Music / What's On
Bristol’s month in folk and roots – October 2024
October feels like a month where things return to Bristol. Not only are the streets filled with returning students but there are countless folk and roots bands we’ve seen before making very welcome return visits.
Returning to Downend this month is Bellowhead cellist Rachael McShane along with her band the Cartographers on October 18. Combining brilliant trad songs, a warm cosiness and a deliciously dark underbelly, McShane and her band are as good as folk trios get.
is needed now More than ever
View this post on Instagram
Also returning to Bristol, on October 8, is alt-country veteran Karen Jonas, a singer-songwriter whose Americana roots songs will have you tapping toes and grinning widely.
With her rich storytelling, wonderful ability to create a character and melodies that swing from rockabilly to late-night velveteen sway. She was rattlesnake-smart last time she played here. Her new album, The Rise & Fall of American Kitsch, is absolutely superb. This gig is, probably, the highlight of the month.
Queen of the East Nashville underground Amelia White plays on October 21 and old-school Nashville songwriter Demi Marriner plays on Monday 28.
Folk House is buzzing this month with loads of great things – starting with Peggy Seeger on October 11, where her conversation promises insights into a lifetime of music and activism.
Following that, don’t miss the beautifully hushed duo of Owen Spafford and Louis Campbell on October 13, and Enda McCabe on October 17—each offering a unique slice of folk.
On October 18th, Irish singer-songwriter Oisin Leech showcases his new album based on the sea, and later in the month Jim Causley & Miranda Sykes tell tales of spookiness, werewolves, ghosts and countryfolk on October 20.
James Kirby rounds out the Folk House schedule on October 26.
Campbell and Spafford create dreamy washed-out folk soundscapes – photo: Ursula Billington
The legendary Cara Dillon graces St George’s on October 2, bringing her ethereal voice and poignant melodies – expect storytelling, poetry and beautiful songs.
The next night, Three Cane Whale and Boss Morris will fuse folk and innovative soundscapes. Three Cane Whale are launching their sixth album, Hibernacula, which was recorded at St George’s so it’s bound to be extraordinary. Boss Morris are the all-female Morris side from Stroud who are bringing so much innovation and excitement to the Morris world.
‘Prog Morris’ side Boss Morris have taken the world by storm and shown there is another dynamic, inclusive and forward-looking side to folk traditions – photo: Jon Wilks
Sam Carter plays tracks from his wonderful new album Silver Horizon on October 25. The album moves away from straight-up folk and has moments of dream-pop, shoegaze and even a tiny hint of The Beatles.
The double header featuring Tarren and Maddie Morris on October 26 is the perfect way to end the month. Two extraordinary young folk acts, both of whom are unmissable..
View this post on Instagram
The Beacon will host an impressive lineup this month, starting with the iconic Oysterband and June Tabor on October 4. After 45 years, Oysterband are hanging up their touring boots so their career-spanning set is likely to be awesome.
Chris While and Julie Matthews play the Lantern Hall on October 8 as part of the Jazzata series, and Fairground Attraction return on October 11 after an absence of 35 years. All four original members are back with a brand new album, Beautiful Happening, and it’ll be a night filled with nostalgia and joy.
SWX
Pioneers of the world music and folk scenes, Afro Celt Sound System are at SWX on October 12. In memory of the late, great Simon Emmerson, the band are back with a new album, OVA, and their first tour since 2019. They have always been one of the finest live bands and this will be a very welcome return.
Celebrating a new album and remembering the life of world music legend Simon Emerson – photo: Afro Celt Soundsystem
Alt-country legends The Long Ryders play The Fleece on October 15. They’re playing their classic 1984 album, Native Sons, in full so it will be a set chock-full of brilliant things.
Mad Dog McRae will be their usual raucous, folk/rock/gypsy jazz/bluegrass thing on October 26, delighting their die-hard fanbase in the process. Two shows absolutely guaranteed to chase the Autumnal blues away.
View this post on Instagram
The Cube is a treasure trove this month with Curtis Eller’s American Circus on October 11, Carnivalesque “avant-garde” Americana with a dose of vitriolic punk sounds pretty good to me.
The Magic Lantern follow on October 25 – the moniker of singer-songwriter Jamie Doe, he blurs the lines between folk, jazz and contemporary music; soulful, accomplished and ambitious.
The Magic Lantern in a recent recording session – photo: Jamie Doe
The Louisiana goes a bit Americana-esque for October. Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast play on October 4 and Pearl Charles on October 6.
Krisko was born in Detroit, raised in New York and is “ roots-rock filled with soaring vocals, powerful grooves, emotional lyrics, and undeniable songwriting”. Charles was last seen in Bristol supporting The Wandering Hearts, fusing Creedence with Disco to fantastic effect.
Don’t miss British-Brazilian indie folk singer Liana Flores on October 28, either.
For something a bit different, Rob Heron & The Tea Pad Orchestra are a little bit rockabilly, a little bit Western Swing and a whole lot brilliant. Their new album, Feet First, is so much fun and they play on October 18.
Justin Adams & Mauro Durante collaborate on October 23, bringing together Italian pizzica and taranta as well as trance rhythms.
Old Baby Mackerel will close the month with their high-energy, foot stomping bluegrass and three-part harmonies.
Salt House will grace the New Room on October 17, promising a night of enchanting melodies. The Scottish trio have been described by The Guardian as a “gentle, lulling delight” and merge trad tunes with poetry and ancient ballads. The lovely New Room should be the perfect place for some reflection and meditation.
Rachel Baiman will take the stage on October 9. She was fantastic at Bristol Folk Festival earlier this year – brittle, old-timey tunes, all skeletal Bluegrass and wind-blown Americana and a voice that is simple and sparse.
Salt House are back on tour, though they may have a slightly different lineup as Lauren MacColl announced her departure in July – photo: Salt House
Flo Perlin performs on October 22, a singer-songwriter from London of Iraqi and Belarusian heritage, she is associated with the Nest Collective and has supported the likes of Sam Lee, Peggy Seeger and Rachel Newton. A finger-picking guitarist and possessing the voice of an angel, Perlin will be well worth a look.
Lastly, there are a couple of highlights in Easton. Alex Garden’s folk session is on the first and third Tuesday of the month (Tuesday 1 and Tuesday 15). Their band The Drystones also play on October 11 and psych folk/dream folk trio, Hands of the Heron, will be there on October 9 celebrating the release of their third album, Quiet Light.
View this post on Instagram
Main image: Three Cane Whale
Read next:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
