We're thrilled to welcome the inimitable SAM CARTER as our headline guest for September.
Sam is a gifted singer, songwriter and acoustic musician, with his fingerpicking style of guitar playing being rated by everyone from Jon Boden of Bellowhead to Nithin Sawney. Since his 2009 debut recording, 'Keepsakes', he has built a following, and a sound, all of his own.
From beginnings as an Emerging Artist In Residence at London’s South Bank Centre, Sam has gone on to support folk big band Bellowhead, perform all over the world with the British Council, and put together another full length album (2012’s 'The No Testament') as well as a recording of his live work at the Union Chapel. It’s safe to say that the Downend crowd are in for something special when Sam arrives on Friday 18th September.
With elements of English traditional music, as well as that of American genres like gospel and spiritual music, and the shapenote hymn-singing tradition, Sam’s ideas and stories come across in new and exciting ways. Difficult to sum up in words, his performance has to be experienced first-hand.
‘His songs look set to stand the test of time and to be covered by others in turn’ - R2 Magazine
Sam plays in a combination of different groups and with different projects, including False Lights (alongside DFC Patron Jim Moray) and the Sweet Liberties with Nancy Kerr, Maz O’Connor and Martyn Joseph. However, he only plays as a solo artist on the odd occasion, so be sure to get your tickets early!
Support in September comes from SAID THE MAIDEN, an award winning trio from Hertfordshire who perform traditional and contemporary English, Irish and American songs.
Jess Distill, Hannah Elizabeth and Kathy Pilkinton use fiddles, flute, whistles, accordion, guitar and more, as well as vocals from all three members.
The band, who scooped the Isambard Award at this year's Bristol Folk Festival combine a range of influences and ideas to come up with something completely unique.
The event will be held at Frenchay Village Hall on Friday 18th September 2015. Doors open at 7.30pm and there will be a full bar serving GWB real ale, cider, wine and a range of soft drinks, as well as a raffle, with our own Jill Williams back behind the little book of numbered tickets!.
Tickets are £10 in advance, £12 on the door, and are available from Melanie’s Kitchen, Bristol Ticket Shop and here. Members tickets are £9 and are available from the Members Area of the website or direct from Ant Miles.