MULTI-instrumentalist and songwriter Steve Knightly and multi-instrumentalist Phil Beer ? otherwise known as England?s foremost acoustic duo Show of Hands ? are currently performing separate gigs.
The Phil Beer Band will be appearing at The Plough Arts Centre, Torrington on Friday February 20 and Steve Knightly is teaming up with fellow singer songwriter Martyn Joseph for a gig at the Wharf, Tavistock on Thursday, February 26.
Devon-based Steve and Phil find occasionally going their separate ways a refreshing and musically expanding break which ultimately contributes to the freshness of Show of Hands.
Phil Beer, for many years lead guitarist and singer with The Albion Band, has made many forays into both film and TV music as well as finding time to produce and record albums for other artists.
While having his feet firmly in the ?acoustic camp? he has kept his hand in with electric music over the last five years with an annual outing of the Phil Beer Band. The band plays a unique blend of folk ?n roll, quite unlike any other band on the circuit.
Steve Knightly began performing in folk clubs in the West Country when he was 14. After six years in the mainstream rock music scene he returned west where, with Phil in 1992, he formed Show of Hands.
As a writer of songs he has a close connection to ?place?. His compositions deal with the darker side of rural life, finding a rich source of characters and settings in the countryside.
Steve and Martyn Joseph have played together before and Martyn has guested with Show of Hands.
Now Steve and Martyn are at the Wharf in what is part of their first national tour.
They will be performing each others? music in what promises to be a highly entertaining evening.
l Wharf Box office: 01822 611166
l Plough Arts Centre: 01805 624624.