Moseley Folk News (inc some of 2011 line-up)

Hi Everybody,

In what seems to be becoming a habit here is our April newsletter bought to you in March. We were going to wait another week but wanted to give you all a reminder about the next Lunar Society gig featuring Erland & the Carnival & Hannah Peel on 31st March and give you all a sneak peek at the line up for Moseley Folk Festival 2011.

Dates for this year are 2nd, 3rd & 4th September.

We're putting the finishing touches to our website at the moment where we'll post the full line up as well as an improved archive of previous years festivals.

We think you'll like it – more artist's videos, more of your photos, social media, a Moseley Folk Blog, plus lots more useful festival information.

2011 Line Up Preview

Although the final line up is still yet to be announced as you can see from the flyer on the right we've managed to book some amazing acts for Moseley Folk 2011. We'll release all the acts in the next newsletter (expect some surprises) but for now here's a few to tickle your fancy…

Tinariwen
Quoted as sounding like as if Keith Richards, Santana, John Lee Hooker, various members of Primal Scream and the Grateful Dead had got lost in the Sahara for a decade and then returned as a fully-fledged desert band.

http://www.myspace.com/tinariwen

Badly Drawn Boy
Manchester native Damon "Badly Drawn Boy" Gough became an overnight sensation as a British version of Beck with the amateurish, lo-fi, poignant bedroom sound expounded in a series of EPs.

http://www.badlydrawnboy.co.uk/

Gruff Rhys
Gruff Rhys is the main songwriter and lead singer in Super Furry Animals, and occasional solo star.
His albums Yr Atal Genhedlaeth and Candylion have showcased his more folky side and have found him a new audience.

http://www.gruffrhys.com/

Stornoway
Named after the Hebridean island but hailing from Oxford, Stornoway are a four-piece band of songsmiths, scholars, scientists and men of the earth.The last couple of years have seen them quietly honing their art in the shadows of the dreaming spires, and earlier this year they released their first official single; the critically acclaimed Zorbing.

http://www.stornoway.eu/

Junip (featuring Jose Gonzalez)
Junip’s sound can be familiar to those who have listened to González’s critically acclaimed solo records, with organs, synths, and drums featured alongside his nylon-stringed guitar and distinctive voice. The songs are often dynamic, melodic and shadowy, with a remarkable sonic approach that is simultaneously intimate and atmospheric.

http://www.junip.net/

The Bees
Back again this year the Bees call on snappy drums and cheery basslines and guitar riffs for their sound, as well as some deeply moving Hammond organ.

http://www.thebees.info/

Villagers
Villagers is the performing and recording alias of solo artist Conor J O'Brien. In his solo guise he has opened for Tindersticks and Neil Young, and with his band he has supported fellow Domino act Wild Beasts.

http://www.wearevillagers.com/

2011 Tickets

Tickets for Moseley Folk Festival will go on sale early April once the final line up has been announced so keep your eye on the website and make sure to spread the word to sign up to our newsletter. We'll send an announcement out as soon as tickets go on sale.

So as to keep you all on your toes we managed to make Aprils Lunar Society at the Hare And Hounds land on 31st March instead. I guess if you leave late enough it will qualify as being April.

Either way its set to be a great night.

Erland & the Carnival

The sound of this trio has been described as darkly poppy, twisted and electronic.

If you're not sure what to expect, as with their debut, that included some old source material – Erland & the Carnival find lyrical and musical inspiration in folk music of the past, which they contort into thrilling new shapes.

If that doesn't seal the deal, the charismatic stage presence of front man Erland Cooper is not to be missed especially when coupled with the talents of David Nock and guitarist Simon Tong (ex The Verve).

http://www.erlandandthecarnival.com
http://www.myspace.com/carnival

Hannah Peel

Performing with her full band, Hannah Peel is taking to the road after the release of her debut album The Broken Wave on 31st January via local label, http://www.staticcaravan.org .

Already tipped by MOJO, The Independent on Sunday and the Irish Times as one of the acts to watch this year, Hannah’s vibrant folk-pop is getting lots of rave reviews.

The Broken Wave is a lovelorn spun tale of falling in love, rejection and life’s trivia, it’s a breathtaking release in which Peel channels her melancholy and aspirations into cantering ditties destined for much greater things than the intimate atmosphere they evoke.

"From trad Irish ballads to Steve Reich by way of Judee Sill and Ennio Morricone… it's a hard-to-pigeonhole opus which slaloms mellifluously between sensitive folk reveries, Tom Waits-like, junkshop hymnals and lavish chamber-pop essays" – MOJO One to Watch 2011

"Vibrant folk-pop with a stunning voice to savour" – Uncut

Friday 31st March
The Hare And Hounds
106 High Street
Kings Heath
Birmingham
B14 7JZ

Doors Open 8pm

Tickets
Advance : £7.00 + £1.00 booking fee in advance
On The Door : £ more (subject to availability)

Moseley Folk Festival veterans we thought you should be the first to know about a great excuse to spend another weekend in Moseley Park this year.

Our sister festival Mostly Jazz Festival is now in its second year and will be taking place on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd July 2011.

After last year's success we have added Friday to the bill and so extended to a three day event. We think we have raised the bar that little bit higher this year.

The lineup is all but complete with only a few acts left to confirm so the new website is not fully up to date as we write. Feel free to take a look but we should have the complete line up ready for the next mail out.

I can confirm a few things though.

Friday

The main stage on Friday is in association with Leftfoot and the headline act is The Cinematic Orchestra. Artists also appearing on Friday include Gilles Peterson , Alice Russell , Brandt Brauer Frick & Shawn Lee’s Ping Pong Orchestra.

Saturday

Saturdays artists on the main stage include Matthew Herbert Big Band, Hidden Orchestra , Milestones play ‘Kind of Blue’ , Beats & Pieces Big Band , Matthew Halsall

Saturdays Birmingham Jazz Stage artists include Lluis Mather & Noose , Sara Colman Quintet, The Steve Tromans Debop Band , Levi French Trio and Birmingham Jazz Ensemble.

Sunday

Sundays artists on the main stage include the fantastic Booker T , Brass Roots , Smoove & Turrell , Pigbag , Ariya Astrobeat Arkestra , The Paris 1940s and on the Yardbird Stage artists include Craig Charles DJ Set , The Atlantic Players and Oya Batucada.

To be one of the first to hear this year's full line up as well as other Mostly Jazz Festival news sign up for the mailing list here http://www.mostlyjazz.co.uk/home

Mostly Jazz Festival is the UK’s newest jazz festival and the only open air, one site festival dedicated exclusively to contemporary jazz, funk and soul.

Celebrating the dynamic grooves, innovation and excitement of the modern jazz movement Mostly Jazz is about showcasing the diversity of contemporary jazz in all it’s forms.

From avant-garde, free and modern jazz through to vocal, song based jazz, jazz-fusion and future jazz. It’s also about considering jazz’s influence and relationship to other black music art-forms such as Latin music, funk and soul.

Tickets are now on sale via the website

Get yours now !!

Folk For Free is a collaboration between Moseley Folk and our friends at Symphony Hall where we will be showcasing some of the finest folk acts in the relaxed comfort of the Symphony Hall level 3 bar.

In March we'll be joined by one of our more recent discoveries.

Louise Jordan

Louise Jordan is a folk singer, songwriter and musician who "provides an enchanting twist on the traditional English folk song." (NFW Productions) Louise has an "individual approach to traditional songs, firmly keeping alive the spirit and beauty of each, whilst adding her own personality and fresh interpretation." (Dennis Homes)

Since releasing her recording 'Born to Wander' in November 2010, Louise has continued to play a range of venues across London and the South East including the National Theatre, Leigh on Sea Folk Festival, The Victoria and Albert Museum as well as numerous folk clubs. Louise has been described as capturing the raw emotion and purity of Sandy Denny, the originality of Kate Bush and the passion of Joan Baez. Folk magazine Fatea has named 'Born to Wander' a single of the year (2010).

"Louise has a voice that was created for story songs: clear, expressive, slightly ethereal, definitely other worldly at times, a real delight." Neil King, Editor, Fatea

http://louisejordan.co.uk/

As ever, this is a totally free event so come along and have an after work drink.

Thursday 17th March
Symphony Hall Foyer Bars
Symphony Hall
Broad Street
Birmingham
B1 2AE

Doors Open 5.30pm
Tickets : FREE

The High Llamas are one of Moseley Folk's personal favourites, so it's an absolute treat to be hosting the Birmingham leg of their tour.

Support will be provided by top notch folk-tronica Birmingham band Malpas and member of the Gorillaz Sound System DJ Guy Carlos.

This is going to be a good Friday night!

The High Llamas

Live performances from The High Llamas are rare treats these days so we're especially pleased to be on the receiving end of two in as many years.

After performing at the 2010 Moseley Folk Festival, the band is releasing a new album in April 2011 and embarking on national tour, over 20 years after their eponymous debut record.

http://www.highllamas.com

Malpas

Lots of people seem to be expecting great things from Malpas.

Since forming they have toured the country with Mr Hudson and supported Ok Go.

After their performance at last year's Moseley Folk Festival, this is another chance to catch Malpas on home territory with a range of brand new songs.

"Swooping and poetic folk kissed by electronica"– The Music Fix

http://www.myspace.com/malpasmusic

DJ Guy Carlos

The official Bee's tour DJ and fully fledged member of Gorillaz Sound System, Guy Carlos hops genres, mixes tempos and rocks tha party!

Friday 6th May
The Hare And Hounds
106 High Street
Kings Heath
Birmingham
B14 7JZ

Doors Open 8pm

Tickets
Advance : £10.00 in advance
On The Door : £ more (subject to availability)

Dizraeli and the Small Gods

Having picked up a string of awards as a slam poet (including BBC Radio 4 Slam Champion and Farrago UK Slam Champion), Dizraeli has made his name on stages around the world as a front man for the hip hop group Bad Science.

For this show he performs songs from his latest album, Engurland (City Shanties), and is joined on stage by new band The Small Gods.

Brought together as a result of the album, Dizraeli and The Small Gods combine the virtuoso musicianship of old folk music with the improvised wildness of hip hop, resulting in raised smiles, hands and even knees.

http://www.dizraeli.com/

Gurdan Thomas

Support on the night comes in the shape of Gurdan Thomas who play alternative eccentric songs, using a multitude of instruments with a surprising mixed bag of sounds and styles, leading to comparisons with The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band.

Their latest album 'The Fat Lady Sings' was partly recorded in England, in a van, and a Villa in Munich, but almost all of it was created at the Meier farm in Stockau, Bavaria along with performances from musician / farmers Wastl and Katl Meier.

Curiously, despite the multitude of players from across Europe contributing to the recording, the album retains the distinct feel of an English

http://www.myspace.com/gurdanthomas

Friday 15th April
MAC
Cannon Hill Park
Queen's Ride
Birmingham
B12 9QH

Doors Open 8pm

Tickets £9 / £6 – Book Online

Tickets are available from http://www.macarts.co.uk or by calling 0121 446 3232.

Both events are promoted by Mac, please contact them directly for more information

Alasdair Roberts
After mesmerising the crowds at 2010's Moseley Folk Festival we've teamed up with mac to bring Alasdair Roberts back to the region once again.

Alasdair will be performing songs from past albums and his latest Too Long in This Condition.

Alasdair Roberts is a Scottish singer and guitarist. Raised in Callander, Central Scotland, he has been based in Glasgow for the past ten years. 

His first releases consisted of home-made four-track recordings of his songs under the name Appendix Out, including four songs on the Up Records (of Accrington, England) compilation 4×4 (1995) and the Ice Age 7” on Drag City subsidiary Palace Records (1996). Many of these early recordings also featured Alasdair’s boyhood friend David Elcock.

Mandy Connell
Australian singer and guitarist Mandy Connell supports, performing imagery-filled self-penned material and traditional folk songs.

"A fine storyteller, making even the best-known song sound as if he wrote it" The Guardian

Saturday 14th May
MAC
Cannon Hill Park
Queen's Ride
Birmingham
B12 9QH

Doors Open 8pm

Tickets £10 / £7 – Book Online

Tickets are available from http://www.macarts.co.uk or by calling 0121 446 3232.

Please note, this is a standing gig

This event is promoted by Moseley Folk & Mac, please contact Mac directly for more information

For all the acclaim for their three albums to date, the Mercury-nominated Tynesiders Rachel and Becky Unthank have become most legendary for their live gigs.

Stories of love, loss, birth, death, brawls and booze make for a rollercoaster ride, as the sisters’ singing is set against otherworldly musical pictures, sounding both traditional and adventurous at once.

They will play music from their new album, as well as previous records.

With support from trembling Bells

Wednesday 6th April
Birmingham Town Hall
Victoria Square
Birmingham
B3 3DQ

Concert Begins : 7.30pm

Tickets : £17.50
20% discount for full and part time students

Tickets are available from http://www.thsh.co.uk or by calling 0121 780 3333.

This event is promoted by THSH
please contact them directly for more information

Ikon presents Rites of Spring, a special three-night festival of live music, showcasing a pick of folk, pop and electronic talent from Birmingham and further afield.

Rites of Spring is the final event at Ikon Eastside before its closure in April 2011. Over the last five years Ikon Eastside has been a unique exhibition space for visual art and events and a key venue for cultural festivals including Flatpack and Supersonic.

Rites of Spring is intended as a celebration of music and art as we look towards the future.

7th – 9th April
Ikon Eastside
183 Fazeley Street
Digbeth
Birmingham
B5 5SE

Concerts Begin : 7.00pm

Tickets :
£12 / £10 (NUS) per night
£30 / £27 (NUS) for a 3-night Festival Pass (+ booking fee).

Tickets are available from www.theticketsellers.co.uk or by calling 0844 870 0000 (24hr).

This event is promoted by IKON
please contact them directly for more information

For those of you who took photographs or videos why not upload them and share your memories with everyone else. We have a number of official places where you can upload your images and videos.

- Moseley Folk Flickr.com Group
– Moseley Folk Youtube.com Channel
– Moseley Folk Facebook Group

When uploading images or videos please remember to add some useful tags. the best tags to add are "Moseley Folk Festival" and then a new tag for the year "2009"

A number of people have already uploaded images to their own flickr.com accounts which can be seen by doing a public search for Moseley Folk Festival. If any of these images belong to you then why not join our Flickr group too.

You can also find a whole load of videos on youtube if you follow this search

If you haven't already make sure to leave your feedback on our message board. It makes such a difference to hear your thoughts (good or bad) and helps us shape the future of the festival.

For those of you who embrace the future with both hands you may also be interested to know that you can find us on various social networky type things all over the innerwebs

Although our newsletter is the official word you can also catch breaking news or just befriend other like minded souls at the following sites.

Twitter

http://www.twitter.com/moseleyfolk

Myspace

http://www.myspace.com/moseleyfolk

Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Moseley-Folk-Festival/132882586748716

Youtube

http://www.youtube.com/user/moseleyfolk

Flickr

http://www.flickr.com/groups/1254255@N22/

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