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 will ensure a non-stop party all weekend “ he adds.
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 will ensure a non-stop party all weekend “ he adds.
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
Americana festival returns for its twelfth year
Celebrating its twelfth anniversary as the UK’s first and finest Americana festival, MAVERICK FESTIVAL returns to Easton Farm Park on July 5th – 7th, and further acts have been added to this year’s line up
Maverick Festival is renowned for showcasing the most authentic and talented musicians from both sides of the Atlantic, and this year is no exception! Over the past decade, organisers have stuck to what they believe in, presenting exciting and inspiring line-ups year after year.
Recent additions to the festival line-up include London based five-piece DANA IMMANUEL & THE STOLEN BAND; a banjo-whacking, guitar-shredding, fiddle-sawing, foot-stomping, whiskey-soaked, all-female outfit! Since 2014, they have been delighting crowds spanning the blues, rock, Americana, indie, folk and country scenes with their high-energy live show and utterly unique brand of musical badassery.
Next up, we welcome transatlantic psychedelic rock & roll combo ONE ELEVEN HEAVY - who will be bringing cosmic Americana and hard rock exploratory jams, to this year’s festival line-up.
We also welcome the return of the queen of Southern gothic rock HANNAH ALDRIDGE. Hannah will bring the blues from the Mississippi Delta to the dusty, dixieland jazz of New Orleans. RICH HALL will also be there, presenting his Hoedown show.
“This year we are pushing the musical boundaries of Americana even further with the addition of some classic Cajun and a Friday night focus on bluegrass," said curator Paul Spencer.
Set amongst the picturesque Victorian farm buildings of Easton Farm Park, the site is nestled deep in the Suffolk countryside, yet only two hours from London. The festival presents music performances, film & workshops and features over forty different artists, across five stages indoors and out.
For further details andto book tickets, visit the festival website maverickfestival.co.uk
Maverick Festival is renowned for showcasing the most authentic and talented musicians from both sides of the Atlantic, and this year is no exception! Over the past decade, organisers have stuck to what they believe in, presenting exciting and inspiring line-ups year after year.
Recent additions to the festival line-up include London based five-piece DANA IMMANUEL & THE STOLEN BAND; a banjo-whacking, guitar-shredding, fiddle-sawing, foot-stomping, whiskey-soaked, all-female outfit! Since 2014, they have been delighting crowds spanning the blues, rock, Americana, indie, folk and country scenes with their high-energy live show and utterly unique brand of musical badassery.
Next up, we welcome transatlantic psychedelic rock & roll combo ONE ELEVEN HEAVY - who will be bringing cosmic Americana and hard rock exploratory jams, to this year’s festival line-up.
We also welcome the return of the queen of Southern gothic rock HANNAH ALDRIDGE. Hannah will bring the blues from the Mississippi Delta to the dusty, dixieland jazz of New Orleans. RICH HALL will also be there, presenting his Hoedown show.
“This year we are pushing the musical boundaries of Americana even further with the addition of some classic Cajun and a Friday night focus on bluegrass," said curator Paul Spencer.
Set amongst the picturesque Victorian farm buildings of Easton Farm Park, the site is nestled deep in the Suffolk countryside, yet only two hours from London. The festival presents music performances, film & workshops and features over forty different artists, across five stages indoors and out.
For further details andto book tickets, visit the festival website maverickfestival.co.uk
'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
Line-up announced for fortieth Cropredy Festival
Fairport's Cropredy Convention three-day open-air music festival will celebrate its fortieth anniversary in 2019.
The organisers have announced many of the acts booked for next summer’s event which will take place on Thursday 8th, Friday 9th and Saturday 10th August. The remaining acts will be announced in January 2019.
Host band Fairport Convention will open the festival on Thursday 8th August with an acoustic performance then take the stage again on Saturday to play a two-hour headline set.
Thursday’s headline act will be The Waterboys whose potent performance makes them one of the UK's most exciting live acts. Former Fairport member Richard Thompson will appear with his erstwhile bandmates Dave Mattacks, Dave Pegg and Simon Nicol. Frank Turner will headline on the Friday.
Award-winning Martin Simpson, one of Britain’s greatest acoustic guitarists, makes his first appearance at Cropredy. Fresh from a world tour with Robert Plant, Seth Lakeman returns to Cropredy after a ten year absence. Celebrating 50 years of Jethro Tull’s music, Martin Barre’s band includes the original Tull drummer Clive Bunker and long-time bassist, Jonathan Noyce.
Pioneers of Canterbury’s prog rock scene, Caravan will be making their Cropredy debut.Scottish singer-guitarist Zal Cleminson’s /sin’dogs/ are a new high-octane prog-metal band. Daphne’s Flight features five female singer-songwriters; Christine Collister, Melanie Harrold, Julie Matthews, Helen Watson and Chris While.
Will Pound and Eddy Jay are, respectively, among the UK's finest harmonica and accordion players. Award-winning female trio Wildwood Kin play contemporary indie-folk characterised by spellbinding family harmonies.
Lil Jim, Tors, The 4 of Us, Wilson & Wakeman, Richard Digance, Tide Lines and Zal Cleminson’s /sin'dogs/ complete the line-up.
For tickets and further information visit www.fairportconvention.com
The organisers have announced many of the acts booked for next summer’s event which will take place on Thursday 8th, Friday 9th and Saturday 10th August. The remaining acts will be announced in January 2019.
Host band Fairport Convention will open the festival on Thursday 8th August with an acoustic performance then take the stage again on Saturday to play a two-hour headline set.
Thursday’s headline act will be The Waterboys whose potent performance makes them one of the UK's most exciting live acts. Former Fairport member Richard Thompson will appear with his erstwhile bandmates Dave Mattacks, Dave Pegg and Simon Nicol. Frank Turner will headline on the Friday.
Award-winning Martin Simpson, one of Britain’s greatest acoustic guitarists, makes his first appearance at Cropredy. Fresh from a world tour with Robert Plant, Seth Lakeman returns to Cropredy after a ten year absence. Celebrating 50 years of Jethro Tull’s music, Martin Barre’s band includes the original Tull drummer Clive Bunker and long-time bassist, Jonathan Noyce.
Pioneers of Canterbury’s prog rock scene, Caravan will be making their Cropredy debut.Scottish singer-guitarist Zal Cleminson’s /sin’dogs/ are a new high-octane prog-metal band. Daphne’s Flight features five female singer-songwriters; Christine Collister, Melanie Harrold, Julie Matthews, Helen Watson and Chris While.
Will Pound and Eddy Jay are, respectively, among the UK's finest harmonica and accordion players. Award-winning female trio Wildwood Kin play contemporary indie-folk characterised by spellbinding family harmonies.
Lil Jim, Tors, The 4 of Us, Wilson & Wakeman, Richard Digance, Tide Lines and Zal Cleminson’s /sin'dogs/ complete the line-up.
For tickets and further information visit www.fairportconvention.com
Downend Folk Club announces Summer programme
Bristol's burgeoningever-popular Downend Folk Club has announced its programme for Summer 2019. There's something for everyone on the third Friday of every month between May and July, ticking every box in the broad church that is the folk genre, from astute observational song-writing through to traditional English folk songs and tunes.
Kicking off the programme on Friday 17th May, were The Dovetail Trio Presenting England's traditional songs with a bold and fresh approach, the band explores familiar narratives with infectious energy and a passion for musical heritage.
This collaboration effortlessly combines the distinctive voices and acclaimed instrumental talents of BBC Radio 2 Folk Award nominee Jamie Roberts, BBC Performing Arts Award winner Rosie Hood, and Newcastle Folk Degree alumnus Matt Quinn. They released their second album this May. The evening's entertainment got underway with a set from fast-rising local four-piece Road Not Taken - who themselves are to launch a brand new CD later this Summer.
The June event, on Friday 21st, will be headlined by Kitty Macfarlane, one of the most exciting singers to emerge on the scene in recent years. Kitty, who has twice performed the support slot at Downend Folk Club, is a songwriter and guitarist from Somerset, whose music is rich with visual imagery and written with an eco-eye. Her highly anticipated debut album Namer Of Clouds, released last September, gathers inspiration from the sky to the seabed. Opening for Kitty will be hotly-tipped Bath-based guitarist and singer Louis Campbell.
Rounding off Downend's Summer programme, on Friday 19th July, will be Jack Rutter. Sheffield-based Jack first graced the club's stage in January 2017 as part of Moore, Moss, Rutter, but since then his solo career has really taken off. Still in his mid-20s, Jack is a highly respected singer, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist making music within the British folk tradition. His debut solo album Hills, which is a collection of eleven traditional folk songs, has been received with across the board acclaim and recognition. Getting the evening underway will be up-and-coming Bristol-based singer-songwriter Ellie Gowers.
Each concert takes place at Frenchay Village Hall, starting at 8.00pm with the support act. The headline act will start at around 8.40pm. Doors open at 7.30pm. For tickets and more information, visit www.downendfolkclub.co.uk
Kicking off the programme on Friday 17th May, were The Dovetail Trio Presenting England's traditional songs with a bold and fresh approach, the band explores familiar narratives with infectious energy and a passion for musical heritage.
This collaboration effortlessly combines the distinctive voices and acclaimed instrumental talents of BBC Radio 2 Folk Award nominee Jamie Roberts, BBC Performing Arts Award winner Rosie Hood, and Newcastle Folk Degree alumnus Matt Quinn. They released their second album this May. The evening's entertainment got underway with a set from fast-rising local four-piece Road Not Taken - who themselves are to launch a brand new CD later this Summer.
The June event, on Friday 21st, will be headlined by Kitty Macfarlane, one of the most exciting singers to emerge on the scene in recent years. Kitty, who has twice performed the support slot at Downend Folk Club, is a songwriter and guitarist from Somerset, whose music is rich with visual imagery and written with an eco-eye. Her highly anticipated debut album Namer Of Clouds, released last September, gathers inspiration from the sky to the seabed. Opening for Kitty will be hotly-tipped Bath-based guitarist and singer Louis Campbell.
Rounding off Downend's Summer programme, on Friday 19th July, will be Jack Rutter. Sheffield-based Jack first graced the club's stage in January 2017 as part of Moore, Moss, Rutter, but since then his solo career has really taken off. Still in his mid-20s, Jack is a highly respected singer, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist making music within the British folk tradition. His debut solo album Hills, which is a collection of eleven traditional folk songs, has been received with across the board acclaim and recognition. Getting the evening underway will be up-and-coming Bristol-based singer-songwriter Ellie Gowers.
Each concert takes place at Frenchay Village Hall, starting at 8.00pm with the support act. The headline act will start at around 8.40pm. Doors open at 7.30pm. For tickets and more information, visit www.downendfolkclub.co.uk
Daria's East-West Folk fusion enchants audiences
With her “extraordinary voice” and strong Russian and Ingush heritage, Daria Kulesh has been making a name for herself as a “bold, exotic, impressive" performer.
Mixing her Eastern roots with Western folk influences, she creates an original and exciting sound, full of passion and magic. Her debut release Eternal Child was described as “phenomenal” and her second album Long Lost Home has enjoyed rave reviews, national radio play and multiple awards in the UK and Russia, including LCM Album of the Year.
Daria’s beguiling music is a gateway to a very little known, but stunning part of the world - Ingushetia in the Caucasus (south of Russia). This unique landscape (pictured left) is hardly known in Western Europe - but thanks to Daria its rich history and folk traditions are becoming more widely known.
Through her mesmerising songs, people can discover this mysterious land and the story of the Ingush people - their language, culture and unique way of life that were nearly eradicated by Joseph Stalin in 1944. "The songs aren't just sung, but lived." (FATEA Magazine). A refreshing, uplifting, intriguing and thoroughly entertaining evening awaits all who come along.
For news of Daria's up-coming gigs in the region, please see our 'What's On' listings. For national tour dates visit www.daria-kulesh.co.uk/gigs
Comments from the Scottish tour: Duncan MacInness, SEALL at Sabhal Mor Ostaig, Isle of Skye: "Superb artistry - and very informative. Excellent blend of music, performance and insight into a period of history we were unaware of."
Cornwallace, writing for TheNettle.scot from The Market Bar, Inverness: "Her voice was simply magnificent. Mesmerising and ethereal."
Harry Wilson, Stirling Folk Club: "A spellbinding night last night with the amazing Daria Kulesh and Jonny Dyer. Some fascinating stories and songs. Daria's powerful voice was complimented expertly by Jonny's wonderful accompaniments."
Mixing her Eastern roots with Western folk influences, she creates an original and exciting sound, full of passion and magic. Her debut release Eternal Child was described as “phenomenal” and her second album Long Lost Home has enjoyed rave reviews, national radio play and multiple awards in the UK and Russia, including LCM Album of the Year.
Daria’s beguiling music is a gateway to a very little known, but stunning part of the world - Ingushetia in the Caucasus (south of Russia). This unique landscape (pictured left) is hardly known in Western Europe - but thanks to Daria its rich history and folk traditions are becoming more widely known.
Through her mesmerising songs, people can discover this mysterious land and the story of the Ingush people - their language, culture and unique way of life that were nearly eradicated by Joseph Stalin in 1944. "The songs aren't just sung, but lived." (FATEA Magazine). A refreshing, uplifting, intriguing and thoroughly entertaining evening awaits all who come along.
For news of Daria's up-coming gigs in the region, please see our 'What's On' listings. For national tour dates visit www.daria-kulesh.co.uk/gigs
Comments from the Scottish tour: Duncan MacInness, SEALL at Sabhal Mor Ostaig, Isle of Skye: "Superb artistry - and very informative. Excellent blend of music, performance and insight into a period of history we were unaware of."
Cornwallace, writing for TheNettle.scot from The Market Bar, Inverness: "Her voice was simply magnificent. Mesmerising and ethereal."
Harry Wilson, Stirling Folk Club: "A spellbinding night last night with the amazing Daria Kulesh and Jonny Dyer. Some fascinating stories and songs. Daria's powerful voice was complimented expertly by Jonny's wonderful accompaniments."
