What's On: coming up in England's Mid-West counties
Coming soon to a venue near you! Great live performances from some of our finest folk, acoustic and innovative artists in England's 'mid west'. We promote live music in Bath, Bristol, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Leamington, Newbury, Oxfordshire, Stratford-upon-Avon, North Somerset, Swindon and Worcestershire - or thereabouts. For tickets and more information of each gig, click on the orange website links. Looking for entertainment further afield? Then check out our nationwide music festivals listing page.
Friday 19th April 2024 - Christina Alden & Alex Paterson
Downend Folk & Roots, Christ Church, North Road, Downend BS16 5SG: Friday 19th April 2024
with support from The Lost Trades
Christina Alden & Alex Patterson are multi-instrumentalists and songwriters from East Anglia. Their music is rich with intertwining harmony, sensitive accomplished musicianship and a creative song-writing style that is both delicate and moving.
Deeply inspired by the world around them, they have a keen environmental eye to craft stories with the natural world at its heart, reflecting on the relationship between humans and the wild.They have toured extensively in the UK and Europe;including a twenty-three-date concert hall tour with Show of Hands (including Union Chapel and St David’s Hall Cardiff), a show at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall for Celtic Connections, headline and main stage performances at some of the UK’s most prestigious folk festivals and performances in Norway, Belgium, France and Ireland. They have written and self-released four albums, composed music for a BBC Radio 4 documentary series and have had over a million streams on Spotify.
For further information visit downendfolkandroots.com
with support from The Lost Trades
Christina Alden & Alex Patterson are multi-instrumentalists and songwriters from East Anglia. Their music is rich with intertwining harmony, sensitive accomplished musicianship and a creative song-writing style that is both delicate and moving.
Deeply inspired by the world around them, they have a keen environmental eye to craft stories with the natural world at its heart, reflecting on the relationship between humans and the wild.They have toured extensively in the UK and Europe;including a twenty-three-date concert hall tour with Show of Hands (including Union Chapel and St David’s Hall Cardiff), a show at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall for Celtic Connections, headline and main stage performances at some of the UK’s most prestigious folk festivals and performances in Norway, Belgium, France and Ireland. They have written and self-released four albums, composed music for a BBC Radio 4 documentary series and have had over a million streams on Spotify.
For further information visit downendfolkandroots.com
Sunday 21st April 2024 - Craig & Willoughby
Forest of Dean Folk Club, The Orepool Inn, Sling GL16 8LH: Sunday 21st April 2024
Cathryn Craig is from Richmond, Virginia and has built a strong reputation as both singer and songwriter. She is no stranger to Tennessee´s Nashville recording studios, working with Chet Atkins, The Righteous Brothers, Shel Silverstein, Jorma Kaukonen and Garth Brooks.
Brian Willoughby is perhaps best known for his virtuoso performances on electric and acoustic guitar. As well as playing with the Strawbs in the 80s and 90s, Brian has been a session player/sideman in much demand, playing with the likes of Mary Hopkin, Roger Whittaker, Monty Python, Joe Brown and Jim Diamond and Nanci Griffith.
“Traditional songs and delicately crafted originals by assured performers with formidable story-telling abilities“ - Record Collector
“Sublime guitar work and one of the finest voices around“ - Folking.com
Tickets and further information forestfolkclub.com
Cathryn Craig is from Richmond, Virginia and has built a strong reputation as both singer and songwriter. She is no stranger to Tennessee´s Nashville recording studios, working with Chet Atkins, The Righteous Brothers, Shel Silverstein, Jorma Kaukonen and Garth Brooks.
Brian Willoughby is perhaps best known for his virtuoso performances on electric and acoustic guitar. As well as playing with the Strawbs in the 80s and 90s, Brian has been a session player/sideman in much demand, playing with the likes of Mary Hopkin, Roger Whittaker, Monty Python, Joe Brown and Jim Diamond and Nanci Griffith.
“Traditional songs and delicately crafted originals by assured performers with formidable story-telling abilities“ - Record Collector
“Sublime guitar work and one of the finest voices around“ - Folking.com
Tickets and further information forestfolkclub.com
Tuesday 23rd April 2024 - Kathryn Tickell & The Darkening
Huntingdon Hall, Crowngate, Worcester WR1 3LD: Tuesday 23rd April 2024
Based in the shadow of Hadrian’s Wall yet reaching out to the wider world, Kathryn Tickell & The Darkening explore the connecting threads of music, landscape and people over a period of almost 2000 years.
Songs range from themes of freedom, nature and venturing out into the world after times of darkness, to a Roman inscription with links to Libya and Syria magnetically pulled into the 21st century with glorious vocal harmonies and the wildest of piping.
Named after the old Northumbrian word for twilight, The Darkening is made up of four North-East England-based members: Kathryn Tickell (Northumbrian smallpipes, fiddle, vocals), Amy Thatcher (accordion, synth, clogs, vocals), Kieran Szifris (octave mandolin), Joe Truswell (drums, percussion); with Josie Duncan from the Isle of Lewis (vocals, clarsach). Together these dazzling musicians create musical magic; dynamic and unique “Ancient Northumbrian Futurism”.
Tickets and further information worcestertheatres.co.uk
Based in the shadow of Hadrian’s Wall yet reaching out to the wider world, Kathryn Tickell & The Darkening explore the connecting threads of music, landscape and people over a period of almost 2000 years.
Songs range from themes of freedom, nature and venturing out into the world after times of darkness, to a Roman inscription with links to Libya and Syria magnetically pulled into the 21st century with glorious vocal harmonies and the wildest of piping.
Named after the old Northumbrian word for twilight, The Darkening is made up of four North-East England-based members: Kathryn Tickell (Northumbrian smallpipes, fiddle, vocals), Amy Thatcher (accordion, synth, clogs, vocals), Kieran Szifris (octave mandolin), Joe Truswell (drums, percussion); with Josie Duncan from the Isle of Lewis (vocals, clarsach). Together these dazzling musicians create musical magic; dynamic and unique “Ancient Northumbrian Futurism”.
Tickets and further information worcestertheatres.co.uk
Friday 3rd May 2024 - Josienne Clarke
Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ: Saturday 13th April 2024
Indie-folk singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer Josienne Clarke is often said to draw on traditional British folk inspirations, but is a thoroughly modern, multifaceted artist who follows her own compass.
She has extensive touring experience having been a Rough Trade-signed, Radio 2 Folk Award-winning artist – two opposing poles that neatly sum up her inability to be pigeonholed – and has also been hand-picked as main tour support for folk legend Richard Thompson. She’s shared a stage with Robert Plant and has written songs for an adaptation of The Snow Queen for the National Theatre, performed by children aged 7-11.
Her varied background and effortless musicality mean a cover of Radiohead is just as likely to appear on the setlist as Nick Drake, as on her recent “Now & Then” EP live – hence she’s been able to slot seamlessly into the bill of the Shrewsbury Folk Festival as easily as that of End of the Road.
Tickets and further details www.everymantheatre.org.uk
Indie-folk singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer Josienne Clarke is often said to draw on traditional British folk inspirations, but is a thoroughly modern, multifaceted artist who follows her own compass.
She has extensive touring experience having been a Rough Trade-signed, Radio 2 Folk Award-winning artist – two opposing poles that neatly sum up her inability to be pigeonholed – and has also been hand-picked as main tour support for folk legend Richard Thompson. She’s shared a stage with Robert Plant and has written songs for an adaptation of The Snow Queen for the National Theatre, performed by children aged 7-11.
Her varied background and effortless musicality mean a cover of Radiohead is just as likely to appear on the setlist as Nick Drake, as on her recent “Now & Then” EP live – hence she’s been able to slot seamlessly into the bill of the Shrewsbury Folk Festival as easily as that of End of the Road.
Tickets and further details www.everymantheatre.org.uk
Saturday 4th May 2024 - Spiers & Boden
St. George's, Great George Street, Bristol BS1 5RR: Saturday 4th May 2024
Described by The Guardian as ‘the finest instrumental duo on the traditional scene’, Spiers & Boden first rocketed onto the music scene in 2001, quickly winning a clutch of BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.
They went on to form and front the extraordinarily successful folk big band Bellowhead, which sold out The Royal Albert Hall several times, provides the theme tune for Radio 4’s The Archers and were recently heard on the soundtrack of BBC 1’s ‘Beyond Paradise’.
The much-loved duo reformed in 2021 after a seven-year hiatus, arriving with a brand new album ‘Fallow Ground’ which went on to reach number 3 in September ‘21’s Official Folk Albums Chart and was a Mojo magazine top 10 folk album of 2021.
‘It’s all exquisitely played – the pair are still the dons.’ The Observer
For further information and tickets visit www.themillartscentre.co.uk
or www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk
Described by The Guardian as ‘the finest instrumental duo on the traditional scene’, Spiers & Boden first rocketed onto the music scene in 2001, quickly winning a clutch of BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.
They went on to form and front the extraordinarily successful folk big band Bellowhead, which sold out The Royal Albert Hall several times, provides the theme tune for Radio 4’s The Archers and were recently heard on the soundtrack of BBC 1’s ‘Beyond Paradise’.
The much-loved duo reformed in 2021 after a seven-year hiatus, arriving with a brand new album ‘Fallow Ground’ which went on to reach number 3 in September ‘21’s Official Folk Albums Chart and was a Mojo magazine top 10 folk album of 2021.
‘It’s all exquisitely played – the pair are still the dons.’ The Observer
For further information and tickets visit www.themillartscentre.co.uk
or www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk
Saturday 4th May 2024 - Steve Ashley
Wychwood Folk & Acoustic Club, Tiddy Hall, Ascott-u-Wychwood OX7 6AG: Saturday 4th May 2024
Number8 Arts, High Street, Pershore WR10 1BG: Saturday 18th May 2024
The Old Baptist Chapel, Church Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5RZ: Saturday 7th September 2024
Steve Ashley's reputation for writing contemporary songs inspired by the English Tradition was established in 1974 with his innovative debut album, Stroll On. Since then his songs have been recorded by many leading folk artists including Fairport Convention, Anne Briggs, Ralph McTell and Wizz Jones, Show of Hands, O'Hooley & Tidow, Dave Pegg and PJ Wright, The Arizona Smoke Review, Martin and Jessica Simpson, Grace Notes, Phil Beer, Maggie Boyle, Hannah Sanders and Liz Simmons and many more.
He has also played a significant role in the development of British folk-rock, performing as a lead singer with the first Albion Country Band, then with his own Ragged Robin and various line-ups of The Steve Ashley Band. He has also performed occasionally with members of Fairport Convention.Steve has released twelve highly-acclaimed solo albums, one of which (Steve Ashley's Family Album) was reissued by Talking Elephant, with extra tracks of the album first released by Woodworm in 1982.
For more information visit www.steveashley.co.uk
Number8 Arts, High Street, Pershore WR10 1BG: Saturday 18th May 2024
The Old Baptist Chapel, Church Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5RZ: Saturday 7th September 2024
Steve Ashley's reputation for writing contemporary songs inspired by the English Tradition was established in 1974 with his innovative debut album, Stroll On. Since then his songs have been recorded by many leading folk artists including Fairport Convention, Anne Briggs, Ralph McTell and Wizz Jones, Show of Hands, O'Hooley & Tidow, Dave Pegg and PJ Wright, The Arizona Smoke Review, Martin and Jessica Simpson, Grace Notes, Phil Beer, Maggie Boyle, Hannah Sanders and Liz Simmons and many more.
He has also played a significant role in the development of British folk-rock, performing as a lead singer with the first Albion Country Band, then with his own Ragged Robin and various line-ups of The Steve Ashley Band. He has also performed occasionally with members of Fairport Convention.Steve has released twelve highly-acclaimed solo albums, one of which (Steve Ashley's Family Album) was reissued by Talking Elephant, with extra tracks of the album first released by Woodworm in 1982.
For more information visit www.steveashley.co.uk
Sunday 5th May 2024 - Katie Grace Harris with Mike Weaver
Forest of Dean Folk Club, The Orepool Inn, Sling GL16 8LH: Sunday 5th May 2024
Katie Grace Harris is an Oxfordshire-based multi-tasking, foot tapping, piano, dulcimer and accordion player. She's a singer and story-weaver with a fast-growing reputation in the UK Folk world. Her sound has been described as 'earthy, spine tingling English Folk'
Katie's debut album, The Toldeo Sessions (Summer 2022) features collaborations with leading musicians including Reg Meuross, Phil Beer and Odette Michell. It was recorded at Polyphonic Studios in Stroud, where singer-songwriter Mike Weaver also produced his 2023 anthology, The Greyest Bits. This retrospective collection spanning five decades features Katie 's vocals on two tracks, as well as musical contributions from Lukas Drinkwater.
At this concert you can expect individual performances from both Katie and Mike, plus a few collaborations, with an on-stage chemistry featuring original, contemporary and traditional songs.
Tickets and further information forestfolkclub.com
Katie Grace Harris is an Oxfordshire-based multi-tasking, foot tapping, piano, dulcimer and accordion player. She's a singer and story-weaver with a fast-growing reputation in the UK Folk world. Her sound has been described as 'earthy, spine tingling English Folk'
Katie's debut album, The Toldeo Sessions (Summer 2022) features collaborations with leading musicians including Reg Meuross, Phil Beer and Odette Michell. It was recorded at Polyphonic Studios in Stroud, where singer-songwriter Mike Weaver also produced his 2023 anthology, The Greyest Bits. This retrospective collection spanning five decades features Katie 's vocals on two tracks, as well as musical contributions from Lukas Drinkwater.
At this concert you can expect individual performances from both Katie and Mike, plus a few collaborations, with an on-stage chemistry featuring original, contemporary and traditional songs.
Tickets and further information forestfolkclub.com
Tuesday 7th May 2024 - Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage
The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5NX: Tuesday 7th May 2024
Since emerging in 2016, Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage have been defying all conventions of style, genre and compartmentalisation. A touch of ‘Americana’, yet quintessentially English. Traditional, yet contemporary, with their individual writing style. Playful and instinctive, they constantly do the unexpected; yet they do it with such panache and natural chemistry it makes perfect sense.
Hannah Sanders has an alluring mystique and a voice of disarming purity that massages your senses.
Ben Savage is a bubbling ferment of energy and infectious enthusiasm, seemingly able to play any instrument you put in front of him with grace and favour.
They have recorded two studio albums to date, Before the Sun (2016) and Awake (2018) and have captivated audiences at shows and on festival stages alongside Americana and folk luminaries such as Sarah Jarosz, Martin Simpson, Seth Lakeman and Oh Susanna.
For tickets and further information visit www.rosestheatre.org
Since emerging in 2016, Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage have been defying all conventions of style, genre and compartmentalisation. A touch of ‘Americana’, yet quintessentially English. Traditional, yet contemporary, with their individual writing style. Playful and instinctive, they constantly do the unexpected; yet they do it with such panache and natural chemistry it makes perfect sense.
Hannah Sanders has an alluring mystique and a voice of disarming purity that massages your senses.
Ben Savage is a bubbling ferment of energy and infectious enthusiasm, seemingly able to play any instrument you put in front of him with grace and favour.
They have recorded two studio albums to date, Before the Sun (2016) and Awake (2018) and have captivated audiences at shows and on festival stages alongside Americana and folk luminaries such as Sarah Jarosz, Martin Simpson, Seth Lakeman and Oh Susanna.
For tickets and further information visit www.rosestheatre.org
Tuesday 7th May 2024 - Dean Friedman
Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, Cheltenham GL50 1QA: Tuesday 7th May 2024
Hailed by critics and fans alike as a one of the finest songwriters of his generation, Dean Friedman has achieved legendary, pop-icon status for chart-topping hits, Ariel, Lucky Stars, Lydia, McDonald’s Girl and more.
Following his sold-out, 40th Anniversary Tour, Friedman returns to the stage armed with a stunning collection of his insightful and compelling, true-to-life ‘story songs’ – songs of pathos and humor that deal with family, friends, neighbors, work and the seemingly trivial, yet ultimately essential stuff of everyday life.
A consummate entertainer, Friedman will be performing solo, on guitar and keyboard, featuring songs from throughout his four-decade career, including familiar, radio hits and fan favorites, drawn from his eight studio albums. Invite family and friends and join Friedman for an evening of powerful, poignant and hilarious songs about the ordinary and extraordinary lives we share.
Tickets and further information cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk
Hailed by critics and fans alike as a one of the finest songwriters of his generation, Dean Friedman has achieved legendary, pop-icon status for chart-topping hits, Ariel, Lucky Stars, Lydia, McDonald’s Girl and more.
Following his sold-out, 40th Anniversary Tour, Friedman returns to the stage armed with a stunning collection of his insightful and compelling, true-to-life ‘story songs’ – songs of pathos and humor that deal with family, friends, neighbors, work and the seemingly trivial, yet ultimately essential stuff of everyday life.
A consummate entertainer, Friedman will be performing solo, on guitar and keyboard, featuring songs from throughout his four-decade career, including familiar, radio hits and fan favorites, drawn from his eight studio albums. Invite family and friends and join Friedman for an evening of powerful, poignant and hilarious songs about the ordinary and extraordinary lives we share.
Tickets and further information cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk
Tuesday 14th May 2024 - Gordon Giltrap
The Crooked Billet, Stoke Row, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 5PU: Tuesday 14th May 2024
Over the past forty years, Gordon Giltrap has graced the music business with his dedication to his craft and his affection for his audience. As one of the UK's most respected guitarists, he has consistently proved the adage that respect cannot be bought. It must be earned.
In the late Seventies, Gordon enjoyed a brief spell as a pop star, with a hit album Perilous Journey and two hit singles 'Heartsong' and 'Fear of the Dark'. 'Heartsong' was nominated for an Ivor Novello award, and is fondly remembered as the theme tune to the BBC's Holiday programme.
Gordon's music continues to evade categorisation and is nigh on impossible to put into any kind of a niche influenced as it is by the rock guitar of Hank Marvin and Pete Townshend, the folk guitar of Bert Jansch and John Renbourn, and the classical guitar of Julian Bream and John Williams. He has released 25 original studio albums, plus numerous live albums and compilations.
For tickets and full tour dates visit www.giltrap.co.uk
Over the past forty years, Gordon Giltrap has graced the music business with his dedication to his craft and his affection for his audience. As one of the UK's most respected guitarists, he has consistently proved the adage that respect cannot be bought. It must be earned.
In the late Seventies, Gordon enjoyed a brief spell as a pop star, with a hit album Perilous Journey and two hit singles 'Heartsong' and 'Fear of the Dark'. 'Heartsong' was nominated for an Ivor Novello award, and is fondly remembered as the theme tune to the BBC's Holiday programme.
Gordon's music continues to evade categorisation and is nigh on impossible to put into any kind of a niche influenced as it is by the rock guitar of Hank Marvin and Pete Townshend, the folk guitar of Bert Jansch and John Renbourn, and the classical guitar of Julian Bream and John Williams. He has released 25 original studio albums, plus numerous live albums and compilations.
For tickets and full tour dates visit www.giltrap.co.uk
Saturday 18th May 2024 - Jack Rutter
Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ: Saturday 18th May 2024
Yorkshire folk singer Jack Rutter has established himself as one of the standout voices of the folk, roots and acoustic music scene in recent years.
A hugely engaging stage presence, his soaring vocal, powerhouse guitar and bouzouki playing and masterful arrangements of traditional songs and contemporary covers have enthralled audiences from the largest festival main stages to the most intimate folk clubs.
Following on from his critically acclaimed second album Gold of Scar & Shale - 2022 saw the release of a brand new EP, with autumn 2023 bringing the successor to Gold of Scar & Shale in the form of a new album of traditional songs.
"Among Britain's finest traditional folk singers" - Folk Radio UK
For tickets and further information visit www.everymantheatre.org.uk
Yorkshire folk singer Jack Rutter has established himself as one of the standout voices of the folk, roots and acoustic music scene in recent years.
A hugely engaging stage presence, his soaring vocal, powerhouse guitar and bouzouki playing and masterful arrangements of traditional songs and contemporary covers have enthralled audiences from the largest festival main stages to the most intimate folk clubs.
Following on from his critically acclaimed second album Gold of Scar & Shale - 2022 saw the release of a brand new EP, with autumn 2023 bringing the successor to Gold of Scar & Shale in the form of a new album of traditional songs.
"Among Britain's finest traditional folk singers" - Folk Radio UK
For tickets and further information visit www.everymantheatre.org.uk
Friday 24th May 2024 - Jon Boden
The Lantern Hall, Bristol Beacon, Trenchard Street, BS1 5AR:Friday 24th May 2024
Jon Boden is best known is the lead singer of the progressive folk juggernaut Bellowhead who have sold 250,000 albums, had seven singles playlisted on Radio 2 and sold out hundreds venues including The Royal Albert Hall.
Alongside Bellowhead, Jon has continued his development as one of the foremost names in English folk music.
Solo, Jon performs the self-penned songs of Songs From The Floodplain, Painted Lady, Afterglow and Rose In June, material from Bellowhead, Spiers & Boden, and his A Folk Song A Day project in which he recorded 365 folk songs in one year, as well as music from his most recent album Last Mile Home.
Tickets and further information from bristolbeacon.org
Jon Boden is best known is the lead singer of the progressive folk juggernaut Bellowhead who have sold 250,000 albums, had seven singles playlisted on Radio 2 and sold out hundreds venues including The Royal Albert Hall.
Alongside Bellowhead, Jon has continued his development as one of the foremost names in English folk music.
Solo, Jon performs the self-penned songs of Songs From The Floodplain, Painted Lady, Afterglow and Rose In June, material from Bellowhead, Spiers & Boden, and his A Folk Song A Day project in which he recorded 365 folk songs in one year, as well as music from his most recent album Last Mile Home.
Tickets and further information from bristolbeacon.org
Friday 24th May 2024 - Sarah McQuaid
West Malvern Social Club, West Malvern Road, Malvern WR14 4AY: Friday 24th May 2024
St. Swithun's Church, Church Street, Worcester WR1 2RH : Friday 31st May 2024
Honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Ards International Guitar Festival in Northern Ireland (2017), Sarah McQuaid has also drawn critical praise for her voice and her rapport with audiences. Her lush, chocolatey voice combines with her engaging personality and brilliant musicianship on acoustic and electric guitars, piano and (occasionally) drum to create a truly immersive experience.
Born in Spain, raised in Chicago, holding dual Irish and American citizenship and now settled in Cornwall, she brings the eclecticism of her background to her “captivating, unorthodox songwriting” (PopMatters) and choice of material, spanning genres and defying categorisation.
Journalist Neil March described Sarah as “one of the most instantly recognisable voices in current music … shades of Joni Mitchell in a jam with Karen Carpenter and Lana Del Rey,” while the Huffington Post said “I’ve attended hundreds of concerts of all kinds, and her subtle mastery onstage launches her straight into my fave shows ever.”
Tickets and full tour dates available from sarahmcquaid.com
St. Swithun's Church, Church Street, Worcester WR1 2RH : Friday 31st May 2024
Honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Ards International Guitar Festival in Northern Ireland (2017), Sarah McQuaid has also drawn critical praise for her voice and her rapport with audiences. Her lush, chocolatey voice combines with her engaging personality and brilliant musicianship on acoustic and electric guitars, piano and (occasionally) drum to create a truly immersive experience.
Born in Spain, raised in Chicago, holding dual Irish and American citizenship and now settled in Cornwall, she brings the eclecticism of her background to her “captivating, unorthodox songwriting” (PopMatters) and choice of material, spanning genres and defying categorisation.
Journalist Neil March described Sarah as “one of the most instantly recognisable voices in current music … shades of Joni Mitchell in a jam with Karen Carpenter and Lana Del Rey,” while the Huffington Post said “I’ve attended hundreds of concerts of all kinds, and her subtle mastery onstage launches her straight into my fave shows ever.”
Tickets and full tour dates available from sarahmcquaid.com
Sunday 26th May 2024 - Richard Thompson
Bristol Beacon, Trenchard Street, Bristol BS1 5AR: Sunday 26th May 2024
In 2017, Ivor Novello winner and GRAMMY® nominee Richard Thompson shared his nineteenth solo album, 13 Rivers – rife with fleet-fingered fretwork and poetic songwriting.
Powered by evocative songcraft, jaw-dropping guitar playing, and indefinable spirit, this venerable icon holds a coveted spot on Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time” and counts a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Americana Music Association in Nashville, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the BBC Awards among his many accolades.
Thompson’s influence can’t be overstated. Everybody from Robert Plant, Don Henley, and Elvis Costello to REM, Sleater-Kinney and David Byrne has covered his music.
"The finest songwriter since Dylan and the greatest electric guitarist since Jim Hendrix'"- LA Times
For tickets and further information, visit bristolbeacon.org
In 2017, Ivor Novello winner and GRAMMY® nominee Richard Thompson shared his nineteenth solo album, 13 Rivers – rife with fleet-fingered fretwork and poetic songwriting.
Powered by evocative songcraft, jaw-dropping guitar playing, and indefinable spirit, this venerable icon holds a coveted spot on Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time” and counts a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Americana Music Association in Nashville, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the BBC Awards among his many accolades.
Thompson’s influence can’t be overstated. Everybody from Robert Plant, Don Henley, and Elvis Costello to REM, Sleater-Kinney and David Byrne has covered his music.
"The finest songwriter since Dylan and the greatest electric guitarist since Jim Hendrix'"- LA Times
For tickets and further information, visit bristolbeacon.org
Sunday 2nd June 2024 - Miranda Sykes
The Fleece Inn, Bretforton, Evesham WR11 7JE: Sunday 2nd June 2024
Miranda started her career as a musician in 1996 at the age of 18, playing bass guitar in a country rock band. After 2 years touring and playing for line dancing in working mens clubs across Britain, folk-rock band Pressgang were looking for a bass player. Miranda spent the next 2 years touring internationally with them.
After a few years of musical promiscuity playing with Firebrand, Little Johnny England, Robb Johnson, Bill Jones, Steafan Hannigan, Reg Meuross, Kirsty McGee, The Phil Beer Band, Martyn Joseph and The Scoville Units; Miranda depped for Pete Zorn in the 2004 Show Of Hands festival band line up. She worked with them for the next 20 years.
Miranda’s new album ‘Out of the Woods’ is a collection of songs that have seen Miranda through her own journey of isolation, illness and recovery, and aims to brings listeners as much comfort as they did her over the past few turbulent years.
Tickets and further details from thefleeceinn.co.uk/events/fleecey-folk
Miranda started her career as a musician in 1996 at the age of 18, playing bass guitar in a country rock band. After 2 years touring and playing for line dancing in working mens clubs across Britain, folk-rock band Pressgang were looking for a bass player. Miranda spent the next 2 years touring internationally with them.
After a few years of musical promiscuity playing with Firebrand, Little Johnny England, Robb Johnson, Bill Jones, Steafan Hannigan, Reg Meuross, Kirsty McGee, The Phil Beer Band, Martyn Joseph and The Scoville Units; Miranda depped for Pete Zorn in the 2004 Show Of Hands festival band line up. She worked with them for the next 20 years.
Miranda’s new album ‘Out of the Woods’ is a collection of songs that have seen Miranda through her own journey of isolation, illness and recovery, and aims to brings listeners as much comfort as they did her over the past few turbulent years.
Tickets and further details from thefleeceinn.co.uk/events/fleecey-folk
Friday 21st June 2024 - Nancy Kerr & James Fagan
Downend Folk & Roots, Christ Church, North Road, Downend BS16 5SG: Friday 21st June 2024
with support from David Mitchell
Nancy Kerr and James Fagan are one of the best known duos in British Folk music, and have been playing together since 1995. They have twice won "Best Duo" at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards (2003, 2011). Both highly regarded singers, they are also acknowledged as masterful players of their respective instruments of fiddle and bouzouki.
Released on June 28th 2019, "An Evening With Nancy Kerr & James Fagan" is the first live album in the duo's career of over two decades. Recorded over two live shows, it perfectly captures the energy and spark that make Kerr Fagan such a riveting prospect as a live act. High-end production values ensure that the sound clarity is outstanding. With a mix of old favourites and never before recorded songs, there's something on this album to please old and new fans alike.
For further information visit downendfolkandroots.com
with support from David Mitchell
Nancy Kerr and James Fagan are one of the best known duos in British Folk music, and have been playing together since 1995. They have twice won "Best Duo" at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards (2003, 2011). Both highly regarded singers, they are also acknowledged as masterful players of their respective instruments of fiddle and bouzouki.
Released on June 28th 2019, "An Evening With Nancy Kerr & James Fagan" is the first live album in the duo's career of over two decades. Recorded over two live shows, it perfectly captures the energy and spark that make Kerr Fagan such a riveting prospect as a live act. High-end production values ensure that the sound clarity is outstanding. With a mix of old favourites and never before recorded songs, there's something on this album to please old and new fans alike.
For further information visit downendfolkandroots.com
Saturday 22nd June 2024 - Over The Moon
Wychwood Folk & Acoustic Club, Bruern Farms, Chipping Norton OX7 6QE: Sat 22nd June 2024
Over The Moon are a Canadian acoustic roots duo featuring Suzanne Levesque and Craig Bignell, award-winning vocal and multi instrumentalists.
Their first CD "Moondancer", was released in 2017 and it reflects the beautiful two-part harmony style that they are known for and the wide array of acoustic instruments that they play. Most of the songs are original and tell stories of life lived in Southern Alberta's ranching country. The title song "Moondancer" was given to them by their artist/ranching neighbour Ian Tyson.
“THE VERY ESSENCE OF TRADITIONAL COUNTRY-FOLK AT IT'S FINEST. SOOTHING FOR THE SOUL AND A GLIMPSE INTO THE ETHEREAL” - Maverick Magazine, UK
“TOGETHER, THEIR VOICES HAVE A TIMELESS QUALITY THAT SUITS THIS EARTHY MUSIC
PERFECTLY ” - FATEA Magazine U.K.
Tickets and further information from www.wychwoodfolkclub.com
Over The Moon are a Canadian acoustic roots duo featuring Suzanne Levesque and Craig Bignell, award-winning vocal and multi instrumentalists.
Their first CD "Moondancer", was released in 2017 and it reflects the beautiful two-part harmony style that they are known for and the wide array of acoustic instruments that they play. Most of the songs are original and tell stories of life lived in Southern Alberta's ranching country. The title song "Moondancer" was given to them by their artist/ranching neighbour Ian Tyson.
“THE VERY ESSENCE OF TRADITIONAL COUNTRY-FOLK AT IT'S FINEST. SOOTHING FOR THE SOUL AND A GLIMPSE INTO THE ETHEREAL” - Maverick Magazine, UK
“TOGETHER, THEIR VOICES HAVE A TIMELESS QUALITY THAT SUITS THIS EARTHY MUSIC
PERFECTLY ” - FATEA Magazine U.K.
Tickets and further information from www.wychwoodfolkclub.com
Monday 24th June 2024 - The Budapest Café Orchestra
The Crooked Billet, Stoke Row, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 5PU: Monday 24th June 2024
The Theatre, Spring Street, Chipping Norton OX7 5NL: Friday 18th October 2024
Hugely entertaining with immense skill and profound musicianship, The Budapest Café Orchestra have won acclaim from fans, fellow musicians and critics alike for their electrifying and entertaining shows.
The Budapest Café Orchestra is a hybrid super acoustic band for the 21st Century, led by jazz violin superstar Christian Garrick, and playing traditional folk and gypsy-flavoured music from across the Balkans and Russia. Mournful Klezmer melodies, raucous Romanian Doinas and Hungarian Czadas are all encountered alongside beautiful ballads, such as the theme to Schindler's List and Andy Statman's haunting Flatbush Waltz.
Evoking vivid images of Tzigane fiddle maestros, Budapest café life and gypsy campfires - plus a few surprises along the way.
For tickets and full tour dates visit www.budapestcafeorchestra.co.uk
The Theatre, Spring Street, Chipping Norton OX7 5NL: Friday 18th October 2024
Hugely entertaining with immense skill and profound musicianship, The Budapest Café Orchestra have won acclaim from fans, fellow musicians and critics alike for their electrifying and entertaining shows.
The Budapest Café Orchestra is a hybrid super acoustic band for the 21st Century, led by jazz violin superstar Christian Garrick, and playing traditional folk and gypsy-flavoured music from across the Balkans and Russia. Mournful Klezmer melodies, raucous Romanian Doinas and Hungarian Czadas are all encountered alongside beautiful ballads, such as the theme to Schindler's List and Andy Statman's haunting Flatbush Waltz.
Evoking vivid images of Tzigane fiddle maestros, Budapest café life and gypsy campfires - plus a few surprises along the way.
For tickets and full tour dates visit www.budapestcafeorchestra.co.uk
Tuesday 2nd July 2024 - Liz Simmons and Flynn Cohen
The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5NX: Tuesday 2nd July 2024
Liz Simmons and Flynn Cohen (of Vermont, USA) are the founding couple of the award-winning American Roots & Folk band Low Lily. Between them they sing and play guitars and mandolin, creating a close duo vocal harmony and warm, cohesive instrumental blend cultivated from years of musical collaboration. From introspective original and traditional folk songs to impeccably plucked instrumentals on mandolin and guitar, Liz and Flynn put on a dynamic show of folk and roots music, influenced by the traditions of bluegrass, Americana, and Irish and English folk music.
Born in San Francisco to musician parents, Liz Simmons spent her early childhood traveling through the wilds of North America in a sky blue VW bus. Her parents were itinerant musicians, moving from California to Oregon to Alaska, and finally settling in New England. Inspired by her beginnings and after a brief foray into classical music, Liz found her way back to folk and roots music, founding the bands Annalivia and Low Lily with husband Flynn Cohen, as well as performing in a duo with Hannah Sanders, and as a backing vocalist for Livingston Taylor, Tom Chapin, Melanie, and others.
For tickets and further information visit www.rosestheatre.org
Liz Simmons and Flynn Cohen (of Vermont, USA) are the founding couple of the award-winning American Roots & Folk band Low Lily. Between them they sing and play guitars and mandolin, creating a close duo vocal harmony and warm, cohesive instrumental blend cultivated from years of musical collaboration. From introspective original and traditional folk songs to impeccably plucked instrumentals on mandolin and guitar, Liz and Flynn put on a dynamic show of folk and roots music, influenced by the traditions of bluegrass, Americana, and Irish and English folk music.
Born in San Francisco to musician parents, Liz Simmons spent her early childhood traveling through the wilds of North America in a sky blue VW bus. Her parents were itinerant musicians, moving from California to Oregon to Alaska, and finally settling in New England. Inspired by her beginnings and after a brief foray into classical music, Liz found her way back to folk and roots music, founding the bands Annalivia and Low Lily with husband Flynn Cohen, as well as performing in a duo with Hannah Sanders, and as a backing vocalist for Livingston Taylor, Tom Chapin, Melanie, and others.
For tickets and further information visit www.rosestheatre.org
Friday 5th July 2024 - Katherine Roberts & Sean Lakeman
Rook Lane Chapel, Bath Street, Frome, BA11 1DN : Friday 5th July 2024
‘Almost A Sunset’, the seventh album from husband and wife duo Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman proves a ‘tour de force’ of musical and lyrical surprises – a collection of thoughtful, varied songs that range from re-worked traditional ballads to the off-piste storytelling style that has become their trademark.
Recorded at Devon-pace in their studio on Dartmoor over the course of a year, the couple explore favourite characters, childhood memories and deep emotion to pull together a collection of songs that demonstrate their musical versatility, a sharp interest in the world around them and their own unique perspective on the folk genre. For over a quarter of a century Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman’s partnership has proved personal, permanent and pivotal. From their early days in folk supergroup ‘Equation ‘ through to their new album this multi award-winning couple continue to exude timeless class with their exquisite brand of traditional and contemporary acoustic music.
For tickets and further information visit kathrynrobertsandseanlakeman.com
‘Almost A Sunset’, the seventh album from husband and wife duo Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman proves a ‘tour de force’ of musical and lyrical surprises – a collection of thoughtful, varied songs that range from re-worked traditional ballads to the off-piste storytelling style that has become their trademark.
Recorded at Devon-pace in their studio on Dartmoor over the course of a year, the couple explore favourite characters, childhood memories and deep emotion to pull together a collection of songs that demonstrate their musical versatility, a sharp interest in the world around them and their own unique perspective on the folk genre. For over a quarter of a century Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman’s partnership has proved personal, permanent and pivotal. From their early days in folk supergroup ‘Equation ‘ through to their new album this multi award-winning couple continue to exude timeless class with their exquisite brand of traditional and contemporary acoustic music.
For tickets and further information visit kathrynrobertsandseanlakeman.com
Monday 5th & Tuesday 6th August 2024 - Fairport Convention
The Mill Arts Centre, Spiceball Park Road, Banbury OX16 5QE: Monday 5th & Tuesday 6th August 2024
Cropredy Festival warm-up events
Fairport Convention have been entertaining music lovers for over half a century, with 2024 being their 57th anniversary. During that time the band that launched British folk-rock has seen many changes, but one thing has remained the same - Fairport’s passion for performance.
Fairport Convention have won a BBC Lifetime Achievement Award and Radio 2 listeners voted their ground-breaking album Liege & Lief 'The Most Influential Folk Album of All Time'. Their story has been celebrated with television documentaries on BBC Four and Sky Arts.
The current touring line-up features founding member Simon Nicol on guitar and vocals, Dave Pegg on bass guitar, Ric Sanders on violin, Chris Leslie on bouzouki, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, and vocals, and former member Dave Mattacks on drums.
Tickets and further information from www.fairportconvention.com
Cropredy Festival warm-up events
Fairport Convention have been entertaining music lovers for over half a century, with 2024 being their 57th anniversary. During that time the band that launched British folk-rock has seen many changes, but one thing has remained the same - Fairport’s passion for performance.
Fairport Convention have won a BBC Lifetime Achievement Award and Radio 2 listeners voted their ground-breaking album Liege & Lief 'The Most Influential Folk Album of All Time'. Their story has been celebrated with television documentaries on BBC Four and Sky Arts.
The current touring line-up features founding member Simon Nicol on guitar and vocals, Dave Pegg on bass guitar, Ric Sanders on violin, Chris Leslie on bouzouki, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, and vocals, and former member Dave Mattacks on drums.
Tickets and further information from www.fairportconvention.com
Saturday 7th September 2024 - Track Dogs
Wychwood Folk & Acoustic Club, Tiddy Hall, Ascott-u-Wychwood OX7 6AG: Sat 7th Sept 2024
Track Dogs are two Irishmen, an Englishman and an American, (Garrett Wall, Dave Mooney, Howard Brown & Robbie K.Jones), whose artistic name derives from the dark subterranean world of New York’s subway system.
Formed in the Autumn of 2006 in Madrid around the eclectic line-up of acoustic guitar, electric bass, trumpet and cajón, over the following 17 years they have added banjo, ukulele and mandolin as well as honing their four part vocal harmonies, now very much an integral part of their “sound”.
They now have seven albums under their belt, including a twenty three track live recording with
Show of Hands, and have wowed audiences at diverse music festivals across Europe.
Tickets and further information from www.wychwoodfolkclub.com
Track Dogs are two Irishmen, an Englishman and an American, (Garrett Wall, Dave Mooney, Howard Brown & Robbie K.Jones), whose artistic name derives from the dark subterranean world of New York’s subway system.
Formed in the Autumn of 2006 in Madrid around the eclectic line-up of acoustic guitar, electric bass, trumpet and cajón, over the following 17 years they have added banjo, ukulele and mandolin as well as honing their four part vocal harmonies, now very much an integral part of their “sound”.
They now have seven albums under their belt, including a twenty three track live recording with
Show of Hands, and have wowed audiences at diverse music festivals across Europe.
Tickets and further information from www.wychwoodfolkclub.com
Saturday 14th September 2024 - Johnny Coppin
Under The Edge Arts, The Chipping, Wotton-under-Edge, GL12 7AF: Saturday 14th September 2024
Johnny is a singer/songwriter and member of the band Decameron. His solo albums include ‘River of Dreams’, plus ’30 Songs’, ‘Borderland’, ‘The Winding Stair’, ‘The Gloucestershire Collection’, and ‘Edge of Day’ with Laurie Lee. His album The Forest, The Vale, and The High Blue Hill's fortieth anniversary was marked with a national tour in 2023.
His clear voice and his ability to write fine songs make his music essentially English in character whilst having universal appeal. Johnny has supported Gerry Rafferty, Jasper Carrott and The Albion Band on tour and has appeared at various British festivals.
He has composed music for theatre, TV documentaries and radio programmes, and is a respected producer as well as being widely recognised as one of Britain's finest singer-songwriters and interpreters of others songs.
Full details from johnnycoppin.wordpress.com
Johnny is a singer/songwriter and member of the band Decameron. His solo albums include ‘River of Dreams’, plus ’30 Songs’, ‘Borderland’, ‘The Winding Stair’, ‘The Gloucestershire Collection’, and ‘Edge of Day’ with Laurie Lee. His album The Forest, The Vale, and The High Blue Hill's fortieth anniversary was marked with a national tour in 2023.
His clear voice and his ability to write fine songs make his music essentially English in character whilst having universal appeal. Johnny has supported Gerry Rafferty, Jasper Carrott and The Albion Band on tour and has appeared at various British festivals.
He has composed music for theatre, TV documentaries and radio programmes, and is a respected producer as well as being widely recognised as one of Britain's finest singer-songwriters and interpreters of others songs.
Full details from johnnycoppin.wordpress.com
Sunday 29th September 2024 - Cara Dillon
The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5NX: Sunday 29th September 2024
Born in Dungiven in 1975, surrounded and infused with the rich cultural heritage of her native County Derry, Cara has risen to become one of the finest exponents of traditional Irish song anywhere in the world. Possessing a rare and unique voice that has been lauded since winning the All Ireland singing trophy aged only 14, together with her husband and musical partner, Sam Lakeman, she has successfully steered an eclectic musical path defying the typical pigeonholes that hinder most artists in her genre.
Recent years have seen her return wholeheartedly to her Irish roots creating fresh interpretations of traditional folk standards with stunning results. Her reach is truly global, with fans to be found all over the world. Her clear, Northern Irish voice has seduced giants such as Disney who, in 2010, asked her to sing the title song to the animated movie Tinkerbell and the Great Fairy Rescue. She’s won countless awards and accolades including Album Of The Year at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, The Meteor Music Award for Best Irish Female, and Tatler’s Woman Of The Year in Music.
For details and full tour dates visit www.caradillon.co.uk
Born in Dungiven in 1975, surrounded and infused with the rich cultural heritage of her native County Derry, Cara has risen to become one of the finest exponents of traditional Irish song anywhere in the world. Possessing a rare and unique voice that has been lauded since winning the All Ireland singing trophy aged only 14, together with her husband and musical partner, Sam Lakeman, she has successfully steered an eclectic musical path defying the typical pigeonholes that hinder most artists in her genre.
Recent years have seen her return wholeheartedly to her Irish roots creating fresh interpretations of traditional folk standards with stunning results. Her reach is truly global, with fans to be found all over the world. Her clear, Northern Irish voice has seduced giants such as Disney who, in 2010, asked her to sing the title song to the animated movie Tinkerbell and the Great Fairy Rescue. She’s won countless awards and accolades including Album Of The Year at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, The Meteor Music Award for Best Irish Female, and Tatler’s Woman Of The Year in Music.
For details and full tour dates visit www.caradillon.co.uk
Friday 4th October - Oysterband with June Tabor
Bristol Beacon, Trenchard Street, Bristol BS1 5AR: Friday 4th October 2024
After 45 years on the road, legendary folk rock collective Oysterband are hanging up their touring boots and concluding their live career with a final tour alongside English folk songstress June Tabor.
With a tour aptly named “A Long Long Goodbye”, the Canterbury-based six-piece will be bowing-out in style with a year of unmissable shows planned at some of their favourite haunts, where they will be performing a career-spanning set, including highlights of their collaborations with June Tabor.
"One of the most remarkable reunion concerts of the English folk revival."
- The Guardian
For tickets and further information, visit bristolbeacon.org
After 45 years on the road, legendary folk rock collective Oysterband are hanging up their touring boots and concluding their live career with a final tour alongside English folk songstress June Tabor.
With a tour aptly named “A Long Long Goodbye”, the Canterbury-based six-piece will be bowing-out in style with a year of unmissable shows planned at some of their favourite haunts, where they will be performing a career-spanning set, including highlights of their collaborations with June Tabor.
"One of the most remarkable reunion concerts of the English folk revival."
- The Guardian
For tickets and further information, visit bristolbeacon.org
Wednesday 16th October 2024 - Steve Knightley
The Stables, Stockwell Lane, Wavendon, Milton Keynes MK17 8LU: Wednesday 16th October 2024
Bristol Beacon, Trenchard Street, Bristol BS1 5AR: Wednesday 6th November 2024
Renowned West-country songwriter Steve Knightley, former Show of Hands frontman, announces a ground-breaking nationwide solo tour, his first since the iconic band disbanded. Focused on promoting his latest album, The Winter Yards, this tour signifies a profound shift in Knightley’s musical journey.
In a brand new one man show Steve will perform material that surfaced over two years of isolation and inactivity. Songs such as the Bristol Slaver and You'll Get By were refreshed by headlines and current affairs whilst classic covers such as Forever Young and The Boys of Summer struck a chord with the thousands that tuned in to his hours of online content.
Insights, anecdotes and a bunch of new songs will attempt to chronicle and draw a line under an extra episode in all our lives.
For full tour dates, tickets and further details see showofhands.co.uk/steve-knightley
Bristol Beacon, Trenchard Street, Bristol BS1 5AR: Wednesday 6th November 2024
Renowned West-country songwriter Steve Knightley, former Show of Hands frontman, announces a ground-breaking nationwide solo tour, his first since the iconic band disbanded. Focused on promoting his latest album, The Winter Yards, this tour signifies a profound shift in Knightley’s musical journey.
In a brand new one man show Steve will perform material that surfaced over two years of isolation and inactivity. Songs such as the Bristol Slaver and You'll Get By were refreshed by headlines and current affairs whilst classic covers such as Forever Young and The Boys of Summer struck a chord with the thousands that tuned in to his hours of online content.
Insights, anecdotes and a bunch of new songs will attempt to chronicle and draw a line under an extra episode in all our lives.
For full tour dates, tickets and further details see showofhands.co.uk/steve-knightley
Thursday 17th October 2024 - Rachel McShane & The Cartographers
Chapel Arts Centre, Lower Borough Walls, Bath BA: Thursday 17th October 2024
Rachael McShane is a renowned folk singer, cellist, fiddle and viola player from the North East of England. She gained fame as an original member of the award-winning folk big band Bellowhead, touring with them extensively and making a number of television appearances. The band recorded five studio albums and, together, they won a staggering total of 8 BBC Folk Awards. Parting ways in 2016, the band returned in 2022 for a series of ecstatically-received performances that reminded audiences of their unique alchemy, energy and talent.
Away from her Bellowhead fame, Rachael is a much sought-after performer and recording artist. Her debut solo album No Man’s Fool arrived in 2009 via Navigator Records, establishing impressive credentials that eventually led her to signing with the prestigious Topic Records, the oldest independent record label in the world. She also is the leader of The Cartographers, a band that features the exceptional talents of guitarist Ian Stephenson (Kan, Baltic Crossing), and melodeon player Julian Sutton (Kathryn Tickell, Sting).
For tickets and further information visit chapelarts.org
Rachael McShane is a renowned folk singer, cellist, fiddle and viola player from the North East of England. She gained fame as an original member of the award-winning folk big band Bellowhead, touring with them extensively and making a number of television appearances. The band recorded five studio albums and, together, they won a staggering total of 8 BBC Folk Awards. Parting ways in 2016, the band returned in 2022 for a series of ecstatically-received performances that reminded audiences of their unique alchemy, energy and talent.
Away from her Bellowhead fame, Rachael is a much sought-after performer and recording artist. Her debut solo album No Man’s Fool arrived in 2009 via Navigator Records, establishing impressive credentials that eventually led her to signing with the prestigious Topic Records, the oldest independent record label in the world. She also is the leader of The Cartographers, a band that features the exceptional talents of guitarist Ian Stephenson (Kan, Baltic Crossing), and melodeon player Julian Sutton (Kathryn Tickell, Sting).
For tickets and further information visit chapelarts.org
Saturday 19th October 2024 - Chris While & Julie Matthews
Wychwood Folk & Acoustic Club, Tiddy Hall, Ascott-u-Wychwood OX7 6AG: Sat 19th October 2024
Chris and Julie have now been performing together for thirty years. It will be a bumper year for this award winning and longest lasting female duo in 2024.
In case they’ve so far passed you by, Chris While & Julie Matthews are the longest-lasting female duo in Britain and have played more than 3,000 gigs, appeared on over 100 albums, written hundreds of original songs and reached millions of people around the world. Now, 28 years after their debut, they sound as fresh and vital as ever!
"The undisputed queens of British folk duos continue to come up with the goods. 1st class songs delivered with to die for harmonies, immaculate musicianship and melodies that lodge themselves in your brain" - The Guardian
“They light up the room with their amazing energy” - James Taylor
Tickets and further information from www.wychwoodfolkclub.com
Chris and Julie have now been performing together for thirty years. It will be a bumper year for this award winning and longest lasting female duo in 2024.
In case they’ve so far passed you by, Chris While & Julie Matthews are the longest-lasting female duo in Britain and have played more than 3,000 gigs, appeared on over 100 albums, written hundreds of original songs and reached millions of people around the world. Now, 28 years after their debut, they sound as fresh and vital as ever!
"The undisputed queens of British folk duos continue to come up with the goods. 1st class songs delivered with to die for harmonies, immaculate musicianship and melodies that lodge themselves in your brain" - The Guardian
“They light up the room with their amazing energy” - James Taylor
Tickets and further information from www.wychwoodfolkclub.com
Thursday 7th November 2024 - Kit Hawes & Aaron Catlow
Chapel Arts Centre, Lower Borough Walls, Bath BA: Thursday 7th November 2024
One of the most exciting duos to emerge from the UK in recent times, Kit Hawes & Aaron Catlow combine heartfelt musicality, unparalleled virtuosity and vocal harmony. Using the folk music of the British Isles as a catalyst, Kit and Aaron create dynamic and effervescent interpretations of centuries-old material as well as original songs and compositions, all the while celebrating the timeless aural quality of a guitar, fiddle and vocals duet.
Studio albums The Fox (2016) and Pill Pilots (2019) have been met by wide critical acclaim, receiving five star reviews and local and national airplay. The duo tour extensively in the UK and internationally across Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.
BBC 2’s Mark Radcliffe is a champion of their work, saying “Kit and Aaron are reminiscent of the late Dave Swarbrick and Martin Carthy… I can give them no higher accolade. They are at the top of their game”.
For tickets and further information visit chapelarts.org
One of the most exciting duos to emerge from the UK in recent times, Kit Hawes & Aaron Catlow combine heartfelt musicality, unparalleled virtuosity and vocal harmony. Using the folk music of the British Isles as a catalyst, Kit and Aaron create dynamic and effervescent interpretations of centuries-old material as well as original songs and compositions, all the while celebrating the timeless aural quality of a guitar, fiddle and vocals duet.
Studio albums The Fox (2016) and Pill Pilots (2019) have been met by wide critical acclaim, receiving five star reviews and local and national airplay. The duo tour extensively in the UK and internationally across Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.
BBC 2’s Mark Radcliffe is a champion of their work, saying “Kit and Aaron are reminiscent of the late Dave Swarbrick and Martin Carthy… I can give them no higher accolade. They are at the top of their game”.
For tickets and further information visit chapelarts.org
Thursday 7th November 2024 - Katie Spencer
The Unicorn Theatre, Checker Walk, Abingdon OX14 3JB: Thursday 7th November 2024
Raised in the East Yorkshire flatlands on the fringes of Hull, Katie Spencer’s landscape has always been that of open skies and widening rivers. Industry still shapes the city here. The people, as with the land, are moulded by tides and stark horizons. Stand in the same place for long enough and you can watch the sun rise over the North Sea and then sink into crop fields, glowing auburn in late-summer sun. It is this sense of space and movement that flows through Katie Spencer’s music.
The songwriting, and most notably her guitar playing stems from a time when the steel-stringed instrument was truly finding its voice. Artists like Joni Mitchell, James Taylor and perhaps most evidently Michael Chapman, flow into her sound, carrying with them the warmth and idealism of the early 70’s folk and songwriter movements.
Katie Spencer’s widely celebrated new album, The Edge of the Land (2022), follows her debut release, Weather Beaten (2019) which was praised for its unique song-craft, spell-binding musicianship and crystal sonic clarity, as she brought together fans of music from all backgrounds and walks of life.
Tickets and further information www.katiespencer.net
Raised in the East Yorkshire flatlands on the fringes of Hull, Katie Spencer’s landscape has always been that of open skies and widening rivers. Industry still shapes the city here. The people, as with the land, are moulded by tides and stark horizons. Stand in the same place for long enough and you can watch the sun rise over the North Sea and then sink into crop fields, glowing auburn in late-summer sun. It is this sense of space and movement that flows through Katie Spencer’s music.
The songwriting, and most notably her guitar playing stems from a time when the steel-stringed instrument was truly finding its voice. Artists like Joni Mitchell, James Taylor and perhaps most evidently Michael Chapman, flow into her sound, carrying with them the warmth and idealism of the early 70’s folk and songwriter movements.
Katie Spencer’s widely celebrated new album, The Edge of the Land (2022), follows her debut release, Weather Beaten (2019) which was praised for its unique song-craft, spell-binding musicianship and crystal sonic clarity, as she brought together fans of music from all backgrounds and walks of life.
Tickets and further information www.katiespencer.net
Friday 15th November 2024 - Edwina Hayes
The Corn Exchange, Gloucester Street, Faringdon SN7 7JA: Friday 15th November 2024
Edwina Hayes is a hugely entertaining and engaging Yorkshire-based singer/songwriter with Irish roots. She tours extensively in the UK, and has been based in Nashville where she gained much praise - supporting artists like Nanci Griffith.
At home she has opened for Jools Holland, Ricky Ross and Loudon Wainwright III and is a festival favourite with a large following, as well as performing her own headline gigs up and down the country.
Her cover of Randy Newman's Feels Like Home was featured in the Cameron Diaz movie My Sister's Keeper.
A former member of Hummingibrd and The Mile Roses, these days Edwina is mostly known as a solo artist. Her most recent album, Ruby Rose, was released in 2022.
Tickets and full tour dates edwinahayes.com
Edwina Hayes is a hugely entertaining and engaging Yorkshire-based singer/songwriter with Irish roots. She tours extensively in the UK, and has been based in Nashville where she gained much praise - supporting artists like Nanci Griffith.
At home she has opened for Jools Holland, Ricky Ross and Loudon Wainwright III and is a festival favourite with a large following, as well as performing her own headline gigs up and down the country.
Her cover of Randy Newman's Feels Like Home was featured in the Cameron Diaz movie My Sister's Keeper.
A former member of Hummingibrd and The Mile Roses, these days Edwina is mostly known as a solo artist. Her most recent album, Ruby Rose, was released in 2022.
Tickets and full tour dates edwinahayes.com