A Night of Enchantment: Nora Brown, Stephanie Coleman, and Spitzer Space Telescope at The Round Chapel, London

Live Review: Nora Brown and Stephanie Coleman + Spitzer Space Telescope at The Round Chapel, London – November 21, 2025

Walking through the icy rain in Hackney, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation as I made my way to The Round Chapel. I knew I was in for a treat—Nora Brown and Stephanie Coleman, two exemplary Old Time musicians, were set to perform in this beautiful venue renowned for its stunning acoustics. The Round Chapel is a significant upgrade from their previous gig in London at the Green Note, a more intimate venue that felt worlds away. Regrettably, as Winter’s chill settled in earlier that week, the temperature inside didn’t feel much different from the sub-zero conditions outside.

Despite the biting cold, the promise of an unforgettable night kept spirits high, even if it would have been lovely to feel a bit warmer inside. Many audience members, bundled in coats and gloves, would surely have contributed to a heating fund if given the chance. Alas, the music was worth braving the cold.

A Night of Mesmerizing Music

The duo kicked off their first set with a seamless transition from "Across The Rocky Mountain" into "Blue Bonnet," setting the tone for the night ahead. Nora’s banjo and vocals have an ethereal quality—her singing feels as if it’s being drawn from a distant past, with melodies that seem to emerge spontaneously in response to the instrumentation. During a captivating rendition of "John Riley," her banjo elegantly framed her poignant, almost conversational lyrics about love and loss. It was a mesmerizing moment where the focus was as much on the feeling conveyed through the music as on the words themselves.

Their stage presence was delightful, filled with playful banter. At one point, Nora pondered whether "Feeding Day" was an old ballad or a contemporary cover, landing on the humorous conclusion that “it’s one he does a lot anyway.” There were comical moments, especially when Nora removed her hat while on stage, prompting Stephanie to jokingly remark, “we don’t match anymore.”

Highlights of the Evening

A standout from the first set was "Black Jack Davey," where Nora’s repeated line, “I’ll be sixteen come Sunday,” offered an eerie glimpse into a different era. It highlighted not only the depth of the song but also how time transforms its context. "Sally Ann," on the other hand, was a showcase for Coleman’s extraordinary fiddle work, with minimalist lyrics emphasizing the passion of their performance.

After a brief intermission, the duo returned to the stage, demonstrating mastery of harmonics at the banjo’s neck, followed by their signature piece "Copper Kettle." The intertwining of their voices created a hauntingly beautiful sound that resonated throughout the chapel. "Oh My Little Darling," led by Coleman with a seamless switch to guitar, delighted the crowd and illustrated the dynamic versatility of both artists.

As they performed "Lady of the Lake," it became evident that their instrumental interplay—marked by intense concentration and fluidity—was truly where the magic lay.

Future Musical Adventures

As the night drew to a close, both performers hinted at potential future gigs in the UK. With Nora and Stephanie expressing their joy in playing Old Time music here, fans were left hopeful for a quick return from the duo to share their musical talents once again.

Opening the evening was Spitzer Space Telescope, the alias of singer-songwriter Dan MacDonald. Starting with "Hard Luck Johnny," he brought a traditional feel that would have fit perfectly into a sea shanty collection. His storytelling was engaging, filled with humor, and complemented his vibrant performance style. While his Clancy Brothers-inspired songs resonated with the larger crowd, one couldn’t help but imagine how exhilarating they’d be in a more intimate setting.

Conclusion

Overall, the night was a captivating exploration of Old Time music, filled with warmth, spirit, and a touch of laughter—despite the cold. Nora Brown, Stephanie Coleman, and Spitzer Space Telescope created an unforgettable evening, leaving the audience with a desire for more. As we all stepped back out into the winter night, the sounds of their music lingered, warming our hearts against the chill.

For those who missed it, keep an ear out for the return of these talented artists—they’re sure to leave you both enchanted and eager for more.