Middlewich Folk and Boat Festival is a little different this year! OK, you have found the box office but you can’t see the marquee – don’t panic! We have a main stage but it is just a little walk from where you’d normally find it! And it’s not a marquee! 

Before I take you on a walk through the festival bands, I have to tell you a few things. Last year was a difficult one for MFAB — credit crunch, lots of other festivals, loss of funding at the last minute and several bills that we hadn’t budgeted for combined with awful weather including frost on the first night! Whilst some of you were getting hot and sweaty at the Family Mahone gig in the Legion, some of us stood shivering backstage and front of stage in the marquee, where Julie our chair person was seen looking in the kids' lost property (in the youth club) for a pair of socks! In spite of being re-assured that our line-up was good, ticket sales were a record low! I know from speaking with my festival organiser colleagues that many other festivals suffered a similar fate or pulled out before their events took place. In spite of the fact our festival was a success on the ground, in the aftermath we had some serious decisions to make ...

One of them was to HAVE a festival, so yes we are a little smaller, a little more intimate and with the best bands on the folk scene to date. I hope you enjoy them. Thanks to the Royal British Legion for offering us their sumptuous venue for the weekend.

We have a bigger fringe and more venues but only one paying main stage. There are 60 bands or artists with us this year on Mainstage or on the Fringe and in some cases both! In all but one of the main stage concerts, for your money – you can see 4 bands, from the cream of the folk scene to new and up'n'coming bands. Rachel Harrington, Andrea Glass and Thea Gilmore, much played by Bob Harris, Ella Edmondson and Ade Edmondson on Mark Radciffe, (I heard them first!!) There are several new venues — The White Horse offering sessions all weekend, the acoustic tent right next to the beer tent, craft stalls and children's tent. The Kinderton Hotel and all the regular venues who enjoy being a part of the festival. Plenty of workshops, our usual procession and a Ceilidh to enjoy! Most bands have a myspace and or website so you can keep in touch with them and in some cases remember where you saw them first!

I’d like to thank all the bands who keep Middlewich Folk and Boat Festival the truly great festival that it is, by embellishing the stages with what we know will be wonderful performances. And to all the bands who are taking part on the fringe, barely singing for their suppers (aah!) without you all we wouldn’t have such a successful festival and thanks to those of you who turn up enjoy the fringe and improve our festival just by being here!

What follows is a summary of performers, both Mainstage and Fringe — you'll need to check our online Festival Guide and Fringe Guide to know where and when they will be performing ...

THE FAMILY MAHONE

Friday 8pm Concert — The Royal British Legion Stage

Family Mahone - I don’t have words for this band - actions speak louder! We are actually very privileged to have the Mahones with us this year as they are doing fewer gigs due to Mark Radcliffe’s work commitments. He’s the one on the radio you know! Did I mention he’s our festival patron too! Cheers Mark and the boys - have a great night!

BLUE MURDER

Saturday 1pm Concert — The Royal British Legion Stage

Blue Murder consists of Norma and Mike Waterson, Martin Carthy, Marie Knight** (Lal Waterson’s daughter) and the renowned a capella trio (Barry) Coope, (Jim) Boyes and (Lester) Simpson. Stunning as individual acts, as a seven piece the whole is definitely more than a sum of its parts. Lead vocals and harmony parts are swapped and juggled amidst the unique blend of distinctive Coope, Boyes and Simpson harmonies and familiar Waterson tones. With an on-stage ambience varying from intense to hilarious, Blue Murder fill the stage with their presence and some of the best and most powerful harmony singing the folk scene has ever known.

**Note: whilst the pic shows Eliza Carthy (front centre), due to being a new mother she is not gigging presently and is replaced by Marie Knight.

ADE EDMONDSON'S BAD SHEPHERDS

Saturday 8pm Concert —The Royal British Legion Stage

HOW THE BAD SHEPHERDS CAME TO BE…
Adrian Edmondson was a teenager when punk arrived. The songs of The Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Jam and The Stranglers were the soundtrack to his life through the late 70’s and early 80’s, and like a lot of people of his generation he was fond of playing these songs to himself at home on his acoustic guitar.
Cut forward to 2007: after a boozy pre-Christmas lunch in Soho, Ade stumbled along to Denmark Street, home of many alluring musical instrument shops and, whilst inebriated, ‘accidentally’ bought a mandolin. Surprised to see it sitting there in his kitchen the following morning he nevertheless picked it up, worked out a few chords, and started playing the same songs with a mandolin accompaniment – it sounded really interesting.
He was touring with the Bonzos at the time and he brought his mandolin along; with Neil Innes on acoustic guitar, they had a go at 'London Calling' in the dressing room. It sounded good, but Neil said "What you need are some brilliant folk musicians." Ade got in touch with Troy and Maart and they were both immediately up for it. As soon as he explained the idea to Troy: ‘Punk era classics with Celtic folk arrangements’ Troy replied "Why not 'The Model' by Kraftwerk as well? I’ve always wanted to play that on the pipes." They met for a couple of days to mess about with the idea. If it didn’t work they could all just walk away. But within the first hour they knew they were onto something. In the two days they drank numerous beers, ate 2 curries and arranged 8 songs - and the band was born. After completing the line up with Andy Dinan on fiddle, they rehearsed hard and towards the end of 2008 they toured England to packed houses and very appreciative audiences.
Ade sent me a message or two and we debated whether to put the band on and so one evening as I sat with my laptop on my knee an email arrived from Ade and at that exact moment there he was shaving his tongue on my TV screen! At which point I emailed him back and the booking was complete, "you did that on purpose didn’t you?" I asked, "yep" he said, "I planned it!" No seriously, at MFAB we like to have fun on our Saturday night and I can’t think of a better band to fit that bill! Well if you add this to the Mahones on Friday night – we may be in danger of having too much fun!

ALL BLACKED UP & BAZ PARKES

Saturday 8pm Ceilidh — The Civic Hall Stage

An evening with All Blacked Up features good music, dance and entertainment. Their music is firmly melody-based, with a solid foundation from a tight rhythm section. Whilst dancing (and listening) to All Blacked Up you will experience rolling melodeons and harmonica, innovative saxophone and solo recorder, bass guitar, drums and 6 string guitar – in short a six piece band that really rocks!

“All Blacked Up...bring jazz and R&B to an infectious traditional English groove” (Barry Callaghan: Hardcore English)

“Exceedingly tasty music…” (Green Man Review)

“One of the country’s premier ceilidh bands” (netrhythms.co.uk)

“When it comes to infectious ceilidh music guaranteed to get even the most reluctant feet tapping, if not dancing, All Blacked Up are among the best” (Folk London Magazine)

“...driving, full-bodied yet eminently danceable music” (What’s Afoot Magazine)

THEA GILMORE

Sunday 1pm Concert — The Royal British Legion Stage

Thea Gilmore has been described as “the best wordsmith of her generation” (The Independent) and “the best British singer/songwriter of the last ten years - and then some” (Uncut).

"Gilmore certainly has plenty to say. Like Dylan in the 1960s, she can’t stop writing songs. She has so many that, while working on Avalanche, she slipped out another 20 or so via her website on an “unofficial” release called Songs from the Gutter: “It’s as much a mystery to me as anyone where all the songs come from. I guess I’m just a bit gobby!” Born in 1979 in Oxfordshire (her mother was a book illustrator and her father worked as an editor at Robert Maxwell’s Pergamon Press), Gilmore admits to a “privileged”, bookish childhood. Dylan and Joni Mitchell were always on her parents’ stereo: “But we never talked politics and it was a very insular upbringing. We were surrounded by fields of sheep.”

When her parents separated when she was 16, her father gave her a four-track tape recorder for her birthday “out of guilt”. Around the same time, she did work experience at a local recording studio. There she met Nigel Stonier, who remains her personal partner and record producer. “He said that I’d got a good voice and I should write songs. I’d never written before then and that’s how it got going,” she recalls. “It was while my parents were splitting up and it was traumatic. I locked myself in the bedroom in a very teenage way and wrote songs about it.” With Stonier’s encouragement, she carried on writing songs and was signed by a tiny record company in Oxford run by Denis Healey’s son. Nothing came of it, so she set up her own label, Shameless: “The early records involved scraping together whatever money we could find to put them out.” Eventually, she signed to the indie label Flying Sparks and slowly began to get noticed."

“People probably look at me and wonder what this angsty, drippy hippie woman is bleating on about,” she continues with a laugh. “But I don’t think what I do is radical. It’s just honest. The sad thing is that even honesty seems radical these days.” (The Times, Aug 2003).

JIM MORAY

Sunday 8pm Concert —The Royal British Legion Stage

Jim Moray weaves a cohesive whole that links traditional song seamlessly into modern popular culture rather than discriminating between the two. “If folk song is the music of the people then it’s surely wrong to treat it as ‘high art’ that should be preserved unchanged. Folk music is low culture.” At the age of 21 Jim Moray was hailed “the greatest leap forward in folk for 30 years” (Neil McCormack, The Daily Telegraph) and “...the most significant musician since Bob Dylan to decide that the folk idiom is the perfect vehicle for his musical adventures” (Bruce Elder, Sydney Morning Herald). Amongst other extravagant claims, his debut album ‘Sweet England’ was called “the most significant new development in English folk music since Fairport Convention's Liege and Leif.” (Nigel Williamson, Uncut) and “a revolutionary experience” (Nige Tassell, HMV Choice). Critics worldwide fell over themselves to tip Moray for great things. Now aged 26, he delivers on that promise with ‘Low Culture’, an album of ten songs that defines exactly where English traditional music is at in the early 21st century.

STAN'S MAGIC FOOT

They became known as Stan’s Magic Foot because Stan, one of the band members, does something weird with his foot whilst playing, or so rumour has it! Local musicians make up this band. Scored a real hit with festival goers at last summer's festival which impressed us so much that they get a mainstage support slot this year. Don’t upstage the good DJ Mahone will you boys!

From their MySpace page: "An engaging mixture of vitriol and romance, Stan's Magic Foot stomp their feet to a wide variety of music, both traditional and contemporary. Champions of hat-wearing, and the joy of singing, their energetic shows guarantee to entertain. From poignant renditions of the likes of Speak Softly My Love, to funked up rippers such as Killing In The Name, everyone who sees this band are guaranteed to feel better, and some will go away with a hat!"

THE RAINBOW CHASERS

Ashley Hutchings’ Rainbow Chasers. He's known as the Father of British Folk-Rock, and sometimes The Guv’nor, and at others, The Alchemist of Electric Morris, but running parallel with these existences, for over twenty or more years, has been a successful and inventive life as songwriter, poet, music director at the National Theatre and compiler of many fascinating albums of words and music on various themes. The Rainbow Chasers are Joe Topping - vocals, guitar; Jo Hamilton - vocals, acoustic guitar, viola; Ruth Angell - vocals, violin; Ashley Hutchings - vocals, acoustic bass guitar.

GINA LE FAUX

I hope Gina doesn’t mind me saying this - I was eating fish and chips on a windy beach in Anglesey last summer when a fiddle tune came from the car radio and severely caught my attention! It just sounded so different, captivating and haunting actually. Mike Harding casually announced the tune to be played by Gina Le Faux and with my Festival Director hat on I knew I’d have to track her down! I dutifully sent an e-mail and several weeks went by and a reply finally appeared - contact was made! Since my first chat with Gina I think we have become friends - she is not only an astounding fiddle player but she sings and plays beautifully any stringed instrument she can get her hands on and, although quietly unassuming, she has a presence and quality. Top that with a sense of humour and some spooky intuition and you have one very special person. Welcome to Middlewich Folk and Boat Festival Gina and a special thank you for the help and inspiration and motivation to pursue my dreams that you have given to me. I very much look forward to working with you again in whatever guise that is. On saying that, Gina is one of the great fiddle players on the British folk/roots music scene; an international performer who has toured extensively in Britain, Europe and the USA; an exceptional singer and interpreter of songs old and new; a recent performance was described as ”White Soul” and her guitar playing was described as “Spellbinding”. Gina’s interest in 18th century dance music led Shirley Collins to describe her as a “Baroque Fiddler” and she was a guest soloist with, Ensemble Suave, a Baroque music ensemble, at concerts in Boston, USA in 2004 and 2008. Gina is one of the UK’s leading teachers of traditional fiddle and has recently released a fiddle tutor DVD for Folk Academy. She has worked with most of the folk scene’s legendary performers including John Kirkpatrick, Martin Carthy, Martin Simpson and Dick Gaughan and was a member of Hom Bru, Shegui, Red Shift and The Tannahill Weavers and is currently working in a duo with Dave Swarbrick. If all goes to plan we shall have this duo with us in the New Year.

TOM DOUGHTY

Tom Doughty only has to pick up one of his beautiful guitars and I for one am already entranced. I have to confess to having spent much time listening to Tom with my eyes closed – not asleep honestly, it’s just the way to not only hear but feel his music. Well it is for me! A lovely man and a very special friend.

GREG CAVE & THE VILLAGE BAND

In November 2008 Greg Cave had a new batch of songs that he had written whilst living in a shed. The shed he was inhabiting was in the Leicestershire village "Theddingworth". So together with some friends/musicians he booked Theddingworth Village Hall for the price of £10 and however much money they needed to put in the heaters. In a day they played and recorded the songs that are now known as "The Theddingworth Village Hall Session". I really rate this band, I think they’ll be big, you heard them here! Greg Cave and Guy Fletcher can be seen lurking on the fringe over this weekend. if you see them buy them a beer and some food ‘cos we don’t pay much!

ELLA EDMONDSON

Yep, she is Ade’s daughter and like every good dad trying to help his daughter, he got his own gig sorted and then asked me if Ella could come too! However, I beat him to it, I put Ella on at MFAB 2 years ago on the folk club stage — no one had heard of her and she gallantly played to about 10 people! I promised her a main stage gig the following year. She was busy last year so I am delighted to have Ella with us in 2009. My, she has blossomed since I heard her 2 years ago. I think this young woman has a serious music career ahead of her, in my humble feisty director opinion!

VICKI & TREFOR WILLIAMS

Vicki & Trefor — bringing a bit of Welsh culture to our festival! Make sure you get Vicki to sing some of her own songs, I know she does justice to whatever she sings with Trefor, but make her sing some of her own - just tell her, ‘Liz says so!’ Duo from North Wales with an eclectic repertoire, including some Welsh songs. Everything from mediaeval to self-penned. Guitars, mandocello, anglo concertina, fiddle — and a capella harmonies. Over the last 10 years they have appeared all over the UK, and they (and their albums) have been featured on several radio folk programmes. Other artists have covered some of Vicki's songs — and their 'Learn a Welsh Song' and songwriting workshops have become increasingly popular.

ANDREA GLASS

Andrea Glass was born and raised in Bolton, England, a rainy mill town in the North West. She plays a red Gibson J200, likes cowboy boots, Cath Kidston, flocked wallpaper, tea, scented candles, fairy lights, notebooks, everything about autumn, all things coastal, trains, and I heard her on the Bob Harris show and knew she would complement the line up Sunday afternoon! I also have a very good recommendation from good friends Pam and Brian, from our Big Lock folk club here in Middlewich, who had seen her at a gig locally.

RACHEL HARRINGTON

Reared among the Pentecostal pines of Oregon, Rachel Harrington has been doing things in the wrong order for quite some time. She'd had extensive radio play before performing her live show, and she was opening for Grammy winners and nominees before releasing her first record. Now I nearly had Rachel with us last year and since first hearing her on Radio 2, where Bob Harris play her songs regularly, I knew she had to come to Middlewich and, if you like her lots, go and see her again at the Biddulph Arms on 24th June. Eric Cox will sort you out for that one!

LIZ & THE LIZZETTES

Liz and the Lizzettes! Having spent some time with the Wildboys as the honorary ‘Wildgirl’ Liz felt it was time to move on and so with much sadness, tears and regret, she waved goodbye but strangely a few of the Wildboys missed her so much that they just felt the need to keep playing the sweet music for Liz to sing to and so they followed her to the nearest pub - well, the Unplugged Sandbach stage actually and courtesy of Winston, the Lizzettes came about when the name just ‘tripped’ off Winston’s tongue. What it really means is that Liz has the opportunity to sing some of her favourite ‘girlie’ songs from Dusty Springfield and Lucinda Williams to Sandy Denny and even a tribute to John Martyn comes into their jazzy, bluesy and folkie repertoire. Watch for Keith Haynes’ blistering guitar solos, Adrian Thompson’s mellow double bass, June Bailey’s rich harmony vocals and of course, the lovely and ever patient Dr Bob on whichever instrument he can get his hands on and play amazingly well! I hope you enjoy seeing us as the Secret Band (we didn’t have a name when I booked us!) and on the fringe. A thank you too to Gina Le Faux for being a lovely friend and believing in me and my musical venture so earnestly that she has added her sumptuous fiddle, mandolin and viola for – MY FORTHCOMING CD! Unfortunately she is not able to join us on Sunday as she is gigging with Dave Swarbrick elsewhere!

ISAMBARDE

Isambarde are a folk band with tremendous energy and enthusiasm. They are the unusual and winning combination of Chris's driving guitar, Emily's incisive fiddle playing and Jude's lyrical oboe coupled with great full on vocal harmonies. I am quite happy to agree with Phil Beer's comments here having seen this young band several times I am pleased to have them back at Middlewich!

ZOOX

Zoox — Linda Game, Jo May and Becky Menday are a superb trio serving up a cocktail of new melodies and traditional tunes with a delicate balance of strings, wind, percussion and voices. Be prepared for a fabulous array of instruments from contrabassoon to congas. Exciting arrangements, great musicianship and infectious energy typify the performances of Zoox in a show which is guaranteed to entertain and enchant. Zoox will have a workshop too for you to enjoy!

ACOUSTAK

Acoustak are a Cheshire-based trio comprising Frank (guitar, harmonica, lead vocals), Maureen (guitar, mandolin, backing vocals) and Ian (5-string banjo, backing vocals). Their musical repertoire covers a diverse range, from country, folk, pop through to bluegrass and old time. Particular influences include Dylan, Steve Earle, Hank Williams and Creedence Clearwater Revival, to name but a few. Acoustak’s performances are a blend of old favourites combined with a range of more recent material – all delivered in a refreshing and entertaining style, guaranteed to leave you wanting more!

BARRON BRADY

Barron Brady — two performers who confidently uphold the richness of the British folk tradition with superbly crafted self-written songs and fine interpretations of English folk song, beautifully sung with great sincerity and with impeccable musical accompaniment. Their beguiling lyrics often draw upon the stories, legends and folklore of the South-West. This duo has been brought to my attention many times and so finally even though I haven’t seen them — here they are. By recommendation! I’ll try and get to see them myself if I can.

BILL MALKIN

Bill Malkin — born in South Africa and raised in various parts of Southern Africa, Bill began playing guitar at boarding school in the 1960's in what was then Rhodesia.... and has never really stopped. A regular at The Raven Folk Club in Chester and The Hungry Horse Acoustic Folk Club in Ellesmere Port, I know Bill is good mates with that Full House lot but it hasn’t done him any harm and in fact they feature on some of his CD’s. Bill has focused over the years on crafting his diverse repertoire of fine original songs. An occasional visitor to our folk club sessions here in Middlewich and we are always pleased to see him! Enjoy!

BREEZE & WILSON

Breeze and Wilson — I have used someone else’s quote for Graham and Toby because it says all that I would say, not only are they really nice guys, they are damn good musicians with vocals to match and harmonies to die for! Sorry I couldn’t fit them into mainstage again this year, they are incredibly talented and should be much more famous than they are. Maverick Magazine (Nov. 2006) described them as, “Toby, slim, confident, keeping the patter going, Graham, revealing a little grey, more thoughtful; a concerned uncle and a brash nephew, one wanting the world to be a kindly, ordered sort of place, the other not caring one way or the other.” That's probably as accurate as it gets. Toby is a multi-instrumentalist with his current passion favouring dobro and frailing-style banjo. Graham generally takes lead vocals and plays guitar ... we both sing and tend to use harmonies to swell our songs. Difficult to categorise the genre, but let’s say country-blues, with roots and folk and a smattering of americana, tex-mex and jazz?

BRENDAN FAHY

Brendan Fahy — extraordinary voice, guitar and hair! Lovely man with unique style — why isn’t he famous yet? Now Liverpool-based Brendan brings a touch of the Irish with him to MFAB this year.

Note: I apologise but a really old pic was all I could find!

CALICO JACK

Calico Jack — we couldn’t have a festival without a few bands and this is one of them. Bluegrass, blues and folk. Always welcome, Ken and the band!

CHLOË

Chloë — the story so far.....Chloë Chadwick is a stunning singer/songwriter/guitarist based in South Cheshire, England. Initially cutting her teeth as a performer playing sets around the French Alps and the Balearics from 2003 - 2006 to literally thousands of people, Chloë moved back to England ready for more in 2007. After seeking out musicians to back her she hit the ground running with a storming set at Liverpool's famous 'Cavern Club'. A busy year followed with 2008 providing a multitude of gigs in venues around the North West. Highlights included a highly-rated performance at 'CreweLive08', a televised, semi-final outing at 'live and unsigned '08' and a support slot in front of some 4000 people to Jason Donovan. CHLOË - The story yet to be written.....

CHRIS LAYHE & OYSTER

Chris Layhe and Oyster — Chris Layhe is an ex-member of 80s hit-makers The Icicle Works, now backed by his country-blues flavoured, Creedence-influenced band Oyster, featuring the incendiary guitar playing of Nic Elsby.

COLD FLAME

Cold Flame — a first visit to Middlewich for Cold Flame from Derbyshire. They have made a name for themselves across England during the last two decades primarily as an original rock and blues band and occasional Jethro Tull tribute act. There is a lighter acoustic side to the band, best described as acoustic folk-rock, blues and celtic. A heady and irresistable mix of acoustic instruments led by violins and guitars blend folk, celtic, new age and folk-rock into the music performed acoustically by the band. There's just a hint of electric here and there.

DAVE DOVE

Dave Dove — singer-songwriter, winner of numerous song-writing competitions and local musician. Always welcome at MFAB.

DEPORTEES

Previously known as The Doghouse Roses, Deportees are Graham Bellinger, Mick Green (both of Root Chords) and Adrian Dear (of Dear Gregory). Their repertoire features original songs, Americana and roots music from both sides of the Atlantic. They describe their material as 'Americana - a bit folky, a bit country' and list among their influences: Bob Dylan; Pentangle; Richard Thompson; Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young; John Martyn; Show of Hands; Johnny Cash.

MFAB welcomes them warmly as replacements for the (indisposed) Middlewich Paddies ...

DOMINIC COLLINS

Dominic Collins — we love you Dominic! He’s come a long way since he sweated over his lyrics to write the ‘Middlewich Song’ for us. He’s busy all the time with his club residencies and he really deserves to do well make sure you join him for breakfast on Sunday morning at the Boars Head!

Dr BOB & THE WILD BOYS

Dr Bob and the Wildboys — the Story of Dr Bob and The WildBoys: For many years Dr Bob travelled the deep, deep, south of Cheshire with his little dog called Boo, in retrospect, not a very well chosen name for a dog of such a nervous disposition. Keeping to the back roads, he went from town to town selling Dr Bob’s Special Elixir. For the benefit of American readers, Cheshire is the largest county in England, spanning several times zones and remains to this day largely unexplored. The Elixir was made to a special recipe so secret that Dr Bob himself had to keep a blindfold on every time he made up a new batch. A brief excerpt from the label will give the reader some idea of the power of this potion: “cures impotence in rabbits, encourages cats to sit by the fire and makes parents invisible to teenagers. Avoid contact with brightly coloured fabrics”.

There is more, but I made you read all that last year so it just goes to say they’re here in Middlewich and if the ‘Wildgirl’ gets a chance over the weekend she’ll join up with the Wildboys for a miserable girlie song or three and if not, have a fantastic time with the Wildboys.

FIONA SIMPSON & BRIAN ADAMS

Fiona Simpson and Brian Adams — spread the Christian message through the medium of modern music in a style that is non-threatening and certainly not “in your face”!
Over the last fourteen years with former band members Graham Jackson and Andy James they have performed in venues as diverse as wine bars, prisons, schools, churches, BBC TV, radio, and festivals. Now a duo, they perform regularly nationwide and present the message with plenty of laughs along the way! "Brilliant music! Brilliantly performed and Fiona's voice is one of the most amazing voices I've ever heard!!" (from the band guestbook).

FULL HOUSE

Full House — as always they are great friends of the festival, look out for them hosting a music session on Sunday night. A guest or two may just be lurking at the Boars Head bar or at the Cheshire Cheese!
The former County Palatine of Chestershire (or Cheshire as it’s more commonly known in these latter days!) is the land of Full House. Their history is long and tangled (though not as ancient as the great walled city of Chester which is both their headquarters and their spiritual home), rooted as it is in far off mists of the 1980’s (cue synthesisers and drum machine). From these fabled regions they sally forth to spread their twin gospels of Folk Music and Beer-drinking to all who will cock an ear and listen........or indeed, buy them a pint! Full House are: Ian Jones (Melodeon, Flute, Whistles); Chris Lee (Acoustic and Electric Mandolins, Bass, Vocals); Nick Mitchell (Vocals, Guitar, Mandola); Dave Russell (Vocals, Fiddle, Bouzouki, Guitar, Bass) and Mark Woolley (Percussion, Low Whistle).

GEOFF MATHER

Geoff Mather — another local talent! 3-ish years ago Geoff arrived at the Kings Lock Session with a dusty guitar and a few friends. He’s just recorded his first CD, brilliant! Geoff your songs are lovely and you must share them. He’s looking to bring a few Northwich Folk Club friends to join his sessions here.

GUITAR MAL

Guitar Mal — a late starter on the singer songwriting scene having been involved in various music-making activities as a multi-instrumentalist and musician since his early teens. "Guitar Mal" merely distinguishes his solo guitar-wielding ego from his various other incarnations, Impro Mal, Rasta Mal, Retro Mal, Zabumba Mal, Samba Mal and more, it doesn't (necessarily) mean that he's a good guitarist — though he does have his moments. For the most part though, the multi-instrumental approach does at least confer a different musical sensibility, so you're unlikely to hear too much that sounds derivative in his guitar work. Influences? Brian Patten (poet!), Peter Hammill, Olivier Messaien, Lao Tsu, Zen... Not sure to be honest but that makes an interesting starting point perhaps?

For the songs, it seems that decades of only being able to express musical emotions through the media of samba and carnival bands, multi-instrumental home recordings, strange electronic and discovered percussion collaborations, contemporary dance performances and art installations have led to a release of emotional energy in this current phase of song-writing activity, so some of the songs and their lyrics can be intense, but always (so he's told!) with a certain beauty. During 2009 Guitar Mal will be increasingly integrating his other instrumental skills into his songwriting and singing performances as well as working with other musicians. Hopefully there will be an opportunity to hear some of that during the weekend.

HOLY MAGGOTS

Holy Maggots — I don’t know what to expect from these guys but trust Ian Bishop on this one! "They can play, we’ll have ‘em" he said!

JAMES & THE GIANT

James and the Giant emerged as a live act in early 2009, although they had previously been playing together for nearly six months under a nameless guise. Led by Crewe based singer-songwriter Dayve Dean, the band play a mixture of acoustic and folk-pop, channelling the likes of REM, Tom Waits, David Gray and Aimee Mann into their original music. Completing the band line-up is local radio DJ Dan Logan and guitarists Carl Hill and Steve Welch. Most of the songs played by the band come from singer Dayve’s second album Octagon, recorded in 2008 and produced by Nigel Stonier, who has previously collaborated with the likes of Fairport Convention, Lindisfarne and Sandi Thom. Featuring backing vocals from award winning singer/songwriter Thea Gilmore and recorded mainly in Liverpool at The Loft, Octagon is a collection of intelligently crafted pop songs with killer hooks and insightful lyrics.The album was launched in 2008 at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Good credentials don’t you think, they sound rather good too!

JAYWALKERS

Jaywalkers are a young duo from the North-West of England. Their music is a blend of Folk, Bluegrass and Irish music. They met at the Bluegrass jam in Helsby and have been playing together since the summer of 2005.They recently competed at the final of BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award, and have been featured on BBC radio Lancashire’s folk programme; ‘The Drift’ with Phil Brown. They are experienced live performers, having both started playing on stage from the age of eight.

JONATHAN TARPLEE

Jonathan Tarplee is coming on his boat — I hope! New to us — singer songwriter we look forward to hearing much more from Jonathan.

JP SLIDEWELL

JP Slidewell is back! Always a pleasure to have JP with us. His unique style and presentation of tradition and home penned songs.

KAVONA

Kavona — meaning ‘devotion’ in Hebrew and Yiddish, is a trio performing traditional klezmer, the celebratory music of Jews from Eastern Europe and beyond, with Turkish and Arabic influences. They have played for a wide variety of audiences and clients including The Royal Academy Of Music (where they taught a klezmer workshop), SOAS (at their World Music Fair), The Jewish Music Institute (at last summer’s KlezFest and Yiddish Song School Concert), West London Synagogue and many other celebrations and festivals. Hey Carol, finally I get you to Middlewich! Enjoy!

LAST ONES OUT

Last Ones Out — a true blues band headed by the most enthusiastic Pete Latham. Deep south, or deepest Stoke, not sure but this well respected band on the blues circuit is well worth a listen to. Blues at a Folk Festival, I don’t have a problem with it, do you? And while we are talking about them, Pete Latham you are a genuine good egg! A special thanks to Pete for being around all weekend on hand to help out at any fringe venues needing PA support.

LORELEI LOVERIDGE

Lorelei Loveridge — a contemporary acoustic songwriter who draws comparisons with Tracy Chapman and Joni Mitchell, Loveridge pairs a passionate political sense with an understanding of the complex personal stories that go beyond politics. Loveridge and Canadian producer Rob Hewes have woven the sounds of tabla, oud, darbuka, Tibetan overtone chants, violin, bazouki, Latin/African/slide blues guitar into a richly-textured, multicultural tour-de-force. See what you think.

LOST IN THE MIST

Lost in the Mist are: BOB WEBB — Legendary Cheshire musician, singer and songwriter; veteran of over 40 years in the business, keeps chickens. DAVE ROBERTS — Writer, poet and trainspotter. One of the original founders of the Festival and the Salt Town Poets. IAN MURFITT — Distinguished player of the melodeon, fiddle and harmonica.

MADCAP

Madcap are an exciting barn dance / ceilidh band based in Manchester and Cheshire UK. Madcap usually appear as a 6 piece band playing melodeon, fiddle, concertina, rauschpfeife, crumhorns, percussion, keyboard, guitar and more - but not all at once! They play English, Scottish, Irish and French tunes and you can be sure of a lively evening. Now the Madcap boys have told me that they are bringing a caller and will expect to see you dance! The Big Lock could prove interesting! (Have they seen where the band play?) Some great festival friends including Iain Bowley — yes the same lanky-legged Scot some of us know so well, Bill Dave’s fish Pook and Ian Murfitt! But you will also see Mike and all the rest of the band! Oh I just had to add this — will Granny need ear plugs? They put on a lively show with the music loud enough to create an atmosphere, but the normal amount of ear wax harboured by granny should be plenty to protect her. Iain, as well as being their guitarist, is into PA systems in a big way so you’ll hear everything!

MEN IN BLACK

Men in Black — so called because:-

The band was created out of a regular acoustic blues session in Cheshire and thus far has only performed on the folk train gigs to various destinations starting and finishing at Manchester Piccadilly Station. The usual line up includes Patrick O'Connor (Smokey Terrain) – guitar, mandolin, harmonica, vocals and rub board; Dave Eatock (Bourbon Street Preachers and Cajun Specials) – harmonica, accordion and vocals; Steve Barr (The Weavils and Cajun Specials) – slide and accoustic guitars; Dave Shannon (Alternative Therapy) - guitar and vocals. However you can be sure of a few additional guest performers. The set is mostly blues and country, but zydeco and cajun also get a look in ...

MICHELLE MARTIN

Michelle Martin comes on her boat to MFAB and as well as being a superb artist she writes and sings beautiful songs too. This year she’s accompanied by double bass player Justin and singer songwriter Anthony Pascall. They can be found in several venues over the weekend, but do take time to go and find Michelle’s boat and have a look at her paintings.

MIDDLEWICH PADDIES — withdrawn due to illness

Middlewich Paddies — no festival is complete without these stalwarts of the Middlewich Festival Scene. With us from the beginning, Dave, Richard and Graham will ‘entertain’ you admirably!

UPDATE — RICHARD DEVANEY will unfortunately be hospitalised due to a long-awaited knee operation which will mean him missing his first festival in 19 years! As the Middlewich Paddies will be without their singer they have been forced to withdraw and will be replaced by Deportees (see their listing elsewhere) ...

NIGEL BECK

Nigel Beck — I’ll let Nigel tell you about himself! "Hi, I'm Nigel Beck. A Leicestershire-based 6 & 12 string fingerstyle acoustic guitar player". "Fingerstyle guitar with a propulsive beat and the emotional sensitivity of the old masters. A compelling and evocative musical journey that will make you smile and touch your heart. Technically impressive on both 6 & 12strings" — Kate Lewis (Acoustic Magazine Feb 2009). "The last 12 months have seen me return to performing in acoustic clubs — in fact anywhere where they'll have me and I'm hoping this year to put myself on the acoustic map". Welcome to Middlewich then Nigel, have a great time!

PETER BUTLER

Peter Butler is an acoustic guitar player he says, but he is much more than that. Delightful singer songwriter from the Manchester music scene!

PICNIC AREA

Picnic Area's Wayne McDonald and Andy Callen met playing on the Manchester acoustic circuit and joined forces through a shared liking for the darker, quirkier end of country music. They put on their own "Picnic Club" acoustic showcase once a month in Fuel Bar, Withington, Manchester, and their festival guests will be previous performers at Fuel. Their music is alternative country with attitude from South Manchester’s finest, with a second CD album due out at any time on M60 Recordings. And they are bringing Fuel Bar to MFAB — you can find them in the Kinderton Hotel over the festival weekend, here are the guests joining them:
Shatner’s Bassoon — Middlewich-based act who have been described as: “bastardized, brutal blues. A ramshackle, ragged journey into the darklands of an aching aural assault. Echoes of Tom Waits, Birthday Party and Gallon Drunk. Bled into the classic song smithery of Squeeze, Lloyd Cole and Ray Davies”.
Sarah Lawton — another locally-based act, Sarah’s eerie, percussive-based approach to folk music is not to be missed.
The Good Intentions — highly acclaimed Scouse new country band, whose new album "Poor Boy" is well worth buying. They’re back after taking the fringe by storm last year.

PROVIDENCE JUG BAND

Providence Jug Band first got together in the early 70s at the Crewe "Singout" Folk Club. Winston would grab the first guitarist who walked in the tuning up room and say "Can you play this in E" and we soon started playing together regularly. We were joined amongst others by Steve Green on mandolin and Nigel Stonier on piano to become the "Providence Jug Band." That’ll be Keith moonlighting from Dr Bob and the Wildboys and the Lizzettes!!
Against all odds, the soon-to-be-famous Providence Jug Band are back after a break of 30 years. With glittering guitar from Phil Brightman, amazing mandolin from Steve Green, gasp-inducing gob iron (and gob) from Winston Baldwin and tricky tea-chest bass and guitar from Keith Haines, these guys will amaze and amuse with their jazzy mixture of ragtime and blues. Don't miss this chance to see the reconstituted but unreformed, house trained Providence Jug Band. Sans jug! (you wouldn't like all that spit).

Yes, those really are THEN and NOW pics!

SALT TOWN POETS

The Salt Town Poets make their official comeback on 20 June at MFAB 2009, with the traditional Saturday afternoon version of 'Poetry & Pints' at the Boars Head. In reality, of course, they've never really been away, but they wanted to do something rather more formal than just walking around telling people that they're back in business!

SHAKE THE BARLEY

Shake the Barley — welcome back to this popular band, always entertaining and jolly good musicians. Songs for you to sing to and they may even make you dance a bit! Have you seen them on YouTube?!

SONG & STORY

Song & Story are the legendary Monologue John Bartley and the equally legendary Dorothy Fryman — she does the songs and he does the stories. The songs and stories they perform are carefully selected to complement one another, plus their performances are a true taste of the gritty, down-to-earth world of the music hall and the folk tradition. In 2008, Song & Story were awarded the Salt Town Poets' John Brunker Trophy 'for excellence and originality'.

THE HUERS

The Huers are Phil Caffrey and Ian Cleverdon; they perform their own material and some classic and not so well known covers to folk and festival audiences both well known on the folk scene. Welcome to MFAB!

THOM KIRKPATRICK

Thom Kirkpatrick's Beautiful Noise go back a few years, and you may remember Thom and the Beautiful Noise supporting the Dylan Project on our main stage. Thom is a local guy who’s been busy touring with Switches. He’s done a bit of recording with PJ Wright since that meeting and lots more besides and he is back just to see us in June. If I had the space he’d be on the main stage with his new sound but he only told me a few weeks ago that he’d be here and he’ll be performing alone but with some surprises. I have heard some of Thom’s newest songs and as always they are wonderful.

TIME BANDITS

Time Bandits — Anglo-European, most unusual style and lovely vocals from Helen. This Chester-based band haven’t been to MFAB for some time.