One of the most exciting live bands in the land, TOWN OF CATS are making a return to The Barrel House Ballroom, Totnes in association with The Black Bird Collective on SATURDAY MAY 16TH / DOORS 8PM

Prepare to dance! TOWN OF CATS will have the whole venue bouncing with an infectious mix of Afro-beat, Ska, Latin, Jazz & Hip-Hop vibes. Make sure you book your tickets now, as this show will sell out quick-time!

TOWN OF CATS are an ever-mutating municipality of musical misfits, grown in Brighton’s grubby and fertile Petri dish. To hear them is to be transported by the transformative power of the best parties. The ones that set fire to your zero-hour contract and remind you that change, real change, can come from the most ordinary of places.
Wordplay careens between raised-brow punnage and righteous indignation at the state of the nation. Funk rhythms dare you not to dance, coloured by boiling blasts of brass and a guitar that warps from crystalline chicken-scratch to face-melting prog. Whether the keys belong to some sleazy lounge act or the Mothers of Invention is up for debate.
Town of Cats started as a winking, whimsical set of backstreet fables. They’ve coalesced into a battle-hardened groove and a well-worn but vital message: when we stand together, we break down walls.

‘Master Blasters! Town of Cats are the best festival band EVER!! Prepare to dance!’ 
- Constance Dalrymple, Artistic Director of Mandrea Festival
  
'We always need a special band to close the New Generation Jazz Stage with a bang at Love Supreme and TOWN OF CATS delivered on all fronts with a hour of inspired, horn-heavy, rap-filled, trumpet-led, funk-packed, rap-spiced madness that got the whole crowd up on their feet and didn’t let them go! '
-JACK KENDON, NEW GENERATION JAZZ CIC

'Town of Cats were incredible at Nozstock: The Hidden Valley this year! They had the audience in the palm of their hand and brought nothing but the best vibes to our beloved Garden Stage! They can come back anytime.'
-BEN PEER, PROGRAMMER FOR NOZSTOCK FESTIVAL

'OMFGGGGGGG THEY WERE AMAZING!'
-CHRIS TOFU, CONTINENTAL DRIFTS

'Town of Cats were the pick of a very strong program. They were the penultimate act on at the Village Inn stage on the Sunday of this years, Larmer Tree Festival. They absolutely smashed it! So much so that a member from the headline act was heard to say , “ how the f@!? Do you follow that”!? ToC rule!!!'
-COLIN HOLTON, PROGRAMMER FOR THE VILLAGE IN, LARMER TREE FESTIVAL

Description

The Barrel House Ballroom stands as a significant cultural asset within Totnes, a dedicated hub for live performance that extends its influence across South Devon. Supported by Arts Council England and operating in collaboration with Sorting Room Studios, it plays a crucial role in sustaining the grassroots music ecosystem, actively contributing to initiatives like the Music Venue Trust. This commitment positions it beyond a mere commercial enterprise, fostering a vibrant space for artistic development and community engagement.

Inside, the venue offers an authentic atmosphere where the reverberating sound of live music fills the air. The space, often bathed in the warm glow of stage lights, feels intimate yet capable of holding a substantial energy, providing a direct connection between performers and audience. It is a setting designed for focused appreciation of sound and performance.

Located on the High Street, the Ballroom is situated on the first floor, with access currently via stairs. While seating is limited, the venue is actively exploring solutions to enhance accessibility for all patrons. On the ground floor, the Totnes Brewing Co. provides a selection of craft beers and other beverages, which can be enjoyed upstairs during events.

The programming at The Barrel House Ballroom is broad, encompassing a regular schedule of live music from various genres, alongside comedy nights, spoken word events, and DJ sets. It is also a consistent home for community-led initiatives, including open mic sessions and jam nights, providing a platform for local talent to develop and connect.