From The Glasshouse: Ríoghnach Connolly & Honeyfeet plus Ruth Lyon

Invited| Review by V. Brewster

Photos: Barry Pells

Another fantastic mid-week evening at Gateshead’s Glasshouse! This week I was treated to a captivating blend of musical brilliance and heartfelt connection through the enchanting performances of Ruth Lyon followed by Ríoghnach Connolly & Honeyfeet. Both acts delivered a unique mix of humour, raw emotion, and exceptional musicianship, creating an intimate atmosphere that left the audience deeply moved and fully immersed in the experience.

Local lady Ruth Lyon opened the show, demonstrating a masterclass in emotional connection – blending heartfelt anecdotes, sharp humour, and activism. From the opening song, Stone, Lyon’s husky, soothing vocals drew the audience into an intimate atmosphere. Her ability to fuse raw emotion with her music was evident throughout the set, reflecting her songwriting process, which she described as driven by her emotional state at the time.

A highlight of the evening was her introduction of the song Trouble, where she humorously shared her newfound enthusiasm for cars after passing her driving test earlier in the week – an important achievement Ruth, as a disabled person, had previously considered was out of reach. This playful yet emotionally poignant moment encapsulated Lyon’s activist spirit, as the song addresses themes of societal disruption for change. Lyon’s debut of Cover, a new track from her forthcoming album, felt like a casual chat with friends, creating a welcoming and relatable connection with the crowd.

One of the night’s most moving moments came with Flood, a powerful anthem about feeling “othered,” performed alongside guitarist Tommy Arch. Lyon’s passionate delivery turned the song into a call to arms for anyone who has ever been underestimated or felt “othered”, reinforcing her message of resilience and strength.

Ruth Lyon’s performance wasn’t just about the music – it was about creating a shared experience. Her candid reflections, humour, and emotional depth left the audience feeling more connected and empowered. Lyon embraces her differences and challenges, turning them into a celebration of identity and activism. With her EP Direct Debit to Vogue already out and a debut album on the horizon, Lyon continues to inspire with her authenticity and artistry.

Ruth Lyon left the stage having created a deeply personal and uplifting experience, resonating with everyone in the room. Just as the audience caught their breath, the energy shifted as Ríoghnach Connolly and Honeyfeet took over, bringing their own whirlwind of humour, wit, and musical brilliance to the evening.

From the moment Connolly walked on stage, brandishing a bright orange shovel (#findtheshovel), the audience was hooked. Her powerful vocals and expert flute playing wove through the set, adding richness to tracks like Another Song and Whatever You Do.

The band, despite featuring a debut performance for stand-in guitarist John Diver, played with palpable chemistry. Tracks like Colonel Hathi’s Trunk Juice had the entire room moving to Biff Roxby’s trombone, Lorien Garth Edwards’ bass and Phill Howley’s drums, showcasing the band’s groove and tight musicianship. Even technical hiccups became part of the show, with Connolly’s quick wit turning a technical malfunction of John Ellis’ keyboard (heroically and briskly resolved by event staff while the band vamped on) into a comedic moment.

One standout was Work It, which began with dissonant effects that rattled the audience before evolving into a smooth, satisfying groove. The night closed with Meet Me on the Corner, leaving the entire venue dancing and wanting more.

Connolly’s humour and sharp social commentary between songs gave the performance added depth. Introducing a song about the Catholic Church, she quipped, “Because, without guilt, how could we ever truly enjoy anything?” Even as the crowd laughed and danced, the message resonated.

After the show, Connolly’s candid reflections on discomfort and resilience provided insight into her artistry. She explained her dedication to bringing uncomfortable topics to light, using her platform to challenge societal norms. 

Honeyfeet’s performance was a cathartic experience blending humour, deep truths, and quite simply musical brilliance. If you ever get the chance, catch them live. You won’t regret it.

Overall, this evening at The Glasshouse was a perfect blend of heartfelt emotion and talent, with infectious energy leaving a lasting impression. As the audience walked away, still buzzing from the performances, one question lingered – where is that bright orange shovel?

#findtheshovel

Individual Reviews

Ríoghnach Connolly and Honeyfeet

https://innewcastle.co.uk/review-from-the-glasshouse-rioghnach-connolly-and-honeyfeet/

Ruth Lyons

https://innewcastle.co.uk/review-from-the-glasshouse-ruth-lyons/

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