The Handsome Family
The Handsome Family’s new record began with a scream in the night. “It was a bleak winter during the middle of the pandemic,” says Brett Sparks. “One night around 4 a.m. Rennie started screaming in her sleep. She screamed, ‘Come into the circle Joseph! There’s no moon tonight.’ Scary as it was, I thought, man, that’s a good chorus!”
The Handsome Family (songwriting and marriage partners Brett and Rennie Sparks) have been defining the dark end of americana for over 30 years. Brett writes the music and Rennie writes the words. Their work has been covered by many artists including Jeff Tweedy, Andrew Bird and most-recently Phoebe Bridgers. Their song “Far From Any Road” was the opening theme for HBO’s True Detective season one and still receives thousands of Shazams every week from all over the world.
Handsome Family songs take place under overpasses and inside airports. Historical figures like George A. Custer and Nikola Tesla appear alongside a flying milkman and the whisper of an air conditioner against a plastic tree.
More Events
Gary Stewart presents Graceland
22nd August 2026 - 22nd August 2026
Scottish singer/songwriter Gary Stewart and his versatile six-piece band have been delighting audiences far and wide with their faithful rendition of Paul Simon’s classic album,…
Joshua Burnside
7th May 2026 - 7th May 2026
Joshua Burnside is an experimental folk songwriter, singer and producer. He takes influence from alternative electronica trad, and Irish folk, chopping and blending them with…
Humanfly
21st August 2026 - 21st August 2026
Led by former Canvas members Andy Sutcliffe and John Sutcliffe, post-metal outfit Humanfly formed in Leeds, England, at the outset of the 21st century. The…
Altered Images
8th September 2026 - 8th September 2026
Altered Images—one of the most influential bands to emerge from the UK post-punk and new wave scenes—are delighted to announce a special UK tour celebrating…
Friendship
8th May 2026 - 8th May 2026
An album for sleeping and waking, walking and driving, hunting and fishing, for loitering outside a roadhouse on the haunted tundra. Okay in elevators, not…
Echoes of the Bunnymen + True Order (Tribute Bands) 18th July 2026 . Brudenell Social Club LEEDS
18th July 2026 - 18th July 2026
Following spectacular performances from both bands for their debuts at Brudenell Social Club last year, they’re back with sets to blow you away again!
Explore The Neighbourhood
Kings of Leon
Kings of Leon are returning to Leeds with a brand-new tour date at first direct bank arena in Leeds on 06 July 2026, marking an…
Learn MoreI’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue
The multi-award-winning antidote to panel games will be recording part of its 85th series for the BBC at Leeds Grand Theatre. Join chairman Jack Dee,…
Learn MoreRoundhay Artists Open Studios Art Trail
More artists, three hubs and more interesting and exciting work on display. This year there are 27 artists and makers showing examples of their latest…
Learn MoreAn Evening with Jennifer Saint
Jennifer Saint will join us this June to celebrate This Immortal Heart – an epic story of love and war where two opposing deities find…
Learn MoreScreen Printing Tees & Totes
Explore screen printing onto tote bags and t-shirts on this one day workshop. We’ll cover: – Preparing imagery for screen printing, – Coating & exposing…
Learn MoreOtley Green Fair 2026
Visit Otley Green Fair for information and advice from a wide variety of stallholders about how to become more active and involved in the well-being…
Learn MoreVeeno
We are authentic Italian wine bars boasting quality wines and tempting Italian food. Veeno was born in 2013 with two friends who shared a love…
Learn MoreFarrands
Farrands is an independent bar located in the heart of Leeds city centre, specialising in a range of fine wine, beer and specialist cocktails.
Learn MoreWapentake
Wap-en-take (n) “Besides being divided into three Ridings, East, North and West (a Riding being derived from the Norse word “thriding,” meaning a third part)…
Learn MoreHerbarium Café
Step into Leeds City Museum’s botanical Herbarium Café in the city centre. Inspired by Leeds Museums and Galleries botany collections, it’s the perfect place to…
Learn MoreSix by Nico, Leeds
Experience a six-course tasting menu inspired by a theme, destination or concept. But be quick, our menu changes every six weeks. Here is what is…
Learn MoreBibis Italianissimo Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
Established in 1974, an authentic family owned Italian Restaurant and cocktail bar in Leeds City Centre. Home of the sensational showtime – Our stage comes…
Learn MoreBurmantofts Community Hub and Library
Join for free and borrow books, eBooks, eAudio and more. We also provide help for people to get online and run events and activities for…
Learn MoreCentral Methodist Church, Horsforth
Central Methodist Church is situated at the top of Town Street and originated from the Primitive Methodist community which is why there are still 2…
Learn MoreThe Old Fire Station
Gipton Fire Station has been renovated into a fantastic multipurpose community hub, providing a base for six local charities, along with rooms available to hire,…
Learn MoreCarnegie School of Sport
One of the largest providers of sports courses in UK higher education.
Learn MoreCatherine’s Place Yoga Studio
Yoga studio and cafe lounge in the Electric press. Designed to be low impact for neurodivergant users .quiet and low lights. community space.
Learn MoreUnity Through Music Studio
Unity Through Music Studio is a Professional Recording Studio Supporting Teenager Cancer Awareness & The Donovan S Webster Trust fund in Leeds.
Learn MoreRoundhay Artists Open Studios Art Trail
An art trail showcasing the creativity of professional and semi-professional artists in the Roundhay and Oakwood area of Leeds
Learn MoreAssembly House
An artist-run studio space situated in a Victorian textile mill by the historical Leeds-Liverpool Canal. Providing affordable spaces and career support for budding artists. Throughout…
Learn MoreMorley Market
Welcome to Morley Market, your local hub for fresh produce, unique crafts, and vibrant community spirit since 1880. Located at Queen Street our market is…
Learn MoreBond Court
Bond Court is home to a series of office spaces in the heart of Leeds’ business district.
Learn MoreBrewery Place
Situated on the south bank of the River Aire opposite The Calls, Brewery Wharf offers a vibrant mix of offices, bars, restaurants, residential apartments and…
Learn More