Bands and Concerts

[Concert Schedule] [Workshop Schedule]

Didmarton boasts an impressive line-up every year, with bands from North America, Great Britain and Europe. The 2010 line-up includes:

Show of Hands “One of the great English bands” – Peter Gabriel Show of Hands are undeniably one of the strongest current forces in acoustic music – England’s finest and most popular roots duo and something of a “people’s band”, regularly voicing the hopes, fears and life stories of scores of people in song. An alchemist couldn’t have come up with a more potent, magical mix than that of Phil Beer, who can, as The Scotsman observed, “play nearly every stringed instrument known to man” and the inspired Steve Knightley, described by Mike Harding at BBC Radio 2’s 2007 Folk Awards as “one of England’s greatest singer songwriters”. One of Devon’s greatest success stories started with the guys growing up on opposite sides of the River Exe, though Steve was born in Southampton and Phil hailed from Cornwall. Their teenage kicks were playing in different bands but eventually their paths crossed and they joined forces to play the Exeter pub and club scene before they inevitably took off in different directions. After gaining a degree at Coventry University, Steve started teaching in London and playing the capital’s rock scene while Phil pursued the life of a pro musician, playing in Arizona Smoke Review and the revered Albion Band. But when Steve returned to the West Country in the mid 80s they started gigging again and in 1991 Show of Hands was formed. Unusually their first album was a live one. “Live 92” was recorded at Dorset’s Bull Hotel in Bridport and its excellent reviews helped them break into the festival circuit and tour with Ralph McTell. After working with exiled Chilean musicians in the band Alianza – which saw them learning the South American cuatro and soaking up new rhythms – Steve wrote such memorable songs as Santiago, Armadas and Columbus (Didn’t Find America). After their first studio album Beat About the Bush Show of Hands released Lie of the Land in 95 which Q declared “startlingly good” making it their folk album of the year. But despite an escalating fan base the guys still couldn’t command London gigs. So they thought they’d create a modest one of their own – at the Royal Albert Hall! Hiring the hall to the amusement of the media and the cynicism of sceptics they had the last laugh, with a sold out show. It was a huge gamble but the night of March 24 1996 proved that for this enigmatic, indy duo anything was possible. Five years later they were at it again, reprising their appearance at Kensington’s “village hall” to celebrate their 10th anniversary and this time the sell-out was recorded by Carlton for the ITV Network. A particularly productive time followed with another studio album Cold Frontier (2001) and The Path (2003), an instrumental coastal odyssey commissioned to mark the 25th anniversary of the South West Coast Path. In 2003 they released Country Life, with its stand out title track that went on to be used as a soundtrack by the Commission for Rural Communities for two films, launched in Westminster. Praised for its”finger on the pulse” topicality about the decline of rural life, Steve was later interviewed on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. In 2004 after numerous nominations, Show of Hands struck gold at the BBC Folk Awards, winning the coveted Best Live Act title – the only category voted for by the public. They were joined by the brilliant Miranda Sykes on double bass and vocals for their autumn 2004 UK tour – a tour which triggered a live 22-track double album As You Were. May 2006 was a defining moment when they unveiled a strident new Show of Hands sound with Witness produced by Grammy-nominated Simon Emmerson and “Mass”of Afro Celts. Songlines called the album “A beautiful portrait of modern rural Britain, intensely compassionate and filled with carefully contained rage” Described as “a cinematic journey of the West Country” it was widely acclaimed with some of Steve’s finest writing in the title track, The Dive and the stirring Roots – a rally call for the English to get behind their identity and musical heritage spurred by a certain comment By Dr Kim Howells – that his idea of hell was three Somerset folk singers in the pub! Roots found champions in unlikely quarters with some even calling for it to be the new national anthem! In 2006 they were also somewhat quirkily voted Greatest Devonians in a poll – beating historic figures like Sir Francis Drake and modern day music icons Chris Martin, Muse and Joss Stone while they were later voted the West Country’s favourite musicians in an ITV series and invited to join the Westcountry Hall of Fame. Despite all their success they have never sold out on the West Country and on St George’s Day 2006 they performed a fund raising gig that helped save a rural Devon post office. When the time came to think of how best to celebrate their incredible 15-year partnership in 2007, the Albert Hall place beckoned again. This time it sold out rapidly – a testament to the huge popularity they have achieved – not overnight maybe but through hard work and with a sound that continues to dodge the genres and puzzle the industry. They continued to celebrate their enduring musical partnership last year with a double “Best of” CD, trawling an enviable back catalogue. In the same year they appeared with both Peter Gabriel and Jools Holland. Two of the most popular ambassadors for acoustic music, their music loses nothing in translation and they have taken it all over the world, from Australia to India, Germany to Canada, the Netherlands to Hong Kong plus key festival appearances including Glastonbury, WOMAD, Cambridge and Celtic Connections. In 2008 they played nearly 30 UK summer festivals including making their WOMAD debut and headlined the Welsh Proms first Folk Prom. In the autumn they undertook a triple tour including their first standing gig tour and a “Spires and Beams” tour of UK churches, cathedrals and historic buildings with spectacular sell outs at Exeter and Ely Cathedrals. In early 2009 they returned to Glasgow’s Celtic Connections Festival for the third time before embarking on solo UK tours and a Show of Hands spring tour. This summer Phil takes time out from the music to fulfil a lifelong dream of crewing in the Tall Ships race and Steve is performing solo at festivals including Glastonbury. Autumn 2009 will see the release of a new studio album ‘Arrogance Ignorance and Greed’, produced by Stu Hanna of Megson, and a 37-date tour of every English county town.

The Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band Peter Rowan is a legendary figure on the Bluegrass scene both in the USA and over here. A former Bluegrass Boy in Bill Monroe’s famous band, Peter has brought together a superb set of musicians who are certainly going to treat followers of traditionally played Bluegrass and vocal harmony to a brilliant display on main stage at Didmarton. He is joined by Keith Little, Jody Stecher and Paul Knight.

The Claire Lynch Band Claire Lynch’s original songs have been covered by numerous acoustic world “A”-list musicians. However, more accolades are garnered by Claire leading her own band, receiving reverent standing ovations for her shows at prestigious music festivals and theatres. Claire Lynch has a band that knocks audiences out wherever she goes. It includes some of the best in the business – Mark Schatz, Matt Wingate and Jason Thomas, all award-winning bluegrass and acoustic stars in their own right. (photo: Senor McGuire)

Jack Lawrence and Richard Plank Renowned flat pick guitarist, Jack Lawrence, from Charlotte, North Carolina, known as “the acoustic powerhouse”, will be appearing with fingerpicking guitarist Richard Plank. Jack Lawrence is heralded as one of the finest acoustic guitarists in the USA and is highly regarded in his most prominent role as partner to Doc Watson. Jack & Doc have travelled the States as a duo for the last two decades. Jack also performs as a solo guitarist/vocalist in venues nationally and internationally. Richard Plank is known for his fingerstyle playing & singing and has worked both solo & with a number of the UK’s leading musicians including Kate Lissauer and Alan Ward. In September 2009 he was an award winner at The British Country Music Awards for “Bully Of The Town” a track from his latest CD “Going To The West”.

Jock Tildesley and Vera Van Heerringen When they are not playing wt their other band, The New Rope String Band, Jock Tildesley and Vera Van Herringen concentrate on their love for Old Time Music and Bluegrass. Jock is one of Britain finest Old Time Fiddle players and Vera learned the ropes playing Bluegrass guitar in her native home of the Netherlands. Together they deliver some of the finest sounding Old Time music around and you might even hear a little bit of flatpicking from Vera…if Jock allows!

New Essex Bluegrass Band Those who follow traditional Bluegrass cannot fault this band’s approach to the art. Award winners at the La Roche Bluegrass in France last summer, their performances around a single microphone with authentic dress and rock solid arrangements of Bluegrass standards are as close as you can get to seeing an original Bluegrass band live on stage as you might have in the nineteen forties. There’s just no one else in England who have got this format sown up the way the NEBB have. A top band for a top festival!

The Thunderbridge Bluegrass Boys Inspired by the "Soggy Bottom Boys" who featured so highly in the film “Oh Brother, where art’ thou?”, this set of boys have lasted longer on the circuit than the band that inspired them! These four great performers have been trading their wares all over the south west of England and beyond. They have put as much effort into producing an entertaining show as they have the originality of the music. Bluegrass fans love them and so does everybody else!

Bill Smarme and The Bizness Bill Smarme & The Bizness perform a unique brand of musical comedy; parodying bluegrass, rock 'n' roll, the great musicals, pub rock, easy listening and everything in between. Bill Smarme, fabled international entertainer and connoisseur of fine marmalades will sing songs of love, cement mixers, binder twine, and Twerton. And it's all in the best possible taste!

The Scoville Units Leon Hunt cannot be mistaken as the hottest and most creative 5 string banjo player in Britain. His band, have mastered the fine art of crossing over Celtic/Old Time Bluegrass styles creating a completely new sound. Their performances feature highly creative versions of tunes you might know but will rediscover in a new form. Probably one of Leon’s most exciting projects yet and one he is travelling on with a very talented team of high class musicians..

The Down County Boys With over forty years in the British Bluegrass business, the Down County Boys continue to pursue a distinguished career. Their longevity owes much to their encouragement of young players two of the more recent being Mandolinist Dan Norton and Banjo player Chris Cooper. The scene owes tis band huge respect for their professionalism and dedicated support of our favourite music. And just another thing, when they are on stage they deliver high quality shows.

A Band Like Alice A band that have been at the forefront of traditional Bluegrass in the United Kingdom for a long time now, Gary Payne and his musicians have in recent times allowed modernism to filter into their performances. With a new set and a wise choice of material, they have found new energy and prolonged their popularity on the circuit. The result is astounding, almost a new sound and new vitality, a clever move of direction! You can’t quite put your finger on it, it’s still "A Band Like Alice" but with a tinge of “je ne sais quoi!”

Adiran Ingram's Jazz Dawgs Band leader Adrian Ingram is an internationally renowned jazz guitarist and according to Bob Benedetto; “One of jazz guitar's most gifted players." The Jazz Dawgs are Ian Wroe; Guitar, Pete Wraith; Guitar and vocals and they are joined this weekend by talented young bass player from Northern Ireland; Bruce Reid. They describe their music as “Melodic Jazz & Swing that won’t frighten the horses.”

Miranda Sykes & Rex Preston As well as being a superb vocalist and double bassist, Miranda continues to surprise audiences with her musical versatility, and demonstrates her ability as a guitarist and interpreter of song, slipping effortlessly between genres. She has a strong repertoire of songs and is currently developing material for her 5th solo album project. She is joined by Rex Preston; the most virtuosic mandolin player in the UK today. His style & fluidity augments Miranda’s songs beautifully.

Wood Wire and Words A band that quietly came and blew audiences away with their beautifully crafted original material and harmony singing. Clare and Dave Rozzell, with the help of a seasoned Bluegrass boy, Pat Francis, just deliver, without fuss but with complete confidence. Absolutely fabulous music!

The Slowdown Boys The Slowdown Boys have a great love of old American country and folk music and their material bears this out with song and tunes from Charlie Poole, The Louvin Brothers and Doc Watson. Tight harmony singing, a fiddle, a mandolin, a guitar, a bass and the inevitable banjo bring these wonderful songs to life in a show that covers six decades of country music history.

Home Territory Home Territory comprises Gary Payne, Richard Holland, Emily Smith, Lennie Harvey, Joe Hymas and Sherryl Payne. They enjoy playing all flavours of bluegrass - traditional, hardcore and contemporary, with a smattering of swing in their endeavour to try to please all (the members of the band)! Based from Winchester to Basildon, the members of this band really enjoy playing together.

Percy Copley and the Hillbilly Hiccups Percy Copley and his band the Hillbilly Hiccups make a welcome return to the Didmarton Bluegrass Festival. Percy and his partner Alice join with Richard Collins and John Wirtz to give you an outstanding performance of songs ranging from the soulful to the humorous accompanied by some stunning instrumental playing. A band that play far too little and we can count ourselves lucky to get them to play at Didmarton once more.

The Kent Carters The Kent Carters are the UK’s tribute band to the original Carter Family of Maces Springs, Virginia, whose homespun singing charmed and comforted ordinary Americans through the 20s and then the Great Depression of the 30s, and helped to start off the history of recorded country music. Gill Sands (as Maybelle) plays with straight-pick and finger pick styles on Gibson L5 and Hawaiian guitars, as well as taking on the high harmony vocal role and some lead. Jane Richards (as Sara) takes most of the lead singing with her lovely vocals, and plays a Schmidt autoharp brought to the UK by Bill Clifton in the 1960s. Rick Townend sings the bass harmony, and sometimes lead; he occasionally (as did AP, though not on record) picks up the fiddle and, like AP, is a sort of musical co-ordinator.

Banjanova Banjanova play in a bright and fresh acoustic style that converges with Bluegrass, Folk and Jazz, plus a bit of Latin spirit. The line up includes an unusual mix of instruments like claw-hammer banjo, trumpet and tabla drums. The band play a selection of their own material, plus versions of songs by wide-ranging artists such as Tom Waits, Paolo Conte and Neil Young. Both Ian Lakin and Mal Salisbury have played at Didmarton in the past with Wrekin Havoc. Mal was also organiser of the Ironbridge Festival for many years.

Li'll Kitties Lucy ray and Mo Jackson were the driving force behind the popular Kitty Hawks who made a lot of friends at Didmarton and other festivals in the South of England. Lucy, now relocated in her home of North Carolina, and Mo have teamed up for a tour and happily are here for Didmarton where they make a welcome return.

The Stone Saloon The Stone Saloon is a Folk/Americana band from the South-West of England. Their approach to making music is natural and passionate, play heartfelt music the traditional way, but retaining an organic feel. The Stone Saloon sound is a gutsy, folk tinged amalgam of old-time, folk, west-coast vocal harmony and contemporary rock vigour. A band conmpletly in their element on stage and they ave been working the circuit tirelessly around the UK and have a few BBC sessions to their name.

Fastest to Canada Bluegrass fans decried this line up as “folk” but the very same people constantly remind us how much they like this band. A great line up of Bristol based musicians who in another life may well have threatened the supremacy of the big names like “Magna Carta” or “Fairport Convention”. They first wanted to play the festival because they liked it so much. Seems like a good marriage, as the festival like them too!

The Mendip String Band Familiar faces will take the stage under the banner of the “Mendip String Band” and treat you a mix of music ranging from Country Blues to Swing and Jazz. You will recognise a few faces who have graced the Didmarton stage in other bands but you will certainly not fail to notice the man fronting the show, Kevin Brown, slide guitarist extraordinaire. He wanted a good band so he recruited some great Bluegrass players, John Boston, Joff Lawson and Bill Crampton.

Salmagundi Put two great singers together in a room for long enough and this is what you get, a duo who owe little to anyone when it comes to singing and playing. Both Dan Norton and Guy Rogers are ubiquitous on the British Bluegrass scene and for just two quiet blokes, they have an amazing stage presence! Welcome back chaps, it’s good to see you again!

Dalebilly Dalebilly bring togahter three of the great voices in British Bluegrass. Father and Son, Kevin and Neil Garratt and Richard Collins playing guitars and mandolin respectively. Richard Holland on Banjo and Claire Collins on bass complete this stunning line up who are delivering some classy sets at festivals this year. With a line of that quality, you cannot fail and 2010 may well be Dalebilly's year. They are back at Didmarton by popular request!

Monroe's Revenge Didmarton wouldn't be Didmarton without Monroe's Revenge, who have played at every festival since it began in 1989. Their rootsy traditional style aims to capture the raw energy of the early pioneers of bluegrass – Bill Monroe, the Stanley Brothers, and Flatt and Scruggs – and apply it to more recent songs. Ballads of bad men and murder, heartache and loneliness, trains, planes and rabbit huntin' are interspersed with hard-driving virtuoso instrumental pieces from fiddle, banjo and mandolin.

Amy Harrison and The Second Hand String Band Amy Harrison and The Secondhand Stringband is a popular, Brighton-based Bluegrass and Country Music band. United by their love for the music, they perform traditional and contemporary numbers, brought to life by the strong vocals of Amy Harrison and the dynamic talents of Dan, Malc and Tim. An energetic mix of personalities comes together to give you a charming and vibrant show of heartache songs by artists such as Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley, Hank Williams, The Carter Family and more. This four-piece of passionate musicians provides hot banjo licks, fast flat pickin' guitar, devilish double bass and heartfelt harmonies. They work their hardest to entertain and offer a performance of addictive toe-tapping music, laughter and irreverent chatter.

The Dude Coopers The Dude Coopers Bluegrass band comprises of well seasoned Bluegrass performers that have played in Bluegrass bands all over the world, and are presently based in East Anglia. The Dude Coopers are true to the roots of Bluegrass, and really enjoy putting their individualism on some great traditional Bluegrass songs, but are also equally accomplished with more contemporary songs as well, including some original tunes to boot! Having a band with strong musicians, the band features a healthy amount of Bluegrass instrumentals in their set too. The band regularly plays the summer festivals and is sort after for music venues and private functions alike.So in a nut shell, a band that embraces all the facets of Bluegrass music in to their show.

Heather Bristow Heather Bristow and the New Essex Bluegrass Band made their first appearance together on stage this spring, playing a mixture of traditional material and Heather's original songs (she was a finalist in last year's UK Songwriting Contest). Her well-received debut CD of 15 original bluegrass/acoustic/folk songs, Hope on the Vine was launched at Didmarton last year, and has since received airplay all over the world. Heather's collaboration with Grahame, Greg, Mike, Paul & Terry represents an interesting departure for the ever-popular bluegrass band, as most of the material has been written by Heather. It includes lovely duets, a traditional bluegrass song or two and some gospel, of course. Heather will be joined ion stage by Isobel Merriman on harmony vocals.

The Hog Ranch Another of those bands that found their feet at Sore Fingers Week making legendary performances in that high profile event, the SFSS Student Concert!. They have come a long way since then performing around the Bristol area and at Bluegrass Festivals and it was never going to be long before they came knocking at the Didmarton’s door! Well here they are and you will be glad as The Hog Ranch play a range of Bluegrass and Americana including some self penned numbers. A band on the up.

Home Made Jam Home Made Jam was formed in 1997 by Russell and Betty Cooper, and included Ray Prior on fiddle and Mairi Murison on double bass. Ray had been playing with Midnight Special in the Aberdeen area for a few years and came to the jam session at the Oxford Bar when he moved to Edinburgh. His partner Mairi joined in on bass a year later and also started singing with the band. In 1999, Cameron Oliphant came in with the banjo to replace “moothie” player Ken Kennedy. With a 3-year residency on the Royal Mile every Saturday night, the band built up a wide repertoire of American-based music. They still pride themselves on being able to play for days at festivals and sessions without repeating themselves (unless requested, of course!) Unfortunately, Russell died of a brain tumour in 2002, and the band continued as a 4-piece, playing at festivals, pubs and clubs around the UK, including the BBMA AGM. They toured Shetland twice, and met Stewart Pottinger, a mandolin player, Ricky Skaggs fan, and keen bluegrass picker. Eventually, Betty and Stewart fell in love and Stewart joined the band! They marry in June 2010. With 4 singers, the variety of styles offered by this band is second to none. Add the instrumental prowess of Ray, Cameron and Stewart, and an amazingly eclectic mix of material is delivered with skill and charm. Influences range from old bluegrass greats such as the Stanley Brothers and Jimmy Martin, to modern phenomena such as Rhonda Vincent, Dan Tyminski and the Dixie Chicks. As the name of the band suggests, all the members recognise the debt they owe to the many great session musicians who help them hone their skills. Sessions are still their passion and no festival is complete without a Home Made Jam! Polished stage performances are usually followed by energetic jam sessions in the local pub or campsite, often into the wee small hours. Musicians, young and old, are welcomed and encouraged, and every session is different. The band host a massive session at Girvan Folk Festival every year and for the past three years, their gospel session at Montrose Music Festival has been very popular. Home Made Jam have been responsible for turning folk club audiences on to bluegrass music in and around Edinburgh with their charm and musicianship, making new friends, nurturing each other’s talents, and just having a good time! They look forward to another adventurous year at Girvan, Shetland, Montrose, Guildtown and Didmarton!

About Time Jason and Richard and Dominic have been playing together since Jason was thin and Richard had hair, having played for a brief spell together in the very talented 'Natural Hazzard' back in the 90's they have been talking about doing it again sometime and now after 20 years they thought enough was enough and the time had come. Richard Collins plays banjo in the popular bluegrass band A band like Alice and mandolin along side the mandolin genius Simon Mayor in the Mandolinquents, Jason Titley was a founder member of the Daily Planet and more recently played guitar and mandolin in Rabbi John. Dominic Harrison also played in the Daily Planet and now fronts the Fiasco Brothers. All great players on more than one instrument the boys plan to work up some original tunes and songs and pick some standards but with an inability to stick to the rules who knows what will happen.

The Old Grey Dogs The Old Grey Dogs are a new force on the British bluegrass scene and are fast establishing themselves as a band not to miss. Their material covers it all, from traditional harmony songs through to Kruger/Fleck instrumentals. The Dogs feature the wonderful harmony singing of the Loeber Brothers, combine this with Joe Mac’s already proven banjo work and the solid guitar of Bob Mclean and you have a mixture of pure quality Bluegrass.

Native Grass Native Grass was formed by East Kent based friends who developed their own take on of early Bluegrass and Old Time material, featuring frailing banjo, two finger style picking, close harmony singing, bluesy weissenborn slides and a dash and a flash of Appalachian clogging. Band members are Alison Adams from Dartford (mandolin, guitar and vocals) George Abbott (banjo and weissenborn), Lesley Howe (rhythm guitar, vocals, clogging) both from Whitstable and Bob Smith (bass) also from Whitstable. Influences and inspiration include a plethora of the greats of early Bluegrass and Old Time music, the songs of the Carter Family, the singing of Alice Gerrard and the harmonies of Beverly Smith and Carl Jones.

Appalachia Fusion string band Appalachia is a perfect blend of strings, voices and musical styles. Their inspired take on American roots music combines blues, country, jazz, ragtime, and bluegrass with their own unique approach, to create a potent brew which moves audiences....and makes them move! Band members James Slater, Richard Burley, Danny Ward and Douglas Hamilton met on the Southwest England acoustic circuit and discovered to their delight that they created something really special when they played together. They are all compelling singer songwriters and seasoned multi-instrumentalists in their own right. As Appalachia, they deliver finely crafted four-part harmonies and a repertoire which draws on harmonica, guitar, slide, dobro, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, and double bass. James’s original arrangements and anchored rhythm guitar provide a strong backbone for Danny’s accomplished ragtime/blues picking on guitar and banjo and Richard’s unique style of jazz and blues influenced guitar and mandolin, while Doug, from Wisconsin USA, holds down the bottom end on double bass. Appalachia win audiences over with their lively sound, heartfelt delivery, and masterful musicianship and soon the whole room is drawn into their world and bouncing along with them.

Bands from past festivals