The Vaselines were formed in Edinburgh in 1987 by singers/guitarists Eugene Kelly and Frances McKee, soon signing to Pastels frontman Stephen Pastel's newly formed 53rd 3rd label. Nirvana's Kurt Cobain regularly cited the Vaselines influence in interviews with the music press and Nirvana would go on to cover the Vaselines' Molly's Lips and Son of a Gun (both later compiled on their Incesticide collection) as well as perform Jesus Doesn't Want Me for a Sunbeam on their legendary MTV Unplugged appearance. Cobain's gospel-spreading no doubt accelerated their rise to cult sainthood, but the Vaselines would have gotten there sooner or later on their own accord. Lewd but nave and abrasive yet tender, the band's shambling, primitivist squall remains a perfect distillation of pop at its most guileless and euphoric.Eugene Kelly later went on to front Captain America / Eugenius, while McKee spent the better part of the decade out of sight, resurfaced in Suckle, and released a solo album in 2006. The Vaselines reunited proper in 2010 to record their second full album Sex With An X which was released on the Seattle label Sub Pop.This was followed by V for Vaselines in 2014. The Ramones inspired album featured many of the same players who helped make 'Sex.....', including Belle and Sebastian's Stevie Jackson, the 1990's Michael McGaughrin and Teenage Fanclub's Francis Macdonald.

Miki Berenyi Trio are Miki Berenyi on vocals/guitar (Lush), Kevin ‘Moose’ McKillop on guitar (Moose) and Oliver Cherer (Gilroy Mere, Aircooled). The three musicians first worked together during Piroshka’s 2021 tour. Miki and Kevin being founder members, Oliver coming in on bass to replace Mick Conroy (Modern English) who had moved to the US. When the global pandemic made touring impossible, Miki spent the lockdown months writing her memoir, Fingers Crossed, released in 2022 to widespread acclaim. To provide some musical accompaniment for the string of book events and signings, Miki Berenyi Trio was formed.

Naima Bock co-founded Goat Girl with friends at age 15, and after releasing their debut album on Rough Trade Records she left the band to explore other musical avenues. Her music now combines folk influenced songwriting with jazzy instrumentation, partially inspired by Naima's childhood growing up in Brazil.

Initially the Bluebells enjoyed a whirlwind career spanning the early 1980’s with a recording output including three U.K. hit singles. “I’m Falling”, “Cath” and “Young at Heart” made with a procession of producers including Elvis Costello who became a mentor and teacher to the band. Guitarist and ex-fanzine publisher Robert Hodgens (aka Bobby Bluebell) wrote instantly memorable classics in collaboration with the two McCluskey Brothers who completed the Bluebells' essential troika and Kenneth McCluskey sang them in a likably unaffected voice, making every track count. With the release of their debut album “Sisters” in 1984 on London Records, The Bluebells toured widely in Europe and North America developing their live sound and signing to Seymour Stein’s Sire records in the U.S.

With captivating musicianship and a sound that is unapologetically her own, Heather Ferrier is a force to be reckoned with. An “engaging talker and magnetic performer” (NARC magazine), the Stockport born accordionist, clog dancer and composer is changing the perceptions of alt-folk on her own terms. Her latest EP Engine for the Sound creates music that sets the accordion free from its stereotypes, and with an extended line-up of musicians, expresses everything Heather stands for using powerful melodies and jazz-influenced harmony. Bold, passionate and enthralling; the EP has been played on BBC Radio 6 music, and well as being favourably reviewed in local and national publications. When performing, Heather is now joined by guitarist Alasdair Paul (Pons Aelius, Jordan Aikin and Quercus) and drummer Adam Stapleford (Ponyland, Yes! Grasshopper). On stage, the trio perform music that is an explosion of groove and melody that embellishes Heather's signature alt-folk style. The combination of Ferrier, Paul and Stapleford's medley of influences and genre-bending collaborations transcends the limits of contemporary instrumental folk music, employing Heather's distinct compositional style to create a show with both emotive and upbeat moments. As well as her solo work, Heather collaborates in the North East with RŪNN, Jon Doran and the Northern Assembly and Jordan Aikin and Quercus.

It is the simple thing that is so hard to do. This is the paradox that musician Lael Neale has lived within throughout her development as an artist. It is the reason she became enthralled with poetry. Poems are a distillation.

Blair Dunlop, award-winning British singer-songwriter and guitarist, has now released 4 albums 2 ep’s and toured around the globe. All of this in a short 5-year career is astounding alone but what sets Blair apart from his peers is the lyrical and musical maturity with which he writes.

You supply the suggestions. They supply the laughs! Be prepared for an edge-of-your-seat improv comedy joyride from Newcastle’s hot-fast hilarians, The Suggestibles. Hold on, as their show is a speeding rollercoaster of spontaneous games, skits, sketches and songs, that’ll make you shake with laughter, topped off with their ingenious musical, ‘Aspects Of…’ that could entirely do you in.

Though they grew up half a world apart, multi-award-winning songwriters Catherine MacLellan (Prince Edward Island, Canada) and Lucy Farrell (Kent, England) connect through the quiet brilliance of their songcraft and the warm clarity of their delivery. Suspending time with their musical storytelling, Catherine and Lucy's songs journal the characters, landscapes and situations that populate their lives and the broader world, unravelling and reweaving the threads of history and tradition with the deftness and surety that has made such notable touring and recording artists, collaborators and festival stage guests.

Lowri is blessed with a voice capable of wide emotional power, her songs taking their musical colours from a broad palette that includes Americana, Folk, Country and Blues, all beautifully knitted together through her innate musicality and heartfelt delivery. Lee Mason's beautifully judged guitar playing and subtle harmonies have been integral to Lowri's music from the outset and together they have toured the USA, been playlisted on BBC Radio and regularly perform in venues across the UK and in festivals such as Cambridge Folk, Underneath the Stars, Celtic Connections, Wychwood Festival and Greenman Festival. Lowri has opened for Seth Lakeman, Glenn Tilbrook, Martin Simpson, Natalie Imbruglia, Cara Dillon, Steve Tilston and has co-written with Tom McRae, Henry Priestman, Sam Genders, Michele Stodart, Marry Waterson. She was invited to the Chris Difford songwriting retreat in 2018 that was also attended by songwriters such as Jim Lauderdale, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Nell Bryden and Judie Tzuke. She has released 7 albums and 5 EP's under her own name, collaborated with Tom McRae to release their critically acclaimed Only skin album in 2021 and released another collaboration album Tell me world with North Wales singer-songwriter Sera in 2023 under the band name Tapestri. 2024 saw Lowri joining Tom McRae on his 38 date Autumn tour around the UK, Europe and Ireland and 2025 will see Lowri officially releasing her self-titled mini album which was previously only available as a limited edition on the Tom McRae's 2024 tour.

For 22 years, The Hot Seats, have gained and burnished the reputation as the carriers of an important and overlooked tradition of American and international folk music social commentator, satirist, and entertainer. The Skillet Lickers, The Hoosier Hot Shots, Woodie Guthrie, Gus Cannon, Uncle Dave Macon, Frank Zappa these are pools in which The Hot Seats swim.Formed in 2002 by a group of like-minded friends for a weekly bar gig, the bands live shows quickly became well known for on stage antics, one-act plays, and Dada-esque humor, underpinned by a foundation in hard-driving bluegrass, old time, ragtime, jug blues, and early country music. Between 2005-2018, The Hot Seats toured extensively in the US and UK, performing in nearly the full spectrum of venue size and situation: living room to dive bar; square dance to theater). Some of their festival highlights include: Tnder Festival, The Richmond Folk Festival, Red Wing Roots, Celtic Connections, The Shetland Folk Festival, The Orkney Folk Festival, South By Southwest, Floyd Fest, Bristol Rhythm and Roots Festival, The Watermelon Park Festival, The Northeast Kingdom Music Festival, Didmarton Bluegrass Festival, Maverick Festival, HebCeltFest, Speyfest, Leicester Summer Sundae and multiple occasions Edinburgh Festival Fringe (including winning a Herald Angel Award in 2006).Since 2020, the bands original core of Ben Belcher (banjo, bass, fiddle), Josh Bearman (mandolin, banjo, guitar) and Jake Sellers (percussion bass) have been joined by Rudy Bee (fiddle, tuba, accordion, piano), JM Nobile (mandolin, guitar), and Charles Arthur (banjo, fiddle, resophonic guitar).

Midnight Rodeo + Guests Nottingham formed psychedelic art-pop quintet Midnight Rodeo broke out in 2022 with 3 singles on Brighton's Fat Cat Records, accompanied by a relentless touring schedule around the UK, with trips to Europe, two sold-out hometown shows and prodigious slots at festivals such as The Great Escape, Dot to Dot & Kendal Calling. Their sound is unique in its combination of a powerful groove laden rhythm section, alongside jangly guitars, theremin-esque synths, booming organs all held together with the ethereal, honeyed vocals of frontwoman Maddy Chamberlain. Krauty & latin-esque grooves are juxtaposed with powerful psych-pop garage floor-fillers, hypnotic and chaotic in equal measure. This is an 18+ event

Born and raised in Glasgow by two classical musicians, Chris studied piano and viola before taking up guitar, bass, and drums in his teens, eventually studying music composition at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. After graduating he began work on his first album, writing and recording everything from home. His Mercury nominated debut ‘Architect’ was released in 2015 and after a spell of touring the UK and Europe he returned to his home studio and began work on his Twilight Zone inspired second album ‘The Midnight Sun’ which was released in 2016 and shortlisted for Scottish Album of the Year. He supported Elbow on their UK and North American tour which led him to record his third album ‘Health’ at their studio in Salford with Craig Potter, which was released in 2019 and also shortlisted for Scottish Album of the Year. Chris signed to Bella Union and released his 4th album ‘Alluvium’ in 2022. Following this he produced records for Scottish harpist Gillian Fleetwood, and Downton Abbey actor Michael C. Fox, as well as writing music for documentaries and orchestral commissions. Chris’s new album ‘It’s Only A Love Song’ on Bella Union was recorded in his “new and improved” home studio and will be released in January 2025. He is also a keen artist and paints all his album artwork.

Ever been upstaged by the Taliban? Or had to talk your dog out of shagging a pigeon? Don't be fooled by the wholesome Canadian accent. As a potty-mouth with an obscene lack of boundaries, nothing is off limits for Katie-Rose. Dirty Btch is a shamelessly honest romp through the most outrageous recesses of Katie-Roses slightly unhinged brain from unpacking her Christian upbringing to contemplating murder. With rapid-fire storytelling, darkly hilarious detours into taboo subjects, and just enough filth to make you think twice about going with your parents, this show is equal parts irreverent and relatable. Katie-Rose Petley is a delightfully vulgar Canadian stand-up who cut her comedy teeth in Amsterdam before settling on the Kent coast. Shes a two-time Funny Women Awards longlistee who debuted her one-hour show Dirty Btch at last years Faversham Fringe to a sold-out audience. She is particularly fond of Englishmen well, two of them, at least her dad, for the UK passport, and her husband, for looking after their child while she unleashes her comedy on the unsuspecting people of Britain. Dark yet oddly wholesome. Lying in bed now, still thinking about your vaginaand disturbingly, the Taliban.

Being a woman! Being over 40! Sex! Kath has found the solution to these problems. Yoga! Based on three yoga self-help books from the 1960s. You don't have to be a woman, you don't have to be over 40 and you don't even have to be sexual. Watch as Kath delves into the Kama Sutra, discovers what 'the four types of women' smell of and almost does some yoga.

Award-winning character comedian Lorna Rose Treen has made a diner. She's inviting you in for an hour of characters, nonsense and a working grill. (Now with no working grill!) Afterwards, you'll say to your neighbour, 'I'll have what she's having!' Lorna's critically acclaimed debut show sold out in a week. Dave's Funniest Joke of the Fringe 2023. Creator/star of Radio 4's Time of the Week. Telegraph Top 5 Comedy Shows 2023. Directed by Jonathan Oldfield.

Susie McCabe (Best Scottish Headliner and Best Solo Show in the 2019 Scottish Comedy Awards, and fastest-selling Glasgow Comedy Festival act for three years running) returns with a hilarious work-in-progress show. Revel in McCabes raconteur style and razor-sharp punchlines in this hilarious show as she recounts the absurdities of her life; shes a shamble and never far from disaster. Playing to ever-increasing sold-out audiences, and as seen on Have I Got News For You and Frankie Boyle's New World Order, Susie is fast becoming one of the hottest tickets in the UK.

AEG Presents The comedian behind Knee Deep In Life is known as Laura Belbin, she's the perfect tonic in a world of perceived perfection and filtered happiness. She says the things everyone is thinking but doesn't dare to say. Her comedy is for those who chase the raw, filthy and honest truth about how life can really be; and that with empowerment comes unity. She's taking to the stage with her brand-new show with one question: is there such a thing as too much?

Howay the Lasses is an internationally toured, critically acclaimed music and storytelling project led by Annie Ball, Gareth Davies-Jones, Bronwen Davies-Jones and Katie Tertell, celebrating the lives and legacies of remarkable women from the North East. Their show is a fresh and dynamic take on folk traditions, weaving together original music, historical narratives and fascinating stories. Past performances include the Glasshouse (formerly Sage) Gateshead, St Jamess Park football stadium, live BBC radio and TV, and most recently a sell-out show at the Gibside Estate for International Womens Day. Annie, a multi instrumentalist, vocalist and composer with classical and folk roots, and Bronwen, a seasoned folk singer-songwriter, are joined by special guest musician Bevan Morris on bass and guitar. Whether youre new to folk music or a seasoned fan, this show offers powerful songs, stirring stories, and heartfelt performances. ...a moving paean to the lives of women from the North-East of England, from the fted to the altogether more obscure.. ear-catching three-part vocal harmonies.. an uplifting foot-tapping delight. Songlines Magazine (4 Stars) Blows struck and awareness raised, Howay The Lasses adds another keystone to the North East musical legacy. At The Barrier Howay the Lasses gives a new life to these sometimes unsung heroines, scientists, artists and social reformers who have reshaped our society by their example. An intriguing concept album to savour Bright Young Folk

4 comedians x 15 mins each No Worries If Not - a mixed bill of sharp, strange and silly women - ( yes - we know - a full hour of women in comedy, how daring ). Dearest Esteemed Audience, You are cordially invited to join us for an hour of most ladylike stand-up comedy, featuring four wholly unique and questionably well-behaved women; Alex Redman; Kelly Rickard; Kelly Edgar and Kerris Gibson. Each of us suffers from the chronic affliction of being too nice when wed much rather scream into a bin (or at a man, or at a man in a bin). In our show, we attempt to please through sets that are deeply individual and unfiltered. Expect unsolicited opinions, joyful chaos and the kind of honest oversharing that might make a Victorian faint. We smile sweetly, spiral gracefully and swear politely. Your presence is highly anticipated and lowly apologised for. Do be there, if thats ok with you. Kindest regards, The Ladies of No Worries if Not Alex Redman - Delivering delightfully daft observations that are clever, silly and a little bit spicy, Alex Redman is a Beat the Frog World Series Finalist and a rising star of the UK comedy scene. Kelly Rickard - Kelly Rickard is an award-winning comedian who is widely regarded as having huge stardom within her grasp. She began her Stand Up journey three years ago, winning a New Act competition on her third gig and has since supported Louise Young, Lauren Pattison, Jake Lambert and Carl Hutchinson. Kelly Edgar - Kelly Edgar is an emerging comic oddball with a talent for outlandish storytelling and a penchant for trouble. She is a regular panellist on the Newcastle Stands Nerds Just Wanna Have Fun live show. Kerris Gibson - Kerris Gibson is like a cinnamon bun that's been dropped many times (and that one weirdo would eat). She uses her standup material for therapy and her therapy session notes for standup. Twice Felt Nowt New Act of the Year Finalist, Kerris is also an improviser (Spontaneous Wrecks) and has had sketches showcased at Sunderland Film Festival and BBC Radio Newcastle.