The Gin Bowlers
We're getting the Assembly Rooms dance floor out for a pre-Christmas knees up with the rowdy swing sounds of The Gin Bowlers.
Gigspanner
Peter Knight’s Gigspanner Trio have established their reputation as one of the most genuinely ground-breaking forces on the British folk scene.
Home of the Free presents…
Presteigne residents Alex Valentine and Dave Luke, delivering original songs and classy interpretations in the country-folk genre. WIth support from Jakey Boy Hughes and Jessica Rising
Andy Skellam
Andy is a Bristol based, alt-folk musician his poetic and highly visual lyrics and warm unaffected voice are accompanied by Bill Frampton on bass and Pete Warner on drums. Supported by Presteigne’s own Iris Rei.
Keith James performs the songs of Leonard Cohen
With a lifetime of performing and an undying love of the ‘pure song’ Keith James gives you a concert of Cohen’s amazing material in the most intimate and sensitive way.
VELVET VIOLIN present LITTLE RUMBA & LA GRINGA NEGRA
The Velvet Violin is back with music from Little Rumba, La Gringa Negra plus another pop quiz.
The Will Barnes Quartet
The Will Barnes Quartet, in collaboration with skilled landscape artist Erin Hughes, are proud to present their debut album, ‘Source of the Severn’. Will Barnes (guitar) is joined by James Batten (drums), Jack Gonsalez (piano) and Clovis Phillips (bass) - a tight collective of highly experienced jazz instrumentalists.
Home of the Free
Presteigne residents Alex Valentine and Dave Luke, delivering original songs and classy interpretations in the country-folk genre. On this occasion their soaring harmonies presented on a bed of string instruments will be augmented by local maestro John Hymas
Dom Pipkin & The Ikos
One of Europe’s most authentic and spirited blues and jazz piano players “The soul of New Orleans in the UK” Dom Pipkin is at the forefront of musicians keeping the classic New Orleans sound alive. His world-travelled band The Ikos have taken New Orleans funk and blues and created from it their own unique sound and songs.
Jim Ghedi and Toby Hay
Jim Ghedi and Toby Hay are a duo project between two finger style guitarists, coming together to blend influences and different styles of playing to create a unique sound for guitar based folk music. Their self titled album is out on Topic Records and is their second collaboration after 2018’s The Hawksworth Grove Sessions.
Sam Lewis
Sam Lewis has collaborated with everyone from Leon Russell to The Wood Brothers. Chris Stapleton dubbed him “a modern Townes Van Zandt”. Lewis’ style meets at a juncture of many different genres however he’s discovered what most musicians spend lifetimes working for; the place where feel-good music meets vital social commentary.
Jody White
Jody speaks about his debut book Chimera with author Ian Marchant.
Jody White’s eighteenth year of life filled his heart with young love – only to break him apart. Diagnosed with a rare form of Acute Leukaemia, he was given just two weeks to live.
Ivan Moult
Ivan Moult’s signature sound, combining 1960s/70s folk and blues with a contemporary touch, is on full display as he showcases his strongest album yet. Influenced by artists like J.J. Cale, Nina Simone, and Tim Buckley, Ivan's original and unique voice is at the centre of the soundscape, layered with harmonies and delay-soaked electric guitars.
ICHI
ICHI, from Nagoya in Japan, takes the notion of a one-man band to new limits, combining his quirky handmade instrument inventions (Stilt-bass, Kalilaphone, Balloon-pipes, Hatbox-pedal-drum, Tapumpet, Percussion-shoes & Hattrick-hat) with steel-drum, ping-pong balls, typewriter, toys & everyday objects all in the space of one short set.
ICHI will be supported by Emma Daman from psychedelic supremos Islet, performing some of her new solo work.
Allison De Groot & Tatiana Hargreaves
Allison de Groot & Tatiana Hargreaves are two of the most admired musicians on today’s roots music scene. This acclaimed Canadian-American duo draws on influences from folk, old time Americana and bluegrass, creating a sound that’s adventurous, masterful, and original.
The Golden Fleece
Sheep Music and Mid Border Arts present The Golden Fleece, a one day festival of psychedelic pop, alternative folk and a little bit of funk with a spoken word stage and kids activities throughout the day.
Budapest Cafe Orchestra
Journey from one emotional pole to another: from a tragic ancient Jewish melody to a Romanian or Russian dance and all the fiery exuberance in between.
Me and My Friends
Me and My Friends play soulful, poignant music with a beat: a unique blend of Afrobeat grooves with deliciously rich harmonies, languidly graceful cello and playfully funky clarinet, all tied together by the hauntingly elegant voice of singer and guitarist Nick Rasle.
Vera van Heeringen
A compelling performer, Vera van Heeringe conveys an easy warmth on stage. Her live performances are intimate, understated affairs, allowing the music to speak for itself. Vera tours with a watertight acoustic trio featuring Andy Seward on double bass and Dave Luke on guitar, vocals and mandolin.
Firelight Trio
Firelight Trio is a new trio featuring accordionist Phil Alexander (Moishe's Bagel), renowned Scottish fiddle player Gavin Marwick, and Ruth Morris on the beautiful Swedish Nyckelharpa.
Faith i Branko
Leading Serbian Roma violinist Branko Ristic and English accordionist Faith Elliott bring their virtuosic original Roma-influenced music and their international ensemble to Assembly Rooms for a dance night.
The Velvet Violin
Sunday night cabaret is back in Presteigne! The Violet Violin with Around About Dusk, Little Rumba, DJ André Voiture Rouge and an Elvis-based quiz.