LEEK: Foxlowe Arts Centre

Saturday 23rd October, 2021

7:00pm

Event information

Leek Blues & Americana Festival Encore Event

The Achievers' band leader Steve Ferbrache had no intention of being in a band, let alone leading one. After busking around the coffee houses of New York, Boston and Philadelphia and a decade or so on the London Blues & Roots scene (where he opened for James Hunter, Seasick Steve and others) he figured he was a solo act, and always would be. That was to change in 2013 when two separate chance encounters brought him together with drummer Aron Attwood and Harmonica player Rufus Fry - at that time they were all strangers to each other.

The next weekend, an unrehearsed session, sitting in together at their favourite pub (see video) proved popular and soon turned into a monthly residency. Within 6 months, it was standing room only. Still in denial about being in a band, and having discovered the magic that can be created 'in the moment' the band decided to only ever play together live.

Demand for The Achievers grew, hundreds of bookings followed and they continued to do it their way. A tour of Blues & Roots venues in Belgium, France, Germany and Italy followed in July 2017, including a headline spot at the World famous Porretta Soul Festival, Italy. They've opened for Dr. Feelgood, Connie Lush, and Tommy Castro as well as appearing at Gloucester and Wotton Blues Festivals, among others.

With a second tour of the UK & Europe scheduled for March 2018 The Achievers committed their music to record - on their debut: Live at The SVA.

The future is about great songs played brilliantly, steeped in vintage American dancing music: Rhythm & Blues, Gospel, Soul and Roots. The dance floor will shake, harmonies will ring out, fans will leave tired and elated and The Achievers will stand out on Blues Festival or Blues club programmes for being the band doing something different.