A country music revival has taken the UK by storm this summer and Live Island and Tailored Entertainments are bringing the revival to the Isle of Wight with the first annual Roots and Country Festival.
The event will take place at 18:00 on Thursday 24th September at The Dairyman’s Daughter, Arreton Barns and will see a night dedicated to Americana music in the shape of five brilliant UK acts. Leaving behind the rhinestones of yesteryear modern country definitely has something new to offer whilst still retaining the integrity of it’s roots.
Headlining the night will be Manchester based Luke & Mel, one of the hottest bands to hit UK Country Music in recent years. Formed in 2012, the pair were quickly recognised by The British Country Music Awards (BCMA) and picked Duo of the year in 2014. They released their self titled EP in December last year which went to number two in the iTunes country music chart making them the only unsigned UK band ever to get in the top 10. They’ve played the prestigious C2C Country to Country at the O2 and receive regular support form BBC radio along with other country stations such as CMR Nashville and Chris Country radio.
Other acts include ‘Claydon Connor and The Big Sky’ a perfect blend of Roots Americana with a hint of classic English pop. Claydon has an instant stage presence, engaging his audience from start to finish; his enthusiasm and obvious enjoyment of playing live, coupled with his talent for writing great songs makes him a powerful act to watch. Also playing at the festival will be ‘HomeTown Show’, an authentic Americana/Bluegrass/Country sound heavily influenced by the old-time string bands of Appalachia and many modern day folk heroes.
‘The Damien Paul Band’, a polished performer with a raw edge who’s music combines elements of Delta-Blues, Country & Folk, is also on the line-up, as well as 18-year-old Lauran Hibberd who is already making waves, renowned for her captivating voice that will silence a room.
Tickets are available from www.seetickets.com or direct from The Dairyman’s Daughter, The Bargeman’s Rest, Newport or The Steamer Inn, Shanklin.
