Todmorden Folk Festival 2017

TODMORDEN F o l k F e s t i va l 28

th

- 30

th

April

2017 WELCOME

Proud to be g supplyin to r e e b r ou al v ti s the fe venues

Welcome

to Todmorden Folk Festival 2017 As we dive into our third year it is great to see how the festival has become part of the town’s traditions and we love to continue meeting people who have been here since the very first concert. You are rolling along with us, building this festival together with us and shaping it into the dynamic, adventurous beauty that we see in our dreams.

We are also very excited to welcome an ever growing audience of new fresh people, local to Tod or from further afield.

Perhaps you are dipping your toes in to the world of folk or a devoted folk lover, but we are confident that we have something for everyone to enjoy this year ….. from things to make you bop to lilting harmonies, energetic dance displays to family focused workshops, performances that make you laugh and those that make you cry.

Like you we appreciate folk music in its broadest sense and have handpicked a programme to include a wide variety of folk at its best. This year we are particularly proud of the local talented young musicians who are performing for us and we are looking forward to seeing them flourish.

We hope we have created a fully inclusive, family friendly, action packed festival with something for everyone. We love Tod, we love music, we love you for joining us and we can’t wait to get started!

We hope you have a lovely weekend.

The TFF Committee

Photos © Craig Shaw of Blu Planet Photography

Folk Festival Event Venue

Todmorden: Portraits from a Town A selection of photographic portraits by Andy Wade Open on Friday 28 April for Todmorden Folk Festival Ceilidh @ Todmorden Town Hall Enjoy a FREE taster tour of Todmorden Town Hall on Sun 7 May at 2pm Or book on to a Total Tour of Todmorden Town Hall on Sun 21 May at 2pm, including the hidden caretaker’s flat and cell in the cellar: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/ todmordentownhall

For more information contact: Daniel Jessop, Volunteer & Events Co-ordinator, daniel.jessop@calderdale.gov.uk

01706 548105, 07912 891370

Folk Festival Event Venue

We take great pride in serving delicious breakfasts, superb lunches, excellent coffees, specialty teas and fresh homemade baking. Our aim is to offer a great service in a laid back, friendly cafe environment.

53 Halifax Road, Todmorden OL14 5BB Tel: 01706

our Artists Lady Maisery

Mike Wilson and Damien Barber

In an English folk scene currently bursting with bold and innovative folk music, vocal trio Lady Maisery shine brightly. They are skilful explorers of the power, beauty and vitality of folk song.

Each member is also an accomplished instrumentalist, they expertly create a rich tapestry of fiddle, banjo, harp, concertina, accordion and foot percussion. The trio are also one of the foremost English proponents of traditional mouth music, or “diddling”, a form of singing without words which is a perfect showcase for their sheer musicality. The trio have released two critically acclaimed albums (5 stars in the Financial Times, Album of the Week in The Independent) and performed sell-out shows across the UK and Europe.

Two of the finest exponents of Traditional Song in the United Kingdom; it is difficult to accept that these relatively young men, have a combined 40+ years experience of performing at folk venues.

Raised in Norfolk and heavily influenced by such earlier Norfolk singers as Walter Pardon and Peter Bellamy, Damien is a stylish and distinctive singer, either unaccompanied or using guitar or concertina. Mike Wilson is the youngest member of the Wilson Family, the powerful Teesside singing siblings who have raised the rafters at many a festival or folk club event. Damien and Mike have a rich shared repertoire of traditional songs plus the work of modern folk writers such as Bellamy, Ewan MacColl and Mike Waterson.

The Furrow Collective

Becky Langan

Nominated as Best Group for the 2017 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, the Furrow Collective are rapidly becoming one of the most sought after acts on the festival circuit. Described by MOJO as ‘a mouthwatering collaboration’, Alasdair Roberts, Emily Portman, Lucy Farrell and Rachel Newton are four fine soloists sharing a mutual love of traditional songs, from both sides of the English and Scottish borders, with playful, boundary-defying musicianship.

Born in Rochdale, Becky Langan is a percussive fingerstyle guitarist who employs a combination of extended techniques that explore the outermost reaches of the acoustic guitar. Becky employs the use of unique alternative tunings, two-handed tapping, percussive tempos and natural harmonic melodies.

Lady Maisery

The Furrow Collective

our Artists Cont.

Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne

Dr Butler’s Hatstand Medicine Band

Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne is known primarily for his work with BBC Radio 2 Folk Award nominees Granny’s Attic however, Cohen has recently made his first venture into performing as a soloist. As well as playing melodeon and concertina, Cohen is a fine singer, having won Bromyard Folk Festival’s Future of Young Folk Award for young singers in 2014. Cohen performs traditional songs and tunes from the UK with a particular interest in material from the West Midlands where he has lived for much of his life.

A travelling troupe of musicological minstrels, peddling the good Doctor’s unique good-time tonic to all four corners of the land. Formed from a secret combination of early blues and jazz forms, a sprinkle of ragtime, a dash of hot swing, the essence of sweet spiritual, a pinch of the oldest of old-timey melodies and a teaspoon of Vaudevillian and Music Hall show-offery. All whisked together with the most esoteric of folk rhythms.

Didikai

The Bromleys

Didikai present a broad and diverse range of material and this enthralling duo features the sultry vocal talents of AmyRose and the musical finesse of Becky Taylor. They showcase an amazing breadth of line-up encompassing uilleann pipes, songs, duet concertina, guitar and fiddle and even some northumbrian small-piping, delivered with more than a hint of humour and style.

From this enigmatic and highly original duo you can expect anything from selfpenned songs to traditional Gypsy ballads, rousing chorus songs and catchy tune sets.

You are most certainly guaranteed not to get bored!

The Bromleys are John, Jenny and James (father, daughter and son), each gifted with a powerful voice. They sing a variety of folk songs in three part harmony.

Together, they create a rich blend of voices that is unique to their kin. Singing runs through their blood.

Magdalen Bath

Magdalen Bath is our Young Musicians Battle of the Bands Winner for 2017! She plays mostly original songs and draws influence from a diverse range of genres from folk and jazz to punk and indie to create her own unique style of writing and performance.

Mike Wilson & Damian Barbar

Dr Butler’s Hatstand Medicine Band

our Artists Cont. their very first “official” outing. The duo both play a variety of instruments, with Georgia singing and whistling on the penny whistle, and Robyn playing the melodeon and as both are clog dancers, they hope to incorporate this into their performance.

Prepare to be entertained!

Murston Bapchild and the Braxton Hicks

This four piece honky-tonk band are rooted in 50’s and early 60’s country music. Imagine a mix of Western Swing, Hank Williams with a pinch of doo wap.

Featuring amazing fiddle, authentic lap steel, great harmonies, cowboy vocals and rock steady double bass. A band you can both dance to and be carried away. They look the part and enjoy themselves on stage.

The Black Box Band

The Black Box Band plays lively English dance music for ceilidhs, barn dances & village hops. Line -up includes - Steve Harrison - melodeon, mouth organ, Chris Coe - hammered dulcimer, Chris Partington - fiddle, Alice Jones - piano, Sue Coe - dance caller & step dancer. They will be leading our Friday night Ceilidh to get the festival started.

Ollie King

Described by Andy Cutting as “one of the finest… up and coming young melodeon players in England”, Ollie King pushes the boundaries and expectations of the humble squeezebox. Firmly rooted in the English tradition, his playing explores the emotive side of the instrument, which he expertly showcases through his selection of material from both within and without the folk canon.

Umpteen Reasons to Swerve

Umpteen Reasons to Swerve are a duo hailing from the East Lancs area. They are Jon Coupe and Mark Gavin. They play guitars and Jon sings. Mark sings too if he gets the chance or if there’s a spare microphone around. Jon enjoys: long country walks, the novels of Charles Dickens and camp 1980s electro-pop. Mark enjoys: fighting the system, ‘stickin’ it to the man’ and spreading false rumours about Paul McCartney. They are mostly well-behaved and lead happy, wholesome family lives. Cherish them.

Robyn and Georgia

Robyn and Georgia met in 2013 at a folk workshop in their native Rochdale.

Over the years, they have performed together many times (though never as a duo) and Todmorden Folk Festival will be

Murston Bapchild & the Braxton Hicks

Robyn & Georgia

our Artists Cont.

Chris Hall’s Double Shots

Isaac

Specialising in Creole and “old skool” early Zydeco grooves. Songs by the likes of Geno Delafose, Boozoo Chavis, Preston Frank, Bois-Sec Ardoin and Jeffrey Broussard. Songs with hypnotic grooves, catchy melodies and driving rhythms.

Traditional Louisiana Creole music combined with self penned compositions that respect the tradition yet deliver a unique UK twist. The band gather together some of the most well known and respected names on the European Cajun, Creole, and Zydeco scene.

Bouncy, fun entertainment, performed by the one and only Isaac. Music and mayhem who knows what can happen?

With his rib-tickling covers, and sidesplitting originals, Isaac is bound to leave you bewildered and slightly confused!

Richard Parkes

A born performer and Todmorden local who studied Drama at Bretton Hall and has performed in various theatres, on film and in folk clubs. His long held love of history, especially WW1 and his wellknown renditions of war related songs has lead us to commission Stand to! which is an expansion of a piece he originally wrote and performed for a service of Remembrance in Todmorden in 2015.

John Gilly McElligot

The Incomparable Gilly joins us from Scotland with his unique guitar style and song writing.

Chasen

Sailah

Friends since starting at Shade school at the age of 3 Nicole and Holly have both sung for as long as they can remember.

They have sung together as Chasen for over a year performing at Open Mic evenings and at a Flood Relief concert.

They arrange their own harmonies and Holly accompanies them on the guitar.

They were part of our Battle of the Bands in January and will delight you with their versions of popular songs.

Formed in 2015 with the aim of choosing and performing music close to their hearts, this eleven piece a Capella group like to tell a good story - be it a traditional folk song with a choral setting such as the Outlandish Knight or reinventing a current chart song to bring out the narrative like Justin Bieber’s recent hit, Sorry.

The Bromleys

Magdalen Bath

10

our Artists Cont.

Sophie Cooper and Ruthie Boycott-Garnett

Wardle Academy Folk Group

Brilliant performers of all ages this award winning folk group, from a local school of great musical renown, have played all over the place and we are delighted to have them back for 2017!

Sophie Cooper is a Todmorden based musician and co-founder of Tor Festival.

Sophie’s solo music often explores themes of narrative and for Tod Folk Fest she has taken this interest further with the creation of a bespoke sound walk, working with local storyteller and engagement artist Ruthie Boycott-Garnett. Ruthie will also be popping up as part of the children’s programme with folky things for all the family.

Les Panards Dansants

Bringing a fantastic collection of French music and dance to Todmorden Festival encouraging audience participation in Bourrees, Schottisches and Mazurkas.

Folk Eucharist

The Skiband

Why not join the congregation at St Marys Church for their Sunday worship with a folky twist! There will be Morris dancing and folk singing as part of their service.

Irreverent and engaging street band based in West Yorkshire, with a repertoire of songs guaranteed to make you smile, five professional musicians who like playing music, skiing and having fun! Calypso, ska/reggae, funk & pop performed with a serious sense of humour... the Skiband bring their own irresistible party!

Flamenco Evening

Our friends in the Three Wise Monkeys are hosting an evening of flamenco guitarists on Saturday night. This concert is free for anyone to attend, no tickets are required.

Sarah Watson

Sarah Watson’s mournful guitar-based country is influenced by Gillian Welch, Nanci Griffith, Phosphorescent, and Dolly Parton. Her lyrics reflect the conflicting emotions of everyday life, with her music drawing on the sparse beauty of the moorland landscape of her home. She also does a great cover of 9 to 5.

Hashtag

The wonderful Jacks House are hosting one of their favourite local folk rock bands on Friday night, so why not pop down!

The Skiband

Chris Hall’s Double Shots

11

Folk Festival Event Venue

12

our dance teams You can find the festival dance teams in the streets of Todmorden on Saturday (11am4.30pm) and Sunday (12noon-3pm). Dance spots are at Pollination Parade, Fielden Wharf and Tod Market.

Bollin Morris

Oakenhoof

A mixed Morris team performing Border Morris, based at the Spread Eagle in Lymm, Cheshire. The costumes are mainly blues and greens to represent the river Bollin.

Our favourites, our regulars, our locals.

Stars of last year’s Saturday night epic at the Unitarian. Oakenhoof are inclusivity at its very best. Clogs, music, morris, rapper, they’ve got it all!

Gaorsach Rapper

Rivington Morris

Turning it clockwise since 2002: Gaorsach Rapper are a rapper, step and clog dance team from Aberdeen making a return for their second Todmorden Folk Festival.

Based in Bolton, Lancashire, the team are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year! Rivington’s band utilises a combination of the instruments which traditionally accompany North West Morris, including melodeon, fiddle, whistle and drum.

Hadrian Clog

Based in the Tyne Valley, Hadrian Clog are a dance group performing traditional clog and hard shoe dances from the North East of England and beyond!

Ryburn Longsword

Ryburn have been dancing together since 1994. Members range in age from seven to seventy, most of them living in the Ryburn Valley near Halifax in West Yorkshire.

Hexadaisy

A women’s Cotswold Morris side based in Huddersfield who are easily identifiable in their kit of green tunics and copious daisy accessories. Hexadaisy specialise in dances from the Bampton, Adderbury and Oddington traditions to which they frequently add their own individual creative flair.

Thieving Magpie

Thieving Magpie are a mixed border morris side who like dancing, waving big sticks about and yelling. They sing as well.

They formed in 2006 and ages range from six to seventy one.

Persephone Women’s North West Morris

Persephone is a North West Processional Morris side in a very distinctive kit where black predominates adding yellow and green as noticeable contrasts. The style is vigorous and precise, earning accolades and appreciation from both general and knowledgeable audiences Hadrian Clog

13

14

our Children’s Performers

Thingumajig Theatre Kit and Caboodle

Clog Dancing Workshop

Join Hadrian Clog for a chance to learn one of those fancy pants clog dances!

They look pretty hard (and some of them are) but Hadrian Clog promises to teach a dance that everyone can join in with.

Here’s a chance to learn something new and achieve something great in just one hour!

With miniature puppet shows inside a big, rolling mule puppet, the timeless theme of migration is packaged up in Kit and Caboodle, the newest street act

by Todmorden’s own puppet company, Thingumajig Theatre.

A pack mule with its beautiful burden of tales is joined by two well-travelled companions. Bags and cases open to reveal stories and songs of remarkable journeys from the staggering sojourn of a butterfly to people past and present who set out in search of a better life.

Singing Workshop

Ruthie Boycott-Garnett will be leading everyone who fancies a sing in some rousing shanties, simple harmonies and tongue twisting delights. All children and adults welcome to come along and make a bit of noise.

A Bird in The Hand Theatre Special Delivery

Maypole Dancing Workshop

A Bird in the Hand is a brand new puppet and mask theatre company. Currently touring Special Delivery, which incorporates the talents of artist Alison Duddle and puppeteer extraordinaire Mark Whitaker.

SPECIAL DELIVERY is a fantastic piece about the delights of trying something unexpected. When a heavily laden postman is suddenly surprised by a rain shower he discovers that all his packages have lost their labels. In the process of trying to work out the intended recipients, he discovers a bit more about the people on his rounds - and decides to bring a little sunshine into all of their lives.

Have you always fancied having a go on a maypole? There’s skipping, ribbons, music, what more could anybody want! Now is your chance to join in with Oakenhoof on this May Bank Holiday weekend.

Tiny Dancers Folky Disco

A chance for our youngest festival goes to throw some shapes on the dance floor with a mix of club classics and folky favourites join us for a Sunday morning bop.

Thingumajig Theatre

A Bird in the Hand Theatre

15

Event Location Map

18

commisioned works Stand to!

Folklore Explore

Richard Parkes presents ‘Stand to!’ a live retrospective on the events of World War One through contemporary poems, songs and letters and modern interpretations of significant events during the war. He combines the stories and narrative of the trenches with folk songs in a moving and heartfelt tribute to the sacrifice made 100 years ago for us all. [PG]

Take an adventure in to the park and find an old local tale lost in the woods.

Discover a world where you can change yourself into any animal, track the signs of our local witch magic and connect with your natural surroundings. Join us for a guided sound walk with storytelling, music and hidden noises or pick up a map from local outlets and see if you can find the trail on your own. This piece has been created as part of our festival outreach programme working throughout the year with the people of Todmorden. Suggested for ages 5 and upwards.

Part of the walk will be following the smaller paths in to the woods and may be unsuitable for light prams and wheelchairs.

Folk Festival Event Venue

19

how to get your tickets Entrance to some concerts and events require tickets. These can be bought on the door at the price shown or pre-booked through our website (with a small booking fee).

Or, you can buy our weekend tickets online via Eventbrite, at the box office on Friday night at Todmorden Town Hall, at the box office on Saturday at Central Methodist Church (downstairs) or from Physio & Therapies on Halifax Road.

These represent a huge saving on individual event tickets.

Adult weekend ticket Under 16s weekend ticket

All performance s, workshops an d sessions are free to people hold ing weekend tickets. Thes e are available th rough the website - w ww. todfolkfest.co .uk

ÂŁ35.00 ÂŁ15.00

* The asterix used on the event guide indicated venues serving hot food and drinks plus Little Valley Brewery Ales (except *1 where there will be hot food and non-alcoholic drinks)

Folk Festival Event Venue

20

Friday Events Event:

Time

Box Office Opening

5.30pm

Tea Time Spot

5.00pm

Robyn and Georgia

Kava Kafé

Donations

Tea Time Spot

6.30pm

Chasen

Site Pizzeria

Donations

Family Ceilidh

7.00pm

The Black Box Band

Town Hall*

£8 / £5

7.30pm

Robyn and Georgia

8.15pm

John ‘Gilly’ McGelligot Masonic Hall*

£10 / £6

Three Wise Monkeys

Donations

Concert with MC Paul Woodhead

Irish Session

With:

28th April

At:

Cost:

Town Hall

Break 9.30pm

Mike Wilson and Damien Barber

8.00pm

Mark Dickson

Folk Festival Event Venue

21

22 22

Craft Fair and Festival Cafe Our hub on Saturday is Central Methodist Church on Bramsche Square.

This will house the ticket office from 10.00 am until 5 pm alongside Workshops, Concerts, a Big Sing, Craft Fair and a Café.

This is the perfect place to arrange to meet friends and entry to everything apart from the afternoon concert is FREE. The Craft fair is a showcase for many talented local craft and food businesses and is the perfect place to browse and pick up presents or even treat yourself!

In between all this activity you can relax with a cuppa and a cake in our Festival café, or buy a brew to take outside with you to watch the dancers. This year we have commissioned a special Scrumpy Jack Cider Sausage from Nick Fielden, Family Butchers on the inside market

– so our menu will feature sausage baps, sausage and mash and our homemade veggie sausages as well as our regular soups, ploughmans platters featuring local Pextenement cheeses, festival wraps, pies and other delights!

Photo © Craig Shaw of Blu Planet Photography

Hugs Unlimited Award Winning Teddy Bears by Dawn James

Also beautiful machine embroidery with alternative and fairy themes.

Email: hugsunlimited@btinternet.com Web: www.hugsunlimited@btinternet.com

23

Saturday E

Children’s Events Event:

Time

Family Singing Workshop

With:

10am

Ruthie Boycott-Garnett

Kit and Caboodle

11am

Thingumajig Theatre

Special Delivery

11.45am

A Bird in the Hand Theatre

Family Clogging Workshop

12 noon

Hadrian Clog

Kit and Caboodle

1pm

Thingumajig Theatre

Special Delivery

1.45pm

Maypole workshop

2pm

Oakenhoof

Special Delivery

3pm

A Bird in the Hand Theatre

Kit and Caboodle

3.15pm

Face painting and craft activities

10am - 4pm

Folklore Explore

A Bird in the Hand Theatre

At:

Cost:

Pollination Street

Donations

Thingumajig Theatre

1pm & 3pm

Sophie Cooper and Ruthie Boycott-Garnett

Centre Vale Park Meet at John Fielden’s Statue

Donations

Saturday Is

International Day of Dance:

Look Out For Our Dance Troops Performing All Day In Various Locations Around Town 24

Events Event:

29th April

Time

Café and Craft fair

10am - 5pm

The Big Sing

9.30am

Dance workshop

Concert MC Roger Kennington

With:

At:

Cost:

Central Methodist Church French Dance Leeds

Central Methodist Church*1

Donations

10.30am

Les Panards Dansants

Central Methodist Church*1

Donations

12.15pm

Umpteen Reasons to Swerve

Central Methodist Church*1

£10 / £6

1.00pm

Didikai

1.50pm

Becky Langan

2.30pm

Ollie King

3.20pm

Wardle Folk Academy

4.10pm

Dr Butler’s Hatstand Medicine Band

4.50pm

Close

Mixed session

12-4pm

James Tween

Bare Arts

Donations

Stand To!

12.30pm - 2.30pm

Richard Parkes

Masonic Hall

£8 / £5

Coffee and Cake spot

2.30pm

Sarah Watson

Little Bird Cafe

Donations

After dance spot

5.50pm

The Skiband

Fielden Wharf

Tea time concert

6.30pm

Chasen

Three Wise Monkeys

Sarah Watson

7.30pm

Magdalen Bath

8.20pm

Chris Hall’s Double Shots

9.30pm

Lady Maisery

8.00 pm

Late night Singaround

Concert MC Esther FerryKennington Easy listening concert

Donations

Unitarian Church*

£15 / £9

Flamenco Guitar

Three Wise Monkeys

Donations

9.30pm

The Skiband

Golden Lion

Free

9.30pm - til late

Karina Knight

Jacks House

Donations

25

Folk Festival Event Venue

Folk Festival Event Venue

26

Sunday Events Event:

Time

30th April

With:

At: St Mary’s Church

Cost:

Folk Eucharist

10.30am 12.00

Morris team, Church singing group and clergy

Tiny Dancers Disco

11.30am 12.30pm

Ruthie B-G

Golden Lion

Donations

Directors Singing Brunch

12 - 1.30pm

Festival Directors and Sailah

Golden Lion

Donations

St Mary’s Church

£10 / £6

Concert MC Lynne Midwinter

2.30pm

Cohen BraithwaiteKilcoyne

3.40pm

Furrow Collective

Mixed session

2pm - 5pm

Mark and Jon

Jack’s House

Donations

Spoken Word Session

5pm - 7pm

Magic Words with Emma Decent

Kava Kafé

Donations

Fielden Centre

£10 / £6

Concert MC Richard Parkes

6.30pm

Issac

6.55pm

Murston Bapchild and the Braxton Hicks

7.50pm

The Bromleys

8.35pm

Close

Jam Session

8.00pm

Survivors session

9pm - late

Photos © Craig Shaw of Blu Planet Photography

27

Three Wise Monkeys

Donations

Hare and Hounds

Donations

28

29

Keep the date Next year’s Todmorden Folk Festival will be on 4th-6th May 2018

Already booked for 2018: Melrose Quartet John Kirkpatrick Hannah Sanders and Ben Savage

Thanks...

Esther Ferry-Kennington – Director Lynne Midwinter – Deputy Director Tom Besford – Finance & logistics Director Sue Hall – Stewards Coordinator Sue Beharrell – Contracts & artist liaison Gavin Dunlop – Committee & marketing Phil Milston, Ruth Gunstone & Neil Munro – Sound technicians Ruthie Boycott-Garnett – Dance schedule & marketing support

...to all the volunteers who have given their time in organising and running this event. Especially all the artists, dancers, stewards, Todmorden Town Council, Calderdale Town Council, Mary Clear, Kathy at BareArts, Gig at Golden Lion, Sue and Mark at Jacks House, Richard and Tiffany at Hare and Hounds, Nathalie at Site Pizza, Nick and Immy at Kava, Janine at Little Bird Café, Shaun at Three Wise Monkeys, Damien at the Town Hall, Ken at the Masonic Hall, Phillip at Central Methodist Church, Joanna at the Unitarian Church, Nancy and Martin at St Mary’s Church, Audie at Fielden Centre, Sonya Moorhead, all our sponsors and advertisers and anyone else who has helped in any way.

All information correct at time of going to press.

Todmorden Folk Festival shall not be responsible for any loss, liability, damage, personal injury or expense of any nature whatsoever which may be suffered by you as a result of any delays, inaccuracies, errors in, or omission from the information contained herein.

All aspects of this programme are copyright.

Published by Bankside House Publishing, Todmorden.

30