Description

The Half Hand Hoodoo Blues Band are a four-piece based in York. Formed in 1995 by singer/guitarist frontman Dave Smith, the band has become well known on the North of England blues circuit with a number of residences in the City of York as well as numerous appearances at the Colne and Burnley blues festivals.

The band play a mix of different blues styles from the slide of Muddy Waters “Louisiana Blues” to the swing of Eddie “Cleanhead” Vincent “Kidney Stew Blues”. A typical set often closes with a one-chord North Mississippi Blues instrumental in open G. Audience response to this tune proves that simpler can often be better!

Above all, Half Hand Hoodoo believe that blues music should be played with fire and passion: you have to give more than 100% to do it justice.

Description

The Duck & Drake is an historic pub in the centre of Leeds in beautiful West Yorkshire. Expect to find the finest cask ales and some of the tastiest live music anywhere in the city!

A fine example of a two-roomed Victorian corner pub retaining some original features. Wood-floored throughout and some of the floorboards have survived two hundred years of trade.

The central bar with fifteen handpumps sits in between and serves both rooms.

There is live music most nights from a small stage in the corner of the front room, which also features a mural on the back wall depicting many blues and rock legends and is decorated with various music memorabilia.

The pub has existed under several different names including THE HORSE & GROOM & THE BROUGHAM'S ARMS. During the second world war Broughams had a reputation for being a place where women would meet and entertain American GI’s. It wasn't until 1985 - while the pub was under the care of landlord Les Moon - that the name changed to The Duck & Drake. Though the present name is represented in the form of waterfowl it actually refers to the pastime of skimming stones on water called “ducks & drakes”.

Parking is often tricky... There is an NCP car park quite close by but it closes bang on 11pm - so if the bands still rocking - your car may get locked in!

43 Kirkgate,

Leeds,

West Yorkshire,

England,

LS2 7DR.

0113 245 5432