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Wednesday Woodland Fringe - Workshops, Dance & Singarounds Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Traders Childrens Area

Friday line-up

Old Blind Dogs - Friday 21.30 - 22.45

The musical evolution of Old Blind Dogs began in Aberdeen in 1992 with roots that grew from the eclectic music scene that flourished in the Granite City during the early 90’s. Four musicians from very different musical backgrounds came together to create a full-time professional touring band with the aim of showcasing the rich tradition of songs and tunes of the North East of Scotland on an international stage.

Like many of the early flag bearing Scottish folk bands, the Old Blind Dogs line up has faced inevitable changes over the years but the core values at the band's musical heart continue to beat strong. The current band line up has been settled for several years now and consists of four of Scotland's finest traditional musicians at the top of their game. Original member Jonny Hardie (fiddle/vocals) is joined by Aaron Jones (cittern/guitar/vocals), Ali Hutton (pipes/whistles) and Donald Hay (percussion/vocals) and collectively they comprise one of the hottest live tickets on the traditional Scottish music scene today.

As recent inductees to the BBC ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 'Trad Music Hall of Fame' the 'Dugs' will celebrate thirty years on the road in 2022 by launching their fourteenth studio album 'Knucklehead Circus’ in Winter 2021. A joyous, uplifting and fun album full of compelling energy and intoxicating rhythm on which ‘OBD' continue to innovate within their tradition while faithfully revealing its essence. Here’s to many more years of Old Blind Dogs!

Website: https://www.oldblinddogs.co.uk/

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Banter - Friday 12.00 - 12.45

Banter are Nina Zella, Simon Care, Tim Walker and Mark Jolley. Four fine musicians whose roots are firmly in the traditional English genre, but who enjoy stretching the limits – in what a lot of people refer to as ‘the quirky Banter twist”.  Formed in 2015, due to a happy accident, they immediately realised their common love for traditional English song and dance and began to mess around with it.


They gained popularity, or should it be notoriety, very quickly and were soon performing at many of the country’s largest festivals, including Glastonbury, Cambridge FF, Sidmouth FF and Towersey.


With the release of two albums, YES and DARE, between 2017 and 2019, they received more plaudits in the music press including a Valentines day session on Mark Radcliffe’s Radio 2 Folk Show.


Now firmly established as one of the UK’s finest bands they have recorded their third studio album “Three”. Their first album of traditional material ….. but with that “twist”


Described as “the world’s smallest big band”, Banter go from strength to strength.
Banter will also host Ceilidh’s at The Woodland Fringe on Friday and Saturday at 16.00 - 18.00


Website: https://www.banter.band/


Harbottle & Jonas - Friday 12.55 - 13.40

“One of the finest folk duos in the country” - Mike Davies, Alternative Roots

Partners in life and music, dynamic Devon based folk duo Harbottle & Jonas are one of the most exciting acts on the UK circuit today, combining a love of the richness of traditional folk with their own original and powerful songwriting. Dave and Freya have developed a distinct and compelling signature sound, blending concertina, harmonium, cittern, stomp box, acoustic guitar and banjo with their beautiful and closely intertwined vocal harmonies.

Folkwords magazine said they’d ‘stake money on a bright future’ for the pair. They released their debut album 'Cutthorpe Hill' in 2014 and even had a beer named after it at the launch gig. They are well known for being one of the hardest working bands on the folk circuit and have clocked up an average of 100+ gigs a year between 2014 - 2019. They have been awarded funding to work with the Peace Museum to create new songs using lyrics from the Conscientious Objectors Songbook and in 2018 and 2019 David and Freya led the folk course at the internationally renowned Dartington Summer School.

Well-travelled across the UK and abroad they have undertaken two tours of Germany playing in venues such as REWE supermarkets to 150 people and an 800-year-old church in North Friesland. Harbottle & Jonas have managed to establish themselves versatile in venue, original in song and one of the most exciting prospects on the folk circuit.

“Spellbinding originals” - Musicians Union

“Disarmingly honest and spine-tingling’” - RocknReel (R2)

“Awash with strong songs & excellent musicianship” - Folk Radio UK

“Fine contemporary folk music” - Tom Robinson, BBC Radio 6 Music

“Stunning songwriting and heart-rending arrangements” - Americana UK

Harbottle & Jonas, released their new album ‘The Beacon’ in March 2021, the album received widespread rave reviews and charted at No.24 in the ‘Official Folk Charts’. The album was written and recorded at home.

The Beacon itself refers to Ugborough Beacon, an ancient site that looms over South Brent, the Dartmoor village that David Harbottle and Freya Jonas call home. The home to which they hurriedly returned from a cancelled tour of Germany, rushing to make it back to Devon before the UK entered lockdown in mid-March.

During the weeks that followed, the duo escaped the monotony by walking the moors with their dog, Murphy, connecting with their fanbase via streamed concerts and their ‘Saving the Good Stuff’ Facebook video series (with 500,000 views and counting). After eighteen months of touring with 2019’s album ‘The Sea is my Brother’ the enforced period of calm was, in their own words: “a journey of discovery, that has taught us the importance of love, compassion and empathy, whilst discovering the needs and delights of our inner creature”.

The new album, their fifth, is a collection of songs that seeks to bring comfort, and questions what fire of intention we will light so that our future paths might be more steadfast, clear and community-spirited. Much like the beacons of old that served as a warning with flaming fires, Harbottle & Jonas hope that their new collection of songs written during this period in our history will encourage us to reflect, adapt and sing together once more.

Website:
https://www.harbottleandjonas.com/


Alan Hull Songbook - Friday 13.50 - 14.50

The Alan Hull Songbook - Performed by Lindisfarnes Dave Hull Denholm & Ian Thomson

It is almost 30 years since the untimely passing of the great Alan Hull. His legacy of songs and poetry have stood the test of time and remain an important part of our national culture and heritage. His music inspired a generation of songwriters from Elvis Costello and Noel Gallagher to Sam Fender, and continues to influence young writers and musicians today.

When his widow Pat asked their son-in-law Dave Hull-Denholm to sort through Alan's home studio, Dave discovered dozens of demo tapes of previously unheard material and having gained a unique insight into the music and the mind of Alan while working as his sideman for 2 years or so before his death joined forces with Lindisfarne bassist Ian Thomson to bring it to the attention of Lindisfarne's faithful fans and the wider public and record some of the songs. These recordings were released as the album 'Some Other Time' in 2016.

In between their other musical commitments as members of the Lindisfarne line-up they tour as The Alan Hull Songbook with the songs from the Album as well as many of the well-known classics. We are delighted that Dave and Ian will once again take to our stage after their memorable performance with Lindisfarne last year.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063537048551

Anthony John Clarke - Friday 17.30 - 18.30

Artist Biography by Charlotte Dillon (All Music)

As a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and recording artists, Anthony John Clark found his way into the professional side of music around 1991. Since then he has performed all over the world and completed a number of albums that have brought him positive reviews and plenty of loyal fans, young and old. His music is a style of folk that can be both insightful and humorous.

Raised in Ireland, Clarke's first real career was that of a teacher. At the start of the '90s, he moved full-time into being a music artist. His debut album, I Get Lost, brought enough success to give him the courage to move forward. In 1994, he finished a sophomore full-length offering, Keep in Touch. It was followed by Straight on, No Problem, and then in 1997 by A Sideways Glance. Love in a Box came next. Clark kept up a steady touring schedule when not working on a new album, appearing at clubs, concert halls, festivals, and any where else an audience could be gathered to enjoy his songs. With the help of radio stations his music reached fans not only in Ireland, but also in places like North America, Australia, Europe, and China.
Once a teacher always a teacher, so some say. And Anthony John Clark has never complete left the school behind. He has performed many times at small schools and large colleges, reaching out to young people with his folk songs and his love for music, hoping to share both. Some of the tunes fans can sample on his recordings are "Seven in Ireland," "Wanted," "No Party's Quite the Same," "Irish Eyes," "Short Weekend," "Old Lovers," "Too Long at the Fair," and "But Then I'm Irish."


Website: https://anthonyjohnclarke.com/

Wilson & Wakeman - Friday 18.50 - 19.50

When Damian Wilson and Adam Wakeman performed for the first time at our festival last year it was a massively popular performance combining music, humour and great showmanship which at one point saw Damian jump down from the stage and walk into the audience while singing his amazing solos.

After playing a gentle Sunday show at our festival last year Adam was performing a month later at the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham playing bass guitar with Black Sabbath which saw the memorable return of Ozzie Osbourne.

Such is their versatility and by popular demand it is great to have them back again this year.

Damian Wilson is an English songwriter and vocalist who's known for his exploration into different genres and is considered one of the most versatile singers in rock. To this day he has released 6 solo albums and 3 albums as a duo with Adam Wakeman. Damian balances his career as a singer-songwriter with being an energetic frontrnan for rock bands and guest vocalist.

He has toured all over the world fronting bands such as Rick Wakeman’s ERE and Threshold. He has performed on the most prominent stages in the UK/ during his 2-year tenure as the lead in Les Misérables. Damian's live performances are characterized by his heartfelt voice  and connection to the audience.

Adam Wakeman is best known as the keyboard and guitar player with Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath. Adam has also released 9 albums with father Rick Wakeman as well as releasing 5 solo albums. As a classically-trained pianist, his albums cross many genres and styles from classical to rock. He co-wrote the 2010 platinum selling album Scream with Ozzy Osbourne and has also toured extensively with Ozzy, Black Sabbath, Rick Wakernan, Travis, Annie Lennox, Will Young, Slash, IOCC and many more.

The duo shows are best suited in Theatres and Arts Centres and take the audience on an intimate musical journey with stories & songs from their back catalogues, their albums together and artists they have been associated with throughout their 30 years in the music industry. They have performed at festivals such as Cropredy and played over 80 shows together in this format around Europe and the UK.

Website: http://www.damian-wilson.net/

Website: http://www.adamwakeman.co.uk/

Ken Nicholl’s Lockstep - Friday 20.10 - 21.10

Ken Nicol's Lockstep  
A highly acclaimed musician, singer, songwriter, producer and composer, with more than fifteen solo albums to his credit Ken has also toured and recorded with the likes of Al Stewart, Steeleye Span, The Albion Band, Magna Carta and even Phil Cool.


2023 now marks the beginning of a new and exciting phase in this musical journey with his new band Lockstep, the perfect vehicle for Ken’s varied material which ranges from folk to ragtime, blues to rock, ballads to jazz, amazingly intricate instrumentals to singalong comedy numbers.

 

Lockstep comprises of drummer Paul Burgess (a mainstay of 10cc since the 1970s), violinist Wendy Ross (from the legendary folk group Magna Carta), Norman Helm, bass guitarist extraordinaire, and the wonderful Steve Conway on pedal steel.


Ken says, “In the wake of what has been a trying time for all of us, it’s so good to be on the road performing again with such great players.”


I was amazed at Ken’s beautiful guitar style. He has such a great way of delivering a story and gently laying down the punch line. Humour, great guitar skill and the right drop of humility, and a passion for right, proper, good music.” - Ralph McTell


Acoustic Magazine: The musicianship is staggering, seldom are the compositions less than inspired.


Website: www.kennicolmusic.com

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@KenNicol
 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kennicolmusic

Jim Cregan - Friday 15.00 - 16.00

The Faces broke up in 1975 and Rod Stewart started his own band. One of the most influential guitarists in this line-up was Jim Cregan. Now, more than 40 years on, Jim, together with four outstanding musicians, performs that well-loved heritage music under the name 'Cregan & Co'.

Jim Cregan (Guitar)
Best known for his work with Rod Stewart, Jim co-produced, co-wrote and was Rod's musical director for nearly 2 decades.

His songs have also been recorded by Joe Cocker, Willie Nelson, Kid Rock, Russel Watson amongst many others, and he has played on stage with guitarists Jeff Beck, Frank Zappa, Pete Townsend and Chuck Berry. Oh yes and Tina Turner, Elton John, Cat Stevens and Katie Melua to name a few!. 

He has received over 40 gold & platinum records to date, and his guitar solo on Cockney Rebel's "Come Up And See Me (Make Me Smile)" still sounds alright!

Ben Mills (Vocals/guitar)

Ben was awarded a platinum album for his debut  release which charted at number 3 in the official UK album charts. Equally at home on both guitar and piano he has worked with musical legends Tony Bennett and Barry Manilow, written songs with Mark Owen (Take That).  In 2006 Ben reached the final of The X-Factor alongside Leona Lewis, winning accolades from Simon Cowell for his gravelly, soulful voice.

Ben has his own band and performs all over the world.

Harry James (Drums)
Best known for his work with “Thunder”, Harry James is one of the best-loved drummers on the rock circuit. With over 40 years’ experience of performing live harry is renowned for his distinctive and powerful playing style and rapport with the audience. Harry proudly occupies the drum stool for “Magnum”, who maintain a busy recording and touring schedule. He can also be seen with “Snakecharmer” featuring Micky Moody, Neil Murray and Laurie Wisefield. Harry is also currently a member of South London’s Bad Influence. In addition to his extensive Thunder back catalogue and recent Magnum albums, Harry has contributed to work by Don Airey, Russ Ballard, “Shadowman” (featuring FM's vocalist Steve Overland and Heartland's Steve Morris), Carl Sentence, Bucket & Co and Hellfire Corner. Harry has had the pleasure of performing live on stage alongside Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Jon Lord, Glenn Hughes, Ian Paice, Don Airey, Steve Harley, Roger Daltrey, Lulu, Paul Young, Graham Bonnet, Don Airey and Mick Ralphs amongst many others.  

Pat Davey (Bass)
A master of both electric and upright bass, Pat is always in demand as a session musician and live performer. He has toured the world  with The Tom Robinson band, Zoot Money, Jason Rebello and Rumer, as well as jazz greats like Ronnie Scott, or vintage rockers like pianist Roy Young.

Pat has lectured at the Bournemouth College Of Music and is at home with all styles. His contribution to Cregan & Co is enormous, with his effortless groove and superb musicianship
Pat is now with Paul Young and has been travelling the world with Paul’s band
Sam Tanner (Keyboards)

Sam is often described as Rock's finest piano player and has worked with many of its greatest names, including Pete Townsend & Roger Daltrey (The Who), the faces, Jeff Beck, Mike Rutherford (Genesis), John Lodge (Moody Blues), Mick Hucknall (Simply Red) and Paul Carrack.

 Sam is also an accomplished singer/songwriter and is the front man of new uk-based funk-soul band "Brother Strut", who receives 10/10 reviews from Blues & Soul Magazine, with a debut album that has topped the iTunes chart.

Reviews

“headliners Cregan & Co really took the bull by the horns; Jim Cregan smashing out those classic Rod Stewart songs he co-wrote, played on and produced. 
Heads up goes to Ben Mills on vocals. this man is the real deal what a set of lungs! I wasn’t around to see Rod in his hey day - but this I think is as close as I am going to get!"  -  Cambridge rock festival


“Not a tribute to Rod, but a tribute to themselves, the man who helped make Rod the star he was at the absolute pinnacle of his career. And what a night they delivered in Southampton – brilliant from first to last, a succession of great tracks all played to perfection...” “Together, they soar, that great Rod Stewart sound conjured up by the guys who created it.”  - The Brook, Southampton 

“If you can't afford my ticket go see these guys...they're just as good and half the price!"  -  Rod Stewart