Bands and Concerts

[Concert Schedule] [Workshop Schedule]

Didmarton boasts an impressive line-up every year, with bands from North America, Great Britain and Europe. Bands playing at the 2008 festival include:

Cadillac Sky American band Cadillac Sky are one of the hottest new groups in bluegrass and released their debut album Blind Man Walking last year. They have already earnt an IBMA Award nomination (2007 Emerging Artist) and are set for even bigger success in future. They are known for their hard-driving, progressive sound and "powerhouse vocals, incredible instrumental chops, and refreshingly original songwriting skills". They feature Bryan Simpson on mandolin and lead vocals, Matt Menefee on banjo, guitarist Mike Jump, fiddler Ross Holmes and Andy Moritz on bass.

More Growling Old Men Growling Old Men are guitarist John Lowell and mandolinist Ben Winship and hail from Montana and Idaho, respectively. They play "an eclectic mix of music including bluegrass, americana, folk, swing and original songs" and are now regular visitors to the UK having toured here several times over the past few years. The duo will be performing with Leon Hunt on banjo, Dom Harrison on bass and Brian Wicklund on fiddle in a line-up known as More Growling Old Men.

New Essex Bluegrass Band The New Essex Bluegrass Band has enjoyed over twelve years as perhaps the most traditional sounding of all the UK bluegrass bands. The material comes from the repertoires of the early bluegrass bands, Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, Stanley Brothers, Reno & Smiley, and Jim & Jesse, as well as more modern bands who have created fresh new work in the same tradition. Banjo, mandolin and fiddle drive the faster songs, and provide subtle back-up to the authentic duet and trio vocal harmonies of the slower songs.

The Thunderbridge Bluegrass Boys This group is from Wellington, Somerset and performs traditional sounding bluegrass based on excellent vocal harmonies and original songwriting. Formed in 2005 the band have already built up a strong reputation and loyal following and are sure to please Didmarton audiences with their entertaining live show.

The Down County Boys One of the most successful and longest-running bluegrass bands in the UK. They are strong believers in promoting bluegrass to a wide audience and have won many awards for their professional approach and high quality musicianship.

Monroe's Revenge Regulars at Didmarton (they haven't missed one yet!), this band draw much of their material from the archives of classic bluegrass although occasional forays into everything from old time country to newgrass results in a repertoire of broad appeal.

Doghouse Central Doghouse Central are John Dowling on banjo and vocals, Ian Reddy on guitar and vocals, and Russ Williams on the double bass and vocals. They blend rockabilly with bluegrass and jazz, and have been enjoying a huge amount of success with their high-energy set.

Rabbi John Now entering their third year Rabbi John are still writing catchy and groove based material and with plans to release the third album they are sticking to the three theme and are now a trio, although for Didmarton be prepared for an extra treat! The band are Jason Titley on guitar and mandolin, Paul Bienek on banjo and vocals and Duncan Kingston on bass.

Deep River Band Deep River Band is one of the most dynamic and sizzling sounds to hit the world of bluegrass. In constant demand for festivals worldwide, this is exciting music for all occasions.

Kick Up The Grass Kick Up The Grass feature Carrivick Sisters Charlotte (on mandolin and vocals) and Laura (on dobro, fiddle and vocals). The twins have enjoyed tremendous success this year as a duo but for Didmarton they will be joined by fellow bluegrass youngsters Jacey Harris on guitar and John 'Dangerous' Breese on the 5-string. Completing the line up is bassist Jules Bushell from the Thunderbridge Bluegrass Boys.

Hillfillies Swedish band Hillfillies were formed in 2002 when three school friends, Anne, Lina and Kajsa, decided it was time to do something themselves rather than just being in "other people’s" bands. Having discovered "old fashioned country music" by listening to Dolly Parton and Dixie Chicks amongst others, the decision was taken to start a bluegrass band with mainly female musicians.

Percy Copley and the Hillbilly Hiccups Percy Copley has been playing in and around Disneyland Paris and in France for the last 14 years. With material from bluegrass to country blues and old time he is joined by regular bass player Manolo Gonzales with excellent help and support from Richard Collins on the banjo and John Wirtz on the guitar. Don't forget your mule.

The KittyHawks The KittyHawks are a band featuring Lucy Ray on vocals and mandolin, Mo Jackson on banjo and vocals, Muddy John on guitar, Moira Fraser on bass and Richard Partridge on fiddle and vocals. Their repertoire is rooted in traditional old-time but some songs are contemporary and some are plucked from other musical styles but given an old-time twist, all interwoven with Lucy and Mo's beautiful harmonies creating a mix of high and lonesome, gospel and good old foot tapping stomps.

Contraband Contraband has been in existence since the early eighties; it evolved from a straight "hard-core" bluegrass band via a number of other influences (country, blues and acoustic folk) to its current "Rootsy" approach to the music. The personnel comprise Rick Tarrant, Hamish Gavin, Mark Leggett, Richard Holland and Richard Hampton.

Heads Heads are 4 lads who have been playing together in sessions on the Irish traditional scene for the best part of 5 years. Featuring Sam Proctor on fiddle, Liam Stapleton on flute and whistles, Danny Cameron on button accordion and David Kosky on guitar, Heads deliver raw, exciting and uncompromising tunes straight from the thriving Irish traditional music scene in the UK. A huge hit at last year's festival, they are sure to prove popular once again in 2008.

The Slowdown Boys The Slowdown Boys play a mixture of bluegrass, old-time American and country music. Old friends united by a common love of traditional American folk music in all its forms, the band are all veteran musicians and performers with many years of gigging experience between them.

Anna Ryder Anna is a superb singer-songwriter and talented multi-instrumentalist whose songs are consistently original and inventive. She combines a captivating stage presence with an endearing naivety that reaches out to the whole audience. Her performance at the 2007 festival was so well received we had to invite her back!

Salmagundi This duo is comprised of Guy Rogers on guitar, vocals, 5 string banjo and mandolin, along with Dan Norton on vocals, mandolin, guitar and octave mandolin. They play music drawn from a wide variety of styles and influences, the only apparent constraint is that it is acoustic.

Bill Smarme and The Bizness Bill and his band perform a brand of rockabilly and country unlikely to be seen elsewhere. Caring little for convention, they draw their material from pop, stage musicals, heavy metal, rock'n'roll and bluegrass, all performed with tongue firmly in cheek and in the best possible taste!

Ponchartrain Ponchartrain describe themselves as "a cajun, jug band, bluegrass, blues, rockabilly, country party sort of ting!!!"

The Loose String Band The Loose String Band have a passion for old-timey mountain music, bluegrass and gospel. They feature guitarist and vocalist Pete Dunn, fiddle playing wizard Liz Tetbury, mandolinist Mark Clements, Martin Moss on banjo and the beautifully voiced Chrissie Hammonds.

Jenny Crook Regarded as one of the best Celtic harp players in Britain, Jenny is also a competent guitarist and is becoming increasingly recognised as a talented songwriter. She has taken the harp into the territory of rock, country and blues. Jenny has been performing at concerts and festivals for many years and leads harp classes and workshops internationally and is much sought after as a teacher.

Gypsy Fire An eclectic blend of Spanish, Latin and European acoustic Gypsy Jazz Guitar. Gypsy Fire has an unmistakable ambiance that is fuelled with romance passion and fire.

Half Cut Grass A new bluegrass band from the west of England, featuring banjo, mandolin, guitar and bass.

Honey On My Grave A 4-piece band that brings together old time, blues and original songs with a bit of country attitude. The band was formed following jam sessions at acoustic festivals around Bristol.

James Slater Singer-songwriter James is a regular performer on the south west music scene. His song writing has produced an eclectic mix of songs which showcase his love of all styles.

Sandy and Graham Ball Sandy and Graham are both great singers and musicians, drawing from both traditional and contemporary sources.

Smoke Fairies A folk duo from London featuring Jessica Davies and Katherine Blamire.

The Fallen Apples The Fallen Apples draw from a large roster of great songs from 'Good ol' tradional folk songs, country classics, high flying hillbilly reels, low down bluesy ballads, jigs, knees-ups and swinging boogie woogie. They manage to mix fun, musicianship and show into an intoxicating brew making a good time guaranteed.

Bands from past festivals