Archive Programme

One of the most exciting duos to emerge from the UK in recent times, Kit Hawes & Aaron Catlow combine heartfelt musicality, unparalleled virtuosity and vocal harmony. Using the folk music of the British Isles as a catalyst, Kit and Aaron create dynamic and effervescent interpretations of centuries-old material as well as original songs and compositions, all the while celebrating the timeless aural quality of a guitar, fiddle and vocals duet. Studio albums The Fox (2016) and Pill Pilots (2019) have been met by wide critical acclaim, receiving five star reviews and local and national airplay. The duo tour extensively in the UK and internationally across Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. BBC 2’s Mark Radcliffe is a champion of their work, saying “Kit and Aaron are reminiscent of the late Dave Swarbrick and Martin Carthy… I can give them no higher accolade. They are at the top of their game”. “Fleet fingered and ingeniously arranged. .....deserve to be thought of as up there with the best of them" - Songlines “Such dexterity, energy and passion.....mightily impressive” - R2 Magazine “The pair demonstrate an eclectic approach that lifts them head and shoulders above the rest”-Acoustic Magazine “Never a dull moment, with imagination firing throughout and an abundance of creative energy” -Living Tradition

Following the colossal success of supporting Bellowhead on their comeback tour in 2022, Sam is taking to the road to play his genre-defying landmark album, Escape That, with his all-star band. Featuring Louis Campbell on electric guitar, Ben Nicholls on double bass and Stuart McCallum on acoustic guitar, this will be a gig you don’t want to miss. Sam is one of England’s finest and most in demand traditional musicians, however Escape That is his first entirely self-composed record. It ties together all of Sam’s musical passions in an honest and fearless expression of himself. Sam and his band are putting something into English music that has never been there before and pressing the reset button on how folk music should sound. Combining Sam’s love for traditional music with strong pop hooks and aesthetics, this music is unashamed in its wide pool of influences. He is a veteran of the mighty Bellowhead, former artistic director of the National Folk Youth Ensemble, founder member of the acclaimed instrumental trio Leveret, and a genre defining instrumentalist at the forefront of the revival in English traditional music.

Firm favourites at The Black Swan Folk Club, Duncan McFarlane is a highly regarded singer-guitarist who splits his sets equally between traditional fare and his own songs which are written, most definitely, in the trad idiom. Rated by Mike Harding as a 'fine showman', his intrinsic seriousness of intent and approach is laced with a healthy irreverence and humour that The Living Tradition magazine calls 'hugely entertaining'. Accompanying him on fiddle and harmony vocal duties will be Anne Brivonese. Together they've made several albums over the years, including 'All Rogues and Villains' which gained a five-star review from R2 magazine. Mike Harding also says: 'Duncan writes some great stuff and I love his lively versions of traditional folk songs; absolutely great; really powerful playing and singing.'

Everyone welcome, singers, musicians, performers and listeners. Using the mic is optional.

For nearly 15 years now, the three members of The Langan Band have been carving out their own lawlessly virtuosic path of sound; rampaging through the boundaries of conventional genre and cavorting into the territories of wild abandon, purest intimacy, and unconditional musical elation. The trio were initially brought together by a deep respect of traditional song and music, yet they discovered a mutual love of the evisceration and regeneration of these pieces into provocative and fascinating new compositions, as was recognised by the band winning the prestigious Danny Kyle Award at Glasgow’s Celtic Connections Festival at the start of their journey together. This sound and process went on to inform the band’s now mostly original repertoire, and has resulted in a musical experience quite unlike any other.

Liz Stringer is one of Australia’s most admired and versatile songwriters and instrumentalists. A venerated guitarist and vocalist, her notoriously powerful live performances and melodically rich, story-based songs have earned her a unique place among the most important Australian songwriters of the modern era. Stringer’s sixth studio album First Time Really Feeling, recorded with producer Chris Stringer in Toronto, Canada debuted at #14 on the ARIA Charts, won an AIR Award for Best Blues and Roots Album 2022 and helped her to achieve a new level of industry and audience recognition after many years of being Melbourne’s ‘best kept secret’. Stringer was Port Fairy Folk Festival’s 2023 Artist of the year, following eighteen months performing in iconic Australian band Midnight Oil as backing vocalist and occasional instrumentalist and opening shows for the Oils across Australia, Aotearoa and North America. In 2019 Stringer was honoured at Woodford Folk Festival as an 'emerging legend of Australian song' with a performance of selections from her back catalogue by her musical peers. 2023 saw Stringer embark on her most ambitious recording project yet, promising another extraordinary chapter in the development of this singular artist. An exciting debut for this artisi and a chance to see her in the intimate setting of The Black Swan Folk Club

Back with us in York once again. In an age where the word “folk” encompasses everything from acoustic pop to hardcore traditional music, the use of such labels to distinguish one musical experience from another has arguably been stretched farther than ever. The Urban Folk Quartet’s distinguishing features have much less to do with the traditional idea of genre. Yes, this is fiddle-led music that draws heavily from celtic dance forms and traditional song but from there on in it is unlike any folk band you have ever heard. Just as English country dance unassumingly met with big band jazz musicianship in the mid 20th century, The UFQ’s approach to the folk ethos is to embrace any and every influence that genuinely makes sense of their time and place and makes sense in their music. From funk grooves to middle-eastern melodies, afrobeat to north Indian rhythms.

Blonde on Bob are back at the Crescent with their new six piece line up. As usual it's 'Nothin' but the songs of Bob Dylan'.

Everyone welcome, singers, musicians, performers and listeners. Using the mic is optional.

One of our favourite duos at The Black Swan Folk Club, Craig and Willoughby make a welcome return, Cathryn Craig has sung with Chet Atkins, Shel Silverstein, The Righteous Brothers and Jorma Kaukonen. Her great-grandfather Jacob Sowder was recorded by Cecil Sharp and featured in his book English Folk Songs From The Southern Appalachians. Brian Willoughby is best known for his virtuoso performances on electric and acoustic guitar, with progressive folk/rock band Strawbs and also with Mary Hopkin, Joe Brown, Roger Whittaker, Bridget St.John, Jim Diamond and Monty Python. Both Cathryn and Brian have accompanied and recorded with Nanci Griffith. In 2019, Brian rejoined Strawbs for their 50th. Anniversary concerts in the USA and Cathryn was invited to sing with the band. The duo’s Alice’s Song was an Aled Jones Highlight of the Year on BBC Radio 2 and Strawbs’ recording of the song, was used by The National Autistic Society as its theme tune for Autism Awareness. Cathryn was Simon Mayo's star guest on BBC Radio 2Day, live from Nashville. The Telegraph’s Martin Chilton named the duo as his Folk Gig Pick of the year. Folking.com nominated Cathryn and Brian in their “Best Duo” category. Long live traditional music, even when it's only just been written (The Living Tradition) … sublime guitar work and one of the finest voices around (Folking.com) "I love that duo ... what a perfect combination ... great songs, great singing and of course, there’s Brian's spellbinding guitar work .. just magic." Noel Casey (Dublin City FM)

Everyone very welcome, listeners, singers and musicians, Just leave your name on the door to get a spot. Doors 7-30pm starts 8pm.

Fired up and raring to go after a lockdown spent creating hugely popular film project, ‘The Orkney Series’, Scottish powerhouse quartet FARA unveiled their highly anticipated third studio album in 2022. Bursting with brand new self-penned instrumental tracks, and with songs adapted from the words of Orcadian poets, ‘Energy Islands’ is fuelled by their native Orkney’s revolutionary role in renewable energy. Immensely popular it enterted the UK folk charts at no 10! Fusing the talents of three fine Orcadian fiddlers and vocalists – Jeana Leslie, Catriona Price and Kristan Harvey – alongside stand-out Highland pianist and newest member Rory Matheson, FARA have firmly secured their foothold at the forefront of the Scottish folk scene since taking 2014’s Orkney Folk Festival by storm. Their unique mix of spell-binding vocals, intricately woven fiddle harmonies and energetic closers, combined with an obvious kinship born in childhood, is sure to delight and entertain audiences wherever they go. Shortlisted in 2015’s Scots Trad Music Awards for Up and Coming Act of the Year, the band performed a triumphant set at the 2017 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards at the Albert Hall as Horizon Award nominees and have gone on to win a German Critics’ Choice Award and a Live Act of the Year nomination at 2019’s Scots Trad Music Awards. They continue to tour internationally, with sell-out performances at festivals across Europe, Australia and North America, as well as a tour of China in 2023.

The Black Swan Folk Club presents another evening of superlative Scottish Folk Music. Two hugely successful performers who are reaffirming the well known quality of Scottish female singers - a lineage stretching back throughthe great tradition bearers like Jeannie Robertson, Lizzie Higgins, and the Stewarts of Blairgowrie.

Sound of the Sirens are a singer-songwriting duo based in Exeter, Devon comprising of Abbe Martin & Hannah Wood. Honing their craft over the past decade, Martin & Wood have cemented themselves as firm favourites as “one of the UK’s finest folk acts” not only on the Westcountry scene, but nationally, and internationally too. Their status, and fast-growing fan-base is not only testament to the pair’s prowess as songwriters and musicians, but as people too. Martin & Wood are two of the hardest working musicians on the scene and wear their hearts very much on their sleeves in terms of their songwriting. The pair glide gracefully through laments of past relationships, and life experiences, as well as highlighting the important topics of the day, namely mental health awareness, and homelessness. Without being pigeonholed into any stereotypical genre, the instrumentation of the band is vast, and varied. Martin (stage right) plays acoustic and high-strung (Nashville tuning) guitar, mandolin, and bass drum, while partner in crime Wood (stage left) plays acoustic and electric guitar, tambourine, snare drum, and the piano. The pairs’ musical and vocal dexterity dovetail beautifully on the co-written songs, which range from beautiful, emotive ballads, to up-beat, foot stomping, hands in the air, sing-along anthems. The dynamic duo and their musical creations translate very well onto recorded media, but it is in the live arena where the pair truly excel. There is a certain majesty about their live performances that simply cannot be put into words. It is this “je ne sais quoi” that keeps their loyal fans returning from far and wide to see these two perform. It is not just nearly two hours of high-quality live music you get for the entrance fee, a Sound of the Sirens show is much more than that. The onstage chemistry, camaraderie, and banter is worth the ticket price alone. ‘Since their impressive 2013 debut, Sound of the Sirens has been expressing their musical masterpieces all around the world. Their majestic prowess on stage attracts fans from far and wide to witness their chemistry and camaraderie.‘ Ailovemusic Support on this show will be singer-songwriter NICK PARKER https://nick-parker.co.uk/

Everyone welcome, singers, musicians, performers and listeners. Using the mic is optional.

Songs, stories and anecdotes of more than fifty years on the road Accompanied by his own songs and music Allan will talk about his life and times from the 60’s in London, through to the 70’s in America (New York, Los Angeles, Nashville) and then on to the 80’s in Europe and up until the present day. He will describe the experiences that led to the songs, the recordings, (more than 25 albums to date) and in excess of one hundred and fifty cover versions. ‘the most important songwriter of his generation’ Dr. Frederick Woods in the Oxford Book of Traditional Verse.

Since emerging with her debut EP ‘Wolf’, UK singer-songwriter Katherine Priddy has quickly become one of the most exciting names on the British music scene. Priddy’s haunting vocals and distinctive finger-picking guitar style have already seen her sell out a headline tour, perform at prestigious festivals around the UK and abroad, including Glastonbury where she featured on their BBC 2 coverage, and support a number of world class artists including Richard Thompson, Loudon Wainwright III and Vashti Bunyan, as well as a recent show with Guy Garvey at The Roundhouse. She also recently featured on a Double LP of Nick Drake covers released by Chrysalis Records with other artists such as Self Esteem, Aldous Harding and John Grant. Her debut album, ‘The Eternal Rocks Beneath’, was released in June 2021 to great acclaim. The album singles received 200+ plays across national radio including BBC Radio 6 Music and BBC Radio 2 and reached No.1 in the Official UK Folk Charts. Now, early 2024 sees the release of Priddy’s eagerly-awaited second album, The Pendulum Swing, on February 16th, via Cooking Vinyl. The LP explores themes of home, family, love and memory, as Priddy seeks to move forwards whilst acknowledging and honouring all that has gone before. Her live performances are engaging, moving and amusing by turn, delivering original songs with emotional maturity, depth and particularly noteworthy lyrics. Despite the delicate nuances of her sound, Katherine Priddy is not a fragile wallflower, but a determined young woman making her mark.

Singer, harpist and composer Rachel Newton draws on poems, ballads and stories that are hundreds of years old, working them into her contemporary compositional style to create a rich sound that is ambitious, original and unique. Rachel has worked and performed with artists from a range of disciplines including theatre, dance, storytelling and visual art. A skilled collaborator, Rachel is a founder member of The Furrow Collective and the Lost Words: Spell Songs, as well as the duo project Heal & Harrow with long time friend and colleague Lauren MacColl. Rachel was named Musician of the Year at both the Scots Trad Music Awards and the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. Her albums To The Awe and Here's My Heart Come Take It were shortlisted as one of Scotland's top 10 outstanding albums in the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award. She was awarded a Critics Award for Theatre in Scotland (CATS) for Best Music and Sound for her work with the Rowantree Theatre Company and PRS Composer of the Year in the Scots Trad Music Awards alongside Heal & Harrow collaborator Lauren MacColl. Co-founder of The Bit Collective, a group focusing on equality and diversity in folk and traditional music, Rachel has organised various campaigns and events, including the Trad. Reclaimed: Women in Folk festival at Kings Place, London in 2019. Rachel' previous solo releases are The Shadow Side (2012), Changeling (2014), Here's My Heart Come Take It (2016) and West (2018). November 2020 marked the release of her fifth solo album To The Awe, based particularly around women’s experience. 'A beauty' **** Observer 'Haunting and compelling' **** The Guardian 'Harp and strings blur the border between worlds' **** The Financial Times

Miranda Sykes has visited the Black Swan Folk Club several times before but this is only the second time she'll be performing in a solo capacity. Of her solo venture she says- 'It feels like a lifetime ago that the world was in lockdown and the hugs and closeness of family and friends seemed like a far off dream. Many still have to be careful, many bear scars of the Pandemic and the long term effects of this on us all is yet to be realised. My new album ‘Out of the woods’ is a collection of songs that have seen me through my own journey of isolation, illness and recovery and I hope they bring you as much comfort as they did me over the past few turbulent years.' Miranda started her career as a musician in 1996 at the age of 18, playing bass guitar in a country rock band. After 2 years touring and playing for line dancing in working mens clubs across Britain, folk-rock band Pressgang were looking for a bass player. Miranda spent the next 2 years touring internationally with them. After a few years of musical promiscuity playing with Firebrand, Little Johnny England, Robb Johnson, Bill Jones, Steafan Hannigan, Reg Meuross, Kirsty McGee, The Phil Beer Band, Martyn Joseph and The Scoville Units; Miranda depped for Pete Zorn in the 2004 Show Of Hands festival band line up. She worked with them for the next 20 years. Miranda also found time for a short tour and album with the Miranda Sykes Band in 2005, duo album tours with mandolin player Rex Preston and 2 solo albums. 2024 brings a second tour with Hannah Martin, a new Baring-Gould Centenary project with Jim Causley, summer festivals with vocal group Daphne’s Flight, a tour with The Phil Beer Trio and a new solo album and tour “Out Of The Woods”.

As always everyone is welcome to the Open Mic night singers, musicians and listeners. Using the PA is optional. Doors 7-3ppm start 8pm put your name down on the list at the door for a spot.

Undoubtedly one of the finest musical nights we've had at the Black Swan Folk Club was when Tony and Julia last played here in 2022. On the eve of our annual City of York 'Roland Walls' Folk Weekend we're delighted to welcome them back for another intimate concert in the club room. “Tony’s music is beyond beautiful, it’s perfect” – Tommy Emmanuel “Julia’s bell like voice and her filigrane fiddle playing are thrilling. She moves effortlessly from fiddle to guitar...” – Salon Festival Tony McManus is the leading celtic guitarist worldwide and has just been listed as one of the 50 transcendental guitarists of all time by Guitar Player Magazine. While Tony is known as a soloist his frequent collaborations with diverse musicians have always been a significant part of his work. Julia Toaspern is a multi-talented musician from Berlin who combines classical training on violin and voice with a wide interest in genres such as jazz, baroque and traditional music. She has released two albums of original songs and has performed in both classical and singer/songwriter modes on both sides of the Atlantic. On top of all this her skills as a guitarist are prodigious and make an exciting fit with Tony’s work. Their twin guitar treatment of traditional music is unique and each supports the other in exploring the harmonic possibilities of these old, and not so old, tunes. Each of the pair both flatpicks and fingerpicks at the highest level but always at the service of the tune rather than a display of technique. Her violin can effortlessly morph into a fiddle as she weaves from Italian madrigal to Scottish reel. Julia’s songs go to the heart of love and loss, hope and survival and are inflected with musical input from a wide and eclectic experience of musical life. Tony’s and Julia’s arrangements are rooted in deep musicality and heartfelt expression. Having met over a conversation in Berlin about JS Bach, together they play and sing music that speaks to them and hopefully through them to a wider audience.

Celtic Folk Rock Band GAELFORCE kick off the City of York 'Roland Walls' Folk Weekend. An exciting new beginning for our annual 3 days of Folk and Roots music. Based in Yorkshire UK, GAELFORCE play rocked up traditional folk music plus self penned songs, jigs and reels in the traditional style. They feature Chris Dyson on fiddle and vocals (Mike Harding Band, Roisin Ban), Geoff Taylor guitars (Duncan McFarlane Band), Sammy Dowgill on vocals and bass and Jim Brierley vocals and drums plus Craid McIntosh on highland bagpipes (Pipe Major with the Los Angeles Pipe Band USA). This concert will be held in the marquee situated in the car park at the rear of the Black Swan.

As usual re have non-stop music over the Folk Weekend starting at 1pm on Saturday in the marquee situated in the car park behind the Black Swan Inn. Artists appearing include :- Monkey’s Fist, The Duncan McFarlane Band, Blonde On Bob 'Nothin' But Dylan', Chechelele, Holly Taymar, The Ale Marys and Les Rustiques. There'll also be music in The Wolfe Room upstairs in the Black Swan Inn. Artists featured here will be:- Mick O’Hara, Phil Pipe, Mary Callan Peter Lister and Tim Pheby from 3pm and then Phil Cerny Toni Bunnell, The Rattlers, John Storey, Martin Heaton, Judith Haswell and Stan Graham from 7pm through to 10-30pm. There's also a Come All Ye throughout the day in the front room downstairs.

The second day of our 2024 Folk Weekend begins in the Marquee situated in the car park behind the Black Swan Inn at 12-50pm with music from:- The Bounty Hunters, Leather’o, The Old Humpy Band, Soundsphere, Edwina Hayes, White Sail and Caramba. There'll also be Morris dancing from the Minster Strays. The Wolfe Room concert upstairs in the pub starts at 3pm and features- Simon Alexander, Alex O’Neil, Paul Culkin, Tommy Coyle and The Barbarellas. From 7pm the line-up is Pen & Stu, Sarah Dean, Eddie Affleck, Chris Euesden, Paula Ryan and Stuart Giddens (from Blackbeard's Tea Party). To round off the weekend between 10 and 10-30pm we'll be having a Final Jam Session where anything can happen.

As always everyone is welcome to the Open Mic night singers, musicians and listeners. Using the PA is optional. Doors 7-3ppm start 8pm put your name down on the list at the door for a spot.

As always everyone is welcome to the Open Mic night singers, musicians and listeners. Using the PA is optional. Doors 7-3ppm start 8pm put your name down on the list at the door for a spot.

Enda Kenny is an Irish-born Australian folk-singer and songwriter. He's visited the Black Swan Folk Club before and given us some highly entertaining performances. Born in Dublin he migrated to Melbourne and released his debut album, Twelve Songs, in 1994. Though self-recorded and self-released, the album received generally solid reviews, and was described by the Sydney Morning Herald as "the best folk album to be released in this country since Eric Bogle's "Scraps of Paper" It was followed by Baker's Dozen in 1996, which received similarly positive reviews. A song from that album, Rabin, about assassinated former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, won the Lawson Paterson Award for Songwriting at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. After a brief hiatus, Kenny released his fourth album, Cloud Lining, in 2001 and then Here and There in 2005. In his review of Here and There, Sydney Morning Herald music reviewer Bruce Elder described Kenny as "the best folk singer-songwriter working in Australia. Kenny has regularly performed at a number of music festivals around the country, including the National Folk Festival, Port Fairy Folk Festival and Illawarra Folk Festival. We welcome him back to the Black Swan Folk Club on this latest UK tour with a brand new album 'After the Interval' under his belt.

One of our favourite singers, Graham will doubtless once again entertain us with some superb renditions of contemporary and traditional folk songs plus some of his own compositions. All of them expertly accompanied by his fine guitar style.

As always everyone is welcome to the Open Mic night singers, musicians and listeners. Using the PA is optional. Doors 7-3ppm start 8pm put your name down on the list at the door for a spot.

A local band who we love to see along at The Black Swan Folk Club, The Old Humpy Band will be set to give us a great night with some fine folkie songs and tunes. Join us for the penultimate Thursday folk evening of the summer before we head off for our August break.. This date was originally announced as 25 July. Tickets already purchased are valid for the new date or a refund is available from wegottickets or the Black Swan Folk Club.

As always everyone is welcome to the Open Mic night singers, musicians and listeners. Using the PA is optional. Doors 7-3ppm start 8pm put your name down on the list at the door for a spot.

One of our favourite artists who has played the Black Swan Folk Club many times Jez Lowe is a fitting guest to start things off after our August break. Last seen in York on the Radio Ballads tour alongside Bob Fox and Julie Matthews this is a solo show. A double nomination a few years ago in the BBC Folk Awards – for best singer and best new song – was a timely reminder of Jez Lowe’s standing in the UK folk and acoustic music scene. Not only he is one of the busiest live performers in the country, but his songs are among the most widely sung by other performers, whether by long-established acts like Fairport Convention, The Dubliners and Bob Fox, or by the new breed of stars like The Unthanks, The Young Uns, Megson and The Duhks.

A few years ago Flossie Malavialle was one of our most popular artists at The Black Swan Folk Club. After nearly 20 years of driving up and down the country between 2002 and 2019, she decided to take a year off in 2020, amd go back to France to concentrate on other projects. Since then she has re-settled in the south of France. This September Flossie is back for a short UK tour and we're happy to have her as a guest at the club again with her inimitable mix of French and English folk and popular song.

Featuring Vocalist Eilidh Grant, Fiona Cuthill on Fiddle and Stevie Lawrence on Acoustic Guitar and Bouzouki, The Eilidh Grant Trio bring a wide range of musical influences together to create their unique sound. With a love for traditional and contemporary folk alike, underpinned by a passion for the works of Robert Burns, Eilidh’s voice beautifully renders both classic folk songs and original material and she has made a considerable impression with her performances throughout Scotland and abroad. Fiona Cuthill was classically trained in violin by Bill Baxter, who played in the renowned Halley Orchestra. After leaving school, she studied more traditional styles of playing and spent the next 10 years playing in ceilidh bands and sessions all over the country. She is in demand as a session musician and arranger and has appeared on many CDs. A Tutor at Glasgow Fiddle Workshop, she is also a prolific composer and one of her tunes has been recorded by renowned Quebecois band Le Vent du Nord. The third member of the trio Stevie Lawrence joined the ranks of the group Iron Horse and recorded 3 albums with them(including the soundtrack to BBC networked series, “The GameKeeper”), as well as touring worldwide. After leaving Iron Horse, Stevie carved a career as session musician, arranger and producer and has worked with a diverse range of artists. He was also a member “The Red Hot Chilli Pipers” from 2007 – 2014 again touring worldwide.

Robb Johnson is a British musician and songwriter who has been called "one of the last genuinely political songwriters". He is known for his mix of political satire and wit. He's released more than 40 albums since 1985, either solo or in several collaborations. Robb Johnson says he’s just a bloke with a guitar. He is. But he’s one who has chronicled our times: painting the less-than-sunny political landscape in the moonlight of the personal. Just like a folk singer should. "Britain's finest songwriter since Richard Thompson"- Venue "An English original" - Robin Denselow, The Guardian

A Black Swan Folk Club debut for this Americana singer and songwriter on tour from the USA. "Whatever magic potion the troubadours in Laurel Canyon were sipping on in 1971, Jesse Terry managed to track it down and take a deep gulp. Now on his seventh album, 'When We Wander', Terry performs his beautifully crafted songs to around 150 audiences a year from Bonnaroo to Americana Fest. Berklee College of Music shaped his talent, propelling him to a five-year staff writer role on Nashville's Music Row. Awarded in 'The John Lennon Songwriting Contest' and 'The CMT/NSAI Song Contest,' his music has appeared in Netflix , PBS and ABC shows. Spring 2023 welcomed his book, 'If I Were the Moon,' via Schiffer Publishing, inspired by his eponymous song.” We are also expecting a vist from Australian Americana duo WE MAVERICKS to entertain us with a few songs this evening.

One of our most popular resident singers Paula Ryan presents an Irish themed singers and musicians evening. All are welcome to participate with a performance or just come along to listen.

An eagerly awaited return to the Black Swan Folk Club for .THE BROTHERS GILLESPIE They return to us on Thursday Oct 17 after their successful debut back in January last year. Described by Folk Radio UK as ‘weaving an especially compelling magic’, and 'showing British acoustic music in its best possible light’, this Northumbrian duo make music that is animated by lyrical songwriting, fine fingerstyle guitar playing, multi-instrumental musicianship and ‘the glorious tones of their blood harmony’ (Sam Lee). On this appearance they’ll be joined by their Canadian friend JESSE THOM who’ll be playing a support set and joining the Brothers for a few songs as well.

Innovative modern and quirky. If you saw this Dublin based singer and musician at The Crescent a couple of years ago you'll know that he's at the forefont of the new wave of Irish folk music. The release of his second album Look Over the Wall, See the Sky made a big impression and was a huge start to 2024. John masterfully unpicks traditional songs and rearranges them with an emotional force. They float in a surreal space between the past and the present, the analog and the digital, between love and tragedy..The unconventional use of instruments and jagged arrangements gives the work a magnetism by drawing you into its curious orbit of experimental folk. Look Over The Wall, See The Sky is a re-imagining of traditional Irish music: powerful, hopeful and free. John Francis Flynn is a singer and multi-instrumentalist who creates contemporary music using traditional and folk material. His debut album “I Would Not Live Always” was released on Rough Trade imprint River Lea Records in 2020, earning rave reviews and winning 2 awards at the RTE Folk Awards.

We've hosted Jack Rutter at The Black Swan Folk Club on several occasions and are well aware of his great talent. This Is Something Constant is the outstanding third in a trilogy of albums of traditional songs. Joined by a swathe of exciting guest musicians including Patsy Reid and Mike McGoldrick, and produced by Joe Rusby, it is his best yet! Building on the momentum of the previous two albums, Jack is totally in his element, exploring rare trad songs – a combination of gripping story ballads and upbeat festival-stage firecrackers – stamping them with his trademark powerhouse guitar and bouzouki and soaring vocals treatment. Another chance to see Jack in an intimate club venue. ‘Singular and compelling; one of the finest singers in folk today’ – Songlines. “A fabulous album: Jack has a terrific voice and that rare thing – a total connect with the songs’ – Mike Harding ‘There can be no doubt that Jack Rutter is one of the finest interpreters of traditional song in the country’ – Folking.com

Bella Gaffney (of The Magpies) is a folk troubadour whose music seamlessly weaves together original compositions and traditional tunes from both British folk and Americana traditions. Winner of the prestigious 2016 Celtic Connections Danny Kyle Award, Bella is celebrated for her folk-inspired songwriting and unique arrangements of traditional pieces. In 2023, Bella released her latest album, ‘Reflections,’ which beautifully captures the essence of connections formed during the lockdown period. Her singles, ‘Fair and Tender Ladies’ and ‘Blood in the Earth,’ featuring duets with Sam Kelly and Leesa Gentz (Hussy Hicks), received widespread acclaim and BBC radio airplay. Apart from her solo endeavors, Bella is a vital member of the folk band The Magpies, lauded as ‘effervescent’ by The Sunday Times. The Magpies have garnered national and international recognition, including a live session on BBC Radio 2 and hosting an annual sold-out festival. Bella’s live performances are a captivating journey through folk storytelling, leaving audiences with earworm melodies, foot-tapping rhythms, and smiles from her off-beat humor. Her work has been praised by critics and fellow musicians alike, with Americana UK calling her album “a compelling collection” and Mike Harding hailing her as a “great singer, great guitarist, [and] really interesting songwriter.” The Daily Mail describes The Magpies music as “folk with finesse.”

The radical East London duo are known for their intense live shows exploring the raw holler of folk, synths, spoken word and intricate rustic dobro guitar. Full-force reworkings of centuries-old work-songs speak to contemporary issues of class, using multi-layered sonic palettes to deeply reflect hidden histories, told with a razor-sharp authenticity. Stick In The Wheel have created their own London vernacular, a contemporary roots music that celebrates the collective stories and traditions of the city – conjuring the past to point toward the future.

After a sensational sold out gig at The Black Swan Folk Club last year we welcome back this incredible duo. For over 30 years Ivor Novello award winning Boo Hewerdine has been considered one of the UK’s finest singer-songwriters. As lead singer of seminal band, The Bible through to his subsequent solo work and long-time collaboration with the incredible Eddi Reader he has become something of a national treasure. He is in demand as a writer, producer and performer. Over a hundred of his songs have been covered by the likes of KD Lang, Kris Drever, Chris Difford, Duke Special and Hannah Rarity. Heidi has shared the stage and recorded with Mark Knopfler, Graham Coxon (Blur), Eddi Reader, Idlewild, Matt Rollings, King Creosote, Kris Drever, Tim O'Brien and Jerry Douglas. She is equally at home in front of a Symphony Orchestra, performing widely at Arts Centres, Festivals and even at the White House. Nominated for Folk singer of the year and Best Traditional Song by BBC Radio 2, Best Live Act by the Scottish Traditional Music Awards and Best Female Vocalist at The Irish Music Awards, 2023 saw Heidi win Composer of The Year at the Scots Trad Music Awards. On this tour Boo and Heidi will be singing songs new and old with a dash of humour and a good measure of storytelling. Their gigs are always a total joy.

Cherished and admired in equal measure by listeners and fellow musicians, award-winning guitarist, singer, songwriter and prolific collaborator Kris Drever has been a leading light on the UK roots scene for well over a decade. A highly skilled guitarist who adroitly blends traditional folk and flat picking with more contemporary influences – allied to a distinctively relaxed and poised vocal burr – Drever is an astonishingly fine interpreter of others’ songs, with an increasingly frequent knack for concocting seriously smart lyrical observations and earworm melodies of his own. Drever has played and recorded with an extensive range of artists including Mark Knopfler, Jack Bruce, Danny Thompson, Eddi Reader, Bela Fleck, Tim O’Brien, Jerry Douglas, Sarah Jarosz, Joan As Police Woman, Tinariwen, Karine Polwart and Julie Fowlis. Having grown up in Orkney, after leaving school and moving to Edinburgh he discovered the city’s thriving session scene in the early 2000s. After touring with numerous traditional acts his own profile flourished as part of revered folk experimental trio LAU and following the release of his much-loved debut solo LP Black Water in 2006. An album in collaboration with Idlewild frontman Roddy Woomble and fiddler John McCusker, Before the Ruin, and a second solo album, Mark the Hard Earth, came soon after along with a steady stream of collaborative releases including last year’s visionary, nature-focused Spell Songs project.

A near legendary band, we were surprised to be see a Hunter Muskett reunion take sheep a couple of years ago and grateful that we were able to get them along to play the club. For those who don’t know, Hunter Muskett are an acoustic/electric trio with Terry Hiscock, Doug Morter and Rog Trevitt. They play distinctive original songs in a folky, bluesy sometimes Americana vein. Formed in 1968 the band played at home and abroad until 1974 producing two, now collectable, albums: Every Time You Move with bassist Danny Thompson and the Keith Relf produced Hunter Muskett. Doug Morter went on to carve out a career as the ‘go-to’ vocalist/guitarist of the folk-rock scene performing with the likes of: Magna Carta, Albion Band, Maddy Prior, Michael Chapman and Jerry Donahue. Since resuming touring in 2010 they've released three albums of new material: They’ll doubtless be performing Terry Hiscock’s song Silver Coin a standard in folk clubs during the 70s.

A Mythical Musical Odyssey with CALAN. They emerge with a new, captivating narrative. Ancient tales of Welsh mythology are meticulously brought to life, transcending the pages of folklore to resonate through the enchanting melodies of harp, guitar, fiddle, accordion, and song. ‘Nefydd’ tells stories of murderous princes, thieving highwaymen and the triumphant resurgence of the heart of Welsh folklore. CALAN's versatility is legendary in itself. From intimate house concerts to the grandiose Royal Albert Hall, Calan have become modern day folk heroes themselves. They also notably graced operatic superstar Sir Bryn Terfel's most recent album, marking their triumphant return to the musical forefront.

Amy Hollinrake is a rising artist emerging from the South-East London folk scene. Her songs re-imagine the stories in folklore and mythology through a modern feminist lens, soundtracked by her hauntingly beautiful and earthy brand of contemporary alt-folk. Musical touchstones include Joanna Newsom, Sandy Denny, Adrienne Lenker, and the new era of feminist folk artists such as Paris Paloma.

One of the most talked-about folk bands of the 21st century, Talisk have been tearing apart stereotypes and redefining the genre for almost a decade. With over 15 million streams, 10,000 albums sold worldwide, and sold out shows across five continents – from Paris to New York, London to Tokyo, Glasgow to Vancouver – alongside headline appearances at festivals the world over, the Scottish trio have amassed a global, die-hard following. Wielding instruments that have rarely seen the likes of their music, Mohsen Amini (concertina), Benedict Morris (violin) and Charlie Galloway (guitar) have stacked up major awards for their explosively energetic sound – including five between BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio Scotland, and two highly coveted BBC Alba Scots Trad Music Awards. At New Year 2022 they played BBC One’s Hogmanay show to a television audience in excess of one million, and – as the only folk act alongside pop headliners – quickly amassed a vast, mainstream audience that continues to propel the group to some of their largest live shows to date. Headlining Glasgow’s iconic Barrowland Ballroom in 2024 – during Europe’s largest winter festival, the legendary Celtic Connections – Talisk’s star remains firmly on a rapid ascent, and then some. .........and here they are a very welcome return to The Crescent.

A debut at The Black Swan Folk Club for this upcoming perform (although he did play here as a member of the John Wright Band some years ago). Described by Sir Tom Jones as “a Weaver of Dreams”, Joe Topping is a folk singer and multi instrumentalist from Liverpool. His charismatic stage presence and engaging stories have entertained audiences all over the country and across Europe, including live sessions on BBC Radio 2, ITV, The National Film Awards and a showcase at SXSW in Texas. He has played on stage and in the studio with Fairport Convention, An dy Irvine and Home Service. He was a member ofAshley Hutching’s Rainbow Chasers. “Joe is a charismatic and accomplished singer songwriter effortlessly switching between his own thoughtful, melodic compositions and raucous standards!” -Steve Knightley (Show of Hands)

‘......boundary breaking is routine for Collister and makes her one of the finest grown-up vocalists on the planet…’ – Q Touring for the first time in four years, Christine will be performing songs from the “Children of the Sea” project along with a selection of old favourites. 2024: Her career now spans an incredible 40 years. Over that bridge of time she has released 24 albums, a DVD celebrating 20 years in the business and an acclaimed single with the BBC: the theme tune for “The Life and Loves of a She-Devil”

After such a successful concert last year at the National Centre for Early Music we immediately snapped up St Agnes Fountain once again to kick off our seasonal celebrations. The band includes Chris While (vocals, guitar, bodhran, dulcimer, banjo, darbuka and percussion), Julie Matthews (vocals, piano, guitar, accordion and gazouki) and Chris Leslie (fiddle, mandolin, tenor guitar, bouzouki, ukulele, banjo, oud, whistle, native American flute and anything else he can lay his hands on). Since their first get together, to record the eponymous St Agnes Fountain album in 2001, the then quartet; David Hughes, Fairport Convention’s Chris Leslie and multi award winning duo Chris While and Julie Matthews, brought musical invention and laughter to the star-dust atmosphere of the season. The band's founding member David Hughes passed away in 2021 but Chris, Chris and Julie have carried on to keep the Christmas Aggie spirit alive. They continue touring as a trio celebrating 24 years together with new material and those old Aggie classics. ‘The Aggie’s’ last album, Night Of A Million Stars included 9 brand new songs from the band and accompanied the putting up of a thousand Christmas trees throughout Britain and around the globe. As the reputation of the band reaches further afield, it is, without question, their magical live performances that has endeared them to an ever-growing audience.

A singers and musicians evening where everyone is welcome to come along to sing, play and perform. Or just come to listen. No problem not using the mic if you don't want to.

A singers and musicians evening where everyone is welcome to come along to sing, play and perform. Or just come to listen. No problem not using the mic if you don't want to.

Our regular annual Christmas Party. They'll be lots of seasonal songs and tunes, everyone is welcome, Christmas cheer and our once a year raffle.

The annual celebration of the music of BOB DYLAN from the BLONDE on BOB band supported by special guest BILLY LEONARD. Only songs from the legendary singer-songwriter plus some Christmas festivities including the annual Dylan quiz.

To start off the New Year we're inviting everyone to come along and join in an Open Mic session. Singers, musicians and audience are all welcome and you can perform with or without the mic.

A long overdue return to the club from Winter Wilson who last appeared at The Black Swan in 2015. When Mike Harding dubbed Winter Wilson as one of the hardest working duos on the circuit, he'd clearly done his homework. UK based, Kip Winter and Dave Wilson have performed in Germany, Australia, Spain, Canada, Belgium and New Zealand. They've released a string of critically acclaimed albums, one of the highlights being Live & Unconventional. The live album, recorded on tour and at Cropredy Festival with folk rock icons Fairport Convention. Their reviews have been exceptional, for example:- "If you need evidence of just how special the duo Winter Wilson are then their album 'Live & Unconventional' delivers in abundance." Steve Caseman, RnR magazine It is in live performance where these two really excel. Kip Winter and Dave Wilson bring a sense of intimacy to every venue, blending superb, often hard-hitting original songs, stunning harmonies and musicianship with sometimes hilarious humour and tales of life on the road. Kip (vocals, accordion, guitar, flute) "has a voice to die for” ( John Roffey, Maverick Magazine), whilst Dave (vocals, guitar and banjo) is now rightly recognized as being amongst the top tier of British songwriters, with his songs sung in folk clubs across the UK and beyond. Together, their voices are sublime. They visit the club just after the release of their latest album 'Home' scheduled for early January.

Third visit to The Black Swan Folk Club for The Hunch, one of our favourite bands. Now a five piece the band are fronted by Mick Doonan of the legendary 70s folk-rock band Hedgehog Pie. He comes from a famous Tyneside dynasty. John Doonan Snr, was an All-Ireland flute champion. Michael also fronts The Mighty Doonan’s folk-rock band. In The Hunch he provides vocals as well as flutes and pipes. Bob Thomas was a member of another highly respected folk-rock outfit, Kitsyke Will, and has since lent his wonderful soul-inflected vocal style to The Solicitors, as well as singing, playing percussion and harmonica with The Hunch. Alongside these two are the stunning acoustic guitarist/vocalist Chris Hanks and keyboards/accordionist/vocalist Tony Bacon, both alumni of West Yorkshire’s thriving roots scene. Marcus Frost is the latest addition to the line up; with extensive experience in the local blues/rock scene, Marcus brings his unique style of percussion and vocals. This has all the hallmarks of another tremendous night with an eclectic mix of acoustic and folk music stylings.

Holly Taymar sings the songs of Eva Cassidy, a celebration of one of the most beloved voices of the 20th century. Showcasing the powerful, soulful renditions of Eva Cassidy’s timeless hits, interpreted by talented singer-songwriter Holly Taymar. Eva Cassidy, known for her breathtaking interpretations of jazz, blues, folk, and pop classics, captured the hearts of millions around the world before her untimely passing. Now, in this special show, Holly Taymar brings her own evocative and emotive voice to the iconic songs of the late singer, including Fields of Gold, Songbird, Over the Rainbow, and many more. Holly Taymar, whose reputation for emotional depth and immediately engaging stage presence has earned her widespread acclaim, says: “Eva Cassidy was a completely fearless singer-songwriter, whose combination of power, tenderness and originality in her music created a lasting legacy. She continues to inspire me to bring authenticity and depth to every show. I’m thrilled to be able to perform these beautiful songs, and I can’t think of a better place to share them than at the Black Swan Folk Club – home of my first ever gig.”

Scott Matthews’ ground-breaking debut album, Passing Stranger earned him serious critical acclaim with its bold mix of folk, rock, blues and Eastern-inspired song-writing, and in 2007 his first single ‘Elusive’ won the Ivor Novello Award for ‘Best Song Musically and Lyrically’. From here Scott went on to perform on a number of international sell-out tours with respected artists such as Rufus Wainwright, Bert Jansch, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Foo Fighters, Snow Patrol and Tori Amos. His follow-up albums saw, Robert Plant come onboard for a guest contribution on second album, Elsewhere, and legendary bassist Danny Thompson appeared on his third release What The Night Delivers, having encountered each other whilst performing in Joe Boyd’s stage production of Way to Blue – The Songs of Nick Drake. Championed by Lauren Laverne as ‘a big favourite’ Scott’s musical dexterity and experimentative approach to song-writing and home-recording continued to excite over the course of the next several albums released on his own label, from the intrinsically poetic, organic nature of The Great Untold, to the daring and audacious New Skin. This album was arguably his boldest move yet, New Skin swathed in Eno-esque electronica and Thom Yorke-centric uncovering, channelled the driving energy of ‘80s Springsteen and was widely lauded by Robert Plant, Radiohead’s Ed O’Brien, Bella Union’s Simon Raymonde and BBC 6Music. It was rock and ambient, acoustic and electro. Matthews had never sounded so vital. Never sounded so fresh. Never sounded so energised and never sounded so good.

Another return visit to the club for Serious Sam Barrett. He is still a hard touring, folk and country singer from down the road in Otley who plays honest, heartfelt self-penned and traditional songs on 12 string guitar and banjo. Sam continues to attract critical acclaim with some very positive reviews. “The sustained brilliance of his playing is really something to behold.” Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2 "There's some real swagger to this" Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2 Folk Show “Songs that rattle with the ghosts of Appalachian folk, and southern blues, yet sound emphatically English.” Uncut Magazine “Old before his years country-folk fellow who mixes intricate John Fahey finger-picking with confessional tales of dirty old Leeds” The Guardian. “Excellent stripped back folk” Maverick Magazine “His well crafted original songs are accompanied by his own sparkling clawhammer banjo or dextrous 12 srtringguitar picking.” -Froots magazine.

A long-time Black Swan Folk Club favourite PETE MORTON premiers his new show 'The Ghost of the Sailor's Talking Blues'. Pete is a singer and entertainer with a wealth of self penned songs that express everything from the highly personal to the truly international. Often referred to as an old time troubadour he delivers an unruly mix of humanism politics, love, social commentary and humour, all wrapping its way around the folk tradition. Originally from Leicester, England, he discovered the acoustic music scene at 16, and has been on the never-ending tour as a folk singer songwriter ever since. With his powerful, euphonious voice storytelling and compelling stage presence he continues his merry niche, singing songs, peace, justice, open global inclusion, with a fun, loving and approachable style.

Another chance to see Steve Tilston at The Black Swan Folk Club one of our most popular and regular guest artists. Steve is one of the UK folk scene's most celebrated song-smiths. His compositions, arrangements and superb guitar playing could be no one else. Only a few years ago the story of Steve’s “lost” letter from John Lennon thrust him into the worldwide media spotlight and was the inspiration for a Hollywood movie. Danny Collins, starring Al Pacino. The publicity surrounding the film, brought Steve and his music to much wider attention. You can watch the clip of when Steve met Al on YouTube. Steve was voted, Fatea Awards Male Vocalist of the Year in 2015 and Truth to Tell was chosen as one of The Telegraph’s top folk albums in the same year. In 2021 the album Such Times was released where Steve takes on the role of social commentator and storyteller; 15-tracks of almost exclusively new material, recorded during the first national lockdown. The release coincided with the 50th anniversary of his debut album, An Acoustic Confusion first released in 1971. After more than fifty years in the business Steve can still deliver the goods. Steve's early career has been highlighted in a book Bristol Folk. The story of Bristol’s powerhouse folk & blues scene in the 60s & 70s. Amongst his career highlights he can boast a guest appearance on Later with Jools Holland and a spot on BBC Four's Songwriters’ Circle pus a Folk Award win for best original song. He has also been commissioned to write for the Olympics Radio Ballads series and the Harbour of Songs project. He joined an illustrious band of guitarists including Martin Simpson, Michael Messer and Wizz Jones, when he was invited to contribute to the Guitar Maestro series of DVDs; a combination of live studio performance and interviews, revealing the real passion behind these talented musicians. If anyone ever deserved the moniker “Guitar Maestro”, it is Steve Tilston.

Since his successful partnership with Christine Collister, Clive Gregson has been a successful soloist on the folk club and acoustic scene for over thirty years. In-between his visits to the UK, based in Nashville, he was also working as a song-writer session musician and producer. Clive’s new project links to earlier days when as a leader of the band Any Trouble signed to Stiff Records he toured with The Cheaters which included long-time friend Neil Corsar. In 2021 Clive and Neil met up over lunch to catch-up and began writing songs together. Several weeks and quite a few songs later, they decided to expand the enterprise from a songwriting workshop to a full-blown band. Clive recruited keyboardist Jez Smith and bassist Craig Fletcher both from John Lees’ Barclay James Harvest… and the lineup was completed with the addition of legendary drummer, Paul Burgess, who has played with 10cc since 1973. They named the band The Guilty Men. The days of the Supergroup may be long past… but The Guilty Men would surely qualify for that description! The band is made up of five of the finest musicians from the Northwest of England. Between them, they have played over 10,000 gigs on planet Earth, recorded thousands of songs and made countless radio and TV appearances. To say they’re experienced would be an understatement! Released in September 2024 The Guilty Men’s debut album “Invisible Confetti” contains 13 brand new songs recorded in the old-fashioned way: everybody playing live in the studio, intent on catching the moment. Most of the songs were laid down in no more than 2 or 3 takes… and with four featured lead vocalists, the album covers a lot of musical bases. “Invisible Confetti” rocks… with nods to Americana, country, folk, pop, psychedelia… it’s an exhilarating ride from start to finish.

A singers and musicians evening where everyone is welcome to come along to sing, play and perform. Or just come to listen. No problem not using the mic if you don't want to.

First time in at The Black Swan Folk Club for Johnny Campbell who has emerged onto the UK folk scene with self-penned material, delving deep into Northern English folk song and story. The album From Hull & Halifax & Hell (2020) took him to The Faroes where he recorded a live album on Nolsoy. Since musical instruments hadn't arrived on the islands until the 19th century, this is perhaps the first time Northern English traditional song had been recorded on these islands. The album earned him album of the week with Blues and Roots radio and reviews with the British folk press: ''The spirit of the folk clubs in their heyday runs in his veins'' Folking.com ''I defy anyone not to be galvanised by the total integrity of his exceptional rendition of (Ewan MacColl's) Moving On Song'' The Living Tradition ''A truly entertaining work. Lose yourself in the true folk experience'' Fatea Magazine Since March 2020, Campbell hasn't relented, releasing three singles, Hard Times of Old England, Winter Hill Trespass and A Right to Roam. The former received play on Ian Lynch's (Lankum) Fire Draw Near podcast and Winter Hill Trespass (2021) gained national press in The Guardian. ''Nobody else seems to be doing what Campbell is doing right now, and his passion and determination deserve recognition'' - Jon Wilks A Right to Roam (2022) is a collaboration with Commoners Choir & Skelmanthorpe Brass Band which received the accolade of 'One of the Best Folk Songs of 2022' alongside contemporaries such as Eliza Carthy, Jon Boden, Angeline Morrison & more, chosen by Tradfolk who called him ''A Modern-Day Billy Bragg''. 2024 saw Campbell releasing True North, an album of Northern English traditional songs recorded on respective county summits and garnering press from Folk on Foot & BBC Radio 4 Open Country. Richard Thompson declared True North as one of his albums of the year in 'My Year in Music' in UNCUT Magazine and he said ''I can't think of another project quite like this!''

Cohen first guested at The Black Swan Folk Club as part of a Young Performers Evening some years ago. Since then he's appeared at the club as part of the combo Granny's Attic and as support for Fay Hield in one of our concerts at the NCEM. Now he's back as a guest in his own right to showcase his virtuoso talents playing melodeon and Anglo concertina and entertaining with a mixture of traditional and original songs and tunes. He is at the forefront of his generation of English folk musicians as both a powerful and commanding singer and a masterful player. Since arriving on the folk scene in 2016, Cohen has achieved a nomination for the BBC Radio 2 Folk Horizon Award and has toured extensively across the UK and abroad, both as a soloist and with the trio Granny’s Attic. He is a spine-tingling traditional folk performer and his rich voice soars through a range of historical ballads, industrial songs and shanties, with a particular penchant for material from the West Midlands, where he’s lived for much of his life.

Here's a rare chance to experience the soul-stirring magic of Scotland's traditional fiddle like never before, in an intimate venue with Ryan Young. as he breathes new life into the rich tapestry of traditional Scottish music. Ryan's fiddle tunes will transport you on an evocative journey and elevate your soul. With a Master of Music degree from the famous Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Ryan Young has emerged as a rising star on the international music scene. His debut album, a mesmerizing collection of traditional Scottish tunes, was expertly produced and recorded by the renowned Boston-based music producer, Jesse Lewis, right in the heart of Glasgow. Released in 2017, this album is a testament to Ryan's profound musical prowess. The highly acclaimed follow-up 'just a second', also in collaboration with Jesse, was released in the UK in October 2023 By joining forces with Jesse Lewis, Ryan Young stands shoulder to shoulder with an elite league of musicians who have collaborated with the likes of The Silk Road Ensemble, Yo-Yo Ma, Bela Fleck, Jan Vogler, and Brooklyn Rider. Ryan has been touring extensively around the world, from Australia to Austria in 2024 - here's a chance to cstch him live in York in 2025.

Chris Brain renders songs embedded in folk tradition and the pastoral, with a contemporary resonance. Drawing inspiration from the outdoors and song writers such as John Martyn, Nick Drake and Joni Mitchell, Chris explores distinctive fingerpicking patterns and alternate tunings in his sound.