We are delighted to announce our UK guest in this update – Kirsty Bromley. Kirsty is a young contemporary folk singer based in Sheffield who draws upon a wide range of traditional music. She has a most disarmingly transparent voice, but also the uncanny and beautiful knack of drawing attention to the song, rather than the messenger, by the manner in which she employs it. Her debut album ‘Time Ashore’ features original songs as well as carefully curated folk gems. Kirsty is also a morris dancer.
“Kirsty Bromley is a singer of songs of social justice, traditional songs and songs from the heart. Her voice is effortless yet stirring, at times ethereal but always earthy and with strong roots. Musical and beguiling.” Nancy Kerr
Kirsty has a mainstage concert, will run a workshop on Cotswold Morris and will perform a spot in the final concert. We’re certain that she’ll also be a key part of the Saturday night trad session.
Our Wellington region guests in this update are the Kelburn Viaduct Municipal Ensemble Jug Band featuring Neil Worboys (banjo, mandolin, jug, harmonica, kazoo); Bill Wood (teachest bass, resonator guitar); Pip Payne (lagerfone, resonator guitar, stompbox); Maurice Priestley (acoustic guitar, mandolin) and Steve Carlisle (washboard, teachest bass).
Each band member has a long association with jug bands. Neil and Bill have been part of at least five with Neil being the lead vocalist for The Bull Dog All Star Goodtime Band.
Blues based, but retaining the texture and traditions of a trad jug band, the KVMEJB came together just a year ago and have already performed at the Manawatu Jazz Festival and as closing act for the Gardens’ Magic alongside the Bull Dogs’ reunion. Their first gig was at the Kelburn Pub, which has a Viaduct, hence the name. The band has a feature concert in the Maire Hall.
From slightly further afield (in some parts) are The Muggeridge Family. Janet, Cindy and Steve Muggeridge started playing together more years ago than any of them care to remember in a band in London. The initial lineup included Alan Muggeridge, sadly now deceased. They have each had their own musical paths since but have been inspired to get together to support each other in performing their own songs and some of Alan’s original songs for the Wellington Folk festival. The line-up also includes Michael Muggeridge, representing the next generation of musicians from this well known family. Michael is an exciting performer who has already started to win hearts on the local scene. The Muggeridege Family have a feature concert and Michael will also have a spot in the Looking Forward Concert.
King Leo will join us from their home base in Dunedin. Featuring Leo LaDell on vocals, guitar, harmonica and piano; Vernon Sawers – bass; Jim Strang – drums; Stevie Rice – sax and Ralph Miller – trumpet.
Leo LaDell is a veteran Blues musician who combines the classic sounds of Chicago, Texas and New Orleans with distinctive songwriting to bring high-intensity blues to stages across New Zealand. His experience playing in the U.S. with a variety of blues bands and such masters in the genre as Bo Diddley and Pinetop Perkins has enabled King Leo to craft an authentic, original and diverse blues sound, great for listening and dancing.
King Leo has a mainstage concert, a workshop on the blues, will take part in the Songwriters’ Forum and perform a spot in the final concert.
In addition to the guest line up, the 2015 Festival will also feature the usual other events – open mic/blackboard concerts, the Saturday night trad session and, following on from the successful introduction in 2014, a concert featuring the finalists in the Joan Prior Award followed by the judging and presentation of the award. Named in honour of long-time Wellington folkie, Joan Prior, the award is open to solo or duo performers aged from 15 to 25 on September 1st 2015, resident in the Wellington region. Applications are managed by Acoustic Routes – Wellington’s Folk Club with more information available at http://www.acousticroutes.org.nz/Joan-Prior-Award-2015-Rules.html.