FOLK and Roots music is now an integral part of the music programme at Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts.

Theatre bosses say the new season for 2018 contains a high-quality and eclectic mix to delve into kicking off on February 17 with The Moscow Drug Club Band.

provide an intoxicating and intimate musical experience in the Sherling Studio. Combining elements of 1930s Berlin Cabaret, Hot Club de France, Nuevo Tango & Gypsy Campfire, their music includes original material with songs by Jacques Brel, Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits and Bertolt Brecht.

Playing with a four-piece band on 2 March, The Grahams are a dynamic Americana duo who have married their love of adventure with a desire to build on foundations laid by their musical predecessors. Their lyric-rich storytelling songs are delivered with passion, power and beautiful harmonies.

The award-winning percussionist Pete Lockett treats us to an incredibly dynamic and entertaining showcase of drumming and percussion from every part of the world on 11 April. His exploration of world rhythms is complemented by subtle sound design and electronics. The combination of sound textures, powerful pulsing grooves and virtuosic solos reflects Pete’s work with artists such as Peter Gabriel, Bjork, Jeff Beck, Robert Plant, Kodo, Zakir Hussain and also five of the James Bond movies.

Daniel Morden transports you to the Land of No Return in Stolen on 13 April, his storytelling served by the hypnotic string accompaniment of Sarah Moody and Oliver Wilson-Dickson. The Devil’s Violin ensemble will take you on an epic journey through a dreamlike land where you will encounter a king turned to stone, an old woman living in the claw of a giant cockerel and a glass man filled with wasps. This is a tale of lost loves, bravery and above all else, hope.

2017 BBC Radio 2 Folk Award nominees Ninebarrow launch their highly anticipated third album The Waters and the Wild in the theatre at Lighthouse on 21 April. Described by BBC Radio 2’s Mark Radcliffe as being “like two halves of one voice”, Ninebarrow combine breath-taking vocal harmonies and melodies, delivering original songs that are inspired and rooted in the landscape and history of the British Isles. Support comes from fellow Dorset performer Will McNicol.

Pete Flood (Bellowhead) and Jules Bushell collaborate to create a 5-piece band full of acoustic delight in Invisible Music on 17 May. This sound-piece is inspired by a series of interviews with members of Winchester’s lip-reading group. This immersive, celebratory event is a live concept album of music layered with exquisite audio snippets. Beautiful, moving and evocative.

In the wake of his departure from folk-rock pioneers Steeleye Span, legendary fiddle player Peter Knight has turned his full attention to his trio Gigspanner, who play the Sherling Studio on 24 May. In the process he has established their reputation as one of the most genuinely innovative acts on the folk-roots scene. Taking self-penned material along with music rooted in the British Isles, and with the flick of a bow, a finely chosen chord or slip of a beat, they produce richly atmospheric arrangements layered in a wealth of subliminal musical influences.

Tickets for all events are on sale now at the Lighthouse ticket office. Call 01202 280000 or book online at www.lighthousepoole.co.uk