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ACTS BOOKED FOR MAY 2012 Jack’s Rake was formed after the four original members went climbing in the Lake District in the late 90's and stumbled upon Langdale Folk Festival in the evening. They are now one of the leading folk bands in the Sheffield area. Sets consist of their own unique arrangements of traditional songs & tunes with cover versions and one or two of their own compositions thrown in for good measure. This is their second appearance at Langdale Fest and we look forward to seeing them big style. A band inspired by the Festival what more can we ask! The Sail Pattern offer up a raucus broadside of folk, encompassing original songs, plus our own arrangements of shanties and other traditional songs. we love playing live, and breathing new life into near forgotten songs. Although having played together for years The Sail Pattern was formed in the summer of 2010. With a shared passion for playing folk music they have gigged relentlessly and won a reputation for energetic and memorable live performances. With an ever increasing repertoire of home spun melodies and their own arrangements of traditional songs The Sail Pattern are looking forward to another busy summer of shows. Thanks lads for giving your time to our Festival. (They are all so young as well as great, meks yer sick --- Mik) Bowfell and the Band - An unglorious conglomeration that can range from two to twenty two musicians (much to the chagrin of the sound man!!). The Brainchild of Rod Finlayson, once Organiser of Burnley Folk Club and solo artist of no reputation whatsoever together with the steady hand of Mike Highley on lead guitar. The rest of the band seems to comprise any passing musician who knows how to plug in and a few that don't. Indeed Mik Mead has played with Rod (not that way!) for many years and once in a duo called 'Septic Ferret' which is why he can be so rude to him here! Seriously, Rod is a very able and experienced singer/songwriter, Mike a skilled guitarist who always deliver a great set. Don't let their easy going stage manner fool you, there's a lot of good music going on there. Thanks for all your years of support guys and welcome back to our 22nd Year!!! Bev Whelan, Mike Allen and Jim Smith - Have played in every Festival for 22 years I think! Mike and Jim were then a part of a band of Traditional Edge who topped the bill at the very first Festival in 1990. Bev has played in just about every band in the North West it seems and now excels with Harpist Celia Briar. They have teamed up for a couple of sets with Bev performing a solo set with Special Friends hopefully including her son who now after a mere year or so is an accomplished Harpist. Mike Allen is is an amazing Fiddle player hailing from Blackpool/Fleetwood originally, now living in Southern Ireland running a successful business making and repairing instruments. They told me their first memories of playing together was sitting on the the beach round a fire and wondering what it was - they go back that far!! Jim Smith is the voice of the the trio, strong vocals, excellent guitar work (compared to the likes of Ralph McTell) and a blistering sense of humour that will leave you in tears if he is in that sort of a mood, Jim is our compere for the Main Dining Room Concert also. A fantastic set always, will blow you away. Cheers guys - I might even buy a round!!!!(Yes you can print that!) The Indian Postal Service - Can be seen on the Saturday Bar Concert. Details to come.
Click on Links below for more info. 2011 May Artists were
Fiona Is probably the hardest working musician in the South Lakes. She plays a very varied set and is able to play in almost any venue. Folk, Pop, Blues and Country she keeps everyone happy! Her roots are in Ireland and I think we have heard the best of her music at the Festivals, particularly when she teamed up with Mike Allen for an impressive set. She has taken the time out from a busy schedule to help us out at the Festival Stan Vannin Stan is simply a legend on the Lake District music scene. From Scotland originally he was one of the first musicians I met arriving as a spotty youth from the South and he is still going strong. He does a marathon acoustic set in Bowness and has done so for 20 odd years. It's at the Hole in the Wall and goes from midday to 4pm!! I would die if I had to do a gig that long.. However the Festival brings out the best in Stan andyou will hear some lovely Scottish Folk music played in his own original style. Thanks Stan Bill Lloyd (Banjo Bill) Bill Lloyd is well known as a live performer in Cumbria, the Borders and North West England, both as a soloist and with his band Willy Ruby. His material is wide-ranging and includes old-time Appalachian dance music and songs, country rock, bluegrass, contemporary and traditional Irish ballads, traditional European dance music and his own songs. He also directed the Kendal Folk Festival and the Kendal Jazz Festival. For the last 10 years he has become well known among travellers at pub sessions and all-night camp-fires on the road to Appleby Fair. He is also a regular at the Dickie Doodles Folk Night in Kendal where he always gets all involved. A great all round Folk Musician.
I hope that you are getting the idea of just how special the Charity Festival is and why it is so close to our hearts - all these incredibly talented people giving their time and talent free of charge to help keep it the unique spot we were lucky enough to find at various times in our lives. All that and Ivor and Old Peculiar as well !! MAY 2012 PROVISIONAL RUNNING ORDER Times & Artists will vary a bit !! TBC = To be confirmed FRIDAY BAR CONCERT 1.00 - 6.00 Sessions in the Walkers Bar - get well lubricated for the evening festivities!!! 6.00 - 6.40 Joe Boe 6.55 - 7.35 Phil Simpson 7.50 - 8.40 Jessica Lawson 8.55 - 9.35 Bruce Hogg and Dougie Downie 9.30 Until....Closing time 'Open Session' and Raffle SATURDAY BAR CONCERT 12.00 - 1.00 Open Session (All in) 2pm - 5pm 1.00 - 1.40 Bruce Hogg and Dougie Downie SINGEROUND In the Hotel Lounge. 1.50 - 2.30 Bowfell and the Band All welcome to a hosted Session 2.40 - 3.10 Bev Whelan and Friends 3.25 - 4.05 Jacks Rake 4.10 - 4.50 Caitlin Storey MAIN CONCERT 5.00 - 5.40 Kev Smith Hotel Dining Room (No reserved seating) 5.50 - 6.30 Indian Postal Service Compere - Jim Smith. Sound Craig Hughes 6.40 - 7.20 Joe Boe Doors Open 5.30 7.40 - 8.20 Spiral Scouts 6.00 - 6.40 Mike Allen, Bev Whelan, Jim Smith 8.30 - 9.10 The Sail Pattern 6.50 - 7.30 Ethan Thomas Raffle + Auction+ Session 7.40 - 8.20 Terry Gorman 11pm CLOSE 8.40 - 9.20 Jacks Rake BACK TO THE BAR FOR THE SESSION
THAT'S ALL THE 'ORGANISED' STUFF FOLKS FROM 8PM UNTIL CLOSING THE TIME IS AFFECTIONATELY KNOWN AS.. THE SURVIVORS SESSION Go for it, play,sing,take your clothes off do what you will (within the law) but most of all Give us all your money!
Also - musical instruments can cost a few bob! Please if you see a guitar/fiddle or any other instruments lying around it has probably worked very hard, let it rest or find out who owns it if you want to play it. Can I play if Mik hasn't had the good taste to book me Do I need sound equipment Slightly touchy subject
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Craig Hughes (Numb B**m Craig) - Is the most important person at the Main Concerts. He is a Professional Sound Engineer and how it sounds to you and the performers depends only on him. After a while we have coaxed him out of retirement and he helped us out to a deluge of compliments from performers. Welcome back Craig and many thanks.
TERRY GORMAN- Either solo or in his band Terry is an extremely talented and professional performer. Acoustic, electric, or a mixture of both, he is very well known in the North East and has made many very welcome visits to Cumbria, now playing the circuit here regularly. His style with an audience is relaxed, humerous and easy going, but wait for the legendary North East bite!! A mix of covers and self penned material will ensure that you will be well entertained from the start. His first and very welcome visit to Langdale Festival he can be seen at the Dining Room Main Concert then again on Sunday in the Bar or outside if the sun shines!! Welcome.
Kev Smith Kevin Smith is a resident of Kendal, who escaped from Derby in 1989. He started learning to play the guitar whilst still at school and drifted into the inevitable multi-guitar folk band. Subsequently five of Kevin' associates formed a folk band called Crooked Stove Pipe, and played regularly for many years at the Blessington Carriage in Derby. Kevin is a regular performer in the pubs of Bowness, but always enjoys returning to play the less commercial music. His musical interests lie with Donavan, Rita McNeil,Kris Kristofferson, Gorden Lightfoot, Robert Johnson, Peter Sarstedt, and Lindisfarne to name a few, and jamming with anyone that will put up with him on guitar, bass or harmonica. His chief roadie is Maggie, his wife, who is well versed in setting up and breaking down the gear, as well as driving him home. We look forward to seeing him perform this year.
Caitlin Storey I heard Caitlin at the session night at the Elleray last year and immediately booked her for a short spot at the Festival. She has, for all her youth, the sort of voice that can (and did) silence a room. That is going some at the Old D G!! She sang at both Festivals last year and we are pleased to say that she is returning (with family support!) for a longer set next May. I said of Ethan Thomas two years back that the future of Folk is in safe hands with him. So my pearls of wisdom have yet again been proven true with this young lady. One act not to miss - welcome back Caitlin.
Phil Simpson And Jessica Lawson (Performing separately) (Leeds) Based in the East Riding of Yorkshire, Jessica Lawson is a songwriter performing songs on the autoharp and acoustic guitar. Jessica's delicate yet powerful songs reflect her background in folk music crossed with her love of Americana. Over past year Jessica has performed a number of high profile and exciting shows, supporting Eddi Reader and Dave Rotheray as well as appearing on bills alongside the likes of Cara Dillon. With her debut EP 'Molly of the Tyne', due for release in June and a number of festivals lined up for the summer, Jessica is proving to be an exciting new face on the folk scene. One third of York based Folk/Country trio 'Broken Ground', Phil Simpson plays a delicate blend of folk & contemporary song not too far removed from that of Paul Simon, Richard Thompson & James Taylor. Having played with the likes of Martin Carthy, Seth Lakeman & Four Men & A Dog, Phil continues to perform nationwide and is involved with a lot of musical projects in Yorkshire & his home county Lancashire.
Bruce Hogg & Dougie Downie - I have been lucky enough to have known Bruce for many years - he is usually lucky enough to be able to avoid me! The Organiser of the 
Joe Boe - Is the sort of Performer who every Organiser dreams of. He will deliver a great set then slip happily into the role of Compere or just be around helping out wherever needed. Magic! He is one of the Organisers of the popular Fleetwood Folk Club and is a Charity Fund Raiser in his own right, running very well attended Music Weekends to raise money for the Lifeboats - well done lad! He is kicking off the whole Festival with a set on Friday night and you can see him again Saturday. A very competant and entertaining performera lot of fun to listen to. Good to see you again Jo
Neil Walmsley - Is not just the owner of the ODG and as such is "The Boss" (move over Springsteen!) and,our Host. He is a very talented musician as well. Fiddle and Mandolin are at present his forte and now includes a five string fiddle in his talented performance. He plays with a very successful band "Cornerstone" and has been known on one occasion to join in with almost all the acts featuring at the Festival (but doesn't remember much of it!!). The ODG 'Sessions' on the first Wed of each month in which he features are now the stuff of legend. Many thanks Neil. 
Lauren Bate Band - I was lucky enough to sing a song with Lauren and listen to her solo performance at the Unicorn Inn. She has now become a Langdale favourite. I know there is a new line up and will post details asap. Quote from their info "The Lauren Bate Band explore folk traditions, they are dedicated to writing themselves into the tradition rather than merely reflecting it. They are a 5 piece and feature the vocal talents of Lauren Bate, alongside the exciting sound of Viola performed by Jenny Plura, Guitar by Deke Smith and David Milner with Mandolin and Bodhran by David Hendry. Piano and Bass are also used in a melange of of interpretations of songs, both new and traditional".
Nicky Snell - Now a Festival regular, Nicky is one of that rare breed a solo female performer. She has lots of Folk Club experience and has appeared at Fylde Folk Festival among others. Her style is usually quiet and thoughtful but watch out for the odd sting in the lyrics! Thank you for all your support Nicky. She will be helping to run one of the Singeround Sessions in the Hotel. More Female Performers please! 
Bev Whelan
- I mean that in the nicest sense.... Ok so I'm not perfect! The odd slip will creep in from time to time. From the Facebook photos of the 'Wee lassie' on Arran to a respected and accomplished Irish Musician and maker - up of slightly silly poems! I have been lucky enough to have listened to Bev's music grow over the years. She kindly provided all the amazing flute and whistle tracks on the Langdale Album all those years ago and was great then. She moved on to Ireland to extend her knowledge of their Traditional Music and now is back on the shores of Lancaster to play for us again - what shores - a pint of ... Ok!! Some of the haunting tunes that she plays are ideal in the setting of Langdale - you can sample a little in the Videos section. She is playing with Jim and Mike as mentioned and is playing a strong solo set - one to look forward to. Nice to see you back in Langdale again kid!
Celia Briar Celia performs traditional instrumental music on the Celtic harp. She is a former all-Ireland harp champion, with four albums to her credit. Her music is soulful, relaxing and uplifting. She is in demand for concerts and other special occasions, including wedding ceremonies, civil partnerships, conferences and private parties. Celia is currently based in the United Kingdom, but tours internationally.Celia’s Minstrel harps are beautiful instruments, with a superb tone, made by Kim Webby from New Zealand native timbers
Paul Dean - Paul was one of the first musicians I met when I arrived back in the '80s, and for a time to sing for my supper. Always friendly and supportive towards other musicians, I remember he used to lend me his PA system during a lean time! He has a huge knowledge of music and song writing and can be seen regularly around various venues in the South Lakes. It really is good to have local musicians at the Festival, as you will see with Paul, there is a wealth of talent locally. You are sure to have a happy time with Paul. Many thanks.
Yes of course there are plenty of sessions and Guitar Workshops over the weekend. We would ask that you join in the sessions, and avoid starting your own as we tend to lose track and we love you all and want to hear you! Please don't continue your session on the campsite! Thanks.
In general no. There is a basic PA for booked acts -Jack inputs for instruments, XLR for Vocals, sometimes left on 'ambient' for sessions and there will be someone there to control the sound. If you have special effects pedals etc. please bring them. Also we are always keen that performers bring their own microphones, leads and stands, at least a mic pop sock (gets a bit beery by the end! You didn't want to know that did you).
It's a pub and a friendly Festival but if you want to talk loudly about the climb you failed to do or catch up with old friends, PLEASE don't do it right in front of a person performing. I am often accused of being tetchy about this - but far from it. Talk away - have a great time - give it the 1,000 words! (Tagspeak) but please remember the fact that all the people playing have come at their own expense for no fee to raise money for some great causes. Please give 'em the respect they really deserve and move away from the performing area to chat. Enough said!