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Bristol’s month in folk & roots – August 2024
It all feels a little bit quiet for folk and roots gigs in this August. With St George’s shut for a few weeks, Thekla having a rest while the students are away, Downend Folk and Roots catching their breath after their brilliant birthday celebrations and Crofter’s Rights embroiled in all manner of confusion, there’s just a handful of things to get excited about.
South Devon’s Carrivick Sisters play Didmarton Bluegrass Festival later this month – photo: G. Whitmore
The Fleece have clearly decided that mid-summer is time for country music.
is needed now More than ever
On August 8, Dusk Brothers stop off in Bristol on their tour in support of their latest EP, Roses in the Bonecart. They are inspiring all kinds of excitement with their dark, swampy, foot-stomping blues and should prove to be a superb night out.
Texan Randall King (August 28) is a little more traditional country, a little more at home in the honky-tonks. Think George Strait, Alan Jackson and Dierks Bentley and you won’t go far wrong. There might be more than one stetson in the audience, I reckon.
Also all the way from Texas, Flatland Cavalry appear on August 29. They have a bit more of an americana and ocuntry-rock vibe but, like King, are seriously authentic. They’re touring in support of their latest album, Wandering Star.
Also going for the americana music fans, the Lantern has Beth Neilsen Chapman playing on August 29. A wonderfully versatile singer-songwriter, she is back in the UK having fought both breast cancer and a brain tumour, with a new album on Cooking Vinyl and a whole load of brilliant new songs. She is a superb songwriter, possibly best known for Faith Hill’s This Kiss, and a wonderful presence on stage.
There’s a very real possibility that the whole of Texas is currently on tour in the UK.
Yet another Texan – although she actually lives in LA – Jess Williamson plays on August 19. If you choose any of these country-tinged artists to go and see this month, Williamson might just be the one. Having collaborated with the brilliant Waxahatchee last year as Plains, she is back with a new solo album for 2024. Time Ain’t Accidental is a thrillingly modern take on country music but there are still enough tears-in-your-beer anthems to please the traditionalists. Expect fewer big hats but just as much heartache.
Bristol’s duo Bowker and Morse will sing sea-themed songs – photo: Paul Blakemore
If you fancy something a little more folk, a bit less roots, then it’s worth heading over to Windmill Hill on August 16. Bristol’s wonderful a capella duo Bowker & Morse join folk-y four piece Avalen in a celebration of the sea that will feature music, storytelling, film footage and lots more.
Starting a series of folk sessions – intending to highlight the current financial pressures facing grassroots festivals and venues – on August 30, Sporadic and Underfret present guitar-fiddle duo Razzomo. Expect Celtic rock, Klezmer and Balkan bangers. The band are supporting Mad Dog McRea at The Fleece in October, so you can imagine what you’re going to get!
Returning for its 36th year, the festival once again features some of the best Bluegrass bands from the UK, America and Europe as well as jam sessions and late-night hot dogs around the bonfire. The big draw, this year, will be the farewell concert by Cornwall’s Flats & Sharps. A staple on the festival circuit for years, they have always been absolutely brilliant.
Other highlights include The Carrivick Sisters, Old Baby Mackerel, The Often Herd, Brooks Williams & Aaron Catlow and Naomi Bedford. Ashley Campbell, daughter of country legend Glen, plays too.
Main photo: Flats and Sharps
Read next:
- Bristol’s month in World Music – August 2024
- Bristol’s month in jazz – August 2024
- Metal & Prog Picks: August 2024
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