Two of Scotland’s finest musicians are the guests as Downend Folk Club continue to bring the cream of the UK folk scene to the area.
MAIREARAD & ANNA will headline the club’s April event on Friday 15th April 2016 at Christ Church, right in the heart of Downend itself. They will bring a new twist to what the club offers as the first visitors from a vibrant traditional music scene in Scotland, and are sure to delight audiences old and new. Mixing an eclectic repertoire with exemplary stage presence, this duo really is one to savour.
Both Mairearad Green and Anna Massie have been at the forefront of Scottish music for a number of years. Mairearad was awarded Composer of the Year at the Scots Trad Music Awards in 2009, and Anna’s success goes back beyond her win at the BBC Radio Scotland Young Musician of the Year in 2003. She was a nominee for the Horizon Award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2005; and a Nominee for Best Instrumentalist, Scots Trad Music Awards 2005, 2008, 2010. They both play with a number of other line ups, including The Poozies, Blazin’ Fiddles, Bella Hardy, and Box Club.
Sharing similar musical backgrounds in the Scottish Highlands, both Mairearad and Anna are proud to show off their musical and cultural roots, taking their music to heights such as five stars in The Scotsman and high praise from KT Tunstall, becoming a much-loved live act.
“…the camaraderie and sheer fun of musical collaboration is plainly evident and infectious.” – Songlines Magazine
The duo weave Mairearad’s accordion and bagpipes with Anna’s guitar, banjo and fiddle to create a unique and impassioned sound, pouring their energy and knowledge of the tunes to distill new and old versions together to bring you into the history and delivery of their music. Different combinations of instruments bring sparkling results to their sets.
They are responsible for three albums – 2009’s eponymous debut, ‘Doubling’ in 2013 and ‘Best Day’, released late last year. All of the albums were recorded in different ways, showing off the duo’s ambition and ability.
“An exuberant, beautifully recorded album…crisp, clean and crystalline.” - fRoots
Support on the night will come from local duo STEFFAN LEWIS & RACHEL FOSTER, who will open the evening with a selection of original folk and country influenced music. Both veterans of many different bands, they’ve been playing together since 2014. Listen out for Steffan's songwriting and distinctive guitar style, combined with Rachel's natural vocals and harmonies.
The event will be held at CHRIST CHURCH DOWNEND on Friday 15th April 2016. Doors open at 7.30pm and there will be a full bar serving GWB real ale, cider, wine and a range of soft drinks, for which we encourage you to bring your own glass.
Tickets are £13 each, but you can get them for just £11 if you grab them before Friday 8th April (a week before the event). They are available from MELANIE'S KITCHEN, BRISTOL TICKET SHOP or online HERE. Members' tickets are just £10 each (again, until Friday 8th April) and can be bought from the Members Only section of the website or direct from Ant Miles on 07837 881941 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..