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 2013 line-up includes:

The Claire Lynch Band After a flying visit in 2010, Claire Lynch is back at Didmarton to headline the event. The band enjoyed their stay so much last time, it was easy to entice them to cross the Atlantic once again and play some dates over here. They went down an absolute storm last time so we are in for another treat of singing and picking with this great line up. 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 Bryan McDowell, all award-winning bluegrass and acoustic stars in their own right. (photo: Senor McGuire)

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!”

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!

Land's End Lands End - Bluegrass and Roots music with a Celtic edge Lands End are Richie Foley (mandolin), Hugh Murray (guitar), Paddy Kiernan (banjo), Sam Draper (fiddle), Bruno Pichler (dobro) and Sam Rose (double bass), a diverse group of musicians who crossed paths at the UK's premier Bluegrass workshop, Sore Fingers. The members hail from Cork, Galway, Dublin, Gloucestershire, Munich and Liverpool and the name Lands End pays tribute to their different geographical origins. Lands End also recognises a Tim O'Brien tune of the same name, which was the first piece of music they played together as a group. Although their music is strongly embedded in the bluegrass tradition, each member brings the distinctive sound of their own musical tradition to the musical arrangements of Land's End.

Monroe's Revenge Didmarton without Monroe’s Revenge would be like Popeye without Olive Oyl, a burger without relish or a dog without a flea. Something would be missing. And here they are again, like an itch that needs to be scratched! Seriously, for many people, MR’s set is an unmissable highlight of the festival. Heading up their usual mix of hard-driving traditional bluegrass this year is the redoubtable Gary Payne on guitar and vocals. Backed by the usual team of founder-member Roger Blackbourn (banjo), Dick Embery on (bass), Richard Partridge (fiddle) and Joe Hymas (mandolin), they are sure to be cooking with gas!

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 in 2009, 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 Carrivick Sisters "The average musician would give their left arm to be able to play instruments like these girls but the Carrivick Sisters can not only sing very well but when they harmonise…my legs went weak at the knees" Maverick Magazine, April 2011 Multi-instrumentalists Laura and Charlotte Carrivick have played at Didmarton as pint-sized performers and return in 2013 as confident executors of the finest acoustic melodies. Playing a mix of accomplished self-penned songs alongside well known bluegrass and folk tunes, the Carrivick’s reputation precedes them. With a busy international touring schedule supporting such luminaries as Crooked Still, we’re lucky to entice them back to glamorous Gloucestershire.

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.

The Wagon Tales For the last couple of years, The Wagon Tales have been steadily establishing themselves as the U.K’s most exciting alternative bluegrass band. Deeply respectful of tradition but never afraid to step beyond it, the band delivers classic bluegrass and intriguing original material with a virtuosity and passion usually only seen in stateside outfits. As at home tearing into an incendiary instrumental at breakneck speed as they are delivering delicate three and four part vocal harmonies, The Wagon Tales captivate their audience and let them in to share the sheer joy with which they make their music

Anna Ryder Anna first attended the Didmarton Bluegrass Festival when it was at the Holford Arms many years ago. She distinguished herself by introducing a new instrument to the Bluegrass sound: "The French Horn" on which she took a blistering solo to Foggy Mountain Breakdown! Unforgettable! With such boldness we couldn't resist her wish to become a festival favourite and it is fitting that she appears as part of the twenty fifth aniversary line up. And when she's not on stage, you'll find her playing the accordion (another of Bill Monroe's lost instruments) by the camp fire! Now that's value isn't it? 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. Anna was here last year, and two years before that... There's no stopping her!

Flats and Sharps Just two years ago, we described this band as on of the newest names on the British Bluegrass scene… It would take most bands ten years to achieve what they have in this short time. Gigs for Ralph Laurent fashion shows, an appearance at the Royal Albert Hall, a trip to play a festival in France and many, many gigs all over the West Country and further afield. This year saw the release of their first album and they go from strength to strength. Last year at Didmarton, they became Peter Rowan’s backing band for a couple of numbers and then took the stage for their own explosive set. Their attitude towards their audience is exemplary and they seduce with charm and great Bluegrass music. Parents, lock up your daughters…. Certainly a band to watch and enjoy once more on the Didmarton stages. They are definitely going to be a big part of the next twenty five years of the British Bluegrass scene. So lets join them to celebrate Twenty five years of great music at Didmarton.

Miranda Sykes and Rex Preston MIRANDA SYKES & REX PRESTON have a unique connection - which is a pleasure to listen to and plain to see when they share a stage together. MIRANDA SYKES is well known as the third member of SHOW OF HANDS. She is one of the few female double bassists in England & is an accomplished singer in her own right. Miranda holds her audience spellbound: it is the emotional quality of her voice that makes her musical partnership with Rex so engaging, rather than the novelty of such an unusual musical pairing as the double bass & mandolin. REX PRESTON has a reputation as a fine & imaginative mandolin player and is a leading light in a new wave of British Bluegrass musicians. He is a rising star in mandolin-playing circles and with 20 years of playing behind him, he possesses a wonderfully sensitive musicality and a dexterous, flamboyant playing style. The rare fusion of double bass & mandolin makes for one of the most exciting new pairings on the acoustic roots scene. Miranda & Rex interweave timeless, well chosen covers with one or two Preston originals. Their backgrounds, as well as skilful instrumentation & warm engaging vocals have shaped their unique sound.

Ponchartrain Formed over 20 years ago. Today’s line up features two of the original members Paul & Jean. “Paul’s career started in the early 1970’s playing and singing around the folk /blues clubs of Bristol and London. From Roots Blues to R & B and Country /Rockabilly to Comedy Jazz and Bluegrass he has been a mainstay of numerous bands through the period. In addition to radio and TV work he has backed and supported the likes of Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, Patsy Montana, Doctor Ross, Champion Jack Dupree, Jo-Anne Kelly, Flaco Jimminez and numerous 50’s Rockabilly legends as sideman with Cardiff based Rockabilly band the “Rimshots”. Paul has also toured and recorded with Van Morrison and appears on two of Vans’ albums “You Win Again” and “Pay The Devil”. In addition to all this he fronts Rootsy/Cajun/Country band “Ponchartrain” with Jean Godden on fiddle and accordion (Kelvin Henderson Band, Jo-Anne Kelly, Rimshots). The band also features “the legendary” Stig Manley on lead guitar (Cowpokes, Shane), Joe Alan on double bass (The Hookum Boys) and Tim Robinson on drums (Daily Planet and beyond).

All The Queens Ravens All The Queen’s Ravens are an enigmatic six-piece at large on the London folk scene. Their music is a flamboyant bi-lingual mix of folk, pop and americana alluding to blues, gospel and sultry flamenco, delivering a foot-stomping, dress-swirling bagful of magic. Fronted by two ladies with a devilish vocal chemistry and style, their lyrics take a sidelong glance at obsession, death and good old fashioned romance, feverishly combining influences such as Kate Bush, Johnny Cash, PJ Harvey, Slayer, Fleetwood Mac and Cat Power to name but a few. Their songwriting is accomplished and intricate, with delicate bi-lingual harmonies backed by mandolin, percussion, upright bass and acoustic guitar. Drawing crowds to some of London’s most prominent venues including The Borderline, The Half Moon Putney, Hootenanny Brixton and Green Note Camden, their irrepressible energy makes All The Queen’s Ravens’ live performance a truly captivating experience. Think the soundtrack to the best Tarantino film he never made. New album ‘Hearts for Judas’ released 2013.

Bob Phillips & The Dylan Rythm Band Originally conceived and formed by Bob as the 7 piece Street Legal Band in 2001 to celebrate the great man’s 60th birthday to give a single concert.However following the fantastic response the band was invited to perform further gigs and the rest as they say is history. Since then they have been performing regularly around the country and over the years has received great reviews appearing to name but a few at Cambridge, Dartmouth and Warwick Music Festivals. Over the years the band has evolved into its current 5 piece line up whilst still maintaining the original feel and interpretation of the music. This first time at the Didmarton Festival. Their present line up is:- Bob Phillips Acoustic guitar and vocals, Frank Richards Electric guitars and vocals, Keith Hancock Bass guitar and vocals, Sammy Powell Blues Harmonica and Tony Cox Drums. The band is guaranteed to please Dylan fans old and new.

Contraband Another top British Bluegrass band, Contraband play a mix of the traditional with a country and blues influence. A favourite with Didmarton regulars, they’ll bring a mixture of ballads and upbeat songs featuring some amazing banjo and mandolin solos. The music 'moves', as they say!

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. Always popular with audiences, these guys have been linked with Didamrton for probably Twenty five years! Another band who had to there.

North Drive North Drive is a Winchester based band – playing Bluegrass covers and original material and arrangements. The band played five festival stages in its first year including Dimarton. Their first album is out and a fine product is is too! Absolutely great singing and harmony! Place a tick by their playing times, you just cannot afford to miss their performance.

Papa Truck Papa Truck are an entertaining new band from a town steeped in bluegrass history - High Wycombe. They have been influenced by a wide variety of music, from The Beatles and Van Halen, to George Formby and Union Station and have just pressed their debut album containing 14 original songs.

Stompin' Dave Stompin’ Dave has been very active the past ten years or so working across the south of the UK and beyond. Making his living performing on banjo, guitar, and fiddle whilst simultaneously singing and flat footing. Dave performs bluegrass and old-time music. Previously performed at Glastonbury Festival, The Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival, The Great Dorset Steam Fair, Wessex Folk Festival, Wadebridge Folk Festival, Southsea Folk & Roots Festival to name but a few. Making his debut appearance at Didmarton. Winner of the FOAOTMAD old-time banjo contest 2011. “One of the world’s greatest performers” Maverick Magazine.

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!

High Weald Ridge Kent-based High Weald Ridge entertainingly craft bluegrass and new-acoustic their way. There’s the distinctive voice of Gill Sands (Also ‘Maybelle’ in The Kent Carters); the tasty mandolin playing of Ian Cording (ex Wealden Grass); the classically trained voice of Rachel Norman and the inventive guitar playing of Peter Jennings (ex Now & Then). An eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary – including self-penned songs about the joys of going to bluegrass festivals, disreputable ‘hobo’ bankers and Surrey cowboys – makes High Weald Ridge refreshingly different.

The Grass Snakes The Grass Snakes are a new bluegrass band, an offshoot from South Walean outfit Roots and Galoots. They play an exciting mix of bluegrass classics and other material, using traditional bluegrass instrumentation of Fiddle, Banjo, Guitar, Mandolin, Double Bass and 3/4 part harmony vocal, delivered in the high, lonesome way. They performed live together for the first time on 5th January 2013 to a very enthusiastic crowd. However, none of them is a stranger to appearing in the public arena, as they have over 140 years of gigging experience between them. Experience and influences include Rock and Roll, Jazz, Blues, Cajun, Zydeco, Motown, Soul, Traditional Welsh, English, Irish and American folk, Gospel, Choral and Madrigal Singing and, of course, Bluegrass. This diversity of influences adds a refreshing zest to their take on traditional bluegrass as they also take material from these other musical canvasses and create their own bluegrass landscape.

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.

The Woodberrys The Woodberrys formed in 2011 at the Sorefingers Bluegrass week as a scratch band, performing two original numbers at the student concert. Their performance went down so well and they had such fun playing together that they decided to keep it going. Several festivals later, they are still busily writing and arranging new songs, often with intricate and powerful harmonies. There are three singers and songwriters in the band (Lizzie Taylor, Roger Jackson and Sue Pomeroy) and bass player Dick Embery holds down the beat with some steady and sensitive playing. In addition to their singing, Roger Jackson and Sue Pomeroy also play both guitar and mandolin, and Lizzie Taylor plays guitar. Outright winners of Ely Folk Festival’s band competition, the judges said that The Woodberrys ‘presented a wonderful freshness and liveliness and a great full sound’.

Applejacks 'Appalachian clogging' can refer to a range of dance styles from improvised solo 'flat-footing' to choreographed set pieces. Applejacks dance mainly the latter. Based in North Bristol, the membership comes from as far as Bath, Nailsea and Stroud. What brings them together is a love of the exciting, percussive dance style of the Appalachian Mountains of the south-eastern United States and a universal determination to ignore the fact that most of them are far too old to be doing anything so energetic.

Bands from past festivals