Different Folks: Weekend

"Folk music is about storytelling and it often provides us with a poignant reflection of people's lives: their experiences, their hopes, their happiness and sadness... The UK has such a long and varied history of folk, and when you start to dig deep into it, it's interesting to see how some narratives have been better preserved, and are more prevalent than others. With this weekend's curation of artists, the aim is to spotlight some of those stories from the folk tradition that have tended to be overlooked, as well as showcasing some more familiar folk sounds. It's a celebration of the history and diversity of this island, whilst also a chance to think about what 'folk' means to us now, and for the future". Nabihah Iqbal

Saturday 20 May

11am: Perspectives on Tradition (Talk)

Join Stick In The Wheel for a talk about their project Perspectives on Tradition, where contemporary musicians delve into the national folk arts archive at Cecil Sharp House to explore traditional music and its evolution through culture, song collecting, and cross-pollination. With appearances from DMC champion Jon1st, BBC6 Music DJ Nabihah Iqbal, and Metronomy's Olugbenga.

3pm: Laura Groves + Angeline Morrison 

Laura Groves is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, known for her experimental sound which mixes traditional songwriting with electronic layering and a passion for home recording. Laura has released three EPs, and built a reputation as a sought-after collaborator. 

Angeline Morrison is a singer and multi-instrumentalist who explores traditional music, infusing it with elements of soul, literature, and folklore. In 2022, she released her album The Sorrow Songs: Folk Songs of Black British Experience, a re-telling of the hidden history of Black ancestors in the UK in traditional folk style

8pm: Eliza & Martin Carthy + The Copper Family

Eliza Carthy is a critically acclaimed performer, nominated twice for the Mercury Prize and winner of numerous other awards over her 20-year career. Her performances are known for their intelligence, charisma and ability to break boundaries, gaining attention from audiences beyond the folk genre. Her father, Martin Carthy, has been one of the most innovative figures in folk music for over 50 years, and continues to be a beloved figure in the scene, trailblazing in musical partnerships and championing folk clubs and music.

Sunday 21 May

3pm: Shirley Collins and the Lodestar Band, Rattle on the Stovepipe and Brighton Morris

One of the most important voices in British Folk, singer and song collector Shirley Collins MBE was born in Hastings in 1935. Shirley was fascinated by folk songs growing up and immersed herself in the burgeoning folk scene. Following a field trip across the USA with Alan Lomax, where they recorded folk songs and blues, Shirley cemented her role at the forefront of the Folk Revival, recording over a dozen albums including the influential Folk Roots, New Routes. After losing her singing voice in the 1980s, Shirley returned to live performance in 2014. Since then, she has produced two acclaimed albums, Lodestar and Heart’s Ease.

8pm: Stick in the Wheel supported by Fire in her Eyes

East London's Stick In The Wheel explore folk, electronics, spoken word and intricate psychedelic guitar through their intense live shows. Their full-force reworkings of centuries old work-songs and texts speak to contemporary issues of class, and their relentless approach to questioning traditional music forms is matched only by the energy with which they play it. This special show will feature visuals from Zeroh.

Fire in Her Eyes are two sisters from London, Daniella and Natasha. They make progressive folk/ rock/ soul/ world music, characterised by catchy melodies and harmony. They will be playing with a full band for this show