Every once in a while, you might chance upon a singer with a voice which might just change your life. Come along to Downend Folk Club, on Friday 17th July, and you will hear that singer. You will hear JACKIE OATES.

Fresh from last month’s fantastic gig, we welcomes the critically acclaimed singer and fiddle player. Jackie will be presenting songs from her new album, "The Spyglass & The Herringbone", as well as from her five other records. Combining wit, stage presence and a disarmingly beautiful voice, Jackie’s take on traditional English ballads and songs will take you on a journey far and near.

Jackie’s career has seen her nominated for the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards in 2003, and win two BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards including the Horizon Award for best newcomer, as well as her 2009 album Hyperboreans receive a nomination for the fRoots Critics’ Poll Album of the Year. She was also a founder member of Northumbrian group and Mercury nominated Rachel Unthank and the Winterset.

"Hers is such a different world that whenever I hear [her] I just want to be part of it" - Word

We are rightly excited about Jackie’s appearance, as we continue to build their profile as one of the most exciting folk venues in the country. Jackie’s crystal clear singing, sensitive fiddle playing and Mike Cosgrave’s accordion and guitar will mean a night to remember.

Opening proceedings will be KIM LOWINGS & THE GREENWOOD, a four-piece from Stourbridge whose repertoire spans the traditional and the original. With vocals, piano and Appalachian dulcimer from Kim, and guitar, percussion and more from the band, the audience is assured a diverse and invigorating set from a group who have performed at Moira Furnace Folk Festival, Bromsgrove Folk Festival, and Warwick Folk Festival, winning the New Folk competition.

The event will be held at Frenchay Village Hall on Friday 17th July 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.

Tickets are £12 in advance, £14 on the door, and are available from Melanie’s Kitchen, Bristol Ticket Shop and online HERE. Members tickets are £11 and are available from the Members Only area of the website or direct from Ant Miles.