The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists, Exeter Phoenix Voodoo Lounge, Saturday 18th April, 8pm

This unique band have had their music labeled rabble rousing gypsy skiffle and bourbon-soaked vaudeville gypsy hoedown punk – so not your every day act then.

Julian Gaskell and his Ragged Trousered Philanthropists are at the front of an exciting new scene that blends the growing interest in Eastern European and Balkans music with other western influences.

There are only four in the band but they play more than fourteen instruments in their energetic live shows.

Live performances have been compared favourably to the likes of Gogol Bordello, the Pogues and the Clash.

Fronted by hirsute rambling skiffle punk outlaw Julian Gaskell and his accordion, violin, banjo, balalaika and hat collection,the band also features Falmouth writer and art-folkster Thomas Sharpe on upright bass, reformed techno-punk turned django fanatic Dan Pye on guitars with jazz athlete and dub connoisseur Rory Pugh on the Coverack Flea Market drum kit.

The foursome regularly tour the UK and Europe and have had a great response from audiences that reach from as far as Slovakia in the east to St Just in the west.

Their performances at music festivals in the muddy summer of 2008, are considered egendary by those who attended (particularly the Maker Sunshinefestival where the Philanthropists played for over 5 hours on three different stages within 24 hours)

Offering support are Bert Miller and the Animal Folk.

Originating in Totnes in the mind of a small boy, Bert Miller and the Animal Folk are a curious band.

With the drum kit split between them everyone can expect a bit of a stomp while Bert growls his words of wisdom like a man possessed.

Their songs are by turn eccentrically happy and darkly funny with moments of great warmth and affection that wholly expose Bert’s unadulterated love for animals.

Also preforming will be Tim Neighbor. Tim first got in to music at an early age, when his mum would play The Beatles whilst doing the hoovering.

In 1994 he got bored of the world’s music scene and decided he could do a better job, so he started writing his own material.

Now in 2009 Tim is the Live and Unsigned Finalist for South West region, which take place in Bristol in April.

This is a seated show. Tickets cost £6.50 in advance or £8 on the door. they can be booked through the Exeter Phoenix box office on 01392 667080 (credit card and walk up), or online at http://www.exeterphoenix.org.uk, http://www.seetickets.com and http://www.wegottickets.com.

http://www.raggedtrouseredphilanthropists.co.uk/

http://www.myspace.com/raggedtrouseredphilanthropists

http://www.myspace.com/animalfolkmusic

ttp://www.myspace.com/timneighbour

Read original blog post