Artists 2024
Read all about the artists who performed at Didmarton 2024!
Ashley Campbell (USA)
Naomi Bedford & The Ramshackle Band
G-Runs ‘N’ Roses (Czech Republic)
Flats & Sharps
Brooks Williams & Aaron Catlow
The Ragged Out String Band
Jonas and Jane
The William Bakerfield Band
Carrivick Sisters
Pet Yeti
Taff Rapids Stringband
The Often Herd
Old Baby Mackerel
The Devil’s Damned String Band
Sally Ironmonger & Brian Carter
Ashley Campbell (USA)
Ashley Campbell, daughter of country legend Glen Campbell began her career playing banjo and keyboard in her father’s band on several world tours and has found success as a solo artist in the country/Americana music scene; most notably with her debut single “Remembering” which she wrote for her father and is featured on the Grammy award winning and Oscar nominated album for the documentary ‘Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me’. Her original music has taken her all over the world, from China to Japan, to the main-stage at London’s O2 Arena, to opening for Kris Kristofferson, the Bellamy Brothers, as well as playing at Carnegie Hall with songwriting legend Jimmy Webb.
Ashley released her first album, The Lonely One, in 2018 which was co-produced with her brother Cal Campbell. The Lonely One album hit the Top Ten of the UK Country Chart upon release. Ashley’s sophomore album, Something Lovely (produced by friend and co-writer of “Remembering” Kai Welch) was released October 9, 2020 with Vacancy Records. The album features eleven original tracks including “If I Wasn’t” which features Vince Gill on vocals and electric guitar. Ashley’s hard-wired musicality, clarity and easy lyrical delivery gives this collection a classic feel but the songwriting and production are right up to the minute. There is depth as well as undoubted style; a mature and confident set from a musician who has earned her place in the spotlight. Ashley is currently writing her third album and has recorded a duo acoustic album with virtuoso guitarist Thor Jensen as CAMPBELL/JENSEN, “Turtle Cottage”, which is out now.
Naomi Bedford & The Ramshackle Band
Naomi Bedford is an English singer working in the folk and country genres. She has made four acclaimed albums; most recently ‘Singing It All Back Home’, a collection of Appalachian ballads which was a Guardian Album of the Month in 2019. Her previous albums have featured contributions from UK music legends such as Justin Currie, Andy Summers, Alasdair Roberts and Paul Heaton. She also regularly performs and records with Paul Simmonds, chief songwriter and mandolin player with The Men They Couldn’t Hang.
Naomi has toured widely throughout the UK and appeared at many prestigious Festivals including Glastonbury, Cambridge, Celtic Connections, Sidmouth and Wickham. She has also appeared in session for Mark Radcliffe on Radio 2 and on BBC Radio Scotland. Among her many supporters are; Iggy Pop, ‘Amazing. Naomi pulls no punches’, Shirley Collins, ‘The best singer of Appalachian ballads that I know’ and Del Amitri’s Justin Currie, ‘An English Emmylou’.
The Ramshackle Band are a revolving troupe of musicians that feature guitars, banjos, lap steel, bass, percussion and rich harmonies, all of which combine to produce an entrancing folk/country/ceilidh hybrid that is all their own.
G-Runs ‘N’ Roses (Czech Republic)
Upon hearing the name you expect to see a bunch of rough guys with tattoos and long hair, but the picture does not confirm your assumption. Luckily, these lads have other aces to pull out of their sleeves.
G-Runs ‘n Roses are a young and energetic bluegrass band from the Czech Republic in the heart of Europe. They play both original and existing songs with a strong focus on solid rhythm and tight vocal harmonies. This is complemented with fancy instrumental solos and incorporated into elegant arrangements. However youthful their music may be, tasteful it shall remain, and the band retains a deep respect for traditional bluegrass music. The band was formed in July 2006 and their first CD “Learning To Fly” appeared in 2008. Their latest release “Gravity”, which features the second line-up of the band with Ondra Kozák on guitar, was released in May 2013. Both albums received enthusiastic reviews in the major bluegrass magazines.
Following a brief pause after the 2020 season, G-Runs ‘n Roses returned to the scene in 2022 with a new line-up that still features veterans Ralph Schut and Milan Marek, but adds new members Vlado Krizan, Christopher Schut and Peter Burza.
The philosophy of G-Runs ‘n Roses is, that if the band members are having fun, it shouldn’t be hard to share that fun with the audience. The result is a relaxed atmosphere, which gives every individual member enough space to add his own individual touch to the group’s music. Interaction with the audience is a key-element of any successful performance and the group will adapt itself to entertain audiences regardless of age or background.
Flats & Sharps
Flats & Sharps are a four-piece bluegrass outfit from Penzance, Cornwall. Delivering energetic, enthusiastic, and spirited Bluegrass to audiences all around the world, Flats & Sharps have been performing their unique take on this music for over ten years. Their shows include a wide variety of influences, from a fresh and modern outlook on foot-stomping Bluegrass material through to their powerful and well-crafted original songs, with beautiful moments everywhere in between. Their music perfectly blends strong harmonies and stonking solos, their incredible stage presence and energy create an evening that’ll have you dancing, laughing and singing along in no time. Over their time together, the band have made their presence known all around the world, including multiple tours in Australia, Europe and around the UK. Sadly the band have announced that they have made the very difficult decision to disband, here at Didmarton we have been delighted to host many of their performances over the years and wish each one of them, all the best for their future endeavours. Closing out our festival on Sunday afternoon will be their very last show, so please join us and give one of the country’s finest bluegrass bands the send-off they so richly deserve.
Brooks Williams & Aaron Catlow
Brooks Williams & Aaron Catlow create joyous and virtuosic music that not only tugs at the heart-strings, but also gets you up on your feet. AmericanaUK writes, “How such a complete and sensational sound can come from just two voices and two instruments is awe-inspiring.”
Aaron Catlow is half of the Bristol-based duo Hawes And Catlow, with guitarist-singer Kit Hawes. He is also the fiddler in UK festival favourite Sheelanagig. Catlow’s other credits including playing with Grammy Award-nominated Yola, Mad Dog Mcrea and Afro Celt Sound System.
Cambridge UK-based, Georgia US-born, Brooks Williams has a long-standing solo career in both North America and the UK and is also known for his collaborations with Boo Hewerdine, Dan Walsh, and Rab Noakes, among others. He is named one of WUMB-FM Boston’s Top 100 All-Time Artists.
The music this duo create with just a guitar and fiddle is not to be missed!
The Ragged Out String Band
The Ragged Out String Band play an infectious and energetic take on Old-Time Appalachian Folk Music and Bluegrass. The band have been at the forefront of the UK Americana scene for some years now and have become regular fixtures at many of the country’s leading venues and festivals. ‘The musicianship is top-notch and the playing and singing is tight.’ – British Bluegrass News. ‘An honest, well-executed performance with brilliant playing.’ – Old Time News. Expect fiery fiddle tunes and songs backed up by a driving rhythm section of guitar and banjo. The band are Emily Smith (fiddle), Joe Auckland (banjo) and Andy Quelch (guitar) and their joyous sound is sure to put a smile on your face and a spring in your step..
Jonas and Jane
Brought together by a shared love of Americana Music, it was on a trip to Texas when UK-based Charlie Jonas and Katherine Jane first discovered their mutual passion for Bluegrass music which has molded them into the harmony driven and bluegrass influenced folk duo they are today. They’ve since released three records and toured across Texas, Colorado and Arizona as well as the UK. They’ve also played many UK festivals including Cambridge Folk Festival and the main stage at Carfest where they played to over 35,000 people following a live performance of their song “Whispered” on the Chris Evans BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show.
Their songwriting, instrumentation and beautiful harmonies, will entertain and delight any audience fortunate enough to see them perform live. Don’t miss Jonas and Jane at Didmarton this year!
The William Bakerfield Band
The William Bakerfield Band are Loraine and Pete Baker-Wakefield along with Stu and Jo Williams. They formed to perform at the Junction Bluegrass ‘Bresfest’ weekend two years ago and enjoyed it so much they’ve been singing and playing their favourite songs together ever since.
Pete and Loraine have performed as the duo Bakerfield for many years while Stu and Loraine have played in bands together for longer than they care to remember. Jo and Stu had only ever played in their kitchen so they’re now enjoying performing together on stage.
Pete, Loraine and Jo provide all the vocals (along with guitar, mandolin, double bass and fiddle) while Stu plays banjo and critiques their harmonies!
After many Sunday afternoons playing, singing and eating biscuits, they’re looking forward to performing in 2024 and beyond.
Carrivick Sisters
The Carrivick Sisters are one of the UK’s top young bluegrass and folk acts. Twins Laura and Charlotte perform their original songs and instrumentals along with a few carefully chosen covers on guitar, mandolin, fiddle, dobro, and clawhammer banjo. Their busy touring schedule is rapidly building them a reputation for engaging and entertaining live performances with tight sibling vocal harmonies and multi-instrumental virtuosity. Having grown up in South Devon, an area rich in folk lore and legends, much of their original material is inspired by their local surroundings and history. As well as touring all over the UK, they have performed at festivals in Canada and mainland Europe. In 2008 Laura achieved 2nd place at the RockyGrass Fiddle Contest in the U.S., the sisters were BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards 2010 finalists and were named Band/Duo of the Year in the 2011 FATEA Awards. This pair are most definitely an act not to be missed at Didmarton this year!
Pet Yeti
Pet Yeti is certainly more than the sum of it’s parts, an explosive live act not to be missed! High octane solos, lonesome harmonies and trendy footwear. This five-piece band have an impressive list of achievements and awards between them. Reuben and Benjamin Agnew (guitar and bass), two brothers from Northern Ireland, were 2015 BBC Young Folk Award finalists. Kieran Towers (fiddle) is becoming a name to watch out for on the UK and US bluegrass and old-time scenes. Joe Tozer (mandolin) has toured extensively in the UK, Europe and Canada. John Breese (banjo) is another familiar face on the UK scene, since graduating from his Masters’ Degree on classical guitar in 2011, he has gone on to tour and teach internationally with the banjo and double bass in various bands.
Taff Rapids Stringband
Taff Rapids Stringband are a rising bluegrass sensation from Cardiff, known for their refreshing take on the genre. This dynamic ensemble has channelled their influences from the bluegrass forefathers right up to progressive bands such as the Punch Brothers. Their repertoire ranges from traditional bluegrass classics to captivating originals and by incorporating bluegrass songs sung in Welsh, they also infuse their heritage into the music and bring a unique touch to their performance. Invited to participate in the International Bluegrass Music Association World of Bluegrass, Taff Rapids Stringband’s electrifying performance, rich harmonies and instrumental prowess, is catching the attention of everyone they perform for.
The Often Herd
Bluegrass band The Often Herd transcend the traditional boundaries of the genre. Although they might resemble an American string band, complete with driving energy, tight vocal harmonies and dazzling instrumental interplay, their vibrant, transatlantic sound is deeply coloured by their surroundings; the striking natural and industrial landscapes of Northern England. This unique approach won them the title of “Best European Bluegrass Band 2018” at the prestigious La Roche Bluegrass Festival in France.
Rupert Hughes (guitar) and Evan Davies (mandolin), write songs steeped in personal experience whilst drawing from a wide pool of influences ranging from old-time to psychedelia. American-born fiddler Niles Krieger and jazz bassist Sam Quintana add fiery instrumental skills to the mix, launching the band’s arrangements into the stratosphere. Together, their sound is both boldly contemporary and soothingly familiar, taking time-honoured traditions to new places with a fresh perspective.
Old Baby Mackerel
Old Baby Mackerel play high-energy, foot-stomping Bluegrass featuring some of the UK’s best Bluegrass musicians. Be prepared to be transported back in time to the early 20th century and across the Atlantic to North America where songs dramatised the small town fascination with locomotion, religion and the veneration of whisky and bootleg liquor. Gathered around a single condenser microphone in the true Bluegrass style, the sounds of banjo, guitar, mandolin, fiddle and double bass blend lightning-fast rhythm, virtuosic solos and evocative harmonies to get knees bouncing and elbows swinging.
In the last four years Old Baby Mackerel have been featured on BBC radio, played Glastonbury Festival twice (2019 and 2022), sold out venues across the UK and played at festivals and venues all over the UK, Ireland, Europe and Thailand.
The Devil’s Damned String Band
The Devil’s Damned String Band are a bluegrass band from the South Coast of England. The boys offer a performance full of the energy and warmth of mountain bluegrass, with a mixture of original, traditional and contemporary songs. A band that is sure to get hearts pumping and feet stomping.
With Ben Munday (vocals/guitar), Bryan Andrews (double bass), Nigel Clelland (banjo), Ben ‘Fluff’ Johnson (violin/vocals) and Ryan Stevens (mandolin/vocals/guitar), together they perform a mix of original, covers and traditional bluegrass and American folk music. All acoustic, just strings, wood and a bundle of Southampton hillbillies.
Sally Ironmonger & Brian Carter
Sally Ironmonger & Brian Carter have been writing, performing and bickering together for nearly 20 years. They have produced 4 studio albums of songs about shipyards, prostitutes, trips to the seaside, self-deprecating amusing songs and protest anthems. They are an absolute one off. They have a quirky and distinctive style, with Brian’s unusual and accomplished guitar technique the perfect accompaniment to Sally’s unique voice. They love what they do, and their aim is to entertain, with songs that make you laugh, or cry, or just think.