Artists for 2009 - Latest confirmed list
ARTISTS - Please don't contact us regarding playing at this year's festival as we are now fully booked.
As in previous years we're putting together a great programme with something for everyone. See below for the artists confirmed so far - and check here regularly to see the latest news as there are more to come! Add this page to your favourites.
Scroll down or click a link to see artist information, then click the images or links below to go to the artist's website. All artists are subject to contract.
KERR, FAGAN, HARBRON LE VENT DU NORD ROSS AINSLIE & JARLATH HENDERSON
DAMIEN O’KANE & SHONA KIPLING THE OLD DANCE SCHOOL WHEELER STREET
ROSIE DOONAN AND THE SNAP DRAGONS MABON THE NAVVY'S WIFE
ELBOW JANE THE WILSONS TOM LEWIS MARTIN PEARSON
TOM McCONVILLE BAND BLACK RAT KEITH DONNELLY BRIAN PETERS
THE TINDALLS JIM MAGEEAN KRISTY GALLACHER
MICK RYAN & PAUL DOWNES PENNYROYAL HISSYFIT KIMBERS MEN
THE QP MEGAN & JOE HENWOOD TYDE ISAMBARDE PEEPING TOM
STEAMCHICKEN HEKETY DR SUNSHINE SAMBASSADORS OF GROOVE
CHRIS ARONSTEN TRÍ SPEAKE & LOWE GU4
BONZO AND DORIS JAN'S VAN and PANIC CIRCUS
Kate Rusby
Folk singer/songwriter Kate Rusby has lived in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, since birth, and grew up in a musical family. Her parents had a ceilidh dance band and introduced her to British folk at an early age. Along with her sister, Emma, Rusby joined the band, singing backup and playing the fiddle. By the time she was 12, Rusby also sang lead and played guitar.
At 15, she debuted at the Holmfirth Festival, and was introduced to another young folksinger, Kathryn Roberts; after playing together live for a while, the duo recorded Kate Rusby & Kathryn Roberts, which won Folk Roots' 1995 Album of the Year award. Rusby also collaborates with the female folk ensemble the Poozies, appearing on their 1997 album Come Raise Your Head and 1998's Infinite Blue. On her own, Kate Rusby has released 1998's Hourglass, and 1999 saw the U.S. release of Kate Rusby & Kathryn Roberts as well as the solo Sleepless. Little Lights appeared in spring 2001. She released 10, a collection of re-recorded and new tunes, as well as a handful of live cuts in 2003, followed by the acclaimed Underneath the Stars in 2004. Girl Who Couldn't Fly arrived the next year. In 2007, Rusby wrote and produced her next solo album, Awkward Annie, and in December 2008 she released Sweet Bells, an album of traditional carols.
Eric Bogle
Eric Bogle was born in Peebles, Scotland a few months after the D-Day landings in Normandy. One of a set, his twin sister Sandra had her own D-Day about 15 minutes after Eric's. A particularly annoying, whiney little child, it was prophesied that Eric was either destined to be a politician or a folk singer of protest songs. And so one of these prophesies came to pass.....
A compulsive, almost obsessive songwiter for most of his adult life, Eric has written some songs that have pretty much become Australian classics of their particular genre since emigrating to there in 1969. Probably his best known song is “The Band Played Waltzing Matilda”, which confirmed it's iconic status by appearing as a question in the Australian version of Trivial Pursuit! Some of his other songs , “No Man's Land”(The Green Fields of France) “Leaving Nancy”, “Now I'm Easy” “Shelter” “If Wishes were Fishes” etc. etc. are now beginning to rival “Matilda” in the icon stakes. His songs have been recorded by Joan Baez, Mary Black, Donovan, Slim Dusty, John Williamson, Billy Bragg, The Pogues and The Furies, just to name a few.
Eric himself has recorded 14 CD's and has toured extensively over the last 25 years or so, and this includes 8 tours of North America, 10 Tours of Europe and God knows how many tours of Australia. He has won quite a few awards along the way including the Order of Australia medal for services to the entertainment industry, and a Peace medal from the U.N. for his efforts, through music, to promote peace and racial harmony.
All this makes Eric sound like a cross between U2 and Mother Theresa. Well, he's not, he's just a literate and thoughtful songwiter who can cut to the heart of the matter with some well-crafted lines. He's also a warm and engaging stage performer who, with his sharp, often self-deprecating wit and shrewd common sense view on the world, communicates well with an audience and draws them in to his performance. Mind you, all this is only our opinion, and of course is highly subjective. Catch Eric in concert at Warwick and form one of your own.....
Spooky Men's Chorale
" It is not possible to state when the existence of the Spooky Men first came to light . Early settlers in the Blue Mountains reported attacks on livestock and evidence of scats and the occasional pawprint. It is only in recent years that sceptics have been disabused of the notion that the Spooky Men's Chorale is the stuff of fanciful legend."
The Spooky Men come down from the Mountains like a wolf on the fold. Forged in the red-hot cauldron of Georgian table singing, where anvil strikes bread and like their brothers of old they raise the morning sun with uplifted arms, their ecumenical embrace now extends to songs Paulian and Johnian. They sing paeans in praise of hardware yet are unafraid to face the existential angst that stares up at them from the debris of breakfast. In confronting the big questions facing men today (are they not pretty enough?), the Spooky Men strike while the irony is hot.
Jim Moray
At the age of 21 Jim Moray was hailed “…the greatest leap forward in folk for 30 years” (Neil McCormack,The Daily Telegraph) and “the most significant musician since Bob Dylan to decide that the folk idiom is the perfect vehicle for his musical adventures” (Bruce Elder, Sydney Morning Herald). Amongst other extravagant claims, his debut album ‘Sweet England’ was called “the most significant new development in English folk music since Fairport Convention's Liege and Leif.” (Nigel Williamson, Uncut) and “a revolutionary experience” (Nige Tassell, HMV Choice). Critics worldwide fell over themselves to tip Moray for great things.
Now aged 26 he delivers on that promise with ‘Low Culture’, an album of ten songs that defines exactly where English traditional music is at in the early 21st century. Managing to accommodate guest spots from both folk legend Roy Bailey and Jasper Future of NME darlings Art Brut, Low Culture plays on Moray’s skill for picking bits of the past and present and re-imagining them for the future. In the process, seminal traditional ballad Lucy Wan is shaken back to life in collaboration with British-Ghanian rapper Bubbz as a Folk-Grime epic, The Rufford Park Poachers – first recorded on wax cylinder by source singer Joseph Taylor in 1906 – becomes burning hurdy-gurdy driven alt-rock, and XTC classic All You Pretty Girls is co-opted as a sea shanty for a crew featuring folk singers Tim Van Eyken, James Fagan, Nancy Kerr and Jim Causley. But, far from the tokenistic approach of his peers, Moray weaves a cohesive whole that links traditional song seamlessly into modern popular culture rather than discriminating between the two. “If folk song is the music of the people then it’s surely wrong to treat it as ‘high art’ that should be preserved unchanged. Folk music is low culture.”
Kerr Fagan Harbron
"There surely can’t be a finer trio on the folk scene and we should all celebrate this debut CD from Nancy Kerr, James Fagan & Robert Harbron ... 2008 has already produced some very interesting folk CDs but I have to say I’d be hard pushed if this wasn’t my album of the year!" Pete Fyfe, Folking.com
"This is a joy to listen throughout, from the sheer beauty of Nancy's fiddle playing to the great story telling in song, it is the sound of three consummate musicians delighting in their art. Beautiful tunes, wonderful songs and tremendous musicianship." Martin Simpson
"Added to Nancy and James' particular mix of predominantly Anglo-Australian songs and tunes, Rob's masterful and sensitive playing adds another dimension to arguably one of the best duos on both sides of the world. Kerr Fagan Harbron provided the best ending to Cheltenham's 12th Festival. Bloody marvellous!" John Shorter, Artistic Director, Cheltenham Folk Festival 2008
Le Vent du Nord
Since its inception in 2002, Le Vent du Nord has exploded onto the folk music scene. The group’s first recording, Maudite moisson! , was awarded the Juno for traditional album of the year in 2004 and was nominated for the same award by ADISQ. Their second album, Les amants du Saint-Laurent, was also nominated by ADISQ in 2005 in addition to being chosen album of the year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards.
2005 was also the year that saw the group being rewarded as North American traditional artist of the year in Austin, Texas. Their show was nominated for an OPUS award and was named Show of the year by the American radio-concert series Bound for Glory. The group also appeared on the top-ten charts of a few radio stations, as high as #1 on CIBL Montréal and #5 on BBC3 in the UK, ahead of such well-known artists as Youssou N’Dour and Peter Gabriel.
Ross Ainslie & Jarlath Henderson
Ross Ainslie & Jarlath Henderson first started playing together back in 2003 at the William Kennedy Piping Festival, and have since joined forces to create a pipe sound that pushes the boundaries of what both instruments can achieve together.
Jarlath is a three time All-Ireland Champion' Uilleann Piper and is still only 19 years of age. In December 2003 he became the first Irish musician to win the prestigious BBC 'Young Folk Musician Of The Year', a major national award.
Ross hails from Perth and is a former member of the Grade 1 Vale of Atholl pipe band. He has since toured with his tutor the late Gordon Duncan and was involved in Ivan Drever's band 'Clueless' before recently playing with Flook!, Dougie Maclean & Salsa Celtica. Ross also featured in the film "Driving Lessons" with the band Salsa Celtica.
Shona Kipling, Damien O'Kane and Cormac Byrne
"Imagination, energy, wit and brilliant playing. Shona and Damien are a force to be recokoned with on the folk scene."- Fiona Talkington (BBC Radio 3’s Late Junction) BBC Radio 2 Folk Award nominees Shona Kipling and Damien O'Kane have been together for five years now and have released 2 critically acclaimed albums together. An extremely gifted pairing, this instrumental and vocal duo plays an array of traditional and self-penned tunes and songs originating and influenced mainly from the Irish tradition.
Shona 'Watch out Sharon Shannon, here comes the exceedingly good Miss Kipling' (Yorkshire Evening Press) is one of the leading piano accordionists in the country and Damien 'Fret King' (MU Mag) is an outstanding tenor banjo player and guitarist as well as being hailed 'one of the finest singers around' (Jon Boden). Shona and Damien make a sound which is exhilarating, passionate, skilful and unique. ('Live, this duo rocks...' - Irish Music Magazine, August 2006). A new album is under way for release 2009 so watch this space. They will be joined at the festival this year by percussionist extraordinaire, Cormac Byrne from Waterford.
The Old Dance School
The Old Dance School is an innovative, young, six-piece folk band who have just released their debut studio album, “Based on a True Story”
The band come from across England, and share a wealth of musical experience – from European opera tours and international jazz festivals, to early music recitals, rock clubs and green festivals - each member’s musical journey so far is of a breadth and scale quite remarkable, given that none is older than 25.
Alongside all of this, each and every member of The Old Dance School has maintained a deep-rooted love of folk and world music from an early age and this is the driving force that unites them. “Based on a True Story” is the culmination of a busy year for The Old Dance School and its title reflects their approach to the music – drawing on their jazz, classical and early music experience to enliven their arrangements of traditional material and original compositions, they strive never to lose sight of that elemental joy so important in folk music – a good tune. Their music is to them, as they believe all good folk should be - an expression of their time and place, and a celebration of a shared cultural heritage.
Wheeler Street
Wheeler Street are one of the rising stars of the UK folk scene. A seven piece festival band of 17-19 year olds, Wheeler Street played several major UK festivals last summer including Cambridge, Broadstairs and Bromyard. They combine all the energy of the most raucous of folk songs with an inspired bass and a full drum kit, arriving on the scene like a young Levellers determined to get the party started.
Although all the members of the band now live in the Maidstone area, they bring to their sound influences from all around the UK and further afield. Ben comes from Newcastle and is of Irish parentage. Toby and Jon both have Scottish as well as English blood. Sophy was born in Australia and is also half Scottish.
The band works so well because each and every member is fiercely passionate about the music they perform. They are committed to playing and singing with integrity and with utter respect to the tradition, but they also LOVE a good time and are one of the most entertaining and fun bands that are currently on the folk scene.
Rosie Doonan and the Snap Dragons
ROSIE DOONAN is an exciting young performer presently collaborating with string-playing musician friends as Rosie Doonan & The Snap Dragons. Although she has a core of musicians she can call on, regular Snap Dragons include violinist Kat Gilmore (from Tiny Tin Lady) and celloist Sarah Smout. This powerful sound is the perfect back-up to Rosie’s outstanding songs, complimenting her own guitar, piano or ukulele playing. Rosie was brought up in a house overflowing with music and musicians so it was no surprise when she turned to writing and performing at a young age. She formed a successful duo with friend Ben Murray and the pair were duly rewarded with a Radio 2 Folk Award Nomination. Despite this success Rosie felt the urge to strike out on her own and as a result, her recently released solo album ‘Moving On’ has received much critical acclaim with her ‘Enya-esque’ songs making compelling listening. She is presently recording an album with The Snap Dragons for 2009 release.
Mabon
Mabon is a fast-rising comtemporary Celtic band from South Wales with a growing reputation for stealing the show wherever they play. The 5-piece line-up comprises accordion, fiddle, guitar, bass and drums in an intense live music experience that will leave you exhausted yet crying out for more.
Mabon has taken its music to many audiences, both home and abroad, performing at festivals and concerts throughout the UK and travelling to France, Belgium, Canada, Ireland, Galicia, Asturias, Italy and Australia.
Mabon's musical roots lie deeply in the traditional music of its Celtic heritage, which provides the inspiration and the foundation for talented accordionist/composer Jamie Smith's original brand of new Celtic music.
The Navvy's Wife
The definitive folk opera is without doubt Peter Bellamy’s The Transports and for me it is the yardstick by which all subsequent folk musicals compare. Yet in The Navvy’s Wife Mick Ryan has produced a show from which comparisons can be easily drawn.
Not only does it tell the stories of those who their contemporaries would have regarded as the dregs of humanity, and it tells it from their own perspective, but Mick has brought together some particularly fine singers and musicians whose names are well known on the folk circuit and beyond.
Mick’s collaboration with Graham Moore produced the hugely successful folk musical A Tolpuddle Man and he has since gone on to compose other musicals in his own right; A Days Work about the First World War, The Voyage about emigration to America in the mid 19th century, and the eviction of the villagers of Tyneham in Dorset during the second world war in Tanks for the Memory. The Navvy’s Wife is the culmination of all this hard work and it is a masterpiece.
Elbow Jane
Elbow Jane are a premiere 5 piece acoustic band comprising guitars, bazouki, mandolin, piano, bass, percussion and expressive vocals. From thought provoking self-penned songs…to unique Interpretations of the worlds best songsmiths. From the emotion of O’Carolan…to the techniques of Tommy Emmanuel. From sensitive ballad, through infectious rhythms…to luring harmonies. Live they excel - playing festival stages and clubs up & down the UK winning them fantastic reviews and a loyal following.
The Wilsons
The Wilson’s sing traditional songs as well as more contemporary pieces inspired by the folk traditions. The whole group are sensational singers, but there’s much more to a Wilson’s performance than great songs, the in between song banter is excellent and often hilarious.
The one thing you will not forget is the sheer power of their voices.
Tom Lewis
As winner of the inaugural "Trophée Stan Hugill", French fans dub Tom "The Springsteen of Sea Chanteys". Old Songs Festival (Altamont NY) declares "This man knows the sea ... from the bottom up!", whilst Living Tradition (UK) says "Although I always knew he was good, I was not quite prepared for HOW good." 24 years in the British Royal Navy, "provides him with that vitally authentic stance with which to tackle nautical song" Living Tradition.
With songs that have become folk standards; known and sung wherever great choruses ring out; Tom accompanies himself on button accordion and ukulele—but it's that powerful vocal style and infectious humour—that quality of entertaining—which keeps audiences coming back again ... and again.
Martin Pearson
Martin Pearson – The world’s funniest male, long-haired, Victorian, piscean folk singer. Formerly of the act “Martin Pearson”, Martin has rose to fame like a dead pigeon in a water tank. Martin plays the fool in B sharp, Martin is a very funny satirical performer. He has been amusing, even thrilling audiences around the globe for ages now, and if you haven't seen him live - you're missing out. Martin tickles the funny bone. The act is full of scintillating , he has an ability to take current events and observations of everyday life, and turn them into side splitting comedy routines.
Comments by critics include: You will love Martin for his quick wit in his political and social satire, some of which is a vehicle for his easy folk singing, self-accompanied on guitar. Pearson is a seasoned trouper of the folk festival circuit and he reveres few sacred cows, neither Prime Minister nor Pope all are grist to Pearson's musical mill and get the treatment from his creative pen. He is a good yarn-spinner, and time passes quickly, as it does when you're having fun.
Tom McConville Band with David Newey
Tom McConville has for many years been regarded as the top fiddle player in the country. A mix of styles and techniques learned from the masters Sean McGuire, Aly Bain, Stephane Grapelli and Bluegrass legend Byron Berline, gives Tom an endless variety of interpretations to his songs and tunes. His live performances combine a rollercoaster of musical delights from fast, rhythmic dance tunes - through beautiful slow airs and of course, great singing - all presented with his inimitable sense of humour and style.
Guitarist David Newey is a singer songwriter, and one of the most sought after accompanists in the business. He has recently toured the with bands Rubus, Nandobinyan, Arlen and with with Christi Andropolis. David’s driving rhythms and unique style, incorporating both fingerstyle and flatpicking, has taken him to all the major festivals and concerts throughout the UK, Europe and the USA.
Black Rat
Black Rat, formed in the Autumn of 2002, are a five-piece band that play a blend of folk and rock music with an eye on the English music tradition and associated styles of song and dance.
The Band writes and performs original material. They have an interest in the history, folk-lore, songs and traditional dance of the British Isles and as a result, these are all topics that feature in the music.
The set also features instrumentals by the band. Their second album “Rich Pickings” was released in August 2008 and has already been met with critical acclaim.
Keith Donnelly
... stand-up comic, fall-down comedian, surreal snigger-songwriter, guitar-hero, performance-artist, [tall] story-teller, philophoser, scriptwriter, [none can] compere, man-of-mystery, inner-childminder, actor, stuntman, metaphysical-poet, human ping-pong ball, life and soul of the [kids] party, world-class athlete, leading socialite, raconteur, business tycoon, wit, author, half-wit, secret[sh!]-agent, [vauxhall] astral-traveller, shamen, geordie-cultural-attache, word-juggler,snake-charmer, underline-dancer,unexpected clairvoyant, dream-weaver, daydream believer, psycho-linguist, shark-wrangler, smile sculptor, [compulsive] lying-tamer, Great-British eccentric, [alleged] international-jewel-thief, hot-dog-skier, alien-abductee, zen grand-master, champion tiddly-winker, sandancer, friend to the pantomime horse, erstwhile slice of bacon, and all-round good egg.
Brian Peters - Songs of Trial and Triumph
A demon dashes a ship to pieces.... a young woman outwits the serial killer posing as her suitor.... a fair maid is transformed by a curse into a fire-breathing monster.... Welcome to the world of the Child Ballads, centuries-old epic songs of murder and magic, love and lust, trickery, tomfoolery and The Devil himself. Collected by F. J. Child in the 19th century, the ballads are the crown jewels of all British traditional songs, and they demand a lot from performers. Brian Peters is one of the best around. He’s a great singer and a multi-instrumental accompanist, uniquely able to present a programme of ballads that’s full of drama, variety and humour. He’s also an expert on the history of balladry, and will bring you up to speed on the singers and collectors who passed the ballads down to us. Not to be missed!
“Brian Peters plunges deep into the ancient songs, finds their power, mystery, evil, drollery and courage, and brings them to us fresh” Cornell Folksong Society, USA
The Tindalls
The Tindalls are a family band featuring Paula & Stuart together with daughters Sarah (17) and Kathryn (14). Their music spans many "genres" of contemporary as well as traditional folk/acoustic music, including a number of songs written by Stuart, regularly performed by the band. Whilst Stuart plays guitar & Paula plays percussion, Sarah plays bass guitar & treble recorder, Kathryn plays flute, recorder & rhythm guitar and all take turns in singing lead and backing vocals, resulting in a varied mix of music on their CDs and at gigs. They’ve recorded four CDs, available at gigs or via their web-site (http://www.paula-and-stuart-tindall.co.uk/).
Jim Mageean
Known as "Shanty Jim" for many years, his knowledge of sea songs, infectious enthusiasm, and powerful singing made him the obvious choice to set up a Tyneside shanty group. The first influence on him was Louis Killen, resident at the Bridge in Newcastle in 1963, where Jim started singing. A little later he met "The Master", Stan Hugill, a man who is almost single-handedly responsible for the high profile of shanties in the folk revival. In 1975, he moved to London where he was resident at several excellent clubs, notably Dingle's, the Herga, and The Cellar in C Sharp House. He also teamed up with Johnny Collins to create a formidable singing duo which is still on the road after 25 years.
Kristy Gallacher
Kristy Gallacher a singer/songwriter from Coventry. Having graduated with a Music Composition degree from Coventry University in 2008, Kristy has supported, Scott Matthews, Glynn Tilbrook (of squeeze), Nerina Pallot, Polly Paulusma and Nizlopi. With acoustic songs of life, Kristy continues to play them to anyone who will listen!
"The reason Kristy is one of Coventry's most talked about artists is quite simple - She's brilliant. !" - Dayle Crutchlow - Coventry Evening Telegraph.
"Kristy Gallacher has a fantastic voice and a fantastic collection of songs - all brusied,streetwise defiance. Singing in a voice like crushed petals she managed to do what the very best songwriters do - let you glimpse her soul and see yourself reflected in its surface." Jack - The Bomb Factory
Mick Ryan and Paul Downes
MICK RYAN is well known on the folk scene as a fine singer of traditional and original songs He was described by "Folk Roots" as 'definitely the most underrated singer in the country.' In this new duo Mick is joined by the consummately skilled and expressive Paul Downes.
PAUL DOWNES has a sensitive, yet fun approach to live performances which puts him among the most respected artists on the British acoustic music scene today. He has been introduced (to his embarrassment) as one of the greatest acoustic guitarist in the world. It is easy to see why when you see the dazzling array of styles he performs with effortless brilliance, but, at the same time, considers himself a singer of songs rather than a guitar technician.
Pennyroyal
The acapella harmony group consists of Linda Dickson, Sue Dixon and Fiona Lindsay-Coulson. All currently live in Coventry, although both Linda and Sue hail from the North East originally. All three of us have been singing for many years and in many different guises, with Linda and Sue having recorded with various bands, including Hudson Swann, Out of Hand and Ninepenny Marl. Our experiences bring influences of traditional folk music from around the world, opera, rock and roll and music-hall to our work. The band formed on New Year's Eve 2006, when we sang together at a party and discovered we "gelled" immediately.
Hissyfit
Hissyfit are a close harmony group based in Beverley East Yorkshire. Hissyfit are Linda Kelly and Hazel Richings. Linda comes from the Midlands and Hazel from Scotland but Yorkshire is our home. They sing their own songs, based on the traditional values of English and Scottish folk music and the fishing heritage and cultural richness of the East Coast. They have had air time on Radio Britfolk BBC Radio GMR and have appeared at Hull Sea Fever in 2005/2006/2007 together with Saddleworth & Cleckheaton Folk Festivals in 2007.
Kimber's Men
Formed in the summer of 2001, Kimber’s Men quickly became hot favourites on both the folk and sea festival circuits where they are in great demand and their popularity is endorsed by the fact that they are constantly requested to return soon. This year they have travelled internationally including Fanoe in Denmark and Sixmilebridge in Ireland. At home in England they’ve performed as far north as the Scottish borders in Northumberland and Maryport in Cumbria, as far east as Deal and as far south and west as Falmouth. Jersey is also a regular firm favourite with the band.
Renowned for their humour and harmonies the group comprises John Bromley (Ship’s Cook); David Buckley (Ship’s Captain); Neil Kimber (Bosun): Gareth Scott (Powder Monkey); and the old war horse Joe Stead (Ship’s Doctor). Not to be missed. New double CD, recorded live in concert, available later this year to further compliment their two existing CD's – See You When The Sun Goes Down and Don't Take The Heroes.
The QP
A fusion of genres, taste and talent in this youthful exciting 'folk-rock' band! The QP are six talented musicians who play an exciting mixture of traditional and original numbers, ranging from acoustic songs to Klezmer influenced folk-rock. The band has many years of festival experience under its collective belt with each member active in other groups as well as The QP. They had a great 2008 playing at 7 major UK festivals (Beverley, Godiva, Spratton, Warwick, Sidmouth, Towersey, Bromyard), and in December released their debut CD "Intro". The band members are Matt Crum (Melodeon, Soprano Saxophone, Keys), Joe Crum (Drums), Will Pound (Harmonica), Laurel McIntosh (Flute), Dan Bones (Guitar, Bass), Susie Bones (Vocals, Whistle). 'Forget the "X-Factor", try the "QP-Factor". This band rocks!'
Megan & Joe Henwood
Megan and Joe Henwood are winners of the 2009 BBC Young Folk Award. At 15, Joe is a superb saxophonist and cites Charlie Parker as a major influence. He and Megan started playing together about three years ago and as well as being brother and sister they are the best of friends. Joe’s the younger by five years but he says he looks out for Megan. Making music together, Megan says Joe’s saxophone accompaniment is just perfect, very sensitive, and just what she wants to go with her lyrics. She’s been writing songs since she was nine. "They were just awful" she says, " - quite soppy!" But as the writing became more of a natural process she realised it was her passion. Joe also cites life experience. "She’s got more to talk about now!"
Tyde
Tyde are a Trio from Northumberland and Scottish Borders who play guitar, accordion and fiddle. They are Seth Tinsley, Heather Gessey, and Andrew Waite. Based in Northumberland and the Scottish Borders, their music draws extensively on the traditions of those regions.
They came together as a trio in April 2008 whilst on tour in Spain with the Sage Gateshead's youth folk ensemble, Folkestra, and were finalists for the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award 2009.
Isambarde
“ISAMBARDE are a folk band with tremendous energy and enthusiasm. They are the unusual and winning combination of Chris's driving guitar, Emily's incisive fiddle playing and Jude's lyrical oboe coupled with great full on vocal harmonies. They play a great set and are an asset to any festival bill. Book 'em!!” PHIL BEER
“Driving acoustic guitar rythms woven together by silken melodies on oboe and fiddle.” CATH MUNDY and JAY TURNER
Peeping Tom
PEEPING TOM were described recently as a "veteran folk-rock band with all the riffs and reels, National Treasures all of them"! They have been performing continuously over the last thirty-seven years, playing all the major festivals and dance clubs. Considered by many to be the UK's favourite dance band they always produce a cracking dance. Peeping Tom have performed at many Warwick Folk Festivals since the very beginning and are pleased to be part of the 30th celebrations.
Catch Peeping Tom on Friday night with Phil Bassindale calling the dances at our ceilidh supporting WaterAid - feel free to come along in fancy dress in support of the Make a Splash! theme.
Steamchicken
A firm favourite at festivals and dance clubs Steamchicken is now established as one of the best and most in demand English Ceilidh bands.
A stomping, swinging, septet: jazz and blues brush shoulders with Playford and Sharp. Harmonica and mandolin lead, underpinned by bass, piano and drums and a free blowing three piece horn section. Echos of half forgotten times and forbidden pleasures; the Light Programme and Workers Playtime; the excitement of skiffle, R&B and jump bands; Doris Day with a bullwhip; half remembered TV themes and two way family favourites.
See Steamchicken on Sunday night with caller Gordon Potts.
Hekety
The Hekety sound is a fusion of English tradition with a wide range of influences (rock, klezmer, jazz, baroque... you name it), combining seamlessly to make an eminently danceable whole. Featuring strong melodies, rich harmonies and intricately woven improvisation from melodeon, fiddle and clarinet, alongside chunky, funky, driving rhythms from guitar, cittern and bass. Having firmly established themselves as festival favourites over the past decade, Hekety continue to add fresh ideas to the melting pot!
Rooted in tradition, but not confined by any of it... not only can they play 7 bells out of their instruments but it would be some night when the musos in this band weren't [some of] the best dancers in the room. And it shows. It really shows in everything they play. And the tunes 'rock'. In the folkiest way of course... Gordon Potts, caller, The Committee Band
See Hekety on Saturday night with caller Nick Walden
Sambassadors of Groove
Sambassadors of Groove are a Warwickshire-based 25-piece community Samba Band who play the kind of percussion rhythms that can be heard at Carnival time in Rio! They are therefore proud to present their interpretation of this style of Brazilian 'folk music'! This will be their third appearance at Warwick Folk Festival, where they take great pleasure in opening the free concert in the Market Place on Saturday night.
Formed in Leamington Spa in 1998, the Band have gone from strength to strength, playing all over the UK at such varied events as Sidmouth Folk Festival, the Fairport Convention "Fringe Festival" at Cropredy, Leamington Peace Festival, Newport and Kenilworth Carnivals, Hebden Bridge Music Festival, Atherstone "Dickens Night", Loughborough "Streets Fair", the "World in your Streets" festival in Coventry, as well as 'gigs' at Warwick, Leicester, Coventry, Nottingham and Northampton Universities. Later this year they have also been invited to join various German samba bands to perform at the Cologne Marathon! Wherever they play they delight audiences of all age groups with their Brazilian-style rhythms, and in their alternative guise as the "Leamington School of Samba" (or 'Bloco') they adhere passionately to the ethos of being part of the local community, accepting new members regardless of age, ability, race or gender."
Speake and Lowe
Malcolm Speake and Chris Lowe have been telling stories and singing songs for more years than they care to remember. They were both born just after the end of the Second World War in the Midland City of Birmingham in an eastern suburb called Bordesley Green. Fifty Years went by and they found a mutual interest in storytelling, both being members of the legendary Brumagem Blarney Storytelling Club. From there there was no stopping them and they went on to be both awarded the title of the Biggest Liar in Shropshire, though not in the same year. Malcolm and Chris appear in many settings including: Folk festivals, story festivals, arts festivals, story clubs, schools, residential homes, street entertainment festivals, homes for adults with learning difficulties, National Trust properties, Women's Institutes, village halls and homes for excluded or expelled pupils. Malcolm and Chris are not only justly famous for their stories but are also fine singers in their own right.
Chris Aronsten
Chris ia an Australian singer and multi-instrumentalist playing guitar, mandolin, fiddle, harmonica, spoons and stompbox. A typical solo performance includes original songs and selected covers played on the various instruments. He blends the songs with fiddle tunes, bluegrass flatpicking, and instrumentals on the mandolin, to build a dynamic and exciting performance.
In recent years Chris has performed with many well-known folk musicians from England and Ireland, including two Australian tours with Maddy Prior, Martin Carthy and Dave Swarbrick, Bert Janch, Christy Moore, Seamus Begley and Jim Murray, Lunasa and Fairport Convention.
Trí
Trí play fresh exciting tune sets from the Irish Dance tradition. Niamh adds expressive vocals to traditional and original songs and introduces Irish Step Dancing into their sets. Despite their ages they all have several years experience playing at Folk Clubs and Festivals; between them they have already played at Bedworth, Bideford, Brampton Live, Fylde, Sidmouth, Swanage and Warwick Festivals and have supported Isambarde, Kerfuffle, Niamh Parsons, Queensbury Rules, Ruth Notman and Spiers & Boden. Band members are All Ireland Fiddle Champion Ciaran Algar (Fiddle, Bodhran) Niamh Boadle (Vocals, Guitar, Whistle, Step Dance) Neal Pointon (Fiddle, Mandolin, Banjo).
GU4
Unaccompanied English traditional song from Pete Burnham, Miggy Campbell, Karen Harris and Bill Wilkes. Sine GU4 started singing together in late 2005 they have enjoyed performing at a variety of clubs and festivals and received much encouragement and praise. Performances typically embrace a wide variety, ranging from the gentle and sensitive love song to the raucous chorus. The songs are largely drawn from the tradition, but the repertoire also includes material from Peter Bellamy and contemporary writers such as Benny Graham, George Thomas and our own Miggy Campbell.
"Gorgeous harmony singing and plenty of opportunity for you to join in with them. Their infectious love of singing shines through like a beacon." - Paul Ryan, Black Diamond Folk Club
The Great Bonzo & Doris
An exclusive use of prop based comedy by this mad cap duo. Material visualized by Bonzo in his dreams and lovingly collected together over the last decade to form a menagerie of comedy.
Well what can we say! Thoroughly entertaining? Brilliant comedy? Pure Genius? Or down right rubbish? Life Defying. Seeing is believing.
Dr. Sunshine
Doctor Sunshine's Pavement Show was founded by Dave Hunt ("Doctor Sunshine") and the late Vic Baker ("Professor Wingnut") over thirty years ago. Since then we have entertained and made friends with thousands of children at hundreds of festivals, community events, birthday parties and in schools!
We specialise in audience involvement and participation….with lots of funny songs, rhymes, tongue twisters, stories and games .These can be Stage Shows but we prefer more informal settings. Lots of fun and laughter, along with some VERY silly songs ensure that everyone takes part and has a great time.
