Bakewell Arts Festival 2004
6-15 August 2004

Folk and Roots programme

The focus of the folk programme this year is very strongly on celebrating the link between the grassroots and the professional performer. The concerts feature some of the excellent local musicians plus those who have come through the local scene to move onto the bigger stage. As in previous years there is plenty of chance for people to perform as well as listen – in addition to the now-traditional pub session and open mic concert in the Riverside Gardens, there is a singing workshop lead by Lester Simpson, with the participants showing off their new-found talents at the end of festival Folk in the Gardens. So come and join us for the week in Bakewell, Derbyshire in the heart of the beautiful Peak District National Park.

Friday 6 Club Acoustic
Town Hall 8pm £4

Hear some of the best performers from Buxton's Club Acoustic in a relaxed and informal setting. Line up will include the old-time country sound of the Down Trodden String Band, the acoustic blues of Last Call, the Irish wizardry of Keel Over and the American-tinged folk of Chris Rockcliffe and Bernie Dart.

Wednesday 11 Boneshaker, Pat Walker and Nick Farrelly
Medway Centre 8pm £6/£4

The best of Sheffield come to Bakewell. Both acts on this bill cut their musical teeth in the legendary session in Fagan's in Sheffield. Boneshaker have a wealth of experience in various bands between them (and countless hours playing at ceilidhs) and are occasionally joined by their guest vocalist, Siobhan Quinn from Troy, NY and Ciaran Boyle, many time winner of the All Britain and All Ireland bodhran titles. They play a fine mix of folk/roots material born out of Sheffield's unique melting pot of English, Irish and Scottish acoustic music.Pat and Nick make a welcome return to the festival after a sparkling performance supporting Equation at last year's festival. One of Pat's many former groups includes the Mulljumpers, which featured the above-mentioned Ciaran Boyle on bodhran. Both equally adept on fiddle and guitar, they bring superb musicianship and a wealth of experience to a wide range of traditional and contemporary tunes and songs.

Thursday 12 Folk Session
The Manners 8.30pm Free

It may not be as famous as the Fagan's session (although one of the founder members of the Incredible String Band has paid us a visit) but the regular Thursday session in the Manners has built a reputation as a place where all styles of music and levels of ability are equally welcome. Come and join us to hear traditional music played in its traditional setting – the pub! Better still come and join us and join in.


Saturday 14 Singing Workshops with Lester Simpson
Medway Centre 10-1 and 2-5 £8 each/£15 both

Many people will know Lester through his work on Radio Derby's Folkwaves programmes, where together with co-presenter Mick Peat, he brings a wealth of knowledge and a sly sense of humour to the presentation of acoustic music. Many will also know him as part of award-winning a capella trio Coopes, Boyes and Simpson, whose concert was a highlight of last year's Arts Festival. However, you may not be aware that Lester also teaches the art of singing in a weekly class in Bakewell's Medway Centre. For those who have always fancied improving their vocal style, here is a chance to have a go, lead by one of the masters of the art. You can sign up for the morning or the afternoon – or you can go the whole hog and do the full day. You also get the chance to become a member of the first ever Arts Festival chorus, who will make their debut performance at the Folk in the Gardens the next day.

Sunday 15 Folk in the Gardens
Riverside Gardens 2-5 Free

The now traditional, end-of-festival chill out in the Riverside Gardens. As in previous years this will feature a selection of local folk musicians playing, in the delightful setting of the Riverside Gardens. Highlights this year will be a debut performance by the participants in Saturday's singing workshops, lead by their tutor Lester Simpson, who will also be doing a solo spot.

Box Office 01629 816696   
enquiries@bakewellarts.co.uk

Full Festival programme which includes many other music events, theatre, dance etc can be viewed at the Arts Festival Website.

http://www.bakewellarts.co.uk/