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2011 Line up

Here’s the complete line-up for the 2011 festival.

Eddi Reader (Sunday)

Honey-voiced Eddi Reader has been around several blocks, musically speaking. A native of Glasgow, she has been well known and loved for years. Oddly enough, Reader jumped right into her performing career in the early ’80s by traveling throughout Europe with a circus troupe. Shortly after, she decided to settle in London and become a session vocalist. Her choice proved fruitful as her book soon filled up and she landed work with the Eurythmics, the Waterboys, and Gang of Four. None seemed like the right setting for Reader. Then she found her place in the spotlight with Fairground Attraction. The band’s debut, First of a Million Kisses, hit the British charts in 1988, along with the single “Perfect.” Reader gained a good bit of recognition, both critical and popular, and was able to launch her solo career from that platform. Her solo debut, Mirmama, saw daylight in 1992 and found Reader’s lovely pipes wrapped around some fine tunes. She has continued to enthrall and delight audiences at home and abroad, her most recent release being Love Is The Way in 2009.

Danu (Saturday)

Danu is a traditional Irish band, firmly established as one of Ireland’s most important ensembles. Danu have gathered many awards and critical acclaim. The group has a strong ethos of loyalty to the tradition from which their music comes and yet still bring a fresh, inspiring approach to their performances. A wonderfully lively group on stage, a Danu concert is a unique experience, never to be forgotten.

Baka Beyond (Friday)

Founded by Martin Cradick after a 3 month visit to Cameroon with singer wife, Su Hart. There they lived and played music with a tribe of Baka Pygmy hunter-gatherers deep in the rainforest. This trip inspired the award winning debut album, “Spirit of the Forest” in 1993 which led to the formation of the live band. Over the years the band has evolved into a multi-cultural touring unit which has played all over the world. Baka Beyond have headlined festivals such as Edmonton, Canada to 20,000 people, but still maintain the intimacy to play Arts Centres and the sense of fun to make any concert a party and any party a really memorable, inclusive occasion.

Dàimh (Sunday)

With a combined height of over 36 feet and a weight of more than half a ton Dàimh (pronounced Dive) brings together Scottish, Irish and Canadian Celtic musicians. Combining the traditions of each, the charging pipes and fiddle combined with banjo, mandola, guitar and bodhrán, has seen them nominated as ‘Best Group’ at the most recent Scottish Traditional Music Awards. Joined on vocals by the Mod Gold Medalist, Calum Alec MacMillan, from the Isle of Lewis, the group has added the depth and power of Gaelic song to an already phenomenal instrumental sound.

With their recently released album ‘Diversions’ (Greentrax) released to great acclaim the band sold out their recent Celtic Connections show, headed straight to Belgium for a festival and are about to tour the Uk in March before performing at European festivals throughout the summer.

“One of the most exhilarating acoustic bands on the Celtic map.” Irish Music Magazine

Chris While & Julie Matthews (Saturday)

Eight times nominated for the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards in the Best Duo, Best Song & Best Live Act categories. While and Matthews met in the Albion band in 1993 when Julie left the band and Chris joined. A year later Julie rejoined the band and she and Chris formed a part-time duo, touring in Canada as The Women Of Albion. Thoughout their career they have toured solidly as a duo in the UK, Europe, Africa, North America and Australia where they have achieved great success and are held in the highest esteem, filling concert halls and headlining festival stages. They’ve also worked on several musical projects for the BBC including Tales of the Towpath, a radio documentary about the building of the Manchester Ship Canal and The 2006 Radio Ballads. Chris While & Julie Matthews are both individual writers of some note but it’s when they combine their writing talents that the unique nature of their partnership flourishes. They are world renowned for their affinity on stage and for the energy and enthusiasm of their live performances.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Devon Sproule (Friday)

A talented singer and songwriter, Devon Sproule managed to record two full-length albums and tour with some of the music world’s biggest names even before she hit the age of 20. Devon’s 2003 CD, Upstate Songs, was included in Rolling Stone’s ‘Critics Top Albums of 2003’. Critic Julie Gerstein called the record ‘perhaps the sweetest and most honest folk-pop album recorded this year, Sproule’s vocal and lyrical beauty is unmatched.’ 2007 saw the release of her breakthrough CD ‘Keep Your Silver Shined’, highlighting Sproule’s talent for combining Appalachian, folk and jazz influences. ‘Vintage country…with jazzy sophistication…beautifully sparse arrangements and melodies that surprise the ear when you first hear them, but which then get under your skin’.

Chris Wood & Hugh Lupton(Sunday)

The landscape holds the memory of everyone who has ever trodden it… all we have to do is listen. In this programme of story, music, poetry and song Chris Wood and Hugh Lupton put their ears to the ground and explore the trauma of the English Enclosures in the Northamptonshire parish of Helpston, through the sensibility of the poet John Clare. It is a performance that explores the porous boundaries between language and place, madness and exile, love and loss.

Hugh is a master wordsmith and one of Britain’s leading storytellers, Chris is the leading folk musician of his generation, together they weave a beguiling magic.

Hugh and Chris are the winners of BBC Folk Award for Best Original Song 2006 for One in a Million, and Chris has been awarded Folk Singer of The Year in the 2011 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Belshazzar’s Feast (Saturday)

In 1995 Paul Hutchinson (accordion) and Paul Sartin (oboe, violin and vocals) shared a musical passion borne out of the desire to earn sufficient money to support their extravagant lifestyles. Their amazing musicianship coupled with wry humour stunned audiences around Europe and the States. After a brief sabbatical, they’re back! If you like Mozart, Beethoven, Elvis Presley and The Spinners avoid them – you have been warned! Belshazzar’s Feast start with traditional folk music, add a touch of classical and jazz, throw in a bit of pop and music hall, and top it off wry humour for a unique live experience. In November 2009 they released ‘Frost Bites’, the follow up to the successful ‘Food Of Love’. ‘Frost Bites is a collection of winter and Christmas material and its release was followed by a national tour. Belshazzar’s Feast received a coveted nomination for the Best Duo Award at the 2010 BBC Folk Awards. A new album of non-seasonal material titled ‘Find The Lady’ and produced by Jim Moray was released on their new label One Little Indian in late September 2010.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jamie Smith’s Mabon (Saturday)

In January 2011 Mabon became Jamie Smith’s Mabon: an instrumental band led by Jamie Smith on accordion, Oli Wilson-Dickson on fiddle and Calum Stewart on wooden flute. These three musicians share a musical rapport that allows them flow seamlessly between incredibly tight tune-playing and open, multi-layered textures.

The three tune players are joined onstage by newest member Adam Rhodes on bouzouki, Matt Downer on bass guitar and upright bass, and Iolo Whelan on drums and percussion. Instrumentally, their presence escalates the band’s sound from its traditional, acoustic foundations to a bigger, grander soundscape. Labels such as ‘folk-rock’ and ‘fusion’ may make them wince, but they can certainly pack a lot of groove

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steve Phillips (Sunday)

Steve Phillips was born in London, but when still a child his family moved to Leeds; he has lived in Yorkshire for most of his life. When he first heard the legendary blues men such as Robert Johnson, Blind Blake, Big Bill Broonzy and Lonnie Johnson, Steve embarked on a long, self-tutored course in the intricate art of Country Blues and Folk guitar playing.

In 1968, after buying his first steel resonator guitar, a vintage National, he played many solo gigs in Leeds pubs. He started playing in a duo with Mark Knopfler called The Duolian String Pickers, and by the mid-70s, Steve Phillips had met the Bradford-born songwriter, singer and guitarist Brendan Croker. They opened up a club in a Leeds pub called The Packhorse, where they also played guitar.

Following an impromptu (and still well-remembered) gig at the famous Grove Inn in Leeds, Knopfler joined Steve and Brendan Croker to form The Notting Hillbillies. Through this group, Steve would achieve a wider recognition that would allow him to go on releasing his full solo albums and enhance his career.

Steve went on releasing albums throughout the 90s. He has worked with a wide group of musicians whom he calls on for band gigs; now known as The Rough Diamonds. Playing a weekly session at the Grosvenor Hotel in Robin Hood’s Bay. Steve has been described as ’the greatest exponent of country blues in this country today’.

Idiot and Friend (Saturday)

Idiot and Friend are Les Barker and Keith Donnelly.

At the 2005 Australian National Festival (which attracted 55,000 people!) Les Barker and Keith Donnelly were billed at a special sell-out concert as “The Laughing Stock of Great Britain”. The idea for “Idiot and Friend” came about when they decided to share the stage rather than do their normal individual sets. The audience was treated to a very special fusion of two very great comedy talents, and simply refused to let the dynamic duo get off the stage!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keith Donnelly (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)

Stand-up comic, fall-down comedian, surreal snigger-songwriter, guitar-hero, performance-artist, [tall] story-teller, philosopher, scriptwriter, [none can] compere, man-of-mystery, inner-childminder, actor, stuntman, metaphysical-poet, human ping-pong ball, life and soul of the [kids] party, world-class athlete, leading socialite, raconteur, business tycoon, wit, author, half-wit, secret[sh!]-agent, [vauxhall] astral-traveler, shaman, geordie-cultural-attache, word-juggler, snake-charmer, underline-dancer, unexpected clairvoyant, dream-weaver, daydream believer, psycho-linguist, shark-wrangler, smile sculptor, [compulsive] lying-tamer, Great-British eccentric, [alleged] international-jewel-thief, hot-dog-skier, alien-abductee, zen grand-master, champion tiddly-winker, sandancer, friend to the pantomime horse, erstwhile slice of bacon, and all-round good egg.

Les Barker (Saturday)

Originally from Manchester Les trained in accountancy before his talent for the written word was discovered. Initially he toured around folk music venues as a solo performer, and later with The Mrs Ackroyd Band (named after his mongrel dog Mrs Ackroyd.) He has published 76 books to date and has released (either as a solo performer or with his band) 20 albums. His books typically feature a mixture of monologues and comic songs, with a few serious songs. Les has created several recurring characters and themes, including Jason and the Arguments, Cosmo the Fairly Accurate Knife Thrower, Captain Indecisive, The Far off Land of Dyslexia and Spot of the Antarctic. All of these have become trademarks of Barker’s work. Both his funny and more serious songs have become standards for other singers such as Waterson:Carthy and June Tabor.

Pete Coe (Thursday, Friday, Saturday)

Pete has been a professional musician since 1971, playing at festivals concerts, clubs, dances & schools throughout Britain, Europe, Asia, New Zealand & USA. During the ‘70s he toured and recorded with Chris Coe, was a member of the legendary New Victory Band & with Nic Jones, Tony Rose and again, Chris Coe, he was a member of Bandoggs. In the late ‘80s and early ‘90s he toured and recorded with Red Shift but since 1985 he’s mainly worked as a soloist & earned an enviable reputation. His strong, distinctive voice is enhanced by his instrumental versatility, the ringing strings of his bouzouki, the sweet chords of his mountain dulcimer, the plaintive banjo and the pulsing reeds of his melodeon. He’s also a country dance caller, creator and band musician. He sings, plays and step dances, sometimes all at once!

Mick Ryan & Paul Downes (Friday – Sunday)

Mick Ryan is well known on the folk scene as a fine singer of traditional and original songs, and is of course the author of The Pauper’s Path, which premieres at this year’s Festival He was described by “Folk Roots” as ‘definitely the most underrated singer in the country’.

Mick is joined by the consummately skilled and expressive Paul Downes. Paul has a sensitive, yet fun approach to live performances, which puts him among the most respected artists on the British acoustic music scene today. He has been introduced (to his embarrassment) as one of the greatest acoustic guitarist in the world. It is easy to see why when you see the dazzling array of styles he performs with effortless brilliance, but, at the same time, considers himself a singer of songs rather than a guitar technician.

Together, then, Mick and Paul provide singing, music and entertainment of the very highest quality.

Hat Fitz and Cara Robinson (Saturday, Sunday)

Take one heaped teaspoon of Seasick Steve, a liberal helping of Catfish Keith, a pinch of Joni Mitchell. Finish well with a dusting of Blind Willie McTell and put into a studio at gas mark 5. Bake for one week. What you get is an eclectic pie with so many flavours that perhaps shouldn’t work together but just do!

The blending of pre war hill country and delta blues with early Australian folk and traditional Celtic styles has produced a truly unique sound.

Viper Central (Saturday, Sunday)

At the forefront of a rising wave of new talent in the bluegrass and old-time music genres, Viper Central has managed to create an original niche in an otherwise traditional style and yet simultaneously appeal to audiences both young and old. Hailing from Vancouver, Canada, they approach their music with the sense of creativity and adventure found in the earliest bluegrass and old time recordings. While all members contribute original songs, the band won’t hesitate to deliver their take on an ages-old mournful waltz or bring the house down with a barn-burning bluegrass standard. In the summer of 2008, Viper Central released their debut album, ‘The Devil Sure is Hard to Please’. Blending instrumental prowess with innovative arrangements and creative vocal harmonies, the album showcases the diverse songwriting talents of every member in the band and is quickly earning them a reputation as an act to watch for in Canada’s thriving roots music scene.

Chris Sherburn and Denny Bartley (Sunday)

Chris Sherburn and Denny Bartley have been bringing their unique sound to audiences across Europe and America since the early 1990s, when a chance meeting at a music session created one of folk music’s most enduring partnerships. Known for their soul stirring songs, exhilarating tunes and a love of the craic, Chris (concertina) and Denny (guitar and vocals) ensure that no two concerts are ever the same. Chris grew up surrounded by folk music of all kinds – his home was a regular haunt for passing folk singers and musicians. Denny, born in Co. Limerick, is drawn to the inheritance of age-old slides, slow airs, slip jigs and wild reels. Founder members of the band Last Night’s Fun, which received international acclaim and a loyal fan base over 11 years together, they have now returned to their roots as a duo.

Cupola (Sunday)

Cupola brings together Sarah Matthews, Doug Eunson and Oli Matthews as a three-piece band, playing English and European dance music, and singing English songs in three-part harmony.

Melodeons, fiddles, viola, soprano saxophone, vocals, clarinet and hurdy-gurdy combine effortlessly with sublime harmonies. The choice of material is inspired by tradition and contemporary works alike, with the emphasis on great melodies and intricate arrangements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Young Uns (Friday, Saturday)

One of the very few young folk groups to still sing traditional a cappella music, Sean Cooney, David Eagle and Michael Hughes are three very fine singers who perform with passion and gusto. Their music draws from many aspects of the folk tradition and Sean’s superbly crafted local songs ensure that their sets are energetic and well balanced.

The Young’uns latest album “Man, I Feel like a Young’un” has received an abundance of praise from folk enthusiasts throughout the UK and in Europe and we are delighted to welcome them back after their hugely popular appearances at the 2009 Gate To Southwell Folk Festival.

Tri (Friday, Saturday)

Trí is Irish for three, appropriate for a band with three members, three fiddle players, three bodhran players…etc. All three members have been active as solo folk musicians in their own local clubs and festivals for some time. They have a shared love of Irish Traditional music but are also open to other musical influences. The band has established a reputation for fresh, energetic sets at festivals and guest nights.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anthony John Clarke (Friday, Saturday)

We are pleased to confirm a return visit by Anthony John Clarke after a successful and popular appearance at the festival in 2010. The creator of “Irish Eyes” and the beautiful “Seven In Ireland” was destined to make a mark on the British contemporary music scene.

There are very few places in the UK and Ireland that Anthony John has not played. His supporters are loyal and many, and the tributes he receives from his peers bear witness to the talent and hard work of one of the folk scene’s nicest guys. He retains his reputation as one of the top songwriters on the scene and his hard work and dedication to his craft are a credit to him. For him, songwriting is indeed a craft.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

John Otway & Wild Willy Barrett (Sunday)

John Otway was born in Aylesbury, learned to play the violin at school and got an early taste of performing in the Aylesbury Youth Orchestra. Otway got together with Wild Willy Barrett in the seventies and they had one big hit ‘Really Free’ which reached number 27 in the charts in 1977. Otway and Barrett went their separate ways after a few years and Otway went on the road with many others including a band called The Europeans, Ollie Halsall, Attila The Stockbroker. In the early nineties John met up with Richard Holgarth and, through Richard, the other members of The Big Band. Otway’s first new album for many years, ‘Premature Adulation’ featuring the Big Band, was released in 1995. In 1999 the BBC ran a poll to find the greatest lyrics of the millenium, and Otway was a surprise entry at number 7 with his song ‘Beware of the Flowers’. In 2002 John got his long awaited second hit: ‘Bunsen Burner’ which reached number 9 in the singles chart. Otway continues to tour constantly – sometimes with Wild Willy, sometimes with Richard, sometimes with the Big Band, sometimes with Attila and sometimes solo.

Tickled Pink (Friday)

Tickled Pink are: Simon Care; Gerald Claridge; Guy Fletcher; Roy Kay; Trevor Landen; Mark Hutchinson and Mark Jolley. They formed in 1989 as the ‘perfect antidote’ to the traditional country-bands at the time. The band proceeded to play many festivals around the UK including Fairport’s Cropredy Convention, Glastonbury and Cambridge. Primarily an English Ceilidh Band, their style combines traditional English music with rave, reggae, blues, country, rap, and much more!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pilgrims Way (Thursday, Friday)

Refreshingly different, reassuringly traditional, Pilgrims’ Way are a 3-piece band with a big personality and big sound.

Playing their own particular brand of folk music, they were brought together by a series of chance meetings at sessions around the North West of England, bonding over red hair and a shared love of traditional music, they have been shaking up assorted kitchens, public houses and folk venues ever since.

Their influences individually are many and varied but they share a deep respect for the tradition and take as their inspiration some of the most influential bands from the 60s/70s revival.

Named for the Rudyard Kipling poem, set to music by the great Peter Bellamy, their aim is to present gimmick-free English folk of the finest kind.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Penny Black Remedy (Saturday)

Since being formed in 2006 by singer/songwriter Keith M Thomson, The Penny Black Remedy have been proudly defiant in the face of categorisation – focusing instead on utilising their shared love and passion for all forms of music from around the globe to create a wholly distinctive and unmistakable sound all of their own. The resulting symbiosis of darkly comic, unpretentiously intelligent and catchy songs, and their exhilarating live shows, have been wowing audiences and promoters alike across both the UK and Europe, building a loyal following of dedicated fans as a result.

Jeff Warner (Saturday, Sunday)

Jeff Warner is among America’s foremost performer/interpreters of traditional music. His songs from the lumber camps, fishing villages and mountaintops of America connect 21st century audiences with the everyday lives–and artistry–of 19th century Americans. “Providing more than just rich entertainment, Jeff will leave you with a deeper appreciation of the land you live in” (Caffé Lena, Saratoga, NY). His songs, rich in local history and a sense of place, bring us the latest news from the distant past. Jeff has performed widely, from large festivals in the UK, to clubs, festivals and schools across America. He plays concertina, banjo, guitar and several “pocket” instruments, including bones and spoons. And “he inhabits a song in a way which few singers can do” (Royal Oak Folk Club, Lewes, UK).

Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday)

Phillip Henry is a figurehead for the next generation of English slide guitarists. He has studied the Delta blues bottleneck for many years and has developed a touch reminiscent of Ry Cooder.

Phillip has also developed an astounding dobro technique and is fast becoming recognised as one of the finest players England has produced. His repertoire includes arrangements of traditional melodies of the British Isles and further afield, songs, and innovative compositions. His compositions and arrangements have been featured a number of times on BBC Radio Three’s Late Junction programme including a live performance at Maida Vale studios for the Late Junction ten year anniversary special.

Phillip is joined by Hannah Martin,, a singer, songwriter, banjo and fiddle player from Devon. Having been brought up attending folk clubs and sessions, she developed a keen interest in traditional music and her songs weave folklore and legend, old and new with beautiful melodies and innovative arrangements, while retaining a strong sense of the living tradition.”.

The last year has seen Phillip and Hannah’s reputation go from strength to strength, with recording sessions in Nashville, USA, gigs in Ireland, Germany and the Channel Islands, as well as touring all over the UK.

The Portraits (Saturday, Sunday)

The Portraits are Lorraine (vocals, rhythm guitar) and Jeremy (piano, vocals) Millington. Their simple observations of adult life from the perspective of those that have loved, lost, travelled, had children and laughed about it all, make for a cosy brand of acoustic pop with beautiful harmonies and folk and world music tinges. They bring their full 5 piece band to Southwell, featuring guitar, violin, piano flute and cello.

Hailing from Galway and Bristol respectively, Lorraine and Jeremy’s move six years ago to France helped to fine-tune the concept of The Portraits. The release to critical acclaim of the highly personal 2006 album “Kin”, containing Anglicised shades of the French chanson style, followed by its South-African produced successor “Timescape” in 2008, a colourful and intoxicating mix of world music instruments, electronics and the duo’s trademark vocals, have carved out an individual niche for the duo.

2010 saw the release of their well-received new album ‘The Blushing Of A World In White’: ‘The Portraits are Grammy Worthy!’***** IAE Magazine, June 2010.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Hooleys (Friday – Sunday)

The Hooleys are an unorthodox combination of seven radical musicians from diverse musical backgrounds fused together by a common passion for Celtic, Eastern European and American folk music. Wielding an arsenal of fiddle , banjo, whistle, guitar, bass, bongos, bodhran, they perform original and traditional tunes and songs in an energetic style.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Emma and The Professor (Friday – Sunday)

Emma and The Professor are Emma Heath and Mark Davies. They play Powerful Tribal Roots music, drawn from the Marches – with world influences. Their songs are inspired by local folklore and written and performed with a contemporary edge.

As a duo Emma & Mark have performed at some fantastic festivals and venues. They have supported the likes of Show of Hands, Vin Garbutt, Flook, Hazel O’Connor, John Renborn and Jacquee McShee, Back of The Moon and The Oyster Band, just to mention a few.

Inlay (Friday – Sunday)

Inlay are a collaborative four-piece folk group, formed in 2010 whilst studying music in Norwich. Drawing upon elements of each individual’s musical background, Inlay play a mixture of both traditional and original material. This distinct blend of folk mixed with bags of energy will provide audiences with one of the best live performances on the circuit.

2011 sees Inlay performing across the UK sharing stages with Emily Portman, The Askew Sisters, Joe Broughton & Kevin Dempsey and many more.

Jezz Hall (Friday – Sunday)

Jezz Hall is a singer-songwriter from Nottingham and has released three albums, Smalltown (2001), When the Music is Over (2006), and the recently released Silhouette Man.

He’s supported KT Tunstall, Idlewild, Nick Harper, Jackie Leven and performed as a guest with Show of Hands and Phil Beer.

“What perhaps marks him out as an exceptional songwriter is his vivid lyricism.” – Colin Irwin, fRoots

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4Square (Friday, Saturday)

4Square are a Manchester-based quartet who play and sing a melodic blend of tunes and songs, both traditional and self penned.

Since their humble beginnings in a freezing cold farmhouse near Rochdale in the Winter of 2006, this band’s music has gelled and matured into the funkiest, most energetic and powerful music you shall hear from the British folk music scene today.

They play with technical prowess that defies their age, as well as fiery energy, and always a touch of fun.

The Raven (Friday)

The Raven interpret English ballads, haunting melodies and foot stomping songs from the tradition, using vocals, flute and guitar in engaging arrangements and harmony from tragic tales to jolly sea shanties.

Steve originally comes from the seafaring town of Liverpool, a city full of song, playing guitar and vocals, influences include John Martyn, Nic Jones and Pete Bellamy. Carolyn comes from a family of musicians, and has been singing since she was very young. She was introduced to folk music in her teens and has enjoyed performing solo and in groups ever since.

Steve and Carolyn met a number of years ago at a gig they were both involved, but it was not until 2008 that they started working and performing together in London. Since this time they have played in a number of London folk clubs as featured acts, and as support for the likes of Eliza Carthy and Spiers and Boden.

Cecille Grey (Friday – Sunday)

After making a well-received appearance in 2010 we are pleased to welcome back Nottingham-based band Cecille Grey, fresh from releasing their self-titled debut EP. Always busy on the local circuit they describe their sound as ‘Regina Spektor meets Laura Veirs at a Rooibos tea party hosted by Françoise Hardy. Captivating performances, beautifully mournful and filled with melodic anti-oxidants’.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

na-mara (Friday – Sunday)

na-mara are the St Albans (UK) based folk duo – Paul McNamara (Guitar and vocals) and Rob Garcia (Guitar, mandolin and mandola). Their repertoire is varied and ranges across the Celtic world including music from the British Isles, Brittany, Asturias and Galicia, and songs from the British Isles, Brittany and northern France for voice, guitars, mandola and mandolin.

The duo have been playing around folk clubs in Herts, Beds, Bucks, Cambs for a number of years but are increasingly being invited to play venues further afield. Over and above an extensive range of folk club and folk festival invitations, they have in recent times supported a range of artists from across the folk world including Cara Dillon, Andy Irvine and Emily Smith, and Vin Garbutt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

May K.B. (Friday – Sunday)

May KB is an unsigned local artist playing her own songs inspired by folk, jazz and blues.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jack Blackman (Sunday)

Jack Blackman is a young finger-style guitarist and singer/songwriter whose repertoire ranges from early acoustic blues to English folk and original material.

Since performing with Paul Jones and the Blues Band, he has performed at gigs and festivals all around the country including The Acoustic Festival of Britain, Upton Blues Festival, Newark Blues Festival and Guilfest. He was semi-finalist at the 2010 BBC Radio 2 Young Folk /Roots Musician of the Year and has had a track selected for the acclaimed USA blues compilation CD, All Aboard The Blues on Errorcraft records. His mini-album ‘Just A Game’ was released in 2010 and the follow up album ‘River Town’ is available now. Jack has recently supported Coco Montoya, Charlie Parr , Erjja Lyytinen, Dave Swarbrick and Buddy Whittington.

“The Blues has a bright future.” Maverick Magazine Oct 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Belzebub (Friday – Sunday)

Belzebub is a group of talented and experienced musicians, who specialise in the music of England, Scotland, Ireland and America.

The band members have been performing folk songs and dance tunes for over 30 years and have a wealth of experience, which they put into practice at folk clubs and ceilidhs.

 

 

 

 

 

Nigel Beck (Friday – Sunday)

Leicestershire based 6 & 12 string fingerstyle acoustic guitar player. Nigel’s main influences are Leo Kottke, Pierre Bensusan, Antonio Forcione and Eric Roche.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Manière des Bohémiens (Friday – Sunday)

Manière des Bohémiens are a Parisian gypsy-jazz band from Nottingham featuring brothers Rob Rosa and Roger Rosa on violin and guitar, brothers Matt and Jonny Kerry on guitar and accordion and upright bassist Mark Houlgate. They are resident band at top Nottingham venue Nottingham Contemporary and are currently touring the UK appearing at festivals across the land including an exclusive appearance at unrivaled gypsy-jazz venue Le Quecumbar.

Crucible (Thursday – Saturday)

Crucible perform an exciting mix of energetic tunes, rich and evocative harmony singing and subtle accompaniment for a unique programme of English traditional material, ably complemented by their own compositions in the same style. They combine three joyfully distinct voices with a range of traditional instruments, including, fiddle, melodeons, guitar and cittern. Members of the band have many years’ experience as professional folk performers with dance bands GloryStrokes and Hekety.

 

 

 

 

 

 

No Fixed Abode (Friday – Sunday)

No Fixed Abode are fronted by Una Walsh singing in her own lilting Irish accent and Tony Dean supporting on acoustic guitar. Based in Derbyshire No Fixed Abode have traveled all across the UK over the last three years building up a solid reputation performing at festivals and acoustic clubs.

 

 

 

 

 

The Down Trodden String Band (Friday – Sunday)

The Down Trodden String Band have been taking their brand of Appalachian old-time country music to clubs and festivals up and down the UK for the last 10 years. The EFDSS described their music as the “winning, home-made, one–take sound of a front-porch group on a flatbed truck bowling down a dusty country road” and Folk Monthly had this to say: “The musicianship is quality, the arrangements are tight, the vocals are good and the harmonies superb.” For their first Southwell appearance they are joined by one of the UK’s top old-time fiddlers, Dave Proctor, who may be known to some festival goers through his work with R Cajun & the Zydeco Brothers and the Slowdown Boys.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pete Grassby (Friday – Sunday)

Pete Grassby, the famous melodeon repairer and leader of Aardvark ceilidh band is also a great singer and hammered dulcimer player.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Winter Wilson (Friday – Sunday)

Lincolnshire based musicians Dave Wilson and Kip Winter joined forces in 1995 and have steadily built a reputation across the UK for solid and engaging live performances, performing mostly original songs along with the odd well chosen cover.

Dave’s songs are heard in many folk clubs throughout the country. Described by John Tams as ‘A magnificent song writer’ and folk legend Vin Garbutt has covered Dave’s ‘Storm Around Tumbledown’.

 

 

 

 

 

The Boothill Toe Tappers (Friday – Sunday)

Nottingham’s only six-piece duo! Steve B and Steve D are a couple of likeable lads living in the Nottingham area. Their musical versatility is immediately evident, not only from the range of material, but also the instrumental arrangements.

While Steve D plays fiddle (in a variety of styles, from folk, to jazz to rock and classical) he also plays the broom! It’s like a tea-chest bass without the tea chest, and can also be used for sweeping up at the end of the night.

Steve B demonstrates his remarkable virtuosity, not to mention co-ordination, by playing the harmonica or singing, whist simultaneously playing the guitar and tap-dancing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marc Block (Friday – Sunday)

After winning Towersey Village Festival Song Slam in 2009, Marc was booked for Towersey ’10, and has been getting himself noticed at folk clubs and festivals, performing a pleasing mélange of original songs, traditional folk and contemporary covers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notts Alliance (Friday – Sunday)

An unaccompanied harmony group with material from the folk tradition and thereabouts who have gained a reputation for tight and inventive harmony singing. Their repertoire includes arrangements of songs from some of the best of today’s songwriters including Richard Thompson, Pete Morton, Maggie Holland as well as a good helping of traditional material.

 

 

 

 

The Bouviers (Friday – Sunday)

The Bouviers perform guitar-based blues ragtime roots music with a contemporary feel, and enjoy entertaining with musicianship and humour. With two acoustic guitars, an acoustic bass and three voices, they present a rich and varied programme which is fine and dandy and always entertaining. With many years experience both in UK and abroad, they are able to enthrall an audience in venues from the smallest bar or club to the largest festival concert hall. Raymond, Albert and Alexander are ‘The Bouviers’.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acushla (Friday – Sunday)

Alongside the contact they have had through playing together in bands, the guys have always played together informally at Irish music sessions in the city of Nottingham. The sessions provided a meeting place and a shared approach and repertoire for Acushla which they have built upon and developed into a rich and exciting blend of tunes and songs from the Celtic traditions and elsewhere.

 

 

 

 

 

Cate Bannister (calling for Tickled Pick) (Friday)

Cate hails from Coventry, and has over 12 years of ceilidh calling experience. A commanding performer, she is never afraid to put herself into the dance as a true interactive, passionate and able teacher for young and old, novice or professional dancer alike.

Along with her calling duties, Cate is able to bring instruments into the mix. An accomplished fiddle, whistle and Bodhran player, she is able to add much enjoyed melody into any band performance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liam Robinson (calling for Cuploa) (Friday – Sunday)

Liam Robinson is a musician, singer, educator and organiser. He is based in Lincolnshire UK but works throughout the UK and has appeared in USA, Canada, Germany, France, Lithuania and Estonia. He primarily plays Melodeon (diatonic button accordion) and Anglo Concertina as well as singing, calling dances and teaching.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Father Teds (Saturday)

The Father Teds are a five-piece contemporary Irish band much admired for their world-class musicianship and their ability to put on a great show. Formed fourteen years ago, The Father Teds set out on a mission to entertain and have consistently delivered ever since. The key to the band’s success is their versatility, in their range of musical styles, the types of shows they perform and their infectious upbeat electric sound.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Minster Ceilidh Band (Friday – Sunday)

We are delighted to welcome back the Minster Ceilidh Band for their second appearance at the Gate To Southwell. Five years after forming, this group of keen and very talented young musicians have been building a keen local following impressed by the diversity of their line up and their danceable sound. Featuring various English and Celtic set dances as well as original arrangements and songs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hilary Waterfall & Stu Hunter (Friday – Sunday)

Hilary and Stu are both members of Riverhead Ranters, a Ceilidh Band that was formed in 1999 and based in Louth, Lincolnshire. They are both heavily involved in traditional music sessions in and around their area. Hilary plays piano and piano accordion and Stu plays guitar, Irish bouzouki and mandolin. Their passion is traditional music for enjoyment and to help channel away the stresses of the day job!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fran Smith (Saturday)

Fran Smith’s songs have been described as “lyrical works of Art”, garnering praise from the likes of Karine Polwart and Devon Sproule. A superb singer and pianist, Fran graduated from the Newcastle Folk Degree in 2008, and has since been building a reputation as an exciting young writer and interpreter of song.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gráinne Joughin (calling for Jamie Smith’s Mabon) (Saturday)

Gráinne Joughin has been ‘calling’ since she was 14 years old, following in her father’s footsteps and learning the tricks of the trade back in her home town of Peel, on the West coast of the Isle of Man. Now married to Welsh accordionist Jamie Smith, she has upped sticks and moved to Wales where she works along side Jamie and ‘Jamie Smith’s Mabon’ as a Dancer, Caller…. and Official Cake Baker! Now at the grand old age of 30 she enjoys calling a plethora of dances collected from all over the Celtic nations, traditional and original.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Verlan (Friday – Sunday)

What happens when you combine a bebop, swing and Latin inspired tenor saxophonist, a rock and folk guitarist brandishing an acoustic and a fantastic selection of French musettes out of the Parisian dancehalls, cafes and bistros? Verlan!

Andrew Byrne has travelled the world with his saxophone headlining Womad, the world music stage at Glastonbury as well as performing at the Edinburgh festival. After playing in a variety of music projects around the United States he returned to the UK and moved up to Sheffield from London.

Kieran Williams started gigging in pubs and clubs at fifteen and has been part of a number of rock, folk and acoustic projects. From festivals to acoustic workshops, Kieran has over fifteen years of performing, writing and recording experience with the guitar, gazouki, violin and mandolin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gan Anim (Saturday)

Gan Anim have been bringing a touch of Irish to Stainsby, Bunkfest and Shrewsbury and are thrilled to add Southwell to the list. The band comprises Helen Firth (Flowering Heads) on Guitar and fiddle, Jimmy Carroll (Acushla) a multi instrumentalist (Irish Pipes, banjo, mandola and guitar) and Rob Pierce on flute and whistle who previously toured with Celtic Rey and Puca Rua. Latest addition is Chris Coe from Chester on Irish Pipes and Bodhran.

The Stormy Weather Boys (Saturday – Sunday)

The Stormy Weather Boys are made up mainly of Bingham Folk Club Members plus a few other voices. Their programme generally consists of sea shanties, with different members taking turns at the lead.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Top Shelalas (Friday – Sunday)

Vocal trio based in Sheffield / Manchester.