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The
Artful Badgers A joyous, century-spanning concoction of acoustic music to make you toe-tap or dance the evening away. With one foot in a Tennessee honky tonk, and another on the left bank of swing-era Paris, the Artful Badgers bring a joyous, century-spanning concoction of acoustic music to make you toe-tap the evening away. Top sideman David Konig’s slap-and-tickle bullfiddle lays the base groove to energetic gypsy guitar pumping from Sig Inger, while Phil Beale’s folk-infused fiddle styling lays bare the soul of root, branch and swamp. Don’t expect soul-searing introspection, do expect a delta-wide grin; don’t expect to recognise every tune, do expect to hear some uber-classics from the great club singers, with a twist you may not quite expect. Sat, 1.45pm, Chill Stage, FREE |
| Avellana A Jazz duo from Bristol featuring Simon Greening and John Lambert. Simon is a familiar figure in the Bristol jazz scene, playing in several bands - including founding jazz quartets Green in Blue and Avellana - arranging workshops and running the East Bristol Jazz Club jam. John has a foot in both classical and jazz camps and is a member of several local bands including Mood Indigo, Avellana and the Staubin Quartet. Sat, 1pm, Church, FREE |
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The
Bayou Tapestry The Bayou Tapestry are arguably the finest Cajun band in the whole of Bishopston (a small neighbourhood in north Bristol). Playing local street parties, a couple of Cajun festivals, touring South Wales (well, Newport), we’ve somehow built up a loyal-ish fanbase, largely through bringing the Cajun gospel to the uninitiated (who don’t know any better). The nearest we’ve been to Louisiana, however, is Pembrokeshire. We’re a 6/7 piece that’ve been playing together for a couple of years. You may find this hard to believe when you hear us. Having seen other people play Cajun , we thought “how hard can it be?” We’re still formulating an answer to that question. We’re not polished, not normal and not that bothered ‘cause what we play seems to go down well with our audiences (some of whom are not even related to us). It’s possible to sit and listen to us – but it’s much more fun if you grab hold of someone and dance. . Sat, 4.20pm, Chill Stage, FREE  |
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Cathy
Judge & friends Singer songwriter/Sculptor Cathy Judge is a well known popular figure on the local scene. Her heart-felt songs and beautiful rich voice are a welcome addition to many folk festivals and clubs. Joining Cathy will be Mary Holland on cello, Becky Whitehead flute/vocals and Jonathon Fryer on guitar. Sat, 1pm, Chill Stage, FREE |
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The
Crazy Rhythm Club A musical time travel from the Hot club of Paris, inspired by the maestros Django and Grapelli.…A rendezvous of crazy nomadic musicians whose paths cross in a vibrant exchange of wild violins, stomping guitars and fiery rhythms. Some call it Gypsy Jazz. The swing is infectious, the music is both irreverent and virtuosic. Sat, 5.10pm, Chill Stage, FREE |
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Doreen
Doreen Formed in '82 when Duran Duran hit the scene, Doreen Doreen are everything Duran are not. Dance away with some of the best (and funniest) cover versions you will hear including Abba, Queen, Ian Dury, Britney Spears and Tom Jones. Deservedly voted the third best band in Bristol (by the people) after Massive Attack and Portishead. Doreen Doreen previously visited Priston Festival in 2016. "The Wall of Sound has been repointed" –Venue Magazine Sat, 7.30pm, Village Green, FREE  |
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The
Drystones You may remember this amazing duo from the 2013 or 2016 Festivals, or the gig they played in the village hall in 2014. The reviews say it all. We're delighted they're back! "their arrangements are at times bordering on breathtaking and are delivered with the enthusiasm, energy and undying self belief that belies their youth" - Jon Earl - Songs From The Shed "absolutely blown away by their energy" - Will Lang - Halsway Manor Centre for Folk Arts Sun, 4pm, Village Green, FREE |
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Ecowild EcoWild aims to engage people with the natural environment through woodland based activities including tool & craftwork, natural art, fire making and cooking, wildlife exploration, shelter making, imaginative play and much more. Since early 2013 we have been taking groups of children and adults out in an inspiring natural environment and giving them chance to find their own special connection that will stimulate curiosity, relieve tension, bring a sense of peace and connectedness, and open the door to the deep inner missing link that is their ancestral birthright; a sense of ease in the outdoor environment. Sat, 4pm, Church, FREE |
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Emma
Davies Trio Over the past three years Emma has thoroughly enjoyed exploring the diverse and extensive repertoire of the clarinet, and finds immense joy in communicating the stories and emotions which wind their way through the music she performs. She graduated in 2017 with the Solo Performance Award following her performance of Artie Shaw’s joyful Clarinet Concerto in the Bath Assembly Rooms. Her other recent performance highlights include Krommer’s Concerto for Two Clarinets with the university orchestra and the solo recital she gave as part of her final year at university. From September 2018 Emma will be studying for her MMus Performance at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, where she is looking forward to further developing her own musical voice and continuing to engage and inspire audiences from all backgrounds with her playing. |
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Georgia
Lewis & friends Brilliant local rising folk star – 2018 BBC Folk Awards Nominee – comes from Bradford on Avon backed by a band of top guitar, fiddle, and base players. Georgia Lewis is a "young, exuberant & musically adept" (R2 Magazine) folk singer and multi-instrumentalist with "the stage assurance of a veteran ... she is fast becoming one of the most in demand artists on the club and festival circuit.” (Eastbourne Folk Club). Fri, doors open 8 for 8.30-10.30pm, Village Hall, Tickets required |
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The
Greatness of The Magnificence Fantasy Orchestra The Fantasy Orchestra is a 20+ piece Bristol and Paris-based orchestra. It is led by Jesse D Vernon (also of Morning Star) . Their eclectic repertoire, gleaned from 50s and 60s film soundtracks by Morricone, Rota, Barry, Mancini and Bollywood is bolstered by rock and pop favourites from the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Led Zep, The Beatles, Queen and David Bowie. Expect the exotic; psychedelic loveliness; rousing choral noise; some choice costumes – and a musical saw. The orchestra perform in full regalia! Sat, 6pm, Village Green, FREE |
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Hello
Hopeville Hello Hopeville is a band based in and around Frome, Somerset. It consists of five individuals with a passion for a melodic and mesmerizing sound, with handpicked songs that lend themselves to harmony and instrumentals. Unable to sit within one genre of music as covers range from Fleetwood Mac to Michelle shocked, Alison Krauss and Neil Young. We have also started writing and arranging our own material, all delivered with a sprinkle of magic, which is what gives Hello Hopeville its very unique sound. Hello Hopeville last played Priston Music Festival in 2018. Sat, 8pm, Pub, FREE |
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Issy
& David Emeney Original and traditional songs and tunes accompanied on the melodeon, guitar and concertina with rare lyrical skill and sensitivity. Issy & David marry beautiful melodies and captivating stories that draw the listener right in, making them one of the most engaging duos on the folk scene today. 'A first rate tunesmith, a fine melodeon player and a songwriter deserving of our complete admiration' - Andy Kershaw 'Truly astonishing musicians& singers. Quite brilliant - you'll rarely hear better' - Tom & Barbara Brown 'A must-see main event for all folk clubs' - Mick Tems, Folkwales 'Make sure you go to see them - you won't be disappointed' - EDS Mag Sun, 1.10pm, Chill Stage, FREE |
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James
Patrick Gavin Trio James is one of the best fiddle players in the UK – based in London – in various bands including TYER and The Djukella Orchestra. Recently released and acclaimed CD ‘Chewing the Fat’. Review It’s likely you’ve read innumerable reviews describing albums in words such as “this artist’s most personal album yet”. Similar phrases, so commonly used, often communicate little of substance. Well, the not so good news is that I can’t avoid using the “personal” word about Chewing the Fat. The much better news is that, even if you believe you know what the word implies, James Patrick Gavin has produced an album that is sure to make you think again. It reaches out to members of his family both in his native North London and in County Fermanagh where his family’s roots lie. Its combination of traditional and contemporary compositions with short passages of spoken word brings to life snippets of family history. Of themselves, they may illustrate quite trivial incidents but, collectively, they evoke a heritage shared by so many Irish families. Families dispersed through emigration but nonetheless preserving a sense of belonging both to a place and to a culture. Sat, 4.40pm, Village Green, FREE |
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Jennifer
Crook Singer songwriter, harpist and musician, Jennifer Crook is a much-loved feature of Britain’s folk and acoustic scene. Her collaborations encompass Boo Hewerdine, Eddi Reader, Miranda Sykes, Beth Porter, Andy Davis, Eliza Carthy and many more. Since first coming to attention in the BBC Young Folk Award, she has released a string of intelligent, finely-crafted albums attracting plaudits from Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2 and the folk press. Known for her captivating live performances, the atmospheric arrangements she creates around her vivid storytelling are simply stunning. “This is contemporary songwriting and performing at its best” Maverick***** “A class act” R2. Sun, 2pm, Village Green, FREE |
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Jimmy
Aldridge and Sid
Goldsmith Jimmy Aldridge and Sid Goldsmith are a highly acclaimed folk duo who play traditional and original music of the British Isles. Over the last four years they have built a reputation on the UK folk scene for arresting and moving performances. The songs themselves are always given centre stage but they are brought to life with sensitive musical arrangements and stunning vocals. There is an integrity that shines through their performances and a common thread of political struggle, resistance, and justice. Exhilaratingly diverse and full of impeccably crafted and beautifully realised songs - Folk Radio Sat, 3.45pm, Village Green, FREE
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Jo
Sercombe Jo Sercombe runs The Big Sing workshop which is open to all, regardless of age, skill or experience. Jo brings an informal, passionate style to her teaching. Reaching out to participants, she not only gets them to connect with her, but also with each other in a quite unique way. Have no doubt that you will feel genuinely inspired, uplifted and buzzing after the session with Jo! Sun, 3.30pm, Village Hall, FREE |
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Kevin
Brown Hailed by Mark Knopfler, Kevin Brown is a living legend and quite simply one of the UK’s finest acoustic blues guitarist on the Circuit today. From the main stage of Glastonbury to the beer joints of Texas and with 11 albums to his credit, Kevin has a growing number of loyal fans who not only love his touch and tone but have grown to admire his heartfelt songs, often delivered with a great sense of humour and dry northern wit. Music for the heart and feet, the perfect night out ! We look forward to welcoming Kevin back to the Priston Festival. Fri, doors open 6.30 for 7-7.50pm, Church, Tickets required |
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Kim
Lowings Duo Daughter and Father duo Kim and Andrew Lowings have been writing and collaborating together since 2011. The pair have become well established on the British folk circuit and together form half of the band Kim Lowings and The Greenwood. As a duo they are able to showcase their songwriting skills and the intricacies of their acoustic sound with a warm and captivating stage presence. The sound draws together mountain dulcimer, guitar, bouzouki and piano to resonate with Kim’s lyric writing and arrangements of traditional folk song. The breadth and quality of their material enables the duo to appeal to folk venues and festivals of all shapes and sizes. Sat, 12.45pm, Village Green, FREE |
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Marshes Marshes is the new incarnation of Beth Porter and the Availables, and the name of her new album. Beth will be very familiar to Priston audiences, having played at the Festival in many different guises before. The songs from Beth's new album are dark, quirky, charming and ethereal and depict themes such as fear, confusion, money, the weather and the odd cheesy love song, all carried by Beth’s pure and unaffected voice. They have been said to channel Ray Davies, and have been likened to The Incredible String Band, REM, Cat Power, This Is The Kit, Penguin Cafe Orchestra and Radiohead! Beth is also one half of prolific duo The Bookshop Band. Beth moved from Bristol in the South West of England up to Wigtown, South West Scotland in 2017, where the inspiration for the name Marshes came from. Sat, 2.45pm, Village Green, FREE |
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Mendip
Folk Choir Mendip Folk Choir is an acclaimed 30 strong community choir from Cheddar who sing the songs of our heritage. Traditional English folk songs arranged in harmony especially for the choir by their leader Issy Emeney, who is a well known composer and performer on the English folk music scene. “Wonderful tunes, irresistible choruses and words that are relevant to everyone, these great songs have stood the test of time and are perfect for singing together” say Issy. In the folk tradition, we follow the seasons with our repertoire. At Christmas we sing a wonderful selection of popular carols, but also some less well known carols, such as Masters in This Hall, the Coventry Carol, and traditional folk versions of old favourites such as The Holly & The Ivy, The Yorkshire Wassail Song and The Mistletoe Bough. Sun, 2.30pm, Church, FREE |
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Mike
Fenton "Mike Fenton has been in the forefront of the autoharp community performing, educating, researching and writing for nearly thirty years. His influence will be felt in the USA and Great Britain for years to come - he is today's Pied Piper of the Autoharp. Proclamation" - Autoharp Hall of Fame Sat, 3.10pm, Chill Stage, FREE |
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Mishra Mishra are a global folk outfit gathering momentum on the UK scene. Their tight web of intricate, Indian-influenced original music defies definition and is already bringing them awards recognition from just under two years of performing. Led by Kate Griffin’s voice and inimitable clawhammer banjo and driven by Ford Collier’s continent-hopping instrumental skills (Indian tabla, African calabash, Irish whistle and guitar), they won Cambridge Folk Festival’s first ever Christian Raphael prize and in separate projects were both shortlisted for the 2018 BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards. Both already accomplished folk musicians (The Drystones and The Unsung Roots) 2018 saw them play Sidmouth Folk Week, Cambridge Folk Festival, Priddy Folk Festival and many more. Until 2019, Mishra performed as a duo under the name Kate Griffin and Ford Collier; their sound has now been further underpinned by the addition of versatile jazz-folk double-bassist and bouzouki player Joss Mann-Hazell. Mishra’s debut album is set for release in 2019, showcasing an uniquely accessible confluence of fascinating styles. “Kate's a very talented banjo player – the instrument virtually an extension of her!” -David O Hara, Cambridge Folk Festival “Incredibly executed folk” -Christian Carlisle, BBC Radio Sheffield. Sun, 1.50pm, Chill Stage, FREE |
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The Model Folk The Model Folk are a six piece band, hailing from the deepest darkest reaches of North Somerset. Our sound is an eclectic cocktail of influences that could loosely fit in the folk canon. Live shows are full of self-deprecating humour, romance, pathos, audience engagement and interaction; this creates an intimacy which feels more akin to a family get together than a gig; with tunes such as Nipples for Men and Naked in The Kitchen, our aim is to get everyone smiling and tapping their feet. The music is created with clarinet wizardry, trumpets, trombones & accordion; topped off with epic harmonies; with influences from The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band, Curtis Eller, Frank Zappa, Robyn Hitchcock, Ani DiFranco, Cardiacs, Tom Waits, Beirut, Fiona Apple, Bob Marley, Glitzy Bag Hags, John Martyn and many others but sounding like none of them. As one recent gig attendee said to us “you may go not knowing the songs, but you end up wondering why on earth you hadn’t known them all your life!” Sun, 1pm, Village Green, FREE |
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Morris
Sides The Morris dancing on Sunday morning will feature the following guest sides: Sun, 10.30-12.30, Village Green, FREE |
| Nick Sorensen Trio Nick is “a fine, lyrical saxophonist” (Jazzwise Magazine), a creative and eclectic musician with a mesmerizing tone. Equally at home playing jazz standards, free improvisation and contemporary compositions he describes his playing as being “somewhere between Lol Coxhill and Lee Konitz”. He regularly plays with virtuoso pianist John Law. Priston audiences will recall him playing as a member of Kusanganisa in the church at the 2017 Festival. Sun, 4.20pm, Chill Stage, FREE |
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The
Original Barn Finds Hailing from the heart of Rural Somerset, the Original Barn Finds were conceived in 2017 when cousins Chris and Rich Brown finally joined musical forces after years of procrastination, alongside life-long friends Trev Fox and Nick Pratt. After a few open mic performances another old friend, Troy “the bass player” Wells, joined to complete the lineup that has become much beloved by discerning punters at small local festivals and vintage car shows in the Somerset area. Our mission is to bring joy to the masses through the medium of classic covers in a Folk/Americana/Bluegrass style, plus the occasional smattering of interpretive dance from Nick if he’s had enough to drink. “Banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar and bass combine with powerhouse vocals to produce a sound that can only be described as enthusiastic noise”. Sat, 6.05pm, Chill Stage, FREE |
| Other Tongues Other Tongues are a Bristol-based trio whose original tunes include intimate harmonies and lyrics to tell playful, sometimes political, tales. Sun, 2.30pm, Chill Stage, FREE |
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Paul
Newland Paul is a singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He was a founding member of The Lowland Hundred, a duo that released three albums and played gigs such as the Green Man festival and the Union Chapel, London, between 2009 and 2015. The first Lowland Hundred album, Under Cambrian Sky (2010) was disc of the day in Mojo magazine. The group also had excellent reviews in Uncut, The Wire, and The Quietus. Paul is currently working on solo material for a forthcoming album Sun, 1pm, Church, FREE |
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Reg
Meuross We look forward to welcoming Reg, our Patron Artist back to the Festival this year. Somerset-based singer/songwriter, Reg is an exceptional teller of tales set to great melodies and delivered with a spell-binding voice. His songs include "And Jesus Wept" - the story of Private Harry Farr, a WW1 shell-shock victim shot for cowardice. Other songs interweave historical characters with eternal themes. His recent albums England Green & England Gray and December have both been greeted with critical acclaim. Sun, 3pm, Village Green, FREE |
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Road
Not Taken Road Not Taken are a five-piece folk band made up of Anita Dobson (lead vocals, kalimba, bohdran), Ant Miles (guitar, backing vocals, harmonium, ukulele, mountain dulcimer, piano), Joe Brydon (slide guitar, bouzouki, harmonica), Joe Hamlen (bass, harmonium, mountain dulcimer) and Claire Hamlen (fiddle, backing vocals, harmonium, piano). Road Not Taken play a mixture of traditional and contemporary songs, in their unique, melancholic style. Sun, 3.20pm, Chill Stage, FREE |
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Senna
Weeks Trio Senna is a guitarist & singer, 16 years old from Weston-Super-Mare. He's been playing guitar for 7 years & enjoy playing both with his band Better Than Expected & as a solo artist. He plays mainly Blues, Rock & Pop. He is a Bare Knuckle Pickups Artist, endorsed by Blackstar Amplification amps, currently an Artist 15 & Artist 30, Fender, Gibson & Ernie Ball Guitars, Wampler effects & D'Addario strings. As some of you already know Senna is a Type 1 Diabetic who runs on Insulin!, his motto has always been "don't let type 1 stop you" Sat, 2.30pm, Chill Stage, FREE Sat, 9.20pm, Pub, FREE |
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Skylarks (Mostly) female acapella choir. Skylarks are uplifted by bringing you folk and world harmonies, with hearts connected in joy and song. Sun, 12.30pm, Chill Stage, FREE |
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Smallfry Alt-country? Acoustic pop? Folk/rock? We’re not hung up on genres, we just love to play great songs. Led by ace vocalist Irene Cooper, a resident of nearby Camerton village, and also a member of the band The Moonlit Poachers. Sat, 1.45pm, Village Green, FREE |
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Somerset
Russets String, woodwind and squeezebox players from Somerset and beyond, the band aims to recreate the sound of the eighteenth and nineteenth century village bands who provided music at events as diverse as village dances, parades and church services. Bring your instrument and play some of the music your ancestors danced to, arranged in parts. Music provided, but bring a music stand if you have one. All welcome, but some experience of sight reading will definitely increase your enjoyment. Guitar chords included. If you want to show off what you’ve learned, there’ll be a short showcase event after the workshop. Sun, 1.30 & 2.45pm, Village Hall, FREE |
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Story
Feet Matt Stoodley is a storyteller and magician, for whom "Magic is at its best when it tells a story, and a story is best when it lets you see the magic in this world, and both are about that moment when we have truly suspended all disbelief." Matt will be running our special venue for kids, Storyworld, over the Saturday and Sunday of the Festival. Sat & Sun, FREE |
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Stream
of Sound A vibrant group of young singers based in Stourbridge, who will bring you stellar a-cappella arrangements of songs from around the world, and a treasure trove of West Midlands songs too. With a string of performances from Sidmouth to Orkney behind them, and eight CDs, they are looking forward to meeting a new audience at the Priston Music Festival. Sat, 6.55pm, Chill Stage, FREE |
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The
Summerhouse Band Helen James of Keynsham and Paul Barclay from Priston have expanded their established duo to form The Summerhouse Band. Joined by Alice Barclay on violin, Priston’s cellist, Camilla Litchfield and Bristol-based classical pianist, Ken Dale, the group made their debut performance at Priston Festival in 2016. Rooted in folk music their repertoire explores the potential of rich arrangements; beautiful vocal and instrumental harmonies with songs ranging from relaxing and gentle through to lively and full of fun. Sun, 4pm, Church, FREE |
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URSA U R S A is the solo project and alias of Bristol based singer songwriter and mutli instrumentalist Helen Stanley. Her chimerical lullabies, whispering fractured tales of those fallen from grace, steer the listener through cinematic, ethereal, dreamy arrangements with her keys and voice at the helm. Her debut EP, 'Patience Panacea’, due for release this spring, features some unusual instrumental elements including Vibes, Hammered Dulcimer, Musical Saw and Electric Violin Sat, 2.30pm, Church, FREE |
| Wells Cathedral Scool - Bach Trumpet
Ensemble A trumpet ensemble composed of Y10 students from Wells Cathedral School. Sat, 6pm, Church, FREE |
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World
Government They're back! A great band to dance to,The World Government is a fresh take on what music is and how a band should operate. Nothing is pre-conceived, written in advance, even verbally discussed or ever rehearsed. The idea is to get a group of exciting players together, add an audience and see what happens. This is free expression, not contrived or formulated. However the aim is not merely to jam but to 'spontaneouly write music together' and thus create musical journeys which usually develop and evolve. No two gigs are ever the same but there will usually be flavours of funk, jazz and music of the world. Sun, 5.10pm, Village Green, FREE |
