Name: The Psychedelic Circus
Start: 2024-11-16T18:45:00+00:00
Location: Sudbury Arts Centre

‘If you can imagine hearing diverse tunes by the likes of The Beatles and Jeff Buckley, jammed by Sly and the Family Stone with Jimi Hendrix on guitar and Tina Turner on vocals then that would give you a flavour of how The Psychedelic Circus roll!!’
About 15 years ago a Collective of excellent young musicians determined to play together performing largely well known, and less well known tunes in a highly stylised sound of their own, inspired somewhat by the music of cult artist Lewis Taylor (look him up!). Although initiated ‘for the love of it’, the Collective soon found themselves engaged to perform ‘residences’ at prestigious venues like the 606 in Chelsea and the Hanbury Ballroom in Brighton, as well as a number of one-off Festival appearances.
Roll on to the present day, and the individual members of the Collective have gone on to have stellar careers in the music industry, recording and performing with, for example, the likes of Beyoncé, Chaka Khan, Eva Cassidy, Boy George, Stevie Winwood, Sugababes, and dozens of other household names. In celebration of the friendship and musical joy formed in those early days, the team has decided to perform a ‘one off’ reunion concert, hosted in the beautiful (former Church) setting of Sudbury Arts Centre on Saturday 16th November.
Apart from the live music concert, there will be a short preceding talk about ‘Psychedelic art from the 60’s to its influence in the present day’ and mini exhibition by local artist and designer Mark Wilkinson, noted for his album cover art for the likes of Marillion, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest (and much more). Mark will also create some unique psychedelic sculptures in the spirit of Peter Blake’s Sgt. Pepper album, as well as overseeing a display of album & poster art from the 60’s for the Fillmore West hosted by the legendary Bill Graham. He will also dig into his own collection to showcase some iconic Psychedelic art from British merry pranksters Hapshash And The Coloured Coat and ‘Beatles illustrated lyrics’ guru Alan Aldridge as well as cover art for underground mags such as OZ and IT.
Local artist James Wilkinson (no relation!) known for his paintings as the official V Festival, Oasis and Rolling Stones’ tour artist, the Strawberry Fields bandstand art in Liverpool and ‘Lennon Wired’ Exhibition will also be in attendance showcasing his work. As owner of ‘Pop Nouveau’ in Sudbury, James owns one of the largest private collections of album and single cover artwork in the UK. Hell, there may even be a vinyl pop-up to browse through! Both artists will be in attendance to ‘meet and greet’ and sign their work etc.Strap in it should be quite a ride!!
Exhibition runs from noon to 3pm Wednesday 13th through to Saturday 16th, free admission. Doors open for the ticketed event at 6.45pm Saturday 16th‘Psychedelic Art’ talk at 7:15, The Psychedelic Circus plays at 8pm.