Musicport announces line-up for 2019 festival
From its first “one-off “festival to celebrate the Millennium in 2000 until the present, Musicport has succeeded in bringing some of the finest musicians from around the world to the Yorkshire coast.
From the Buena Vista Social Club to Hugh Masekela from Courtney Pine to Richard Hawley it’s been a fascinating journey of discovery for the organisers and the audience as highest quality music from lands both far away and much close to home have graced the five stages of this unique and friendly indoor festival.
Marking its 20th anniversary, Festival Director Jim McLaughlin, who has programmed the festival since its inception, was keen to bring back some of the acts who have helped create the festival’s ethos and reputation in what will no doubt end up being seen as a “Best Of Musicport“ line-up.
"We think this line-up (for 18th -20th October) will ensure a non-stop party all weekend," he said.
From the 16-piece young multicultural band from Sweden Varldens who prove that music transcends any man-made barriers, to the sublime pairing of Senegal’s top Kora player Sekou Keita with Catrin Finch the Welsh harpist ….from the bagpipe driven sounds of The Peatbog Faeries from The Isle Of Skye to the hypnotic sounds of the Western Sahara with Aziza Brahim.from The Communards singer Sarah Jane Morris with her celebration of the songs of John Martyn to the sparkling thought provoking spoken words of poet Lemn Sissay….. From the still immense reggae sounds & message of veterans Misty In Roots to the life-affirming sunny sounds of Marseille’s Moussu T lei Jovent, from Irish legend Andy Irvine to the glorious African sounds of Orchestre Les Mangelepa from Kenya…..all in all it promises to be a fitting celebration of 20 years whilst artists from far closer to home such as Martin Stephenson, Katie Spencer, The Lake Poets ,Old Time Rags & The Joshua Burnell Band prove the festival transcends geography and young musicians such as Don’t Feed The Peacocks (all member of National Youth Folk Ensemble) prove that age is no barrier either.
Full line-up so far is : Orchestre Les Mangelepa (Kenya) : Catrin Finch & Seckou Keita : Aziza Brahim (W.Sahara) : Varldens Band (Sweden) Warsaw Village Band (Poland) : Lo'Jo (France) : Misty In Roots : Amira Medunjanin(Bosnia) ; Reem Kelani : The Orchestra That Fell To Earth : Peatbog Faeries : Lemn Sissay : Banco de Gaia : Sarah Jane Morris : Andy Irvine (Eire) : Rafiki Jazz : Jasdeep Singh Degun : Moussu T E lei Jovents(France) : Jim Moray Trio : Riccardo Tessi (Italy) : Belinda O’Hooley : Anne Niepold (Germany) : The Lake Poets : Martin Stephenson: Holy Moly & The Crackers : Katie Spencer : The Little Unsaid : Me & My Friends: Reg Meuross : The Hut People : Peace Artistes: Joshua Burnell Band; Old Time Rags : Jay Johnson : Don’t Feed The Peacocks : Bob’s Blundabus.
For tickets and further information, visit www.musicportfestival.com
From the Buena Vista Social Club to Hugh Masekela from Courtney Pine to Richard Hawley it’s been a fascinating journey of discovery for the organisers and the audience as highest quality music from lands both far away and much close to home have graced the five stages of this unique and friendly indoor festival.
Marking its 20th anniversary, Festival Director Jim McLaughlin, who has programmed the festival since its inception, was keen to bring back some of the acts who have helped create the festival’s ethos and reputation in what will no doubt end up being seen as a “Best Of Musicport“ line-up.
"We think this line-up (for 18th -20th October) will ensure a non-stop party all weekend," he said.
From the 16-piece young multicultural band from Sweden Varldens who prove that music transcends any man-made barriers, to the sublime pairing of Senegal’s top Kora player Sekou Keita with Catrin Finch the Welsh harpist ….from the bagpipe driven sounds of The Peatbog Faeries from The Isle Of Skye to the hypnotic sounds of the Western Sahara with Aziza Brahim.from The Communards singer Sarah Jane Morris with her celebration of the songs of John Martyn to the sparkling thought provoking spoken words of poet Lemn Sissay….. From the still immense reggae sounds & message of veterans Misty In Roots to the life-affirming sunny sounds of Marseille’s Moussu T lei Jovent, from Irish legend Andy Irvine to the glorious African sounds of Orchestre Les Mangelepa from Kenya…..all in all it promises to be a fitting celebration of 20 years whilst artists from far closer to home such as Martin Stephenson, Katie Spencer, The Lake Poets ,Old Time Rags & The Joshua Burnell Band prove the festival transcends geography and young musicians such as Don’t Feed The Peacocks (all member of National Youth Folk Ensemble) prove that age is no barrier either.
Full line-up so far is : Orchestre Les Mangelepa (Kenya) : Catrin Finch & Seckou Keita : Aziza Brahim (W.Sahara) : Varldens Band (Sweden) Warsaw Village Band (Poland) : Lo'Jo (France) : Misty In Roots : Amira Medunjanin(Bosnia) ; Reem Kelani : The Orchestra That Fell To Earth : Peatbog Faeries : Lemn Sissay : Banco de Gaia : Sarah Jane Morris : Andy Irvine (Eire) : Rafiki Jazz : Jasdeep Singh Degun : Moussu T E lei Jovents(France) : Jim Moray Trio : Riccardo Tessi (Italy) : Belinda O’Hooley : Anne Niepold (Germany) : The Lake Poets : Martin Stephenson: Holy Moly & The Crackers : Katie Spencer : The Little Unsaid : Me & My Friends: Reg Meuross : The Hut People : Peace Artistes: Joshua Burnell Band; Old Time Rags : Jay Johnson : Don’t Feed The Peacocks : Bob’s Blundabus.
For tickets and further information, visit www.musicportfestival.com
Sarah McQuaid returns to historic Tewkesbury Chapel
Award-winning singer-songwriter Sarah McQuaid returns to play the beautifully restored Old Baptist Chapel in the historic town of Tewkesbury on Friday 29th November.
The intimate venue, which was converted into a chapel during the 18th century, will provide a perfect setting for Sarah's relaxed and informal performance style. She is looking forward to returning following a sell-out performance at the chapel in 2018.
Honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Ards International Guitar Festival in Northern Ireland (2017), Sarah has also drawn critical praise for her voice and her engaging rapport with audience.
With the release of her latest album, If We Dig Any Deeper It Could Get Dangerous, the Madrid-born, Chicago-raised, Cornwall-based singer/songwriter has expanded her battery of instruments
to include piano, electric guitar and drum, and it’s drawn critical raves internationally.
Dutch music magazine Heaven hailed it as “an early contender for folk album of 2018,” the UK’s fRoots said it was “a collection to savour” and the USA’s PopMatters called it “a gateway into a true innovator’s soul," and FolkWords called it “A work of formidable passion.”
The concert will begin at 8.00pm on Friday 29th November 2019, with doors open at 7.30pm. The Old Baptist Chapel is situated in a medieval alleyway off Church Street, opposite the Royal British Legion. Nearest car park is Abbey Lawns, a short distance away, free after 6pm. Other public car parks are nearby.
Please note there is no bar at the venue, but audience members may bring their own alcoholic drinks if they wish. Tickets are £10 in advance or £12 on the door (if available). Tickets available online from www.wegottickets.com/event/479651. For more information visit www.sarahmcquaid.com
The intimate venue, which was converted into a chapel during the 18th century, will provide a perfect setting for Sarah's relaxed and informal performance style. She is looking forward to returning following a sell-out performance at the chapel in 2018.
Honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Ards International Guitar Festival in Northern Ireland (2017), Sarah has also drawn critical praise for her voice and her engaging rapport with audience.
With the release of her latest album, If We Dig Any Deeper It Could Get Dangerous, the Madrid-born, Chicago-raised, Cornwall-based singer/songwriter has expanded her battery of instruments
to include piano, electric guitar and drum, and it’s drawn critical raves internationally.
Dutch music magazine Heaven hailed it as “an early contender for folk album of 2018,” the UK’s fRoots said it was “a collection to savour” and the USA’s PopMatters called it “a gateway into a true innovator’s soul," and FolkWords called it “A work of formidable passion.”
The concert will begin at 8.00pm on Friday 29th November 2019, with doors open at 7.30pm. The Old Baptist Chapel is situated in a medieval alleyway off Church Street, opposite the Royal British Legion. Nearest car park is Abbey Lawns, a short distance away, free after 6pm. Other public car parks are nearby.
Please note there is no bar at the venue, but audience members may bring their own alcoholic drinks if they wish. Tickets are £10 in advance or £12 on the door (if available). Tickets available online from www.wegottickets.com/event/479651. For more information visit www.sarahmcquaid.com
'Folk Treble' returns to historic Evesham Chapel
Worcestershire based singer-songwriters Colin Pitts and Mike Weaver will be joined by the highly acclaimed Emi McDade for a special 'Folk Treble' evening at the historic Oat Street Chapel, Evesham, on Saturday 16th November.
Much of Colin Pitts' writing has been inspired by the Vale of Evesham, where he lives, and many of his songs have become folk club standards in this region. He is renowned for his powerful yet sensitive songwriting, and relaxed performance style. Colin has performed at clubs, village halls and festivals all over the UK and has also been on many local radio shows as well as a performance on BBC Radio 2.
Mike Weaver - who lives in South Worcestershire - is known for his self-penned songs which "exude beautiful harmonies, clear story telling and a passion for people." He returned to writing and performing in 2013, and since then has released three CDs, songs from which have received airplay on folk radio stations all over the globe.
Emi McDade is a talented young keyboard player and songwriter from Highnam, near Gloucester, who has performed on stages and at festivals all over the UK. Praised for her unique vocals, she returns to Evesham for the first time in three years.
Doors open 7.30pm, music starts 8pm. Public car park adjacent (free after 6pm). Please note there is no bar at Oat Street Chapel. although audience members may bring their own alcoholic or soft drinks. Tickets £9 online in advance or £10 on the door. www.wegottickets.com/event/466743
Much of Colin Pitts' writing has been inspired by the Vale of Evesham, where he lives, and many of his songs have become folk club standards in this region. He is renowned for his powerful yet sensitive songwriting, and relaxed performance style. Colin has performed at clubs, village halls and festivals all over the UK and has also been on many local radio shows as well as a performance on BBC Radio 2.
Mike Weaver - who lives in South Worcestershire - is known for his self-penned songs which "exude beautiful harmonies, clear story telling and a passion for people." He returned to writing and performing in 2013, and since then has released three CDs, songs from which have received airplay on folk radio stations all over the globe.
Emi McDade is a talented young keyboard player and songwriter from Highnam, near Gloucester, who has performed on stages and at festivals all over the UK. Praised for her unique vocals, she returns to Evesham for the first time in three years.
Doors open 7.30pm, music starts 8pm. Public car park adjacent (free after 6pm). Please note there is no bar at Oat Street Chapel. although audience members may bring their own alcoholic or soft drinks. Tickets £9 online in advance or £10 on the door. www.wegottickets.com/event/466743
Downend Folk Club Autumn & Winter programme
Bristol's ever-popular Downend Folk Club has announced its programme for Autumn and Winter 2019.
Kicking off the official programme will be Midnight Skyracer on Friday 20th September as the club makes a welcome return to Downend School
An IBMA Momentum Award nominated all-girl bluegrass band, Midnight Skyracer have been tearing up the UK bluegrass and folk scene since their inception just over two years ago.
Their all star lineup and exciting live performances have sent them racing skywards at an astounding pace right from the start, with Leanne Thorose’s powerhouse vocals and driving mandolin; Tabitha Agnew’s sweet voice and virtuosic banjo playing; Eleanor Wilkie’s rock solid bass grooves; Laura Carrivick’s flair, being equally adept on both fiddle and dobro; and twin sister Charlotte’s agility on the guitar, with both sisters filling in the vocal harmonies.
Back at Frenchay Village Hall, the October event, on Friday 18th, will feature Georgia Lewis, whose exciting rise to prominence was recognised with a nomination for the Horizon Award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards last year.
In 2015 Georgia released her self-titled five-track EP, and since then she has performed at festivals and folk clubs and received air-play on national and internet radio stations. In 2017 Georgia released her debut album The Bird Who Sings Freedom, recorded in her parents' kitchen. Georgia plays whistles, accordion, piano, guitar, sings and has been seen tapping out various traditional dancing styles.
Friday 15th November will see a performance from Talisk at Downend School. In their five years, the Scottish firebrands have stacked up several major awards for their explosively energetic yet artfully woven sound, including 2018’s Belhaven Bursary for Innovation & 2017’s Folk Band of the Year both at the BBC Alba Scots Trad Music Awards, and a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award.
Mohsen Amini - the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards’ Musician of the Year 2018, Hayley Keenan and Graeme Armstrong seamlessly meld concertina, fiddle and guitar to produce a multi-layered, enthralling signature that has effortlessly captivated audiences from the USA to Australia, and throughout the UK. The release of their hotly-anticipated second album, Beyond (in October 2018) was met with a five-star ‘Top of the World’ review in Songlines magazine.
Last year's Christmas concert will live long in the memory, and the 2019 festive event will be no different as folk superstar Jackie Oates performs at Christ Church, Downend, on Friday 20th December. Jackie first performed at the club with Mike Cosgrave as long ago as July 2015, so when we heard that she was doing a Christmas Tour with a full band lineup, our minds were made up instantly! Jackie's is a name synonymous with the reinvigoration of English folk music, beguiling audiences with a delicate balance of tradition and reinvention.
Jackie will get everyone in the Christmas spirit by performing a selection of Christmas and winter carols and songs as well as songs from her new album The Joy of Living.
For any further information, visit www.downendfolkclub.co.uk
Kicking off the official programme will be Midnight Skyracer on Friday 20th September as the club makes a welcome return to Downend School
An IBMA Momentum Award nominated all-girl bluegrass band, Midnight Skyracer have been tearing up the UK bluegrass and folk scene since their inception just over two years ago.
Their all star lineup and exciting live performances have sent them racing skywards at an astounding pace right from the start, with Leanne Thorose’s powerhouse vocals and driving mandolin; Tabitha Agnew’s sweet voice and virtuosic banjo playing; Eleanor Wilkie’s rock solid bass grooves; Laura Carrivick’s flair, being equally adept on both fiddle and dobro; and twin sister Charlotte’s agility on the guitar, with both sisters filling in the vocal harmonies.
Back at Frenchay Village Hall, the October event, on Friday 18th, will feature Georgia Lewis, whose exciting rise to prominence was recognised with a nomination for the Horizon Award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards last year.
In 2015 Georgia released her self-titled five-track EP, and since then she has performed at festivals and folk clubs and received air-play on national and internet radio stations. In 2017 Georgia released her debut album The Bird Who Sings Freedom, recorded in her parents' kitchen. Georgia plays whistles, accordion, piano, guitar, sings and has been seen tapping out various traditional dancing styles.
Friday 15th November will see a performance from Talisk at Downend School. In their five years, the Scottish firebrands have stacked up several major awards for their explosively energetic yet artfully woven sound, including 2018’s Belhaven Bursary for Innovation & 2017’s Folk Band of the Year both at the BBC Alba Scots Trad Music Awards, and a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award.
Mohsen Amini - the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards’ Musician of the Year 2018, Hayley Keenan and Graeme Armstrong seamlessly meld concertina, fiddle and guitar to produce a multi-layered, enthralling signature that has effortlessly captivated audiences from the USA to Australia, and throughout the UK. The release of their hotly-anticipated second album, Beyond (in October 2018) was met with a five-star ‘Top of the World’ review in Songlines magazine.
Last year's Christmas concert will live long in the memory, and the 2019 festive event will be no different as folk superstar Jackie Oates performs at Christ Church, Downend, on Friday 20th December. Jackie first performed at the club with Mike Cosgrave as long ago as July 2015, so when we heard that she was doing a Christmas Tour with a full band lineup, our minds were made up instantly! Jackie's is a name synonymous with the reinvigoration of English folk music, beguiling audiences with a delicate balance of tradition and reinvention.
Jackie will get everyone in the Christmas spirit by performing a selection of Christmas and winter carols and songs as well as songs from her new album The Joy of Living.
For any further information, visit www.downendfolkclub.co.uk
Arts Council support for 12 Silk Handkerchiefs Tour
Photo by Rachel Snowdon
12 Silk Handkerchiefs, Reg Meuross’s thirteenth album inspired by Brian W. Lavery’s book The Headscarf Revolutionaries, opens a window on Hull’s Hessle Road fishing community in the aftermath of the Triple Trawler Disaster of 1968.
After three sellout performances in Hull that recreated and expanded upon the original song cycle, the singer-songwriter is now taking the show on a national tour this Autumn supported by public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
Joined on stage by stalwarts of the Hull folk scene, musicians Mick McGarry and Sam Martyn, Reg’s powerful songs are interwoven with narration from author Brian W. Lavery and an audio/visual show that includes rarely-seen archive footage, photos and audio from the time of the disaster. Three Hull trawlers, the St Romanus, the Kingston Peridot and the Ross Cleveland perished and 58 men died in what became known as the Dark Winter.
Fighting fishwife Lillian Billoca’s subsequent successful campaign for improved trawler safety; sole survivor Harry Eddom who returned to sea just 11 weeks after the sinking; and the superstitions, lives and deaths of all those affected: all of these stories are contained within a fascinating and moving work of social and political history described as Meuross’s “most important work to date” by Pennyblack Music.
Reg himself says: “12 Silk Handkerchiefs is a classic tale of ordinary people doing extraordinary things, and the mighty strength of the human spirit. For years the Hull trawlermen and their families fought for survival in the harshest of working conditions: frozen seas with very little safety or protection. It took Lillian and her fellow revolutionaries to fight the companies who were exploiting this community’s poverty and need for work. They took on the Government itself until desperately needed changes in the safety laws were made.
"If ever there was a story of survival vs. greed, honour vs. entitlement, courage and bravery vs. careless exploitation this is it. I believe such a story in living memory needs to be told now, and remembered for the future."
Those fans of Reg’s music so accustomed to seeing his intimate solo performances at folk clubs and festivals across the land will be stunned by the power of this show, and those new to him will find it impossible not to be moved by this emotional and humbling tribute to the many, many lives lost to what was once the most dangerous industry in the world.
The Autumn tour concludes at Musicport in Whitby this October. For further information and full tour dates, visit www.regmeuross.com/12SH
After three sellout performances in Hull that recreated and expanded upon the original song cycle, the singer-songwriter is now taking the show on a national tour this Autumn supported by public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
Joined on stage by stalwarts of the Hull folk scene, musicians Mick McGarry and Sam Martyn, Reg’s powerful songs are interwoven with narration from author Brian W. Lavery and an audio/visual show that includes rarely-seen archive footage, photos and audio from the time of the disaster. Three Hull trawlers, the St Romanus, the Kingston Peridot and the Ross Cleveland perished and 58 men died in what became known as the Dark Winter.
Fighting fishwife Lillian Billoca’s subsequent successful campaign for improved trawler safety; sole survivor Harry Eddom who returned to sea just 11 weeks after the sinking; and the superstitions, lives and deaths of all those affected: all of these stories are contained within a fascinating and moving work of social and political history described as Meuross’s “most important work to date” by Pennyblack Music.
Reg himself says: “12 Silk Handkerchiefs is a classic tale of ordinary people doing extraordinary things, and the mighty strength of the human spirit. For years the Hull trawlermen and their families fought for survival in the harshest of working conditions: frozen seas with very little safety or protection. It took Lillian and her fellow revolutionaries to fight the companies who were exploiting this community’s poverty and need for work. They took on the Government itself until desperately needed changes in the safety laws were made.
"If ever there was a story of survival vs. greed, honour vs. entitlement, courage and bravery vs. careless exploitation this is it. I believe such a story in living memory needs to be told now, and remembered for the future."
Those fans of Reg’s music so accustomed to seeing his intimate solo performances at folk clubs and festivals across the land will be stunned by the power of this show, and those new to him will find it impossible not to be moved by this emotional and humbling tribute to the many, many lives lost to what was once the most dangerous industry in the world.
The Autumn tour concludes at Musicport in Whitby this October. For further information and full tour dates, visit www.regmeuross.com/12SH
Gate to Southwell 'one of the most successful ever'
The thirteenth Gate To Southwell Festival in June was one of the most successful ever. That’s the verdict of artists, audiences and the event’s organisers as over five thousand tourists visited Southwell over the festival weekend bringing a much needed boost to the local economy.
According to festival director Mike Kirrage, "without doubt musically this was one of the best years ever. As far as the popularity poll went there was no runaway winner with lots of different artists featuring among the personal favourites. The two special anniversary concerts for Woodstock and Buddy Holly were also really popular.”
There was great appreciation for headline acts such as Los Pacaminos (featuring Paul Young), Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel, Sam Kelly & The Lost Boys, Skipinnish and Blue Rose Code, with special mentions for hugely popular American acts like Blue Summit, Joshua Cook and Truckstop Honeymoon and Canadians Gordie Mackeeman & His Rhythm Boys and Jessica Pearson & The East Wind. And fine European artists including SYA from the Netherlands (playing the UK for the first time), Korrontzi and Dinamo from Spain, Ida Wenoe from Denmark and Hotel Palindrone from Austria definitely brought new positive sounds to the festival.
“We adopt a 'something for everyone' approach and it seems to have really paid off this year,” explained Kirrage. “Everyone always comments on the brilliant atmosphere and how friendly the festival appears. Credit for this must go to all the wonderful volunteers who help make the event so special. It'll be difficult to top this year but I know our team are up for the challenge!"
Anyone suffering from post-festival blues has the chance to catch Hat Fitz and Cara in the Rose Cottage Marquee, Normanton (near Southwell Workhouse) on Saturday July 20th (7.30pm). Hat Fitz is a wild man of the Australian blues scene while soul singer and instrumentalist Cara has performed with Jamiroquai and Corinne Bailey-Rae. They’re great live performers who, according to Get Ready To Rock, “have the songs, the musical ability, the drive and the self belief to offer something refreshingly vibrant and new”. With support from Sam Beeton, there’ll be a licensed real ale, wine and spirits bar. Tickets are £15 in advance or £17 on the door. www.gtsf.uk
According to festival director Mike Kirrage, "without doubt musically this was one of the best years ever. As far as the popularity poll went there was no runaway winner with lots of different artists featuring among the personal favourites. The two special anniversary concerts for Woodstock and Buddy Holly were also really popular.”
There was great appreciation for headline acts such as Los Pacaminos (featuring Paul Young), Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel, Sam Kelly & The Lost Boys, Skipinnish and Blue Rose Code, with special mentions for hugely popular American acts like Blue Summit, Joshua Cook and Truckstop Honeymoon and Canadians Gordie Mackeeman & His Rhythm Boys and Jessica Pearson & The East Wind. And fine European artists including SYA from the Netherlands (playing the UK for the first time), Korrontzi and Dinamo from Spain, Ida Wenoe from Denmark and Hotel Palindrone from Austria definitely brought new positive sounds to the festival.
“We adopt a 'something for everyone' approach and it seems to have really paid off this year,” explained Kirrage. “Everyone always comments on the brilliant atmosphere and how friendly the festival appears. Credit for this must go to all the wonderful volunteers who help make the event so special. It'll be difficult to top this year but I know our team are up for the challenge!"
Anyone suffering from post-festival blues has the chance to catch Hat Fitz and Cara in the Rose Cottage Marquee, Normanton (near Southwell Workhouse) on Saturday July 20th (7.30pm). Hat Fitz is a wild man of the Australian blues scene while soul singer and instrumentalist Cara has performed with Jamiroquai and Corinne Bailey-Rae. They’re great live performers who, according to Get Ready To Rock, “have the songs, the musical ability, the drive and the self belief to offer something refreshingly vibrant and new”. With support from Sam Beeton, there’ll be a licensed real ale, wine and spirits bar. Tickets are £15 in advance or £17 on the door. www.gtsf.uk
