Description

Cheltenham-born singer/songwriter Mike Weaver returns to his home town for a special concert at beautiful Bethesda Methodist Church to launch his new album, The Greyest Bits.

Released to mark Mike?s 65th birthday, the album features fresh recordings of some of the most popular songs he has composed and performed over the years, all written between 1978 and 2022. 

Mike?s material draws on family stories and life experiences: a rich personal tapestry that is often poignant, yet always relatable. He has never moved far from his roots, living in Gloucestershire and South Worcestershire since he was born in Charlton Kings in 1958. All of the songs were written in the region.
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He first sang live in the late 1970s, but was always a reluctant performer, preferring to write and share his music with small groups and friends in more intimate surroundings. Working as an illustrator and journalist as his day job, Mike met and encouraged many musicians in those early days. He started his own marketing and publishing business in 1989, and largely withdrew from the music scene before quitting completely in 1997,  when his twin daughters were born. 
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Sixteen years later he picked up his guitar and found his true voice. Encouraged by a few artists he?d supported through his newspaper columns and blogs, he began to write music again. Returning with a greater depth and sensitivity that comes with maturity, there were some thought-provoking new songs, and re-workings of earlier numbers to match life?s experience too. It took time. The hairline receded, the hair colour changed (naturally), the keys changed. 
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Ten years on from a return to the stage, after opening for several notable artists, festival slots and playing his own solo shows, The Greyest Bits is here.

The album has laments for long-lost pubs, myths and legends, tales of wartime experiences, songs of faith and hope, memories of childhood, impending fatherhood, letting go and friendships rekindled. Two new songs and an instrumental sit comfortably with eight ?classics.?

The album was recorded with, and produced by, Lukas Drinkwater- and features the pure voice of Katie Grace Harris on two tracks.
Katie joins Mike at the Bethesda concert on Saturday 12th August, and will be performing some of her own wonderful material too.

Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start, Refreshments are available, but no alcohol is allowed on the premises. Adjacent car parks in Bath Terrace and Commercial Street are free after 6pm.

Description

18 Great Norwood Street,

Cheltenham,

Gloucestershire,

England,

GL50 2AP.