The Julie July Band Acoustic present an evening of original songs and classic folk-rock favourites. With over eight years experience performing at festivals, arts centres and theatres across the UK and Europe, the band blend timeless British folk influences with their own original songwriting music that feels both contemporary and rooted in tradition. Stripped back for an intimate setting, the acoustic line-up shines a light on the band's songwriting craft and rich harmonies. Their performances feature powerful vocals, soulful arrangements and skilled musicianship, engaging audiences from the first note to the last. Expect favourites from their acclaimed albums Lady of the First Light, Wonderland and Flight of Fancy, alongside a sprinkling of carefully chosen classics. Critics and audiences alike have praised the band: A vocal tour de force evocative and melodic. (R2 Magazine). Beautiful songs, beautifully performed. (Festival Flyer). Incredible musicianship and stage presence had the audience spellbound. (Shrewsbury Folk Festival review). Absolutely fantastic night one of the best folk-rock bands around. (Audience reviews) Whether in concert halls, festivals, or bijou venues, the Julie July Band continue to win hearts with their warmth, passion and the sheer joy they bring to live performance.

Jess Silk and Matt Johnson are joining forces once again in April 2026 to bring The Dashboard Jesus Tour to venues across the country. Reflected in their words, both solo acoustic artists wear their hearts proudly on their sleeves, singing songs about the state of the world while also trying to offer a glimmer of hope in dark times. Jess Silk is a guitarist, singer and songwriter from the Black Country. Her shouty but melodic brand of folk/punk music gets people sitting up and listening. Armed only with an increasingly sticker-covered acoustic guitar, lyrics right from the heart and a distinctive, powerful voice that many don't expect, Jess plays to audiences up and down the UK and has shared stages with many well known names among the folk/punk scene. Matt Johnson is a Midlands based singer/songwriter who really wears his heart upon his sleeve, his emotive performances completely captivating his audience. His lyrics cover the whole remit of life, from the love of his family through to the persecution of our wildlife, and he means every word. He has a fantastic ear for melody and builds a hook into every song that has the audience singing back at him by the second chorus

Ruth Notman is a folk singer/songwriter from Nottingham who is, most notably, known for being one of the leading nu-folk revivalists in the late 00's who bridged folk music into the 21st Century and plugged it into a mainstream audience. Ruth first rocketed into the consciousness of the wider music scene in 2007, at 18 years old, with her debut album Threads. Notman's unique voice coupled with her novel and vibrant interpretation of folk songs garnered her overnight national critical acclaim and media attention seldom seen by a small independent release. Threads also gained Notman support from luminaries such as BBC Radio 2's Bob Harris, Kate Rusby and Mike Harding to name a few. Ruth further cemented her musical stature and identity with extensive touring and the release of her second album, The Life of Lilly (2009), which enjoyed similar accolades to her debut. In 2015, Notman was invited to join the impressive collaborative artist roster of the Evamore project where her studio contributions and stunning vocal compositions attracted the late Sinead OConnor. The song One More Yard was released in 2019 and featured Ronnie Wood, Nick Mason and Imelda May. Notman teamed up with BBC Radio 2 Folk Award-winning artist Sam Kelly in 2019 to record their album Changeable Heart with Kate Rusby's label, Pure Records. Now, 16 years after her second album, Ruth is preparing to record, what must surely be, the most eagerly awaited album in British folk music.

Dani Larkin is a songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist currently based in Belfast. Her debut album, Notes For A Maiden Warrior (2021), received widespread critical acclaim and catapulted Larkin to the international stage with performances at SXSW and WOMEX as well as tours with Snow Patrol, Lisa O'Neill, Glen Hansard, and Rufus Wainright. Larkin has since collaborated with the Ulster Orchestra and RT Concert Orchestra and released Walking With Natives (2023) which saw her tour Australia, Korea, Finland, Canada, Ireland, the UK and a run of sold out shows at the Irish Arts Centre NYC. With television appearances on BBC 1, Virgin Media Ireland's Fanning At Whelans, Canada's CTV, alongside radio performances on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour and RT Radio 1, Larkin has accompanied her songwriting prowess with insights into story and song taking the listener on a pathway to the beyond. With a profound performance at the RT Folk Awards coupled with her tours in Europe, Australia, Asia and North America, Larkin has been heralded as a must-see live performer on the national and international stage. Described as a beguiling and powerful, songwriter and virtuoso guitarist (Songlines Magazine) Larkins live performances enrapture audiences within a seamlessly woven narrative within carefully considered sonic landscape.

Northern Resonance is the Scandinavian string trio that takes newly composed folk music into enormous soundscapes. With their previously untested combination of instruments; Anna Ekborg Hans-Ers (Viola Damore) Petrus Dillner (Nyckelharpa) Jerker JJ Hans-Ers (Hardanger Fiddle) they let Scandinavian music meet explosive rhythms and grand chamber-like arrangements that takes folk music in a new direction. All members are highly skilled and accomplished musicians, rooted in traditional music. With an intense musical connection that is rare to come across, they invite you into their world of compositions. There is great life in their tunes, and the trio knows how to bring it out. With their debut album which was released in the autumn of 2020, Northern Resonance have already established themselves with a glorious sound. The album was nominated for a Swedish Grammy and they recently released their second album Vision of Three. During 2024 the trio are performing in Australia, Chile, Colombia, Germany, USA, Canada, England and Scotland, all under the name Vision Tour 2024. With their close interplay, the trio moves effortlessly outside the soundscape of the tradition but moves just as easily within it. (Lira Music Magazine). With several beautifully crafted and decorated instruments on stage, this band is a visual treat as well as a feast for the ears. (FolkWorld Magazine). Old is new, and new is old; Northern Resonance combines the two on Vision of Three, touching on sounds rarely heard, contextualizing them with instruments made new in the remarkable hands of these musicians. It is joy unbound. (KLOF Mag). Northern Resonance moves freely within the music. They create nice and expressive arrangements in a classical style with a modern sound. (RFoD).

Rory Mcleod - ex-circus clown and fire eater. A one man soulband, poet and storyteller, singing his own unique upbeat dance stories. A modern travelling troubadour using tap shoes, acappella, harmonica, guitar, trombone, spoons, finger cymbals, bandorea, djembe and various percussion instruments!

Holly Clarke, a singer who draws from the old ballads and stories, conjures a performance that immediately captivates any listener. As a performer, Holly transports the listener into the heart of ballads, immersing them in the narratives that have shaped humanities experience through time. From songs of the supernatural and folklore, to the tales of love and loss, Holly Clarke sings with an infectious energy and passion for traditional song. Rising in popularity among folk audiences and performing with the likes of Nancy Kerr and James Fagan, Daoiri Farrell and Queer Folk, Holly Clarke has made a name for herself as a powerful singer and accomplished guitar player. Performing at festivals and venues such as The Glasshouse International Centre For Music, Sidmouth Folk Festival, Bromyard Folk Festival, Tiree Music Festival, The Fire Station Sunderland and many, many more. Alongside Holly’s affinity for traditional ballads, she is a strong composer in her own right, with her tune compositions being performed by Norwegian Hardanger Fiddle legend Annbjørg Lien and Shetland’s very own Catriona Macdonald. Outside of performing, between 2019 to 2020 Holly was The Glasshouse International Centre for music’s Artist in Residence specialising in traditional folk song and ballads. As well as performing solo, Holly has a duo with George Sansome (Granny’s Attic), The powerhouse band RE:VULVA (Amy Thatcher, Janice Burns, Cathy Geldard) and also gigs with the trio Holly and the Reivers, featuring Newcastle based musicians Bertie Armstrong (banjo and voice) and Merle Harbron (fiddle and voice), with whom she supported the legendary Billy Bragg at Folk on the Tyne Festival.

A natural storyteller, Ben de la Cours visceral songwriting grabs you by the heart and doesnt let go. Weaving evocative stories of desperate characters with his signature Americanoir sound, de la Cour shines a glaring light on the human condition. His latest release, New Roses, received from MOJO and was named Album of the Month. While Bens previous album Sweet Anhedonia felt like the American heartland witnessed through the window of a car going 80mph (American Songwriter), New Roses feels like being stuffed into the trunk and driven into an imploding star. The record is a singular and personal vision, with de la Cour playing nearly every instrument and delivering his strongest vocal performance yet. The result is a razor-sharp album full of what he calls night songs haunting, impactful songs that feel like the witching hour. In a collection of songs filled with juxtaposition and duality, de la Cour balances doom and optimism, seeking out kernels of hope in the darkness.

Sensational guitar playing, evocative singing, and unforgettable storytelling. The brothers Brendan and Declan Murphy give an uplifting account of their early life growing up on the Irish border during the Troubles. The show draws on their latest albums Crescent Nights and Sugar Island as well as a selection of their Irish hits which span over 30 years beginning with their award-winning debut Songs For The Tempted. '"Sales of growing up that perfectly capture the dark times" ★★★★(Daily Express). "Rather special" ★★★★ (Acoustic Magazine). "Border boys in troubled times. Pop/folk .of the highest order" ★★★★ (Irish Times).

Kent born songstress Sorrel Nation brings a soulful mix of folk rock, with powerful vocals and haunting melodies. Sorrel engages audiences with emotive lyrics, ’70s inspired style and is known for impressive covers of Gillian Welch, Fleetwood Mac and Portishead. She has performed at well-known music venues across London and the South East, supporting folk legends such as Dave Swarbrick, Martin Carthy, Madison Violet, Gemma Hayes and rock legend Tom Hingley. And yes…Sorrel Nation is her real name.

Birdbrother is a duo comprising singer songwriter Philip Stapley on guitar and his musical partner Paul Beadle, an accomplished multi-instrumentalist and vocalist who has been a troubadour of the local folk scene for four decades with 'Whiteleaved Oak', 'Splatt' and 'Journeyman'). While Philip's etheric soothing tones transport the listener to distant melancholic realms, Paul enchants with his energetic and unique performance playing flute, percussion, guitar and mandolin. Birdbrother play all original songs of love, life and spirituality, which paint a romantic, inspiring, optimistic, thought-provoking, yet sometimes melancholic picture. Their brand of psychedelic, dream-weaving has been compared to that of Nick Drake, Donovan and John Martyn and undoubtedly has its roots in 60's/70's progressive, acoustic folk. Birdbrother formed originally as a Sussex based duo in 2011 with Kris Lamba and recorded their album 'Peace to the Wanderer'. In 2015 Philip relocated to the Shropshire hills and began the next iteration alongside Paul from Stourbridge, and the Birdbrother journey continues. They have just completed their highly anticipated album Counting on the Sun which can be found on Spotify, Bandcamp and other platforms or on CD.

The Marrakesh Express are John Butler, Rick Wilson, and Adam Ellis. Together these three great voices deliver a note perfect performance of some of the finest harmony singing in all music. Telling the story of the formation of this super-group and including songs from The Hollies, The Byrds and Buffalo Springfield, the band take the audience back to a time of protest, revolution, dropping out, and making great music. This is the only show of its kind, and a truly brilliant night's entertainment. If there are any better bands than this in Britain today I'd like to hear them. (The Evening Standard) It's probably blasphemous to say this, but I think I prefer them to the original!(Brett, Owner of Kitchen Garden Café)

Eleanor McEvoy has been exposed to music from a very early age with a musical upbringing playing the piano, violin and performing on stage with her older siblings. Eleanor graduated in music from Trinity in Dublin and set out to pay her way through life as a musician writing her own songs while waiting for the opportunity to branch out on her own. Eleanor spent four years in Ireland’s National Symphony Orchestra (NSO), she recorded studio sessions as a singer, fiddle and keyboard player and joined Irish diva Mary Black’s touring band. Embarking on full time song-writing she’s co-written with Rodney Crowell, Lloyd Cole, Henry (The Christians) Priestman, Johnny Rivers and Dave Rotheray of the Beautiful South.

Robbie Cavanagh doubles down on letting his music speak for itself. There is no gimmick and there is no heartbreaking backstory. Manchester's finest son learned the art of writing fine, timeless music long before the days of viral moments and online trends. This tour celebrates the release of Robbie's latest EP, which revisits 4 songs from 2023's studio album Tough Love, re-recorded and reimagined with a more stripped back, pensive approach. Robbie is often seen touring alongside his backing band The Whole Family, but this run of shows provides a unique opportunity to catch Robbie in an intimate, solo setting as he dives deeper into the stories behind the songs, whilst delivering the trademark powerful vocal and guitar performances that have earned him the respect of fans, peers and industry professionals alike. Since releasing his third record Tough Love Robbie has been touring Europe, USA, UK and Canada, sharing his songs and stories at showcases and festivals such as Folk Alliance International, Celtic Connections, Americana Fest (US & UK), Cambridge Folk Festival, Showcase PEI, Black Deer Festival, Kendal Calling. As well as headline shows with his backing band, Robbie has toured in support of artists like The Wood Brothers, The Shires, Kristian Bush (Sugarland), Us The Duo. In 2021, Robbie was awarded Whispering Bob Harris's Emerging Artist Award at the Americana Music Awards. Outside of solo releases, Robbie has written songs released by such artists as Jim Lauderdale, Fairground Attraction, Laura Oakes to name a few.

Miranda Sykes and Jim Causley. 2 of the finest folk singers and performers together for a concert in the beautiful surroundings of St George's Venue in Hartlepool.

Wayward Jane's music is a modern interpretation of American folk and Old Time traditions, blending roots music with fresh arrangements and original songs. Their rich sound features fiddle, clawhammer banjo, double bass, guitar, wooden flute and close vocal harmonies. Wayward's live shows have a joyful energy, expressing the fine musicianship and playful chemistry of the four musicians and friends. Ranging in mood from bouncing, energetic tunes to tender and soulful songs, Wayward Jane tend to leave audiences with a glow in their hearts. Wayward Jane have appeared together at folk clubs and festivals across the land, touring extensively in the UK and Ireland. They were recently featured live in session on BBC Radio Scotland's Travelling Folk where Bruce MacGregor remarked theyre just that bit different from anything else happening in Scotland! The band are busy members of the Edinburgh traditional music scene, playing in bands such as Brothers Gillespie, Dowally and Michael Starkey & Hannah Read, as well as collaborating with artists such as Rachel Baiman, Phil Alexander (Moishe's Bagel) and Hog-Eyed Man. They have released three albums - Wayward Jane, Old Train, and The Flood. The latter led to rave reviews, plays in Radio 6Music and a live performance on BBC Radio 4's Loose Ends.

Glasgow-born singer-songwriter Michael McGovern blends poetic lyricism with folk roots, evolving beyond his acclaimed debut Highfield Suite. His new album Thin White Road showcases full-band arrangements, literary influences, and viral single Evelyn, cementing him as a compelling new contemporary folk voice. Michael's poetic lyrics and fingerpicked nylon-string guitar craft a deeply emotional folk sound. His debut album, Highfield Suite (2021), recorded during isolation in 2020 and produced by Bill Shanley, earned critical praise across the UK and Ireland. Including BBC Album of the Week, RTE Lyric feature, and an unexpected gem nod from folk legend Paul Brady. His new album Thin White Road marks a confident step forward, expanding on his folk roots with full-band arrangements, layered harmonies, and touches of saxophone and strings. The breakout single Evelyn went viral in early 2025, sparking a wave of online covers. The album draws on literary influences like Laurie Lee, Hunter S. Thompson, and T.S. Michael's live shows are celebrated for their emotional impact and warmth. Thin White Road confirms him as one of the most compelling new voices in contemporary folk.

Chris Brain emerged out of Leeds’ vibrant folk scene in 2022 with his debut, critically acclaimed and widely distributed album, Bound to Rise, reaching Number 22 in the UK Folk Charts. His much-anticipated second album, Steady Away, moves inward and takes on a more self-reflective quality, whilst retaining glimmers of soaring figures and pastoral imagery. Brain’s distinctive warm vocal and finger-picked guitar style are sustained alongside expansive strings and delicate piano arrangements, taking shape through evolving and introspective impressions on tenderness, loss, pain and awe in nature. Glancing off The Nave’s eaved ceilings with natural reverb, Steady Away’s 11 tracks, recorded by Tom Orrell, capture the intimacy of Chris’ songwriting. Steady Away further embeds Chris Brain within the contemporary folk scene, whilst gesturing towards the folk tradition. His commitment to folk is only deepened by the two folk clubs and folk festival in Leeds that Chris founded and runs, attracting a wide range of audiences and musicians alike.

Lewis Barfoot is a London-Irish singer, songwriter, and contemporary folk artist based in Cork. She returns to The Kitchen Garden for the second time as part of her Spring UK tour. Rooted in folk traditions yet guided by a distinctly personal voice, her songs are shaped by fingerpicked guitar, vocals that melt the hearts of angels (KLOF), and beautifully profound often playful lyricism that draws audiences in with its authenticity. She has released two acclaimed albums, Glenaphuca (2021) and HOME (2023), and is currently developing a new album of traditional songs, The Old Bog Road. "The delightful sound of a musician who is both an accomplished composer of original material and also a torchbearer keeping alive traditional styles and song" (KLOF). An arrestingly good vocalist and songwriter (John ORegan, Living Tradition). A balm for the soul (Lillian Smith, RTÉ Radio 1).

Steve Tilston is one of the celebrated song smiths, widely recognised within the world of folk and contemporary music; the words, arrangements and subtle, quite superb guitar playing could be no one else.

With more than 25 years of unrivalled musical partnership and gathering numerous nominations, awards and critical acclaim along the way, much beloved British singer-songwriters Chris While and Julie Matthews celebrated a quarter of a century last year as one of the best loved and most prolific female duos to come out of this country. Chris While (vocals, guitar, banjo, dulcimer, bodhran and percussion) & Julie Matthews (vocals, piano, guitar, mandolin and bouzouki) are stunning singers, songwriters, musicians and performers whose energy and commitment to their craft and their audience is boundless. They are two of the best and most hard working musicians on the world folk roots scene, both are highly regarded producers and they record everything that they are involved in at their own studio in a small Pennine town far from the London-centric music industry. They truly are inspirational women. They have been nominated ten times in the BBC Radio 2 Folk music awards in the Best Song, Best Duo and Best Live Act categories and winning Best Duo in 2009 but it is their longstanding and devoted growing fans that they care about most.

A new show celebrating the work of two of our finest and funniest wordsmiths John Watterson is delighted to announce his show for 2024, celebrating the life, songs and wonderful wordsmithery of the great Yorkshire chansonnier, and the hilarious poetry of the finest Poet Laureate we never had. Without Jake Leeds-born Jake Thackray (1938-2002) is increasingly recognised as being one of the greatest English songwriters of the twentieth century, a unique talent, whose songs are full of poetry, wit, irreverence and humanity. He became known to millions through his regular appearances in the 1960s and 1970s on programmes such as Braden's Week and That's Life. Since his death in obscurity there has been growing recognition of his genius and a resurgence of interest in his work. His admirers include Jarvis Cocker, Alex Turner, Don Black, Thea Gilmore, Cerys Matthews, Benjamin Clementine and Neil Gaiman. John Watterson is the UK's leading performer of Jake's songs. As Fake Thackray he has toured with Fairport Convention and performed at Latitude, Cropredy and the Edinburgh Fringe Festivals. He has also played for Jake's family. John has appeared many times on radio, including Radio 4's Great Lives, a Radio 2 documentary on Jake presented by Cerys Matthews and Radio 3's The Verb hosted by Ian McMillan. Most recently he appeared on TVs Meet the Richardsons with Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont. The show will include many Jake classics (Sister Josephine, On Again On Again, The Bantam Cock and others), anecdotes from John's research into Jake's life for the recently published biography as well as some of the lost Thackray songs John has rediscovered and recorded on his CD, The Lost Will and Testament of Jake Thackray. Without Les Before turning his hand to poetry, Mancunian Les Barker was a chartered accountant, working at the city's town hall until 1982. But he found it boring. He discovered that his real talent was in writing silly poems, which he would perform at local folk clubs. He soon became a regular at folk clubs and festivals. By his side was Mrs Ackroyd, his dog and loyal companion. He toured America and Australia, and his genius and silliness were treasured everywhere. His poems set to music were recorded by the US folk singer Tom Paxton, the English folk singer June Tabor, the English folk group Waterson:Carthy, and many others. The Financial Times praised his work as a blend of Edward Lear nonsense, Stanley Unwin wordplay, the surreal inconsequentiality of Reeves and Mortimer and the demonic robustness of Stanley Holloway monologues. Les Barker's wonderful poetry is celebrated through such gems as Reg was a Lonely Glow Worm, Dachsunds with Erections, Spot of the Antarctic and Déjà vu. Les had a serious side, too. He was politically aware and had an acute social conscience. His poems The Civilised War, with its opening line of How goes the war on terror, George, and The Church of the Holy Undecided got him into trouble in America, leading to cancelled concerts and a refusal to grant him a work permit for his next tour. Affectionate and skilful. Long may John continue (Sir Richard Stilgoe). Jake's songs are in safe hands (Ralph McTell). I am sure my old friend would be delighted (Jasper Carrott).

Contemporary folk/acoustic duo Gilmore & Roberts combine award-winning songwriting with astounding musicianship and their trademark harmonies to create a powerful wall of sound. Nominated three times at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, Katriona Gilmore (fiddle, mandolin) and Jamie Roberts (guitar) met while studying at Leeds College of Music and released their debut album in 2008. Since then, the duo have toured Canada and mainland Europe, played some of the UK's biggest acoustic festivals, toured with folk rock legends Fairport Convention and won countless accolades for their genre-spanning work. Gilmore & Roberts released their fifth studio album, A Problem Of Our Kind, in October 2018.

Alice, Alice, who the hell is Greazy Alice Good question. Good question. First and foremost she is a character from Terry Allen's seminal 1975 song cycle Juarez, a working girl, if you will, haunting a cantina on the Mexican border, walking the tightrope between Dos Equis and XXX. Well Im sitting in a border palace, suckin on Dos Equis beer, suckin with Greazy Alice Border Palace by Terry Allen. In the mid 2010's New Orleans musician Alex Pianovich was searching for a moniker under which to present some new material written as an artist's rendering of that Big Easy bar band sound. Upon hearing Juarez he knew he had a name. Greazy Alice poured out sleazy hard-riffing rock n roll, smoky dive bar blues, and telecaster-driven honky tonk twang. Drunk and dirty, down and out, spend it all tonight may never come. Pianovich and an ever-evolving group of accomplices tried to strike the balance between a winking caricature and heartfelt homage to the music they loved. It was a hell of a lot of fun. Over the last decade Greazy Alice morphed innumerable times eventually becoming the umbrella under which Pianovich presents most of his music. The current incarnation of the band took shape in November 2024, when Pianovich began to cut demos with an airtight rhythm section consisting of longtime friend Will Repholz on bass and frequent studio collaborator Lee Garcia on drums. Pianovich built on this foundation with swirling guitars and twinkling honky tonk keys. With the final addition of harmony vocals from local singer-songwriter Jo Morris there was magic on the tape. A sound had emerged and it was clear that these tracks were bound to become more than demos. Before long they had a full LP tied up on a couple of reels of 1 inch ATR magnetic tape. As Time Goes By documents a moment in time, a moment of reflection, loss, growth and hope. A melancholic sweetness runs through those eleven songs and, in contrast with previous work from Greazy Alice, the focus of this album lies squarely on Pianovich's songwriting. It is personal, earnest, and introspective while still evoking elements of the band's earlier bar room aesthetic. It is an honest snapshot of how the band sounds right now and will remain an enjoyable album to revisit regardless of who/what/where Greazy Alice will be in the future. 'stunning debut from New Orleans-based quartet a sublime mix of radiant country and heart-worn honkytonk (9/10 Uncut).

Alan Daniel Tobin is a West Corkbased songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist whose music flexes between the sadness and delight of everyday life. Hugely influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, the wild West Cork landscape and his family, his songs carry a deep sense of place, and a minor obsession with lighthouses. Working from his log-cabin studio, Tobin has released four albums (two solo as ADT and two with his alt-folk band LOWmountain), with new music due in 2026. He has shared stages with the likes of Glen Hansard, Gemma Hayes and Mick Flannery, and appeared on Other Voices and TG4's Glór Tíre. Performing with warmth, humour and emotional precision, his live shows move effortlessly between hushed intimacy and soaring, atmospheric moments that linger long after the final note.

Shazia Mirza is an award winning British stand up comedian and writer who works internationally. She has performed stand-up shows across the world in Europe, US, Asia and the Far East. Listed by The Observer as one of the 50 funniest acts in British comedy, Shazia is also a winner of the prestigious PPA Awards; Columnist of the Year for her writing in The New Statesman.

John Adams is a Welsh singer-songwriter whose powerful, emotive vocals and deeply personal songs create intimate, quietly captivating live shows - ideal for a romantic evening out. Blending stripped-back acoustic arrangements with subtle modern production, his music sits comfortably between contemporary pop and the evocative folk he was raised on, exploring love, connection, and vulnerability in a way that feels both personal and widely relatable. A favourite of BBC Radio 2, Adams has built a substantial global following, amassing over 250 million streams across his releases. You may have heard his music featured on major TV shows including Love Island, Im a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! and The Voice. His songwriting has also caught the attention of other artists, with recent cuts recorded by Calum Scott. His live performances have earned praise from Clare Balding (BBC Radio 2), Gary Barlow, and Carol Vorderman, who described his shows as Sensational. With over a decade of live experience, sold-out UK tours,and support slots alongside major artists, John Adams delivers a live show that is both emotionally resonant and effortlessly engaging. Come and experience John Adams live - where these songs are at their most powerful.

The John McCusker Trio is led by John McCusker, one of the most revered and decorated traditional musicians of his generation. A multi award-winning fiddle player, producer and composer, John has been at the heart of the UK folk scene for over three decades. His distinctive, emotionally charged playing and masterful compositions have made him a linchpin of contemporary Celtic music. John is renowned for his skill at transcending musical boundaries. Since 2008 John has been a member of Mark Knopfler’s studio and touring band, in John’s words: “turning my world upside down in the best possible way. I have learned so much from Mark and the rest of his band, not least how to perform on big stages in arenas around the world including Madison Square Garden, the Hollywood Bowl and the Royal Albert Hall.” As a live and studio guest he has also performed with David Gilmour, Eric Clapton, Paul Weller, Paolo Nutini, Teenage Fanclub, Idlewild, The Proclaimers, Texas, Graham Coxon, Ocean Colour Scene, Julie Fowlis, Eddi Reader… John was awarded the coveted BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Musician of the Year in 2003, and The Spirit of Scotland Award for music in 1999 and again in 2009. 2016 saw John receive the Good Tradition Award and perform with his band at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards at The Royal Albert Hall. John won the Music Category at the Scottish Culture Awards in 2019. He is joined by two of the most sought-after talents on the UK folk circuit. Sam Kelly, winner of the Horizon Award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and finalist on Britain’s Got Talent, has built a devoted following as frontman of Sam Kelly & The Lost Boys. His spellbinding voice, effortless charisma, and genre-blending approach have seen him perform at major festivals such as Cambridge Folk Festival and Glastonbury, as well as on stages across Europe with Kate Rusby. Completing the trio is Toby Shaer, a virtuoso multi-instrumentalist whose stunning command of flutes, whistles and guitars has made him a go-to touring musician for Cara Dillon. Toby has performed in some of the UK’s most prestigious venues earning a reputation for his dynamic, expressive playing. Together, the John McCusker Trio brings a thrilling combination of instrumental brilliance, heartfelt songs, and unforgettable live energy. Their performances – a rich tapestry of original compositions, traditional melodies, and contemporary folk songs – captivate audiences with warmth, humour, and sheer musical class.

Imagine Tammy Wynette crossed with The Ventures and youll have an idea of the sonic world of Americana artist Stacy Antonel's forthcoming EP, The Seahorses: Volume 1. Always a genre-defying artist, Antonel blends her passion for classic country, jazz and surf rock with this collection of songs, and the result is a fresh hybrid of musical styles that feels both vintage and hyper-modern. Recorded at Nashville's Fitting Room Studio, the band includes heavy hitters Ethan Ballinger (Miranda Lambert), Joe Reed (Merle Haggard), Paul Sgroi (Josh Hedley) and San Diego jazz phenom Tony Econom. Antonel grew up in a seaside San Diego town called Ocean Beach, listening to pop and R&B hits and studying classical piano until she was eighteen. She cites an eclectic range of artists as her earliest musical inspirations: Tori Amos for her peculiar phrasing and distinct songwriting, Otis Redding for his rich, emotive vocal delivery. After graduating from UC Berkeley, she moved to Buenos Aires, where she answered a Craigslist ad for a singer who sounds like June Carter Cash, and contributed vocals to several jingles for MTV and Jeep that aired throughout Latin America. She sang in a friend's electro-cumbia band for a while before returning to California, where she started singing professionally at weddings, bars, and local venues. But it wasnt until discovering country music that she felt at home. One day I randomly bought a bunch of 99 cent country records and fell in love with the genre; the concision of the writing, the wit, how it doesnt take itself too seriously even while dealing with deep subject matter. Antonel's debut album Always the Outsider, released in 2022, blends elements of mid-century country music with unconventional subject matter and virtuosic instrumentation including tracks with Doug Pettibone (Lucinda Williams) on pedal steel and acoustic guitar. The thematically unique collection explores metaphysical and supernatural concepts (alien-earthling romance, past-life trauma) as well as grounded narratives of everyday experience (isolation, disconnectedness, sexual desire, feeling like an alien in your own body). Always the Outsider was critically praised, netting coverage in publications from Holler Country to The Bluegrass Situation, and was hailed as a 2022 Essential Album by Saving Country Music.

When Zoë Wren and Jasmine Watkiss first met, their friends forced them to sing a tune together in the very public setting of a market square in Cambridgeshire, UK. Their musical chemistry was instantaneous and it led them to form Americana duo Roswell Road. The London-based multi-instrumentalists blend close harmonies with candid storytelling, drawing on real experiences from mental health to family love to real-life activist adventures at sea. Mina Koar is a Slovenian musician who creates sincere musical stories by blending indie, pop, R&B, and soul. Her work is characterized by guitar-driven arrangements, gentle lyrics, and a warm vocal tone. In her original songs, she explores the beauty of everyday moments and her inner emotional landscape.

A Different Thread are back with their new album 'Call of the Road'. Eleven new songs about love, longing, and wanderlust. A Different Thread's is fronted by the duo Alicia Best from North Carolina and Robert Jackson from the Midlands of England. They originally met busking in Ireland and have been on the road ever since, recording, and touring internationally. They have supported the likes of Jody Stevens (Big Star) and Native Harrow, as well as garnering the attention of the BBC and NPR radio. 'Call of the Road' pulls from the band's respective roots, weaving together elements of British and Appalachian folk into a timeless, minimalist sound.

Although still in his 20s, Jerron Paxton has earned a reputation for transporting audiences back to the 1920's and making them wish they could stay there for good. Paxton may be one of the greatest multi-instrumentalists that you have not heard of. Yet. And time is getting short, fast. This young musician sings and plays banjo, guitar, piano, fiddle, harmonica, Cajun accordion, and the bones (percussion). Paxton has an eerie ability to transform traditional jazz, blues, folk, and country into the here and now, and make it real. In addition, he mesmerizes audiences with his humour and storytelling. He's a world-class talent and a uniquely colourful character that has been on the cover of Living Blues Magazine and the Village Voice, and has been interviewed on Fox News. Paxton's sound is influenced by the likes of Fats Waller and "Blind" Lemon Jefferson.

Vinny Peculiar [aka Alan Wilkes] grew up in Worcestershire and trained as a nurse before signing to Manchester cult label Ugly Man records [former home to Elbow]. He's since put out fourteen albums of literate autobiographical pop music over a twenty-year career touring band, solo and duo shows in the UK, Ireland, Europe and the US. Variously described as an under sung national treasure [UNCUT] a warm hearted Morrissey [Q Magazine] and the missing link between Jarvis Cocker and Roger McGough [Irish Times] past work associations include Bill Drummond [KLF] and his various bands have included ex members of The Smiths, OASIS, Aztec Camera & The Fall. He's written and recorded as Parlour Flames, the band he formed in 2013 with ex OASIS rhythm guitarist Bonehead.

ARIA Award nominee and five-time CMAA Golden Guitar nominee Imogen Clark joins forces with acclaimed Nashville rocker Andrew Leahey for an electrifying, genre-crossing double bill. Calling Nashville home after cutting her teeth in the bars of Western Sydney, Clark has toured with the likes of Shania Twain and The Tallest Man on Earth, collaborated with Tommy Emmanuel and Steve Poltz, and earned praise from Rolling Stone and The New York Times for her deeply personal storytelling and roof-raising voice. Her ARIA-nominated album Choking on Fuel currently Top 5 on the Australian ARIA Country Chart showcases a songwriter equally at home in country, rock and confessional folk, channelling influences from Joni Mitchell to Jason Isbell and Taylor Swift. Sharing the stage is Andrew Leahey, hailed by Rolling Stone for his 'sharp storytelling and fist-pumping rock & roll swagger. With his upcoming fifth album Kick / Move / Shake, Leahey expands beyond his Americana roots into a bold, 80s-inspired sound built on shimmering guitars, stacked harmonies, and arena-sized hooks. A seasoned road warrior who has performed on Willie Nelson's Outlaw Music Festival Tour and fronted Andrew Leahey & The Homestead, Leahey delivers high-energy performances packed with heart and grit. Together, Clark and Leahey promise a dynamic night of powerhouse vocals, masterful songwriting, and full-throttle live energy where country soul meets rock & roll swagger.

Rachel Davis & Darren McMullen ignite the stage with a bold, fiery blend of Celtic tradition and contemporary folk energy. Their music is a thrilling fusion of driving rhythms, haunting melodies, and masterful instrumentationat once deeply rooted and refreshingly modern. With a dynamic mix of vocals, fiddles, guitar, banjo, mandolin, viola, bouzouki, and whistles, they breathe new life into age-old tunes while crafting original songs that feel instantly timeless. Every performance is a vibrant journey through soundpassionate, precise, and irresistibly alive. With over a decade of international touring and recording as core members of the award-winning Cape Breton Celtic supergroup Còig, Rachel and Darren are now forging a new path with their latest collaborative project, Home. This bold new venture has already garnered critical acclaim, winning the 2024 Music Nova Scotia Award for Roots/Traditional Recording of the Year, and earning nominations from both the Canadian Folk Music Awards and the East Coast Music Awards. Rachel Davis, a masterful fiddler and the 2020 Canadian Folk Music Award winner for Traditional Singer of the Year, is known for her emotive playing and rich, expressive voice. Darren McMullen, a versatile and highly respected multi-instrumentalist, brings deep musicality and rhythmic drive to the duo's sound. Between them, they have performed across Canada, the U.S., U.K., Denmark, Belgium, and Australia, with multiple East Coast Music Awards and a JUNO nomination to their names. Set to release a highly anticipated new album in June 2026, Rachel & Darren continue to expand their artistry while staying grounded in the Celtic traditions that inspire them.

Since releasing her first album, 'Things I Want To Say', in 2012, Northern Ireland's Ruth Trimble has been touring the UK and Ireland, supporting the likes of Clannad and playing as a multi-instrumentalist alongside Olivia Newton John, Beth Nielsen Chapman and Judie Tzuke, to name a few! It was the title track of her Christmas release in 2013, 'Each Christmas Till Then', which got the attention of BBC Radio2's Bob Harris and finally introduced her music to a bigger radio audience. In 2016 Ruth released her third album 'Before The Rain', a body of work which got extensive radio play and attention nationwide. Her work as a producer has also not gone unnoticed, as she was approached by legendary NI songwriter Robin Mark to co-produce his 2014 album 'Liberation Praise'. 2024 saw the release of Ruth's first new music in 8 years, with her highly anticipated new album 'Peace Of Mind'. Her first single 'Love Light' gained her more than 2.5k new listeners on Spotify within a few weeks of its release and the album as a whole passed 100k streams within a few months, which is a huge success for an independent artist today. Known for her wit as much as her music, you wont want to miss the rare opportunity to hear her songs and stories live.. This album is a gem. It so beautifully reflects the lovely person Ruth is - funny, deep and caring. (Bob Harris BBCRadio2 on Peace Of Mind). Beautiful new songs deeply sprung from life and love once again are gifted to us in the latest release by the multi-talented Ruth Trimble! (Grammy nominated songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman on Peace Of Mind).

Over the past few years Luke has steadily developed a reputation for himself through his solo, duo or trio shows, many festival appearances or when opening for such luminaries as Fairport Convention, Show of Hands, Steve Knightley, Martyn Joseph, Seth Lakeman, Karine Polwart, Oysterband, Paul Brady, Glen Tilbrook, Sarah Jarosz and John Paul White, formerly of the legendary Civil Wars.In addition to the UK, Luke has toured across Europe, Canada and the USA.Luke has also toured alongside Grammy Award winning songwriter Amy Wadge (co writer of Ed Sheerans Thinking Out Loud) numerous times, the last being in 2019! Luke is now back on the road performing up and down the country impressing audiences with his show stopping vocals, emotive storytelling and captivating stage presence!

A nomad, both geographically and musically, songwriter Ross Wilson aka Blue Rose Code writes straight from – and to – the heart. His songs address universal themes of love, loss, travel, home, accepting the past and embracing the future in a deeply personal way. They are variously painted with the vibrant colours of folk, Americana, jazz, country, soul, pop and, increasingly, celtic traditions; an eclecticism that has seen him compared to John Martyn, Van Morrison and Tom Waits amongst

Best known as the lead singer for The Bluetones, and now also having been a solo artist since 2008, Mark Morriss has spent the best part of 3 decades honing his craft as a live performer. During that time he has released 6 albums with The Bluetones, including 14 Top 40 singles, 4 albums as a solo artiste and collaborated with Matt Berry and the Maypoles, Mike Wilton, and The Helicopter Of The Holy Ghost on tours and on record. As a live performer Mark is able to blend songs from his extensive back catalogue with stories of his time on the road, providing an entertaining show that prides itself on never being the same twice. The symbolic of Morriss style as a solo performer; a serious love of music and song tempered with jocularity. It makes for a set of easy-going acoustic songs and a camaraderie that brings a warmth to the winter that gathers around us. (Louder Than War). Spellbinding; passionate, humorous and open the sound of a singer who could take on the world. (On-Magazine).

The Dunwells are a successful Leeds based Indie-folk / Americana band with strong vocals, powerful melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Their debut album “Blind Sighted Faith” was released in 2012 following which they have released a further 6 albums/EP’s. The Dunwells have found favour with audiences across the world having toured extensively in USA, Europe and the UK as well as having supported artists including Mumford and Sons and Elbow on UK tours. They are passionate and prolific singer-song writers having written material for joint collaborations as well as other high profile up and coming artists.

Her first foray into songwriting started with a geological expedition in China, where she served as translator. She was miserable and immersed herself into writing lyrics as a way of coping. Veirs is fascinated with the intersection of art and science and she explores that in her work. She has released 11 albums and has toured extensively in her 25-year career. She has collaborated with Neko Case, kd lang, Sufjan Stevens, Jim James of My Morning Jacket, The Decemberists and many others. She’s also a podcaster (Midnight Lightning, about musician parents), an award-winning children’s book author (Libba, about folk musician Elizabeth Cotten), a mother and a songwriting teacher through Stanford University.

American folk/roots pop singer-songwriter Josh Rouse.

Nebraska-based singer-songwriter whose music blends intimate storytelling, poetic lyricism, and warm acoustic arrangements.

There's something about Marty OReilly's music that feels like it's always been here, like an old story being told in a new way. His voice is raw and real, his guitar playing gritty and soulful. It's music that doesnt try to be anything other than honest, and that's why it hits so hard. He pulls inspiration from the roots of Americana; his sound references folk greats like Woody Guthrie, blues legends like Howlin Wolf, gospel pioneers like Sister Rosetta Thorpe, and master storytellers like Tom Waits. It's a sound that captivates and connects audiences, and leaves them wanting more. His live shows arent just concerts, theyre cathartic experiences. One moment it's soft and haunting, the next it's wild and electric. The kind that stay with you long after the lights come up. But it's not just about the sound. Marty's songs dig deep into the human experience, loneliness, connection, love, loss. Whether it's an intimate solo set or a full band show, he makes every audience feel like theyre part of the story. Over the years, Marty has built a dedicated following through relentless touring and staying true to his craft. He's shared the stage with artists like Shakey Graves, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Sarah Jarosz, and Alice ODonovan and played at festivals like Bottlerock, SXSW, and High Sierra Music Festival, but his focus has always been on making music that means something. Marty has poured everything into his music, spending years on the road, self-funding his albums, and navigating the ups and downs of life as an independent artist, husband, and father. But through it all, he's never lost sight of why he started: to make honest music that connects. If youre looking for music that feels real, that makes you stop and listen, Marty OReilly is someone you need to hear. How does one put into words the soundtrack of a dream But that is the kind of music that Marty OReilly and the Old Soul Orchestra make. (Glide Magazine). a culmination of blues, folk, and soul inflections that altogether develop a sound that's fresh and cosmic. (Pop Matters).

Jim Moray is an English folk singer, multi-instrumentalist and record producer.

Tessa Rose Jackson is a Dutch/British singer-songwriter, producer, and acclaimed composer known for creating deeply evocative music that blurs the lines between dreamy indie-pop, psych-pop, and cinematic soundscapes. Having spent six years releasing work under the celebrated moniker Someone, Tessa Rose has returned to using her own name for her diverse output. Her music channels "dreamy, emotionally rich psych-pop," drawing comparisons to artists like Feist, Laura Marling, and Zero 7, mixing hypnotic vocals with shimmering synthesizers and gently heavy beats. As an in-demand film composer, her music possesses a naturally visual quality, a talent highlighted by her work on the official soundtrack for the hit video game Life Is Strange: Double Exposure. Her forthcoming album, The Lighthouse (2026), promises to distill her innovative spirit into a rawer, deeply personal form of alt-folk, exploring themes of ancestry and belonging. Expect a journey that is at once intimate and fantastical, showcasing a unique artist who toes the fine line between dreams and reality.

The Truffle Valley Boys are a band with a mission: to bring back the raw, powerful and authentic sound of the early years of Bluegrass music no compromises. The group draws its repertoire and sound from some of the more obscure Bluegrass groups of the 1950s defining years for this musical genre, which developed as a branch of Country music, strongly influenced by Gospel, Swing and Blues, and played an important role in the birth of Rock-A-Billy. The Truffle Valley Boys perform authentic Blue Grass in the most uncompromising way, around a single microphone and using period instrumentation, with the utmost attention to musical and aesthetic details, a fiery drive and a healthy dose of good-natured entertainment! Since its founding in 2014, the band has appeared at most major Bluegrass, Country and Rock-A-Billy music festivals and events in Europe, and travels thousands of miles each year touring. They have been featured in the foremost trade magazines of the field, such as Bluegrass Unlimited and Bluegrass Today, and their records have received enthusiastic reviews and airplay on radio stations all over the world. Since 2019, the band is even featured in a permanent exhibit on international Bluegrass at the Bluegrass Music Hall Of Fame And Museum in Owensboro, KY! The Truffle Valley Boys' show is a real throwback to era gone by, and their music is a tribute to the genuine, raw and powerful sounds of the more obscure regional Bluegrass acts of the 1950s...full steam ahead, indeed!

Ebranding Beelzebub Shines A Spotlight On Him Downstairs In A Performance Shaped By Razor Wit, Diabolical Horror, Absurd Confessions And Guffaws Fit For The Unholy Host.

Jaimee Harris's sophomore effort Boomerang Town marks a bold step forward for this country-folk-leaning singer-songwriter. It is an arresting, ambitious song-cycle that explores the generational arc of family, the stranglehold of addiction, and the fragile ties that bind us together as Americans. Harris began cultivating Boomerang Town in 2016, a time of great loss for many in the Americana community, with the songwriter losing several musicians close to her. A shift in the nation's political landscape had ushered in a new level of cultural polarization and for someone who grew up in a small town outside of Waco, Texas, Harris believed the values instilled by her parents were not entirely in line with how many were viewing, and vilifying, Christians. As a person in recovery, Harris has had to re-evaluate her own connection to faith and find strength in a higher power. It was from the intersection of these social, personal, and political currents that the album was born. While themes of addiction and grief permeate sections of the record, it echoes hope in the face of the darkness. Out February 17th, Boomerang Town understands that love and grief are two sides of the same coin.