Now resident in Scotland, the respected Geordie songwriter performs with his band The Daintees. For Martin Stephenson, it’s not a career, it’s a lifetime calling, and his restless troubadour spirit has now amassed an extraordinary catalogue of 40 albums.

Nominated for Musician of the Year and for Best Album with Vagrant Stanzas at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2014, Martin's shows are intense, eclectic, spellbinding and deeply moving. There is no doubt that after 35 years as a professional musician Martin is better than ever. Widely acknowledged as one of the finest acoustic and slide guitar players in the world, his interpretations of traditional songs are masterpieces of storytelling. Martin has been nominated an astounding 31 times in the 15 years of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards -- more than any other performer -- with 12 nominations for Musician of The Year, which he has won twice. 2008 saw an incredible five nominations for 'Prodigal Son' and two wins, whilst in 2010 he had an unprecedented six nominations for his CD, True Stories and a win for Best Traditional Track, 'Sir Patrick Spens'. Whether playing American old-time music, blues, a Dylan song or his own material, Martin Simpson is unpredictable, individual and a guitarist of immense subtlety.

The singer-songwriter performs his original material. Rolling Stone once declared Peter Bruntnell to be, “one of England's best kept musical secrets”. England has successfully managed to keep Peter Bruntnell a secret for all this time, even from itself. “Maybe this will be the album to finally give him the worldwide superstar recognition he deserves!”, enthused every other Peter Bruntnell album review from the last 20+ years, with an admirably unwavering optimism. “If we lived in a just world, Peter Bruntnell would by now be in the middle of his third or fourth global arena tour, his biggest worry working out how to courier his latest armful of Grammy awards back to the UK so his butler could have them installed in the west wing of mansion by the time he got home,” said a feature in The Guardian in 2016, intent on letting the cat out of the bag, but failing miserably. Needless to say, we don’t live in a just world and Peter Bruntnell is still having to get by without a butler. Rolling Stone once declared Peter Bruntnell to be, “one of England's best kept musical secrets”. England has successfully managed to keep Peter Bruntnell a secret for all this time, even from itself. “Maybe this will be the album to finally give him the worldwide superstar recognition he deserves!”, enthused every other Peter Bruntnell album review from the last 20+ years, with an admirably unwavering optimism. “If we lived in a just world, Peter Bruntnell would by now be in the middle of his third or fourth global arena tour, his biggest worry working out how to courier his latest armful of Grammy awards back to the UK so his butler could have them installed in the west wing of mansion by the time he got home,” said a feature in The Guardian in 2016, intent on letting the cat out of the bag, but failing miserably. Needless to say, we don’t live in a just world and Peter Bruntnell is still having to get by without a butler. Not even 2021’s primarily solo, slightly synthy lockdown album Journey To The Sun succeeded in putting an end to Peter's non-success, despite Mojo echoing the plea that, “Somehow, some way, this cult and infinitely class songwriter must get his due wider recognition”. The Scottish Daily Express with its 5 star review, slightly frustrated, said, or perhaps yelled, “I’m getting tired of saying this: He’s brilliant”. The Irish Times thoughtfully combined two quotes into one, saving us the trouble of going back and getting crushed under the sheer weight of Peter’s archive of press quotes: “With Journey To The Sun, the man whose songs NME once noted should be placed on school curriculums has done it again.” And he continues to do so. Peter’s forthcoming new album, Houdini And The Sucker Punch will do little to dispel this fantasy of world domination, but it remains unlikely to become in any way a reality. He will remain the secret singer-songwriter, lauded by the likes of Rumer, Son Volt/Uncle Tupelo's Jay Farrar, Kathleen Edwards, Richmond Fontaine/The Delines' Willy Vlautin, Kurt Wagner of Lampchop and various members of R.E.M.

Track Dogs have been sweeping the UK summer festival scene leaving behind a dancing army of new fans in every port. Based in Madrid Track Dogs comprise of two Irish men, an English man and an American who have come together and blur the lines of genres so beautifully to create something so unique that on paper just shouldn't work,.but OH BOY does it ever. Delivered with stunning 4 part harmonies to accompany guitar, bass, banjo, mandolin, uke and a trumpet Track Dogs are a force of nature with a style unto themselves. The infectious latino beats merge in seamlessly into americana, folk and a sprinkle of bluegrass that your couldn't stop your body moving to if your life depended on it. Join us for an evening fiesta you will be talking about long after stage lights go out.

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.

Polish trio Kroke (Yiddish for Kraków) perform a 'best of' the band’s most popular songs from a stunning 30-year career. Formed in 1992 by three graduates of the Academy of Music in Krakow, Kroke were initially associated with klezmer music with strong Balkan influences. Nowadays heavily influenced by jazz, contemporary and ethnic music imbued with their own stunning improvisations, the trio have honed a totally unique style which has attracted attention from renowned artists and audiences the world over, including Nigel Kennedy, Steven Spielberg and Peter Gabriel.

Sweet soulful music from a remarkable band with a remarkable front man. Andy Fairweather Low shot to fame as lead singer in Amen Corner singing massive hits like Bend Me Shape Me, Hello Suzy and (If Paradise is Half As Nice. A hugely successful solo career followed with Wide Eyed And Legless being the biggest international hit from his three solo albums. One of the most respected musicians in the world, Andy has played guitar with more legendary artists than most people can name; Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, The Band, Roger Waters… and hundreds more. Andy now tours the world together with his band: Ian Jennings (bass and vocals); Paul Beavis (drums); Nick Pentelow (sax and clarinet); and Richard Milner (organ).

One of the most lauded singer-songwriters of her generation, Dar Williams has been captivating audiences with her sheer elegance and honesty in her folk-pop songwriting since the early '90s. As documented on her last album, the 2012 In The Time Of Gods,, Williams’ growth as an individual over her almost two-decade-long career has gone hand-in-hand with her evolution as an artist. She has toured with such distinguished artists as Joan Baez, Patty Griffin, Ani DiFranco, and Shawn Colvin. Lucy Wainwright Roche opens the show. "Dar Williams, one of America's very best singer-songwriters… Her songs are beautiful. Some are like finely crafted short stories. They are, variously, devastatingly moving, tenderly funny, subtle without being in any way inaccessible, and utterly fresh—not a cliché or a clunker in her entire songbook." -The New Yorker "Known for her lyrical, evocative songwriting and singing…Ms. Williams has been a leading figure in the folk-rock world for nearly 20 years." -Wall Street Journal "Seasons change, but Williams remains both ambitious and pleasingly plainspoken." -Rolling Stone "A new generation of pop-folk enthusiasts lauds her as one of the genre's central figures." -Paste "One of our most thoughtful singer-songwriters." -New York Daily News

Out Of Spite x Mek Summat presents - A whole day of punk, in the sunny climes of Saltaire, on a bank holiday weekend ! A lineup that you'd be hard pushed to beat, honestly, just looksee ! Basically everyone we asked in a bout of optimism said 'yes'. It's the dream! What more could you want?! Oh wait, how about vegan food, art and guaranteed good times? We got all that too. Don't snooze on this. It's going to be a belter. Up the punx ! BANDS : Martha / Thank / Slash Fiction / Goo / Onlooker / Fashion Tips / Weekend Faithful / The Magnificent / Hidden Youth / ART : North or Nowt FOOD : Il Pirata Pizzata / Everything Plantbase

Yardfest Jazz and Pleasure Grounds Present

At the forefront of the UK’s world and roots music scene matching fiery intensity with exquisite finesse.

From the formative origins of a small mill town in Maine and now long-time resident of Nashville, Rod Picott has generated a loyal cult audience across the U.S. and Europe. He is a wordsmith that needs to be heard. His tours continue to receive rave reviews for his songwriting skills, his darkly humorous and compelling live performances.

ITV Tour de France commentator Matt Rendell shares stories from his 25 years' covering the Tour - and his dealings with cycling's big names from Eddy Merckx to Bradley Wiggins, Mark Cavendish to Chris Froome. In a revealing and entertaining night for cycling fans new and old, Matt brings a mix of first-hand experiences of the biggest races on the calendar, bizarre/hilarious personal tales and thought-provoking ideas about the future (and history) of the sport. Matt Rendell will be in conversation with former Procycling magazine writer Duncan Steer. There will be a chance to ask your own questions.

Endless Hum & Mek Summat Saturday 28th June Were excited to announce our first ever collaboration with local legends Meksummat; renowned for hosting a plethora of gigs, markets and general fun stuff, supporting local artists and performers. This year were doing things a little differently. Well have all of the usual live projections, merchandise, craft ale on tap, food vendors and record stalls but this time its taking place at everyone's favourite time capsule, the Caroline Street Social, Saltaire. PERFORMING : Demdike Stare / Nik Colk Void / Gum Takes Tooth / The Eurosuite / Sweet Williams / REALITY / Video Evidence

With her impeccably tuned voice and crafted songs, Boston singer-songwriter Alice Howe is at once timeless, personal and universal. Alice's musical sensibility draws comparisons with the pure distilled sounds of Joan Baez and Joni Mitchell. Alice will be accompanied by the world renowned bassist and acoustic guitarist Daniel Friedberg (Freebo), who has played with Bonnie Raitt, Neil Young and Loudon Wainwright, among others. As for Alice, her voice is as beautiful as a bell, classic in that Joan Baez way - transporting and wistful, her vocal mastery and musicality are beyond her years and her songs stay in your head for days.

From The Mississippi Delta - Bronwynne Brent (Trio format) Female Vocalist of The Year - AmericanaUK A Peggy Lee-like groove" - The Daily Express "Absolutely gorgeous - really special!" - Bob Harris, BBC Spilling the tea of love and reading the leaves has been the leitmotif of Bronwynne Brent’s work for nearly a decade. “I know,” she sighs, folding into a southern drawl, “it’s not like I sit down and try to write love songs, but what else is more important than love?” Lauded by American Songwriter Magazine as “captivating”, Brent’s last release, Stardust, saw her voted Female Performer of the Year twice in a row by Americana UK and called up for television and radio appearances on the BBC. For her latest album, Undercover, the Greenville, Mississippi, native setup shop at Brooklyn’s legendary Daptone Studios. Conjured up with trusted collaborator and producer Johnny Sangster, Undercover is a deep Southern roux, combining simple elements of folk, blues, and jazz into a complex and flavorful brew of truth-imbued Americana. A multi-instrumentalist, industry veteran behind albums for Maggie Bjorklund and Mudhoney, Sangster brought in Mikey Post (drums) and Benny Trokan (bass) to fill out her sound. In an unlikely combination with Sangster, Post and Trokan, better known as the runaway engine rhythm section behind the 60s revivalist garage-pop of Reigning Sound, lay a thick, soulful foundation for Brent’s folk songs. The result recalls the soul-burners of 1960s Muscle Shoals and country-folk stingers like Bobbie Gentry’s Ode To Billie Joe. “I Know It’s Late” introduces Brent’s deep, soothing voice, and the band’s driving chops, while she sings “I can’t quit a good thing, before my good thing goes bad, everybody knows a good thing when they see it, good things don’t last”. She bookends the album with the empowering “I Walked Away”, declaring “I walked away, I don’t regret a single word I said,’’ singing vertiginous high notes over a brain-jangling guitar break and in-pocket backbeat. Undercover sees the once reclusive folk singer from the deep south becoming a bandleader and blues balladeer. Using her world of experience to poke out small town prying eyes amid a groovy, organ heavy title track, she’s positively funky lamenting old habits on “Walking Relapse.” On a bluesy cover of Chuck Willis’ “Whatcha Gonna Do When Your Baby Leaves You”, Brent celebrates the forward-looking 1950’s artists patented rock ‘n’ stroll. Her interpretation of Belgian crooner Jacques Brel’s “If You Go Away” matches the emotional complexity and sardonic intensity that made Brel himself famous. She discovered the track listening to Nina Simone records, and brought in another frequent collaborator, cellist Barb Hunter, to arrange strings into a symphony strong enough to make it a James Bond theme. Brent’s deftness for inhabiting the perspective of a wronged lover makes her voice extra poignant on her songs about trauma bonds. “I don’t play the blues,” says Brent, “but I’m definitely singin’ ‘em!” Helmed by Brent’s singular, bold, alchemical voice, Undercover is a ferocious amalgam of American roots music, at once devastating and empowering. It’s Bronwynne Brent’s best recording, made at a studio famous for its soul, by a band known for revitalizing rock ‘n’ roll.

Must-see, not only for any Adele fans, but also anyone wishing to enjoy an evening of hit-packed entertainment. Natalie's unrivalled likeness in both vocal quality and appearance will make this a night to remember. Natalie's meticulously crafted resemblance has resulted in many screen appearances, including a cameo role in the 2020 hit film Greed, alongside Steve Coogan; ITV's This Morning, and the video for the Christmas No1 by LadBaby. So, come and see what all the fuss is about, and get involved in a night of pure fun and entertainment not to be missed.

Taking inspiration from their roots in the Irish and English traditions, Flook have an enviable trademark sound, weaving and spinning traditionally rooted tunes over precise acoustic grooves, with a rare blend of fiery technical brilliance, delicate ensemble interaction and a bold, adventurous musical imagination. There is certainly no shortage of virtuosity amongst the members of Flook, but the unique impact of this band stems from the wholly intuitive, almost symbiotic, exchange between the various flutes, frets and skins.

Much lauded US singer-songwriter Courtney Marie Andrews will be joining Melting Vinyl/Quarterhouse for this very intimate special headline show. After more than a decade on the road, the Phoenix-born songwriter, poet, and painter finally had the space to process all the highs and lows of a life of constants. She was finally ready to make a record of triumph, while not completely forgetting the years that made her.That record is her last album Loose Future. Her early pursuits led to her playing in punk bands in high school before becoming a touring member of Jimmy Eat World at just 18 years old, and from there Courtney went on to release a series of acclaimed albums. She garnered her first GRAMMY® Award nomination in the category of “Best Americana Album” for 2020's "Old Flowers’’. Meanwhile, the record closed out 2020 on year-end lists from Good Morning America, Magnet, and Uncut. This is an 18+ event.

MEK SUMMAT MOSH DISCO May 30th, 8/11.30pm Noisy music from a variety of genres, pints of Jagermeister, lovely people pretending to be miscreants. Its time to fucking BREAK STUFF ! not at Caroline St though, its too delightfully retro for that behaviour.

Innovator, award winning, multi-instrumentalist Malin Lewis marries West coast groove with a newly invented, self-made bagpipe alongside stars Sally Simpson (Fiddle) and Ali Hutton (Guitar). Malin will perform tracks from their SAY Award nominated album Halocline as well as several brand new pieces inspired by the flora and fauna of the Highlands. Malin's unique timbre is born from the deep connection that comes from making and composing for their own instrument. Their one of a kind two-octave Smallpipe creates a whole new world of sound, captivating audiences at every opportunity.