Black Cat music was the sister organisation of Acoustic Promotions.
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ACOUSTIC PROMOTIONS
In late 1993, a rising acoustic duo supported Ralph McTell on a major UK tour. Their response, when asked backstage if they were planning on coming to Norwich, was "we will if someone invites us".
So we did. And early the next year, Show of Hands paid their first visit to the city, the first of many sell-out shows in the area.
Since then, Acoustic Promotions (it seemed like a good enough name at the time) has brought a wide and diverse range of quality acoustic music to Norwich, with the emphasis on guitarist singer/songwriters.
Steve Tilston & Maggie Boyle sold out the intimate and perfectly-formed 80-seater King of Hearts, followed by Mike Silver, Acaysha, Maggie Boyle & Frank Kilkelly and also Gracenotes.
Gigs expanded to Norwich Arts Centre on a regular basis. Welsh folk duo Huw & Tony Williams entertained us three times. Acoustic wizard Martin Simpson returned to Norwich after a ten-year absence and is now a regular annual visitor. American songwriter Chris Smither, "the man with the blue guitar" paid his first visit and he too, is now a regular fixture. We are proud to have presented slide guitarist extraordinaire Kelly Joe Phelps on his first visit to the U.K. and, in a partnership presentation with NAC, Canadian fiddler Natalie McMaster.
Bigger venues such as the Maddermarket Theatre, the Playhouse, the Assembly House and St. Andrew's Hall have also housed Acoustic Promotions presentations. Kiki Dee and Carmelo Luggeri treated us to an unforgettable evening of acoustic and conceptual music and two high points in particular were Show of hands' Five Days In May tour, featuring Kate Rusby, Chris Wood and Andy Cutting, and the visit of superlative guitarist-songwriter Ralph McTell.
Show of Hands continues to make welcome annual appearances, along with the Phil Beer Band and a solo performance from Steve Knightley.
The "name" gigs have often been a showcase for quality local acts, including Twizzle and Joe Wright. The professionals are always keen to encourage local musicians, maybe because that's where they started.
The Autumn of 2002 will feature concerts by Christine Collister, Steve Tilston, and the Phil Beer Band. If you want to join our free mailing list, leave your e-mail address. If you've no e-mail, leave us your name, address and postcode.
Enjoy the music…