Here is a complete listing from the Somerset and Dorset Folk Diary. To receive regular updates to this listing, along with other news items, please subscribe.
Regular events, such as music sessions and dance clubs are listed separately here.
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2020 marks 25 years of making music together for this popular wife and husband duo.
Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman have long established themselves as one of the UK Folk scene’s most rewardingly enduring partnerships.
To celebrate and acknowledge this milestone, the couple will revisit and reinterpret songs which span their career. From the early days of folk supergroup ‘Equation’ through to the current release ‘Personae’ with a nod or two along the way to their extra-curricular musical adventures, the evening promises a whistle-stop tour through their artistic journey to date.
www.kathrynrobertsandseanlakeman.com
Advance tickets only: £20.00
https://chapelarts.org/events/kathryn-roberts-and-sean-lakeman/
For the first, time Ireland’s Heidi Talbot and Scotland’s Adam Holmes are joining forces to tour, write and record an album of original material, together.
Between them they have been nominated for multiple BBC Folk Awards, SAY awards, Irish music awards and played for First Ministers and US Presidents.
This new collaboration will see the pair work under the name “Arcade”, with plans to record and release a new album of songs in 2019, produced by Louis Abbott (Admiral Fallow).
8.00 pm
£22
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/arcade-feat-heidi-talbot-adam-holmes/?mc_cid=2200ec15b4&mc_eid=7f19f38593
Miranda Sykes, the acclaimed singer and bassist with ‘Show of Hands’, is returning to her roots. She will be touring as she started out: one woman, one bass, and one guitar.
With her sensational voice, and accompanying herself, this show is powerful and hard-hitting but also poignant & beautiful, giving us all a chance to reflect & maybe even empower us.
www.mirandasykes.com
www.YouTube.com/mirandasykes
7:30 pm - 9:45 pm (Doors: 7:00pm)
£15.00 Advance ONLY No door tickets available
https://chapelarts.org/events/miranda-sykes/
Postponed from March 2020 due to the corona virus.
And now put off again until 23rd November
More details later, but put the date in your diary.
Scottish artist Amy Duncan writes emotive songs, combining intimate vocals, guitar, electric upright bass, synths, and piano creating a folk-pop sound.
Her debut album ‘Pilgrimage’ was released on US label Plain Recordings in 2006 after they discovered Amy’s home recordings on My Space.
Amy self-released a further 2 albums achieving TV placements on BBC 3 Lip Service and the Netflix version of ‘Charmed’.
Creative Scotland funding made it possible for Amy to work with producer Calum Malcolm (The Blue Nile) leading to Amy’s 4th album Cycles of Life being released on Linn Records (2013). She has gone on to record a further 2 albums with him ‘Undercurrents’ (2016) and ‘Antidote’ (2017).
Amy is releasing 3 animated music videos in the build up to her album launch on 12 June 2020 which will take place at Edinburgh Voodoo Rooms. The first 2 singles Labyrinth & Medusa both premiered on Folk Radio UK.
Amy’s abstract photography has inspired the songs on which she plays acoustic guitar, piano, electric upright bass & synths. Featuring percussion by Guy Nicolson (Moishes Bagel).
Tracy Foster is using the photographs that have influenced the songs as a starting point for the animations, using altered perception, layering and mystery as a visual theme linking the videos.
www.amyduncan.co.uk
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Doors: 7:30pm)
Door Price: £10.00 Advance: £8.00
https://chapelarts.org/events/amy-duncan/
For more than 50 years Martin Carthy has been one of folk music’s greatest innovators, one of its best loved, most enthusiastic and, at times, most quietly controversial of figures. His skill, stage presence and natural charm have won him many admirers, not only from within the folk scene, but also far beyond it.
https://carthyonline.wordpress.com/
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Doors: 7:30pm)
Door Price: £14.00
Advance: £14.00
https://chapelarts.org/events/martin-carthy-3/
January 2020 marked thirty years since Brooks Williams’ first album came out. Thirty years since the Washington Post’s glowing review of that album. Thirty years since National Public Radio’s Noah Adams interviewed him about that album. It’s where it all began. The subsequent twenty-eight recordings, the countless international tours and festival appearances, the countless hours and miles on the road and in the studio.
Williams, a Stateboro, Georgia USA native, now makes his home in Cambridge UK. Besides his busy solo touring schedule, he collaborates with Boo Hewerdine in their State of the Union project, as well as an on-going collaboration with Rab Noakes. Williams has also orchestrated one-time collaborations with Hans Theessink, Sloan Wainwright, Guy Davis and Sally Barker.
Aaron Catlow is half of the Bristol based duo with Kit Hawes. Their take on acoustic and folk music is fresh and inventive. They re-shape traditional music as well as write their own. When not gigging with Kit, Aaron also plays with Yola Carter, Sheelanagig and, now, Brooks Williams.
7:30 pm - 9:45 pm (Doors: 7:00pm)
Advance: £12.00 No door tickets available
https://chapelarts.org/events/brooks-williams-aaron-catlow/
Saturday 8th May 2021 AT 8:00 pm £19
In 1995, Christine Collister, Melanie Harrold, Julie Matthews, Helen Watson and Chris While – acclaimed and appreciated for their individual talents as Folk, Blues, Rock and Soul singers – found themselves at the Cambridge Festival. They decided to sing some songs together….. Magic happened and Daphne’s Flight took off. A widely-acclaimed eponymous studio album and UK tour followed, with a prestigious date at London’s Union Chapel – all of which marked a turning point in the role of women within the English Folk movement.
Five of the finest singer-songwriters of their generation, Daphne’s Flight is a unique and magical blend of individual styles that captivates audiences with complex harmony arrangements, unbridled energy and the infectious joy of performing together.
8.00 pm
Tickets: £19 Full. £18 Concessions.
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/daphnes-flight/?mc_cid=2200ec15b4&mc_eid=7f19f38593
British singer-songwriter Hannah White performs both as a solo artist and with Norwegian A-listers ‘The Nordic Connections’.
Drawn from a rich well of life experiences, Hannah maintains a wholly independent feel to her music, influenced by country, blues, folk and soul, producing a fresh sound coupled with a social conscience that remains distinctly her own with a voice switching from a sweet Nashville ballad to a heartfelt and reflective song full of blues.
Wowing audiences at shows as with multi-Grammy Award winning Tim O’Brien, Thea Gilmore and Judie Tzuke, gaining plaudits from music press, national and regional radio, Hannah is on the rise.
‘Hannah White and The Nordic Connections’ has been nominated by the Americana Music Association UK for ‘UK Album of the Year’ 2021.
www.hannahwhitemusic.com
Special Guest – Robbie Cavanagh
We are particularly pleased to have Robbie especially as he has been announced as Bob Harris’s ‘Emerging Artist of the Year’ for the AMA-UK 2021 Awards
A self-confessed devotee of ‘real music’, Robbie Cavanagh is not defined by genres.
The only rules are good musicians, real instruments, great microphones and performance with emotion. Capturing sound, not producing it.
Robbie performs self-penned, unscrubbed tales of heartbreak, loss, love and discovery, and when he puts pen to paper, he lives by his own words. ‘The more you wrestle with an idea, the more contrived it becomes’. Robbie writes with honesty, emotion, and most importantly; instinct.
www.robbiecavanagh.co.uk
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Doors: 7:30pm)
Door Price: £14.00
Advance: £12.50
https://chapelarts.org/events/hannah-white-and-the-nordic-connections-plus-special-guest-robbie-cavanagh/
Roving Crows have been carving out their niche in the UK folk music scene since early 2009.
Over ten years and evolving incarnations Roving Crows have cultivated an arresting, singular sound that pushes the boundaries of the Celtic Folk genre. The band play with genuine passion, energy and soul. Vital and vibrant, a must see live act who showcase a mix of fiery, Celtic-inspired fiddle, conscious, intelligent lyrics, backed by solid, thumping rhythms and driving, innovative bass. Roving Crows comprises; strong lead vocals and 4 part harmonies, guitar, fiddle, percussion and bass.
http://rovingcrows.com
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Doors: 7:30pm)
Door Price: £14.00
Advance: £12.00
https://chapelarts.org/events/roving-crows-5/
The 2020 Folk Fest was cancelled, but we'll be back next year.
Put the date in your diaries.
There is no one in music quite like Mark Harrison. He is widely considered one of the most original and interesting artists currently operating in the UK. His highly individual, all-original music goes down very well with audiences of all kinds, and it has taken him to some of the top venues and festivals in the UK, attracting acclaim wherever he goes. Recent appearances on BBC Radio 2, as guest on Cerys Matthews’s show and on Anneka Rice’s Pick Of The Week show, have further added to his growing reputation.
Described at BBC Radio 2 as ‘quirky’ and an artist who ‘makes you think afresh’, and by one eminent reviewer as ‘approaching national treasure status’, Mark is a totally original songwriter, a stunning guitarist, and a master storyteller. Mark’s live shows are well-known not only for the music but also for his introductions and explanations of the songs, and audiences frequently comment on how big a part these play in their enjoyment of the shows. Delivered in a manner often described as ‘wry’ and ‘dry’, these mark him out even more as a unique artist.
www.markharrisonrootsmusic.com
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Doors: 7:30pm)
Door Price: £12.00
Advance: £10.00
https://chapelarts.org/events/mark-harrison-with-charles-benfield/
Jim Moray is amongst England’s finest interpreters of traditional song.
His relentlessly innovative recordings can truly be said to have changed the sound of folk music since the early 2000s, and he has won fans and admirers far outside of the folk scene without ever betraying his traditional roots.
A five-time BBC Folk Award winner, his songs have been featured in a season finale of Grey’s Anatomy, he has appeared on-screen singing a specially composed song for Dr Who spin-off Class as aliens attack the earth, and he has presented documentaries on traditional music for BBC Radio 3.
www.jimmoray.co.uk
www.facebook.com/jimmoray/
twitter.com/jimmoray
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Doors: 7:30pm)
Door Price: £15.00
Advance: £14.00
https://chapelarts.org/events/jim-moray-with-tom-moore/
West-country collective established in 2013, with a genre-defying, eclectic sound that ranges from traditional folk to full blown festival rock. The Leylines are: Steve Mitchell (Vocals/Guitar), Hannah Johns (Violin), Dan Thompson (Electric Guitar), Sean Booth (Bass) and Dave Burbidge (Drums).
The Leylines was founded by a group of musicians in Weston-super-Mare (via Bristol), wishing to combine their individual musical styles into something that isn’t quite folk, sort of punk, 100% heart-pounding revelry. This unique sound, combined with Steve’s lyrics centered around life on the road and the state of society, has launched the band into the heart of the live music community and made them firm favourites of the festival circuit.
Youtube chanel: www.youtube.com/channel/UCfcXBiyOsKNY7eU-kiRV3rg
www.theleylinesmusic.co.uk/
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Doors: 7:30pm)
Door Price: £14.00
Advance: £12.00
https://chapelarts.org/events/the-leylines-3/
Charming, disarming and exceptionally talented, multi-instrumentalist Phil Beer is something of a national treasure on the folk, roots and acoustic scene. One-half of award-winning powerhouse Show of Hands, Beer is equally as in demand for his solo shows.
Phil sets out to share some of his most-loved songs at carefully selected venues across the UK. With the odd laugh thrown in for good measure, Beer’s flawless musicianship and rich vocals will leave you wide-eyed and wanting more.
www.YouTube.com/officalshowofhands
www.showofhands.co.uk
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Doors: 7:30pm)
Door Price: £20.00
Advance: £20.00
https://chapelarts.org/events/phil-beer/
+ support, Tomato/Tomato
In the ten years since winning Best Newcomer at the 2010 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, Sam Carter has earned a reputation for vivid, narrative-driven songwriting and captivating live performances. Having made a spell-binding appearance on Later… with Jools Holland in 2012, Sam has gone on to tour the world, sharing stages with some of the finest guitarists and songwriters, including Nic Jones, Martin Simpson, Richard Thompson, and Chris Wood.
www.samcartermusic.co.uk
Tomato/Tomato
Hang onto your hats because this genre-bending power duo is ready to take you on a ride!
Tomato/Tomato perform an eclectic mix of folk and country that will have you rolling down your windows and singing at the top of your lungs. Their live show includes jaw dropping multitasking, dynamic guitar arrangements, and soaring vocal harmonies. Stitch these elements together with compelling, heartfelt songwriting and you have an unforgettable musical experience.
Whether you say “Tom-ay-to” or “Tom-ah-to” – this high energy duo will have you stomping your feet, clapping your hands, and playing your air washboard with reckless abandon! With two acclaimed albums (So it Goes / I Go Where You Go), Tomato/Tomato is sure to be cooking up something fresh.
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Doors: 7:30pm)
Door Price: £12.00
Advance: £10.00
https://chapelarts.org/events/sam-carter-2/
Glymjack is one of the most exciting emerging artists in UK folk music.
The folk-roots project of award-winning songwriter Greg McDonald, Glymjack sees McDonald’s hard-hitting vision lit up by Gemma Gayner’s lightning fiddle and Radio 2 Folk Award nominee Saul Bailey’s dazzling melodeon on music fRoots describes a “folk with attitude”, and Acoustic calls “as good as contemporary folk comes”
A Glymjack was a Victorian street child with a lantern who led strangers through the streets of London at night. This forgotten character from the dark shadows of British history is celebrated in Glymjack’s signature song “The Glymjack Cry”.
www.glymjack.com
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Doors: 7:30pm)
Door Price: £12.00
Advance: £10.00
https://chapelarts.org/events/glymjack/
Scotland’s Tannahill Weavers are one of the world’s premier Celtic bands. Their diverse repertoire spans the centuries with fire-driven instrumentals, topical songs, and original ballads and lullabies. Their music demonstrates to old and young alike the rich and varied musical heritage of the Celtic people. These versatile musicians have received worldwide accolades consistently over the years for their exuberant performances and outstanding recording efforts that seemingly can’t get better…yet continue to do just that.
www.tannahillweavers.com
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Doors: 7:30pm)
Door Price: £14.00
Advance: £12.00
https://chapelarts.org/events/tannahill-weavers-3/
As previous winners of Best Live Act at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, there’s no denying The Demon Barbers’ ability to put on a first-class performance.
Over the years they’ve thrilled countless audiences with their live music and dance shows, be it stirring up a frenzy at Glastonbury Festival and Edinburgh Fringe or selling out theatres around the UK!
8.00 pm
Tickets: £19 Full. £18 Concessions.
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/the-demon-barbers-xl/?mc_cid=2200ec15b4&mc_eid=7f19f38593
The remarkable intimate solo performances Martin gives go from strength to strength – every gig is a masterclass. He travels the length and breadth of the UK and beyond, giving rapt audiences passion, sorrow, love, beauty, tragedy and majesty through his playing.
40 years after he recorded his first album, Golden Vanity, in 1976, Martin is known as a guitarist of formidable talent. Equally at home playing English traditional folk, American folk and blues and his own compositions, he is consistently named as one of the very finest fingerstyle guitar players in the world.
www.martinsimpson.com
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Doors: 7:30pm)
Door Price: £16.00
Advance: £16.00
https://chapelarts.org/events/martin-simpson-a-master-of-his-art/
Nominated in the 2009 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, Faustus are three of the leading lights of their generation: Benji Kirkpatrick (Seth Lakeman Band, Bellowhead), Saul Rose (Waterson:Carthy, Whapweazel) and Paul Sartin (Bellowhead, Belshazzar’s Feast). They have a plethora of experience between them, brought together here in a virtuosic display of musicianship. Rooted deeply in the English tradition, in 2007 they received a 75th Anniversary Award from the English Folk Dance and Song Society.
www.faustusband.com
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Doors: 7:30pm)
Door Price: £16.00
Advance: £16.00
https://chapelarts.org/events/faustus-2/
Postponed twice so far...third time lucky?
More details later
Bringing a refreshing glimmer of hope and an abundance of heart and positivity, British singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Emma Stevens first picked up a guitar at the age of two and has since learnt cello, piano, banjo, ukulele, mandolin and bass.
Emma achieved four consecutive play-listed singles on BBC Radio 2, extensive international radio play in the UK, Europe and Australia, an iTunes single of the week with her song “Riptide”, sold out headline shows and supported The Feeling, Take That, Wet Wet Wet, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Train, Albert Lee and Simply Red to name a few!
Emma’s catchy pop melodies and folky instrumentation has been used on many TV shows on BBC, ITV, Sky and Channel 4, and even featured on a TV show in China which was broadcast to 75 million people, receiving a whopping 500 million streams in China after!
Since losing her Mum to cancer in 2012, Emma has dedicated her life to her music, writing messages of positivity, hope and love. Her music breathes life and honesty, and is re-establishing a lyrical connection with her audience, something seemingly so absent from an overcrowded marketplace.
www.emmastevensmusic.com
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Doors: 7:30pm)
Door Price: £14.00
Advance: £12.00
https://chapelarts.org/events/emma-stevens-trio/
Singer-songwriter, storyteller and Hammond organ donor, Joshua Burnell grew up in various locations between France and Scotland. He now resides in York, but everyone assumes he’s from Rivendell. At some point, English folk, prog, contemporary classical, and vintage pop-rock all got mixed up and everyone had a great time so he decided to make a career of it.
Joshua sparked the interest of the folk world with his ambitious Seasons Project which saw him release one of his folk-rock arrangements of a traditional song or tune every week for a year. Fourteen favourites formed Joshua’s release, Songs From The Seasons, released on the 4th May 2018. RnR Magazine gave the album a solid 5/5 rating and commented, “this isn’t about academic research, it’s about playing the music, which is what Joshua does exceptionally well.”
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/0D7517HnJXL2oWR9pRDkza
Website: www.joshuaburnell.co.uk
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Doors: 7:00pm)
Door Price: £15.00
Advance: £13.00
https://chapelarts.org/events/joshua-burnell-band-2/
Track Dogs have been barnstorming the UK with some major festival appearances and collaborations. It has been a pivotal year including playing to a heaving, rocking Trafalgar Square and surprise on-stage participation of Show of Hands’ Steve Knightley and Seth Lakeman at Shrewsbury Folk Festival. Well-established in Spain where they are based, they are surprising UK music lovers with “Sun-shiny songs thriving on dark themes behind irresistible rhythms.”
The four international “madrileños” (Garrett Wall, Dave Mooney, Howard Brown & Robbie K.Jones) whose artistic name derives from the dark subterranean world of New York’s subway system, present Fire On The Rails, a kicking album that grows on the work that has opened so many doors for the band. If they are still new to you, check out previous releases Kansas City Out Groove and Uke Songs By Track Dogs and see why they are so hard to pigeonhole.
www.trackdogsmusic.com
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Doors: 7:00pm)
Door Price: £16.00
Advance: £14.00
https://chapelarts.org/events/track-dogs-4/