Saturday's Artists
Waterson:Carthy
MAIN STAGE
A band that surely needs no introduction. For more than 30 years Norma Waterson and Martin Carthy have been at the forefront of the English folk scene. Joined by their daughter, singer and fiddle player Eliza Carthy, as well as returning original member, melodeon player Saul Rose, together they form Waterson:Carthy, one of Britain's most successful and influential folk bands. We're delighted to welcome them back to the Town Hall.
Julie Fowlis
MAIN STAGE
Bringing us centuries-old songs from the windswept islands of the Hebrides, Julie Fowlis remains steadfastly true to her roots in North Uist. If you haven’t heard her before, be prepared to be surprised by her music and her “breathtaking vocal power” (Folking.com).
Since winning the BBC Folk Horizon Award for best newcomer in 2006, she has won the hearts of audiences around the globe, played every major festival in Britain, and is in constant demand as a performer of Gaelic music. Most recently, Julie has won the Folk Singer of the Year award at the 2008 BBC Folk Awards.
Mawkin Causley
MAIN STAGE
Those wicked Essex rascals, Mawkin, have joined forces with the honey-voiced Jim Causley to form one hell of a boyband! One of the best instrumental outfits to emerge in recent years, Mawkin have a string of festival and concert appearances under their belt. Bringing Jim Causley on board is a master stroke, as his gorgeous baritone voice is the perfect foil for their the cleverly textured tunes and energetic performances. A unique collaboration not to be missed.
John Kirkpatrick
MAIN STAGE
John Kirkpatrick is one of the most prolific figures on the English folk scene, and has established an enviable reputation as an instrumental virtuoso, as well as a leading interpreter of English folk music. He has been a member of the Albion Country Band, Magic Lantern, The Richard Thompson Band, Umps and Dumps, Steeleye Span, Brass Monkey, Trans-Europe Diatonique, and Band of Hope, as well as numerous ceilidh bands including Mr Gubbins' Bicycle. A concert with him is always a treat: a mixture of great musicianship, dry wit and a gentle passion for the music he interprets so well.
Pete Coe
MAIN STAGE
"Singer, songwriter, melodeon, banjo, dulcimer and bouzouki player, bandleader, arranger, broadcaster, dance caller, teacher, step dancer, entrepreneur, folk club organiser, record label boss, sallow-faced wit, raconteur and all-round good guy, Pete Coe in many ways represents the backbone of the modern folk revival." - Colin Irwin, MOJO
We're rather fond of Pete at Loughborough Town Hall, and are delighted that he'll be around all weekend, MCing, leading sessions, and of course doing what he does best: singing and playing for you.
Lisa Knapp
VICTORIA ROOM
With her 2007 debut album 'Wild and Undaunted', Lisa Knapp proved herself one of the rising stars of the British folk scene. She delivers live performances loaded with raw emotion and power, breathing new life into folk standards and introducing a wealth of fresh, new material. A masterful fiddler who also plays banjo and autoharp, Lisa's music is both steeped in tradition and refreshingly contemporary.
Faustus
MIAN STAGE
To pick up the gauntlet left by the late, lamented Dr Faustus, Paul Sartin and Benji Kirkpatrick have cunningly lured Saul Rose to complete one of the most dynamic bands on the contemporary British folk scene. All three have been instrumental in the English revival of the last ten years, in bands such as Waterson:Carthy, Bellowhead, the Kings of Calicutt and Mr Gubbins' Bicycle. Their interpretations of traditional songs, supported by accomplished instrumentation, are robust, gutsy and very addictive.
Lau
MAIN STAGE
Lau is a formidable union of three of the finest and most innovative exponents of modern traditional music in Scotland today; Kris Drever (guitar and vocal), Martin Green (piano accordion) and Aidan O'Rourke (fiddle). In a very short time Lau have become well established throughout the UK, with the highly successful debut CD Lightweights and Gentlemen and a string of memorable festival gigs to their name. Lau's live shows have to be seen to be believed: the passion and energy that exude from the stage are truly unique.
Kerfuffle
VICTORIA ROOM
It's unbelievable that a band as young as Kerfuffle are now in their 6th year, but they have matured into a tight, sophisticated outfit, performing their music with immense vitality and style. With a lineup including Hannah James (accordion, vocals, clogs), Sam Sweeney (fiddle, percussion), Tom Sweeney (bass guitar, vocals) and new recruit Jamie Roberts (guitar), Kerfuffle have played venues as diverse as Towersey & Bromyard Festivals, Radio 3’s “Late Junction”, the Arena stage at Sidmouth International Festival, and the bar under the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.
Afternoon Tea with Belshazzars Feast
and special guests Mary Humphreys and Anahata
VICTORIA ROOM
Belshazzars Feast is Paul Sartin (Bellowhead, Faustus) on voice, fiddle and oboe, plus Paul Hutchinson (Hoover the Dog) on voice and accordion. They have a perfect partnership of anarchy, hilarity and brilliance.
Mary Humphreys sings traditional songs, mostly in English and a few in her native Welsh, and plays banjo and concertina. Anahata accompanies with melodeons, concertina and cello.
Paul and Paul will be joined by Mary and Anahata. They will play some music, eat some cakes, drink some tea, and have some laughs. Why? Well...why not?
You're welcome to join them - bring your own crumpets.
The Distil England Showcase
VICTORIA ROOM
We're pleased to present a unique event as part of Loughborough Folk Festival. Distil gives skilled and adventurous traditional musicians the opportunity to work with mentors from other areas of music. The result is a rich and diverse range of compositions.
New work will be featured by Jo Freya, Laurel Swift, Matt Norman, Karen Tweed, Oli Matthews and Andy May. And because a stunning lineup of new material requires a stunning group of musicians to play it, we're delighted to welcome John Dipper, Rob Harbron, Miranda Rutter, Ian Stephenson, Martin Keates, Paul Sartin, Andy Letcher and Beth Porter as the Distil House Band.
Ceilidh: Last Orders
VICTORIA ROOM
Joe (melodeon), Matt (guitar), Kev (fiddle) and Dave (fiddle) met as members of Folkestra, a 17-piece band run by Kathryn Tickell at the Sage Gateshead. Having won the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award 2007, they embarked on many successful festival gigs last summer. Happily, they're also a great ceilidh band, and love to play for dancing!
'They have a maturity of style that belies their youth - a sound that is greater than the sum of its parts, and best of all, a joy in sharing their music with others.' John Tams
Plus...Loughborough Traditions
Click the link at the top left of the page for more details of Saturday's programme.