Jon Doran & The Northern Assembly are a groundbreaking new collaboration who seek to capture the excitement that lies within traditional song. The trio aims to breathe new life into old stories from across the British Isles, injecting the energy they feel these narratives deserve. With striking vocals from Jon Doran (BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award Finalist 2019), combined with the virtuosic playing of Jordan Aikin ("trailblazer - Calum MacCrimmon, Breabach), and Heather Ferrier ("accordion virtuoso Tom Robinson), the trio perform songs that create a cohesive musical framework with intricately layered arrangements, each song from the traditional folk canon unfolding a vivid drama (Folk London). Their eponymous debut EP, released in 2024, gained an overwhelming amount of positive feedback and secured airplay on shows such as BBC Radio 2, BBC Introducing North East, and BBC Radio Lincolnshire. Filled to the brim with energy, excitement and a lust for life (TradFolk), the trio move away from a conventional folk-song performance style and lean heavily upon their varied musical upbringings and experiences to conjure emotions and communicate a story far deeper than the words of the song. They blur the lines between two contrasting sides of the folk genre - the bright, vibrant energy of contemporary instrumental folk music, and the intensity of traditional storytelling songs. KLOF describe their songs as overflowing with ideas for the production of imaginative, entertaining music. Louise & Chris Rogan are an award winning daughter and father Folk Duo. Described as having a pure and soaring voice, Louise plays the piano and is a singer of the highest quality. Chris adds tastefully gentle and subtle guitar and backing vocals. Whether in the intimate surroundings of a Folk Club or the grand setting of a Festival's main stage, Louise and Chris have a relaxed and engaging manner with their audiences and are regularly invited back - the greatest of all compliments. Theyre certain to sound very special in the church setting! Flawless performers - With his guitar and vocals added to Louise's piano and wonderful vocal, the pairing is one which sits so easily with one another, Tim Fox, FATEA Magazine. This gig is part of Otley Music Festival 2025 and superb support will come from 3 highly regarded local acts: Hazjak are Yorkshire duo Steve Chapman Smith and Lynne O'Malley, both well known and respected musicians on the Northern acoustic scene. Together they play an eclectic style of Roots, Americana and Folk music. Chris (CJ) Smith has been a popular and respected rock and blues musician across West Yorkshire for six decades. As an art student at Ealing Art College in the late sixties, he played in a band called Smile with Brian May and Roger Taylor, and wrote songs with Frederick Bulsara. He became Freddie Mercury - and Smile became Queen. For Otley Music Festival Chris will be performing a set of acoustic songs, accompanied by Matt Evens on piano. Malcolm Connell is a respected Otley-based singer/songwriter in the folk tradition. Malcolm has a superb voice.

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 have garnered a loyal following thanks to their impressive live performances and critically acclaimed debut album, When All Is Still (2018). Uncharted, the long awaited new album from Rachael McShane & The Cartographers is due to be released in Spring 2025 and features the exceptional talents of guitarist Ian Stephenson (Kan, Baltic Crossing), and melodeon player Julian Sutton (Kathryn Tickell, Sting). Andy May (Andy May Trio, Jez, Lowe) joins them for a few numbers on piano and a host of friends from the folk scene add backing vocals along the way. Their music is a powerful blend of traditional folk and contemporary sounds, with Rachael's stunning voice and instrumental skills leading the line. https://rachaelmcshane.co.uk/ This gig is part of Otley Music Festival 2025 and superb support will come from 3 of Otley's finest acoustic acts: The Fabulous Mustard Brothers are Nick Wood, Richard Currie and Rory McLeish. They play wonderful original songs about the vicissitudes of modern life and the weather. The Silver Reserve is the stage name for brilliant singer/songwriter Matthew Sturgess who writes Beautiful, fragmentary songs which slowly dismantle you. (Seamus Fogarty). Jon Budworth and Hill View are a folk trio comprising Jon Budworth, Richard Currie and Mags Elliott. Jon is a brilliant guitarist and singer/songwriter from Lancashire who has made Otley his home. Jon has a captivating stage presence and a soulful voice that resonates with audiences. His music transcends boundaries, weaving together heartfelt lyrics and intricate guitar arrangements that touch the hearts of listeners.