browse events by category
future events tagged folk
Rainbow Girls
Rainbow Girls is a collaborative of songwriters, multi-instrumentalists, vocalists and California natives.
Having spent the last four years touring Europe and the US, they have returned to their folk roots. This new trio version of the band features Erin Chapin, Caitlin Gowdey and Vanessa May.
WHY? Experience their rich harmonies, ageless songwriting and soulful, bluesy sound in its rawest form
Studio
£12, £10 Supporters
4Square
Manchester’s ferocious folk foursome are now in their 10th year of wowing audiences across Europe and beyond.
The band’s trademark show features Nicola Lyons’s simultaneous fiddle playing and clog dancing, virtuosic mandolin from Michael Giverin, galvanised by the driving sounds of Jim Molyneux’s piano and Dan Day on percussion. The result is an infusion of folk, jazz, Latin and any other musical style they feel the inclination to absorb.
WHY? A powerful young quartet with a fiery, inventive and virtuosic brand of alternative folk
Studio
£12
Leveret
Three of England's finest folk musicians in an exciting new collaboration
Andy Cutting (Blowzabella), Sam Sweeney (Bellowhead) and Rob Harbron (The Full English) are each regarded as masters of their instrument. Their music is firmly rooted in the English tradition but sounds fresh and new. Expect original settings of ancient tunes alongside new compositions by some of today's finest tunesmiths who are winners of 12 BBC Folk Awards!
WHY? ‘Classy players … their intuitive way with tunes is glorious’ Mojo
Studio
£16.50
The Dovetail Trio
Presenting England's traditional songs with a bold and fresh approach, The Dovetail Trio explores familiar narratives with infectious energy and a passion for musical heritage.
This collaboration combines the distinctive voices and acclaimed instrumental talents of BBC Radio 2 Folk Award nominee Jamie Roberts, BBC Performing Arts Award winner Rosie Hood and Newcastle Folk Degree alumnus Matt Quinn.
The Dovetail Trio’s debut album Wing of Evening was released in September 2015 on RootBeat Records. The album has been well received with 4 star reviews from the Telegraph, R2 and Songlines and national radio play on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 3. The album features a number of unusual versions of traditional English songs alongside an American folk story, a traditional Scottish whaling song and even a French/Canadian tune set. Tight vocal harmonies and skilled musicianship make this an exciting debut album.
WHY? 'A combination of richly rounded accented vocals, skin-tight harmonies and sparse yet polished instrumentation' FolkWords
Studio
£14 (£12 conc)
Kathryn Tickell, David Almond & Amy Thatcher – Tales & Tunes
Kathryn is the foremost exponent of the Northumbrian pipes, a composer, educator, performer and successful recording artist.
In 2015 she was awarded the OBE for services to folk music. Kathryn combines with storyteller David Almond and accordionist and clog dancer Amy Thatcher to bring a memorable evening of irrepressible music, stories and songs.
WHY? ‘I can’t remember feeling so exhilarated by such a match of music and landscape’ The Times
Courtyard Theatre
£19.50
Alden, Patterson and Dashwood
This Norwich based folk/Americana trio weave rich vocal harmonies, fiddle, dobro, guitar and mandolin around beautifully written original songs and melodies.
Their music takes influence from folk traditions from both sides of the Atlantic with uplifting instrumentals and selfpenned songs depicting tales of young travellers, sleepy seas and their affection for home.
WHY? ‘It’s lovely stuff’ Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2
Studio
£14
Mawkin
With a host of rebel rousing folk songs and instrumentals, Mawkin modernise traditional folk material with their own touch.
The line up features brothers David Delarre (vocals, guitar) and James Delarre (vocals, violin), Nick Cooke (melodeon), Danny Crump (bass) and Lee Richardson (drums). The band have supported Bellowhead on their farewell tour amongst a flurry of key festivals and UK tour dates.
WHY? ‘A Gutsy re-working of Traditional Songs’ The Guardian
Studio
£14
Simon Mayor and Hilary James: A Winter Warmer
Musical charm and humour with a seasonal twist.
Britain’s leading hot-fingered mandolin virtuoso Simon Mayor is joined by silver voiced songstress and mando-bass maestro, Hilary James. Expect a fresh look at some familiar favourites alongside mandolin classics, lively fiddle tunes, beautiful French carols, traditional songs, original settings of poems and the silliest of seasonal sing-alongs.
WHY? ‘A witty and captivating mix of folk, blues, swing and classical showstoppers, spiced with a unique brand of off-beat humour’ The Guardian
Studio
£12
The Albion Christmas Band
An evening of traditional English Christmas music, songs and celebration.
Featuring the combined talents of Simon Nicol (Fairport Convention), Kellie While (Albion Band), Simon Care (Edward II) and the Guvnor himself, Ashley Hutchings. Expect a collection of new material alongside seasonal favourites including carols, spoken word, humorous readings and dance.
WHY? ‘The perfect antidote to the corporate Christmas’ The Guardian
Courtyard Theatre
£20
New Year's Eve Hoedown at The Farm
Heck yeah, it’s a hoedown!
Our popular New Year’s Eve event returns to ring in 2018! Join ceilidh and barn dance band Cut a Shine for foot stomping, rip-roaring, thigh-slapping traditional music and a night of all types of barn dancing. A fun, lively and thrilling way to celebrate this New Year's Eve!
Age guidance 12+ years.
WHY? Dust off your cowboy hats, gingham checks or general fancy dress for frolics on the Courtyard Theatre dance floor
Norden Farm
£20 before 31 October, £25 after
Supporters £17 before 31 October, £22 after