Undercurrent Stories

Francis Dunnery operates as a Multi-Media Artist. His work combines music, humor, video, literature, performance art, philosophy and blistering electric guitar. Francis first hit the public stage back in the eighties as lead vocalist and guitarist for the popular progressive rock band ‘It Bites’ and enjoyed early chart success throughout Europe and Asia. He has since enjoyed a diverse musical career spanning thirty five years. During this time he has written, produced and performed music with some of the most successful artists of his time, artists such as Led Zeppelin’s singer Robert Plant, guitar legend Carlos Santana, Squeeze’s stalwart Chris Difford, Stone Roses’ front man Ian Brown, R&B superstar Lauren Hill, Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett as well as guesting with a host of bands and artists such as Yes, Hootie and the Blowfish and played alongside musical legend Chris Squire in The Syn. Francis is also an accomplished Rock Icon in his own right, turning out more than ten engaging albums of original yet diverse compositions as well as international solo chart hits in various countries throughout the world.Francis is also extremely proud to be the president and founder of ‘The Charlie and Kathleen Dunnery Children’s Fund’, a charity he set up to honor his parents. The CKDCF is dedicated to children’s health and wellness providing grants and donations that directly benefit the children of West Cumbria, England. Every October, Francis and his friends from around the world, gather in Cumbria for their legendary benefit concert and charity walk in support of the CKDCF. The CKDCF is widely supported throughout the world by some of the biggest names in Rock n Roll History. In truth, Francis Dunnery defies labeling. He’s a musicians musician, an educator, a master songwriter, a mentor and a storyteller. In fact, the legendary Robert Plant once said, “Francis Dunnery should be a public service.” For more than thirty five years Francis has created original and consumable entertainment for his fans, and this won’t stop anytime soon. From new CDs and Live Concerts to Astrology Readings, House Concerts, and the  Big Purple Castle Podcast (available on Patreon). Present day, Francis is more than ever committed to the personal freedom and individuality of himself and his audience.https://francisdunnery.com/Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

Described as, "The new brewing superstar," on the cover  of CAMRA's latest  beer magazine, today's show features Jaega Wise, Head Brewer of East London's Wild Card Brewery. Jaega gives a unique insight into her life as a TV & Radio Presenter, the brewing industry and her work  as a campaigner. She talks about her new book, 'Wild Brews' released 19th May and with her background in the study of chemical engineering and her experience as Head Brewer, she shares  unique information which will interest both  amateur and professional brewers alike.I found this conversation both fun and engaging and hope you will too! Jaega's links;http://www.twitter.com/jaegawisehttps://www.facebook.com/jaegawisemusichttps://www.instagram.com/jaegawise/Wildcard Brewery;https://www.wildcardbrewery.co.uk/homeJaega's book 'Wild Brews'https://www.waterstones.com/book/wild-brews/jaega-wise/9780857837813Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

Zal describes the influences that got him playing guitar in the 1960s.We hear how he found fame during the heyday and excesses of the 1970s playing on hits such as Delilah, Boston Tea Party and the Faith Healer with the Sensational Alex Harvey Band. We learn the reasons behind his iconic white mime makeup!We hear stories about his guitar work with Nazareth, Elkie Brooks, Bonnie Tyler and Midge Ure amongst many others.Zal also tells us about the recording of his latest album with Orphans of the Ash and the writing of his new novel.To find out more about Zal's work;https://www.facebook.com/Orphans-of-the-Ash-Music-109545414775577Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

In this episode we hear from  Yuri Yastavny, co-owner of Pravda Beer in Lviv, Ukraine. It was just after 5am on 24th February when news of the Russian invasion reached the Pravda craft brewery in Lviv, in western Ukraine. Pravda had just started making one of their award winning beers. On finishing the beer they decided to release the recipes for five of their beers, encouraging other breweries to use them to raise money for humanitarian aid.Since then the initiative has gone viral with hundreds of breweries around the world collaborating in a show of solidarity and helping raise money for aid.This is an inspirational and moving episode in which Yuri talks about the war and the determination,  stoicism and strength of the Ukrainian people.To find out more;https://www.pravda.beer/en/pravda/Brew for Ukraine https://www.facebook.com/groups/369756971660877 Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, St Olga’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Peterborough UK, has acted as a hub for donations.With its many volunteers it is managing to send 2 lorries a week to Ukraine to give medical and other desperately needed supplies to the Ukrainian people.We hear from Alla and Emma about the extraordinary and wonderful work that is going on at the Church and how it has brought the community together.The Ukrainian people are desperate for supplies and for any local listeners  we give details on the sorts of items needed and if you live further away how you can sponsor the project, or you may wish to donate or volunteer to a local initiative in your area.Links;Facebook #standwithukrainepeterborough                https://www.facebook.com/groups/649953096312493/?ref=shareJust Givinghttps://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/peterboroughstandwithukraine?utm_term=PexAgeJbqRestaurant supporting volunteershttps://pierogarnia.uk/ Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

In today’s show I’m joined by James Albon. James is an award winning  British illustrator and author of graphic novels. He studied illustration at Edinburgh College of Art and went on to a postgraduate scholarship at the Royal Drawing School in London. He was awarded the Gwen May award from the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers in 2012 and was a finalist in the Observer/Cape/Comica Graphic Short Story Prize in 2017 for his comic Madame et Me.James’ illustration clients include The Folio Society, The Guardian, and The Wall Street Journal. He has just brought out his latest graphic novel, The Delicacy.'The Delicacy' by James Albon available to buy at your local bookstore, Waterstones or Amazon.Link to Yuko Shimizu discussed in conversation website is  https://yukoart.com/ James's links:https://www.jamesalbon.com/https://www.instagram.com/jamesalbon.illustration/Want to be a guest? Contact:  bob@undercurrentstories.comQuestion or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

Today's show features Colin Crabbe. Colin is a  former Formula 1 Team owner, a racing driver and an eminent restorer and dealer of historic classic racing cars. In his book, ‘The Thrill of the Chase’, Colin takes us on an exciting  journey right through from his childhood, then as a Captain in the Scots Guards, his motor racing career and a life tracking down classic racing cars throughout the world.It was an honour to meet with Colin, a true gentleman,  and to be invited to his home. Such was the length of the interview we plan to put a further episode out shortly!Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

*'Over the course of the past two decades beer as we know it has changed forever. Taking their cues from the craft beer revolution in the US and the resurrection of traditional styles in continental Europe, the brewers of Great Britain and Northern Ireland have carved out a unique and world leading beer culture'* (Excerpt from *Modern British Beer).In today’s show I am joined by Matthew Curtis - Matthew is an award-winning writer, photographer and author based in Manchester, England. His work has been published in BEER, Ferment and Good Beer Hunting. Originally from Lincolnshire, he spent 15 years in London, where he discovered his enthusiasm for all things beer. In 2019 he launched his own magazine Pellicle, with long-time friend and brewer, Jonny Hamilton. He is the author of An Opinionated Guide to London Pubs and has just brought out his latest book, *Modern British Beer. Matthews links;Book, Modern British Beer: https://shop1.camra.org.uk/modern-british-beerPublication, Pellicle: https://www.pelliclemag.com/Twitter : https://twitter.com/totalcurtisInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/totalcurtis/?hl=enQuestion or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

In today’s show we talk to a man who looks after bees on the roofs of skyscrapers in New York City. His name is Andrew Cote and he is  a fourth generation beekeeper, president of the New York Beekeepers Association and has his own honey business, Andrew’s Honey. He is author of ‘Honey and Venom: Confessions of an Urban Beekeeper’ and with his organisation, Bees Without Borders, he travels annually to countries such as Uganda, Ecuador and Iraq, where he teaches beekeepers how to increase their honey yield and income via beekeeping endeavours.Andrew’s Links;https://www.instagram.com/andrewshoney/https://www.andrewshoney.com/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057834031877Undercurrent Stories links:https://www.undercurrentstories.com/https://www.instagram.com/undercurrentstories/https://twitter.com/UndercurrentSt1Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

With Guy Fawkes night on the 5th November another chance to hear this fascinating episode which was originally released in November 2020. This is a repeat.In the UK when we think of Bonfire Night on 5th November, we tend to just think of Guy Fawkes however, my guest today explains how Guy Fawkes was just one of a group of conspirators led by Robert Catesby, the mastermind behind the plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605. My guest is historian, Bill Cunningham and in this episode we talk about the circumstances that inspired and led up to the plot, the characters behind it and how it was eventually foiled. Please be aware that there are some graphic descriptions of torture in this episode.This is the traditional rhyme that many people learned at school in the UK about Bonfire Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Night or Firework Night;Remember, remember the Fifth of November,The Gunpowder Treason and Plot,I know of no reasonWhy the Gunpowder TreasonShould ever be forgot.Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, t’was his intentTo blow up the King and Parli’ment.Three-score barrels of powder belowTo prove old England’s overthrow;By God’s providence he was catch’dWith a dark lantern and burning match.Holloa boys, holloa boys, let the bells ring.Holloa boys, holloa boys, God save the King!"Bill's Instagram page  https://www.instagram.com/williamdavidcunningham/Stamford Mayors Guides https://www.thestamfordtownguidedtours.co.uk/Check outhttp://www.undercurrentstories.com/https://www.facebook.com/undercurrentstories/Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com