Events at the Launderette …
Great Gigs at a Unique Venue
Launderette Session gigs are on sale at WeGotTickets, including many not listed on this page.
Tickets are also available directly from Old Cinema Launderette without a booking fee.
Doors usually open at 7pm. Support (if arranged) starts around 7.50pm. Headliner around 8.30pm. For full details click "buy tickets".
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JOSH OKEEF (Pay what you want gig) venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Thursday 19th August 2021 — Free to enter - Pay what you want after performance.
MrWishyWashy Presents
To kick off the post covid return to Launderette Sessions gigs, we’ve got the wonderful Josh Okeef putting on a ‘pay what you want gig’. Gig is free to enter but please be generous with donations after Josh’s performance.
“He's sensational, actually!” – Whispering Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2
"He's really capturing people's attention with his own performances" - Mark Radcliffe Folk Show - BBC RADIO
https://open.spotify.com/artist/78zgfaEwcftA55VFMvTwAw
The Primitives (Acoustic) - Rearranged Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Tuesday 7th September 2021 — *SOLD OUT*
Hapless Museum Worker Presents
The iconic indie pop band The Primitives play a very intimate gig at Old Cinema Launderette as part of their first ever acoustic tour.
The Primitives (Acoustic) - Rearranged Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Wednesday 8th September 2021 — *SOLD OUT*
Hapless Museum Worker Presents
The iconic indie pop band The Primitives play a very intimate gig at Old Cinema Launderette as part of their first ever acoustic tour.
Acoustic Springsteen - Graeme Richardson (NE Street Band) venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Friday 10th September 2021 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
Graeme Richardson is the frontman with the North East’s very own Bruce Springsteen band which prior to the lockdown had started to gain quite a reputation around the area with their live performances & exciting shows. When the band aren’t available Graeme takes the opportunity to perform his solo set of more chilled out and reworked versions of Bruce’s songs with just him, acoustic guitar & harmonica. All delivered in a similar way that Springsteen himself would perform them
Willy 'Tea' Taylor venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Saturday 11th September 2021 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
Willy Tea Taylor is a father, brother, and son. His remarkable ability to sing about profound subjects in a simple way makes his songs a great place to lose yourself. Much of that comes from his upbringing.
Willy grew up surrounded by rolling hills and horses in the small town of Oakdale, California. Known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World” for breeding so many world champion rodeo cowboys, Oakdale is still Willy’s home and the setting for many of his songs.
Willy calls John Hartford, Roscoe Holcomb, Bob Dylan, KISS, Weird Al Yankovic and Willie Nelson his biggest influences, but is always quick to advocate for his favorite contemporary songwriters which include Tom VandenAvond, Nathan Moore, and his Good Luck partner in crime, Chris Doud.
Martin Stephenson (2 night residency) *rearranged* Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Friday 24th September 2021 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
Martin returns for his 8th year at Old Cinema Launderette. No introductions needed.
Martin Stephenson (2 night residency) *rearranged* Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Saturday 25th September 2021 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
Martin returns for his 8th year at Old Cinema Launderette. No introductions needed.
My Darling Clementine *Rearranged* Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Thursday 30th September 2021 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
We are thrilled to welcome back Michael and Lou for what will be the first My Darling Clementine concert in the north east since the release of their new album, 'Country Darkness - the songs of Elvis Costello'
The new album finds them mining the Costello back catalogue, in particular his more ‘country' and 'country soul' flavoured songs, in collaboration with his long time, right hand man, the brilliant Steve Nieve
The show will feature a number of the EC songs as well as many favourites from the duo's 9 year back catalogue.
Bridie Jackson *Rescheduled* venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Friday 1st October 2021 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
Bridie Jackson is a musician and proud Northerner, who started writing
songs aged 3 and never stopped. Her favourite songwriter is Jake Thackray
but she more frequently gets compared to Feist.
Best known as lead singer and songwriter of her band, Bridie Jackson and
The Arbour, who received national recognition after winning the 2013
Glastonbury Emerging Talent Contest, Bridie is now stepping out as a solo
artist, and looking forward to playing a handful of intimate shows in her
favourite North -Eastern venues later in 2021.Diana Jones Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Saturday 2nd October 2021 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
*Rearranged date*
Award winning, US singer songwriter Diana Jones is known for her gritty, literary, Appalachian influenced songs. Adopted as an infant and raised in Long Island, NY, the fact that Diana couldn’t get enough of her brother’s Johnny Cash records finally made sense when she found her birth family and musical roots in the Smoky Mountains of Eastern Tennessee. Her maternal grandfather, who had formed his first teenage band with a young Chet Atkins, was happy to pass on the culture and the music that he loved to his granddaughter.
Chloe Foy venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Thursday 7th October 2021 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
Chloe Foy writes a brand of melodic, homegrown music bursting with colourful lyrical and textural inflections evocative of much of the music she loves. Taking inspiration from classical music as much as wider transatlantic trends in folk and indie, Chloe’s songs comprise of carefully constructed arrangements that delicately compliment her cryptic lyrics. Her home-grown sound melds the silvery landscapes of Laura Marling and Fleet Foxes with the emotional integrity of Sharon Van Etten.
Mark Morriss (Bluetones) *Rearranged date* Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Friday 8th October 2021 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
Mark Morriss is a singer songwriter who famously made his name fronting English indie outfit The Bluetones. Mark fronted the four piece over a successful and fruitful 15 year period, scoring 14 top ten singles and 3 top ten albums, whilst touring the UK, Europe and Japan, before temporarily disbanding in 2011.
Mark Morriss (Bluetones) *2nd rearranged date* Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Saturday 9th October 2021 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
Mark Morriss is a singer songwriter who famously made his name fronting English indie outfit The Bluetones. Mark fronted the four piece over a successful and fruitful 15 year period, scoring 14 top ten singles and 3 top ten albums, whilst touring the UK, Europe and Japan, before temporarily disbanding in 2011.
Kris Drever (Lau) - *rearranged date* Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Friday 15th October 2021 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
Kris Drever is a Scottish folk singer songwriter, who has won multiple awards including an incredible 7 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, two shortlist nominations for Scottish Album of The Year (with his trio Lau) and much acclaim for his solo recordings and concerts including glowing reviews from The Herald, The Guardian, Mojo and Q Magazine.
Catfish Keith - Blues at Midnight Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Saturday 16th October 2021 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
World-touring acoustic blues pioneer CATFISH KEITH has established himself as one of the most exciting country blues performers of our time. Catfish's innovative style of foot-stomping, deep delta blues and American roots music has spellbound audiences the world over.
He has reinvented the guitar with great power and artistry, and brings a rare beauty and vitality to his music. Handing down the tradition, Catfish continues his lifelong journey as one of the brightest lights in acoustic blues and roots music.
A 2008 inductee into the IA BLUES HALL OF FAME, the 40 year veteran has performed thousands of gigs, touring throughout North America, the UK, Europe and Asia to wide acclaim, headlining major music festivals, and appearing with legends John Lee Hooker, Ray Charles, Robert Cray, Koko Taylor, Taj Mahal, Leo Kottke, Jessie Mae Hemphill, Johnny Shines, John Fahey and many, many others.
An evening with Claire Hamill Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Wednesday 20th October 2021 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
When Claire was 17 she was signed to Island Records and made two albums for them which she promoted with extensive tours of the UK, Europe and North America.
In 1974 she signed to the Kinks’ record label and Ray Davies produced her third album.
Punk Music changed her world, and she took refuge as a member of Wishbone Ash, co -writing one of their most loved songs,’ Living Proof.
In 2004 she learned that Eva Cassidy had recorded her song ,’You take my breath Away’’ which was released on Eva’s No1 album “American Tune”.
She has more recently been the lead singer of YES tribute band , FRAGILE
Peter Bruntnell - *Rearranged Date* Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Thursday 21st October 2021 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
Album after album, the Kingston upon Thames solo artist produces rich and refined song-craft, yet hardly anyone has heard of him. Could this be his time?
The Lake Poets *Rearranged* venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Friday 22nd October 2021 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
The Lake Poets is Marty Longstaff, a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter from Sunderland, England.
Honeyed voice and beautiful intricate guitar riffs create a sound that soothes, understated like watercolours of an idyllic landscape. This sound, coupled with lyrics of love and heartbreak that rival Damien Rice's as a laureate of loss and despair, has situated Marty as a jewel in the crown of northern song writing.
Martha Hill *rescheduled* Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Saturday 23rd October 2021 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
Northern musician Martha Hill left her coastal Scottish home aged 17 to busk her way
around Europe. Newcastle based musician Martha Hill writes left-field pop that is both hard-hitting
and catchy as hell. An energy of husky vocals and melodic hooks, her introspective
storytelling delivers socially conscious themes over a backdrop of guitars, cellos and synths,
thriving in reinvention and fusion.
Keith James. THE SONGS OF LEONARD COHEN Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Thursday 28th October 2021 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
Keith James in concert – The Songs of Leonard Cohen
These remarkable songs - stripped back to their bare honesty and courage.
‘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.
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 Who by Fire, Joan of Arc and Secret Life. Also included are songs from his posthumous album Thanks for the Dance such as What happens to the Heart and 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
Chris Helme (Seahorses) - *Rearranged* Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Friday 5th November 2021 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
Rising to fame in the 1990s as frontman of indie band The Seahorses singer-songwriter Chris Helme is now producing acclaimed folk-infused tracks as a solo artist, including with a new album readying for release during 2020.
His enviable back catalogue includes Britpop classics such as ‘Love is the Law’ and ‘Blinded by the Sun’ from his time with John Squires’ post-Stone Roses band, The Seahorses. But beyond these well-loved indie hits Helme has matured into a songwriter of regard for noir-tinged folk gems blistering with emotion.
Chris Helme (Seahorses) - *Rearranged* Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Saturday 6th November 2021 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
Rising to fame in the 1990s as frontman of indie band The Seahorses singer-songwriter Chris Helme is now producing acclaimed folk-infused tracks as a solo artist, including with a new album readying for release during 2020.
His enviable back catalogue includes Britpop classics such as ‘Love is the Law’ and ‘Blinded by the Sun’ from his time with John Squires’ post-Stone Roses band, The Seahorses. But beyond these well-loved indie hits Helme has matured into a songwriter of regard for noir-tinged folk gems blistering with emotion.
Hannah James & Toby Kuhn venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Sunday 7th November 2021 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
Hannah James and Toby Kuhn are a dazzling combination. Hannah is an award-winning musician, dancer, songwriter and singer, a creative force renowned for her work with Lady Maisery, Seasick Steve, Maddy Prior and Songs of Separation with Eliza Carthy, Karine Polwart and others. Toby is a globetrotting French cellist whose post-classical, inventive, improvisational playing combines beautifully with Hannah to create a charismatic, playful chemistry. If you’re looking for warmth, honesty and musical excellence, look no further. This folk is full of soul.
Emma Stevens *New Date* Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Thursday 18th November 2021 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
“Bringing a refreshing glimmer of hope and an abundance of heart and positivity,British singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Emma Stevens first picked up a guitar at the age of two and has since learnt cello, piano, banjo, ukulele, mandolin and bass. Emma achieved four consecutive play-listed singles on BBC Radio 2, extensive international radio play in the UK, Europe and Australia, an iTunes single of the week with her song "Riptide", sold out headline shows and supported The Feeling, Take That, Wet Wet Wet, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Train, Albert Lee and Simply Red to name a few! .
Amelia Coburn *rescheduled* Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Friday 19th November 2021 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
Since being nominated for the BBC Young Folk Awards in 2017 Teesside's Amelia Coburn has spent much of her time travelling around the world, working and living in France, Mexico and Russia. A striking stage presence and the ability to fill a room with the subtlest of sounds.
Chris Wood Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Saturday 20th November 2021 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
In a world of soundbites and distractions Chris Wood is a truth seeker. His writing is permeated with love and wry intelligence, uplifting and challenging as he celebrates the sheer one-thing-after-anotherness of life. Tom Robinson and Chris Difford are fans while Stick In The Wheel and The Unthanks look to him as an influence. Winner of 6 BBC Folk Awards, he's played with The Royal Shakespeare Company and was a key member of The Imagined Village along with Billy Bragg and Martin Carthy. A wise and soulful craftsman, his concerts are a cliche free zone.
Kaia Kater *Rearranged Date* Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Saturday 4th December 2021 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
A Montreal-born Grenadian-Canadian, Kaia Kater grew up between two worlds: one her family’s deep ties to folk music; the other the years she spent soaking up Appalachian music in West Virginia. Her old-time banjo-picking skills, deft arrangements, and songwriting abilities have landed her in the spotlight in North America and the UK, garnering critical acclaim from outlets such as NPR, CBC Radio, Rolling Stone, BBC Music, and No Depression
Old Red Eyes - Tribute to Paul Heaton (Housemartins/Beautiful South) *New Date* Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Friday 10th December 2021 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
Andrew Johnson returns for his much loved tribute to Paul Heaton, the Housemartins and the Beautiful South. Old Cinema Launderette; what a great place to be.
The First Farewell Tour - Peggy Seeger and Calum MacColl venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Saturday 5th March 2022 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
In the wake of her acclaimed ‘First Farewell’ album, the charismatic Peggy Seeger makes a very welcome visit to the Old Cinema Launderette. Singer, songwriter, feminist, icon, Ewan MacColl’s partner and muse, Peggy Seeger is the undisputed queen of folk and political song. Join Peggy and her son Calum MacColl, an exceptional musician in his own right, for a glorious evening of up-close performance by these two world class musicians. Expect to hear some of Peggy’s new songs from her ‘First Farewell’ album, some old favourites, a few surprises, and plenty of relaxed family banter.
“Peggy may be folk royalty, but there’s nothing either reverent or nostalgic about this joyous and intimate performance” The Guardian“Glorious - Peggy is a commanding presence” The Times
“An effortlessly intimate affair” The Scotsman
“A memorable warm and charming evening of great music, family humour and grace.” Irish World
“A masterclass in storytelling through music” The Telegraph
David Ford *Rearranged* Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Friday 11th March 2022 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
Award-winning songwriter, David Ford has a brand new show with some old-school values.
After touring the UK and Ireland in 2019 with his most technically ambitious stage production to date, this time Ford is packing away his terrifying array of triggers and loop machines and building a show around his classic songwriting and musicianship, presenting career highlights in a series of stripped-back, intimate performances.
David Ford *Rearranged* Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Saturday 12th March 2022 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
“Unmissable” ★★★★★ The Guardian
"One of Britain's best." ★★★★★ The Times
“Puts everything into every word.” The LA Times
“David Ford is the eternal thrill of a young man going way too far and pulling it off.” Word Magazine
KATHRYN ROBERTS & SEAN LAKEMAN Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Sunday 1st May 2022 — https://www.wegottickets.com/event/520208
MrWishyWashy Presents
Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman have long established themselves as one of the UK folk scene’s most rewardingly enduring partnerships. Duos come and duos go… And some nurture and fine tune their art and watch it grow into something totally original, captivating and award-winning.
BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Best Duo – 2016 & 2013
John Otway & Wild Willy Barrett (2 night residency)*Rearranged* Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Thursday 5th May 2022 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
John Otway returns for his 4th year at the launderette. Again this time with his enigmatic pal ‘Wild’ Willy Barrett.
John Otway & Wild Willy Barrett (2 night residency) *rearranged* Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Friday 6th May 2022 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
John Otway returns for his 4th year at the launderette. Again, this time with his enigmatic pal ‘Wild’ Willy Barrett.
An Evening with Edgar Broughton Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Thursday 19th May 2022 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
Edgar Broughton singer songwriter and guitarist was a founder member of the Edgar Broughton Band in the 60s. The EBB would soon become the flag waving agit rockers of the late 60s/early 70s hippie movement. They were one of the first proponents of free concerts.
The band was a formidable live draw propelled by a heavy psychedelic blues sound and Edgar’s phenomenal if untutored singing. And what a voice – not only did this guy have a name like a fire and brimstone preacher he sounded like one. All of Broughton`s albums were filled with full-on sonic attacks that took no prisoners. They also contained some truly thoughtful and beautiful music of great originality.
Christine Collister & Michael Fix *new date* Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Thursday 8th September 2022 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
‘Christine Collister’s singing is powerful and emotional, shifting effortlessly
from soft and angelic to knock you out Janice Joplin style.
Michael Fix is widely acclaimed as one of the world’s finest acoustic guitarists.
- Please check the WeGotTickets website for a full list of our forthcoming events.