Dream-Folk artist returns home to launch groundbreaking new Christmas record

For one special night this winter, Birmingham born Dream-Folk songwriter Chris Cleverley launches his new Christmas E.P, ‘In the Shadow of John the Divine’, with a band of renowned guest musicians.

Since the release of his critically acclaimed album ‘Broadcast The Secret Verse’ in 2022 (“A masterpiece – ★★★★” RnR Magazine), Cleverley has cemented his reputation as a cutting-edge songwriter & fingerstyle guitar master, with shows at top UK events Cambridge Folk Festival & the English Folk Expo.

This December, he releases ‘In the Shadow of John the Divine’, a 5 track Winter E.P, named after the iconic Manhattan Cathedral. In his characteristic style, this vibrant body of work promises to flip the well-explored seasonal genre on its head, offering a fresh, innovative departure from your standard Christmas playlist :

“In the Shadow of John the Divine’ is a collection of songs for the misfits; for those struggling to find belonging, for those yet to stumble upon their place in this head-spinning modern world. A record to greet this coming festive season in all its wondrous ambiguity, exploring the complex pool of contradictions we experience each December; gratitude, regret, warmth, loneliness, love and grief.”

As he takes to the road for his eight-date Winter headline tour to promote his new release, Cleverley looks forward to returning to familiar territory for this special show. He will officially launch his new record in the company of the loyal Birmingham fanbase who have been with him every step of the way throughout his decade-long career. 

Kings Heath’s iconic Hare & Hounds is the official launch party venue; one for which he has strong local affinity. Growing up moments away, Cleverley watched local giants like Misty’s Big Adventure & Goodnight Lenin perform legendary shows at this venue regularly and is proud to add his name to this list. 

Cleverley is honoured to be joined on this special night by an exciting band of guest musicians from Birmingham and beyond, including Sam Kelly (Sam Kelly & The Lost Boys, Kate Rusby), Kim Lowings, Katie Stevens (Bonfire Radicals) and Kathy Pilkinton & Minnie Birch (Awake Mother).