Tadcaster’s Riley-Smith Hall will be evoking its dance hall heyday with a special concert to mark the reopening of its main entrance on 15 May.The iconic neo-classical hall, which was built in 1924 and has a sprung floor for dancing, had to close its main entrance for two months whilst a project took place to build new Yorkstone steps and symmetrical access ramps. The project has been partially funded by a £20,000 grant from the National Lottery Community Fund.
The venue will reopen with a night of music and song featuring the York RI Golden Rail Band and guest singer Jessa Liversidge in ‘Ballroom to Broadway’. The programme of toe-tapping tunes includes songs from the musicals, Broadway melodies, show-stopping ballads and ballroom and Latin numbers.
For the band, which performs regularly in Tadcaster, the occasion is also a chance to give conductor Nicholas Eastwood a fitting send-off as it will be his final concert before departing to take on new opportunities. Nick, who was ‘rerecruited’ to lead Golden Rail in 2021 at an event in Tadcaster – having led it some years previously – has seen the band go from strength to strength under his baton.
“It’s been a collective few years of tremendous music-making and making some fantastic friends,” he said. “We’ve performed at the National Centre for Early Music, Joseph Rowntree Theatre, The Barbican, York Minster, Selby Abbey, York Citadel, and the band also played for my wedding.
“We’ve done a recording. We’ve celebrated the band’s 40th year in style. We’ve even been on television for a documentary series about Britain’s Greatest Railway Stations with Si King! The band has also performed two of my short story premieres and a host of my arrangements – and they’re just the highlights.
“Golden Rail has given so much to me, and I’d like to think I’ve managed to reciprocate. Personally, it was the countless funny rehearsals that made it - it’s been so much fun!”
Of the upcoming concert Nick says, “It’s a pleasure to be performing at the Riley-Smith Hall, a place that the band frequents each November as part of the town’s Remembrance Day parade. It’s equally special to help mark a milestone within the hall’s history, as it completes its newest renovation.”
For Jessa Liversidge, a well-known local performer and singing leader who also leads the York Military Wives Choir, among others, the concert is an opportunity to renew her relationship with the band, who she first performed with in 2018.
“I love singing with a full brass band and I'm really looking forward to this collaboration with the York RI Golden Rail Band. The last time we worked together we performed a concert in honour of those who were lost in or lived through WWI, a really moving event.
“This time, we're performing a rather different set of songs - movie hits including Jesus Christ Superstar, Les Miserables and Chicago, an Elvis classic and even a James Bond theme! I can't wait to work with this lovely group of musicians again in the wonderful Riley Smith Hall.
“This event will be a lovely contrast to my usual one-woman shows, and it will be great to share the stage with Nick and the band again.”
With seating arranged in cosy cabaret style and a pay bar, the concert promises to a classy evening’s entertainment and a chance for the band to swap marching attire for dress uniforms and bow ties.
“We’re all very excited to take stage with Jessa,” said Nick Eastwood. “I’m sure it will be a roof-lifting experience, although not literally - one renovation is enough!”
Ballroom to Broadway is at Riley-Smith Hall, Tadcaster, on Friday 15 May at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10 (under 16s free) and are available to pre-book and on the door.