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Welcome to our features and news page, essentially this little corner of Folk & Roots includes articles, news and links to features. Why not submit an article or news item or share your opinions or experiences with other visitors to the site?
Over the coming year this page will be expanded somewhat with more regular news/articles/press releases being added so watch this space...
Contents:
Keith James & Rick Foot present Lorca
Abi Moore Tour- Norfolk October
Exciting new line up for Rachel Walker Band tour
Tish Hinojosa, New album
Leeds Guitar Night
Junctions: English Music Breaking Formation
New Acoustic Music Club For The North Tyne Valley
Big National Ceilidh
"Longdogs" release live Show of Hands album for childhood cancer causes (September 27)
September 2008 at Cecil Sharp House
Workshops and Masterclasses with Peter Knight
FiddleOn Folk Weekend February 2009 - Farncombe Estate, Broadway (Cotswolds)
Patsy Matheson
Hartlepool Late Summer Folk Gathering
Oxfolk dates for 2008
Report from Cambridge Folk Festival 2008
Show of Hands announce first UK standing gig tour
Lisa Redford Releases Third Album 'Clouds with Silver'
Leading Folk Artists Sign Up For Darwin Song Project
Leigh Folk Festival podcast
The Sacred Shakers....Cool, Old-Time Gospel Music.... Hallelujah!!
Dead Like Harry
North Devon Folk Festival
Canadian Trio Elliott BROOD Set To Release Stunning New Album, Mountain Meadows, A Career High On Six Shooter Records
From Lantern-making to Fandango at Towersey 2008
Who Gives a Folk?
Debut Album from Folk Dance Duo Folkus Pocus
Award-winning Folk group on UK Tour
Folk Stars Gather to Commemorate Vaughan Williams Anniversary
Chris Smither - DVD and UK Dates
'Moonshine, Murder, Mountains & Mudflats
- Songs & Tunes From The Leigh Folk Festival 2008'
Show of Hands help Tewkesbury draw line under disaster
Crooked Still, Still Crooked
Rachel Hair and Joy Dunlop Tour 2008
Sidmouth Festival Stewards
Folk by The Oak, Hatfield, Hertfordshire - Sunday 27 July 2008
Proms Appearance Beckons For Show Of Hands
EFDSS Announces Bert Lloyd Centenary Event
Les Elvin & Pete Fyfe’s Big Night Out
Tanglefoot Wins best Vocal Group
The Folk Handbook - Working With Songs From The English Tradition
Classic Folk Song Collection In New Edition
Viv Youell
Report of Fiddlers Various 2007: Tommy Peoples' tour of SE England
Cyril Tawney - new CDs
Virtual Open Mic - Online Radio Station
Travellers Joy
Zetcast
Rock'n'Reel is back!
Sheffield Folk
The Grascals
New Folk Guide for Cumbria
Folk Music Library Goes Online
Angelic Music
Strangeworld
New Publication - The Anglo-Concertina Music of William Kimber
Radio Britfolk
Lauren MacColl
Gloucestershire Blues
Across the Pond
Girls with Guitars
Rose of the Ribble Valley
Jen Charlton
Siansa
Sidmouth - 50 Years in the Making
Borders Young Fiddlers

The poems of
Lorca
Set to music by
Keith James & Rick Foot
The murder of Federico Garcia Lorca by Nationalist militia in 1936 at the start of the Spanish Civil War is still shrouded in mystery. A major news story broke on this very subject on September 18th 2008 in The Guardian:

www2.guardian.co.uk
www.guardian.co.uk
A poet, playwright and friend of Salvador Dalí and Luis Buñuel, his homosexuality in part led to the depression which is reflected in the bleakness of some of his work. His plays and poetry were banned by the Franco regime until the 1950s. A feature film entitled “Little Ashes” will be released next year about the relationship between Dali and Lorca.

www.littleashes-themovie.com
www.guardian.co.uk
www.littleashesmovie.blogspot.com

Lorca has inspired poets and songwriters for many years with both Joan Baez and Leonard Cohen recording translations of his work. In 2007 Keith James and Rick Foot released the critically-acclaimed Lorca, a CD of Keith’s settings of Lorca’s poetry together with an inspired version of Cohen’s ‘Take This Waltz’. The power and beauty of the record is breathtaking.
As a prelude to the release of their new record of Lorca settings, Poet In New York, Keith and Rick embark in October on a 21-date tour of their show featuring their interpretations of Lorca’s poetry and songs by other writers he inspired: Joni Mitchell, Nick Drake and, of course, Leonard Cohen. Selected performances will include the documentary film, García Lorca, A Death in Granada.

"Music full of integrity, a contemporary work of art" - Maverick
“Both musicians' playing was so breathtaking” - Bristol Evening News
"An elegant and beautifully crafted reinterpretation of a great artist's words." - BBC Radio Scotland
Keith James & Rick Foot – Lorca
www.keith-james.com
www.poemsofgarcialorca.com

Norfolk will see the return of Lincolnshire-based singer/songwriter, Abi Moore, take to various stages between Thursday 16th and Saturday 18th October. Abi visited us back in March where she played at the Norwich Arts Centre and The Steampacket in Norwich and, based on the fantastic reception she received, has organised a small tour for next week.
Abi started her career 8 years ago at the age of 17, performing cover material on the pub and club circuit- eventually resulting in performances at the London Palladium and Huddersfield's Galpharm Stadium, entertaining audiences of up to 10,000 people. A change of direction followed in 2003, when she decided to concentrate on writing, recording and performing her own material in smaller, more intimate venues and she has independently carved out a successful music career for herself without the aid of a manager or record label. Abi has played the main stage at Lincoln's Christmas Market for the past four years, was on the same bill as Amy Winehouse and James Morrisson at BBC 6 Music's Summer Sundae Weekender in 2004, and has supported many big names in the folk and acoustic world including: Midge Ure, Jim Moray, LAU, Steve Tilston, Edwina Hayes and the Coal Porters. Most recently, she was invited to open for 70's legends 10CC during their summer tour this year.
She describes her songs as "heartfelt, honest and engaging" and her acoustic blend of folk, rock and jazz attracts regular crowds to see her perform throughout the country. She released her debut album "The Aftermath of '96" in the summer of 2006 to critical acclaim, and not only wrote the songs, but also sang lead and backing vocals, played guitar, mandolin, piano, percussion and violin, recorded, edited, mixed and produced the whole album. The CD is available online at www.abimoore.com and at all her concerts. Audiences are now asking about her second album which will be released in March 2009 at Lincoln's Drill Hall, followed by a national tour.
As part of this tour, Abi will play on Thursday 16th October at The Taproom in St Ives, Friday 17th October at the Riverside Restaurant (part of the Acoustic Kitchen) in King's Lynn, and on Saturday 18th October at the Norwich Arts Centre (afternoon) and Blakeney Harbour Room (evening) with folk legend Dave Swarbick's new band "Swarb's Lazarus."
For more information on Abi and her other local gigs, please visit www.abimoore.com or www.myspace.com/thisiabimoore

Exciting new line up for Rachel Walker Band tour.
Gaelic Singer Rachel Walker will be taking to the road again from 23rd October with a brand new line-up, which promises an excellent night of entertainment.
Rachel, who was brought up in Kinlochewe, but now lives near Spean Bridge has released two solo albums, and is well known for her "crystal clear" voice. She is joined by BBC Young traditional musician of the year 2008, Ewan Robertson, (guitar) who has been a member of the band for three years now. Ewan also plays with the fantastic young band Breabach, who have freshly returned from a tour of Austria.
Regular band member Carol Anne MacKay is on maternity leave at the moment, having given birth to a lovely wee boy in August. Standing in for her this year are two top class musicians, Jenna Reid (fiddle) from Shetland and Angus MacKenzie, (Bagpipes & Whistles) originally from Cape Breton. Jenna recently released her second album "Laughing Girl" and in the last few months has toured extensively throughout the UK and in America. She is also a member of highly acclaimed band Dochas. Angus lives in Portree and also plays with the super-charged band Daimh, who released their fantastic third album earlier this year.
The band will focus on Gaelic song with a few sets of fiery fiddle and pipe tune thrown in for good measure, this is a concert not to be missed!
The tour dates are
23rd October - Aros Centre, Portree,
24th October - Skipinnish Ceilidh House, Oban,
25th October - Universal Hall, Findhorn,
26th October - Strachur Hall (by Lochgoillhead),
28th October - Strathy Hall (Workshops & Concert)
29th October - Astley Hall, Arisaig
31st October - Wetherby Festival - Yorkshire
Further information, and details of how to book tickets can be found on Rachel's website www.rachelwalker.co.uk
Tish Hinojosa
Our Little Planet
Continental Song City
Born in San Antonio, Texas, singer songwriter Tish Hinojosa has long been a talented and much revered artist both in the US and Europe. Here, on her new studio album ‘Our Little Planet’ - released on CRS on November 17th – Hinojosa , inspired by her rediscovered love for country music, the 12 self-penned songs on this collection feature a deeply Americana mix of traditional bluegrass and Tish's trademark sound of contemporary folk and tex-mex.
The album is produced by and her long-time accompanist, Marvin Dykhuis, who also co-wrote the title song, as well as playing most of the instruments. It also features appearances by celebrated pedal-steel player Greg Leisz, duets with Texas country legends Rosie Flores and Dale Watson, as well as with rising star Carrie Rodriguez, all of which combine to add delightful new textures to "Our Little Planet's" stripped-down country sound.
http://www.mundotish.com
Monday 24th November 2008
Leeds Guitar Night
Featuring Jon Gomm, Thomas Leeb, Brendan Croker at The Brudenell Social Club, Leeds, LS6 1NY
doors open at 7.45pm.
Advance tickets are available, priced £6 from WeGotTickets.com.
Tel: 0113 2752411
Press Release - Leeds Guitar Night 2008
After the success of last years event, on November 24th Jon Gomm is hosting another night at The Brudenell Social Club where you'll see and hear the acoustic guitar played every way you could imagine and possibly more! There is a massive contrast in the lineup this year - the amazing Thomas Leeb, a youtube smash hit, who Jon met recently on the road and has since travelled with in Europe, and Brendan Croker. When he was 11, Jon's dad first took him to watch Mr Croker play, and in the (many) years following they've ended up performing together numerous times in numerous countries.
Featuring....
Thomas Leeb
California-based, Austrian guitar maestro Thomas Leeb sprung to fame in the UK when his seemingly impossible tunes were transcribed in a national magazine. His tunes are beautiful melodies built on irresistable grooves. "I was his teacher for about five minutes and then I heard him play." - Eric Roche
www.thomasleeb.com
Brendan Croker
Bluesman and member of the Notting Hillbillies, Brendan has worked with many of the greats including Mark Knopfler, Eric Clapton, and Chet Atkins. "He is a world-class songwriter" - Andy Kershaw “Brendan Croker is a genius” - The Independent
www.brendancroker.com
Jon Gomm
Leeds-own guitar virtuoso, Acoustic Magazine calls him “One of the world’s most successful, gifted and inspirational guitarists”. Best known for his extraordinary technique which encompasses every way of playing a guitar imaginable, he has been dropping jaws and tingling spines with his music around Europe this year.
www.jongomm.com
The event has its own website at http://www.myspace.com/leedsguitarnight

Junctions: English Music Breaking Formation

The Tacet Ensemble

Spiers & Boden

Celebrating the vital force of English music, Junctions combines the best of traditional English folk and contemporary classical music. Spiers & Boden and the Tacet Ensemble join together in concert to explore common threads in their musical languages. Alongside pieces from their own repertoires, they will be performing collaborative pieces written by Jon Boden, Ed Hughes, Alison Kay and John Spiers.

"The Tacet Ensemble bring imagination and sensitivity to all their performances of the music of our time" - Michael Finnissy

Spiers & Boden are "..,the finest instrumental duo on the traditional scene" - the Guardian

Sat 29th November 2008 - 7.30pm

Komedia, 44-47 Gardner Street, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1UN

£12 / £10 concessions

Box Office: 01273 647100

www.komedia.co.uk

Sat 6th December 2008 - 8pm

The Stables, Stockwell Lane, Wavendon, Milton Keynes, MK17 8LU

£12.50

Box office: 01908 280800

www.stables.org

Thurs 11th December 2008 - 8pm

The Jacqueline du Pré Music Building, St Hilda's College, Cowley Place, Oxford, OX4 1DY

£16 / £14 (concessions £4 off)

Box office: 0870 750 0659 (office hours)

01865 305 305 (evenings/weekends)

www.st-hildas.ox.ac.uk/jdp

Promoted by Oxford Contemporary Music

www.ocmevents.org

Saturday 13th December 2008 - 8pm

Cranleigh Arts Centre, High Street, Cranleigh, Surrey, GU6 8AS

£13 in advance / £15 on the day

Box Office: 08456 128128

www.cranleighartscentre.org

Promoted by Electric Voices

www.electricvoices.org

Saturday 10th January 2009 - 8.15pm

The Studio, Hawth Theatre, Hawth Avenue, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 6YZ

£12.50 / £10.50

Box Office: 01293 553636

www.tickets.hawth.co.uk

Saturday 17th January 2009 - 7.30pm

The Wilde Theatre, South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA

£15 / £13.50 members / £11 NUS, UB40, under 21s

Box office: 01344 484123

www.southhillpark.org.uk

Please note the above listings give on-stage times not doors-open times.

---------------------------

www.tacet-ensemble.com

www.spiersandboden.com

New Acoustic Music Club For The North Tyne Valley.
North East musicians Fiona Lander and Paul Mason otherwise known as the duo 'Landermason' are setting up a regular live music night at the Riverdale Hall Hotel in Bellingham, Northumberland.
Bellingham All Acoustic or the 'Baa' Club will take place in the back conservatory of the hotel on the last Thursday of every month (except December) at 8.30pm. This intimate room (seating 40 maximum) will provide the perfect surroundings for the enjoyment of acoustic music.
Fiona explains "The idea is to promote live music at two different levels. Firstly to provide a platform for invited guest artists who we feel deserve a wider audience. Some of these will be local, others from further a field. Secondly we want to encourage music making within the local community. We plan to have several floor spots before the guest comes on, so if anyone feels they could contribute a song, tune or verse on the night, then we'd love to see you. Everyone is welcome, even if you just want to come along, sit back and listen!"
The club kicks off on Thursday 30th October with North East songwriter PETE SCOTT. Pete, who has supported major names such as Lindisfarne, Janis Ian, Judi Tzuke, John Martyn and Richard Thompson has released 3 solo albums to date. His music has also been included in 'The Northumbria Anthology', a musical celebration of the North East of England's history and culture. Don't miss this wonderful live performer who is sure to bring a smile to your face! www.petescott.co.uk Admission £6.00
Other guests booked throughout the year are Kathryn Davidson & Dan Walsh, Gareth Davies -Jones, The Caffrey's, Richard Grainger and Adrian Nation. Keep checking for updates on the website.
For those who wish to make a night of it, an early evening 2 course dinner is available in the hotel restaurant before the concert at £12.00 per head.
Table reservations 6.30 for 7pm
Bookings 01434 220254
For more information about Bellingham All Acoustic:
Tel. 0778 8804784
www.baaclub.co.uk
www.myspace.com/baaclub

Big National Ceilidh
Think Globally - Dance Locally
On Saturday 18th October the English Folk Dance and Song Society is pleased to host Mr Gubbins' Bicycle band with caller John Kirkpatrick at Cecil Sharp House. Other performers include John Kirkpatrick, Benji Kirkpatrick, Jobie Kirkpatrick, Sally Kirkpatrick and Martin Britnell.
The event is part of the Big National Ceilidh, when in cities, towns and villages all over the country, thousands of people will simultaneously be dancing to the music of live bands - local events with a national significance.
Each event will be locally organised and distinctive, but two main elements will bind them together:
the proceeds from all the events will be given to a single, hugely worthwhile, charity, WaterAid; and at 22.00 all the bands will be playing the same tune ("Jamie Allen") and as many people as possible will be dancing The Circassian Circle.
WaterAid does fantastic work, overcoming poverty, death, disease and misery by giving the world's poorest people access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene education. On average, every £15 saves a life.
Join in the fun for an excellent cause. The ceilidh is open to people of all ages with absolutely no experience neccessary! Tickets available from http://folkshop.efdss.org or on the door priced at £12 (fee for online bookings). This event starts at 8pm. A cafe and bar will be available on the night.
There will also be a Fun Family Ceilidh held in the afternoon organised by the friends of Cecil Sharp House 4.30 - 6pm with Jane and the Black Pig Band. Child £3 Adult £1
www.efdss.org for more details
www.bignationalceilidh.co.uk
LONGDOGS RELEASE LIVE SHOW OF HANDS ALBUM FOR CHARITY
Show of Hands live at Exeter Phoenix, 8th December 2007
Longdogs, the web-based Show of Hands fans organisation, is proud to announce the release of the above CD, the proceeds from which will be divided equally between the national childhood cancer charity CLIC Sargent and the 'Paediatric Oncology' fund at Bramble ward in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.
The release, on Longdogs own label, was prompted by the news that Steve and Clare Knightley's son Jack had contracted acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a life threatening but often curable cancer. The diagnosis was confirmed on November 23rd 2007, the day before Jack's sixth birthday and the day that Show of Hands were due to embark upon their most ambitious tour to date.
After the cancellation of the first three gigs the tour went ahead with Phil Beer and Miranda Sykes. Steve was able to make two of the gigs - Bristol, and Exeter, the last night of the tour where the material for this album was recorded.
It should be noted that this release is not part of the official Show of Hands catalogue but a selection from the band's current live repertoire that they have made available to Longdogs for the purpose of raising funds for the nominated charities. That said, it's a professional piece of work that compares favourably with previous official live releases and successfully captures the atmosphere at what was a very emotional gig, and is a must for every Show of Hands fan's collection.
Speaking on behalf of Longdogs, Richard Barnes said: "From the moment the news of Jack's illness broke not just Longdogs' members but Show of Hands fans generally responded with a fantastic show of support and goodwill. Phil and Miranda soldiered on with the tour along with Slaid Cleaves and Michael O'Connor in support and the vast majority of fans who had bought tickets still turned up to support the band and generously contribute to the collections for CLIC Sargent organised at the gigs."
After a ten year presence on the internet Longdogs has become much more than the humble "Show of Hands fans on the 'net" organisation it set out to be and, whilst retaining its independence from the band, has worked closely with them on a number of projects, particularly in raising money for charitable causes such as Children's Hospice South West and Teenage Cancer Trust. Says Richard: "Jack's illness brought the issue of childhood cancer very close to home, and this time we wanted to really make a difference. Various suggestions came and went, including a sponsored mass parachute jump (thank goodness that one went away!) but hours before the final gig of the tour the perfect opportunity presented itself with a call from Steve. He would be doing the gig and they were thinking of recording it - would Longdogs be up for releasing the result on CD? Naturally the answer was yes."
The gig was recorded by Show of Hands sound engineer and tour manager Chris Puxley and edited and mastered by Steve and Phil in their own time, so production costs up to this point were zero. Soon the degree of support from beyond the immediate Show of Hands camp became heart-warmingly evident.
Says Richard: "One of our members Debbie Koritsas kindly donated some great shots of Steve and Phil for the album artwork. We approached top CD and web designer Brad Waters who instantly offered to do the artwork for free. Brad in turn contacted Dave Summers at Disc Manufacturing Services in Plymouth who offered to manufacture 1000 copies absolutely free of charge with the words 'Sometimes there is more to life than making a profit'.
"So collectively we have produced a great CD for the small cost of the MCPS licence. We're just a bunch of enthusiastic amateurs at Longdogs and we are eternally grateful to all the professionals who gave their time and expertise to make this possible. The album has been available on Longdogs for a couple of weeks now and the response has been fantastic. I have no doubt that the 1000 copies will sell quickly and realise our aim of raising around £10,000 for the charities."
The album track listing is:-
1. Longdog (Knightley)
2. The Setting/Mary of Dungloe (McTell/Trad Arr Knightley/Beer)
3. Cutthroats, Crooks and Con-Men (Knightley)
4. Blue Cockade (Trad arr Knightley/Beer)
5. Crazy Boy (Knightley)
6. Blind Fiddler (Trad arr Knightley/Beer)
7. Exile (Knightley)
8. See My Baby Again (Knightley)
9. Secret World (Gabriel)
10. Are We Alright (Knightley)
11. The Dive (Knightley)
12. Don't Be a Stranger (Knightley)
13. Country Life (Knightley)
14. Roots (Knightley)
15. Cousin Jack (Knightley)
16. The Falmouth Packet/Haul Away Joe (Beer/Trad arr Knightley/Beer)
The CD is officially launched at Show of Hands' gig at Rugby Roots on 27th September and will thereafter be available to purchase from the merchandise stand at all Show of Hands gigs. It's already available online at http://www.longdogs.co.uk/soh/exetercd or by "snail mail" from Longdogs, email richard@rugbyroots.com for ordering details.

September 2008 at Cecil Sharp House
David Owen Exhibition, Saturday Music Workshops
and Open House: Architecture Up Close
Welcome back to the Autumn term at Cecil Sharp House!
The Seeds of Love
The English Folk Dance and Song Society is proud to present an exhibition of work from Whitby-based artist David Owen.
'The Seeds of Love' opens to the general public on 18th September and will feature a dazzling array of folk inspired prints, photographs and posters. '...As a visual artist I have had to find ways to interpret the themes, images and stories in a visual language to demonstrate that folk music is contemporary, modern, relevant and also beautiful, sad, and funny...'
The exhibiton will be open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am until 6pm and will run until December 21st. This event is free. If you would like to see more of David Owen's work online you can visit his website at www.theinkcorporation.co.uk
David Owen discusses his current art exhibition with serial folk-archivist Doc Rowe at Cecil Sharp House on Saturday 20th September. Free event, 1pm
Discover your Inner Folk!
The English Folk Dance and Song Society is pleased to announce a second term of Saturday Music Workshops and What the Folk? Lectures starting from 20th September and open to anyone interested in exploring the folk arts. The workshops will feature classes in singing, banjo and accordion split into beginners, intermediate and advanced levels. The instrument techniques and material explored will concentrate on folk styles and vernacular introducing students to the wealth of traditional music techniques. Tutors includeEd Hicks: banjo, Paul Hutchinson: accordion and Sam Lee: singing.
The What the Folk? Lectures continue to explore the breadth, depth and wealth of folk culture. Discover the expanse of the traditions of the English speaking world, including songs, tunes, dances and customs indigenous to our land. The lectures will feature David Owen in conversation with Doc Rowe (free event), Peter Cox, Brian Peters, Maddy Prior in conversation with Peta Webb* (as part of A Tribute to Bert all day event) and Roy Palmer.
£5* on the door or free to Saturday Workshop Students! *excluding Maddy Prior in conversation with Peta Webb (as part of the A Tribute to Bert all day event), priced at £20, £15 concessions)
Classes and lectures occur on the first and third Saturdays of the month, between 10.30am - 5.30pm with lectures taking place between 1 - 2pm. www.efdss.org for more details.
Cecil Sharp House opens its doors for Open House London
Cecil Sharp House takes part in Open House London, the capital's largest architectural showcase, on Saturday 20th September.
Purpose built in 1930 to house the (now) English Folk Dance and Song Society, this grade II listed building includes a 60ft mural by Ivon Hitchens (1954) and was designed by members of the Art Workers Guild of the time, Martineau and Fletcher. Entry is available to Kennedy hall, the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library and the private gardens.
In celebration of design excellence, over 600 architectural activities are planned, giving Londoners the opportunity to experience architecture in the flesh and be part of a capital-wide initiative for one weekend in the year.
Open House once again reveals the fabric of London in all its diversity: opening eyes and minds to the architectural gems, contemporary design and areas of urban change that define the city today.
Cecil Sharp House opens for Open House on Saturday 20th September only. 12.30pm - 5.30pm. Hourly tours, max 20 people per tour. Free event.
Tube: Camden Town; Rail: Camden Road; 274, C2, 29, 253, 168
www.efdss.org
Workshops and Masterclasses with Peter Knight
It will be a two day Masterclass held over the Weekend of the 13th and 14th of September 2008 at the Village Hall, Lower Oddington, Stow-on-the Wold, Gloucestershire.
It will be interspersed on the Saturday evening with a public concert by the trio 'Gigspanner', and Musicians taking part in the Masterclass can join them on stage if they wish to at a designated point in the proceedings.
This event will be very beneficial to Fiddle players obviously, but is in no way restricted to them. However, it is unlikely to be suitable for absolute beginners as the emphasis will be less on technique and more about discovering your own individual and unique musical identity. The focus will be on enabling participants to move on from playing in a way that is influenced by others to being able to access a place whereby they know they are playing in a way that reflects their own emotions and inner feelings in all their diversity.
The course fee of £225 will include tuition from Peter Knight and support from guitarist Roger Flack, fabulous organic home cooked lunches and refreshments prepared by the redoubtable and multi-talented Mo Griffiths, and admission to the Gigspanner concert on the Saturday evening.
See http://www.peterknight.net/masterclass.htm
27 February 2009 - 1 March 2009 : FiddleOn Folk Music Weekend
Farncombe Estate in association with FiddleOn magazine bring you a weekend folk music course with internationally known tutors including Cormac Byrne - bodhran/percussion (Uiscedwr, Seth Lakeman), Anna Esslemont - fiddle (Uiscedwr), Karen Tweed - piano accordion (Poozies, Swap), Tim Edey - guitar (Sharon Shannon, Michael McGoldrick) and Sarah Allen - flute (Flook). The course is open to players of ALL instruments. Each of the tutors is experienced in working with both tune players (e.g. fiddle/flute/melodeon) and backers (e.g. guitar/bass/percussion) and variety is definitely encouraged!
The course brings musicians together to learn how to arrange folk tunes for performance. A large part of playing and performing folk tunes is down to how they are arranged - changing the style, rhythm, harmonies, dynamics etc can bring a tune to life, and take it somewhere you never imagined possible when you first heard the basic melody! You will learn how to create interesting counter melodies, how to get the best from the instruments you have in your group, how to vary the chords backing a tune and much more.
The emphasis is on arranging and not learning tunes. Sheet music with basic chords or a recording of the material will be provided well in advance, so participants arrive feeling comfortable and confident with the tunes and time can be spent on the real task: arranging, which will be done largely by ear.
Each musician will be assigned to a mixed group (containing some melody players and some backers) lead by one of the tutors, and then the fun will start! You will get a chance to work on arranging two pieces to perform at an informal concert on the Sunday. The first piece will be the tunes you have worked on with your tutors in smaller groups, and the second will be a full group piece with everyone involved.
The beauty of arranging for folk music is that it caters for a wide range of abilities - sometimes the most important part of a set of tunes is the simplest part - it's amazing how an off-beat "chug" on the chords can lift a tune from being good, to foot-stompingly good! So this course is suitable for pretty much every musician who wants to come and have a go, whether you're a beginner or a pro looking for some fresh ideas for arranging. However, as the weekend will be quite challenging, the programme is not suited to absolute beginners on their instruments; there isn't time to provide teaching on how to play your instrument. If you are unsure as to whether this course is suited to you, please get in touch and one of the tutors will be happy to discuss your concerns.
Prices start from £180 for non-residential bookings. Ensuite bed & breakfast accommodation is also available on a first come first served basis. Course prices include all meals, tuition and VAT.
For more details or to book call 01386 854100 or visit our website www.FarncombeEstate.co.uk/FiddleOn
WAKING THE WITCH's
PATSY MATHESON
A Little Piece of England Tour 2008/9
Just months after the farewell tour of the award-winning all-female acoustic band she founded - Waking the Witch - Patsy Matheson has hit the ground running.
This autumn the Leeds-based singer songwriter releases A Little Piece of England, her first solo album in 11 years, and will showcase it on a UK tour running from October 08 through to January 09. She will be accompanied in the live show by the album's producer, Sam Bartholomew and the pair will play vintage American acoustic guitars.

www.patsymatheson.co.uk www.myspace.com/patsmatheson
Fri 3rd Oct Cambridge, Folk Club @ the Golden Hind www.cambridgefolkclub.org 01638 603986
Sat 4th Oct Manningtree, Red Lion 01206 395 052 mikecsteer@yahoo.co.uk
Thurs 9th Oct East Devon, Budleigh Salterton, Otterton Mill www.ottertonmill.com 01395 568521
Fri 10th Oct Torquay, Blue Walnut Café www.bluewalnutcafe.com 01803 605995
Sat 11th Oct Nottingham, Lowdham Village Hall (as special guest of Deborah Bonham) www.warthogpromotions.co.uk 0115 9663596
Wed 29th Oct Rotherham, Wentworth, Manor Barn www.myspace.com/classicrocksociety 01663 745080
Fri 14th Nov Hartlepool, The Studio www.studiohartlepool.com 01429 424440
Thurs 20th Nov Leeds, New Roscoe www.liveinleeds.com 0113 2455570
Fri 21st Nov Birmingham, Cotteridge, Tower of Song www.towerofsong.co.uk/index.htmc 0121 486 1300
Sat 22nd Nov Hastings - Battle, 'Autumn Chill 2' Festival at Crowhurst Park www.mrsyarringtons.com/AutumnChill.htm 01424 773344
Fri 28th Nov Barton-upon-Humber, The Ropewalk www.carnivalinn.co.uk 01652 6603801
652 660380
Sat 29th Nov York, The Winning Post 07525 751 219
Sun 30th Nov London - Putney, Half Moon www.halfmoon.co.uk 0208 780 9383
Sat 10th Jan Halifax, Square Chapel Arts Centrewww.squarechapel.co.uk/events/index.htm 01422 349422
Fri 30th Jan South Lakes, Ulverston Sports Club www.slmp.btinternet.co.uk 07743 555227
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Hartlepool Late Summer Folk Gathering
10th to the 12th October 2008
At the Hartlepool Historic Quay
www.hartlepoolsmaritimeexperience.com
Hartlepool's Maritime Experience, a superb re-creation of an 18th century seaport .The room booked overlooks the HMS Trincomalee, the oldest British warship afloat. A fantastic setting for the weekend plus Hartlepool marina with its cafes bars and restaurants
The gathering is at the Baltic Suite until midnight and has some great artistes lined up.. We have 4 great local groups on The Young'uns 3 young singers with fantastic voices who run their own folk club at the Harbour of Refuge every other Friday. They along with Keepers Fold will be hosting a massive singaround on the Friday night encouraging all singers young and old to get up and sing a song or two. Other local groups are Skyran from Seaton Carew, On the Edge and Copper Fox both from the town. Among the other guests performing are Acoustica from Newcastle who recently played the Gala Theatre in Durham, Coblers Monday a sea shanty group from Whitby, Pegleg Ferret another shanty group but also very humorous. Paul and Wendy Arrowsmith from Firby Fleetham folk club are performing with their band Blind Summat
Headlining the events on the Saturday are local singer Richie Fletcher with well known folk singer Tom Napper and finally The Hall Brothers from Skipton with their own exciting brand of folk come rock come many other types of guitar playing and singing.
We are running the weekend as hopefully the first of an annual festival if this one goes well. It came about as we travel all over the country to other festivals and thought it would be good for the town to have its own festival and we also hope to involve local people to foster an interest in folk music and culture. We are hoping to keep this one reasonably small with about 100 people at the concerts and a fringe of musicians and singers at The Mooring cafe on Navigation Point on the Saturday evening and also on the MV Ella on Saturday afternoon. Sean from the Young'uns is also very keen to involve local schoolchildren to sing sea song so we might be able to include them on Sunday morning.
Tickets are £20 for the whole weekend £5 for Friday evening + £2.50 for pie and peas. £7 for Saturday afternoon and £12 for Saturday night all in the Baltic Suite of the Heritage Centre. All festival goers will get half price entry to the museum.

Tickets are available at
Othertours
5 Errol Street,
TS26 8AG
Telephone: John (01429) 262225 Or ring Mick 07932710555
Oxfolk Dates for 2008
11th August 2008
The new Oxfolk Ceilidh season kicks off in the splendid new Kennington Village Hall near Oxford, and not far from our old venue in Kidlington.
Saturday 11th October - The Woodpecker Band with Gordon Potts and Rockhopper Morris
The Woodpecker Band are Oxfordshire favourites with a national profile. This folk rock dance band is firmly rooted in Oxfordshire's folk dance traditions and offers infectious and irresistible tunes with electric rhythm. Gordon Potts is calling with boundless energy and style and an interval spot is provided by the top-notch Rockhopper Morris.
7.30 for 8pm, Kennington Village Hall, Kennington, near Oxford, OX1 5PG just off the A34 and or on the number 35 bus from Oxford. Adults £9, concessions £6, U12s £1, U5s free, family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) £25 and students get 6 for the price of 5 (arriving before 8.45pm). For more details: www.oxfolk.org.uk
Saturday 8th November - The Hosepipe Band with Andrew Swaine
The Hosepipe Band offer bright and lively electro-acoustic dance music with a mix of British and European influences. Andrew, a young but experienced caller from Cambridge, offers clear and concise calling and broad selection of dances.
7.30 for 8pm, Kennington Village Hall, Kennington, near Oxford, OX1 5PG just off the A34 and or on the number 35 bus from Oxford
Adults £9, concessions £6, U12s £1, U5s free, family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) £25 and students get 6 for the price of 5 (arriving before 8.45pm). For more details: www.oxfolk.org.uk
Saturday 13th December - Boldwood with Fee Lock and Cat Kelly - Christmas Spectacular - Dress to Impress!
Boldwood offer dynamic dancing and brilliant musicianship. New to the dance scene, Boldwood come with an impressive pedigree, and a unique repertoire from the 18th century - a golden age for English music when "folk" and "classical" worlds cohabited easily. They bring a robust and baroque edge to irresistible rhythms. This Christmas special sees a classy callers double act from Fee Lock and Cat Kelly. All together a very posh and polished dance!
7.30 for 8pm, Kennington Village Hall, Kennington, near Oxford, OX1 5PG just off the A34 and or on the number 35 bus from Oxford
Adults £9, concessions £6, U12s £1, U5s free, family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) £25 and students get 6 for the price of 5 (arriving before 8.45pm).
For more details: www.oxfolk.org.uk
SHOW OF HANDS ANNOUNCE FIRST UK STANDING GIG TOUR
- New acoustic sensation Ruarri Joseph to support -

England's top acoustic roots duo Show of Hands are to stage their first standing gig tour of the UK, in response to a growing number of requests.
The 15-date Standing Room Only tour, which will take in venues from Oxford's Carling Academy to Plymouth University, runs from November 19-December 7 and forms part of an unusual trio of tours, offering something for all audiences.
Devon-based singer-songwriter Steve Knightley and multi instrumentalist Phil Beer will be joined by their regular guest Miranda Sykes on double bass and vocals whilst new indy folk sensation Ruarri Joseph will open for them.
Previously signed to Atlantic Records, Ruarri is also from the West Country, though born in Edinburgh. Based in Newquay, Cornwall, he proved a popular choice when he guested at SoH's signature festival at Abbotsbury, Dorset, earlier this month.
Inspired by the likes of Nick Drake, he has been described as a British Jack Johnson and has made appearances with David Gray, Paolo Nutini and Seth Lakeman.
With a background that has explored jazz, rock and punk, his acoustic material is sometimes mellow, sometimes upbeat and infectiously catchy, all delivered by his distinctive vocals. Now recording independently, he will release a new album, Both Sides of the Coin, in early 2009, following on from an EP this autumn.
Says Steve: "Ruarri is an excellent new singer songwriter talent from the West Country who has decided to take the independent route. It was obvious right from the start of his set at Abbotsbury that he was connecting with our audience so we thought it would be great to invite him to join us on our standing tour."
After a busy summer of nearly 30 UK festivals - including a successful debut appearance at WOMAD - SOH embark on nearly 40 dates this autumn and winter, all with Miranda Sykes (right).

The first segment , starting September 24, will be a 10-date theatres and arts centres tour with some gigs, including The Stables, Milton Keynes (Oct 5) already close to sell out.

Dartington Hall (left) and Exeter Cathedral - on the Show of Hands Spires and Beams tour trail
This will be followed on October 22 by the 14-date Spires and Beams tour of churches, cathedrals and historic houses, including London's Union Chapel, Exeter and Ely cathedrals and the largest medieval house in the West of England - Dartington Hall, near Totnes, in Devon.
The Standing Room Only dates will complete the diverse trio of tours.
Full tour list follows.
On November 2, Show of Hands will also be performing at a special, sold out event to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the celebrated Hitchin Folk Club run by Maureen and Keiron Jones (winners of the 2005 Folk Club of the Year title at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards).

www.showofhands.co.uk www.mirandasykes.com
www.myspace.com/ruarrijoseph

SHOW OF HANDS with MIRANDA SYKES - AUTUMN TOUR DATES 2008 'THEATRES & ARTS CENTRES' TOUR
September
Wed 24 SLOUGH, West Wing Arts Centre 01753 823710
Thu 25 GRAYS, Thameside Theatre 0845 300 5264
Fri 26 IPSWICH, St Nicholas Centre 01473 258070
Sat 27 RUGBY, Lawrence Sheriff Hall 01788 567338
Sun 28 WORCESTER, The Swan Theatre 01905 611427
October
Wed 01 FARNHAM, Maltings 01252 745444
Thu 02 WINCHESTER, Theatre Royal 01962 840440
Fri 03 YEOVIL, Octagon Theatre 01935 422884
Sat 04 ST ALBANS, Alban Arena 01727 844488
Sun 05 MILTON KEYNES, The Stables 01908 280800
'SPIRES & BEAMS' TOUR
October
Wed 22 CROPREDY, St Mary the Virgin Church 01295 750633
Thu 23 BECKENHAM, St George's 020 8663 6996
Fri 24 FOLKESTONE, Tower Theatre 01303 223925
Sat 25 EASTBOURNE, All Saints Church 01323 841414
Sun 26 LONDON, Union Chapel 020 7605 5255
Wed 29 MARLBOROUGH, St Mary's Church 01672 512465
Thu 30 CAMBRIDGE, Emmanuel UR Church 01638 603986
Fri 31 WINGFIELD, St Andrew's Church 01379 384080
November
Sat 01 ELY Cathedral 01353 740999
Tue 04 DARTINGTON Great Hall 01803 847070
Thu 06 BANBURY, St Mary's Church 01295 275385
Fri 07 EXETER Cathedral 01392 493493 (Northcott Theatre)
Sat 08 ST DONAT'S Arts Centre 01446 799100
Sun 09 HEREFORD, All Saints Church 01432 761914
'STANDING ROOM ONLY' TOUR with special guest support Ruarri Joseph
November
Wed 19 BRIDPORT Arts Centre 01308 424204
Thu 20 SOUTHAMPTON, The Brook 023 8055 5366
Fri 21 OXFORD, Zodiac @ Carling Academy 08444 77 2000 (Ticketweb)
Sat 22 PLYMOUTH University 01803 863468 (Harberton Folk)
Tue 25 CAMBRIDGE, The Junction 01223 511511
Wed 26 NORWICH, The Waterfront 01603 508050
Thu 27 NOTTINGHAM, The Rescue Rooms 08713 100 000
Fri 28 HOLMFIRTH, Picturedrome 01484 689759 (Venue)
0161 832 1111 (Ticketline)
Sat 29 MANCHESTER, Club Academy 0161 275 2930 (Students Union)
0161 832 1111 (Ticketline)
Sun 30 CHELTENHAM Town Hall 01242 227979
December
Wed 03 WOLVERHAMPTON, Wulfrun Hall 0870 320 7000
Thu 04 CARDIFF, The Point 029 2046 0873
Fri 05 BRISTOL, Fiddlers 0117 987 3403
Sat 06 FALMOUTH, Princess Pavilion 01326 211222
Sun 07 EXETER, Corn Exchange 01392 665866
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Lisa Redford Releases Third Album 'Clouds with Silver'
Lisa Redford ("one of our finest singer/songwriters" Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2) returns with her eagerly anticipated third studio album CLOUDS WITH SILVER a glorious and heartfelt follow up to the critically acclaimed LOST AGAIN (2005).
Featuring eleven finely crafted self-written songs CLOUDS WITH SILVER takes Lisa's blend of exquisitely melodic acoustic music to another level. With most tracks recorded live, the album is infused with a real intimacy, showcasing Lisa's soulful and powerful voice and heartfelt lyrics. From album opener, the upbeat radio friendly "Come Back Down", to the sweeping uplifting "Live Your Life", through to the plaintive yearning ballads "The Boy Who…" and "Makes Your Heart Sing", the album is full of standout tracks. Other highlights include the dreamy "Call Me" and "NY Song" which also display her dynamic and evocative voice and immense gift for melodic hooks. The album closes with live tracks "New Years Day" and "Time to Grow". Recorded live in the studio with just her voice and acoustic guitar, these two tracks totally capture the raw heartfelt emotion of Lisa's live performance.
Recorded mostly in New York City at Monkeyboy Studios, the album is co-produced with respected producer and multi-instrumentalist Brad Albetta (Martha Wainwright, Rufus Wainwright, Teddy Thompson) who also adds some subtle sonic dimensions on bass and keyboards. The acoustic songs are also enriched by some truly beautiful string arrangements. "Makes Your Heart Sing" and "Here Alone" feature strings by one of Nashville's most highly regarded producers David Henry (Josh Rouse, Alison Krauss, REM) and New York based violinist Claudia Chopek (Ryan Adams, HEM) created the wonderful lilting arrangements on "NY Song" and "Live Your Life". More of New York's most outstanding musicians guest on some of the tracks. Superb drummer Matt Johnson (Jeff Buckley, Rufus Wainwright) adds his talent to the two full band tracks and the excellent guitarist Jim Campilongo (in Norah Jones's The Little Willies) contributes his trademark Telecaster sound to the upbeat Americana track "When You Come Home".
Lisa's two previous albums SLIPSTREAM and LOST AGAIN, have gained widespread glowing print reviews and received airplay on radio stations around the world. Her track 'Dragonfly' was featured on a 'Best of British' special on BBC Radio 2 which showcased the Best British songwriters. Lisa has also built a reputation as a compelling live performer and, along with many festival appearances, has opened for many respected artists including Kathryn Williams, Brian Kennedy, Chuck Prophet, Devon Sproule, Kate Campbell, Laura Veirs, Jesse Sykes, The Handsome Family, The Deadstring Brothers, Boo Hewerdine and The Arlenes.
On CLOUDS WITH SILVER, Redford dramatically fulfils the promise of her previous albums with her arresting vocals, refreshing melodic sound and reflective lyrics. "Like all my work, this album has been a real labour of love for me. From the writing and recording process to playing all the acoustic guitar parts and producing, I've been totally involved in every aspect" says Redford. "The songs are very contemplative and tinged with melancholy but, as the title reveals, they are full of hope and ultimately leave an uplifting and positive message." Already in 2008 she has played some of New York's most prestigious acoustic venues and had one of her songs, the acclaimed 'Dragonfly', feature in an independent movie in LA. With the release of CLOUDS WITH SILVER, further testament to her talent, Redford's music is set to gain her an even bigger audience. Hers is striking music that is sorrowful and dreamy, but not simply for awash of studio atmosphere. Lisa's songs, as well as her voice, have a tempered reverence that coats the sadness with an aura of beauty.

Clouds with Silver is available to order from Fish Records, iTunes and will be distributed through Proper Distribution.
For more information on Lisa Redford, please contact Jokat Pr. Tel: 011 44 1603 452850 Mob: 07832 130453 email:
infolisaredford@aol.com
www.lisaredford.com
www.myspace.com/lisaredford www.youtube.com/lisaredfordmusic

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Leading Folk Artists Sign Up For Darwin Song Project
Eight leading folk musicians from the UK and America have signed up to take part in a unique music project to mark the bicentennial of the birth of evolutionist Charles Darwin.
BBC Folk Award winners Chris Wood and Karine Polwart, folk stalwart Jez Lowe, Scotland’s Emily Smith, American artists Krista Detor and Mark Erelli, Bellowhead’s Rachael McShane, and Stu Hanna from rising folk duo Megson, have all signed up to take part in Shrewsbury Folk Festival’s Darwin Song Project, part of the nationwide Darwin200 celebrations.
The project will see the eight multi talented musicians living together in a 16th Century country house near Shrewsbury in Shropshire - where Darwin was born - from March 13 to 20 2009.
They have been commissioned by Festival organisers to produce songs related to Darwin, his life, work, or any other topic linked to the town’s most famous son.
The songs will be premiered by the artists at one of the first ever concerts to be held at Shrewsbury’s new Theatre Severn on March 19 and a Darwin Song Project CD will also be recorded at the event for future sale.
The musicians will also be invited to perform the Darwin songs and their own music during Shrewsbury Folk Festival from August 28 to 31 2009.
The project is being funded by Shrewsbury Folk Festival, the Arts Council, Shropshire County Council and Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council.
Festival Director Neil Pearson said: “We are delighted to have signed up eight such talented musicians and singer songwriters to the Darwin Song Project. We know they will all bring a different dimension to the project and produce some truly original work.
“This is a pioneering project and we believe it’s the first project of its kind in England; it will be interesting to see what songs come out of the week long residential.
“The artists will be living and working at the farmhouse near Shrewsbury and they can either work collaboratively or individually.
“We’re providing them with Darwin resources prior to and during the project, and we are sure they will also draw inspiration from the Shropshire countryside, the area where Darwin spent his formative years.”
Darwin’s birthplace on The Mount in Shrewsbury overlooks the West Mid Showground where the annual Shrewsbury festival is held, and his great great grandson Randal Keynes will visit the musicians at the house to speak to them about his famous relative.
They will also be taken around Shrewsbury to get a feel for the town where Darwin grew up.
Neil added: “This is the first time that the Festival has ever commissioned new music. We were keen to find a way to link our event into the Darwin200 celebrations and as an organisation we are always interested in finding ways to offer both artists and audiences a unique experience.
“Shrewsbury Folk Festival is a champion of innovative approaches to music and the Darwin project will hopefully make a fascinating contribution to the folk world.”
Jon King, Shrewsbury’s Darwin Festival Director, said: “I am very excited by this project. The artists involved bring a wealth of experience and a particular sensibility to the subject matter. I'm intrigued to find out how they respond.?”
The Festival has also launched a website – www.darwinsongproject.com – to keep people up to date with the project.
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The 1 hr 15 minute program contains interviews and songs from Vicky Swan & Jonny Dyer, Kirsty McGee & Mat Martin, Rubus, Tom Bliss and Nancy Kerr & James Fagan.
http://www.littleatoms.com/folk/leighfolkfestival2008.mp3
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The Sacred Shakers....Cool, Old-Time Gospel Music.... Hallelujah!!
Fresh from the success of her sensational old-time country gem, Letters From Sinners And Strangers, Boise-Idaho native Eilen Jewell and a handful of her like-minded chums are set to release The Sacred Shakers, a sensational take on American gospel music from the 1950s. The album will be released on September 22nd on Signature Sounds.
In early 2006 The Sacred Shakers hosted the Country Gospel Brunch Sunday afternoons in the Boston area. Jason Beek, Shakers' drummer, assembled the group after hearing about a similar series from a friend in New Mexico. The idea was to find like-minded musicians who share a passion for a sort of niche gospel music and not the typical R&B gospel sound of today...gospel music that was performed by the likes of country legends Hank Williams and the Carter Family. Other influences included hill-country bluesman Mississippi Fred McDowell and the She-Wolf, Jessie Mae Hemphill as well as gospel greats like Rev. Charlie Jackson, Rev. Louis Overstreet, The Staple Singers and many more.
Beek assembled a fine group of Boston area roots musicians for the gig – the aforementioned Americana gem Eilen Jewell, Bluegrass cat Daniel Fram, America's Bass player Johnny Sciascia and veteran violinist Daniel Kellar. In addition, the brunch series featured a special weekly guest. Among the many great guests were WC Handy Award winners Paul Rishell and Annie Raines, Signature Sounds recording artist Mark Erelli, Mr. Airplane Man's Margaret Garrett, Alastair Moock and many more.
www.eilenjewell.com
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Sheffield Band Released on iTunes
- Dead Like Harry, the latest band to come out of Sheffield launches on iTunes -
Hot on the heels of Tiny Dancers, Richard Hawley and of course the Arctic Monkeys, Dead Like Harry seem to be riding the wave of young talent coming out of Yorkshire.
After playing to over 6000 people at the Sheffield Hallam FM Arena, followed by a couple of shows at the renowned Rock Garden in London, Dead Like Harry are appearing at The Cornbury Music Festival in July playing on the same bill as the legendary Paul Simon.
Working with producer Alan Smyth (Richard Hawley, Pulp, Arctic Monkeys, Reverend and the Makers) Dead Like Harry have just released their new EP 'When We Were 17'. This music will be available to download from iTunes from 2nd June.
With a blend of rock, blues, country and even folk influences, Dead Like Harry look to be the latest Sheffield band to find success through their increasingly high profile live performances.
-Press-
"Strong of melody, rich in lyrical content and bound together by top-notch musicianship, Dead Like Harry's fresh take on traditional influences such as the blues, rock and folk is a real treat to behold. Surely fame beckons for this Sheffield-based six piece". BBC Radio Sheffield
"Dead Like Harry are the Steel City's answer to Fleetwood Mac" Sandman Magazine
"Their musicianship and harmonies are a wonder to behold" www.whatsonsouth.com
"Sheffield country magic" Sheffield Scene Magazine
www.deadlikeharry.co.uk / www.myspace.com/deadlikeharrymusic

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North Devon Folk Festival
Talented folk by the sea
The second North Devon Folk Festival is back with Melanie, Bellowhead, Eddi Reader, Trans-Global Underground and more…
After the success of its first year the second North Devon Folk Festival is back from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th September with more great music and entertainment. Set in and around the stunning sea front location of the Landmark Theatre in Ilfracombe with North Devon’s dramatic coastline as a backdrop, this is a great excuse to escape the rat race and sample some superb folk music.
The line up this year includes Melanie, Bellowhead, Eddi Reader, Trans-Global Underground, Tarras, John Tams and Barry Coope, Devon Sproule Band, Last Night’s Fun, Bella Hardy Trio, Annabelle Chvostek, Martha Tilston, Steve Tilston and many more.
The music takes place across three stages, all under cover so there will be no need to bring your wet weather gear! As usual there will be a range of local real ales and ciders to try as well as festival food to tempt you and market stalls to browse around.
Headliner Melanie Safka is one of the most recognised and respected faces in the folk music world. Hailed by the New York Times as the female Bob Dylan, she is best known for her huge 1971 hit Brand New Key which was later re-written by the West Country’s own The Wurzels for their number one song The Combine Harvester.
Melanie’s popularity has not diminished over the years. On average she has released one album a year since 1969, and in 2007 she performed to a sell-out crowd at the Meltdown Festival in London, garnering rave reviews with The Independent stating, “Melanie has earned her place alongside Joan Baez, Judy Collins, Joni Mitchell and Marianne Faithfull in the pantheon of iconic female singers”.
Bellowhead are an eleven piece band and the brainchild of folk duo Spiers and Boden. Formed in 2004 after John Spiers and Jon Boden came up with the idea of creating a big folk band while stuck in traffic on the M25, Bellowhead create riots of colourful sounds and are fast becoming the talk of the folk world. The band has won the Best Live Act at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards three times (2005, 2007 and 2008) and released their debut album Burlesque in 2006 to great critical acclaim.
Singer/songwriter Eddi Reader has come a long way since forming the pop group Fairground Attraction in the 1980s. With the band she recorded the number one single Perfect in 1988, and won two BRIT Awards for Best Single and Best Album in 1989. Eddi is now a successful solo artist and has worked with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra recording an album of material by celebrated poet Robert Burns, and released her eighth album last year.
Fresh from WOMAD Festival, Trans-Global Underground bring their special fusion of Western, Oriental and African music styles to the North Devon Folk Festival. Formed in the early 90s, the band has a fairly fluid line up and welcome many guest artists to perform with them. They have recorded nine albums and remain a very popular live act with gig goers.
Other acts performing over Saturday and Sunday are the highly regarded traditional band Tarras, the spine tingling harmonies of John Tams and Barry Coope, the magical guitarist Devon Sproule and her band, the blistering soulful tunes of Last Night’s Fun, fiddle-singer extraordinaire Bella Hardy Trio, Canadian multi-instrumentalist Annabelle Chvostek Trio, father and daughter Steve and Martha Tilston, good time performer Debby McClatchy, the vibrant and original Dragonsfly, the jigs and shanties of The Dambuskers, comedy musical trio The Singing Sous Chefs, home-grown talent Jenna, the imaginative fiddle and bluesy sound of Fiddlebix, and atmospheric songwriter Chris Millington.
Friday evening’s entertainment is completely free and will showcase well known North Devon songwriters, traditional musicians and new wave folk. Special guest will be Jez Lowe, the enchanting singer/songwriter and BBC Radio 2 Folk Award 2008 nominee. He will be joined by Tom & Barbara Brown, Al & Pam Cruse, Ian Hudson, and Martyn Babb.
The North Devon Folk Festival has teamed up with nearby accommodation providers Woolacombe Holiday Parcs and Hidden Valley Park to offer great savings over the Folk Festival weekend. With a choice of sea view holiday homes, luxury lodges, camping and caravan sites it couldn’t be easier to spend some time in beautiful North Devon while soaking up some great folk music by the sea before the autumn weather kicks in.
Tickets for the weekend are priced at £50 for adults, 12-16 year olds at £10, and under 12s free. Day tickets are also available.
For further information or to book tickets call the Box Office on 01271 32 42 42 or visit www.northdevontheatres.org.uk
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Canadian Trio Elliott BROOD Set To Release Stunning New Album, Mountain Meadows, A Career High On Six Shooter Records
Stalking shadows on the prairies with a compass and set of matches and whispering tales under darkening skies, obsessed with history or historically obsessed, either way, Elliott BROOD have a penchant for stories they just can’t shake.
With the release of their new record, Mountain Meadows, released on September 22nd on comes a new chapter. It marks the evolution of Elliott BROOD from a backwoods character into a timeless figure. Recorded in town halls, front rooms, back rooms and good old recording studios with BROOD stalwarts – Mark Sasso, Stephen Pitkin, and Casey Laforet - the album’s wandering melodies are driven by rusty guitars and aching vocals that waltz around charming piano lines while ukuleles and banjos sway to and fro between a chorus of horns. It’s sunnier the higher you climb the Mountain, but in the Meadows below lay darker themes each with their own lore.
Since their beginnings with their EP, Tin Type, home of the cult hit, O’ Alberta!, to their Juno-nominated, debut full length Ambassador, Elliott BROOD have earned the praise of connoisseurs and critics alike. They’ve won over legions of fans with their raw, energetic live shows and their atmospheric, richly crafted records, making a name for themselves worldwide. They’ve carried their tune through seven cross Canada marathons, including the headlining spot on the Exclaim! Magazine sponsored Wood, Wires & Whiskey tour and opening shows for Wilco, Blue Rodeo, Corb Lund and The Sadies. They’ve completed three European tours, playing Festivals throughout Europe, the UK and Scandinavia, including an opening spot in Paris with Broken Social Scene. The BROOD have toured through the USA with Do, Make, Say Think and they made their debut in Australia with the release of Ambassador on ABC Records in the spring of 2008. Alongside the Juno nomination, Ambassador earned The BROOD a Galaxy Rising Star award for Best New Artist 2006, landing them on Best of Lists from The Globe & Mail to CBC Radio 3, a four-star review from UNCUT, and kept them on the college radio charts for over 17 weeks.
Elliott BROOD will be playing a number of UK shows in October
www.elliottbrood.ca
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From Lantern-making to Fandango
This year, Oxfordshire's Towersey Village Festival is packed full with more workshops than ever before. From Fandango and Harmony Singing to Lantern-making and Yoga, the Festival's wide and varied workshop programme offers activities for all ages and abilities. All that's really left to decide is which one to try first!
Towersey offers an enormous array of dance workshops including Breton, Scandinavian, Contra, Rapper, French Bourrees, Austrian, Fandango, Irish Step, Molly, Border Morris, North West Morris, Longsword and Appalachian. For those keen to flex their vocal chords there are workshops in Harmony Singing, Global Vocals and festival-goers can even learn how to Sing Like a Bloke! Music workshops range from Afro Brazilian Dance, Austrian and Hungarian music to American Traditional music and English Song as well as Concertina classes and the ever-popular Slow and Steady Music sessions. The Festival also offers Yoga sessions, lantern-making and circus skills workshops.
Towersey's Shooting Roots project offers young people aged 12-25 an opportunity to develop new skills, meet loads of other young people and experience the excitement of being involved at the grass roots of a folk festival. This year's workshops include the Funky World Band, the Ceilidh Project as well as Theatre, Craft, Dance and Song. The work of all the Shooting Roots participants will be presented in a dazzling Showcase on Monday evening.
There are also loads of great activities on offer for the younger ones at the Towersey Children's Festival, which is renowned for being one of the best on the scene. This year's programme includes Taiko drumming, song workshops, storytelling, craft workshops, parachute games, circus skills, dance classes, Mini Melodeons and a ceilidh workshop with Whapweasel. There will also be a magical family puppet show from Hand to Mouth Theatre Company called Head in the Clouds, the Grand Family Ceilidh and a chance to experience the hugely popular Family Bat Walk.
Towersey's workshop programme offers a great opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people and get truly caught up and involved in the Festival atmosphere. More information and all the latest updates can be found on the Festival website at www.towerseyfestival.com

Towersey Artist Line-up : June 2008
Bellowhead * Show of Hands * Kathryn Tickell Band * Lunasa Martin Simpson Trio * Salsa Celtica * Blowzabella * Chris Wood The Poozies * Breabach * Roy Bailey * Jez Lowe * Whapweasel Faustus * Ruth Notman * The Omega 3 * Mawkin:Causley * Stygiens Crucible * Leon Rosselson * Glorystrokes * Skavolution * Jody Kruskal * Hugh Lupton Lauren McCormick * Park Bench Social Club * The Woodpecker Band The Gloworms * Last Orders * Benji Kirkpatrick * Jackie Oates * Axe Bahia Axe Mick Ryan and Pete Harris * Steamchicken * Jeana Leslie and Siobhan Miller English Contra Dance Band * Beckett Irish Dancers * Stephen Taberner * Asha Doug Eunson & Sarah Matthews * An Danserien Noz (Brittany) Jiggerypipery Musicians of Regos Hungarian Folk Music Ensemble * Witchmen Stone Monkey Sword Dancers * Chinewrde Morris * Pig Dyke Molly Haddenham Hoofers * Jake Jones & Dan Eccles * Bampton Morris Folk Group Klosterneuberg * Andrew Swaine * Gordon Potts * Pete Rees Cat Kelly * Martyn Harvey * Tom Moore & Archie Churchill Moss Bob & Gill Berry * Jason Maverick * Hand to Mouth Theatre * Larkin About Circo Rum Ba Ba * Mike Jackson ?Wynndebagge * Towersey Morris Men David Oliver * Gael Folk Music Academy * Kerry Fletcher and more…
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Who gives a folk?
Folk, the people's music, means many things to many people. Folk music often seems squeezed from above and below. Pop music, and the folk-fusions that follow in its wake, are seen by some purists as diluting the folk tradition. At the same time it seems that this 'people's culture' is scorned by the cultural establishment. In the last few years, however, a revival of English folk music has seen a plethora of new folk styles sprout up, from nu-folk to twisted folk, from Bat for Lashes to Tunng and even twindie, a new generation seems to be giving folk new meaning and an unexpected lease of life. Has folk finally left behind its parochial, twee image?
Politics seems to be an essential part of the revival. From the Levellers' Battle of the Beanfield to Clan Dyken's 'eco-folk', have 'new age' subcultures and green politics helped to recover folk's radical roots? Some hope a revived folk tradition might help create a more 'radical' English identity and heritage, an alternative to the flag-waving jingoism of Rule Britannia. Liberal peer Lord Redesdale wants to have 14,000 morris dancers at the 2012 Olympics. But is folk in danger of being co-opted and sanitised just as it seems to be reinvigorated? At the start of the 20th century progressive enthusiasts propagated the idea that folk music could reconnect 'the people' with their past, and with each other, and inspire a collective outlook. In the very different political context of the 21st century, is folk music fulfilling its potential, or is it just another brand?
Join the legendary singer Barb Jungr, the Daily Telegraph music critic Ivan Hewett, Time Out music editor Eddy Lawrence, together with the music journalist Neil Davenport, music scholar Cara Bleiman, folk artist, composer and lyricist Chris Wood and folk enthusiasts Don Eales and Abdul Rehman-Malik in discussion with the Institute of Ideas and Guardian arts blog's Shirley Dent to find out who really does give a folk. Plus Joe Discoll and Sean Taylor live and free in the Vibe Bar. Hang on to your harmonica and prepare to fight your corner in the first Time Out Battle Satellites 2008 in association with Vibe Live.
Vibe Live, 91-95 Brick Lane, London, E1 6QL, 7 - 9pm 29 July 2008
Tickets £7.50/5.00 available online at www.battleofideas.org.uk or by telephone on 020 7269 9220

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Debut Album from Folk Dance Duo Folkus Pocus
‘Under No Illusion', the debut album of the folk dance duo Folkus Pocus, was launched at the Lichfield Folk Festival on 21 June 2008. Published by the English Folk Dance & Song Society (EFDSS), the album features 17 tracks ranging from traditional tunes such as ‘Morpeth Rant' and ‘Pipe on the Hob' to tunes from Playford's 17th century dance collection including ‘Parson's Farewell', as well as American contra dance reels and some recently written tunes.
The CD booklet includes the descriptions of three previously unpublished dances, and all the tunes are played at dance speed.
The album will appeal to dancers, callers and musicians, particularly within the folk dance club scene, as well as folk dance festival enthusiasts.
Folkus Pocus are Caroline and Dan Hollingshurst, two young instrumentalists who met while studying music at university. Caroline's life-long love of folk dance music combines with Dan's improvised jazz and classical music background to create arrangements that are fresh, vibrant and eminently danceable!
Caroline's main instrument is the fiddle, but she also plays the flute and recorder on the CD, while Dan plays the piano. Read more about the duo at www.folkuspocus.com
The EFDSS is grateful to the Lichfield Folk Dance Festival and Lichfield Folk Dance Club for financial assistance with the production of this album.
‘Under No Illusion' by Folkus Pocus [EFDSSCD16] is published by the English Folk Dance and Song Society. Copies are available from the EFDSS, Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent's Park Road, London NW1 7AY. Tel: 0207 485 2206. www.efdss.org Price: £13.95 plus £2.00 p&p.
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Award-winning Folk group on UK Tour
The Anna Massie Band are set for another busy summer with a full UK tour taking them across England and Scotland and then heading off to the US to play a prestigious folk festival. It's no wonder they have been picking up awards since they formed in 2003.
This band is on the up, as their increasing array of nominations and awards proves: nominated for "Best Up and Coming Act" at the 2004 Scots Trad Music Awards, Anna's nominations for the "Horizon" award at the 2005 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and "Best Instrumentalist" at the 2005 Scots Trad Music Awards, and "Best Folk Band" at the Scots Trad Music Awards in 2006.
The Anna Massie Band is a young, dynamic trio finding a very warm welcome amongst Scotland's top bands. Featuring Anna Massie, who won Young Trad Musician of the Year in 2003, on fiddle, mandolin, tenor banjo and flat-picking guitar, Jenn Butterworth on guitar and vocals and Mairearad Green on accordion and border pipes, the band has made a considerable impression on the international folk scene.
The Milwaukee Irish Festival is where the band is off to after the UK tour. Their engaging, energetic and enthralling music and song are sure to win them many fans over in America where they will be performing along side top names such as The Saw Doctors, Peatbog Faeries and Lau.
Be sure to catch them in July during their tour!
July Tour Dates
Thursday 3 CARNEGIE HALL, CLASHMORE
Friday 4 BYRE THEATRE, ST ANDREWS
Saturday 5 THE TOLBOOTH, STIRLING
Tuesday 8 ALNWICK PLAYHOUSE, ALNWICK
Wednesday 9 EASTGATE THEATRE, PEEBLES
Friday 11 LODGE ON THE LOCH, LOCH LOMOND
Saturday 12 LOCHINVER VILLAGE HALL, LOCHINVER
Wednesday 16 PITLOCHRY FESTIVAL THEATRE, PITLOCHRY
Thursday 17 EDEN COURT THEATRE, INVERNESS
Friday 18 COIGACH COMMUNITY HALL, ACHILTIBUIE
Saturday 19 FEIS AN EILEIN, ISLE OF SKYE

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Folk Stars Gather to Commemorate Vaughan Williams Anniversary
Luminaries of the folk world will gather at Cecil Sharp House in London, home of the English Folk Dance and Song Society, on Saturday 4th October to pay tribute to one of the most important figures in English music, Ralph Vaughan Williams.
RVW is a day-long commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the death of Ralph Vaughan Williams, featuring concerts, exhibitions, lectures, and appearances by folk legends including Shirley Collins and Eliza Carthy.
While Vaughan Williams' legacy as a composer is widely known, his contribution to preserving the nation's traditional music heritage is perhaps less celebrated outside of folk circles. He was responsible for collecting over 800 songs from traditional singers, and such tunes often found their way into his composed work. This collecting legacy was vital, as the songs collected by Vaughan Williams and his fellow composers formed the backbone of the English folk song revival.
The day's events will include two concerts: Vaughan Williams and Friends is an informal afternoon concert of songs collected by Vaughan Williams' contemporaries such as Percy Grainger and George Butterworth, which will be performed by Tim Van Eyken, Mary Humphreys and Anahata, Chris Coe and Katie Howson, Jim Causley, and Sam Lee and Lauren McCormick. Bushes and Briars is an evening concert featuring a soundscape journey through the song collecting of Vaughan Williams himself. There will be songs from Eliza Carthy, Jon Boden and Fay Hield, Lisa Knapp, Jim Causley and Jackie Oates, and Jim Moray. Shirley Collins will bring the story to life with narrative readings.
Between concerts there will be talks from Katie Howson, Shirley Collins and Mary Humphreys which explore Vaughan Williams' life and work, and exhibitions provided by the East Anglian Traditional Music Trust and the Philharmonia Orchestra.
The day starts at 12 noon, with the evening concert starting at 8pm. Tickets are £20 (concessions £15) for the full day, or £15 (concessions £13) for the evening concert only. All profits will benefit the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library of the English Folk Dance and Song Society. Tickets are available by phone on 020 7121 1100, on line at www.theplace.org.uk. Postal bookings should be sent to EFDSS at Cecil Sharp House.
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Eilen Jewell, The New Star Of Old-Time Country, Returns To UK In August
Following on from her hugely successful UK tour earlier this year where she recorded sessions for both Matk Lamarr and Bob Harris (BBC Radio 2), Boise Idaho born songstress Eilen Jewell returns to these shores in August. In the company of her fabulous band, Jewell will be performing at both The Shrewsbury Folk Festival and Maverick Festival alongside some club shows.
Jewell, whose unique brand of old-time country stylings mixed with R’n‘R and Rockabilly has left audiences drooling in her wake, released her excellent Letters From Sinners And Strangers to great reviews late last year. Jewell’s heart-achingly hushed style and intimate grasp of roots music’s wild graces are revealed in the CD’s provocative, melodic originals and timeless country and blues classics. Set to a swaying, irrepressible groove, the subdued emotion in her soft soprano feels like music straining beneath skin. Her band (drummer Jason Beek, Jerry Miller on electric and steel guitar, and Johnny Sciascia covering the low end on upright bass) evokes classic country, folk and swing without feeling nostalgic. Nothing about roots is retro in Eilen Jewell’s universe.
Later this year Signature Sounds/Continental will be releasing the self-tiled Sacred Shakers album. This is a record that features Jewell in tandem with her gospel band including Jason Beek, Daniel Fram, Daniel Kellar, and a host of Boston’s finest roots musicians.
UK Tour (Full Band)
Aug 22nd Shrewsbury – Shrewsbury Folk Festival
Aug 23rd Shrewsbury – Shrewsbury Folk Festival
Aug 24th Low Mill, North York Moors – The Band Room
Aug 25th Brighton – The Prince Albert
Aug 27th Cornwall – Penzance – The Acorn Arts Centre
Aug 28th Bristol – St Bonaventure’s
Aug 29th London – The Green Note
Aug 30th Woodbridge, Suffolk – Maverick Folk Festival
www.eilenjewell.com
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Chris Smither Announces DVD Release And UK Dates For October
Miami-born guitarist and songwriter Chris Smither is set to release a live DVD, One More Night, to coincide with a number of UK shows lined-up for October. Released on Signature Sounds on September 1st, the DVD features footage from two intimate shows Smither performed in Lyme, Connecticut in 2007, plus excerpts from a rare full-band show in 2006 from The Sommerville Theatre in Boston. Smither is joined in these performances by the acclaimed multi-instrumentalist and producer David Goodrich. Also included is an in-depth interview with Smither in which he describes both his influences and technical procedures.
Smither will be playing a number of solo shows in the UK in October. A renowned live performer both in Europe and the US has led to him becoming almost a permanent fixture on the festival and acoustic scene since the early 70s.
Honing a synthesis of folk and blues for more than 40 years, Chris Smither is truly an American original. His music draws deeply from blues and American folk music, modern poets and humanist philosophers. A profound songwriter, a blistering guitarist and, as he puts it, a "one-man band to the bone," Chris melds the styles of his two major influences, Lightning' Hopkins and Mississippi John Hurt, into his own signature guitar sound. Critically acclaimed, Chris tours solo all over the globe, performing 150+ concerts a year. Perhaps known best for having written the songs "Love You Like a Man" and "I Feel the Same" (both recorded by Bonnie Raitt), Chris' music has also been covered by John Mayall, Emmylou Harris, and most recently, jazz great Diana Krall. Reviewers praise his dazzling guitar work, gravelly voice, and sophisticated songwriting.
UK Tour - Sept/Oct 2008
30th Huntingdon Hall, WORCESTER 01905 611427, 8PM, £12/10
1st South Street Arts, READING 0118 9606060, 8PM, £12
2nd The Garrick, LITCHFIELD 01543 412121, 7.30PM, £12
3rd Sundial Theatre, CIRENCESTER 01285 654228, 7.30PM, £10/12
4th Tremayne Hall, MYLOR 01326 374767, 8PM, £10
5th Plough Arts Centre, TORRINGTON 01805 624624, 7.30PM, £12/10
6th The Luminaire, LONDON 020 7372 7123, 7.30PM,£14
5th Plough Arts Centre, TORRINGTON 01805 624624, 7.30PM, £12/10
6th The Luminaire, LONDON 020 7372 7123, 8PM. £14
7th The Mill Arts Centre, BANBURY 012952 279002 (TBA)
9th Trades Club, HEBDEN BRIDGE 01422 845265, 8.30PM, £8/10
10th Little Theatre, NEWCASTLE 01912 605605, 8PM, £12
11th Brookfield Hall, BROOKFIELD 01505 706346, 8PM, £12
12th Tall Ship, GLASGOW 0870 220 1116, 7.30PM, £12

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'Moonshine, Murder, Mountains & Mudflats
- Songs & Tunes From The Leigh Folk Festival 2008'

This is the first compilation CD to be produced as a fundraising project by the Leigh Folk Festival organisation.
Entitled 'Moonshine, Murder, Mountains & Mudflats', the CD features a 20 track cross-section of the 70+ musical acts due to perform at the 2008 event.
All the tracks have been generously donated to the project by the artists involved, with the title referring to some of the themes that emerge from this exceptional batch of songs.
The selection reflects the wide range and diversity of the festival programme, ranging from traditional to contemporary sounds, taking in Americana, psychedelic folk, early music and much more besides.
The acts featured include high profile names, such as Rachel Unthank & the Winterset, Mawkin, Kirsty McGee & Mat Martin, and Rachel Harrington, alongside less established and many local performers.
The CD retails at the affordable price of £5, and will be available from early June via the festival websites, local outlets and from venues during the festival itself.
Leigh-on-Sea and the 'Thames Delta' area has ever been a hotbed of artistic and musical creativity, and each summer the town plays host to what is probably the largest free folk festival in the UK, in a unique seaside setting.
The last few years have seen a real resurgence of interest in the folk music and traditions of the British Isles, with a whole new generation recognising the richness and relevance of their cultural inheritance.
The event, which this year runs from Thursday June 26 to Sunday June 29, attracts visitors from all across the country, while still firmly maintaining its connection to the local community.
Uniquely for a folk festival on this scale, this is essentially a free, open event, giving an opportunity for all to see and hear some of the finest folk artists in the country. The same mix of music, camping, foodie stalls, and laid-back vibe as Glastonbury, without the startling ticket price!' - The Observer. The Thames Delta Recording Co. MUD001CD www.leighfolkfestival.co.uk
www.myspace.com/leighfolkfestival2008
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"A great festival band" - Johnnie Walker, BBC Radio 2
"One of the great English bands" - Peter Gabriel
"Wonderful music" - Jools Holland
One of the finest folk duos ever to grace the scene"-Mike Harding, BBC Radio 2
SHOW OF HANDS HELP TEWKESBURY
DRAW LINE UNDER DISASTER

England's award-winning, Albert Hall-playing acoustic roots duo Show of Hands are to help the Gloucestershire town of Tewkesbury move on from last year's devastating floods - when they take part in a special festival on Sunday, July 20.
On the first anniversary of the catastrophe, singer songwriter Steve Knightley and multi instrumental wizard Phil Beer (left in picture) will be part of the top notch musical line-up at the Over the Rainbowfestival - an event which aims to boost the local economy and get picturesque Tewkesbury well and truly back on the map.
The Devon duo - voted Best Live Act in BBC Radio 2's 2004 Folk Awards- have sold out the Royal Albert Hall three times now, most recently in Easter 2007 and have a massive following for their unique genre-hopping music, most of it written by Knightley. Both artists used to live in Gloucestershire.
Thousands of people were affected by last summer's floods and a recent report revealed that some 380 households are still effectively homeless in Tewkesbury - with people living in caravans, B & Bs, rented homes or staying with relatives.
The festival, which will take place in and around the 12th century Tewkesbury Abbey (left, during the floods), is being funded by local businesses and organisations and organised by the Vicar of Tewkesbury, Canon Paul Williams; Borough Mayor, Councillor Brian Calway, and a group of volunteers.
The event will start with a 10am service in Tewkesbury Abbey followed by a picnic in Vicar's Garden and a carnival. The outdoor concert - a free entry event - will also feature Tewkesbury's own chart-topping ska punk quintet Spunge and The Who tribute band, My Generation while the day is due to end with a spectacular fireworks display.
Show of Hands will perform at 30 UK festivals this summer, including Gloucestershire's Saul Canal Festival (cancelled last year due to the flooding), WOMAD at Malmesbury, Wiltshire and the Welsh Proms at Cardiff's St David's Hall.
At Tewkesbury, they will be accompanied by rising star Miranda Sykes (right) on double bass and much lauded vocals. They will be on stage between 4-5pm.
The band recently added two new festival dates to their schedule - headlining at Wadebridge Folk Festival in Cornwall on Friday, August 22 and the Mind, Body & Boogie music and dance festival at Bollington, near Macclesfield on Saturday, August 30, organized by the Mental Health Organisation, where they will perform in the outdoor festival marquee.
Tickets for the Wadebridge event, price £15 (children £9) are available on 01208-814638 http://www.wadebridgefolk.co.uk
Tickets for the Show of Hands gig at the 3-day Mind, Body and Boogie festival, price £20, are available on 07725 627835 http://www.myspace.com/mindbodyandboogie
The band's full summer festival and other dates can be found at www.showofhands.co.uk
To see a video of Show of Hands performing their latest popular single Roots - which includes live footage from the Trowbridge Festival in Wiltshire - go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5h4PFBuzvw
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New England’s Acclaimed ‘Modern Traditionalists’ Crooked Still Return With New Line-Up And New Album
The new five-member version of Crooked Still converged to mingle their creative processes at Allaire Studios in upstate New York, with producer Eric Merrill for Still Crooked, set for release in the UK on July 28th. Following a format much-praised on their last album, Shaken By A Low Sound, the album once again balances unknown traditional material with self-penned compositions, along with "Did You Sleep Well?" by fellow old-time musician Nathan Taylor, and a Mississippi John Hurt standard. The entire album was recorded "live" in one big room, with everyone playing together with Merrill capturing most songs in one or two takes. "I was outside in the hallway, because my voice is so quiet," O'Donovan says. "Recording live, you don't have an option to overdub; that always makes a better album."
Adding ‘new blood’ to the band in the shape of Brittany Haas (5 string fiddle) and Tristan Clarridge (cello), the band have taken an even more adventurous route, breathing their cosmic fire into old songs. "When Rushad left, we wanted to move in new directions," O'Donovan says. "Brittney adds another female presence to the band; I can hear my voice in her fiddling. Tristan has a refined cello tone, with a powerful, restrained energy. They bring a fresh outlook to the arrangements that keep the music exciting."
"We rehearsed for a few days before we recorded," Clarridge says. "We'd listen to a source recording, strip the songs to the bone and build an arrangement incorporating everyone's ideas. It's fun to see how many directions you can take a song." Everyone brought material for consideration.” "As we worked on the songs, we realized there was a lot of loss and mortality in the lyrics," banjo player Greg Liszt adds. . On 'Captain, Captain' a woman asks what happened to her lover and the Captain replies 'he dropped down dead in the gulf.' It's a 400-year-old line, but it gives you chills."
Still Crooked is an ensemble effort of inspired music making that moves the bands' impossible- to-pigeonhole style in new directions while honouring their folk roots. "It's hard to pin down our music," bass player Corey DiMario says. "We play improvised old time music, bluegrass, folk and our own songs within the broad context of a string band. Like a lot of today's bands, we have modern and traditional influences that confuse the boundaries. We want to keep blurring those lines to make something all our own."
www.crookedstill.com
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Summer Tour 2008
Rachel Hair : Scottish Harp
Joy Dunlop : Gaelic Song & Scottish step dance
Paul Tracey : Acoustic Guitar
Sparkling jigs and reels, rhythmic waulking songs, heart stopping slow airs and passionate love songs…join Scottish Harp player, Rachel Hair and Gaelic singer and Scottish step dancer, Joy Dunlop, for an evening of the finest Scottish Traditional Music and Song.
Both critically acclaimed in their own right, the concert will see them perform as soloists, together and with accompanist Paul Tracey on guitar, as part of their Summer Highlands and Islands Tour.
Rachel Hair
Described as "One of Scotland's brightest harpists" (The Scotsman), Ullapool born Scottish clàrsach player Rachel Hair is one of the most exciting and dynamic performers of her generation. Performing and touring regularly throughout the UK, Europe and further afield, her solo album "Hubcaps and Potholes was released in 2007 to rave reviews.
Joy Dunlop
A native of Connel, Argyll, Joy Dunlop is one of the country's most popular Gaelic singers, "Joy Dunlop has a voice that will enthrall ANYONE! Yes...she is THAT good!" (IRFT Celtic Radio). A multi prize-winning singer and Scottish step dancer, she has performed extensively in the UK, Europe, Canada and New Zealand.
Tour Dates- Summer 2008
June
Thursday 19th BLAIRGOWRIE Town Hall 7.30pm tickets on the door
Friday 20th ULLAPOOL The Cèilidh Place 7.30pm tickets 01854 612103
Saturday 21st INVERNESS Bogbain Farm, Inshes, 8pm tickets 01463 772800
Tuesday 24th ISLE OF MULL An Tobar, Tobermory 8.30pm tickets 01688 302211
Wednesday 25th ISLE OF LISMORE Village Hall, 7.30pm tickets on the door
Thursday 26th GLENCOE Crafts & Things 7.30pm tickets on the door
Friday 27th ISLE OF HARRIS Harris Hotel, Tarbert, 8pm tickets on the doo
July
Thursday 3rd ISLE OF ISLAY, Ionad Chaluim Chille Ìle, Bowmore, 7.30pm tickets on the door
Friday 4th LOCHGILPHEAD Parish Church, 7.30pm tickets on the door
Saturday 5th TAYNUILT Village Hall, 7.30pm tickets on the door
August
Tuesday 12th ISLE OF SKYE Portree Community Hall, 7.30pm tickets on the door
Wednesday 13th ISLE OF SKYE Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, 7.30pm tickets on the door
Thursday 14th ACHMORE Village Hall, 7.30pm tickets on the door
Friday 15th ISLE OF HARRIS Harris Hotel, Tarbert, 8pm tickets on the door

For more information visit: www.rachelhair.com www.joydunlop.com
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Sidmouth Folk Week 1-8 August 2008
Volunteer stewards are still needed. Please look at web site for information and application form http://www.sidmouthfolk.week.co.uk

Cheltenham Music Festival Highlights the influences of Folk-Song on Classical Music in 20th Century
Meurig Bowen has announced the programme for the 64th – and his first – Cheltenham Music Festival (Friday 4-Saturday 19 July).
The major theme of this year’s Festival is the 50th anniversary of Vaughan Williams’ death which prompts a broad-ranging investigation of classical music’s connection with folk-song in the 20th century. The various compositions of the folk-inclined RVW, Holst, Grainger, Britten, Bartok, Kodaly and Lutoslawski are all performed at the Festival by distinguished folk influenced artists such as the greatest ambassador to British folk music, Kathryne Tickell. Kathryn will also explore the possibilities of combining Indian and British folk traditions with percussionist Kuljit Bharma in collaboration with SPNM. The Manchester Camerata with Gordon Nikolitch bring together Vaughan Williams’ expansive masterpiece with folk tunes and the (Cheltenham raised) Holst’s St Paul’s Suite, as well as Bartok’s 1939 Divertimento which brilliantly combines modernist and folk-like influences.
Alongside their folksong arrangements for more conventional vocal or orchestral line-ups, Vaughan Williams, Holst and Grainger all created folk suites for the remarkable sonorities of military band and they have become central showpieces in the HM Royal Marines Band repertoire around the world.
Wells Cathedral School Chamber Choir, the jewel of the specialist music school will include two choral works by Maxwell Davies, as well as Britten, Kodaly, Peter Dickenson, Bardos and Vaughan Williams in their programme.
The Trio Medieval on 5th July will dazzle with the purity of their voices and immaculate blend combining with the simplicity and pathos of their country’s folksong. ‘Early Music’ and ‘Folk’ has never combined more beautifully.
The emphasis on Folk continues with virtuoso Venezuelan Band, Trabuco. Featuring folk instruments like the cuatro (four-string guitar) and the lute-like bandola, Trabuco brings together eight of the finest classical and traditional performers in Venezuela. Their astonishing repertoire focuses on Venezuelan ‘joropo’, derived over many centuries from styles as diverse as Spanish Baroque music, Arabic dances, flamenco, melaguenas and fandangos. This is music to make you smile and dance, to mesmerise and dazzle.
Highlights include:
- Paired concerts from the BBC Philharmonic, to include Holst’s The Planets, Lutoslawski’s Concerto for Orchestra and VW’s The Lark Ascending
- An opening-weekend early music triptych, featuring Trio Medieval, the Rolf Lislevand Ensemble and John Potter’s project with saxophonist John Surman
- Schubert’s three song cycles, performed consecutively on the Festival’s final three days by Mark Padmore, Allan Clayton, Florian Boesch, Paul Lewis and Roger Vignoles
- Arvo Pärt and Veljo Tormis sung by the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir
- Handel and Vivaldi from mezzo Sarah Connolly and La Serenissima
- A pianos and percussion extravaganza, combining Carmina Burana with Reich’s Sextet and Grainger’s The Warriors
- Premieres by Peter Maxwell Davies, Mark Anthony Turnage, Tansy Davies and Jo Duddell
The Messiaen centenary is marked with performances of the Quartet for the End of Time and Ex Expecto Resurrectionem Mortuorum – in the magnificent, lofty surroundings of Tewkesbury Abbey.
In a Festival whose performers range as widely as Romanian gypsy legends Taraf de Haidouks, Northumbrian pipist Kathryn Tickell and the Royal Marines Concert Band, the many mainstream artists appearing feature exciting, emerging talents alongside beloved, established names:
The published programme of the 2008 Cheltenham Music Festival will be available in early April, and public booking opens on 21 April.
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Acoustic Bliss Sublime Ballads Enchanting Reels

JSL Productions present a picnic concert of sublime contemporary folk music set amongst the wooded fields of Hatfield Park.
The line up features an award winning gathering of musicians whose contemporary style of folk will open up a whole new acoustic world to those who haven't visited the folk genre for a while. A revolution in acoustic music, inspired by traditional roots, has been quietly evolving. Folk By The Oak will reveal the incredible wealth of talent that makes these artists so unique and exciting.
Seth Lakeman:
The MERCURY PRIZE nominee and folk sensation Seth Lakeman, has done more than anyone to bring folk into the mainstream and is a truly magnetic live performer.
Cara Dillon:
Award winning Cara Dillon described in MOJO as having 'a stunningly beautiful voice' will team up with the extraordinary talent of rising 'nu-folk' star John Smith.
Martin Simpson:
A spell-binding master of his craft and winner of BBC RADIO 2 Best Album and Best Original Song Award 2008. Julie Fowlis:
Hailed by Mark Radcliffe as ''enchanting and beguiling and as fascinating as songs by Kate Bush and Bjork" Julie is winner of BBC RADIO 2 Folk singer of the year 2008.
Ruth Notman:
A remarkable, pure and powerful voice. '…one of the most assured, varied and impressive debut albums of the year'. THE GUARDIAN. "A new voice in British Folk" The Independent - ALBUM OF THE WEEK"

Breabach:
"A young group performing with technical assurance and a feel for traditional idioms....Their raucous, driving attack is energised and exciting!" The Scotsman. These Scottish firebrands will have you up on your feet!
Matthew Ord:
An exciting newcomer on the UK roots music scene - an exceptional player and vocalist who will entertain you with his own brand of technically exquisite acoustic guitar at its best.
Bring a picnic or have one delivered, sit back and absorb yourself in wistful ballads or dance along to jigs and reels surrounded by ancient trees in the beautiful Queen Elizabeth Oak Field at Hatfield House. In addition to the musical programme there will be traditional fairgrounds side stalls, craft stalls, music stalls, recycled gifts and a selection of tasty produce on site. There will also be a selection of quality refreshments and bars on site.
JSL Productions look forward to inviting you to an afternoon and evening of some of the finest acoustic music you'll hear today.
Concert arena opens 1.30pm (Ticket holders can enjoy the rest of the park at Hatfield for free from 11.00am)
Concert commences 2.30pm
Concert finishes approximately 9.30pm
Ticket information:
Info and booking line: 01432 355 416 website: www.folkbytheoak.com
Adult: £26 (£33 on day of concert subject to availability), Child under 16 years: £14, Family Offer: (2 adults and 2 children) £72.
Group Offer: Advance groups of 10 or more qualify for a £2 reduction per ticket
Children under 5 years free.
Tickets also available from local Tourist Information Centres.

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Acclaimed Devon roots duo Show of Hands will be rubbing shoulders with the likes of Welsh opera stars Bryn Terfel and Rebecca Evans and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra when they join the headliners at the 23rd Welsh Proms at Cardiff's St David's Hall this summer.
Singer songwriter Steve Knightley and multi instrumentalist Phil Beer will spearhead the first Folk Prom on Tuesday, July 22 - a melting pot of music with a Celtic influence.
They will be joined by two contrasting Cornish acts - the funky 3 Daft Monkeys - an institution on the festival circuit with their infectious acoustic jiggery - and the on-song shanty singers Fishermen's Friends (left) - - a crew of real fishermen, coastguards, lifeboatmen and others all living within a nautical mile of each other in Port Isaac and making their first foray into Wales.
Fishermen's Friends guested with Show of Hands at their sell out Royal Albert Hall gig last Easter and have appeared on Show of Hands recordings, providing a rousing chorus line for some of the band's best known songs like Roots and Cousin Jack.
One of the highlights on Cardiff's cultural calendar, the Proms event at St David's is bigger and better this year, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the opening of the National Concert Hall of Wales. The 2008 season (running July 3 through to the Last Night of the Welsh Proms on July 26) will feature no less than seven magnificent home grown orchestras, also including the BBC National Orchestra of Wales whilst Terfel and Evans will star in a performance of Mendelssohn's Elijah. There will also be Gamelan, Organ and Children's Proms as part of the programme.
The Show of Hands gig will showcase some of the mighty musical talent to come out of the West Country. Based at Topsham, near Exeter, Knightley and Beer have sold out the Albert Hall three times and played almost every leading festival from Glastonbury and Cambridge to Scotland's Celtic Connections.
Nominated for both Best Duo and Best Live Act at the 2008 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards - and previous winners of the latter - they continue to champion the West Country and regularly weave its people, places, legends and history into their inspirational, diverse and often anthemic songs.
Tickets for the Show of Hands gig, which starts at 8pm, are available on 029 2087 8444, price £16. More info at www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
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Folk Magazine Celebrates Liverpool’s Capital of Culture Year
The new issue of English Dance & Song magazine is available today, published by the English Folk Dance and Song Society.
To celebrate Liverpool European Capital of Culture, the magazine has several features about music in the city. After an introduction, entitled ‘In My Liverpool Home’, the feature Songs of a Seaport looks at Liverpool’s maritime heritage, with a ‘new’ version of the well-known song The Leaving of Liverpool.
Jack Coutts writes about the International Shanty Festival, Shanties 08, which will accompany the start of the Tall Ships Race in July. The importance of Irish music in the city is explained by Chris Boland, chairman of the local branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (the Irish traditional music association) and Clive Pownceby looks at the long-running Radio Merseyside Folkscene programme. There are also features on eighty years of morris dancing in Liverpool, and Mersey Morris Men’s Morris Ring meeting in July, and on the folk scene in Liverpool.
The cover feature is the Young Coppers, representing a new generation of singers from this famous family of Sussex folk singers. To coincide with the release of their debut CD, Passing Out, the ‘Singer, Song and Source’ feature looks at the Young Coppers (written by Vic Smith), the song Come All Bold Britons, and editor Derek Schofield looks back at singing amongst previous generations of the Copper family.
Gavin Atkin investigates a new tune book from East Anglia, Before the Night was Out, and accompanying the article, there are two versions of the tune Oh, Joe, the Boat is Going Over, from Oscar Woods and George Craske.
Caller Cat Kelly is interviewed by Joan Crump and contributes a new dance. There is a feature on Fay Hield’s project about singing communities.
In Sam Bennett – the Film Star, Elaine Bradtke describes an amazing film of the traditional Warwickshire fiddle player – a ‘talkie’ that pre-dates The Jazz Singer. The EFDSS is appealing for funds to help restore this unique film.
Ron Smedley draws on his experience as a dance teacher with the Royal Ballet School in the article Teaching Billy Elliot, to explain the use of folk, morris and rapper sword dance in the training of the young ballet dancers.
The EFDSS has a new Chief Executive, Katy Spicer, and this issue has a feature article about her.
There are eight pages of reviews, including CDs by Chris Wood, Ruth Notman, the songs of Lal Waterson and the amazingly titled ‘Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience’, a DVD review of Tony Palmer’s new documentary about Ralph Vaughan Williams, and a book review of the Ben Harker’s new Ewan MacColl biography.
English Dance & Song magazine also includes regular features such as Festive Round Up; Lives Remembered, News; The Spring Dancing Season (list of dance events); and EFDSS Matters.
The magazine’s website http://eds.efdss.org gives access to sound files of the Coppers’ Come All Bold Britons, as well as to illustrations of the front cover and details of back issues. The list of folk festivals in 2008 published in the Winter issue has now been updated and is available on the EFDSS website, www.efdss.org Over 130 events throughout England and Wales.
English Dance & Song magazine has been published regularly since 1936, making it one of the world’s longest-established folk magazines. Published quarterly, in full colour, it is available to members of the EFDSS, or on separate subscription. Individual copies can be purchased at festivals and other events and also from the EFDSS. Since 2005, the editor has been Derek Schofield.
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BERT LLOYD CENTENARY EVENT ANNOUNCED
February 29th 2008 marks the centenary of the birth of A.L. (Bert) Lloyd, the renowned English singer, folklorist, journalist, and writer. To mark this anniversary, the English Folk Dance and Song Society will publish a biography, by Dave Arthur, entitled Bert: The Life and Work of A.L. Lloyd.
To launch the publication and to celebrate Bert Lloyd’s life and work, the English Folk Dance and Song Society will host a day of concerts at its London headquarters, Cecil Sharp House, on Saturday 15 November 2008.
Guests confirmed so far include folk luminaries Frankie Armstrong, Martin Carthy, Bob Davenport with Roger Digby, Will Duke, Dan Quinn and Alex West, Roy Harris, Louis Killen, Maddy Prior, Dave Swarbrick, Norma Waterson, Martyn Wyndham-Read with Iris Bishop and, from the current explosion of young singers and musicians, Lisa Knapp and Sam Lee.
Bert Lloyd (Albert Lancaster Lloyd, 29 February 1908 – 29 September 1982) was not only a world-famous scholar but also a spellbinding singer who inspired many of today’s leading folk performers, giving generously of his time and material. He continues to influence new generations of singers through his books and recordings.
Bert’s daughter Caroline Clayton and her husband Ted are pleased to support the occasion, all proceeds from which will be donated to the English Folk Dance and Song Society’s Vaughan Williams Memorial Library.
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In what is hoped to be a series of special concerts as part of Croydon Folksong Club’s ongoing programme there will now be occasional events under the banner “Les Elvin & Pete Fyfe’s Big Night Out”.
The first of these will feature Show Of Hands award winning multi-instrumentalist and vocalist PH