FESTIVAL GUESTS 2008

Aardvark Ceilidh Band   Pete Grassby is the founder member of Aardvark, collecting many tunes and dances during his travels and bringing them to the band.  Pete Laity (guitars, mandolin, Appalachian dulcimer, vocals) has worked as a solo performer as well as playing with Keith Eardley (playing acoustic and electric Blues) and several other bands.  While being equally competent on a range of acoustic and electric stringed instruments, he has become widely recognised for playing with Aardvark on that most traditional of folk instruments - the Fender Stratocaster. Martin Trewinnard (bass, flute, whistles, vocals) has played with several other ceilidh bands during his performing career.  A versatile multi-instrumentalist (concertina, various wind instruments, guitars etc.) but mainly provides the bass in Aardvark.  Like Pete G, Martin plays and dances for Coventry Morris.  Finally, Colin Halliwell (percussion) is widely known on the folk-dance circuit, having 'served his apprenticeship' with other ceilidh bands over many years, before joining Aardvark on drums and percussion.  The Aardvarks have established a reputation for delivering traditional dance music in a high-energy style.  Whether playing acoustic or electric instruments, this band rocks!

Alfresco is of course, Dave Fry and Keith Adams who have been performing together now for about 4 years.  Alfresco’s repertoire is a mixture of well known contemporary tunes and songs presented in a lively, harmonious and professional manner.    You can be certain of good musicianship and humour with these guys

Alhambra  have performed at several venues over the last 5 or 6 years in pubs festivals Village Halls and at Old Time Music Halls. There are three members in the group, Pete and John who sing mainly Old time Music Hall songs and other songs ranging from Victorian, Edwardian through to the variety period, including first and second world Wartime songs and Andy generally recites monologues as well as being an excellent MC.  Within their programme you will find audience participation items, including a small pantomime.  Always good fun and great entertainment value.

Barrie & Ingrid Temple have been performing as a duo for over 25 years, during which time they have also been members of harmony groups "Legend" and "Salt of the Earth".   Barrie plays English Concertina and Guitar and is gaining a reputation for song writing in the traditional style. They have performed all over the UK, Europe and the USA and are well respected for their harmony singing and their original arrangements.  This delightful couple from Newcastle help continue the North East's reputation for the strength and development of traditional song and music.

Bill Bates is a Warwickshire based singer songwriter performing original songs in folk clubs, festivals and parties. His songs are almost autobiographical. "I tend to add on bits when it suits the song," Bill explained, "but I definitely won't let the truth get in the way of a good rhyme or story".   Bill's comedy songs are often about the ordinary things in his life, such as selling his children's toys at a car boot sale to help pay household bills, or about disastrous family holidays in his little family caravan.  Bill enjoys the songs of Mike Harding, Bill Bailey, Jasper Carrot, Richard Digance and especially admires his mate Keith Donnelly. However, Bills songs do a have a definite unique and self desecrating style. "I tend to get the audience to laugh at me instead of with me. I think it is a gift" he explained.

Black Parrot Seaside are a Coventry group comprising of Geoff Veasey (AKA Orville Cosmo) (vocals), Arnold Chave (AKA  Jess or Ted Explosion) (guitar), Mick Harris (AKA Morce McAme) (keyboards, banjo, mandolin &  accordion) and last but not least  Eddie Jones (fiddle & squeezebox).  Performing on the Local Folk Scene back in the 80’s the BPS (as so fondly referred to) had a break of several years, but we’re pleased to say have made a most welcomed return with lots of new self-penned material as well as some traditional songs thrown in for good measure.  Having a unique ‘act’ they are most definitely worth watching.  BPS are also launching their new album ‘Ain’t it Grand’ at the Festival (Saturday afternoon in The Civic Hall).

Chris Tobin was born into a musical family in Banbury in 1951 making their our own entertainment, as the saying goes, in those early days.  After being introduced to guitar by a cousin at 11 years old and at 13 owning his first acoustic guitar, nothing else really mattered! Inevitably school groups were started and two comments that I'm proud of in my school report are: "All his attention is paid to his guitar." and "Tends to be too comical!" Over the years, Chris played in successful semi-pro bands “Playing in a group can be a great apprenticeship, especially with a varied play list for all occasions.  When the group disbanded, I started to visit a couple of folk sessions and I was 'knocked out' by the musicianship and the mixture of musical styles that were played. This solo venture has given me some of the most rewarding times of my playing years; with the opportunity to play my own material, a few old standards, blended with a bit of blues and jazz, but most of all to find great new friends and musicians”

Colin King is making a welcomed return to the festival after his success entertaining the ‘Cool Dudes’ (and the mums and dads).  He has a cheerful and humorous style of presenting his vast repertoire of songs which range from the contemporary, comedy and traditional genres.  You’ll also find Colin in the many Song Sessions throughout the weekend.

Colin Pitts is one of the most understated songwriters in the UK.  His repertoire of songs cover every possible emotion – he’ll have you singing, laughing and crying and all will be performed in the most relaxing style.  Colin has been on the folkscene for some years now entertaining audiences up and down the country.  He has a collection of CD’s to enable festival goers to take a bit of Colin home with them!

Copper Kettle are Michael Forsyth and Mark Longster.  West Yorkshire based, they are now firmly established on the festival scene, where they are known as performers of melody-driven acoustic music. Their songs, written by both Mark and Michael, will take you on a journey of the mind, through thought provoking ballads to gentle reminders of past events - all delivered with sensitivity and backed by gentle acoustic guitar work.  Copper Kettle have remained faithful to their original aim of involving the audience in their music, so be prepared to sing. Over the last couple of years they have appeared on main concert line-ups as support to the likes of The Strawbs, Eric Bogle, Vin Garbutt, Waterson/Carthy and Keith Donnelly.

Dave Bennett and Brenda Hart.  Dave has supported Bedworth Festival for many years hosting Song Sessions throughout the weekend with his enviable guitar style.   A stalwart of the Coventry Folk Scene, Dave was once the host of the Dyers Arms Song and Music sessions for over twenty five years from the 1960’s.   Dave can be seen with partner Brenda Hart in the song sessions this weekend performing a wide range of material from American Country/Folk to Traditional and comedy songs as well as the occasional rag time and blues tunes from Dave.

Dave Fry moved to the Midlands in the late 1960’s and ran the Corner House Folk Club, Bedworth for some years in the early seventies.  Influences include Tom Paxton, any '60s pop, Colin Scott and Harvey Andrews and now Dave is developing an entertaining style with more original material and currently working with lyricist and author Jill Pickering of Majorca to produce original material.  Dave launched his debut album ‘Shifting Sands’ earlier this year, (don’t forget to get your copy  Dave can also be seen as a member of Al Fresco  with mandolin virtuoso Keith Adams and as lead singer with Romany Pie.

Dave James is one of the festival’s long standing MC’s.  Always willing to help out, Dave is renown for his ‘wicked’ (quite literally) sense of humour - you never who will be his next victim so beware!!!   His other claim to fame is that he, along with Marge, directs the very successful Alcester Folk Festivals.  Yes folks, if you weren’t aware, there is a Mini Festival which runs 27 February to 1 March  and then as if that wasn’t hard enough work, there’s the second which runs 19 to 21 June 2009.   Dates definitely for next year’s diary!

Dave Norton was for many years one of the key figures in the local folkscene, latterly he has been living in South Wales and we are delighted to welcome him back to do some MCing duties for us. In addition to MCing Dave is a fine singer and entertainer in his own right, and in addition to his involvement in the folkscene can also be found frequenting the bluegrass scene where he is also in great demand as an MC!

Dave Webb has been a ‘mate’ of Bedworth Folk Club for many years although he has had a considerable break but we’re pleased to say he’s made it back to the ‘fold’ once more.  Dave has a huge repertoire of songs mainly traditional but also some self penned songs which relate mostly to his days down the pit.  A fine unaccompanied singer, you can find Dave in the Sessions and Folk Club events during the weekend.

David Kidman is a respected writer in the folk music press, and well-regarded on the circuit for his compèring skills and his informed and genuine enthusiasm for the music. David is also a passionate, dedicated and individual singer who extends the frontiers of a cappella, performing traditional songs alongside those of modern-day folk (and other) songwriters, embracing rousing choruses as well as gentler, more reflective material and not neglecting the fun side of the repertoire.

Duncan McFarlane  makes his debut at Bedworth this year with a classy English Folk Guitar, eminently listenable vocals and great songs, both traditional and contemporary.  Duncan repertoire is equally split between his own songs, other people's and traditional and he has an obvious feel for the tradition and a deep-rooted belief that it has a place in the current folk scene, aspects which he puts across with lively showmanship. His own songs show a canny grasp of, and response to, the tradition, while his approach is hugely entertaining. Stylistically, Duncan's guitar technique falls very much within the Carthy/Nic Jones school. 

Geoff Higginbottom has played at Bedduth Festival now for many years helping to entertain both young and old alike.  A very hard-working musician, Geoff rarely gets the accolades so richly deserved, for not only does he promote folk music to clubs and festival goers, he also works very hard during the year promoting folk music to schools up and down the country.  His vast repertoire brings songs of northern humour to all age groups.

George Papavgeris George is the most prolific of creative men, he has the grandest of hearts and is a maker of songs that sear deep into the soul.  George is unique, to say the least. His lilting accent lends a fantastic clarity to his delivery that is matched by deceptively simple guitar work. Few have written so many songs that demand your full attention and then insist, in the finest of ways, on staying with you forever.  So far George has written well over 190 songs and has no less than 7 albums,  which is a great accomplishment considering that he only began his song writing career in April 2001.  A true gent-leman of the Folk Circuit – an artist not to be missed.

Gilly Kemp  is a very modest singer who made her debut at Bedworth Festival back in 2005 when she actually opened the first concert of the festival.  According to her ‘myspace’ blog, Gilly started to sing folk when she and husband Tony  accidentally found themselves in a sing around, instead of the concert they thought they were heading for!  Since then Gilly has enjoyed several bookings both in folk and fund raising events up and down the country.Festival bookings include Bedworth, Alcester, Banbury, Bideford, Crediton and many more.  A lovely CD of both traditional and self-penned songs is available – don’t forget to ask her! 

Graeme Knights has been involved in folk music for over eighteen years and apart from his singing, has been involved in running several clubs as well as being Director of the Doncaster Folk Festival for six years.   Although Graeme enjoyed a high profile, singing Shanties and Sea songs with the respected group ‘LANDLOCKED’, his singing is not limited to just this type of song. His repertoire is wide ranging and he can apply his rich baritone voice to encompass Traditional Love Songs, Mining Songs, Gospel songs, Drinking and Music Hall Songs and some more recently written contemporary songs – many with good enjoyable and singable choruses. As well as frequent appearances at Folk Clubs and Festivals around Britain, Graeme is also a regular guest at Clubs and Festivals in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany together with tours to The USA and Canada. 

GU4 (GUFFAW) All established solo performers, the quartet consisting of Pete Burnham,  Miggie Campbell, Karen Harris and Bill Wilkes, is drawn together by friendship and a shared passion for both traditional style folk music and accappella harmony singing. The group's performance typically embraces a wide variety of material ranging from powerful chorus songs to sensitive ballads, all delivered with well crafted arrangements. The songs are largely drawn from the tradition but the repertoire also includes material from Peter Bellamy and contemporary writers such as Benny Graham, George Thomas and our own Miggy Campbell. GU4's festival performances include Alcester, Bedworth, Belvoir Castle and Warwick and the group can be seen regularly on the midlands folk circuit.

Harvey Band began as a duo in 1999 with Alan Harvey and Bill Bates playing covers in folk clubs and pubs in the Leamington Spa and Warwick area and then in 2004 Bill’s wife Louise, joined Alan and Bill playing the  electric piano and piano accordion and so the Harvey Duo became the Harvey Trio. Their material includes Traditional, contemporary as well as self penned songs from talented singer songwriter, Bill Bates.  In the summer of 2008 Alan, Louise and Bill were joined by Anne Bowden playing Flute, Whistle and the Cello.

Hilary Ward (my guru always says)  Not only a fine singer, our Hils is also the leader of our ‘Mudcat Gathering’ which has taken place over the past few years now on Saturday afternoon. Hilary only ‘found’ folk music eleven years ago and now spends much of her time on the fringe at festivals and supporting local clubs.  She can be found organising MudGathers at various festivals as well as on the world wide web folk music discussion forum at www.mudcat.org.  Hilary has a repertoire of unusual ballads, traditional and comedy songs which gives her the ability of making you laugh and cry so don’t forget the tissues.

His Worship and the Pig  are of course Dave Boulton and Jeff Parton both of whom have been on the folk scene for many years entertaining audiences up and down the country..  Dave, who comes from Stoke-on-Trent, is a singer/guitarist who also plays acoustic bass, bodhran and shakey egg as well as adding comedy to the ‘act’ with his original monologues.    Jeff comes from North Staffordshire and is also a multi-instrumentalist playing guitar, mandolin, octave mandola, 4 and 5 stringed banjos to name but a few.  This duo is certain to have audiences singing and laughing throughout their performances – miss them and you’ll regret it!

Jez Lowe has a new album, ‘Northern Echoes’ which celebrates the people and music of a very special part of England, and it comes hot on the heels of Jez’s recent nomination as "Folksinger Of The Year" in the prestigious BBC Folk Awards. Having written some of the most widely-sung new folk songs of the last 20 years, and recorded by the likes of Fairport Convention, Gordon Bok, The Tannahill Weavers, Cherish The Ladies, The Dubliners and scores more, Jez is an all time favourite of Bedworth Festival and will be appearing on Sunday in various venues.   Just look out for the stripy ‘T’ shirt!!!

Jim Mageean also known as ‘Shanty Jim’ has an amazing knowledge of sea songs, an enthusiasm second to none and a wonderful powerful voice.  He teamed up with Johnny Collins 25 years ago to create a formidable duo which is still thriving today.  After many tours spanning the USA, Canada and Europe Jim has continued with a solo career singing not only songs of the sea but also songs from his native Tyneside.  He has many albums both as a solo artist and with Johnny Collins the latest being ‘Good Times’ produced on the ‘Fatsam’ label with Graeme Knights.

John Kearney  can be found once again as part of the Song Task Force Team as well as MC’ing at the Rugby Club and joining in the Song Sessions when not on duty throughout the weekend.  His repertoire ranges from comedy songs to ballads as well as some self-penned material.  A great teller of ‘stories’ and an all round super guy.

John ‘Mitch’ Mitchellnot only is a popular singer, poet and writer, he is of course responsible for the creation of the ‘Bedduth Song’!   John is able to amuse audiences with his vast selection of witty monologues and songs, never really certain of what he is going to write about next.  Just beware, it could be you!

John Morris It’s great to have this nice guy with the big, big voice back hosting our Voices Concert again this year.  We could say John is back ‘by popular demand’ but we won’t!!!  Apart from the Voices Concert John will almost certainly be found in the Song Sessions, Folk Club venues and of course the Gospel Session on Sunday.  I’m sure he’ll not only be lending his voice but also an abundance of ‘hugs and kisses’ for the ladies too.

Johnny Collins What can be said about a guy that’s been a part of Bedworth Festival for more years than anyone cares to remember or admit to?  A kingpin of the Voices Concert you can also see Johnny in various other events throughout the weekend not only as a solo artist but also together with Jim Mageean and Graeme Knights.  One thing that is new this year is that together with Jim and Graeme, Johnny has recorded a new CD entitled “Good Times” so, don’t forget to get your copy before the end of the weekend.

Julie Neale has been ‘away’ from the local folk scene for some time but has made a welcomed return.  Making her debut at this year’s festival Julie will be enthralling audiences with her beautifully mellow voice and wonderful guitar style.  Her repertoire consists of a variety of songs some of which are self-penned

J P Slidewell makes a return visit to the Festival after his wonderful performances last year.  Originating from the North West of England he is both an excellent musician and singer.  His arrangements are unique and a must to see and hear so be sure to catch him at one of the venues over the weekend.

Karen KilleenKaren has been enthralling audiences across the country for more than 30 years, originally influenced by the likes of Miriam Backhouse and other contemporaries. Along the way she has been encouraged by such people as Vin Garbutt, Dougie McLean, and Malc Stent. She has appeared on local radio several times and more recently has received favourable comments with regard to her song writing capabilities. As a solo artist Karen sings with emotion and uses sensitive guitar accompaniments to give a complete performance of a song which has been known to reduce grown men to tears. Until the untimely death of her singing partner Steve in January, she was to be found jumping around on stage with 'Bus Stop', a 60's to 00's covers band. Now she is experiencing a renaissance with her own singing and more recently has been taking it to a new level with her new band KKB.

Katherine Fear is another long term friend and supporter of both the Folk Club and the Festival.  This year she will be once again appearing as a solo artist performing some of her most recently composed material together with some old favourites.  Katherine proves to be a popular artist both on the Folk Club scene and at Festivals.

Kathy Shore made her debut at Bedworth Festival last year as a ‘stand in’ act and was a great success.  A Lancashire Lass with a genuine love of music, her self penned songs range from the humorous to the serious and some even require props as well as audience participation.  Kathy is sure to have you laughing through tears with her introductions and songs.

Keith Donelly is best known for his comedy ‘act’ and his children’s entertaining skills, but is also a superb singer/songwriter of the more gentle ballads.  He’s an artist that is always in great demand and any one of his performances will be sure to increase the amount of disorder and chaos in the cosmos.  We accept no liability for this superb act!

Kitty Vernonhas been a frequent visitor to the festival, but this year appears for the first time as a solo guest.  She is renown for running great singaround sessions at festivals up and down the country, and that is precisely what she will be doing for us this week-end!

Les Sullivan is another newcomer, and late addition to the guestlist for the Bedworth Festival this year.  A regular performer at Herga Folk Club in London he has also appeared at festivals and folk clubs up and down the country.  A singer/songwriter of superb songs both unaccompanied and accompanied with his versatile guitar style, giving plenty of chance for audience participation.

Linda Watkins and Godfrey Yeomans made their ‘debut’ at last year’s festival.  Linda is a lovely singer/songwriter and guitarist who also enjoys playing the more unusual instruments like the Portuguese guitar and Puerto Rican Cuatro.  Partnered by, Godfrey playing a very unusual electric stand up bass, Linda’s songs reflect a very varied set of musical influences from traditional folk and classical composers to  heavy rock and popular singer-songwriters from a host of nations -   the list is almost endless.

Little Mountainare a three piece group comprising Bob Wilkinson on finger-style guitar and vocals, Dave Cook on slide-guitar, guitar and vocals, and Jon Harrington on blues harmonica, vocals and percussion. They have continued to evolve musically since their earlier days exploring the possibilities of folk and blues. As always, much of what they play has a blues feel - as they draw upon influences such as Muddy Waters and early Rolling Stones, they also also tap into the contemporary folk scene, with obvious echoes of Dylan, Roy Harper, Nick Drake, Ralph McTell and Steve Earle. These influences come out in their more folk-oriented numbers written by the three individuals, with themes that are amusing, romantic, political and often deeply personal. And of course, they also deliver their own interpretations of well-known and lesser-known songs from the contemporary folk genre.

Maggie Coleman has been a member of the Folk Scene for many years and is well established as a solo performer.  Her material is mostly traditional sometimes accompanied by guitar but there is the occasional unaccompanied song too.  Maggie is also an accomplished MC and when not on ‘duty’ hosting a concert, she can be found in Song Sessions as well as performing on stage.

Malc Gurnham & Gill Gilsenan have been on the folk scene for well over 30 years, Malc is our Festival Director as well as organiser of the two Bedworth Folk Clubs and they are Residents at both the Conservative and Rugby Clubs too! Gill lends a helping hand with the admin work.  Musically they have both been members of various groups/duos over the years and decided to team up together a couple of years ago.  Having a vast repertoire of material as solo artists, together they sing a mixture of traditional, contemporary, American folk songs uniquely arranged either accappella style or accompanied by guitar.  They are in the throws of producing their first album together so keep watching the Bedworth Folk Club website for news of its launch.

Mick and Pat Maskell are once again taking care of our ‘Cool Dudes Club’ for those younger festival goers.  Knowing Malc since those early school days when they played together in various ‘pop’ groups, Mick and Pat have become firm friends and supporters of the Festival.  Mick’s musical talents are attuned to the drums and youngsters will be once again looking forward to his ‘Let’s make a Noise’ session.

Moses and the Refare Christine Connolley and Steve Last and they have known each other for a couple of years through the Herga and St Albans Windward folk clubs.   Making their ‘debut’ this year, their first collaboration was when Steve invited Christine to duo on John (Cloudstreet) Thompson's 'The Green Man' as part of a feature set at the St Albans Spotlight club.  Encouraged by response to practice and open mike sessions at a couple of festivals, they launched themselves onto the local club scene and over the next year became established residents, feature spot and support artists at a number of local venues.  This year has seen the launch into the Festival Scene and I’m sure that Bedworth Festival will prove successful for them. 

Neale Pointon is making a return visit to the Festival following a successful year on the Local Folk Scene.   It’s no doubt that Neil is our youngest performer ever playing fiddle and banjo and genuinely enjoying folk music.  Neil has several accolades to his name including the Under 16 British Fiddle Champion (Irish Style) accomplished at the tender age of 12.  Neil was the ‘talk of the festival’ sessions last year so definitely not to be missed – he is undoubtedly, an act to watch out for in the future too.

Ninepenny Marl are a Coventry-based group being Barbara and Gareth Wyatt, Linda Dickson and Des Patalong who have been involved on the Local Folk Scene for a number of years. Making a welcomed return to the festival.  with their vast collection of songs including traditional, contemporary and self-penned numbers, some having wonderful choruses just right for audience participation.  The emphasis is most certainly on enjoyment with something for everyone within their repertoire.

Norman Wheatley has supported the Folk Club and the Festival after making a ‘come back’ after several years away from the Local Folk Scene.  Once presenter of Coventry’s Folk Programme on Mercia Radio back in the 70’s Norman is also a singer/songwriter and performer of a wide variety of contemporary songs.  He also has unique arrangements of some old ‘pop’ songs which sometimes find their way into his performance – as the producer of Black Parrot Seasides new album, it is only fitting that he hosts the CD launch on Saturday afternoon. 

Parker & Watts are together if only for a short time!  Paul has now returned from his adventures in the Far East and is making a ‘flying’ visit to his home town of Nuneaton.  Neil and Paul have a mixture of comedy Music Hall, traditional and contemporary material – something really for everyone and their sense of humour make their performances a must.  They have been missed so welcome back!

Patti Smith and Ned Clamp are two lovely musicians from Wales.  They have appeared at Bedworth Festival several times over the years and have always been well received.  Patti is a versatile musician turning her hand to playing Spoons as well as Concertina whilst Ned accompanies their songs and tunes on guitar.  This year sees the first Bedworth Festival Church Service hosted by this lovely duo.

Penny Royal are another of our ‘debut’ acts at the festival this year, being  Sue Dixon, Fiona Lindsay-Coulson and Linda Dickson from Ninepenny Marl.  The ladies, all Coventry singers, formed this trio earlier this year and have an entertaining set of songs ranging from traditional and contemporary to self-penned all performed in accappella and close harmony style.  Definitely worth a listen!

Pete Grassby is another of the Local Folk Scenes stalwarts having been around for many years – too many to really remember!  Pete works hard for the Festival not only as a solo performer, founder member of the Aardvark Ceilidh  Band but also as part of the Management Team.  Often taken for granted and not really given the accolades he so justly deserves, Pete is a fine singer/musician.  He will be performing with his Ceilidh Band and solo in concert spots, Song Sessions and Music Sessions throughout the weekend.  His ‘Part-Time Job’ is once again as Manager of the Craft Fair in the Civic Hall on Saturday.  Well done Pete and thanks mate!!

Rhiannon & Mick Pearce return to the festival after hosting some of the sing-around sessions last year.  Mick has previously been associated with Johnny Collins, being featured on some of Johnny’s albums.  Mick and Rhiannon’s greatest love is being involved with singarounds and therefore is no surprise that once again this year, they can be found as hosts in some of the Festival Song Venues.

Ron Holmes makes his first appearance at the Festival as a solo artist after being a long time member of the very popular local band Meet on The Ledge.  A great musician, singer and entertainer whose repertoire includes something for everyone, and whose infectious enthusiasm will have you stamping your feet and singing along in no time at all. 

Sarah Ligginsis another youngster making her first appearance at the festival. Sarah came along to one of our Festival Fund Raiser nights and her fantastic jazzy/blues voice just blew us away – be sure to give this incredible young talent a listen!

Sue Simmons is a ‘poet extraordinaire’!  A regular visitor to the Festival over the past years, Sue has entertained audiences with her self-penned poems and stories.  After a brief break away from the festival due to ill health, she made a welcome return last year and it’s great to see her back again with no doubt some more new stories and poems for our delight.

Sue White will again be leading the two Border Morris workshops, Saturday afternoon and Sunday lunchtime.  Sue always makes her sessions great fun so get yourself along and “have a go”!

The Harvesters are Sue and Ian Hartland who have been playing music together now for over thirty years (they don’t look that old!).  Not only have they played for Folk audiences but also for Royalty and audiences as far away as the USA and the Falklands.   Sue has an incredible voice and lends some beautiful harmonies to the songs they both perform ably accompanied by Ian on guitar, bouzouki and mandolin to name but a few.  Sue and Ian are also excellent Appalachian Precision Clogging and Flatfooting dancers and often put displays in their performances. 

Tina Taylor has been an active participant in the British folk scene from an early age attending various folk festivals up and down the country, travelling to concerts, folk clubs, singarounds and sessions before making the leap to performer following winning the ‘Fred Jordan Memorial Trophy’ at Bromyard Folk Festival in 2005. Picking up the guitar at the tender age of 14, Tina wrote her first song, “Mums”, a song which has become a firm favourite in the local folk clubs, often requested at gigs and has been recorded on Tina’s debut solo CD, “The Unabridged Version” The CD is a project that has been a long time coming and the comment heard most since its conception is, “It’s about time!”  Tina’s songs stem mainly from personal experience or observation and cover a wide range of emotions and subjects and the style in which she plays can be compared to the influences she credits as most pivotal in her upbringing, Joni Mitchell, Carole King, James Taylor, The Watersons, Kate Rusby, Kathryn Roberts and The Wilson Family.