Donovan, ‘60s legend, icon, poet and songwriter celebrates his 70th birthday with a special concert at The London Palladium on 6th May 2016. He will perform on stage in a theatrical ‘Beat Café’ with his band which will include Danny Thompson.

Steeped in the traditions of his beloved Dumnonia, Forgotten Kingdom presents both an ambitiously broad canvas and a tour de force display of Jim Causley’s range and depth. It succeeds as a result of his commitment to his vision and his choice of contributors, confirming his status as one England’s finest folk singers, musicians and composers.

Whilst Fahey and Basho may well cast a long shadow in the field of acoustic guitar that you’d need to travel far to get away from, C. Joynes and Nick Jonah Davis demonstrate on Split Electric they are well down that road.

The splendidly bearded Ben Caplan is back as he plunges into the folk roots belly for a sophomore stew of fifty shades of Americana produced by klezmer-rapper Josh “Socalled” Doglin and featuring an army of collaborators.

For his latest album Jez Hellard managed to herd some of his favourite collaborators back into the pen he calls the Djukella Orchestra. A superb album – you won’t be able to keep your feet still!

This was an immense show, great performances by all, but it will inevitably now stick in the memory of all present for Rhiannon Giddens’ stunning performance who brought the house down with the perfect combination of soulful vocal and explosive delivery.

With their harmonies steeped in southern moss, Appalachian colours and the old school influence of the Carter Family still firmly nailed to the mast, Freakwater’s new album’s been worth the ten year wait.

Trembling Bells reveal their new video for Wide Majestic Aire, the title track from their new seven-track mini-album, which takes it’s name from the Yorkshire river.

In the second part of The Big Music Society’s evening of music that aims to help find a place for Piobaireachd in a modern setting, Fraser Fifield takes to the stage and demonstrates just how adaptable our indigenous music can be in the right hands.

Topic Records Announce Two New Volumes in ‘Voice of the People’ Series – It was mighty! and It was great altogether! – charting Irish traditional music in London during the 1950’s and 60’s. The release will be marked by a very special lecture by Dr. Reg Hall.

For newcomers to Diana Jones’ music this might not be the best introduction, but it’s bound to be snapped up by those attending her forthcoming shows which include UK dates in April 2016.

New York band Blarvuster take to the stage at Celtic Connections – Just because it’s bagpipes doesn’t mean it’s trad; just because it’s Piobaireachd doesn’t mean it’s classical…