The first artists to perform at this summer’s Underneath the Stars Festival have been announced.
Now in its third year, the family festival of music and arts takes place in Barnsley and is a collaboration between Barnsley-based folk singer-songwriter Kate Rusby, her family production team Pure Records and Cannon Hall Open Farm, who host the event from Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th July.
Kate Rusby will headline the line-up, and will be joined by established artists including Vieux Farka Touré, often referred to as ‘The Hendrix of the Sahara’ and son of legendary Malian guitar player Ali Farka Touré; County Sligo’s finest export, Dervish; festival favourites The Demon Barbers XL with their part gig, part dance show; and Dublin born singer/songwriter extraordinaire Declan O’Rourke.
They will be joined by some more recent names to the scene including Leeds based King Zepha with their timeless blend of ska, rocksteady and jump blues; singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Olivia Chaney; folk/jazz Scottish songwriter, Blue Rose Code (Ross Wilson); and winners of the 2015 BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award, Talisk, who have already made a big impression on the folk music scene since their formation in August last year.
Other highlights include; Curtis Eller's American Circus as they embark on an extended tour of the UK with their brutish, inelegant rock and roll ensemble; award-winning British singer, songwriter and guitarist Blair Dunlop; Rory McLeod, one-man soul band, poet and storyteller; seven-piece ‘gypsy folk’n’roll’ band Holy Moly and The Crackers; and Nashville duo Ten String Symphony.
This year’s Underneath the Stars Festival builds on the success of the previous two years, when the event has featured acts including Mary Chapin Carpenter, Richard Thompson and Eddi Reader.
Joe Rusby, festival artistic director and Kate’s brother, said: “We’re delighted to announce this year’s line-up for Underneath the Stars, which presents a thrilling and eclectic selection of bands and soloists from a great range of music genres.
“Underneath the Stars is now established as an annual family-friendly weekend event through which we aim to provide opportunities for our audience to explore a diverse programme of high quality music and creative arts.”
Alongside two stages of music, Underneath the Stars will feature family activities including a planetarium, handmade crafts, street theatre and storytelling, as well as music and dance workshops, award winning street food and a real ale bar, and full access to Cannon Hall Open Farm.
Weekend camping with hot showers is available, as well as luxury camping pitches via the family-run, Yorkshire-based glamping provider Glampit.
Published on 07 March 2016 by Ben Robinon
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