A Decade of Dolly and the Clothespegs is a very special show to commemorate the band’s tenth birthday, and will feature band members past and present coming together for one night only.
Hailing from the “Kennet Delta”, Dolly and the Clothespegs are what you might call a Riverbilly band. Their repertoire dips into the archive of Alan Lomax and other folk and country classics, as well as self-penned tunes and the odd song or two from an unlikely artist or genre.
They’re known for getting the party swinging in a pub or festival, but are equally at home with a genteel set on a Sunday afternoon on a bandstand, steamboat or organic veg farm. Over the years they’ve played with The Mekons, The Coal Porters, Nick Harper, Otway & Barrett and, most memorably, national treasures Chas ‘n’ Dave.
Long-serving member Sarah Lambert-Gates (aka “Dolly”) said: “Ten years! I can’t believe it…. or maybe I can! And we’re nearly all still talking to each other so that’s good! Seriously though, The Pegs is a family band. A bunch of musical pals. It’s a boisterous, fun loving, over-excitable middle child of a band.
“This is your one and only chance to come and hear several generations of Clothespegs in one gig. It’s wonderful having the original line-up to play with again; they are all such top musicians; optimism’s easy, and combined with the current generation of loons it’s sounding absolutely epic!
“We may not have made any albums (‘see us live or lump it’) but we’ve got several marriages, umpteen kids and about 100 songs to our story, and most importantly, we have supported Chas ‘n Dave.”
Dolly and the Clothespegs formed in 2007 with a line-up of just four members. This quickly swelled to about a dozen, picking up – and picking on – banjos, mandolins, fiddles and washboards.
The line-up has changed many times over the past ten years; about 30 or so people can claim to have been a Clothespeg at some point, most of whom will be taking the stage once again for a party that’ll be one to remember.
A Decade of Dolly and the Clothespegs will be a show of three halves. In part one, the legendary ‘Pegs of the past will reunite for a trip down memory lane. Part two will see the latest line-up showcase their current repertoire. And – as you’ve probably guessed – part three will see everyone on stage to blast out the biggest tunes from the band’s songbook, closing the party off with a bang. Dancing, hollering and singing along is not just appreciated, it’s positively encouraged!
Returning member Liz Pearson (aka Lolly) said: “I am thrilled to be a ‘Peg again. Rehearsals are going great and it’s almost like I haven’t had a 3-year break. The songs are just so memorable.
“The super group finale is a wonderful opportunity for us to create some really velvety harmonies, something I’ve always believed is special about the band’s sound. The excitement within the old and new Pegs is growing and we are going to have a blast on November 25.”
John Luther from South Street Arts Centre added: “Dolly and the Clothespegs have played South Street a few times over the years, with differing line ups, and always deliver a feel-good show.
“My favourite memory of them is when they headlined South Street’s takeover of the main stage at the Reading Beer Festival, and they practically brought the tent down, reducing the audience to a sea of dancing limbs and smiling faces.”
Tickets cost £12 in advance (available from Reading Arts) or £15 on the door.
