January’s guests at Downend Folk Club may only have formed in the last year or so, but they’re already gaining a reputation as one of the UK’s top live acts.

Recently lauded by BBC 6's Tom Robinson, Devon-based duo TOBIAS BEN JACOB & LUKAS DRINKWATER have been making waves on the folk and acoustic scene of late, and their appearance on the Doric Stage at last year’s Bristol Folk Festival was hailed by many as one of the highlights of the weekend.

Their live show is a dynamic and emotionally-charged affair, ranging from high-crystalline falsetto led tracks like 'We Are The First Ones Now' to more driving riff-driven earthy numbers like 'I Breathe In Life.' Singer –songwriter Tobias’ startling vocal and guitar work being perfectly complemented by Lukas’ masterful upright bass playing and backing vocals.

“Inventive and thrilling” - R2: Rock n Reel

Having seemingly crossed paths at many venues and festivals over the years but never actually met, the duo's eventual encounter with one another in an Exeter bar last June set the scene for what has become a compelling and fast evolving musical collaboration. Less than a week after their first rehearsal they would debut the set on stage at Glastonbury Festival! The reaction from the audience sealed their fate and now their masterful, inventive delivery is mesmerizing all who encounter them.

“A fresh and uplifting sound” - Folk Radio UK

Their ‘Burning Low’ EP is out now and has been called a “new-folk masterpiece”.

Opening the evening will be Brighton-based singer-songwriter IAN ROLAND, who will be joined on stage by fiddle-player SIMON YAPP.

Playing 12-string guitar, guitars and mandolin to deliver a sound which is somewhere amongst Roots, Acoustic, Folk, Country, Blues, Rock & Roll, Ian’s latest album ‘How That Dust Jumps’ was released last year to critical acclaim and drew comparisons with the legendary Cat Stevens.

Tickets for the event, which will be held on Friday 15th January at Frenchay Village Hall, are on sale now from Melanie’s Kitchen in Downend, Bristol Ticket Shop or online here. They are priced at just £9 each Early-bird (if bought before Friday 8th January), £10 after that date. Members’ tickets are £8 in advance from the website or direct from Ant Miles only. Doors open at 7.30pm and there will be a bar serving Great Western Brewing Co. real ales, Severn Cider and a range of wine, soft drinks and teas and coffees. There will also be a raffle during the interval.