Author: Graham Smith

John Otway is an English singer-songwriter who has built a sizeable cult audience through extensive touring, a surreal sense of humour and a self-deprecating underdog persona. Otway had to wait until 1977 before his dream of fame and fortune become a reality. Having caught the eye of the producers of the BBC’s Old Grey Whistle…

VENUE – THE VICTORY HALL, BROUGHTON-IN-FURNESSDoors Open – 6.45pmPerformance starts – 7.45pm “Voted best band at 2014’s Cropredy Convention, and named THE band to see at Glastonbury by the Huffington Post, 2014 also saw Blackbeard’s Tea Party make a huge impact at festivals as diverse as Shrewsbury Folk Festival, Costa Del Folk in Spain, and…

RICHARD DIGANCERichard is a BAFTA Nominated  entertainer and a Gold Award recipient from The British Academy of Composers and Songwriters. He is also listed in the Virgin Anthology of Music as an influential writer of comedic songs. Not many guitarists have played a duet with Queen’s Brian May, worked with Steve Martin, played an acoustic set…

“The more you listen, the more there is to discover.” Bob Harris Steve Tilston is one of our most celebrated songsmiths, widely recognised within the world of folk and contemporary music; the words, arrangements and subtle, quite superb guitar playing could be no one else and after 45 years in the business Steve can still deliver…

As this is our 5th Birthday celebration, we decided that it would be apt to invite along the artist that opened our very first gig all the way back in 2011, Flossie Malavialle. as she provided us with a fantastic memorable night. So how did Phil get involved?Well when chatting with Phil and telling him…

With a voice like spider-webbed hollows and lyrics that inspire and captivate, Martha Tilston has developed a successful musical career with a large and loyal following worldwide. Martha has played on some of the world’s most prestigious stages and festivals. She has recorded and released several critically acclaimed albums, gained a nomination for BBC best…

Jess Morgan will have you sloshed and woozy over a tumbler of songwriting so disarmingly uncomplicated, it could be the best kept secret on the folk scene right now. Morgan’s spirited, story-fuelled songs are anchored by warmth of delivery, with her easily distinguishable voice carried over the driving wheels of unfancified claw-hammer-finger-style guitar playing. A prolific…

All I ever wanted to be was a writer of songs. From the minute I heard Barry Maguire singing the song “Eve of Destruction” and held the single “Like A Rolling Stone” by Dylan in my hand. From those beautiful Sunday evenings I would sit and watch Al Stewart, John Martyn, Claire Hamill and Christy…

In the era of tribute acts who deliver note-perfect renditions of their heroes’ catalogues, the Band Of Friends is something different. They can do the notes played by electric blues icon Rory Gallagher. But they can also do the sound, energy and feel – because the band includes people who helped define those essential elements.…

During 17 years of part-time touring, Kip Winter (vocals, accordion, guitar, flute) and Dave Wilson (vocals, guitar, banjo) built a reputation for fine songs, stunning harmonies and spontaneous, (occasionally outrageous!) off-the-wall humour. Dave Wilson is now recognised as one of the UK’s best contemporary, acoustic songwriters. A great wordsmith, his songs are sometimes challenging, often lyrical, but always poetic…