The number three is a special thing. The Chinese consider it lucky, De La Soul thought it magic, English teachers just can't get enough of the Rule of Three. And folk trios? They're pretty amazing too.
 
THE SHACKLETON TRIO and THE ASHEN KEYS effortlessly demonstrate that, while two might create a contrast, three allows for nuance, possibility and glorious intricacies.
 
From the opening seconds of Mandy Lynn, it is quite obvious that The Shackleton Trio are out to prove the true power of three. Georgia Shackleton's fiddle pings off of the mandolin of Nic Zuppardi, while Aaren Bennett's guitar clears a path to the dancefloor. The mandolin lends a Bluegrass edge but Shackleton's fiddle keeps things on this side of the Atlantic, the push and pull creating unbridled joy.
 
 
It's a joy that rarely lets up. The Fashionable Farmer swirls around the harmonies of Shackleton and Bennett as the fiddle and mandolin pokes gentle fun at a daft chap. Black Sluice, taken from the current album celebrating their ten-year anniversary, creeps stealthily around a tune that hints at smoky Parisian bars before being illuminated by mandolin flashes. For a slightly depressing song it has a brilliant chorus and a great spoonful of jauntiness. 
 
The Shackleton Trio bask in a love of nature too. There are Fenlands and brave animals everywhere you look. Two Hundred Miles tells the tale of a determined and loyal dog; it gallops along, the hard tracks of rural America scooting beneath its feet, Zuppardi's banjo pushing it forward. Lonesome George is short and sweet, the celebration of a giant tortoise, and Shackleton's voice is simply the loveliest thing. On War Pigeon, the fiddle and mandolin spill into a dizzying Bluegrass hoedown as she tackles tongue-twisting lyrics. The love for, and awe of, the animal world is palpable.
 
 
The Frost Fair harks back to ancient, chilly days but warms like an ice-bound brazier, Bennett's acoustic-Led-Zeppelin trills and a fabulous chorus doing the job. Bird's Nest Bound, meanwhile, is a feather-light Blues, banjo bubbles popping at the softest of touches.
 
It's not often that the Downend audience gets up to have a dance (they much prefer a hearty sing) but, tonight, there’s some spirited, untethered whirling. Bolton Lodge is a walking tune that spins with its arms wide, bouncing on the balls of its feet. It has a childlike fizz that sends people up and out of their seats. The Stanford, a tune written for a pub, does it too. Mandolin and fiddle zooming around, pausing, dipping, then joining the steady thrum of the guitar. 
 
Three instruments, gloriously intricate, full of possibility, sparking utter joy. The power of three in human form.
 
 
Most bands, having had to endure a five-and-a-half-hour drive from Kent to Bristol, might be a bit grumpy. The Ashen Keys, though, drift in on a cloud of harmonies, as gentle, as untroubled as if they'd just wandered in from next door. The Den, taken from their debut album The Name on Your Compass, is a wind-blown waltz, layers and layers of voices creating something lush, something drowning-deep. There are breathy oboe sighs from Rachel Lowrie and an Amélie accordion from Vicky Price, paving Paris streets. 
 
The Ellerby Hoard tells of treasure hidden under floorboards and is just as magical and unexpected; Hannah Ellerby (no relation) narrates a story that teeters on the edge of spooky as Price's French horn ghosts around it. Finally, Lowrie's acoustic strum drives the whole thing prog-folkwards. With Cassandra, The Ashen Keys mine their literary loves and unearth a blues-y slink that's full of dark corners and strange creatures. The three of them casting shadows, breathing life into myth, intoxicating with harmony. It's the harmony that does it really as Lowrie, Price and Ellerby gently twist around one another on Gathering, their voices nothing short of magical.

Words: Gavin McNamara
Photos: Barry Savell

+++

 
You can expect captivating songwriting and fiery tunes that combine mandolin, fiddle, guitar and banjo with powerful three part harmonies at this month’s concert.
 
 
The unmistakable sound of The Shackleton Trio brings to life the stories of their native East Anglia and beyond, featuring Georgia Shackleton (fiddle, vocals), Aaren Bennett (guitar) and Nic Zuppardi (mandolin and banjo). Collectively the band draw influence from British, American and Scandinavian folk traditions, whilst Georgia’s flair for sourcing largely unsung material from East Anglia keeps the band firmly rooted in their local tradition.
 
2025 sees the trio touring a brand new album, as they celebrate their 10 year anniversary. A decade performing together has included plays on BBC Radio 2, Radio 3 and Radio 4, BBC 6 Music, RTE 1, BBC Countryfile, press coverage with gleaming reviews, an appearance on Cambridge Folk Festival’s prestigious main stage, a host of UK and European festivals and international tours, and many miles on the road.
 
This is a band that clearly enjoys playing together, and are not to be missed.
 
 
Opening the evening will be The Ashen Keys, a multi instrumental, multi voiced celebration of heartfelt storytelling from Kent. Their sound tells of influences from folk, blues, pop, classical and even early music. Expect to be taken on a journey through dark folk tales, bittersweet love stories and reveries on nature, all with exquisite vocal harmonies and unique instrumentation. The Ashen Keys have performed at Purbeck Valley Folk Festival, Rochester Cathedral, Black Deer Festival, and Shrewsbury Folk Festival among other festivals and folk clubs. They released their debut album, The Name on Your Compass, in September 2024.
 
Tickets for the concert, which takes place at CHRIST CHURCH DOWNEND on Friday 17 October 2025, are available online HERE and from MELANIE’S KITCHEN (cash only). They are priced at £14 each in advance or £16 on the door. Doors open at 7.00pm and the music starts around 7.45pm. This event is also included in our AUTUMN/WINTER SEASON TICKET, if you've bought one already.
 
There will be a bar, stocking cider, soft drinks, wine, hot drinks and real ale from Bristol’s HOP UNION BREWERY. Audience members are encouraged to bring their own glass/mug/tankard, as well as reusable bottles for water, as part of the drive to be more environmentally aware; there is a 50p discount for those that do. There will also be sweet treats available at the bar courtesy of Radstock-based THE GREAT CAKE COMPANY, as well as a prize draw, which helps to fund the support artists for each concert.
  
For further information, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or find us on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, BLUESKY, YOUTUBE or TIKTOK.
 

+++

We are thrilled to reveal our programme for Spring 2026 as we continue to deliver on our promise to bring the very best in folk, roots and acoustic music to Downend. There's a mixture of returning favourites and new faces; and a mixture of genres as we bring you traditional folk, Americana, bluegrass and singer-songwriters.

We kick off the new year with a return from a duo that have become a bona-fide DF&R favourite. Americana to some, folk to others, THE BLACK FEATHERS headline on Friday 16 January. Sian Chandler’s soaring, dramatic, melodious but powerful voice is a perfect counterpoint to Ray Hughes’ piquant vocals and his sparkling and occasionally spicy guitar motifs. This is a duo who love what they play and play what they love with panache, humour, delight and rather a lot of commentary on the downside of being a human. Opening the evening will be HANNAH WOOD, a Bristol-based vocalist and songwriter who draws influences from folk, soul and pop to create dreamy, sometimes haunting, sounds. Melancholic vocals and introspective lyrics mirror and bring comfort to our shared struggles.

We continue with an evening of brilliant bluegrass. THE OFTEN HERD join us, all the way from Newcastle, to headline on Friday 20 February. This four-piece transcend the traditional boundaries of bluegrass music. Although they might resemble an American string band, complete with driving energy, tight vocal harmonies and dazzling instrumental interplay, their vibrant, transatlantic sound is deeply coloured by their surroundings; the striking natural and industrial landscapes of Northern England. They will be supported by GREEN TREE, who encompass a range of both traditional and more contemporary bluegrass songs. The end result is a performance built on two passionate musicians whose styles and playing work perfectly in harmony.

With March’s concert falling in the same week as St Patrick’s Day, we wanted a little Irish flavour, so we’ll be joined by SHERBURN BARTLEY SANDERS on Friday 20 March. Chris Sherburn (concertina) and Denny Bartley (vocals and guitar) have brought their unique sound to audiences across the globe since 1993. In 2016, they joined forces with Emily Sanders (fiddle and vocals) blending vocal harmonies and strings to their unique sound.  Now, their soul-stirring songs, exhilarating tunes and quick-witted banter ensures that their performances are filled with warmth, laughter, and exceptional musicianship. We couldn’t quite manage an Irish support, but we’ve kept to the Celtic theme, with PAUL LLOYD NICHOLAS hopping over the border. Paul is proud to call himself a South Wales singer-songwriter who’s fallen on his feet and has a brilliant time playing to terrific audiences 

All three concerts will take place at CHRIST CHURCH DOWNEND as usual, and seating is unreserved. Tickets are £14 in advance (£16 on the door) and are available online HERE, and from MELANIE’S KITCHEN in Downend (cash only). There is also the option to buy a season ticket for all four concerts for £38, which saves a few pounds as well as booking fees. All tickets are non-refundable. There will be a full bar at all concerts, as well as a prize draw, all proceeds of which go towards booking our support artists. Doors open at 7.00pm for a 7.45pm start. 

We're really excited about this season, and we hope you will be too. Keep supporting live music, it’s becoming more and more important with every passing month! For further information, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or find us on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, BLUESKY, YOUTUBE or TIKTOK.

BUY TICKETS

+++

  1. REVIEW: "McQUAID HAS THE AUDIENCE IN THE PALM OF HER HAND"
  2. NEXT AT DOWNEND FOLK & ROOTS: SARAH McQUAID + MIKE WEAVER
  3. AUTUMN/WINTER 2025 PROGRAMME ON-SALE NOW
  4. REVIEW: "LIZZY HARDINGHAM IS THE REAL DEAL"