*Due to unforeseen circumstances this gig has now been cancelled*
Mancunian performance poet Mike Garry and Suffolk-born (but these days Manchester based) singer-songwriter BlackSheepLad are touring the East of England this autumn. Their ‘Words and Music’ tour will come to venues across Suffolk and Essex in October and November, bringing street poetry and modern folk music to audiences throughout the region. The tour will include venues in Ipswich, Colchester, Southwold, Beccles, Trimley St Mary and Bury St Edmunds.
Mike has performed to audiences at Glastonbury and New York’s Carnegie Hall, read stories on CBeebies and tours regularly with John Cooper Clarke. BlackSheepLad (aka Phil Mellen) writes, records and plays original, modern folk songs. His song ‘Zombie Romance’ was played on every BBC local radio station as part of the Upload Festival 2021 and was described as follows ‘This is wicked! Top song and video! Love it ’ by Badly Drawn Boy.
Described by iconic designer Peter Saville as “a genius”, Mikes work focuses on the city and its people, championing the under - dog and finding beauty amongst the ugliness and triumph amongst tragedy. He has performed his poetry since 1995, has worked in USA, Hong Kong, throughout Europe and has been on continuous tour with John Cooper Clark since 2011.
He also performs in prisons, mental health units, children’s homes and is passionate about bringing live poetry to places it wouldn’t normally reach. He was a Poet in Residence at Kendal Calling, Strangeways Prison and regularly performs at festivals like Latitude, Isle of White and Festival Number 6. His poems have been published in numerous newspapers, magazines and read on TV and radio.
A recent review of BlackSheepLad’s debut album ‘Love Songs and Laments’ stated, ' his new album only expands on his great collection of songs - you can really hear the progression and evolution of his songwriting, with songs like the opener "Homeland" which is a calm and mellow tune about his childhood town, and then the eerie and haunting sound of "Pantomime" with violins and more of a full band sound behind Phil and his ukulele. it's a real great listen and well worth checking out!'