Headlining England’s Homegrown Festival on 13, 14, 15 October are contemporary and traditional folk artistsSteeleye Span, Turin Brakes and Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, in a series of concerts taking place over three days at three venues around Bury.
Joining them in the line up will be traditional artists including influential singer-violinist Nancy Kerr, multi-instrumentalists Moulettes, duo O’Hooley & Tidow, uilleann pipes maestro Michael McGoldrick, the Devonshire based Jim Causley Trio, Marry Waterson & David A Jaycock and new duo James Delarre & Saul Rose, with more acts to be announced.
Now in its fifth year, Homegrown is organised by The Met, in partnership with The English Folk Expo and is part of an international folk festival circuit that brings an audience of more than 3,000 people to Bury from around the UK. 150 live music industry professionals also travel to the town from around the world, who come to seek out up and coming talent at the only English folk showcase of its kind.
David Agnew says:
“Homegrown is inspired by the world’s interest in an invigorated English folk scene and is probably the most diverse folk festival around. From traditional to contemporary folk music, audiences can explore a vibrant mix of emerging and established artists. Having Turin Brakes alongside Steeleye Span and the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain really shows how varied the folk scene is, and just goes to show that folk isn’t always as traditional as people think. ”
Leading the non-traditional set is Turin Brakes on Thursday 13th October. One of the finest indie bands of the last decade they have sold over 1 million records to date, producing fresh new music on each step of their journey. Their seventh studio album Lost Property stormed into the UK Top 40 album charts on its release.
The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, is world-renowned. Their live shows are permeated with an indefinable magic and atmosphere of good humour, light heartedness, well-being and joy.
Steeleye Span closes the festival in traditional folk style. As pioneers of folk-rock and one of the most influential names on the British folk scene, Steeleye Span changed the face of folk music forever, taking it out of small clubs and into the world of gold discs and international tours. They have remained at the forefront of the genre they helped to define, becoming an institution in British music.
Other artists include:
A co-founder of Flook and Lúnasa, and a linchpin of Capercaillie’s line-up since 1998, Manchester-born flute/whistle and uilleann pipes maestro Michael McGoldrick has in recent years performed in ex-Dire Straits legend MarkKnopfler’s band. Despite a lengthy list of stellar collaborations, his true genius lies in his own trailblazing work as a player and composer, brilliantly showcased on his three solo albums to date.
Influential singer-violinist and respected interpreter of traditional music, Nancy Kerr will play tracks from her stunning solo debut, Sweet Visitor. Her emergence as a writer of rare style has drawn comparisons to William Blake in her reawakening of a radical folk mythology as a backdrop for contemporary narratives.
Multi-instrumentalists Moulettes are known for their breathtaking live shows. Weaving in and out of several genres with 3 part harmony female vocals, amplified Cello, Distorted bassoon, auto-harp, Guitar, Drums, Bass and synths they create an incomparable alt pop/rock/folk universe.
Duo O’Hooley and Tidow have the originality and skill to invite comparisons with some of the most celebrated harmony duos like early Simon and Garfunkel. Their powerful, deeply moving, and at times spine-tingling performances are infused with an honesty and empathy that will disarm even the hardest of heart.
Since the release of his debut album, Jim Causley’s unique voice and persona have helped him become one of the most well-loved and respected figures of today’s contemporary roots and folk music scene. He is joined by the renowned Devon fiddle duo of Nick Wyke & Becki Driscoll to form the Jim Causley Trio.
Part of the astounding Waterson-Knight-Carthy family musical dynasty, Marry Watterson is joined by David AJaycock to perform tracks from their album, Two Wolves. Said to echo the surreal poetic appeal of her mother’s work, Lal Waterson, Marry and David’s songs are slow but varied, plaintive and quietly powerful.
James Delarre and Saul Rose combine thrilling fiddle performances with some of the finest melodeon playing in a new duo harnessing all the subtleties of traditional music, producing flowing melodies, rich harmony and a considered vocal delivery.
Heg & The Wolf Chorus has been born out of Heg Brignall’s story-inspired songwriting. They create theatrical, original folk which draws inspiration from fairy tales taking the listener on a journey from Grimm’s fantastical forestsand across the stormy Atlantic.
3 Cane Whale are a multi-instrumental acoustic trio featuring members of Spiro, Get The Blessing and Scottish Dance Theatre, their music encompasses both a cinematic sweep and an intimate delicacy.
Huddled round a single microphone, singing intimate duets with just mountain dulcimer, dobro and guitar Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage are a folk duo that look & sound classically timeless, yet feel refreshingly unique.
The Changing Room is a folk project driven by Sam Kelly and Tanya Brittain. Tanya manages to weave deeply evocative narrative around enchanting and addictive melodies, and Sam has one of the best young male voices in British roots music.
BBC Folk Award nominee Ange Hardy grabbed the attention of the traditional folk music world by writing new material and embracing modern technologies whilst maintaining a traditional feel. She is joined by Lukas Drinkwater who brings double bass, guitar, vocals and a bold new dynamic to the stage.
Tickets are on sale now with prices varying for each concert. For more information on individual concert line-ups, for tickets and to sign up for email newsletters go to www.themet.biz/homegrown.
