MAD AGNES

Mad Agnes - not one person but three. A trio of Americans from New England who sing in close harmony (so close it's almost indecent) and play not only piano, but an array of many different guitars. They write insightful, witty, off-the-wall songs, often beautiful and bizarre at the same time. But don't take our word for it. If you go to their web page at www.madagnes.com you can see a 9 minute preview of what you might expect from a Mad Agnes concert. It's no accident that their UK debut in 2007 was the main stage at Fairport's Cropredy Convention. These guys are seriously good and seriously entertaining.

See their video demo
and their website

Buy tickets safely on the web - http://www.wegottickets.com/event/63368

TANIA OPLAND AND MIKE FREEMAN

Luckily for us our good freinds Tania Opland and Mike Freeman are on tour in the UK and asble to step into the breech. We were going to have them in 2011, but this just brings the pleasure closer. Tania is a very fine vocalist and hugely talented multi-instrumentalist who plays guitar, fiddle, hammered dulcimer, recorders, native American flutes and even ocarina. Mike plays a multitude of hand percussion, guitar and mando and adds some harmony vocals. They both write tunes and songs but the beauty of their show is the breadth and depth of their repertoire from American folk classics to songs by little known (to us) but excellent writers. Add in some traditional songs from the Americas, the Britidh Isles (by way of the Americas) and even from Russia, plus tunes with a Middle Eastern influence and Tania's crowd-pleasers. (I've already reqiested Desperado - she does a stunning job with it!)

Buy tickets safely on the web- http://www.wegottickets.com/event/63370

Sunday
2nd May
2010

Doors 7.00
Music 7.30

MADDY PRIOR with NICK HENNESSEY

Yes, that's right, the fabulous Maddy Prior, the voice of Steeleye Span, half of Silly Sisters with June Tabor, and well known for her seasonal tours with The Carnival Band. And, of course, soloist, songwrter and keeper of the tradition in her own right. There's really nothing you can say about Maddy that's not a superlative. We are so lucky to have her at Birdsedge accompanied by the fabulous harper, Nick Hennessey.

Buy tickets safely on the web - http://www.wegottickets.com/event/75887

BIRDSEDGE BEERFEST

With a whole palette of beers from light to dark and all of them locally brewed and accompanied by tasting notes, Birdsedge's second beerfest is going from strength to strength. There will be a full programme of musical entertainment including ex That's Life songster Grant Baynham and a fabulous band of young musicians, plus and a range of BBQ food to accompany your supping.

Buy tickets safely on the web

Unwaged

BIRDSEDGE VILLAGE FESTIVAL EVENT IN A TENT

ARTISAN REUNION
It's five years since Artisan hung up their tonsils, but they've reformed for a very limited tour (part of it in Canada). With a new CD of (new) songs plus some Artisan old favourites, tonight's concert will be a feast of harmonies.

THE MIGHTY ZULU NATION
Imagine singing of the same calibre as Ladysmith Black Mambazo combined with athletic dance, tightly choreographed accompanied by heart-pounding drums. These guys are outstandiung on stage

HARRY ROWLAND
Fast becoming a local hero, Harry started singing for us at the festival when he was on;y 15 and he was brilliant even then. He's still at school, but every year he gets better and better. Fabulous guitar and great vocals.

Buy tickets safely on the web

http://www.wegottickets.com/event/74369 for full price tickets

http://www.wegottickets.com/event/74370 for concessionary rates
If you buy concessionary rate tickets please bring proof of status

Unwaged

JAMES KEELAGHAN

You know you're in for a good night the instant you hear his voice - warm, assured and 'right' in every way. The guitar satisfyingly strong. The arrangements supporting the songs. His songs are impressively literate and intelligent and his new CD House of Cards is gathering rave reviews, national airplay and lots of new fans.

CARA LUFT with Hugh McMillan

One of the original Juno Award winning Wailin Jenny's Cara's solo career leapt forwards with the release of The Light Fantastic which was played on radio by Bob Harris. She's a gutsy singer with a huge sense of humour and an infectious belly laugh. Whether singing her own songs or her own take on the tradition, she's a revelation. Her guitar playing is strong and ballsy and her stage presence just fizzes. Accompanied by Hugh McMillan on bass, lap steel, mandolin and vocals. It's a great sound.

THE MIGHTY ZULU NATION CELEBRATES THE SEASON

Amazing full-on African harmonies from this charismatic bunch of Zulu performers. Christmas and the season as it's celebrtated in the Townships of Durban, in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Don't expect an African take on the tired old carols, instead expect a high-octane party which includes music, percussion and dance linked by stories eloquently told. Here's music for the joy of it.

COMING
IN 2011

VIN GARBUTT

The amazing Mr G is back with us again. Songs from the heart in Vin's own unique style combined with hilarious slice of life chat that will have you laughing until your sides hurt. One of the most popular folk ebtertainers ever - for a reason.

Saturday
26th February

PHIL BEER

Let off from his Show of Hands duties for a while, the multi-talented, multi-instrumental Phil Beer is coming to us solo. Phil is one of the most popular ambassadors for acoustic roots music. A dazzling instrumentalist, he is perhaps best known as a top flight fiddler and plays in the all-star line-up, Feast of Fiddles. But his skills don't stop there - he also plays slide, Spanish and tenor guitar, mandocello, viola, mandolin and South American cuatro, not to mention contributing rich vocals.

http://www.philbeer.co.uk/

COLUM SANDS

Join us for a wonderful evening of entertainment. A natural witty storyteller, Colum charms the audiences with his lively and evocative melodies, colloquial lyrics and gentle humorous tales of everyday life in the past and present. Not only that, but the man has a wonderful voice and is no mean guitar picker...

Artisan -- Birdsedge's Resident Performers 1985 - 2005
All set to reunite (briefly) in summer 2010
Harmony trio Artisan travelled the world for twenty years, taking their own particular brand of songs and humour to Britain, Germany, Canada, the USA and -- Birdsedge. Why Birdsedge? Well, everyone has to live somewhere and two thirds of Artisan call Birdsege home. When they first started performing together in 1984, the Village hall was their first venue. In 1989, when they gave up the day-jobs and made music their full-time career, they didn't lose their links with the village hall, and for the past twenty years they have given their services to keep a series of music nights in this small rural hall. Artisan disbanded in November 2005 - after a hugely successful international career (see endnotes) - but Jacey will continue to run Birdsedge Live (and run her agency) and Brian will continue to do sound for the shows (and run his studio).

Artisan has been persuaded out of retirement for ten weeks in Summer 2010. Full story here.