Tree buds, catkins and blossom…spring is coming, which, for Cecil Sharp House, London, means a new season of music and another peerless and varied season of folk gigs. As well as new classes and courses, chamber concerts and dances, a cafe, a bar and a pretty garden, Cecil Sharp House’s upcoming April gigs include:
National Youth Folk Ensemble
Wednesday 13 April | 7.30pm
The National Youth Folk Ensemble is an English Folk Dance and Song Society programme supported by Arts Council England.
With young musicians at the heart of the programme, the National Youth Folk Ensemble aims to nurture their talents, aspirations and creativity, enabling them to develop into the folk performers, educators and leaders of the future. These talented musicians receive expert tuition and guidance from leading folk artist-educators. This is your chance to hear fantastic music from those folk stars of the future!
Emily Portman & Rob Harbron
Wednesday 20 April | 7.30pm
Emily Portman (voice, banjo) is best known as an original songwriter and for her work with the award-winning folk band The Furrow Collective. Rob Harbron (concertina, guitar, voice) tours with Leveret, Fay Hield, Jon Boden and many more, being in great demand as one the finest multi-instrumentalists in the UK. In 2019, he finally got around to finding the time to release his debut solo album ‘Meanders‘.
Emily and Rob, both highly regarded musicians in their own right, join together to create a boldly stripped-back and intricately woven sound, exploring the traditional music in which they are both steeped and offering their own original contributions.
9Bach, John Metcalfe & elements of The Imagined Village: A Tribute to Alan James
Saturday 23 April | 7.30pm
A very special evening celebrating the life of Alan James, who died in 2019. Throughout his music career, Alan was Head of Contemporary Music at Arts Council England and managed a number of folk artists and bands, including 9Bach, Twelfth Day and Sam Lee. Alan joined the board of English Folk Dance & Song Society in 2009 and served as Chair from 2011-2015 bringing his energy and enthusiasm to the role as well as helping to develop the organisation’s vision.
Mairearad Green & Anna Massie
Wednesday, 27 April | 7.30pm
Mairearad Green (accordion and bagpipes) and Anna Massie (guitar, banjo, fiddle) are a truly captivating duo, combining highly energetic performances with an instantly warm stage presence. Their last album, Farran, was released in 2018. The final paragraph of our album review summed up this unique musical union: Farran is rooted in an elegant sense of ship-shape simplicity, with not a single note out of place and each tune as uncluttered, clean, fresh and invigorating as a salt wind out to sea or the cold spray from a boat’s prow. Add the obvious tight-knit musical telepathy, and relaxed ease of expression that exists between both musicians as they set sail with their eyes firmly fixed on new musical horizons and what you have is a simply wonderful album from two fine and versatile musicians setting their own course with the clearest sense of direction.
Hot Club of Cowtown
Thursday 28 April | 7.30pm
Since its beginnings in the late 1990s, the American Western Swing trio, Hot Club of Cowtown’s star has continued to rise with many awards and accolades now under their belts. A reputation for jaw-dropping virtuosity and unforgettable live shows have become the band’s global brand.
Check www.efdss.org/cecil-sharp-house for further details and information about an exciting summer season, soon to be announced.