| QUICK INDEX: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z | ||
| Amadou
Diagne & Group Yakar Senegalese multi instrumentalist, singer and songwriter Amadou Diagne and his UK based band Group Yakar have been developing a style that is uniquely their own. It is music that is hard to define, from Afrobeat to Blues, Jazz Funk to Mbalax, traditional West African Praise singing to Rock, a working fusion of collective music experiences and styles. The band's musicians all have a strong professional background of collaboration with different musical styles and cultures and a great understanding of how to approach a real fusion of their music styles with dynamic energy and improvisation. Amadou Diagne weaves his Senegalese melodies and rhythms with vocals that though soft and warm can deliver great power, or rousing the audience into a dancing frenzy with some of the best African percussion you will hear in the UK today. Sun, 5.45pm, Village Green Stage   |
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Ange
Hardy Ange Hardy is from Somerset and has been a songwriter from the age of 14 when she first picked up a guitar on the streets of Ireland. She is completely self taught and has always used her writing as a way of channeling the intense life she has led. Ange performs as a solo act, showcasing her delicate guitar work and stunning voice, she layers her vocals in a contemporary twist using a "live looping machine" which allows her to record and instantly play back layers of vocals from the stage resulting in the same warm depth of harmony that she achieves on her studio album. Ange takes you deep into the songs and the stories behind the songs, and her testimony becomes the heart of her performance. Sun, 4.45pm, Village Green Stage |
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The
Antique Popsters Fresh from their recent performance at the Music on the Mead event in July, The Antique Popsters feature Joff Lowson on vocals and guitar, Simon Fossey on vocals/banjo, Mike on upright bass, amazing Fifi on fiddle and lovely Jude singing. Drawing their inspiration from the 1950’s and 60’s, the Antique Popsters use their bluegrass sensibilities to invent songs from the Louvin Brothers, Petula Clark, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Peggy Lee, Neil Sedaka and others (including a few 21st century writers), with a gorgeous blend of harmony vocals and exquisite rhythms backed by acoustic instruments. Sat, 1.15pm, Village Green Stage |
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Ant
Noel & The Peabody Drakes Wells-based songwriter Ant Noel and his backing band The Peabody Drakes play lively, upbeat original songs of coffee drinking, french love stories, ale, travelling and West Country rambles... a melting-pot of Celtic, Americana and klezmer and a good excuse to have a dance! His musicianship is exemplary, capable of playing not only the keys but also guitar, violin, harmonica, mandolin and anything else he gets his hands on! ”Noel is proving a rising star on acoustic stages across the south west and beyond thanks to a winning way with a tune and an intriguing lyric. His third album is packed with melodic twists and he steps out from his folk roots to capture a wider audience with his endearing songs.” The Musician Sat, 2.15pm, Village Green Stage |
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Cathy
Judge & Johnny
Francis Cathy is a sculptor from Somerset whose other passion in life is her music.She be performing a mix of her own cleverly crafted songs and favourite covers. Cathy has a rich velvety voice and not only sings sensitive ballads with an emotion seldom experienced but can bellow out the blues with equal expertise. She will be accompanied by long time musical partner Johnny Francis on second guitar. Sat, 1.30pm, Chill Stage |
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Dance
Bazaar Dance Bazaar is a multi-instrumental group of 7 musicians based in Wiltshire, Somerset and Bristol. Their lively repertoire of traditional music and dances comes from Britain, France, Ireland, Scandinavia, USA and Eastern Europe, with a touch of Klezmer thrown in for good measure! Instruments include concertina, fiddle, accordions, French horn, clarinet, guitar, recorders and bagpipes. They play for ceilidhs, concerts, circle dances, Playford dances, celebrations and festivals, and enjoy collaborating with other performers such as soloists and choral groups. Sun, 1.45pm, Chill Stage |
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Delphi Delphi are a classical flute and piano duo marked out by their innovative programming and fluid ensemble playing. Flautist Lucy Beveridge has recorded music for Radio, Television and productions on the London stage, and performs with Flute Allsorts and the wind quintet Sylfanome. Bethan Scolding is a classical pianist, based in London. She is a soloist, chamber musician, accompanist and collaborator. She has been praised for her sensitivity of touch, intuitive accompaniment skills and her animated and engaging introductions to the music she is performing. Sun, 6.15pm, Church, Tickets required (£6) Many thanks to Abbey Piano Services who are sponsoring this performance by providing the piano. |
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Edd
Donovan & Emma Parker Edd is a highly distinctive contemporary folk, singer‐songwriter. He has a rare, original talent. Originally from the North of England, he has made his home in Cheltenham. His songs reflect his interest in modern folk music and the work of such performers as Nathaniel Rateliff, Ane Brun, Fleet Foxes and Bowerbirds. His sound is unique. Heartfelt. Wise. He will be accompanied by Emma Parker on vocals. Sun, 4.45pm, Chill Stage |
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Frobisher Frobisher will be serving light refreshments and subtly blended cocktails of old and new classics with dashes of the unexpected. Neil Smith on guitar so the unexpected expectations are high. Sat, 7.30pm, Chill Stage |
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Frome
Street Bandits From the exotic Far East (of Somerset) The Frome Street Bandits combine a colourful theatricality with a simple love of shake your booty rhythms guaranteed to put a smile on your face and a dance in your feet. From African beats via the Balkans through to Reggae these Banditos just want to see you strut your stuff. Sat, 4.10pm, Village Green Stage |
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The
Greatness of The Magnificence Fantasy Orchestra The Fantasy Orchestra is a 20+ piece Bristol and Paris-based orchestra. It is led by Jesse D Vernon (also of Morning Star) . Their eclectic repertoire, gleaned from 50s and 60s film soundtracks by Morricone, Rota, Barry, Mancini and Bollywood is bolstered by rock and pop favourites from the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Led Zep, The Beatles, Queen and David Bowie. Expect the exotic; psychedelic loveliness; rousing choral noise; some choice costumes – and a musical saw. The orchestra perform in full regalia! Sat, 5.15pm, Village Green Stage |
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Helena
Softley From Main Stage Glastonbury to TV presenter, from intimate concerts to her chart success with Billy Bragg, Helena Softley has moved audiences all over the world with her incredible voice, accomplished guitar, and energetic performances. A singer songwriter with a voice both rich and powerful, deep and mellow, she is passionate and lively on stage. She engages you with her bubbly personality and tongue in cheek audience control and sings every song as if it were just for you. Supremely professional in every aspect of her work, she will entrance you with her fearless mix of hard-driving rhythms, beautiful ballads, and soulful melodies. Sat, 5.30pm, Chill Stage |
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Hello
Hopeville Hello Hopeville is a band based in and around Frome, Somerset. It consists of five individuals with a passion for a melodic and mesmerizing sound, with handpicked songs that lend themselves to harmony and instrumentals. Unable to sit within one genre of music as covers range from Fleetwood Mac to Michelle shocked, Alison Krauss and Neil Young. We have also started writing and arranging our own material, all delivered with a sprinkle of magic, which is what gives Hello Hopeville its very unique sound. Sat, 7.30pm, Pub |
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Homesick
Gipsy Stef Mizrany and Sean Janaway, a.k.a. Homesick Gypsy, have been gently leaving their mark on the local music scene since they formed as a duo early last year, building up a reputation as notable, heart-warming performers, in an expanding circuit of festival and music venues. Their repertoire is an emotion-filled eclectic mix of Folk, Country, Blues and ballads, written by Stef, who, before joining with Sean, had already put out 2 CDs under her own name. Now, Sean's added expertise, imaginative lead and arrangement, have given the songs a new, deeper perspective. Sun, 5.45pm, Chill Stage Stef Mizrany and Lionel Lowe will also be managing the Sessions Tent throughout the Festival weekend, for those of you who like to make music rather than just listen! |
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| Ian
Perry Trio Drawing from diverse and global influences, Ian M Perry creates richly imaginative, poetic and soulful songs. His expressive, jazz-tinged voice, multi-layered guitar style and evocative lyrics are captivatingly original and spacious. |
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Isobel
Holly Performing at Priston for the fourth year in a row, Isobel Holly is a rare find; a young talent with capabilities beyond her years. Despite her tender age of 17, Isobel has an enviable songwriting prowess that bonds engaging prose to memorable melody, all delivered with the pop sensibilities of a seasoned campaigner. With a full band line-up, Isobel is set to take the UK music scene by storm with her inspired blend of jazz harmony and soulful rhythm and feel, tied together with heartfelt, story driven lyricism; offering something for all tastes. Sat, 6.40pm, Village Green Stage |
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| James
Slater James plays guitar and harmonica and sings lead and harmony vocals in Bristol-based fusion-string band Appalachia. He says: "I owe such a lot to my mother, who listened to & loved all music. She encouraged me to listen, with my 'eyes open', so my influences are very broad and far too many to mention here. Thanks to this, though, I love to arrange both old & new songs in my own way". Other musical interests include being one half of the musical duo "Chameleon" with Jan Newton, allowing him to play much loved jazz style guitar, jug band songs and sing traditional English folk ballads in an accapella style. Also a singer / songwriter, he performs many of his own songs solo when time allows! Sat, 6.30pm, Chill Stage |
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Jimmy
Aldridge and Sid
Goldsmith Jimmy Aldridge and Sid Goldsmith are a highly acclaimed folk duo who play traditional and original music of the British Isles. Over the last three years they have built a reputation on the UK folk scene for arresting and moving performances. The songs themselves are always given centre stage but they are brought to life with sensitive musical arrangements and stunning vocals. There is an integrity that shines through their performances and a common thread of political struggle, resistance, and justice. Exhilaratingly diverse and full of impeccably crafted and beautifully realised songs - Folk Radio Sun, 3.45pm, Village Green Stage |
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The
June Apples The June Apples is the project of multi-instrumentalist sisters Ellie and Taz whose passion for traditional music has led them to form a duo reworking traditional tunes, songs and stories and creating their own quirky original songs. After being involved in projects with other artists, they discovered their affinity for playing together and for the past year have performed all over the South West. Expect lush harmonies, foot-stomping dance tunes and tales of loss, murder and vegan pirates! The June Apples will also be providing musical accompaniement to the Supper on Sunday evening Sun, 12.45pm, Chill Stage Sun, 7.45pm, Village Hall, Tickets required (£8) |
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Kim
Lowings & The
Greenwood Inspired by the folk tradition, Kim Lowings and The Greenwood perform their songs with a contemporary twist. Their live shows are an energetic blend of original compositions and traditional songs. Kim Lowings, Andrew Lowings, Tim Rogers and Dave Sutherland bring together their multi-instrumental skill and individual experience resulting in an innovative and sensitive approach to arrangements. The motivation is to keep the tradition alive and to share their own tales. Kim Lowings and The Greenwood have a busy touring schedule with bookings at Folk and Acoustic Clubs, festivals and live music venues across the country. They have been billed alongside folk greats such as Dougie MacLean, Jackie Oates and Martin Simpson. Their reputation is growing and there are whispers along the grapevine that this group are one to watch out for! Sun, 2.45pm, Village Green Stage |
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| Kusanganisa Kusanganisa is the Shona word for ‘mixture’ that aptly describes this new music project involving four musicians all from different traditions. Chartwell Dutiro (from Zimbabwe) plays mbira and sings and has been brought up in the Shona tradition; Leandro Maia (from Brazil) is a guitarist, singer and composer; Nick Sorensen (from England) is a saxophonist whose music is located within the traditions of contemporary jazz and folk music and Chris Blanden (from England) is a bass player who has spent years playing rock music and previously worked at Real World Studios. Fri, 7.00pm, Church, Tickets required (£5) |
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Morris
Sides The Morris dancing on Sunday morning will feature the following guest sides: Sun, 10.45am. Village Green |
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Newton
Country Roisin, Olly and Joe are part of the Country/Americana 3-piece band from Bath. Combining Carter and Cash-reminiscent harmonies along with classic handcrafted rootsy songwriting, the group create a dynamic live show that is as upbeat as it is engaging. "The band have plenty of promise and have the songs and skill to really make a mark" - Bristol 24/7 Magazine "Just gorgeous country-infused music. I want to be the 4th member!" - Dermot O'Leary. BBC Radio 2 Sun, 9.15pm, Pub |
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Reg
Meuross We look forward to welcoming Reg, our Patron Artist back to the Festival this year. Somerset-based singer/songwriter, Reg is an exceptional teller of tales set to great melodies and delivered with a spell-binding voice. His songs include "And Jesus Wept" - the story of Private Harry Farr, a WW1 shell-shock victim shot for cowardice. Other songs interweave historical characters with eternal themes. His recent albums England Green & England Gray and December have both been greeted with critical acclaim. Reg will also be hosting a "Meet the Artist" session in the Church immediately after his session on the Village Green stage on Sunday afternoon. Sun, 1.10pm, Village Green Stage Sun, 2.30pm, Church |
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| Richard
Hughes Playing the tuba, the accordion and even the scissors, Richard Hughes' work has undertones of circus, jazz and strange forest clearings at midnight. Be ready to be charmed by the unexpected. Sat, 3.30pm, Chill Stage |
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| Richard
Kerridge Richard Kerridge is a nature writer and literary critic. He leads the MA in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University, and has published widely on fiction and poetry, and on literature and environment. Richard will be discussing his book, Cold Blood, about British reptiles and amphibians, their meanings, and his fascination with them dating from childhood. His nature writing has appeared in Granta, Poetry Review and BBC Wildlife. Sat, 4pm, Church, FREE |
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| Rivers
of England Rivers of England are a Bath-based alt folk-rock band fronted by Rob Spalding. Their new album, Astrophysics Saved My Life, is made up of strong melodies and engaging compositions on themes ranging from the inner self to the outer cosmos - the emotional to the scientific. Though still rooted in folk with beautiful string arrangements, the band has made further forays into jazz, blues and rock. The band have received critical acclaim for their new album 'Astrophysics saved my life' and achieved national radio play while touring in Germany (Deutschland Radio Kultur) with sell-out gigs including the first of many planned performances in a Planetarium. Fri, 8.30pm, Village Hall, Tickets required (£10) |
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| Road
Not Taken Road Not Taken are a five-piece folk band made up of Anita Dobson (lead vocals, kalimba, bohdran), Ant Miles (guitar, backing vocals, harmonium, ukulele, mountain dulcimer, piano), Joe Brydon (slide guitar, bouzouki, harmonica), Joe Hamlen (bass, harmonium, mountain dulcimer) and Claire Hamlen (fiddle, backing vocals, harmonium, piano). Road Not Taken play a mixture of traditional and contemporary songs, in their unique, melancholic style. Sun, 3.45pm, Chill Stage |
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Roaring
Trowmen Four hearty men who sing sea shanties and songs of the salty deep! 'The Roaring Trowmen' celebrate the working songs sung by sailors around the world which have endured the test of time. Hear old favorites combined with original new songs, delivered with passion, energy and plenty of silly banter! ‘The Roaring Trowmen’ have been performing together at gigs and festivals for around 4 years now. Inspired by the heritage of our home city of Bristol, we celebrate sea shanties, but include many other songs with a watery theme. We sing these with a humour and vitality. At times you’ll be clapping and stomping with us, next you’ll be melted by the glorious harmonies, or groaning at our bad jokes.... Come and get nautical with the Trowmen! The Roaring Trowmen will be leading a sea shanty workshop in the Village Hall on Sunday afternoon, which will culminate in a short performance in front of the Village Geen stage. Join in - you know you want to! Sun, 1.15pm, Village Hall |
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Saskia
Griffiths-Moore Saskia is a 24 year old independent English singer-songwriter, known for her pure, clear voice, and her nu-folk style repertoire - blending the classical simplicity of pure folk songs with contemporary moods, melodies and meaning. Previously one of the worlds youngest craniosacral therapists with a practice on Harley Street, in 2014 she left it all behind to move to the West Country and pursue a successful career in music. "Saskia’s singing style has something of the old-fashioned purity of early Joan Baez..." Living Tradition Magazine - 2016 "A fine singer-songwriter...wonderful voice and great guitar playing" Johnny Coppin, BBC Radio Gloucestershire. Sat, 12.30pm, Village Green Stage |
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Sharon
Lazibyrd Sharon Lazibyrd (aka Martin) is a talented, original and award winning singer- songwriter who writes striking and melodic songs. “Sharon's voice hits you from the outset, at first slightly fragile but masking latent potential and depth as it delivers… poignant lyrics” Thank Folk for That. Her songs draw on her experiences and a variety of musical influences from Julian Cope to English folk. She is a multi-instrumentalist who has performed across the UK and in Ireland and as half of the duo Lazibyrd winning the South West Music Awards Best Folk Act of 2013. Her songs have been shortlisted in competitions, she has recorded a session for Bob Harris, and she was invited to take part in a BBC Introducing folk residential in 2014. Festival performances during 2016 included the 6 Music festival, Kingsbury May Festival, Home Farm Festival, Keynsham Folk Festival and We Shall Overcome. She also took part in the Live at the Orchard Sessions in 2016 and will be touring her new album in Spring 2017. Sat, 2.30pm, Chill Stage |
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Smallfry We’re an acoustic country/folk quartet from Bath. We don’t take ourselves too seriously and you shouldn't either. Music is about the fun and it works for us if we can bring a smile to your face. Simple, well-crafted songs are the best kind. Some you’ll know and some you won’t - but we hope you’ll like them all. Come smile with us - and join in if you feel like it! Sun, 2.45pm, Chill Stage |
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Somerset
Russet Band The Somerset Russet Village Band is a group of local instrumentalists who get together to play mainly traditional music. Typically the group consists of a mixture of wind, string and free reed players. In the past, many villages had a small band that played for local events – dances, parties, street parades and at the village fair. The same band may well have played for church services before the advent of organs. There are a few tales of inappropriate tunes mistakenly played after a long, sleep inducing sermon..... Bring your instrument and have a go at playing some good old tunes danced to by your great, great grandparents, arranged in four parts. Music provided, but bring your own music stand if you have one. All welcome, but some experience of sight reading will definitely increase your enjoyment! The workshop itself will be led by Seona Pritchard, a local performer, iolin/viola teacher and composer. She performs regularly with the Primavera String Quartet, Bristol klezmer band Fromage en Feu and freelances for a number of local orchestras and small ensembles. Sun, 2.45pm, Village Hall |
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The
Summerhouse Band Helen James of Keynsham and Paul Barclay from Priston have expanded their established duo to form The Summerhouse Band. Joined by Alice Barclay on violin, Priston’s cellist, Camilla Litchfield and Bristol-based classical pianist, Ken Dale, the group made their debut performance at Priston Festival in 2016. Rooted in folk music their repertoire explores the potential of rich arrangements; beautiful vocal and instrumental harmonies with songs ranging from relaxing and gentle through to lively and full of fun. Sun, 4.15pm, Church |
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| Three
Cane Whale A multi-instrumental acoustic trio based in Bristol, UK, featuring members of Spiro, Get The Blessing and Scottish Dance Theatre. As intricate as a team of watchmakers, as spare as a mountain stream, the music encompasses both a cinematic sweep and an intimate delicacy, in which “the aroma of muddy leaves and old nettles is almost tangible” (The Observer). ‘their delicate acoustic constructions combine ancient folk and contemporary classical ideas to weave an entirely original new musical tradition‘ (Bristol 24/7) Sat, 7.30pm, Church, Tickets required (£6) |
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The
Unsung Roots Blurring the lines between folk, bluegrass and world music, The Unsung Roots are a young and contemporary folk duo. Together, Seth Bye & Katie Griffin breathe new life into traditional songs and tunes as well as writing their own material that draws upon multi-cultural influences. Their live performance is an eclectic experience, from heartfelt songs to driving fiddle and banjo tunes, expressing their infectious passion for music. They play a wide variety of instruments including banjo, violin, guitar and accordion. Sat, 4.30pm, Chill Stage |
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World
Government They're back! A great band to dance to,The World Government is a fresh take on what music is and how a band should operate. Nothing is pre-conceived, written in advance, even verbally discussed or ever rehearsed. The idea is to get a group of exciting players together, add an audience and see what happens. This is free expression, not contrived or formulated. However the aim is not merely to jam but to 'spontaneouly write music together' and thus create musical journeys which usually develop and evolve. No two gigs are ever the same but there will usually be flavours of funk, jazz and music of the world. Sat, 8.00pm, Village Green Stage |
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