Brian King takes us through the 2016 Kimpton Folk Festival line-up
Kimpton Folk Festival may be the new kid on the block, but we believe we are about to achieve something a bit special – providing a showcase for exceptional local musicians and singers alongside established stars of the folk world such as Nancy Kerry and James Fagan.
Nancy and James are undoubtedly the poster boy and girl of our first ever Kimpton Folk Festival, but we are confident that we will send audiences away equally impressed and delighted by the breadth and depth of our local talent.
The festival is a multi-events with concerts in the Kimpton Memorial Hall, our beautiful 12th Century church and under a giant marquee on the village green. For details and tickets go to our Festival website.
As well as Nancy and James, other big stars from the folk world appearing include John Dipper and Dave Malkin, Worry Dolls, Jacquelyn Hynes Trio, Jaywalkers and Wild Willy Barrett. Willy recently brought his wonderful French Connection band to Kimpton for a sell-out curtain-raiser concert which has whetted local appetites for the main event on July 9. Willy will be returning with his Loose Connection band.
But the Kimpton Folk Festival organising team are particularly proud of the many local artists who will be appearing.
Fresh from tours supporting major artists such as Cara Dillon, Phil Beer and Thea Gilmour, singer-songwriter Kelly Oliver will be singing songs from her acclaimed new album “Bedlam”. Kelly is an undoubted star in the making and has already been identified as “an emerging voice in British Folk” by Bob Harris.
Greek born George Papavgaris is a prolific singer-songwriter who performs witty and uplifting songs with a lilting accent and deceptively simple guitar style,. Widely admired throught the folk world his songs have been covered by such artists as Roy Bailey, Andy Irvine, and Vin Garbutt.
The Foxglove Trio are multi instrumentalists who perform mostly traditional songs from around the British isles in English and Welsh. These talented musicians are known for their beautiful harmonies creative new arrangements and engaging live performances.
Ben Smith’s musical style was influenced by the greats of blues, funk, folk and beyond. He’s supported artists such as Joan Armatrading, Wilko Johnson and Stefan Grossman and has recently released two brilliant new albums, one live the other recorded in studio.
Singer-songwriter Emily Slade will enchant with her broad range of traditional and contemporary songs. Her highly-acclaimed CDs marked her out as another important voice on the folk scene, and resulted a nomination for a BBC Radio Horizon Award.
Batkin.Hill are a new duo consisting of well-known local multi-instrumentalist Clive Batkin and classical guitarist, Dorset-based Richard. They write and play sensitive and evocative instrumental pieces.
Malcolm Hobbs, one of the organisers of the local Redbourn Folk Club, sings a mixture of traditional and contemporary songs from both sides of Atlantic and further afield, accompanying himself on bouzouki and mandola..
More local performers will be appearing on a free stage on the village green, including the Dan Raza Band, ukulele band The Ver Players, GBH and many more. Events in the marquee culminate in a high-octane ceilidh for all-comers.
As well as the music, Kimpton Folk Festival offers workshops, at least two bars (not counting our excellent village pub The Boot), and a wide variety of food and craft stalls.
So what’s not to like? Tickets are selling well so buy yours now.