The music of Keston Cobblers’ Club isn’t just uplifting; it’s a full-on celebration. Their live shows are displays of genuine warmth and dazzling musicianship. Mixing four-part harmonies with acoustic instrumentation, they create distinctive melodies with not just fiddles, accordion and mandolin but brass and driving percussion. No surprise then that after a triumphant UK tour, the band were invited to open for Bellowhead on their farewell tour.
Over the last few years, the band has been steadily building a name for themselves and winning over an army of loyal fans. They’ve played some of the UK’s biggest festivals, including Glastonbury, Bestival, Cambridge Folk Festival, Wilderness and Green Man; sold out their own headline tours; been playlisted by 6Music and Amazing Radio; and been invited to perform live on BBC Radio by the likes of Dermot O’Leary, Steve Lamacq and Bob Harris.
The folk-pop five-piece have just released their new album, Almost Home, and will tour across the UK in celebration.
Support by:
Jinnwoo
Singer-songwriter and visual artist Jinnwoo is a distinctive new voice. His work, described as “con-fessional folk” is an outpouring of personal experiences and lingering emotions. Accompanied by atmospheric folk-soundscapes, ghostly string arrangements and exceptional acoustic guitar work, there is something of the fragile delivery of REM singer Michael Stipe in his style, yet the sound is altogether original. Jinnwoo released his debut album Strangers Bring Me No Light last autumn, featuring collaborations with Alistair Roberts, Malcolm Middleton and Kyla la Grange.
Jack Rutter
Still in his mid 20s, Jack Rutter is a highly respected singer, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist playing within the British folk tradition. He grew up in the Holme Valley area of West Yorkshire, a place steeped in a wealth of traditional song. Now a BBC award winning musician, he delivers the songs and all-important narratives with an easy-going stage presence, unassuming Yorkshire charm, and honest, unaffected vocals accompanied with guitar, bouzouki or duet concertina.
This event is part of Manchester Folk Festival – a celebration of English folk in all its forms, from indie to traditional, familiar names alongside exciting new voices. From 19-22 October in and around HOME, the whole festival takes place in one area of Manchester over one weekend. The Festival presents an incredible music line-up, as well as craft workshops, film, a proper pub singaround, artists in conversation and a relaxed Festival Hub where you can watch the world go by. Friendly, inclusive and full of opportunities for discovery, it will have the spirit of a festival in a field, in the heart of the city.
