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The Artful
Badgers A joyous, century-spanning concoction of acoustic music to make youtoe-tap or dance the evening away. With one foot in a Tennessee honky tonk, and another on the left bankof swing-era Paris, the Artful Badgers bring a joyous, century-spanning concoction of acoustic music to make you toe-tap the evening away. Top sideman David Konig’s slap-and-tickle bull fiddle lays the base groove to energetic gypsy guitar pumping from Sig Inger, while Phil Beale’s folk-infused fiddle styling lays bare the soul of root, branch and swamp. Don’t expect soul-searing introspection, do expect a delta-wide grin; don’t expect to recognise every tune, do expect to hear some uber-classics from the great club singers, with a twist you may not quite expect. Sun, 2.20pm, Chill stage, FREE  |
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Avellana Jazz Sonorous jazz for saxophone and guitar from Simon Greening and Paul Mahon with percussionist Glyn Owen. Expect sensitive pieces on the borders of contemporary classical and jazz Music has the power to transport us to another time and place. Guitarist Paul Mahon loves to harness that power with a broad audience of music lovers. Ever since a young age, Paul has found great joy and satisfaction in making music and sharing it with people all over the world. Paul is well known for his guitar session work and performing in Europe whilst based in Dublin. He has credits on Irish radio and RTE. Although a competent performer in many musical styles, he has always had a passion for Jazz that flourished through performing with the Berkshire Youth Jazz Orchestra from 16 years of age through to his late twenties. He has played with the best UK jazz musicians such as Tina May, Peter King, John Parricelli and Jamie Cullum. Now based in Bristol, Paul is always searching for new and creative ways to share his passion for all things musical. Saxophonist Simon Greening is a familiar figure in the Bristol jazz scene, playing in several bands - including founding jazz quartets Green in Blue and Avellana - arranging workshops and running the East Bristol Jazz Club jam. Passionate about music in all forms and with no formal training Simon took up the saxophone as an adult and never stopped playing. Simon likes to collaborate with some of the many talented musicians in the Bristol area who share his musical passions. Glyn Owen studied orchestral percussion in Secondary School and was a Member of Avon Schools Symphonic Wind band. He has spent many years perfecting the art of listening to help perform with others and , as a newcomer to Jazz, brings a sense of innocence and excitement to the trio Sat, 3.30pm, Church, FREE |
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Barry
Lane & The Fridge Mechanics The Fridge Mechanics is a Bristol-based folk-rock band showcasing Barry Lane’s lyrical songs. Performing at local festivals and clubs, the band currently includes Barry Lane (vocals, guitar, dulcimer and mandocello), David Wright (vocals, acoustic and electric guitars) and guest acoustic bass player James Anderson. David Punter, from Bristol, will be reading a few of his poems. Sun, 4.20pm, Chill stage, FREE |
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Bella
Collins Bella is 50% of Sister Bodhi, who recently performed in a house gig in Priston. She excels at performing blues-infused original songs, laced with Everly-esque harmonies. Sat, 1.35pm, Village Green stage, FREE |
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Smarme Trio Bill Smarme leads his band the Bill Smarme Rock'n'Roll Trio through some old school, goodtime R'n'R Sat, 9.30pm, Pub, FREE |
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& Soul We play an eclectic mix - some jazz classics you’ll know, and some classics you didn’t know were jazz including songs from the "Great American Songbook" as well as contemporary artists, with numbers from Cole Porter, Fats Waller, Jerome Kern, Irving Berlin, Billy Joel, Antonio-Carlos Jobim, Leon Russell, Elton John. Sun, 3.20pm, Chill stage, FREE |
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| The
Branflakes The Branflakes have headlined festivals and played all over Europe. Their performances are now rare despite being much in demand. BUT the allure of the Priston festival has brought them back together. The seven piece band, with their lively blend of Dixieland & stomping jazz, play with an infectious sense of joy that will never fail to make you smile. They bring their unique Dixie style to some of your favourite tunes & they’ll be sure to make you tap your feet & get up & dance. Sun, 5pm,Village Green stage, FREE |
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Crash
Bandicoot The latest project of Taz Mains, a multi instrumentalist who features in many bands including The Fantasy Orchestra and The June Apples Sat, 4.30pm, Church, FREE |
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The
Desafinados The Desafinados is the newly formed Brazilian group of Azhaar Saffar, known for her work with internationally acclaimed band Sirius B. The band will be playing well known sambas and bossa novas in the authentic style, featuring Azhaar Saffar on voice and violin; Jonathan Atyeo on guitar, Adrian Smith on double bass and sambista Felix Gibbons on percussion/drums. They have already been thrilling audiences, some of whom try to join in, partly due to the hypnotic effect of the samba! Don't try this at home! Sun, 3.00pm, Church, FREE |
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The Drystones The Drystones have appeared on our stages a number of times as a duo, but now perform as a trio with percussion/synths/grooves and big beats. Having played slots at Glastonbury Avalon Stage, supported top acts such as Elephant Sessions, Steeleye Span, Ray Davies and got a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award nomination under their belts, The Drystones know how to please a crowd. Whether you’re more at home in a crusty tavern or a sweaty disco, a Drystones show is the place for you. "The Drystones technical prowess and stylistic awareness speak for themselves" - Tom Newell – Songlines Magazine Sat, 7.45pm, Village Green stage, FREE |
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The Fantasy Orchestra The Fantasy Orchestra is a community project led by Jesse D Vernon, based in Paris and also in Bristol. The Orchestra (motto: ‘World Peace One Note At A Time’) brings together 50+ musicians, professional and amateur, to create a kaleidoscopic symphonic brigade. Their eclectic repertoire covers film soundtracks (Morricone, Barry, RD Burman), rock and pop favourites (Hendrix, Beatles, Bowie, Radiohead), and some more obscure treasures. Think psychedelic loveliness, rousing choral noise, and some choice costumes. "World peace, one note at a time" - Motto Sat, 6.10pm, Village Green stage, FREE  |
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Guinea Lane
Saxophone Quartet Guinea Lane Saxophone Quartet were formed in 2019 by Rob Bartholomew (soprano sax), Barbara Dalton (alto sax), Jude Jackson (tenor sax) and Fiona Stamp (baritone sax). We have chosen to take the road less travelled by specializing in traditional folk music of the British Isles. We have arranged some ourselves, and others we have sourced or commissioned from well-known arrangers including Karen Street, Tim Hill, Chris Hutchins and others with a sensitivity and empathy for traditional music. Sat, 5.30pm, Church, FREE |
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Hill Farm
Five Rooted in folk music, these local performers familiar to Pristonians explore 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, 1.00pm, Church, FREE |
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Blomfield & Michel Padròn Quintet Jim is an exciting, engaging soloist and innovative composer in his own right. He has performed at numerous venues and festivals throughout the UK and has accompanied a firmament of national and international names – Andy Sheppard, Pete King, Alan Barnes, Simon Spillett, Ed Jones and US saxophonists Benn Clatworthy and Greg Abate to name but a few. Michel Padrón is undoubtedly one of the most versatile musicians of his generation, excelling as a trumpeter, educator, composer, arranger, and music producer. This high-energy Latin jazz ensemble is completed by Jon Clark on drums, Jason Gaines on congas, and Roshan ‘Tosh’ Wijetunge on bass. Sun, 2.00pm, Village Green stage |
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Joff Lowson
Trio The project led by the virtuoso guitar and banjo player Joff Lowson who has appeared in Priston many times, in various projects, as well as playing with a series of famous bands such as The Blue Aeroplanes. Joff is also a frequent player at the Bell in Bath where this video was filmed by Priston Festival scouts. Fri, 8pm (doors open 7.30pm), Village Hall, tickets required (£12) |
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Johnny
Francis & Cathy Judge Johnny Francis is a Priston regular, having run the Festival Chill Stage for numerous years. 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. Sat, 2.00pm, Chill stage, FREE |
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Jo Sercombe Jo Sercombe runs The Big Sing workshop which is open to all, regardless of age, skill or experience. Jo brings an informal, passionate style to her teaching. Reaching out to participants, she not only gets them to connect with her, but also with each other in a quite unique way. Have no doubt that you will feel genuinely inspired, uplifted and buzzing after the session with Jo! Workshop: Sun, 2.15pm, Village Hall, FREE Showcase: Sun, 3.50pm, in front of Village Green stage, FREE |
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Kevin Brown Hailed by Mark Knopfler, Kevin Brown is a living legend and quite simply one of the UK’s finest acoustic blues guitarist on the Circuittoday. From the main stage of Glastonbury to the beer joints of Texas and with numerous albums to his credit, Kevin has a growing number of loyal fans who not only love his touch and tone but have grown to admire his heartfelt songs, often delivered with a great sense of humour and dry northern wit. Music for the heart and feet, the perfect night out! We look forward to welcoming Kevin back to the Priston Festival. Sat, 12.45pm, Village Green stage, FREE |
| Lauren Bradford & Lloyd Edwards,
featuring Art Banymandhub Lauren, Lloyd and Art lead the Royal Oak's Bath Song Writing Circle. Laura: "Gently folky singer/songwriter hails from San Francisco whose clear voice and crisply picked acoustic guitar unfold her own poetic songs with soulful honesty and urgency, whether stirring anthems or thoughtful ballads." - John Blakely, The Canteen/No. 1 Harbourside Lloyd: "Described as ‘Dylan meets Van Morrison’, Lloyd is an acoustic singer – songwriter originally from Swansea, and has made his home in Bath after completing a Masters of Music Songwriting back in 2012. Lloyd seamlessly blends smooth guitar flourishes with bold, honest lyrics, delivered in clear, audience-silencing tones." - The Grapes, Bath Art: A multi-instrumentalist composer and performer specializing on the double bass and electric bass. Born in Mauritius, Art has made Bath his base. His work aims to create musical experiences to connect with others on a unique and personal level. Sat, 5.30pm, Chill stage, FREE |
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Los
Yanquis Bristol’s own rockin’, roadhouse, honky-tonk country blues band. A heady mix of Americana, tex-mex, country blues and tear-stained ballads, the Yanqs never fail to get the dance floor jumpin’ and jivin’. Best washed down with a jug of beer and a slug of JD, and don’t bring the car - you’ll forget where you left it..... Sat, 7.10pm, Chill stage, FREE |
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Miriam
McCombe Miriam McCombe is a songwriter & musician who grew up in Bath. She has recently returned to the UK after living in New Zealand, where she wrote and released her debut EP 'Weightless' in April 2023. Her songs tell stories of her life with honesty, humour, a strong folk sound and catchy melodies. . Sat, 4.00pm, Chill Stage, FREE |
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Moon Street
Associates Moon Street Associates are a collective of local musicians creating entirely improvised harmonious soundscapes, full of unexpected melody, spontaneous rhythm and entirely deliberate dissonances. Anything could happen. Sat 2.00pm, Chill stage, FREE |
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Dancers The following sides will be attending: Watch this space for updates. Sun, 10.30am - 12.30pm, Village Green, Free |
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Morning
Star Morning Star have been performing live since1998 and have played throughout the UK, France,Spain, Ireland, Japan, USA, Greece, Belgium, Germany,Italy and Switzerland. Each concert is a cosmic journey through the history of modern music traversing such varied terrains as psychedelia, doo-wop, alt. folk,gothic rock and other world music. Sat, 4.45pm, Village Green stage, FREE |
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Pasha Finn
& The Ellipsis Pasha Finn & The Ellipsis is a folk band based around Bristol & Bath and they have played all over the UK. Pasha is a contemporary singer songwriter with subtly gentle vocals and a soft, intricate finger picking style."The Ellipsis" also consists of the searching violin lines of Tom Connolly along with the warming bass of Connor Enright to tie it all together." Sat, 2.30pm, Church. FREE |
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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 Grey and December have both been greeted with critical acclaim. Sun, 4.00pm, Village Green stage, FREE |
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Richard
Hughes, Simon Cousins & friends This accordionist from Somerset has played accordion for many years, enjoying a wide range of music that he can tailor for your special event. He has a wealth of beautiful melodies including waltzes, tangos, klezmer, music from France, Eastern Europe, traditional tunes as well as much-loved pieces like Under Paris Skies and the theme from Amelie. Sat, 3.00pm, Chill stage, FREE |
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Rolling
Harmony Enjoy the rich blend of voices from Rolling Harmony, a vocal group of choir leaders and singers from the South West. Songs with vibrant rhythms, compelling lyrics and interweaving vocal lines, rooted in English and American harmony singing traditions. Great range of songs and gorgeous vocal harmonies… something for everyone. Sat, 1.30pm, Church, FREE |
| Rosco Shakes Jump-Blues, Boogie Woogie, Rhythm and Blues Sat, 2.35pm, Village Green stage, FREE |
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Senna
Weeks
Trio Senna is a guitarist & singer from Weston-Super-Mare. He enjoys playing both with his band Better Than Expected & as a solo artist. He plays mainly Blues, Rock & Pop. He is a Bare Knuckle Pickups Artist, endorsed by Blackstar Amplification amps, currently an Artist 15 & Artist 30, Fender, Gibson & Ernie Ball Guitars, Wampler effects & D'Addario strings. As some of you already know Senna is a Type 1 Diabetic who runs on Insulin!, his motto has always been "don't let type 1 stop you" Brilliant bluesy poppy guitar. Sat, 3.40pm, Village Green Stage, FREE |
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The
Shambletones & guests The Shambletones are Don Alexander and Stuart Shaw, long time players in the Bath music scene, mostly with covers bands. It’s quite easy to tell them apart. As we all emerged from the recent lockdowns and restrictions, Don and Stuart took every opportunity to play together in their houses and work-spaces and to be a little more creative. Finger picking guitar and bass. Stealing happily from jazz, folk, rock and pop; mixing covers with new songs born from the sheer joy of playing music with other people again. Expect guest appearances from other local musicians during their set at Priston. Sun, 1.20pm, Chill Stage, FREE |
| Simon
& Jon Cousins Sat, 3.00pm, Chill stage, FREE |
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Somerset
Russets Living musical traditions don’t stand still. They are regularly refreshed by the appearance of new tunes. Join the Somerset Russets to play some music by modern composers, some familiar and some less well known, arranged for village band. The ability to sight-read is an advantage. (Bring a music stand if you have one but it’s not essential.) Ear players welcome to pick up the tunes “on the fly”. Workshop: Sun, 3.40pm, Village Hall Showcase: Sun, 4.45pm, Village Hall |
| Stomp
Clap Jazz band featuring Pristonian Henry Sampson. Sat, 6.40pm, Church, FREE |
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Swithin Swithin is a fabulous, fulsome mix of acoustic fun, five-part harmonies, guitar, fiddle and double bass... fresh takes on old favourites, known and unknown Sun, 2.00pm, Church, FREE |
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Tamsin Elliott & Tarek Elazhary So Far We Have Come is the debut duo album from Tamsin Elliott (UK) and Tarek Elazhary (Egypt), two artists who have recognised in each other a commonality in their relationship to music. They are both practitioners and composers deeply embedded in their own living traditions, while also leading genre-bending bands (Solana, Dokkan). Through their friendship and ongoing collaboration they have unearthed a series of intriguing connections between English & Arabic folk idioms, and worked together to weave this affinity into a thrilling fusion of songs, tunes and textures Sun, 3.00pm, Village Green stage, FREE |
| Ukelele
Workshop The workshop will be run by Roger Southard (Frome Ukelele Group). All welcome - please bring your own uke if you have one. There will be a few ukes to share around and try, kindly loaned by GuitarBitz of Bath. The songs to be practised will be announced in advance. Sat, 5.30pm, Village Hall, FREE |
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| VÄRIVARJO Värivarjo are guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Joni Vierre and accordionist/pianist Tommie Black-Roff. Their name, which translates as “Colour-Shadow” is named after the large and colourful rainbow sheets commonly used in group kid games. That feeling of wonder and sensory saturation is the goal. They bridge the divide between jazz and folk backgrounds through collaborative composition and improvisation. Värivarjo is a musical laboratory in which they test ideas, games and creative tool – the outcome isn’t always known from the outset, but the journey is what counts. Sun, 1.00pm, Village Green stage, FREE |
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