoff Robbins
You can see previous year’s tweets and Facebook posts here –
https://50gigsinaday.home.blog/fifty-gigs-in-a-day-roll-of-honour/
Album release date: 2nd November 2019 (digital and CD formats)
Featuring the duo’s signature blend of intricate harmonies, soaring melodies and Olah, their beautiful jumbo twelve-string guitar, Maybe Dreamers is the brand new album from Dandelion Charm. The overarching theme across the album’s ten tracks is an exploration of collective and individual relationships with new media, and the pursuit of fulfilment through consumption. Musically it is more prog and yet more accessible, with just a hint of jazz influence.
John Fowler: “I’m so pleased with this record! Maybe Dreamers reflects our growing confidence and just has more of everything! It’s punchier, darker, proggier in places, yet lighter and more accessible in others. It’s a varied record that hangs together beautifully. It’s definitely Dandelion Charm and I’m really proud of it!”
Very much a personal as well as a creative partnership Dandelion Charm is the inspiration of John and Clare Fowler, based in Newhaven (near Brighton) on England’s south-coast. With a background working in a commercial studio, John brings over twenty years of song-writing and production experience. Clare, meanwhile, is a long-time visual artist and performer and her love of storytelling manifests itself in her heartfelt lyrics and emotive delivery.
Clare Fowler: “Its hard to define Dandelion Charm by one genre alone. We tend to describe ourselves as a bit rocky, a bit folky and a bit proggy. John and I love the process of writing and refining songs so that regardless of whether they are heard as a live duo, trio, band or recording they still communicate a powerful story.”
John Fowler: “Dandelion Charm is just all the things that I love rolled into one! I’m just making the music that I want to hear, and it’s wonderful that so many other people seem to want to hear it too!”
Dandelion Charm’s debut album Tiny Drop was released in 2015. This was followed by a five-track EP Riding The Flood in 2018. As word of Dandelion Charm has spread, following a string of positive reviews, their performances have enthralled audiences at Purbeck Valley Folk Festival, the Cropredy festival fringe, the Cambridge Rock Festival and Brighton Pride – to name just a few.
The release of Maybe Dreamers will be marked with a special launch gig on 2nd November when Dandelion Charm will be performing songs from the album at the Brunswick, Hove’s premier music and arts venue.
Track By Track
Here, Dandelion Charm guide us through each of the ten tracks on Maybe Dreamers:
Cult of More – This short track is an intro to the album that sets the scene. It’s about our obsession with screen use and its influence on our society.
Stephanie – Stephanie is a song about disappointment, failed expectation, loss of innocence and shame. The character of Stephanie is an every-woman, embodying the journey into womanhood. The train is a metaphor for time which moves relentlessly forward regardless of a desire to step off or go back to a simpler more unworldly place.
Maybe Dreamers – The title track is a comment on society’s dwindling creative population. It describes an increasingly dumbed-down society that is mercilessly sold cheap thrills, where truly creative people can feel ostracised and deflated.
Not Just A Kiss – The lyrics to this song were written by Martin King, it’s a beautiful and whimsical love song. It was recorded initially for his album White Sands Desire and Me, which was produced by John Fowler. With its classic vocal harmonies and twelve-string guitar, the track is undeniably Dandelion Charm and won its place on the album.
Arrogance and Blackmail/PityBomb – These two tracks are essentially one song (Saviour for the Lesser Man). It deals with manipulation and the pulling of heartstrings for personal gain. The lyrics were initially written as one huge rant, and as the songs developed they went through many versions as separate songs. Recurring themes both lyrically and musically bonded the songs together and eventually, John and Clare conceded that they needed to sit together on the album.
Afraid of the Silence – This song is about the incredibly powerful influence that consumerism and the media have over us. Life is finite – there is only so much time. Are we spending it wisely, or just pawns?
Trying Hard – Trying hard offers an alternative message of resistance to relentless marketing and consumerism. Its a call to others who are striving to spread understanding, to bring people together, to be creative in a society that seems hell-bent on promoting greed, destruction, and hatred.
Isolate Resolve – This is a love song. It describes two people singularly resolved to appreciate and care for each other despite all outside influence.
Flicker – Flicker takes its place as the album’s outro. Its message is simple; all that matters is our relationships. Treasure those around you. There will come at a time when they, and we, are just memories.
Delighted to have Letz Zep, Dandelion Charm, Paul Carrack and the Darker My Horizon all supporting next year’s Fifty Gigs In A Day, which aims to spread the word of the work of the Nordoff Robbins charity.
If any band or artist would like to join in please contact me via this website.
Please support them if you are able, either by attending one of their shows or spreading the word.
(All on February 8th unless stated)
ED BYRNE appears at the Anvil, Basingstoke
PAUL CARRACK will be playing at the Eastbourne Congress Theatre
DANDELION CHARM are planning something special in support of Nordoff Robbins (this year their gig raised over £170!)
THE DARKER MY HORIZON will be streaming a Facebook gig on the day
JIMEOIN is appearing at the Cambridge Corn Exchange
LETZ ZEP play Rem, Mercia in Spain
Just Giving page is here if you’d kindly like to donate and support the work of Nordoff Robbins
Single release date: 8th April 2019
“a song about disappointment and failed expectation, loss of innocence, isolation and shame”
In a busy twelve months for prog folk outfit Dandelion Charm they’ve released a highly-acclaimed EP, extended their reach to many new fans and spent time in the studio finalising a brand new album. The single ‘Stephanie’ provides the first taste of what Dandelion Charm’s new material has in store for fans and will be released as a download on Monday 8th April 2019.
Newhaven-based Dandelion Charm is the creation of John Fowler (guitars/vocals) and Clare Fowler (vocals). They combine prog, folk and rock influences into a luxurious blend of intricate harmonies, soaring melodies, superb musicianship and heartfelt lyrics, receiving plaudits from across a range of genres – from prog to hard-rock to folk.
The single is a captivating and dramatic slice of exquisite prog folk from the highly-rated south-coast duo.
Clare Fowler: “I started writing the melody and lyrics for Stephanie on the bus to Brighton, I was thinking about my daughter and how she had come home from London after making a ‘bad’ choice. She was so embarrassed and crippled by shame and feelings of inadequacy, which were then fuelled and exaggerated by the insta-perfect lives she saw online. As the song took shape, however, I realised that I identified with her feelings and the character of Stephanie grew in my mind into an every-woman, embodying the journey into womanhood. Stephanie is a song about disappointment and failed expectation, loss of innocence, isolation and shame. The train is a metaphor for time which moves relentlessly forward regardless of our desire to step off or go backwards to a simpler more unworldly place.”
Already familiar faces on the Brighton and Worthing music scene, Dandelion Charm have stepped up their live appearances over the past year and won many new fans, performing as a duo or trio and sometimes in an expanded full-band format. Playing Purbeck Valley Folk Festival, being part of the festival fringe line-up at Fairport Convention’s Cropredy weekend and a support slot with prog rock icons Gryphon have been among the many recent highlights for Dandelion Charm.
John Fowler: “It feels like we’ve grown wings, its great when people you don’t know get in contact and want to talk about the music. That’s been the big difference this year it really feels like we’re going somewhere. For me this year has felt like someone has opened a gate to a big field, and we’re walking around the field and experiencing all these new things. It’s been great!”
Dandelion Charm’s debut album ‘Tiny Drop’ was released in 2015. This was followed by a five-track EP ‘Riding The Flood’ in February 2018. A second full-length album ‘Maybe Dreamers’ is scheduled for release in late 2019.
The release of the single ‘Stephanie’ will be marked with a special launch gig at The Observatory, Herstmonceux, Hailsham BN27 1RN on 6th April
Fifty Gigs In A Day 2019 raised over £300 for the Nordoff Robbins charity, as well as raising awareness of the work they do in music therapy.
The money raised was as follows –
£177 = Dandelion Charm played a free gig at the Brunswick, Hove supported by Milton Hide
£66 = my Facebook birthday post
£23 = eBay auctions (Ninebarrow CDs)
£37 = JustGiving from generous FM & Thunder fans
Thank you to the following for taking part and helping spread the word on the work of the Nordoff Robbins charity –
ADRIAN BELEW, PAUL CARRACK, JARROD DICKENSON, BARBARA DICKSON, DODGY , FAIRPORT CONVENTION, FM, FROST*, FUN LOVIN’ CRIMINALS, STEVE HACKETT, ROBB JOHNSON, KAISER CHIEFS, KING KING, LETZ ZEP, LOST VOICE GUY, NINEBARROW, THE SMYTHS, STONE BROKEN, THOSE DAMN CROWS, THUNDER , YES, THE YOUNG ‘UNS
Plus the Little Red Kings, Broken Witt Rebels, the Fierce & the Dead and Andrew W.K. joined in even though they are not currently touring.
Plus there is still one event to go as author Mark Stay is kindly donating one pound for every copy signed or sold of his new book ‘The End of Magic’, at the official book launch on Friday 15 February at Harbour Books in Whitstable, Kent.
Thanks to everyone for your support.
https://www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk/news/imogens-story
Fifty Gigs In A Day 2019 is this Friday (although there have been gigs already from Space Elevator & Hanson Asiedu). Those with gigs this Friday are –
ADRIAN BELEW, PAUL CARRACK, JARROD DICKENSON, BARBARA DICKSON, DODGY , FAIRPORT CONVENTION, FM, FROST*, FUN LOVIN’ CRIMINALS
STEVE HACKETT, KAISER CHIEFS, KING KING, LETZ ZEP, LOST VOICE GUY, THE SMYTHS, STONE BROKEN, THOSE DAMN CROWS, THUNDER
Plus the Little Red Kings, Broken Witt Rebels, the Fierce & the Dead, Tax the Heat and Andrew W.K. will be joining in even though they are not currently touring.
All will be mentioning the work of Nordoff Robbins via their social media on Feb 8th
In addition there are some gigs taking place specifically plugging the work of Nordoff Robbins on stage and/or raising funds for them –
Folk night at the Railway Inn, Portslade tomorrow night (7 Feb) – thanks to Robb Johnson
Dandelion Charm are playing a gig at the Brunswick, Hove on Feb 8th. It is free entry and any donations on the night will go to Nordoff Robbins.
Folk duo Ninebarrow play North Ferriby Village Hall
Author Mark Stay has a signing event for his new book ‘The End of Magic’ and he will donate £1 for each copy sold and/or signed on the night (15 Feb)
Latest updates can be found here –
https://50gigsinaday.home.blog/
PS
Just Giving page is below if you’d kindly like to donate and support the work of Nordoff Robbins
Venue: The Brunswick, 1 Holland Rd, Hove BN3 1JF
Date: Friday February 8th 2019, 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm. Free entry.
Prog folk duo Dandelion Charm will be performing a free-entry acoustic gig as part of Fifty Gigs In A Day, which is taking place world-wide on 8th February 2019 to support the work of the Nordoff Robbins music therapy charity. They will be joined by singer-songwriter duo Milton Hide.
Newhaven-based Dandelion Charm are John and Clare Fowler. They combine prog, folk and rock influences into a luxurious blend of intricate harmonies, soaring melodies, superb musicianship and heartfelt lyrics. Dandelion Charm’s debut album ‘Tiny Drop’ was released in 2015. This was followed by a five-track EP ‘Riding The Flood’ in February 2018. The duo’s exquisite studio work has received plaudits from across a range of genres – from prog to hard-rock to folk. Clare and John will be joined on stage by guitarist/vocalist Bob Burke.
“We are absolutely passionate about the power of music and this gig is a wonderful opportunity to support the work of Nordoff Robbins. Their music therapy work can be life-changing for so many people,“ says Dandelion Charm’s Clare Fowler.
Opening the evening will be Milton Hide who are husband and wife team, Jim and Josie Tipler. Natural storytellers with material that is rooted in folk traditions, they write and perform songs that are strong in melody and full of hooks. Sometimes personal, sometimes amusing, sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes making a point – but always memorable.
Fifty Gigs In A Day is the brain-child of Jason Ritchie. “The idea was to create a whole host of gigs, events and social media posts mentioning Nordoff Robbins on and around the 8 February. As it was such a success last year I thought why not make it an annual event. This year it will be hopefully 51 gigs and the focus this time will be on up-and-coming bands, artists, comedians and authors – all supporting and plugging the work of Nordoff Robbins,” says Jason.
Nordoff Robins are the largest independent music therapy charity in the UK, dedicated to changing the lives of vulnerable and isolated people. They support thousands of people in their own centres as well as care homes, schools and hospitals. When delivered by a trained practitioner, music therapy can be used to support people living with a wide range of needs.
Donations – for those wishing to support the work of Nordoff Robbins through Fifty Gigs In A Day a Just Giving page has been set up here https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/fiftygigsinaday2019
Find out more here about Fifty Gigs In A Day here: https://therockinchairblog.wordpress.com/fifty-gigs-in-a-day-2019/
Find out more about Nordoff Robbins here: www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk
Media enquiries to: Darren Johnson
darrenjohnson@crowfliescommunications.com
Website: https://www.dandelioncharm.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dandelioncharmmusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Dandelion_Charm
Venue: The Brunswick, 1 Holland Rd, Hove BN3 1JF
Date: Friday February 8th 2019, 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm. Free entry.
Prog folk duo Dandelion Charm will be performing a free-entry acoustic gig as part of Fifty Gigs In A Day, which is taking place world-wide on 8th February 2019 to support the work of the Nordoff Robbins music therapy charity. They will be joined by singer-songwriter duo Milton Hide.
Newhaven-based Dandelion Charm are John and Clare Fowler. They combine prog, folk and rock influences into a luxurious blend of intricate harmonies, soaring melodies, superb musicianship and heartfelt lyrics. Dandelion Charm’s debut album ‘Tiny Drop’ was released in 2015. This was followed by a five-track EP ‘Riding The Flood’ in February 2018. The duo’s exquisite studio work has received plaudits from across a range of genres – from prog to hard-rock to folk. Clare and John will be joined on stage by guitarist/vocalist Bob Burke.
“We are absolutely passionate about the power of music and this gig is a wonderful opportunity to support the work of Nordoff Robbins. Their music therapy work can be life-changing for so many people,“ says Dandelion Charm’s Clare Fowler.
Opening the evening will be Milton Hide who are husband and wife team, Jim and Josie Tipler. Natural storytellers with material that is rooted in folk traditions, they write and perform songs that are strong in melody and full of hooks. Sometimes personal, sometimes amusing, sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes making a point – but always memorable.
Fifty Gigs In A Day is the brain-child of Jason Ritchie. “The idea was to create a whole host of gigs, events and social media posts mentioning Nordoff Robbins on and around the 8 February. As it was such a success last year I thought why not make it an annual event. This year it will be hopefully 51 gigs and the focus this time will be on up-and-coming bands, artists, comedians and authors – all supporting and plugging the work of Nordoff Robbins,” says Jason.
Nordoff Robins are the largest independent music therapy charity in the UK, dedicated to changing the lives of vulnerable and isolated people. They support thousands of people in their own centres as well as care homes, schools and hospitals. When delivered by a trained practitioner, music therapy can be used to support people living with a wide range of needs.
Donations – for those wishing to support the work of Nordoff Robbins through Fifty Gigs In A Day a Just Giving page has been set up here https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/fiftygigsinaday2019
Find out more here about Fifty Gigs In A Day here: https://therockinchairblog.wordpress.com/fifty-gigs-in-a-day-2019/
Find out more about Nordoff Robbins here: www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk
Media enquiries to: Darren Johnson
darrenjohnson@crowfliescommunications.com
Website: https://www.dandelioncharm.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dandelioncharmmusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Dandelion_Charm
Fifty Gigs In A Day 