Artists
Robin Williamson
It is difficult to think of anyone else on the contemporary music scene who can demonstrate such a dizzying range of accomplishments. Robin's musical inventory runs to over forty plucked, brown, bowed and struck devices drawn from all over the planet. A songwriter of undisputed stature and a distinctive interpreter of traditional song, he is a leading light in the revival of storytelling. For over forty years a pioneering and defining force in acoustic stories, unique, off the cuff and seamless.
Kathryn Tickell
Kathryn Tickell's roots are in the North Tyne Valley of Northumberland where many of her relatives still play traditional music. By the age of thirteen she had won all the traditional open small pipes competitions, turning professional at eighteen. A busy three year sole career was followed by the formation of The Kathryn Tickell Band in 1990. This is still her main musical outlet but we are lucky enough to host one of her solo performances. Kathryn has composed music for two of Newcastle's Live Theatre productions, presented a series for Radio 2, recorded with the Penguin Cafe Orchestra, The Chieftains, and Sting, also appear on Jools Holland and Andy Kershaw. The Kathryn Tickell Band performed as part of the Last Night at the Proms - a first for traditional folk music.
Jeff Wood and Gwen Brash
Following Gwen's departure to live in Scotland and later Saudi Arabia, performances by this duo have been few and far between. Jeff has been seen more often with Celtic band Omadhaun, blues band Dog Daze and as half of Smith and Wood. They were the founder members of popular electro acoustic folk rockers Spot The Dog. Gwen's voice possesses and enchanting clear quality backed by Jeff's inventive accompaniments on guitar and occasionally bazouki or mandolin. Their harmonies and humour combine to produce a performance of traditional, original and other contemporary material.
Karen Tweed and Roger Wilson
An inspirational partnership of mercurial accordionist Karen and singer Roger uniquely accompanying on fiddle and guitar. Karen is well known for her work with The Kathryn Tickell Band, The Poozies, Ian Carr, The Two Duos Quartet, Swap, and May Monday. Roger is a founder member of The House Band and has collaborated with Martin Carthy, Kate Rusby, Pete Morton, and Sara Grey and John Tams. Together they perform a rich mix of folk and contemporary music, in a programme peppered with moments of breathtaking virtuosity and great songs, beginning and ending with traditional dance music. This promises to be an evening of beautiful music, friendly banter and fun.