A grassroots music project is shaking up the live gig scene in Kirkby Lonsdale, driven by two musicians who say the town has been missing out on the thrill of original artists performing on its doorstep.
Ritual Music founders Jack Willan and Ryan Devlin moved from Manchester and Liverpool and quickly realised something was missing.
Jack said: “We missed being able to walk out of the door and see live, original music. Even though there’s plenty happening in Lancaster, Preston, and Kendal, our local community wasn’t getting a regular gig night.”
They also noticed how many residents struggle to travel even short distances.
“There are scores of local people for whom even a small amount of travelling poses issues,” Jack added. “We want to bring the same opportunities to a small town like Kirkby Lonsdale as exist in bigger places.”
The response has been overwhelmingly warm, they said.
“People love cover bands, but they really relish the listener-forward approach of these intimate nights,” Ryan said. “They want exciting new artists and original music.”
With support from Arts Council England, Ritual Music can keep paying artists fairly and widen its reach.
“It means we can attract diverse, interesting artists and advertise more widely — hopefully gaining more friends,” Jack said.
The next event, on July 25 at Lunesdale Hall, is headlined by Tilda Gebhardt. Support comes from Preston’s Dave Shurr.
A jazz-leaning gig follows on September 19, headlined by Dobbo from Shap, with support from an ensemble featuring local drummer Jack Willan.
Jack added: “It’s something we feel passionately about, and we want to reach as many people as possible so they can get involved.”
