Grassroots @ Open House is our new programme of double bill events supporting local musicians. For this event we’re thrilled to welcome Sheffield musician Lou Gold and Grindleford-based Mr Magpie.
Lou Gold
A captivating singer-songwriter originally from London and now living in Sheffield. Lou released her debut album, A Body of Water on June 6, 2025. Combining lyrical storytelling with an indie-folk sound infused with vintage soul production, Lou’s music has been likened to the works of Frazey Ford, Brittany Howard, Lianne La Havas, and Valerie June. Her thoughtful lyrics and honeyed tones invite listeners to explore themes of nature, transformation, hope and connection.
Sheffield magazine, Now Then, described “A Body of Water” as “a stunning, genre-blending record which is a joy to listen to”. Live, Lou is joined by her friends and band, The Alchemists, who provide vocal harmonies, soul-inspired rhythms and rousing melodies. Lou Gold and The Alchemists will be playing gigs at venues across the UK this year.
Mr Magpie
Collecting all things glittering and strange, Mr Magpie turns them into skewed and colourful pop gewgaws. The four-piece band, led by songwriters Luke Foster and Matthew Ross, create a unique brand of moon-spangled jangle music melding Beatlesque pop, folk influences and 60s psychedelia with the attitude and literate lyrics of 80s indie.
Mr Magpie seek musical adventures off the beaten track, playing gigs everywhere from forests and graveyards to sheds and off-grid, abandoned churches. They even toured the North of England on bicycles, towing their guitars behind them; the tour inspired the songs and artwork for their first album, The Magical World of Mr Magpie.
This idiosyncratic, DIY ethos has extended to the recording and release of the band’s second album, The Fever Dreams of Mr Magpie. Self-recorded in an old laundry building in the Hope Valley, the vinyl release of the album was successfully funded by a crowdfunding campaign. Boosted by new members Daniel Wildey (bass and backing vocals) and Rob Kenning (drums and backing vocals), the new songs add a wild electric dimension to the band’s sound. As well as jangle pop bangers (‘St Matthew’s Day’, ‘Nervous Breakdown’), the album offers touches of intimate psychedelic folk (‘Amanita’), acid-fried country (‘Dead Orchard Voodoo’) and even blue-eyed soul (‘When We Were Birds’). Released in Spring 2026, the album is being launched with series of live shows – Mr Magpie’s trademark mixture of songs and Dadaist storytelling.
About this event:
Date - From 7pm on Saturday 13 June 2026
Timing - Doors open for drinks at 7pm, performance starts at 7.30pm
Price - £10 / £7 with ACCESSIBLE code
Location - Doors open downstairs at Open House. Performance will be held downstairs at Open House.
Booking - Limited to 60 spots, to book your spot please click below