Anything goes in Jon’s musical world

Orpheus and The Rainbow — Jon Orpheus and partner Helena — gig regularly on the folk/rock scene

DJ, singer/songwriter and promoter Jon Orpheus is hoping to bring his successful project — Acoustic Eclectic — to a pub or club in Oldham.

Lees-raised Jon, a former promoter and chief DJ at the Shack venue in the late 1980s, helped to build a healthy scene in town by introducing many styles of music there - from rock and psychedelia to folk and even dub.

The accomplished guitarist from Mossley went on to enjoy local success with his band Orpheus Ghost Song, before more recently performing as a duo with his partner, Helena.

The largely Tameside-based Acoustic Eclectic project began roughly a decade ago, and is now enjoying a successful second period.

“We set up Acoustic Eclectic at the Q Inn in Stalybridge, and went on to keep it going every Wednesday night for three years solid,” Jon explained.

“We took a break for a while then were invited to get it going again by the new landlady at the Q.

“We used the same format as before, with a special guest every week and an open mike. It’s been a lovely event every week since. I’ve met some wonderful people and some great musicians, and to be honest the standard always blows my mind.”

Acoustic Eclectic featured at this year’s Hidden Beer and Cider Festival at Etherow, near Stockport, and the recent Saddleworth Folk Weekend. Jon has also been invited to get involved with the forthcoming Stalybridge Folk Festival. But he is keen to bring his project “home” to a more local venue

“Orpheus and the Rainbow is an extension of Acoustic Eclectic, so me and Helena host the nights,” Jon explained. “We’re looking for a venue in Oldham - one that will be interested in hosting what we do.

“Our nights aren’t totally unplugged, like a folk club; we do use PA. People mistake us for a folk club sometimes because I’m a bit of a folk musician, but it isn’t that. It’s an acoustic club, and it’s called eclectic because it’s a good description - it means ‘anything’, in this case acoustic ‘anything’; we have jazz, blues, rock, folk, all kinds of things. We even have a guy who reads monologues.”

To get involved either playing music with, watching, or even hosting Jon’s Acoustic Eclectic nights, check out the dedicated group pages on Facebook and Twitter and get in touch.


LISTEN to Simon Smedley’s exclusive audio interview with Jon Orpheus here: