The Acoustic Festival of Britain 2013

THE HOLLIES

A rare festival performance will witness The Hollies perform their Classic Hits, including ? The Air That I Breathe, Carrie Anne, Stop Stop Stop,. Bus Stop,Look Through Any Window, I?m Alive, Just One Look, On A Carousel and this Xmas number 1 single for the 3rd time in UK, He Ain?t Heavy, He?s My Brother, and many more gems, in a celebration of 5 decades of a supergoup, The Hollies.
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THE PROCLAIMERS

Strikingly individual, twin brothers Craig and Charlie Reid have over the years enjoyed huge successes across the globe
Expect to hear all the classics Sunshine on Leith, (I'm Gonna Be) 500 Miles, Letter From America, I'm on My Way, Life With You, Lets Get Married and more.
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BAKA BEYOND

After 20 years of mixing African and Celtic music in equal measures Baka Beyond has become one of the finest danceable bands around, creating the sound of the global village.
The original Celtic-Afro crossover band.
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THE CHRISTIANS

Formed in Liverpool in 1986 The Christians went on to become one of the UK's biggest soul bands with hits like 'Ideal World' and 'Harvest for the World'. A unique blend of soul, gospel and heartfelt acoustic pop, topped off by Garry Christian's distinctive vocals.
Their first three singles all made the Top 40 in the Britain, and their eponymously-titled 1987 debut album entered the UK album chart at number 2, and eventually sold over a million copies. The highest placed single from this album was ?Ideal World?, which reached number 14 in the UK singles chart.
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THE QUIREBOYS

Invited back after their 2011 Acoustic Festival debut, the Quireboys are one of the UK's finest Rock'n'Roll Bands. . For fifteen years, the Quireboys have been synonymous with hand-made rock music, spiced with edgy riffs, driving rhythms and their frontman's unique voice. The band were successful during the late 1980s and early 1990s, with their debut album A Bit of What You Fancy reaching No. 2 on the UK charts. Their highest charting single for the band was with the song "Hey You", which reached No. 14.
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CURVED AIR

Curved Air are a pioneering British progressive rock group formed in 1970 by musicians from mixed artistic backgrounds, including classic, folk, and electronic sound. The resulting sound of the band was a mixture of progressive rock, folk rock, and fusion with classical elements. Curved Air were one of the first rock bands to feature a violin.
Curved Air released eight studio albums (the first three of which broke the UK Top 20) and had a hit single with "Back Street Luv" (1971) which reached number 4 in the UK Singles Chart.
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JOHN OTWAY

John first achieved notoriety with his eye-watering performance on Old Grey Whistle Test and subsequent hit single 'Really Free' in 1977. A heady mix of blind ambition and rank incompetence was to keep this microstar shining for almost two decades despite Otway's ability to turn any situation to his own disadvantage. His autobiography 'Rock and Roll's Greatest Failure' out sold, by a factor of ten, all the records he had released since his hit, and now Otway is struggling to live up to this billing - selling out London Astoria for his 2000th gig in 1993, filling the Royal Albert Hall in 1998, and charting at number 9 with his 2002 single 'Bunsen Burner'. For John 'Two Hits' Otway, 'the future's bright; the future's Otway!
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Miles Hunts & Erica Nockalls
THE WONDER STUFF

This West Midlands-based band gained a significant following in the late 1980s with two critically acclaimed albums, 'The Eight Legged Groove Machine' and 'Hup'. Mainstream chart success followed with their third album in 1991, which included the hits 'The Size of a Cow', and 'Dizzy' performed with Vic Reeves.
Miles is known for his dry wit as well as his songwriting talents, expect some banter, new songs and acoustic versions of The Wonder Stuff favourites.
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JENNY BELLESTAR

Jennie Bellestar Matthias will be playing 3 of her Bellestar hits mixed in with some brand new lively rockin tracks written by herself, Philip Doyle & Andy Kandil from ‘Guitar Slingers’ who will both be accompanying her on the acoustic stage, these songs are being aired in public for the first time in preparation for their forthcoming album out next year going under the name of Jennie & The Guitar Slingers
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GARETH GATES

In 2002 Gareth was famously runner up to will Young in the UK's first Pop Idol. Instead of disappearing into 'Pop Oblivion', he carved out a very successful career for himself, having hits and travelling worldwide. In the UK alone, he sold 3.5 million records, released 3 albums and had 4 number 1 singles. In 2009 Gareth auditioned and impressed Sir Cameron MackIntosh and accepted the role of Marius, in the 25th anniversary tour of Les Miserables, and continues a successful career in musical theatre. Performing with his Acoustic Trio
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ERIC FAULKNER

Although perhaps best known as lead guitarist and songwriter with seventies supergroup The Bay City Rollers, Eric?s talents really come to the fore in his solo acoustic shows. He connects with his audience and takes them with him on his journey through traditional material, some Celtic fiddle music, self-penned songs with tales that weave a magic of their own, virtuoso guitar playing, funny stories and a self deprecating take on the old Rollers material.
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ED TUDOR POLE

RADA trained Edward Tudor Pole briefly joined the Sex Pistols as a replacement for Johnny Rotten before fronting his own band Ed TenPole Tudor, with whom he had hits with 'Who killed Bambi?', '3 Bells in a Row', 'Swords of 1000 Men', 'Wunderbar' and 'Throwing my baby out with the Bath Water'. Probably best known for his appearances in 'The Crystal Maze' and on Top of The Pops, His acoustic show has to be seen to be believed as you are treated to a mix of punk, country and pure rock'n'roll. Ed is mad, but deinitely not sad.
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This Years Featured Young Artists

After fantastic sets at last years festival, we are very pleased to welcome back Polly Money, Wildfire Folk & Jemma Johnson , and intrododuce Lauren Thalia, Alice Macoborskyj & Rose Redd, our featured Young Artists of the Year

POLLY MONEY

Hey, I am a 17 year old singer songwriter from Cornwall. I am currently in my second year of a BA Hons Degree in Songwriting at The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance in London (ICMP).
I have been gigging in Cornwall for a few years and having moved to London I am now regularly gigging here. Last year I played at my first festival, The Acoustic Festival of Britain which was an amazing experience.
I started writing songs when I was 10 years old and recorded my first album when I was 13. I am going back into the studio shortly to record my debut EP.
This is a very exciting time for me as I am writing lots of new music on both guitar and piano and am loving performing at so many different venues.
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WILDFIRE FOLK

Wildfire was formed by Lichfield Arts as a Youth Ensemble to play music as it should be played - with enthusiasm, energy and style! Initially inspired by the Birmingham Conservatoire Folk Ensemble and lead by fiddle extraordinaire Joe Broughton, Wildfire started off as a one off workshop and was so inmensly popular that it quickly developed into a band in its own right with regular rehearsals and performances all over the country.
Now directed by world famous Paloma Trigas, the band have gone from strength to strength - they have a demanding and varied repertoire and are performing across the country at a range of events such as Lichfield FUSE festival, Upton Folk festival, Dr. Johnson Tri-centenary celebrations and much more! The group boasts nearly 20 members between the ages of 12 and 25, and offers a unique chance to play folk music in a contemporary way, learning to arrange, write, and perform. Wildfire is bustling with great young talent and a fantastic sound - think raucous brass riffs against a lively tune on flutes and fiddles, grounded by funky percussion rhythms, a show not to be missed!
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LAUREN THALIA

Lauren is best known as the confident 12 year old who surprised the nation when she stepped out on stage with her big guitar and sang solo in front of the judges of ‘Britain’s Got Talent’. Her impressive acoustic renditions of Keri Hilson’s ‘Turn My Swag On’ and Labrinth’s ‘Earthquake’ prompted Simon Cowell to describe her as ‘fearless and very, very cool’ followed by ‘I think you’re a little star’.
Since BGT, armed with her big guitar, powerful voice, infectious energy, swag and style, Lauren has been performing up and down the country to her growing number of fans. With hits on her You Tube performances running into the millions, Lauren’s fan-base has now grown worldwide.
Lauren is currently working on a number of her own songs and will be hitting the studio in 2013. Working hard with some amazing industry experts, Lauren is excited by the thought of sharing her music with her fans. The future is bright for this tremendously talented youngster, and so look out world, this is only just the beginning!
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ALICE MACIBORSKYJ

I?m Alice, im a guitarist, singer and a songwriter. I?m fifteen years old. And I do it all by myself :)
So Why did you take up music?
In all honesty, i don?t really know, but i remember being 13 years old, coming home from Stathern Festival, after watching a band who will stay unnamed, and at the time being so inspired by the guitarist, i asked my Dad to have lessons, when i got them, i started singing 6 months later. And well, thats it i guess? :)
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JEMMA JOHNSON

Hello I'm Jemma, I'm 19 years old and I've been writing songs for over 5 years now. I guess that might not sound like much, but it feels like I've come a long way since I was writing my first songs and playing them at open mic nights to an audience of mostly my family. Since I was little, writing has been my way to let go of things from the past, and even though my music is always changing, it'll always be there to help me through tough times.
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ROSE REDD

Rose Redd is an exciting up and coming singer songwriter, who is creating a real buzz amongst all that hear her.Rose Redd is a beautiful contradiction. Eighteen years in age but unfathomably older in soul, her music has its roots in darker days, experiences, and stories and finds its bloom in both release and connection.? Equally at home with a stirring acoustic vibe or midnight pop, her poignant verses and explosive choruses let you know that she makes music because she has to.
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T.REXTASY

T.Rextasy are the only band to have been authorised and endorsed by Marc Bolan's Catalogue Management, are now officially recognised as the world's No.1 group dedicated to the greatest glam rocker of them all, Marc Bolan of T.Rex. With their uncanny doppelganger lead singer and lead guitarist, Danielz. T.Rextasy perform a powerful and mesmerising presentation of Marc Bolan's rock and pop anthems. Now in it's 17th year of touring, this show will take you on a journey through all those hits.
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BABAJACK

BRITISH BLUES AWARDS WINNERS 2012
BLUESMATTERS BEST BAND OF 2012
FINALIST EUROPEAN BLUES CHALLENGE 2013 NOMINATED FATEA INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR 2012

BabaJack?s original, high energy, passionate folk-roots blues is absolutely where contemporary blues-roots is at. Their music brings together tribal rhythms, searing slide and harmonica, beautiful vocals and powerful song writing? and ultimately musicianship. They are making a big impact in the UK and Europe, and have recently released their highly acclaimed second album, ?Exercising Demons?.?? They have played festivals as diverse as the Upton Blues and Glastonbury, Skegness Rock and Blues, taking in the Big Green Gathering, WMF, Tenero Music Nights, Bromyard and Warwick folk, West Fest and the Pyramid Party. They have played on the same bill and supported some great players including Larry Miller, Sonny Rhodes, RJ Misho, Gwyn Ashton, Perry Foster and Rory Macleod.
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PHIL COOL

Phil Cool is one of the country's finest and most original comedians and impressionists. Holding a degree in 'Faceology', he is legendary for his facial contortion expertise. A stand-up chameleon, he punctuates his show with a wealth of hilarious anecdotes, observations and routines that make him as funny and unique today as he was during the '80s. His 1980s television shows have now obtained cult status, proof that his comedy is as contemporary, valid and hilarious today as it has ever been. With 5 top selling videos, 4 TV specials, 3 hit series for the BBC, 2 acclaimed series for Independent TV he has become a British legend and treasure. 'Phil Cool was the man that most inspired me to do impressions' (Alistair McGowan)..
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RORY MCLEOD

An incredible ex circus clown and fire eater, now a one-man soul band, poet and storyteller. A modern travelling troubadour using tap shoes, acappella, harmonica, guitar, trombone, spoons, finger cymbals, bandorea, djembe and foot operated percussion! Having travelled all around the world, this is certainly not one to miss!
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SIMON TOWNSHEND
(FROM THE WHO)

A familiar name with an original sound, Simon Townshend is straight from the lineage of one of British music's most famous families. The son of England's top big-band reed man and baby brother of The Who legend Pete Townshend, Simon has been recording and performing since the age of nine. In addition to his own musicHe has performed with numerous established acts ranging from Jeff Beck to Pearl Jam, and including elder brother Pete Townshend, Other credits include 15 years as guitarist and vocalist in The Who, playing sold out tours of Europe, Asia and North America, and a monumental performance at the 2010 Super Bowl.
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NICK WELSH (The Ska Man)

Nick Welsh has written, played and produced with artists like Bad Manners, Busters Allstars, The Selecter, Selecter Acoustic, Prince Buster, Dave Barker, King Hammond, Laurel Aitken, Judge Dread, Rhoda Dakar, Skaville UK, Big 5 & Rico Rodriguez.He collabarated with Jennie Matthias (Belle Stars) in the band Big 5 who released 3 CD's In the 90's & with Longsy D on the hit single "This is ska" in 1989.
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FAKE THACKRAY
The Songs of Jake Thackray

Jake Thackray?s satirical, witty and sentimental songs brought him fame and a string of top selling albums in the 1960s and 1970s.
John Watterson?s tribute to Jake is full of the warmth, humour and sincerity that you would expect from a lifelong fan.
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PATSY MATHESON

Leeds-based Patsy Matheson is a founder member of the award-winning all-girl acoustic band Waking the Witch, who disbanded in early 2008. Patsy, whose distinctive songwriting style shifts effortlessly between folk and soft rock, has now returned as a soloist. Playing her trademark mandolin and acoustic guitars, she has appeared solo at Glastonbury and supported the likes of Al Stewart, Glenn Tilbrook and The Saw Doctors.
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RUSTY SHACKLE

Rusty Shackle formed in early 2010 and their infectious pulse, style and musical genre - whilst potently contemporary - is difficult to pigeon hole and has been described by Plugged In magazine as the ?Bombay Badboy of Folk? a reference to the hottest Pot Noodle on the market. This said, elements of folk, rock, bluegrass, Celtic rhythms and Delta blues are clearly discernible. Either way, feet tap to whatever the specific nuance. Stunning, high-energy live performances and boundless enthusiasm make sure you?ll leave exhausted, with their tunes swimming around your head for days after. They are well on the way to ensuring they are everywhere this coming summer.
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RODNEY BRANIGAN

Texan-raised, London-based virtuosic guitarist Rodney Branigan has an extraordinary talent. Sometimes he plays two guitars at once and other times he plays the piano and guitar at the same time, but his vocal skills and lyrical content are so enticing that you soon forget he is creating the sound of an entire ensemble simultaneously
Rodney’s distinctive style of acoustic wizardry lies second perhaps only to the music itself; heartfelt, organic progressive folk with undertones of rock, flamenco, classical, bluegrass and jazz.
Rodney has graced the same stages as such British national treasures as Billy Bragg and Jethro Tull, toured with double award winning Show of Hands and has been featured on many stages at Glastonbury, recently collaborating with Seth Lakeman and Steve Knightley. His fast expanding festival schedule has taken him from the Acoustic Festival of Britain to headlining the Clonakilty International Guitar Festival in Ireland.
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THE HUT PEOLPE

The Hut People are constantly gaining more of reputation as one of the most entertaining acts to appear on the folk scene in a long while. In their surprisingly engaging and often hilarious show, they perform a truly unique high-octane blend of folk music from around the world - perfectly formed & embellished with a foot stomping accordion and mind-boggling array of exotic percussion (with some Quebecois foot percussion & dancing thrown in for good measure too!). A hugely entertaining duo getting unbelievable feedback from audiences, festival organizers and music press alike.
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MERRY HELL

Merry Hell are the essence of blistering Folk/Rock: Launched on the world in 2011, Merry Hell is an 8-piece band combining male and female vocals with mandolin, electric guitars, bass, drums and keyboards ? plus the intention to revolutionise the genre. The roots of Merry Hell are in The Tansads ? for the many who knew them, possibly the finest band never to have made it BIG.
Known for their original, emotionally charged and anthemic songs, this band are just as much at home producing exquisitely crafted recordings in the studio as they are in their high-energy assaults on the souls of live audiences.
If you ever loved The Tansads, then your heart has been crying out for MERRY HELL.
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TJ & MURPHY

Formed in June 07.The initial idea was to get together as friends and write some acoustic music, in short have a jam-the outcome proved much different. The lads had been in a band together in their early teens. This band dismembered only a few months after it started; this was the point their individual musical journeys began. They would not be in contact for some eight years, until a couple of fait meetings, which would in turn lead them to embarking on a busking trip across Europe. It was there a creative musical spark was triggered; and a strong song writing partnership was forged. TJ describes it as a happy accident . Whatever it was it was the start of an incredible musical journey. On returning home work started on their highly acclaimed 14 track debut album Weary nights , whilst gigging extensively around the UK.
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THE WEEBAG BAND

We are 5 eejits that bring trad, popular and modern toe tappin' diddly, diddly Irish music & songs to pubs, clubs, doos 'n festivals to North Wales, Cheshire, Infinity & beyond.......
Paul - on the strummy thing
Rory - on the picky thing
Alan - on the boomy thing?
Mark - on the bassy thing?
Jules - on the scratchy thing
Oh.! and the name.......? Well lets just say we were under the influence of something a tad iffy when we came up with that one and were stuck with it now...!!!
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THE ROVING CROWS

Multi award winning original folk-fusion outfit. The Crows inexhaustible energy and unrivalled ability to connect deeply with the audience gives them real stand-alone status. The Crows fuse folk, ska, reggae and klezmer in a unique and energetic performance. The Roving Crows' line-up boasts fiery fiddle playing, trumpet, guitar, drums, bass and vocals.
Winner of 'Best Folk Act' Exposure Music Awards 2012?
Winner of 'Top Celtic Rock Band' and 'Top Fiddle Player' IMA 2012
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SONS OF CLOGGER

The band name Sons of Clogger, came from the father and son element in the band, Neil Owen, the father and David Owen, the son. Traditionally, the Owens had 3 generations of Master shoe boot and clog makers, dating back to the 19th century . The last being known locally as "Clogger Owen", hence the bands name, SONS OF CLOGGER
The Owen family have been know for their music and street performing as far back as 1895, and the love to perform stems back to their Irish and Welsh ancestry. They were also known for being big characters and still are today. Even though the family is in smaller numbers these days, at the end of any festival, everyone certainly knows who they are, with their self-penned trad folk rock, tomfoolery and stories at the bar. the Owens legacy lives on.?
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DAISY CHAIN QUARTET

Combining the exuberant spirit of English folk with a 21st Century sensibility - Daisy Chain Quartet brings warmth and fire. This band tingles your taste buds with salubrious tones from acoustic guitars/voice, cello and quirky beats. Their song writing is classic in form and brand new at the same time. There are tunes to make you cry, there are tunes to chill to and some to get your foot tapping. The songs are sweet and to the point of all things love and life. They end as fantastic as they begin. Gotta check them out!
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CHRIS CHAMBERS

Chris is a singer and songwriter from Leicestershire working in the Folk Americana field. He plays acoustic guitar, dobro, mandolin and lap steel and has just released his fifth album ?One Fine Morning?. An entertaining and lively mix of self penned songs and classics by other writers such as Catie Curtis, Eliza Gilkyson, Kate Wolf, Ian Tyson and Jagger /Richards.
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CHRIS WOODS

Chris Woods is one of the UK?s most exciting instrumentalists. His performances are a blend of endearing stories with ear bending drop tuned grooves. Displaying dazzling creativity and skill, by mixing emotive and imaginative sounds with stunning technique. You wont forget what you hear
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TOM STRASSER

Tom's style is best described as rather unique acoustic guitar playing to support his songwriting. He swiftly combines fingerstyle with tapping and percussion on the instrument to create a dense sound-scape, trying to make a single guitar resonate like an entire band. His influences are ranging from funk, blues and rock to streaks of jazz while he tries to keep an open mind and ear to all styles
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DAVID YOUNGS

Percussive acoustic picking with a heart: David Youngs' syncopated, tapped harmonic intro to Transience is a clear and unambiguous announcement - this is the arrival of a talented addition to the ranks of elite acoustic stylists who've followed in the footsteps of the late, much lamented Eric Roche. Youngs channels his jaw-dropping rhythmic mastery into a chameleonic set here. He imbues his playing with great timing, character and an emotional intensity. It adds up to a human quality that can be the missing link between incredible technique and musical meaning.
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NIBS Van Der SPUY

Nibs van der Spuy's spellbinding acoustic guitar style was first taken notice of, with his band, Landscape Prayers.
Nibs' versatility to cross pollinate various musical styles, from, African, Classical, Celtic, World, Maskanda, Indian and folk can be fully appreciated on his first International release, 'Beautiful Feet'(2007). This has been accompanied by intensive touring across the globe with a highlight being the prestigious East Coast Blues & Roots festival in Byron Bay, Australia. Here Nibs shared the stage with such luminaries as Ben Harper, Taj Mahal, Bonnie Raitt, Bela Fleck and Piers Faccini.
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DAVID PHILIPS

David Philips is every bit the D.I.Y. Musician. Not content writing, recording, producing and mixing his own albums he also uses his skills as a multi-instrumentalist to play all the instruments on his latest offering "December Wine (4 Track Tapes.)" Philips hails from Nottingham, UK but moved to Barcelona, Spain when he was 24 to pursue a career as a Jazz guitar player. His guitar skills landed him work with legends on the Jazz/Blues/Soul scene including Brian Jackson, George Braith and Charlie Wood as well as fronting his own projects. But it wasn't until 2005 that he noticed his talent for rootsy song writing and soul inflected, bluesy singing. This combined with a long and varied background of world class guitar playing has proved to be a powerful combination.
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RICHARD TAYLOR

I first picked up a guitar when I was 14, taken in by its acoustic drum like sound I began to find out more. Guitar music I had heard, had only been strumming or electric guitar music, which looked so distant to me then (even owning one). So I got some books and started to teach myself. I found a tape recording of John williams playing Bach and villa lobos preludes. I was captivated that one instrument made all that sound as it sounded like two guitars or more. I soon found myself unguided and a bit lost but my dad took me to a guitar center to buy a new guitar that was when things changed for me. Steven Caswell owned the shop and was and is still an excellent player of classical guitar, a brilliant teacher he let me fly grade 1 to 8 in 3 years and a string of performances to my name, I was on my way.
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SCOTT TOWNS

Scott Towns is a Staffordshire singer / guitarist who has performed in many acts throughout the UK for 30 years. He was the founder member of local chart rock tribute band "Rockaholic" as singer / guitarist and enjoyed performing at many great shows up and down the country with this great band. He now performs an "unplugged" set of acoustic versions of classic chart rock tracks (and others thrown in) both as a solo act and on occasion, in the Deja Vu band. Scott also works as a local production facilty with his Iris Music studio where he works with local artists to produce recordings.
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FRAZER KENNEDY

Scotland has produced more than whisky and mythical monsters. It also produced Frazer Kennedy ? one of the best singer-songwriters to come out of Scotland since Gerry Rafferty... From a childhood in the mountains, early memories of his mother?s songs and the sounds of the ceilidh, it?s little wonder Frazer?s music is inspired by the Highlands and ruined castles echoing to ancient battles.Starting with a stint on tenor sax in a swing band, Frazer has been writing and performing for 25 years, Heading for London, he played sax in a reggae band, took lead vocals in a rock outfit, and honed his craft by busking on the Underground. But it was with the 6-string acoustic guitar that he found his true love. Venturing abroad for the first time, he found himself in Israel, strumming on the shores of the Dead Sea and enlivening the night streets of Tel Aviv.
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CRUEL FOLK

Cruel Folk write, record and perform original music in the English tradition. Consisting of singer and multi-instrumentalist Sean Holden, and virtuoso guitarist Paul Holden their songs tell stories both of real events, such as the Battle of Towton Field, and of imagined events where good people take on the evils of the world, but don't always prevail. Cruel Folk are devoted to the continuing renewal of the English tradition, using instruments including mandocello, mandolin, guitar, bouzouki and whistle, and in addition to their original material perform both modern and ancient folk songs written by others.
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NORTHERN QUARTER

Formed in 2001 in Loughborough, Northern Quarter are an acoustic band who mainly play their own material from their 3 CDs: 2005?s One of These Songs is About You; 2008?s - Busy Missing Everything and 2012?s About Time. Their music is characterised by the complementary vocal styles and harmonies of lead singers Gerry Farrow and Victoria Warburton blending with the duel cajon & percussion section to produce a unique live sound experience. Northern Quarter can be seen regularly gigging around the East Midlands and have headlined the acoustic stage at the Glastonbudget festival on 3 occasions in 2009, 2010 and 2011
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THE RUBBER DUCK ORCHESTRA

Over the last Year The Rubber Duck Orchestra has developed around Five players weaving Balkan, Klezmer, Gypsy and Folk into frolicsome, frenetic fun-times! Our music incorporates an admiration for Eastern European style and vitality with our own world views and personal sensibilities. All this has us bouncing, skitting, sprinting about and dragging everyone along with us...which seems to be consensual! At times we visit more haunting and plaintive music - melancholy and grounding but hopefully, no less transporting. So far, no show has been the same, and crowds fail to go home un-stirred!
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TRACIE HUNTER

Tracie Hunter knows more than simply what it's like to be the offspring of a classic rocker. As daughter of legendary Mott the Hoople founder and frontman Ian Hunter, Tracie not only grew up on the majesty of the power chord and a killer backbeat she's also explored her own rock and roll chops, working with the likes of Sex Pistol Glen Matlock, Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Bad Company.
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RADIO MARY

RADIO MARY are based in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire. We have our own sound that blends our varied musical influences; a contagious musical cocktail with broad appeal to more than just a single generation of music lovers. Our selection of carefully chosen cover versions means that everyone at a Radio Mary gig will be able to sing along to atleast one or two songs on the set list, but we are best known for our original material: catchy tunes, and powerful lyrics penned by front man, singer-songwriter Kev Hand, and arranged by the band.
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BIGGLES WARTIME BAND

Biggles were formed way back in the heady flower power years of the late sixties and have been entertaining audiences in various ways and with different line-ups ever since. Three of the current line-up and most of the jokes have been with the band since the beginning. Biggles have played at innumerable festivals to wide acclaim, most notably, three times at Glastonbury. There have been several TV and radio appearances but the band has never played at a Barmitzvah.
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PELICO

Pelico is a collaboration of four musical journeymen living in York, England. Our musical influences reach far and wide, 60's & 70's rock, 80's indie, from Simon & Garfunkel, Mumford & Sons to 90's pop culminating in an indie/pop/folk acoustic sound they have honed resulting in catchy melodies, close harmonies, instant hooks and subtle lyrics.
Pelico are all about one simple thing - the music
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AFTERNOON IN PARIS

The music of 'Afternoon In Paris' is based on the gypsy swing jazz tradition made popular by the Hot Club of France and is strongly influenced by Django Reinhardt, Benny Goodman and other similar great artists. Taking as their starting point the Latin and Swing rhythms of the 1930s 'Afternoon In Paris' combines those influences with the more current gypsy jazz scene and their own diverse musical backgrounds and interests. Working as duo, trio, quartet or quintet, between them these experienced performers present an accomplished and entertaining programme of music that has something to appeal to everybody.
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NANATEAS

The Nanateas are a 5 piece band from Staffordshirewith a strict view on acoustic music. Influenced by an array of song-writers, The Nanateas are pushing forward a tuneful and foot-tapping reminder of music that makes people remember times gone by, and most importantly, times to come!
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STEPHEN ROYLE

Played guitar for 27 years now wow!... must be doing something right. All sorts of stuff from punk to jazz and heavy metal. These days prefer my acoustic although the Strat gets an airing every now and then when I feel like being loud. Like to play off the wall rhythm sometimes (guess that?s where the Santana bit comes in). Some stuff later with big guitar chords. Fav. guitar at the moment is my Gibson J45, also use the strat and a 1957 Hofner Committee. Grew up in Stockport, market town in Cheshire on the edge of the Peak District. Great being so close to Manchester and all the music stuff going on from mid 70?s onwards. Always in and out of bands and saw some good people rise and some fall.| MySpace

ME & DEBOE

With their combination of intricate, percussive guitar and exquisitely compelling vocals, ME and DEBOE have become an immediate hit with audiences up and down the UK.
Mercy Elise and Sarah Deboe began collaborating in 2011.
Already solo artists, they combined their own influences to work on both original and popular songs, which
established their career as working musicians.
The label ?acoustic duo? does no justice to the sheer energy and authority the two bring to the stage, which never fails to hold audiences captivated.
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LOUISE PETIT

After a year of performing her folk/americana-tinged songs as a solo artist at venues and festivals around the Midlands, Louise Petit attracted an experienced band of acoustic players from all over the UK. During 2012, her melodic, hook-ridden material and dynamic live shows have caught the attention of promoters and audiences alike. Louise and band have since built a faithful following (she calls 'Petit Pois') and have been brilliantly received at leading regional venues. They?ve also supported international folk and other artists including Scott Matthews, Hope & Social, The Musgraves, Louise Jordan, Sally Sweet and Old Man Luedecke.
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TORI LAMB

I am Tori Lamb, a 16 year old aspiring singer/ songwriter from Solihull. I began singing at the age of 11 when i decided to take up classical singing lessons. I fell in love with singing from this point on and soon joined the National Youth Choir GB and the CBSO (City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, youth chorus).
Then at the age of 14, I entered myself in to the competition 'Open Mic Uk' and to my mum's suprise got to the final singing at the InigO2 infront of 3,000 people which was possibly the scariest thing i've ever done but also the best. Since then I have simply tried to perform in front of an audience as much as possible, and plan to continue.
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MARTIN STEPHENSON

Martin is an outstanding singer and songwriter, whose career in music now stretches back over thirty years of critical acclaim and relentless touring. The Daintees became one of the first bands to sign to the Newcastle based label Kitchenware, releasing a string of albums until disbanding in 1992. Retreating to the Scottish Highlands, several solo albums followed and in 2008, the Daintees reconvened to record Western Eagle, which was followed in 2012 with the release of California Star
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EMMA BLACK

Pretty much every review you read about her will comment on the beauty and clarity of her voice, her skill as a songwriter, the feeling in her playing. It is these attributes that have allowed her to work as a musician for nearly two decades. Firmly established on mainland Europe?s Roots Music scene, Emma tours consistently both as a solo artist and with her wide pool of musicians throughout The Netherlands, Germany and Belgium as well as performing in The UK, France and Scandinavia. Playing all original songs and recognised as a musician who can deliver, Emma Black has been chosen to open for a huge range of bands and players including The Indigo Girls, Hugh Maskela, John Renbourne and Dr Feelgood and is often called in to guest with some of the finest blues and folk musicians playing in the UK and Europe today. She continues to write, record and tour extensively and has a loyal fanbase who support both her live shows and recorded works.
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