ABOUT
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Originally formed as a 3-piece in 2023, Skinny Cat Blues Band bonded over a mutual desire to play feel-good blues on the open mic circuit of mid Wales. First joined by Ian, and then Mike on bass, the Skinny Cats have enjoyed playing to new audiences as they have begun to venture out beyond the catflap.
Meet The Band
Gill Cathles
Gill first picked up her drumsticks during the pandemic lockdown, and took to it with a natural flair. Self taught, she brings a grounded authenticity to the band with her steady rhythmical beats. When Gill isn't drumming, she writes and performs short stories and has an ongoing series called Planet Disaster. She is talented at drawing maps, laying hedges and, with Steve, she runs the open mic night at the Lost Arc in Rhayader.
Steve Ellis
Steve plays lead guitar and sings. His heart belongs to metal, but don't let that fool you, his crunchy lead guitar brings soul to even the crackliest blues number. Steve has been playing guitar since his teenage years - having been in bands of many different genres, his style is fresh and energetic. When he is not playing in the Skinny Cats, he can be seen performing in his Viking-Dwarf duo Scethrog or rocking out with Out of Order.
Mike Halls
Mike plays bass and sings in the Skinny Cats, however he is a talented performer in his own right, often seen singing and playing guitar at open mics and busking the streets of Llanidloes. Artistically he has a firm grip on both the absurd and the poignant, and his breadth of expression enhances the band, whatever the groove. Mike has a passion for making live music more accessible - he is the founder of Llani Live, a week of pop up music and arts events hosted by local businesses in and around Llanidloes town centre.
Martin Holly
Martin plays harmonica and rhythm guitar and sings. His love of playing harmonica has seen him perform with many different acts over the years, but blues is his first love. When he is not playing music, he is at his happiest when he is tinkering with classic cars or being with his baby daughter.