Back in January, we shared the first wave of names for Shrewsbury Folk Festival (25-28th August 2023), including Billy Bragg, Oysterband, Breabach, Talisk, Jiggy, N’Faly Kouyaté, Daphne’s Flight, Spiers & Boden, and Leveret.
They have just released the latest wave of artists that includes a DJ set from The Dhol Foundation, a debut visit from Scottish indie folk band Elephant Sessions and California-based roots band Dustbowl Revival among the new additions. Those of you with long memories may recall that Dustbowl Revival made quite a splash in 2015 with their video for ‘Never had to Go’ which featured the legendary actor Dick Van Dyke and has clocked over 4 million views (see our original Folk Radio post). While they’ve broadened their horizons of influence, I still like to revisit this one. If I look as fresh-looking as Dick Van Dyke when I get to that age I’d be very happy – he is now 97!
Also just revealed are the Gigspanner Big Band, Show of Hands frontman Steve Knightley with a solo set, Baskery, global folk collective Mishra, Good Habits, True Foxes, The Honeybees, Rapsquillion and Howay The Lasses.
…with the Gigspanner Big Band, he has assembled a group of musicians intent on making some of the most important and exhilarating art ever to sit under the banner of folk music.
Thomas Blake, Folk Radio
In case you missed it, Mishra recently joined forces with Indian classical vocalist Deepa Shakthi, and I chose their new single, Devil’s Nine Questions, a Song of the Day…it is an outstanding single and they also recently shared a video:
We also recently premiered a video for Good Habits, a Manchester-based duo featuring Bonnie Schwarz (cello/vocals) and Pete Shaw (accordion). It was filmed at the family-run, independent Chorlton Bookshop:
They join Billy Bragg, Oysterband, Breabach, Jiggy, Spiers & Boden, Talisk, Daphne’s Flight, kora master N’Faly Kouyaté from Afro Celt Sound System, Maddy Prior & Forgotten Lands, Leveret, N’famady Kouyaté, The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican, The Salts and Dana Immanuel & The Stolen Band on the line up of the festival that takes place from Friday, August 25th to Monday, August 28th with more headliners to be announced.
Dance bands include Lasair, Leveret performing a special 10th-anniversary ceilidh, Melrose Ceilidh Band, Old Spot, Oscina, Peeping Tom, Topette!! and Whapweasel.
…there is something exceptional that happens when Cutting, Harbron, and Sweeney get together, something elemental, dynamic, and yet curiously timeless; something magical.
Billy Rough, Folk Radio (Review of Leveret’s Forms)
For those who may have missed it, Old Spot are a newish Old-Time duo featuring Joe Danks and Rowan Piggott. We featured the first video from their debut album for the Old Time fiddle tune ‘Black Eyed Susie Jane’ a while back but here’s a more recent offering – a version of the John Salyer (1882-1952) tune, Jeff Sturgeon. “Our version gives a nod to our love of Swedish fiddle music but soon settles into an irresistibly twisty and unmistakably old-time groove.”
Topette!! are sure to please the dancers…in 2022 the five-piece anglo-French dance band released Bourdon, a welcome follow-up to their releases C’est Le Pompon and Rhododendron. We premiered their video for Just Heavy a little while ago:
Director of the award-winning festival, Sandra Surtees, said: “As we move into Spring, we’re already starting to get excited about what this year’s festival holds. As ever, our lineup will bring a wide variety of music from folk and roots to world music to Shrewsbury and the chance to our festivalgoers to discover new artists and enjoy old favourites.
“But the festival’s about much more than just the music though. The festival is renowned for its friendly vibe and it’s just such a brilliant way to spend a weekend or day with family and friends, enjoying great music and dance, good food and the chance to kick back and relax in a beautiful riverside setting.”
The festival has four live music stages, including open air and covered marquees, a dance tent for ceilidhs and dance shows and workshops, dedicated festivals for children and young people including music, dance, crafts and circus skills, workshops from yoga to crafting, singarounds and music sessions.
There is also on-site camping and glamping, a food village and festival shop, craft fair and real ale, wine and cocktail bars.
Day and weekend tickets are on sale at www.shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk, starting from just £43 (including booking fee).