Simon Care, the star of The Albion Band and Edward II, brings his new band, Banter, to play at The Oval Tavern on March 7.

Banter: soon to be seen at The Oval

Although they’ve graced stages at huge festivals such as Costa del Folk and Sidmouth Folk Festival, the Croydon gig is part of their first ever UK tour, and they are looking forward to being part of The Oval Tavern’s music programme.

Organiser Carol Whinnom, of local promoters, The Ukulele and Other Machines, couldn’t say no when the chance arose to host one her musical heroes. “After being in a wheelchair following serious foot surgery, the first time I was able to dance again was at a wonderful Edward II folk-reggae gig, which made me love Simon’s melodeon playing even more,” she said.

“I’m loving the new album, ‘Dare’ and can’t wait to see them play live. I think I’ll be dancing again, even with my bad foot!”

Banter are Simon Care on melodeon, Nina Zella on keyboards and vocals and Tim Walker on drums, percussion and brass. Incorporating influences of pop, jazz, soul and big band sounds, they are also rooted in traditional English music.

Although just three people, they create a huge sound and have been described as the world’s smallest big band. Banter brings songs that are barking social comment with pop beats, irony and ridiculously danceable tunes.

You can get an idea of the band’s sound by clicking here.

Tickets are £10, available now from www.wegottickets.com/theukulele or on the door on from 7.30pm on Thursday, March 7. The Oval Tavern is at 131, Oval Road, Croydon. CR0 6BR.

• Please support Inside Croydon’s award-winning, news-breaking local journalism. It’s just £4 per month, and you qualify for special discounts and offers. Click here to sign-up as a donor

• Inside Croydon Events: click here for details of hundreds of other events in and around Croydon

• Inside Croydon is a member of the Independent Community News Network
• Inside Croydon works together with the Bureau of Investigative Journalism and BBC London News
• Inside Croydon named Journalist of the Year at 2018 Anna Kennedy Online Autism Heroes Awards
• ROTTEN BOROUGH AWARDS: For two consecutive years, 2017 and 2018, Inside Croydon has been the source for two award-winning nominations in Private Eye magazine’s annual celebration of civic cock-ups
  
• In 2018, Inside Croydon had 1.6million pages viewed by more than half a million unique visitors
• If you have a news story about life in or around Croydon, or what to publicise your residents’ association or business, or if you have a local event to promote, please email us with full details at inside.croydon@btinternet.com