Kimpton Folk Festival is bigger and better than ever this year, with a very special extra evening concert in the village’s beautiful 12th Century church. And it’s a line-up of acts to die for.
Kicking things will be two-time Radio 2 Folk Awards winner Jackie Oates. If anyone deserves to be said to have the voice of an angel, it’s Jackie. There are many fine singers around, but Jackie has a unique ability to bring out the heart and soul of traditional songs. Once heard never forgotten. She also happens to be an exquisite fiddle player. Jackie will be accompanied by long term collaborator and multi-instrumentalist Mike Cosgrave.
Next on stage will be Kimpton Folk Festival favourites Jaywalkers. Back by popular demand. Over the ten years since they formed, this exciting trio have turned their own brand of bluegrass, country, folk and swing into a dazzling, high-octane show. Their music is innovative and exhilarating, but rooted deeply in tradition. Welcome back Mike, Lucy and Jay.
And topping the bill, the antipodean superduo The James Brothers. James Fagan was one half of the hugely popular duo who headlined the first Kimpton Folk Festival, when James raised the roof of the Memorial Hall with his wife Nancy Kerr. The other James Brother (not actually called James) Jamie McLennan, often performs with his award-winning Scottish folk singer wife, Emily Smith. James and Jamie say they are thrilled that they’ve been given permission to play together at Kimpton this year.
The James Brothers are a riot of fun, frenetic musicianship and fantastic songs. If you want to be entertained, come and see these boys.
So that’s all the “Js” – Jackie Oates, Jaywalkers and The James Brothers. Too good to be missed.
Brian King
Kimpton Folk Festival
