The Coal Porters play The New Vic Theatre

Jan 4 2012 by Will Harris, Crewe Chronicle

A bluegrass combo hailed by critics as ‘dynamite’ and renowned for unrivalled live shows is about to descend on the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

The exciting and dynamic Coal Porters promise a show that’s both polished and passionate.

Led by Kentucky-born Sid Griffin, the five-piece is firmly established on the UK and European touring circuits and has cemented a reputation for creating a sound of their very own.

A band with real attitude, The Coal Porters formed in Los Angeles and were originally an electric act centred around ex-Long Ryder Sid Griffin, composer of the Long Ryder’s 1985 hit single Looking for Lewis and Clark.

After relocating to London, the group enjoyed indie chart success in the UK and Europe and toured frequently picking up rave reviews along the way.

Circa 1998, the acoustic Coal Porters were formed and, with several European bluegrass tours under their belt, the group released The Chris Hillman Tribute Concerts in 2001.

Top reviews piled in from America’s Bluegrass News, Britain’s Sing Out!, British Bluegrass News, Q, Mojo, Making Music, Folk Roots and more.

September 2004 saw the release of the first Coal Porters acoustic studio album, entitled How Dark This Earth Will Shine, and March 2008 saw the release of their second acoustic studio effort, Turn The Water On, Boy.

In March 2010 the world rocked out to Durango, the first Coal Porters album to crack the USA’s Americana Chart’s Top Forty.

Sid Griffin on vocals, mandolin, harmonica and autoharp will be supported on stage by the fine fiddling and singing of Carly Frey, the banjo of John Breese, Andrew Stafford’s doghouse bass and Neil Herd on guitar.

The show starts at 7.30pm on Monday, January 9. Tickets are priced £13.50-£15.50, to book call the box office on 01782 717962 or visit www.newvictheatre.org.uk.