Dorchester based Magdalena Atkinson has been wooing local audiences for some time now both as a singer/songwriter and performer of chansons with jazz pianist Philip Clouts. Her natural songwriting skills make full use of the sounds of hammer dulcimer, guitar, piano and hand drums.    

Having recorded two solo albums and built up a small internet following, she joined forces with three other musicians to record a third album from which emerged a new band, 'Magdalena and the Mystical Birds'. Although the new album is still a project in progress, they have decided to showcase the songs at The Lyric Theatre in Bridport on 21st March, before releasing them. Steve Jones (formerly of ‘Heron’ and ‘Mungo Jerry’) is on keyboards, with Drew Crow Star (glam rock punk poet) on bass, and Darren Coleman (leader of ‘Blackdown Samba’) on percussion.   

Drawing on their musical backgrounds, there are sometimes hints of Eastern European, easy jazz, punk, folk and Samba in the music. With something of the early ‘60s festival exuberance about them, their stage presence is light and playful.  

Don't miss the opportunity to be there at this first public performance.  

They will be joined by guest singer/songwriter Roy Apps. As founder members of cult folk band 'Heron’, Roy and Steve will play together as the support. This will be their first performance since their 2016 tour in Japan.  

As a bonus, just for the night, local artist and performer Marina Renee-Cemmick will be painting a backdrop during the performance. Having recently graduated at the Glasgow School of Art, Marina has designed the mystical bird images for their forthcoming album. She is currently living in London.  

The show starts at 8.00 pm. Entrance fee is £12.00. Doors open at 7.30 pm.