Several unique concerts are in the latest programme for the Spring/Summer season at the home of folk music, Cecil Sharp House in London.
A one off evening with BBC Folk Award winner Chris Wood and rapper, singer and poet Dizraeli, a chance to see a one-off pairing of English folk talent Kathryn Roberts with America singer songwriter Caroline Herring and the last chance to see the acclaimed Cecil Sharp Song Project, all feature in the new programme from The English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS).
The series, which runs from January to July, kicks off with a performance by the American old-time string band The Carolina Chocolate Drops on January 23. The Grammy Award winners have already taken the UK by storm with their modern take on traditional tunes.
Carolina Chocolate Drops
The Cecil Sharp Project is next up on January 27, at the end of its exclusive winter tour. This will be the last chance to see the work created as a memoir to Cecil Sharp, the man who the building in Regents’ Park Road, Camden, is dedicated to.
The project, involving Steve Knightley (Show of Hands), Jackie Oates (2012 BBC Folk Singer of the Year nominee), melodeon star Andy Cutting (2011 BBC Folk Musician of the Year), American singer Caroline Herring, Jim Moray (former BBC Folk award winner), Patsy Reid (formerly of Breabach), Canadian banjo player Leonard Podolak (The Duhks) and Kathryn Roberts, has received critical acclaim including a four star Guardian review.
Cecil Sharp Project
On January 28, Kathryn Roberts, former Equation member who now performs with husband Sean Lakeman, will pair up with Caroline Herring for an exclusive concert. The pair met through the Cecil Sharp Project and this is a chance to see this one-off pairing.
One 11th of Bellowhead, Sam Sweeney will make a welcome return to the stage with former Kerfuffle colleague Hannah James on February 15. This date will see an exclusive launch of their new album, a long awaited new production.
On April 25, Belinda O’Hooley and Heidi Tidow, will play at the House, supported by popular newcomer Lucy Ward, who is nominated in the 2012 BBC Folk Award’s Horizon category. With a release of a new album in February, it will be a chance to hear old and new songs alike.
One of the most stunning singers of traditional music, Irish singer Cara Dillon will be next on stage on April 26. Her mesmerising voice will make it an evening not to be missed.
In a special collaborative show on May 19, Chris Wood, 2011 BBC Radio 2 Folk Singer of the Year, teams up with BBC Radio 4 Poetry Slam award winner, rapper and singer Dizraeli. An evening where folk and hip hop collide, this is set to be unforgettable.
Chris Wood & Dizraeli
Other features during the Spring/Summer season include Folk Rising evenings, presented in partnership with The Nest collective, on February 23, March 22, May 24, June 21 and July 19. This showcases the best acts in emerging folk music.
And on April 29, making their London debut will be Oslo Jammerkor, conducted by Barbro Grenersen, joining the Cecil Sharp House Choir to sing songs of the sea, love and longing in a collaborative performance.
EFDSS Chief Executive Katy Spicer, said:
The English Folk Dance and Song Society’s unique and varied programme is offering people chances to see something they won’t get anywhere else. There is something for everyone – from the traditional to unusual – and as they’re set in the home of folk music, every evening is sure to be special. If you’ve never been to Cecil Sharp House, it is an amazing venue well worth a visit.
EFDSS has unveiled Songlines magazine as its 2012 media partner. Jo Frost, Editor, said:
Songlines is delighted to be working together with EFDSS as media partner for its 2012 live music programme at Cecil Sharp House.
This beautiful venue, steeped in history, has seen a wealth of not only English folk talent, but a wide range of other wonderful music from across the world, including many artists who have already featured in Songlines such as Jim Moray, the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, Jackie Oates and Show of Hands.
Forthcoming shows from the Cecil Sharp Project and the exciting young band from the US, the Carolina Chocolate Drops, are just a few of the highlights in the forthcoming programme which is certain to establish the House as one of the best places in London to hear live folk and roots music.
To book tickets for any of the concerts go to www.musicglue.net/cecilsharphouse. Online brochures can be downloaded at www.efdss.org