The Richard Royle Band
2025-02-15 21:00 - 23:00 (Europe/London)
Richard Royle is a Halifax based guitarist and vocalist specialising in bottle neck slide guitar. As a multi instrumentalist Richard has performed with various bands and acts locally but now has turned his attention to performing his original material.
A mix of folk, blues, soul and jazz his music centres around intricate guitar work which comprises bass, rhythm and lead parts all wrapped up in one guitar.With inspiration coming from greats such as Ry Cooder, Sam Cooke, Robert Johnson and many more Richard’s music is raw, honest and genuine.
Free entry, donations towards events always welcome…

Bhajan Bhoy + ADRA
2025-02-16 14:00 - 16:00
Bhajan Bhoy (Netherlands)Dutch musician Ajay Saggar creates psychedelic kosmiche raga electronic soundscapes and guitar heaviness. Presenting new album Bhoy On The Wire!
https://bhajanbhoy.bandcamp.com/

ADRAAndy Abbott looped acoustic instruments ambient music for psychiatric wards
https://andyabbott.bandcamp.com/…/music-for-psychiatric…

FREE ENTRY with donations for acts gratefully accepted.
—– Further Info ——
Bhajan BhoyDrawing from a deep well of psychedelia, Bhajan Bhoy further shifts the parameters of the genre with a beautiful and meditative set of tracks. Within this kaleidoscopic sonic universe, you will find raga-esque excursions, meditative Dream House drone, Laurel Canyon-recalling folk, electronic soundscapes and heavy guitar riffola (sometimes two chords are enough!). This is the sound of freedom! Imagine Pandit Pran Nath, Spacemen 3, Pauline Oliveros and Don Cherry drinking psilocybin tea and letting loose in a studio.
“a unique soundworld broad enough to encompass wild psych-noise guitar, dream-pop lullabies, and futuristic drones with thrilling results” / Mojo Magazine
“With BHAJAN BHOY, Saggar synthesizes all of the stylistic approaches he’s explored over the years, swirling them into an intoxicating musical blend, with an earthy spirituality. Even the project’s name reflects the dual aspects of Saggar’s upbringing coming together in harmony. In Hindi, a “bhajan” is a devotional song, sung in the mandir, or temple, while “bhoy” is a Scottish and Irish derivation for a young man. There’s a searching quality to Bhajan Bhoy, as if Saggar is still hunting for transcendence with each track, whether through an expansive drone, an orchestral facility on the piano, or an electronics-augmented raga that threatens to dip into noise” (Erick Bradshaw / writer and WFMU DJ).
This album presents a rich and varied set of compositions that showcase Saggar’s skills as an incredibly talented and accomplished composer and musician. With each and every Bhajan Bhoy LP, you are are carried to a higher place. With ‘Bhoy On The Wire’, the 35 minutes laid out unfolds like a cosmic tapestry, an extraordinary exploration that shimmers and reverberates with newfound vibrancy. The songs were broadcast as part of a session on Steve Barker’s “On The Wire” radio show in April 2024. They were a gift to Steve and his team for 40 years of broadcasting. “On The Wire” is simply the greatest radio show in the world. As Ajay explains in his own words :
“In September 1984, I started a degree course at the University of Lancaster. On a wet and soggy Sunday afternoon towards the end of September, I sat in my room staring out at the grey Lancashire landscape, and decided to alleviate the boredom by seeing if there was anything to listen to on the radio. Most of the stations I tuned into were as dull as the weather outside. However, as I neared the end of the FM dial (and was about to give up hope), I chanced upon a station where I was taken by the music being played. That show was “On The Wire”, introduced by Steve Barker. From there on in, every Sunday, between 2-5pm, I tuned into Radio Lancashire to listen. Steve’s shows had an incredible and wide reaching selection of music and genres, that thrilled your ears and left you wanting more. Tied to that, his deep knowledge of the material he played helped the listener dig into the sounds even more, and also left you in admiration of this trait. In 1985, I started putting on DIY shows in Lancaster (inviting the likes of Bog-Shed, bIG fLAME, The Membranes, The Wedding Present, etc etc) and Steve was kind enough to mention the shows on-air, which helped in getting people from different parts of the county to come to the shows. At the tail-end of 1985, he invited me to the studio to come and hang out. When in 1988, the group I was in, Dandelion Adventure, released our first (demo) cassette, it was Steve, who not only played tracks off it, but invited the group to the studio for an interview. Now if you’re a young band, that is a massive thrill! And in 1990, when Dandelion Adventure did a John Peel session, I actually used “On The Wire” jingles (that Steve had put on a cassette and given to me a few years before) on the track “All the World’s A Lounge”. Since then, the show has been a mainstay for me, and so many others around the world, to get turned onto incredible sounds from around the world. And over the course of 40 years, Steve has always supported my music. These six tracks are a 40th birthday gift to the “On The Wire” team (Steve, Michael “Fenny” Fenton (an absolutely critical part of the show), and Jim Ingham (engineer who keeps the technical side of things going)) for sharing so much amazing music, and making the world a better place. They were originally broadcast as an exclusive session in April 2024 on “On The Wire”, and are here for your listening pleasure. Music like shower”.

Chess Night
2025-02-17 20:00 - 23:00, 2025-02-24 20:00 - 23:00, 2025-03-03 20:00 - 23:00, 2025-03-10 20:00 - 23:00, 2025-03-17 20:00 - 23:00, 2025-03-24 20:00 - 23:00
All welcome for this casual but serious evening of chess.

Open Mic with Maddie Brooks
2025-02-20 20:30 - 23:00
This session will be hosted by local legend Maddy Brooks
Everyone and anyone welcome, get yourselves down to play, sing, say and listen!
We have a PA installed, plus mics, stands and DI boxes available to use.

French Fridays
2025-02-21 17:30 - 18:30, 2025-02-28 17:30 - 18:30, 2025-03-07 17:30 - 18:30, 2025-03-14 17:30 - 18:30, 2025-03-21 17:30 - 18:30
An informal group to practice your conversational French – Everyone welcome!

The 844s
2025-02-22 21:00 - 23:00
The 844s are vocalist and harmonica player Dave Rigg, bassist Jerome Dineen, drummer Jim Duffy, and rhythm guitarist and second vocalist Wally Woodcock.
The band plays original compositions with one or two covers, ranging from slow-burn blues to high-energy rock.
Free Entry, donations towards events at the puzzle are always appreciated!

Jazz Night with Shadow Quintet
2025-02-27 20:00 - 23:00
February sees the first visit of this exciting line up from the Shadow Quintet.
Expect to hear spiritual jazz from the sixties and seventies, drawing on influences from the likes of Joe Henderson, Alice Coltrane, Chico Hamilton and the sounds of the wonderful Impulse record label from the sixties and seventies.
The Shadow Quintet are:
Leon Johnson: sax
Pete Williams: sax, clarinet and flute
Jonnie Kahn: guitar
Paul Baxter: double bass
Paul Hession: drums
Free admission, collection towards the band taken, please be generous if you can.

Run Remedy & Herorangecoat
2025-02-28 20:00 - 22:00
Run Remedy is the brainchild of violinist and evangelical escapee – Robin Koob. Raised by two church leaders in American east coast suburbia, Robin’s particular flavor of experimental folk is laced with equal parts grief and goof, playfully exploring themes of transatlantic struggle, familial rejection, gay panic, and forbidden first kisses.Singer and string’est by trade, Koob has hustled her way across East Asia, Germany, and the UK with her ever expanding pedal board, playing everything from post-rock to psych pop, indie, and jazz with all the while building her own creative voice. Her attention to detail and arrangement can be seen throughout every song, making for an intricate audio experience for those who enjoy a good laugh, or cry.
“Genre bending brilliance…hauntingly beautiful. The daughter of two preachers with the voice of an angel” – BBC Radio Manchester
“[Like They Were] is really a beautiful song” – Guy Garvey, BBC 6 Music
​”Candid and cool, raw and tender” – The Autumn Roses
https://www.runremedy.com/
HerOrangeCoat is a definitive example of the sum being greater than the parts. Her indie-folk songs – original, soulful and heartfelt – is a beguiling mixture of her life experiences to date, woven into a rich tapestry of sound. Her lyrics are often hard-hitting, topical and eloquent, showing off her rich vocals, reminiscent of artists such as Joni Mitchell. Armed with her ukulele, she crafts songs that show a remarkable ability to turn melancholy into an enticing musical journey that demands to be heard.
Her debut EP Ballads for this Age simultaneously outlines the difficulties of her early twenties whilst providing a micro-study of some of the most pressing societal issues of the present day.
‘You need this music in your life’ – With Just a Hint of Mayhem
https://www.herorangecoat.com/

Kath & The Kicks + Vinyl Friday + DJ Snakehips
2025-03-01 21:00 - 23:00
Formed in 2018, Hard hitting rock power trio Kath & The Kicks have cemented themselves as one of the UK’s most enthralling acts, both live and in the studio. Receiving plaudits from the likes of Louder Than War, Bauer Media & airplay from Kerrang! Radio, Planet Rock and Radio X.They are widely recognised as a blistering live act, who deliver a stunning set with the tightest of musicianship anywhere on the scene. They’re punk rock at its finest and not to be missed.
‘Kath and The Kicks have an exhilarating stand out sound, raw and fresh with the spirit and attitude of grunge, punk rock and rockabilly.’ – Stencil Mag
“Kath and The Kicks come to deliver chaos and wrath….a band that know they can rock the stage to smithereens.” – Good Music Radar
‘Dirty, smack you in the face rock and roll from a band projecting true passion and searing melodies’. – Louder Than War

Vinyl Friday are a young up and coming alternative rock group from Bradford. A hard gigging act full of boundless energy and enthusiasm backed up by chops which belie their slender years. Catch them before they hit the big time.

To round off the night we’ll be joined by DJ Snakehips on the wheels of steel who’ll be playing rock, punk and alternative classics old and new for your pleasure.

Acoustic Singaround Session
2025-03-02 13:00 - 16:00
Join us at the Puzzle Hall Inn, the 1st Sunday of each month for an acoustic afternoon informal singaround. All persons of all ages and skill levels welcome.
Hosting, will be the incredible Dave CalvertIn his own words: “Everyone is welcome to come along and sing, play, join in or just listen, the beer is great, as is the atmosphere. Its a lovingly restored, community owned pub which is continuing it’s long history of music events.”
Entry is free, hope to see you there.

Technical Difficulties
2025-03-05 19:30 - 22:00
Technical Difficulties is Sowerby Bridge’s original experimental & electronic music open mic held on the first Wednesday of Each Month
FREE ENTRY
Please send us a message if you want a slot!
We have a PA installed, two tables and somebody to plug you in…
Whether you’re into alternative hip hop, dark ambient, free jazz, freak folk, beat poetry or drone rock come on down, plug yourself in and let your freak flag fly!

Folk Night with Duotor
2025-03-06 20:00 - 23:00
This month we welcome – Duotor
Duotor is two groovy medieval knights with a hypnotic sound incorporating hurdy-gurdy, drum, bagpipes, chants, songs, and throat singing. They do unholy things to the holiest of medieval tunes influenced by trance, folk, and glam rock and roll. They were headliners at Hepfest 2024, rocked the tent at Medieval Music in the Dales 2024, supported Mes Levres at Nan Moor’s in Todmorden, played the New Year in at the White Lion in Heptonstall, and now entrancing the Puzzle Hall Inn.
Free entry, donations toward events and artists always welcome.
For those who may be unsure of the public transport situations, here are some useful details…
Trains: If you’re travelling towards Halifax / Bradford / Leeds, the last train leaves Sowerby Bridge at 00:05If you’re travelling up the Calder Valley, and onwards to Manchester, the last train leaves Sowerby Bridge at 23:22
Please allow 15 minutes to walk from the pub to the station, and please check, on the day of travel that the times have not changed, or that strike actions are being planned.
Bus: There’s a 579 bus to Halifax that leaves Station Road at 23.48, just a few minutes’ walk from the Pub, however, give yourself plenty of time, as it’s the last bus, it can be pretty sharp in setting off.

Mayshe Mayshe + Calluna Sun
2025-03-07 20:00 - 22:00
Mayshe Mayshe
Yorkshire based Mayshe-Mayshe blends dreamy art-pop and electronica with rich storytelling, skittering percussion and infectious melodies. Her deceptively simple songwriting – at once universal and deeply personal – incorporates choral vocals, vintage synths and the occasional hairdryer. Mayshe-Mayshe’s live performance is a dynamic live-looping set of soft, spare rhythms and intimate vocal harmonies that build into deep oceans of sound.
A unique and inventive talent’ – Louder Than War‘Perfect pop dichotomy’ – God is in the TV Zine‘Immaculately minimal DIY gems’ – Narc Magazine
https://www.mayshemayshe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StNxyexxi3I
Calluna Sun
Multi-instrumentalists Calluna Sun interweave their mellifluous tones & combine their sweet-sounding sibling harmonies & love of nature, to bring their audiences a rare mix of folk & world. Drawing on their experience as classically trained musicians with added experience in Georgian polyphonic singing, Swiss folk yodelling & Cuban/Brazilian their evocative music takes listeners on a spellbinding, harmonious journey.
https://callunasun.bandcamp.com https://www.youtube.com/@callunasun

Electroni Kongo
2025-03-08 21:00 - 23:00
Electroni Kongo are a Kongolese Techno band comprising arranger, bassist and guitarist Mulele Matondo and electronic musician Ben Eyes.Mulele fled a war torn Kongo to West Yorkshire and met Ben in an attic studio in Leeds. The pair formed a strong bond based on an appreciation of each other’s musical heritage. Mulele’s experience of playing guitar and bass in top AfroBeat bands across Nigeria and Kongo met with Ben’s love of the rhythms and fluid synths of acid techno and avant bleep of the North of England. The pair made music together along with singer Tipo. Fast forward twenty years and whilst Ben was on tour the two met in London and decided to create Electroni Kongo in memory of their friend Tipo who had sadly passed away.The resulting music combines the energy, melody and rhythmic intensity of Mulele’s Kongolese music combined with the future-facing sound of Ben’s driving electronics.Their live show does not disappoint, bringing live guitars, percussion, vocals, analogue synths, drum machine and sampler to destroy any dance floor. They have played at Not A Cult Festival and Northern Green Gathering.
https://www.electronikongo.co.uk/
https://electroni-kongo.bandcamp.com/album/fire
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mNsErkBxw0

Alaistair Gordon + Steve Greekshire
2025-03-12 20:00 - 22:00
Alastair Gordon started performing original material on the Berlin open mic scene in his late teens. Since then, his voice has been shaped into a rich baritone through years of busking and a creative approach to guitar and harmonica shaped by adventurous listening habits. The clearest influences include John Martyn, Charlie Parr and The Felice Brothers. Lyrical content often tackles unconventional subject matter and reflects a life split between South Yorkshire and North Saxony. He has performed alongside some of the most exciting artists on the contemporary folk scene including Fern Maddie, Brown Horse, Jim Ghedi, Alabaster de Plume, Gwenifer Raymond and The Brothers Gillespie.
“Rich baritone and creative musical approach” Narc Magazine
“Off kilter quirky baritone – that’s a very difficult style to pull off. Alastair absolutely nails it.” Christian Carlisle, BBC Sheffield.
https://www.alastairgordon-music.com/
https://alastairgordon.bandcamp.com/
Steve Greekshire, a denizen of the Leeds Delta has been amusing, entertaining and confounding it’s citizens with his unique surrealist take on dark folk and blues for many years. Expect to be both enchanted and bemused by the man’s singular talent and flair for the theatrical.
https://soundcloud.com/steve-greekshire
https://stevegreekshire1.bandcamp.com/

Amusia
2025-03-14 19:00 - 23:00
Amusia will be conducting a Listening Test Site Installation Interface Trial and Safety Assessment at The Puzzle Hall Inn in Sowerby Bridge (HX6 2RF) from 7pm – 11pm on Friday 14th March 2025. Normal music club operations may be disrupted during this time. Amusia wishes to thank the patrons and staff of The Puzzle Hall Inn for their patience and understanding while we conduct these important safety trials with these experimental materials. This trial will utilise experimental auditory materials to create conjecture between conflicting auditory trends. Volunteers will be needed to ensure the safety of future Listening Test subjects. We must stress that that we cannot guarantee the safety and future well-being of those who take part in this trial, and as such we wish to thank those volunteers in advance for their bravery.
The following stimuli are to be utilised for this interface trial:
Jesus Knievel (21:30) Quirky and eccentric 3 piece rock sourced from Tameside.
John Haycock (20:30) Todmorden based Kora player using loops and effects to create ambient soundscapes.
Jacky’s Fantastic (19:30) Energetic power-folk 4-piece sourced from Hebden Bridge.

Wadcutter Blues
2025-03-15 21:00 - 23:00
Top quality musicians with deeply soulful, rocking vibe. Guaranteed to get you on the dance floor and blow away the cobwebs. Proper soul-aligning stuff- unmissable!

Kal Marks + Thank
2025-03-18 20:00 - 22:00
Kal Marks (USA – Exploding In Sound)Heavy indie/noise rock from Boston like Trumans Water / Pissed Jeans / Pixieshttps://kalmarks.bandcamp.com/
Thank (Big Scary Monsters)Witty and danceable noise rock like Chinese Stars / The Fall / Joeyfat (ex-Nose).https://thankleeds.bandcamp.com/

FREE ENTRY with donations for bands gratefully accepted. Live music done in time for trains back to Leeds / Manc.
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Kal Marks
Formed out of the Boston music scene (now located in Providence & Brooklyn), Kal Marks has been pushing themselves and their sound for over a decade. Known for their explosive live show and cathartic aggression, Kal Marks has been met with critical acclaim from outlets like NPR, Pitchfork, Fader, and Stereogum. Their tireless work ethic keeps them out on the road, throughout the US and most recently their first tour of Europe and the UK. Known for being one of the loudest and heaviest “indie rock” bands out there, they’ve shared bills with Gilla Band, Meat Wave, Gouge Away, Black Midi, METZ and Cave In. The band released “My Name is Hell” in 2022 and “Wasteland Baby” in 2024 both recorded at Machines With Magnets with Seth Manchester (Battles, Model/Actriiz, Big Brave). “Wasteland Baby” is the bands master stroke and first attempt at a concept album, divulging Shane’s fears of parenthood in a decaying world. https://youtu.be/OQQ8hG8Ujp4?feature=shared
ThankThe Rock Band Thank From Leeds’ concoction of anxious disco grooves, harsh noise freakouts and inscrutable sprechgesang bluster was borne out of their hometown’s notorious – and now sadly defunct – DIY collective CHUNK. After the release of their debut full length ‘Thoughtless Cruelty’ in 2022 and a smattering of EPs and split releases, the band is back with their sophomore album ‘I Have A Physical Body That Can Be Harmed’, a volatile yet joyously cathartic post-punk record.
In 2024 Thank signed to independent record label Big Scary Monsters, armed with a new album on the horizon and a smattering of upcoming shows in the UK and Europe to boot. ‘I Have A Physical Body That Can Be Harmed’ is a brash, satirical and downright stomping full length that combines the raw ferocity of the band’s early work with the ambitious arrangements and electronic experimentation of their more recent output. The end result combines hardware techno squelch, jungle-inspired drumming, synth pop bombast and anarcho-punk spartan aggression, acid-fried and internet-poisoned with a shit-eating grin on its face, landing somewhere akin to The Cure’s ‘The Head On The Door’ if it was remixed by ‘Jenny Death’-era Death Grips.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CM79cm4LeCQ

Georgian + The Black Hills String Band
2025-03-21 20:00 - 22:00
Georgian is a spooky, psychedelic western artist based in Manchester. lead singer Georgia’s haunting vocals and gripping writing style is the perfect accompaniment to the soulful organ, driving drums, groovy bass, tasty sax, and trio of harmonic guitars which make up her band. With sold out shows and a recent spot at Manchester Psychfest it’ll be a treat to see them in such intimate surroundings
“Georgian create a distinctive sound that merges the psychedelic elements of the 1960s with a Western flair, creating a modern yet nostalgically rich auditory experience.” – Oculate
“Balancing vulnerability, longing and playfulness Georgian create a moody and haunting atmosphere.” – Broadway World
https://georgian.bandcamp.com/
https://soundcloud.com/georgianbackstage
The Black Hills String Band are a new group from the lonesome hills of Calderdale made up of seasoned local players making their own unique twist on classic blues, folk and country

Featherteeth
2025-03-22 21:00 - 23:00
Featherteeth are sonic alchemists, blending the mind-expanding essence of psychedelia, the rhythmic pulse of electronica, the raw energy of post-punk, and countless other influences into a seamless, genre-defying experience. With hypnotic grooves, shimmering etherial vocals and electrifying live performances, the band crafts a soundscape that takes listeners on a journey through both space and time.
“There are many different featherteeth, everyone has their own……a creature that lives in your mind and puts your dreams together”.

Phil Tyler + Henry Parker
2025-03-23 16:00 - 18:00
Phil TylerSolo set of ‘folky stuff’ from Newcastle’s premier primitive banjoist, guitarist, sacred harp singer and collaborator with/of/in Cath Tyler, Sarah Hill, Yakka Doon, The Last Path, and Spraydog.https://cathandphiltyler.bandcamp.com/
Henry ParkerContemporary progressive folk guitar and songs from the Yorkshire valley’s ever rising star. https://henryparkermusic.co.uk/

Phil Tyler
Cath & Phil Tyler play Anglo-American folk music using guitar, banjo, voice and fiddle. Cath was a member of the band Cordelia’s Dad in the 1990s when she lived in Massachusetts, USA. Phil, from Newcastle upon Tyne has played in various folk, rock and ceilidh bands for many years. Coming together musically through a shared love of traditional narrative song, full voiced sacred harp singing and sparse mountain banjo, they have performed on stages as diverse as the Royal Opera House in London and a dank tower in the old city walls of Newcastle. Taking a more minimal approach to their material than some, they have been described as ‘one of the most compelling musical partnerships on the scene’, their music being ‘a highly concentrated and intimate musical experience that penetrates to the very rawest essence of folktradition’.
‘Exceptional in every sense of the word…certainly one of the best albums of 2022. The variety on offer.. is exceptional; the balance of pace makes it engaging, while the selection of songs makes it intriguing. Each song and tune is impeccably performed; I can’t recommend it enough.’Folk Radio on What We Thought Was A Lake Was A Field Of Flax by Phil Tyler & Sarah Hill
Henry ParkerHenry Parker’s contemporary take on folk, which he explores via thoughtful yet deeply accomplished guitar playing, unfurls and moves much like the landscape itself – mirroring the unpredictable, yet beautifully flowing, rolling hills and valleys of his native county of West Yorkshire.
Parker’s musical roots go back to a self appointed upbringing in prog-rock and metal. However, enthralled at the age of 20 by the ethereal playing of Bert Jansch and Nick Drake, finger-picking and open tunings rapidly became the essence of his sound. The result is a strain of informed, progressive folk music found nowhere else.
Henry has recorded 2 albums: the eco-conscious ‘Silent Spring’ (2019) and ‘Lammas Fair’ (2021), bringing him to the forefront of the progressive folk music world. In 2023 he curated and recorded for American label Tompkins Square Records, bringing together a tribute album to Michael Chapman, one of his most important musical influences.
“His relaxed vocals and songwriting are as warm and open as his tunings” 8/10 Uncut Magazine
“What Parker does so effectively is to blend ancient with early-70’s and modern styles” Mojo ★★★★
“Original material and traditional songs create an immersive and mellifluous world in which both the peace and isolation of nature are unfurled evoked through subtle arrangements” Prog Magazine
“Focussing on the seasons is an eternal feature of English folk music and the tradition is well tended here.” Shindig! ★★★★
“Channelling the ghosts of Jansch and Renbourn through his fingertips, the fluid playing and emotive singing of Yorkshire-born Henry Parker evokes the spirit of the early-60’s folk revival as if it were yesterday.” RnR Magazine ★★★★★
“We can look forward to more from this impressive young talent who is both steeped in and helping to continue the English Folk Revival” Folk London
“Precision guitar playing…effortless use of loop pedals, nice to see an unsigned folk musician playing to such a high level” FATEA
“A really excellent young guitarist/ songwriter” Steve Tilston
