The Band
The Beard Conspiracy are a three-piece ensemble based in the south east of England. Comprised of accordion, guitar, tuba and vocals, they play a dazzling array of fast paced tango, classical and klezmer with an eclectic blend of contemporary classics as you’ve never heard them before. They have been astounding audiences with their musical virtuosity and impeccable manners for the past two years and are the only band performing music from Shostakovich to Britney Spears on the same set!
Alket
Born in Albania Alket began studying accordion at the age of seven. His talent was noticed early and he was chosen to study the arts with a focus on music at university. During this time he trained in classical music, waltz and tango with a speciality in Eastern European music. It was during this time that he developed his virtuosic technique and taste for exotic harmony and melody. He has since used this remarkable skill set for composing pieces that have a Western flavour which also sit well within the Eastern European folk tradition.
After graduating Alket began his professional career playing at a wide variety of festivals and events as a solo and ensemble artist. At this time he also extended his repertoire into pop and rock (unusual on the accordion) bringing his own unique sense of rhythm and harmony to his performances. In 1998 Alket moved to England where he quickly established himself as in indispensable member of many ensembles both as a permanent member and session player.
Calvin
Born in Rochester, Kent, Calvin began his obsession with the classical guitar aged five when he saw John Williams performing on television. Despite this he initially studied bass guitar with a view to becoming a session musician. The obsession however took over and be began formal classical guitar studies during which time he worked extensively with Shaun Murray performing around the country as the Bach to Beatles duo.
Calvin worked extensively in the youth sector with the charities Fairbridge and the Princes trust to bring music education young people not in education or employment and ran the award winning Offbeat Studio project for many years. He is well known for his dynamic teaching style and for engaging students in a wide range of musical activities. Calvin has a wealth of musical experience performing as a solo player and in a range of ensembles from classical quartets to heavy rock bands
Mike
Mike has lived in Kent for over 30 years. He came as a university student and somehow couldn’t get out of the county. He is an in demand trombonist playing in several big bands, orchestras, oompah bands, jazz groups and even the occasional stage show. He is also experienced in playing in horn sections for soul, ska and function bands.
He began as a musician in a military style youth band and was the youngest member of the Essex Yeomanry Band for many years – he even learned to march. He has been gigging since he was 10!!! Initially he played in classical ensembles and wind bands but then got bitten by the jazz bug. He has toured with big bands and a range of other ensembles in Spain, Hong Kong and America.
He has been accused of treating the bass trombone as a weapon of mass destruction rather than an instrument capable of refinement and subtlety.
Basically he will play anywhere that needs a trombonist (except brass bands) and as there seem to be fewer and fewer trombonists he is a busy man.
