Mike Donaghy has been making a name for himself in Ireland and the UK ever since releasing his first EP “January Never Came This Year” back in 2009. The blend of his music and songwriting creates a very unique sound, occasionally being linked to folk, Americana and bluegrass. Mike Donaghy ‘Peace Begins With Me’ Mike
Le Vent Du Nord UK Tour Dates Launching their new CD ‘Tromper Le Temps’ Le Vent Du Nord (Wind from the North) perform traditional Québécois music in French which is heavily influenced by Celtic music from both Ireland and Brittany. The group use a very diverse range of musical instruments augmented by Québécois Foot Percussion
The brilliant and charismatic TIM EDEY was named Musician of the Year at the 2012 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards in February and also clinched the Best Duo title with Kiwi harmonica genius Brendan Power. Last night (April 18) the Anglo-Irish multi-instrumental magician featured on BBC Radio 2’s Mike Harding Show along with Power. Just
BBC Television will film the closing concert of Fairport Convention’s current UK tour on Saturday (10 March 2012). The gig at the Union Chapel, Islington, marks the end of Fairport’s forty-date Winter Tour.
The BBC will record the entire 90-minute concert for transmission later this year together with an hour-long documentary about Fairport Convention and its musical legacy. The documentary is currently in production and celebrates Fairport’s forty-fifth anniversary as a working band. Both programmes will be broadcast on BBC Four.
Formed in 1967 and championed by John Peel, Fairport Convention not only introduced the genre of British folkrock but was the musical cradle for such major talents as Richard Thompson and Sandy Denny.
England’s most dynamic fiddle line-up are tuning up to hit the road again in April for their 19th consecutive annual tour – fielding some of the most legendary names in folk, and a new addition.
The flamboyant Feast of Fiddles – the fabulous fiddling sextet and their inventive backline – marked their “coming of age” last year and their yearly spring tours which take in the Easter holiday, have become a highlight on the folk calendar.
The celebrated 11-piece collective combines the colossal talents of some of Britain’s top fiddlers in a flourish of fretwork – Fairport Convention’s Chris Leslie, Steeleye Span’s brilliant bowman Peter Knight, Bully Wee Band’s Ian Cutler and ex Battlefield Band’s Brian McNeill joining forces with Garry Blakeley (Band of Two) and Tom Leary (John B Spencer Trio/Albion Morris).
The sizzling “backing band” is led by band founder Hugh Crabtree on accordion and iconic folk-rock drummer Dave Mattacks, who has played with Fairport, Steeleye and Richard Thompson as well as the likes of Paul McCartney, Elton John and Chris Rea. Now living in the USA, the master drummer has played on a staggering number of diverse recordings. Also in the engine room are John Underwood and Martin Vincent on acoustic and electric guitars and Dave Harding on bass – virtuosos all.
Always something of a moveable feast, this year, due to some unavoidable diary clashes, Chris Leslie will be joining the tour for the last leg, from Milton Keynes onwards, whilst Show of Hands’ busy multi-instrumentalist Phil Beer is due to swell the ranks at the opening gigs at Nettlebed, just ahead of Show of Hands’ 20th year celebration at the Royal Albert Hall, which is close to sell-out. (Phil was named Musician of the Year in the 2011 Spiral Awards).
“New kid on the block”, bringing the sound of sax and keyboards to the Feast of Fiddles mix for the first time, will be Alan Whetton, who has played with everyone that is anyone from Dexy’s Midnight Runners to Pete Waterman, The Manfreds, Vin Garbutt, Shakin’ Stevens and Cliff Richard.
Alan, who has been playing saxophone since the age of ten, has worked across numerous genres, from R & B to dance and big bands, folk, rock ‘n’ roll and musical theatre.
Says Hugh Crabtree: “We’re delighted that Alan is joining us this year – he will bring something completely different to the feast!”
The uplifting annual musical extravaganza that is the Feast of Fiddles tour began as a humble one-off for Oxfordshire’s Nettlebed Folk Club and has grown into a full-blooded two and a half hour life-affirming show with an appeal that has grown far beyond a folk audience. A true family show, it appeals equally to young people learning fiddle and their foot- tapping grandparents.
What the Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain have done for the uke, Feast of Fiddles have undoubtedly done for the violin with key appearances at festivals from Cropredy to Broadstairs, Gosport & Fareham Easter Festival to The Great British Beer Festival. The feats of the fiddlers know no bounds and audiences should be prepared for anything – from trad numbers to Deep Purple; Fairport standards to The Shadows and theme music from James Bond to the Magnificent Seven!
See the band performing the “Pirates of the Caribbean” theme tune at their Chatham finale last year
The 14-night 2012 Feast of Fiddles tour will open with a traditional two nights at Nettlebed Folk Club on April 2 and 3 (the first date is already sold out) and continue until April 15, with gigs from Exeter’s Corn Exchange on Good Friday to Blackpool’s Grand Theatre on Easter Sunday.
Feast of Fiddles’ latest vibrant CD Walk Before You Fly which the band will be showcasing on tour – is their first all-in-studio album for 16 years! Mixed in with the well-known tunes are originals by Crabtree, Leary, Blakeley and McNeill.
Full tour schedule follows. More info at www.feastoffiddles.com
Mon 2nd – Nettlebed Village Club – 01628 636620 – www.nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk SOLD OUT
Tues 3rd – Nettlebed Village Club – 01628 636620 – www.nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk
Weds 4th – The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury – 01684 295074 – www.rosestheatre.org
Thurs 5th – Town Hall, Marlborough – 01672 512465 – www.marlboroughfolk-roots.co.uk
Fri 6th – Corn Exchange, Exeter – 01392 665866 – www.exeter.gov.uk/cornexchange
Sat 7th – Muni Arts Centre, Pontypridd – 08000 147111 www.muni.rct-arts.org
Sun 8th – Blackpool, Grand Theatre – 01253 290190 – www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk
Mon 9th – Leeds, City Varieties – 0113 243 0808 – www.cityvarieties.co.uk
Tues 10th – Alnwick, The Playhouse – 01665 510785 – www.alnwickplayhouse.co.uk
Weds 11th – Lichfield, Guildhall – 01543 262223 – www.lichfieldarts.org.uk
Thurs 12th – Milton Keynes, The Stables – 01908 280800 – www.stables.org
Fri 13th – Worcester, Huntington Hall – 01905 611427 – www.worcesterlive.co.uk
Sat 14th – Lowdham Village Hall, Notts – 01159 663596 – www.warthogpromotions.com
Sun 15th – The Brook Theatre, Chatham – 01634 241108 – www.medway.gov.uk/theatres
CELTIC CONNECTIONS’ BIG TOP GETS EVEN BIGGER
WITH TWO NEW ADDITIONS TO THE LINE-UP
The Mavericks’ Raul Malo set to headline Friday night
Fèis Rois confirm Saturday concert
They join Rosanne Cash, The Civil Wars, Michael McGoldrick Band,
Dàimh, The Deadly Gentlemen, Aoife O’Donovan (Crooked Still),
and Mànran at Broadford on the Isle of Skye from 23rd – 24th March
Celtic Connections –Glasgow’s internationally renowned folk, roots and world music festival – today announces two new additions to the line up of Big Top, the two-night music event on Skye.
Raul Malo, perhaps best known as the frontman of chart-topping country band the Mavericks, will headline Friday 23rd March and get the Celtic Connections Big Top tent rocking with a set of crowd favourites and solo material from his own album. Celtic Connections is delighted to welcome Raul back after his memorable appearance as a special guest on the sell-out Transatlantic Sessions tour.
A special Fèis Rois concert has also been confirmed for Saturday 24th March. Fèis Rois, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2011, has taught thousands of budding singers and instrumentalists at its weekly classes and residential courses around theHighlands. Many Celtic Connections performers have also been taught by the Fèis so this will be a great chance to spot their successors on this prodigiously talented bill.
They join Rosanne Cash, The Civil Wars, Michael McGoldrick Band, Dàimh, The Deadly Gentlemen, Aoife O’Donovan (Crooked Still) and Mànran, with more special guests still to be confirmed.
In December 2011, it was announced that Celtic Connections would be leaving its Glasgow home for the first time in 19 years to stage a two night music event in Broadford, Isle of Skye from 23rd – 24th March 2012.
As the finale toScotland’sIslands, Celtic Connections Big Top will feature a top line-up of traditional music, show-stopping arts experiences and action-packed workshops on a local and international scale, showcasing local talent alongside top international artists.
Up to 4,000 residents and visitors are expected to flood into the Celtic Connections Big Top to see local performers sharing the spotlight with artists from across the globe.
Donald Shaw, Celtic Connections Artistic Director, said: “With just four weeks to go, we’re very excited to be able to announce country favourite Raul Malo as the Friday headliner. With such exceptional energy and a string of chart-toppers under his belt, he’ll be sure to start off the two day event with a bang!
“Fèis Rois are long-standing partners of Celtic Connections, and after the brilliant performance at this year’s festival, it’s great that they will join us for Celtic Connections Big Top to add to what is already a stellar line-up.”
Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer for EventScotland said: “Big Top will bring the magic of Celtic Connections to a whole new audience, and the latest additions to the programme will make the event all the more exciting as we bring the ‘Year of Scotland’s Islands’ to a close.Scotland is the perfect stage for events and I am sure Skye will provide a stunning backdrop to the Celtic Connections activity, which will capture the imagination of both the local community and visitors to the island.”
Murdo Mackay, a project leader for the Year of Scotland’s Islands and Western Isles Council, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar said: “We’re really looking forward to seeing new audiences as well as loyal folk and world music fans journey to Skye in Spring 2012. The Big Top is the perfect finale to The Year of Scotland’sIslands, which has had over 500 fantastic events take place across 42 islands since its launch last April.
“The Year of Scotland’sIslandshas showcased and celebrated the music, arts, food and history of the islands as well as highlighting their unique beauty as visitor destinations too. The Big Top captures this spirit perfectly.”
Councillor George Redmond, Chair of Glasgow Life, said: “Celtic Connections brings people from all over the world toGlasgow to celebrate and enjoy the finest performances with a Celtic theme. The Celtic Connections Big Top will allow many more people the chance to enjoy and take part in some amazing performances and workshops. Taking one ofGlasgow’s best festivals to an island with a rich musical heritage is a sign of the city’s ambition to play a growing part in delivering world-class culture acrossScotland and beyond.”
Tickets are available online at www.celticconnections.com/bigtop or 0141 353 8000 priced at £40 for a full access, weekend ticket, or £25 for a day ticket. Further info can be found at: www.celticconnections.com/bigtop.
Bristol Folk Festival to present Brit-Nominated Newton Faulkner at 02 Academy
A bigger line-up than ever before…….but still YOUR Towersey!
We are pushing the line-up even further in 2012 with great and familiar names as well as some artists that are making big waves on the acoustic music scene. Festival favourites and always top of the wish list, Bellowhead are back (get your bouncing shoes ready!). And keep them on for the return of Edward II and Peatbog Faeries. We have a raft of really special shows with artists that need no introduction. Donul Lunny (founder of both Planxty & The Bothy Band), plays in a stunning trio with Padraig Rynne & Sylvain Barou. Then the legendary Nic Jones makes an incredible return to the scene and plays a unique show with his son Joe and Piano whizz Belinda O’Holley. Then take a seat for Kathryn Tickell’s Northumbrian Voices show that delves deep into the landscape and people of her beloved county.
Then look out for something a bit different with breakthrough artists such as the USA’s Abigail Washburn and Australian born Emily Barker & the Red Clay Halo.
Even more for the Family as the best just got better
Introducing “Rainbow” our new drop-in marquee for families on the Showground. This open space offers drop-in activities all day long for children of all ages. If your day just doesn’t have time for a visit to the four dedicated Children’s venues (and let’s face it our programme is pretty busy!), then the Rainbow offers something more flexible and easy.
Cutting & Sticking, Parachute games, music, storytelling and more…..just swing on by!
Our now legendary (and regarded by many as the best on the scene), Children’s Festival will be back in all its colourful splendor. So don’t worry…..the Rainbow venue is an added extra, not an instead of!
What makes Towersey different from the rest…..how do you choose your Festival?
Well, we offer great value for your holiday pound….5 nights and 4 days as apposed to many festivals of 2 or 3 days….a proper holiday! We work really hard to pick great stuff that you will love and put on things that you might only see at Towersey. We always deliver surprises that you didn’t know you would even like, let alone love. You trust us to deliver and we do. We have one of the best (if not the best), Festival venue for some serious jumping up and down (or dancing). The nights at Venue 65 (previously known as FDH), are legendary on the Festival scene. We really do (and are not just saying it), have something magical at Towersey. A combination of beautiful settings, village location, great staff, long history, thoughtful booking policy, nice customers, loads of families……the list goes on. We offer more. More venues, more artists, more workshops, more for the family, more street theatre, more variety, more dance and many more hours to relax and enjoy than any other weekend festival.
Easy access, FREE parking and all in one beautiful Village
At Towersey you can bowl up in your car and park next to your pitch to set up. No carrying of gear from miles away. Then if you do want to park up for the weekend all our car parks are FREE and once you’ve settled in everything is close at hand. Great venues, clean toilets & showers (even more than ever this year), all over the place and the beautiful village of Towersey just a short walk down the village road. At Towersey it’s all so easy.
Join us online for the full interactive Towersey
So you can join the chat on Facebook and get all the latest updates…….follow us on Twitter for latest tweets and links………….watch this years artist’s on the Towersey YouTube.
As great value day tickets go on sale* organisers have announced three buzzing, award-nominated names to add to the already vibrant line-up – Derbyshire singer songwriter Lucy Ward, the hugely popular alt-country band ahab and singer, guitarist and actor Blair Dunlop of the new Albion Band – the long-lived, legendary band founded by his father Ashley Hutchings. *£30 (Sat), £35 (Sun) and £40 (Mon) and concessions.
Lucy will head to the festival on Bank Holiday Monday.A double nominee at next month’s BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards (Horizon Award Best Newcomer and Best Traditional Track for her Maids When You’re Young)
Lucy Ward
At just 21 she is developing into a fine songwriter and has been busy wowing folk club and festivals audiences up and down the country with her pure, captivating voice, unpretentious banter and sparkling stage presence. Her set is an eclectic mix of modern and trad folk interpretations and her own songs and last year her debut album Adelphi Has to Fly drew praise from many corners. Having supported top folk artists from Seth Lakeman to Chris Wood, Phil Beer and The Oysterband. Lucy is now a headline act in her own right. www.lucywardsings.com
ahab have been described as “the most exciting harmony-infused Americana/pop outfit to emerge on the scene since Mumford & Sons”. Since their appearance at Fairport’s Cropredy Convention in 2010 with their outstanding songs and girl appeal, ahab have fast become a hot favourite on the festival circuit.
2011 saw them playing at over 20 festivals throughout the UK & Europe, releasing their 2nd EP ‘KMVT’ and supporting the mighty Bellowhead.
The band, who will appear on the opening day of the festival, features Callum Adamson on 12-string guitar and vocals, Luke Price on mandolin and vocals, Dave Burn on guitar and vocals, Steve Llewellyn on bass and vocals, and Grahame Rolfe on percussion.
Nominated for Best Group in the 2012 Spiral Awards and with an album in the pipeline, ahab look set to continue their fast track to the top.
ahab
“ahab are the real deal – top-notch UK Americana featuring tight four- piece harmonies.” Simon Mayo, BBC Radio 2
“They are blistering live – alt-country edge and sheer class”-Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2
The third “new kid on the block” is Blair Dunlop whose new EP Bags Outside The Door has certainly made an impression. An inventive guitar player, some of the highlights of his performing career include playing Little Willy Wonka in the blockbuster movie of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (Johnny Depp starred as the grown-up version!), touring in a new production of the play “Lark Rise” and appearing at festivals such as Big Session, Towersey and Cropredy.
Nineteen year-old Blair will appear at Bristol on May 5 and is nominated for the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award to be announced in Manchester next month. www.blairdunlop.com
Blair Dunlop
Ward, Dunlop and ahab join an already vibrant line-up the festival, which returned to the city last year after a 32 year absence. The headliners offer something for everyone – Show of Hands (Sat) Cara Dillon (Sun) and supergroup Afro Celt Sound System on Monday in what is likely to be the band’s only UK summer festival appearance this year.
Also announced are Karine Polwart, Rua Macmillan Trio, Dyer Cummings, The Young ‘Uns, The Teacups and BBC Radio 2 Folk award nominees Lady Maisery and Walsh and Pound.
Day tickets are now available at £30 (Saturday), £35 (Sunday) and £40 (Monday) with a £2 concession for 5-15s, students, pensioners, disabled and unwaged. 3-day weekend tickets are £80 (concessions £70) whilst family tickets are £250 (2 adults and two children aged 5-15).Under 5s go free. Book via Colston Hall box office on 0117 922 3686 or online at www.colstonhall.org, http://bristolticketshop.co.uk/ www.gigantic.com or www.seetickets.com
As well as up to 40 top acts, the festival will feature Morris dancers, mummers and maypoles, ceilidhs, workshops, singalong sessions, a market and “posh loos”!
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Folk music on local radio is under threat and if nothing is done, it could be lost. Proposed BBC cuts will bite deeply into the budgets and the programming ability of local radio stations. This in turn will force them to reduce output and to focus on what they perceive as mainstream items.
In the words of the BBC Trust, they want to; “Focus spend on peak-time programmes: breakfast, mid-morning and drivetime; sport; and faith on Sunday mornings”.
Savings will be made by the proposed sharing of programming. On weekday afternoons most stations would share programming with their neighbouring stations and on weekday evenings between 7pm and 10pm, programming would be shared across England, with all stations coming together except when providing local sports commentaries. This will allow a number of shows to be axed.
One area that is being eyed up by the axe-man is folk music. Shows like “Genevieve Tudor’s Sunday Folk” for the West Midlands and the “Johnny Coppin” show serving the West Country are all in danger. However, there is something that can be done.
There is currently a public consultation process underway called, “Delivering Quality First”, and an in depth review of BBC local radio. This allows you to express your views but you need to be quick as the closing date is December 21st with the results being published in late spring 2012.
For more information and to add your voice, go to: http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/consult/local_radio.shtml
To lose local acoustic music, singer/songwriter, folk and blues programming would be a very sad thing. So have your say and let’s show support for the secure future of folk on local radio in your area.
Keep the Flame single!
A new mix of Johnny Coppin’s ‘Keep the Flame’ song is now on sale as a download single.
It is available from iTunes, Amazon mp3, Spotify, MySpace, Medianet, eMusic, Zune, Rhapsody, Nokia, Napster, Thumbplay and IMVU.
Here’s the link to iTunes -
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/keep-the-flame/id483046923?i=483046927&ign-mpt=uo%3D4
And to the Amazon.com website:
http://www.amazon.com/Keep-The-Flame-Single/dp/B006CILFEE/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322292252&sr=301-1