A warm welcome to Mark Longster
For the 2007 season Copper Kettle will be joined by singer/songwriter Mark Longster

Born in Billingham UK in 1959 Mark has been writing songs for the last ten years. After a very unproductive time at the local Grammar school Mark left to train as a shipwright at the local shipyard on the Tees. Following it's closure he moved to Leeds, then Knaresborough where he met Bobbi McGee who taught him to play guitar when he was in his early thirties. During the next fifteen years he has played with a number of bands and duos playing folk, country and rock 'n' roll.  He currently runs a folk club in Pool in Wharfedale and a concert venue in Harrogate with the other members of his current band Northern Lights. In September 1997 Mark became seriously ill with the consequence of an early retirement from his flourishing career as a quality control manager. During this enforced period of inactivity music became more important than ever but in order to keep his mind busy Mark returned to education and finally graduated with honours in Social Studies and Politics in 2003.  In 2006 he released an album of his own songs. The picture on the cover of the CD is of Staithes on the NE coast.
'It was here that my family made a living from the sea and mining from the 1500's up until the early 1900's when the lure of steady money working for ICI drew them away. My father spent much of his formative years back in Staithes with the relatives who remained there, wishing much of the time that he could follow in their footsteps and work the sea. He eventually got his own boat in his later years and those times were very happy for him. I look back on those days with joy and feel as drawn to the sea as he was. One day God willing, we will meet again ON THE SHORE.  The songs on this album were written over the last ten years and as the title suggests, are in reverse chronological order with the oldest being the final track. Music has played a very important part in my life and I look forward to working with Michael and Brian in a new-look Copper Kettle'

Mark's Website
Northern Lights Website
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Brian Firth retires from Copper Kettle

April marks a sad opening to the 2007 season with the departure of Brian Firth, a stalwart member of Copper Kettle since 1990. The pressure of family illness has made it impossible for Brian to attend festivals and stay away from home for extended periods. His unique singing style and good company will be sadly missed by all on the folk scene.

We wish him every success for the future, a speedy recovery for his wife Gwen and hope that he will still be able to join us from time-to-time for the odd pint.
 

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Dave Wild joins Michael at Saddleworth and Broadstairs

Dave Wild is a multi-instrumental singer songwriter from Reddish in Cheshire and whose pedigree encompasses all musical styles. He is able to switch from rock, jazz and blues to folk with consummate ease. Dave has appeared in numerous band line-ups covering just about the whole musical spectrum.  His appearance with Michael in Copper Kettle promises a completely original musical experience. They will be playing and singing a selection of songs written by themselves.

Saddleworth Folk Festival                   20th - 22nd July
                                                                       Broadstairs Folk Week                         10th - 17th August

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