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Born in Hastings in 1965, Wesley Stace (aka John Wesley Harding), took the name of the famous American outlaw, celebrated and misspelt by Bob Dylan, when he began performing in 1988. He adopted the alias while doing a PhD at Cambridge University, so that ?when it all went badly wrong, I could go back to what was likely to be my career path, which was in the social and political sciences?.
It all worked out well for Stace. Signed by Seymour Stein to Sire in 1989, he released a number of albums and EPs of insightful and melodic songs as John Wesley Harding. His debut studio album ?Here Comes The Groom? featured amongst others The Attractions? Bruce and Pete Thomas, Tom Robinson and Kirsty MacColl. In 2013, he finally reverted to his given name with ?Self Titled? a fine collection of bittersweet songs reflecting on past relationships.
He?s the master of ceremonies of Wesley Stace?s Cabinet Of Wonders, his monthly show in New York City. This variety show, the apotheosis of alternative cabaret, brings together musicians, comedians, authors and poets including Steve Earle, Salman Rushdie, Moby, Jonathan Coe, Shirley Collins and Harry Hill. He?s also been joined on stage by Bruce Springsteen, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop and John Prine to name just a few.
He wrote the libretto for Errollyn Wallen?s opera ?Dido?s Ghost?, which had its world premiere at the Barbican in London in 2021, and his polymathy doesn?t end there. Stace has written four well-received novels, including the international bestseller Misfortune, and co-written the memoir of choreographer and dancer Mark Morris. He has taught at Princeton, Swarthmore and Fairleigh Dickson University, as well as regularly contributing articles to the Times Literary Supplement, the New Statesman and the Wall Street Journal.
He?s resided in the USA since the early nineties. This will be his first UK tour in 15 years. His live shows are always worth catching: expect an evening not only of great songs, but also a healthy serving of wit and wisdom.
Licensed Cafe.
By day our Cafe serves delicious home-cooked food, Fairly Traded coffee & tea and homemade cakes & pastries. All with a nod to local and ethical sourcing. We cater for Vegetarians, Vegans and dietary issues, just ask if you need anything not catered for on our menus. We also have a Delicatessen serving our own home-cooked food daily.
On Sunday to Thursday evenings we host the best acoustic music in the City, specialising in Folk, Roots and Americana.
On Friday and Saturday evenings the Cafe is available for private functions, weddings and parties, please call or email for more details.
Opening times shown don't include music events / comedy, most of which are ticketed.
17 York Road,
Kings Heath,
Birmingham,
West Midlands,
England,
B14 7SA.
0121 443 4725
Sorry, This Event is in the past!
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