The Arts Barge is back! A summer season of amazing shows is set to raise the funds for the next phase of work on the floating community arts project.
Moored in the Foss Basin, the Arts Barge venue is undergoing a transformation, thanks to dedicated volunteers.
The latest task is the construction of a large deckhouse and roof, and the new fund-raising target is £5,000.
Organiser Hannah West told YorkMix: “We need this covered area on the deck to prevent rain getting in, and to house a lift and accessible loo. Work has started and we can already see the outline shape of things to come.
“We’ve put together a varied programme of events, titled Raising The Roof. There are lots of opportunities for some great evenings of summer entertainment.
“And even if people can’t get along to these special shows, there is a chance to help us, as we will be launching a Crowdfunder on August 10.”
Two businesses have already made crucial donations to give the project a head start:
- Workhaus, a Sherburn in Elmet-based developer of museums and commercial spaces, are providing specialist glass for the deckhouse;
- and Clifton Moor’s Brewers Decorator Centre are providing all the the paint to restore the barge – originally named Selby Tony – to her original colours.
Summer concert programme
Here’s what’s on at York Arts Barge this summer. Get along, enjoy a great night out and help the venue to power its upgrade
Sunday, 11 August: Chris Otepka and Jake McKelvie
A welcome return visit from last year’s sell-out stars, Chris Otepka and Jake McKelvie. They will be joined on the programme by York’s own powerhouse performer, Will Dreyfus.
An evening of anti-folk/indie/Americana and great story-telling songs is promised.
Chris Otepka is the driving force behind The Heligoats, and McKelvie has built a huge US reputation both as a solo act and with his band, The Countertops. Will Dreyfuss is no stranger to York audiences as one of the frontmen of busking superstars, Hyde Family Jam.
Tickets: £11.55 (inc booking fee) available here.
Friday, 16 August: Jude Brothers
The return of Jude Brothers who has some Northern British roots but hails from Arkansas, and delivers mesmerising Americana with a Northumbrian folk edge. Support comes from York’s We Are Hannah, and guitar stylist Pascallion.
Tickets: £11.55 (inc booking fee) available here.
Monday, 19 August: Black Sheep Collective
Launch Party for the Black Sheep Collective. An evening of music and poetry to mark publication of the collective’s first volume of poetry, featuring Manchester Cathedral poet-in-residence, Tom Branfoot, and York musician Rowan Evans.
Tickets on the door at £5. Some free tickets available, contact Arts Barge. Ticket-holders qualify for a £5 discount on the collection, Black Sheep Vol 1.
Tickets: £6.13 (inc booking fee) available here.
Tuesday, 20 August: A Pinch Of Salt
A Pinch Of Salt – curated by Rowan Evans and Arts Barge maverick, Kai West, this experimental variety night of art and music features Ryosuke Kiyasu, a world-renowned snare percussionist, known for electrifying solo performances. For fans of the unexpected, a magical night is in store.
Tickets: £6.13 (inc booking fee) available here.
Friday, 20 August: Dylan Earl and Chris Acker
Dylan Earl returns, this time with his buddy Chris Acker, for an evening of big-hearted cowboy country songs, road-weary ramblers, raucous honky-tonkers, and timeless tear-in-my-beer ballads. Cowboy hats and boots are optional.
Tickets: £11.55 (inc booking fee) available here.
Thursday, 12 September: Esther Rose
New Orleans-based Esther Rose comes to the barge for the first time. Expect heartfelt personal songs with a folk-country vibe from an artist identified by Americana UK as ‘the artist people should really know about’.
Tickets: £11.55 (inc booking fee) available here.
Saturday, September 14: Down To The Woods
Down To The Woods. A free event for York Environment Week. A feast of forest stories with Lara McClure and Friends.
Tuesday, September 17: PechaKucha
PechaKucha returns to the barge. PechaKucha, the Japanese term for ‘chit-chat’ is a worldwide phenomenon, a snappy presentation format also known as 20 x 20, where people share their ideas and stories through a series of 20 images, with speaking time limited to 20 seconds per image.
You can share your creative passions too. If you fancy the challenge, get in touch to reserve your spot. Starts at 7.30pm
You can also use that same contact link if you’d like to join the Arts Barge team as a volunteer.
And after that hectic season, there’ll be a spectacular Raising The Roof Wrap Party on Friday September 20, details to be announced later.