WHAT’S ON

Oliver Darling and Rollo Markee play Country/Folk Blues and Americana expect covers and originals influenced by artists such as Big Bill Broonzy and Sam Chatmon.  Oliver Darling has built a career and solid reputation as a stylish guitarist of note through working with many musicians such as Mike Sanchez, Tanita Tikaram, Buena Vista Social Club members, Geraint Watkins, and today continues to enjoy being involved with some of the best artists in the business. He has been a touring member of Imelda May’s band since 2015.  Rollo Markee is well known for his fiery harmonica and soulful vocals.

Scottish songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Malcolm MacWatt is a unique voice in British Folk/Americana with the likes of Gretchen Peters, Laura Cantrell, Jaimee Harris, Eliza Carthy, Nathan Bell, Angeline Morrison, Pat McManus and Kris Drever lending their names and voices to his recent work.

Nicola Cipriani & Brad Myrick are an international guitar duo (Italy & USA) whose concerts turn two acoustic guitars into an orchestra of sound. Their original music is at once virtuosic and inviting—blending the sweeping emotion of cinema, the colours of world music traditions, and the spontaneity of jazz into something entirely their own. Over the course of three acclaimed albums, with a fourth (Acqua Passata) arriving soon, they’ve built a reputation for performances that resonate deeply with audiences of all kinds.

John Ward has achieved an excellent reputation as a writer of powerful, thought-provoking and witty songs that draw upon his life in a gritty port town, his wider travels in the world, and often capture the spirit of the times.

With powerful 3-part harmonies, guitar, double bass, mandolin, accordion, and John’s show-stopping bodhran playing, the John Ward Trio’s performances are authentic and heartfelt, entertaining and delighting audiences across the UK and beyond. Playing mainly John’s acclaimed folk songs of satire, social commentary and historical stories about struggling communities and the Suffolk sea and coast of their home town, Lowestoft, the trio will be showcasing material from John’s new 10th album, as well old favourites.

English traditional music from a parallel universe – Shem Fillmore stirs together the future, past and alternative timelines into a seething broth. The music draws from the social music making of recent traditions, as well as mystical threads from the baroque-era and more contemporary influences. He explores patterns, rhythms, movement and the crooked and exciting corners of the English tune repertoire.  Born & raised in Poland, violinist Basia Bartz has been praised for her sensitive ear and versatile playing. The list of songwriters and bands she’s performed with over the years is long, among them are the likes of Dana Immanuel & the Stolen Band, Moulettes, Nadine Khouri, Gabriel Moreno, Rob Corcoran, Jason McNiff, Dan Raza.

2024 saw the long awaited new album from Gren Bartley. Two years in the making, “Unfold” expands further and deeper into the cinematic folk genre. Somewhere between R.E.M.s Automatic for the People and Nick Drake’s Five Leaves Left, Bartley has found something entirely of it’s own mind.  Gren Bartley is part of the future of melodic songwriting. Forever evolving and adapting, and with unmatched guitar work, he is a modern day troubadour, using his influences from older folk and world music traditions, to create truly astounding records. He brings something new and unique to his audience. He is an artist not to be missed.