Award-winning musician Ray Cooper, formerly of Oysterband, is set to perform in Presteigne this November as part of his UK tour.

Known for his multi-instrumental talents and storytelling through song, Cooper, also known as Chopper, has built a successful solo career since leaving Oysterband in 2013. Over the past decade, he has released five solo albums and completed more than 40 tours across Europe, Canada, and the UK. On stage, Cooper plays cello, guitar, mandolin, piano, and harmonica, captivating audiences with his wide-ranging musical skills.

Cooper’s fifth solo album, Even For A Shadow, released in May 2024, was nominated for Album of the Year in the Folk and Singer-Songwriter category by the German music critics prize, Preis Der Schallplatten Kritik. He was also nominated by Fatea for Male Artist of the Year in 2021.

Before his solo career, Cooper played with a string of influential bands including Amazorblades, 3 Mustaphas 3, OK Jive, and Oysterband, touring in 27 countries and recording 19 albums. He has also worked with renowned producers such as Steve Lillywhite, Martin Rushent, and Joe Jackson. His music blends folk, Americana, world, and rock influences, shaped by experiences from festival stages to Swedish folk traditions where he now resides.

The Presteigne concert will take place on Saturday, November 22 at the Assembly Rooms on Broad Street, starting at 7:30pm. Tickets are priced at £15 plus booking fee and can be booked at https://wegottickets.com/event/657114# or or by calling 01544 267163.

Presteigne is the only Welsh date on the tour, giving local fans a unique opportunity to see Cooper live. Across England, he will also perform in a variety of venues, including Eastbourne, Leamington Spa, Beccles, London, Manchester, York, Derby, Netley, Stroud, and Sheffield, bringing his multi-instrumental, story-driven folk and Americana music to audiences nationwide.