Page 54 – Maverick Country

Bob Dylan announces 2024 UK tour with three nights at the Royal Albert Hall

Leave a Comment / News / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Legendary musician Bob Dylan has announced his Rough and Rowdy Ways 2024 UK tour. The tour continues an extensive run of shows that began in December 2021 in Milwaukee, spanning the US, UK, Europe, and Japan. Dylan, one of the most celebrated songwriters of our time, will perform at ten venues across the UK. The tour kicks off on 1st November with a performance at Bournemouth’s Windsor Hall and concludes with three nights at London’s Royal Albert Hall. These concerts promise to be historically resonant events, given Dylan’s storied history with the iconic venue. Fans can look forward to a unique concert experience as the shows are in partnership with Yondr, a company that prohibits the use of video cameras and mobile phones during the performances. This collaboration aims to create an intimate and distraction-free environment. In addition to London and Bournemouth, Dylan will return to Edinburgh for the first time since 2009, and will also perform in Nottingham and Liverpool. The tour includes a visit to Wolverhampton’s newly refurbished Civic Hall, a venue known for hosting legendary artists such as Bob Marley, The Who, and David Bowie. Bob Dylan’s performance schedule for these shows will begin at 7.30pm, except for the Royal Albert Hall dates, where he will take the stage at 8.00pm. Tour Dates: Fri 1st Nov: BIC Windsor Hall, Bournemouth Sun 3rd Nov: M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool Tues 5th Nov: Usher Hall, Edinburgh Weds 6th Nov: Usher Hall, Edinburgh Fri 8th Nov: Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham Sat 9th Nov: The Civic Hall, Wolverhampton Sun 10th Nov: The Civic Hall, Wolverhampton Tues 12th Nov: Royal Albert Hall, London Weds 13th Nov: Royal Albert Hall, London Thurs 14th Nov: Royal Albert Hall, London To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: [email protected]

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Conner Smith announces release of ‘Smoky Mountain Sessions’

Leave a Comment / News / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Rising singer/songwriter Conner Smith has unveiled plans to release his new four-song collection, ‘Smoky Mountain Sessions’, on 2nd August. Smith has had a remarkable year, marked by the release of his debut album, a multi-week UK chart-topper, his first ACM Awards nomination, and numerous headline tours. Now, he continues his upward trajectory with this latest project, produced by Dwight A. Baker at Echo Mountain Studio in Asheville, North Carolina. Recorded with his touring band over four days, the collection includes his current single “Roulette On The Heart” featuring Hailey Whitters, alongside two solo-penned tracks. “‘Smoky Mountains Sessions’ came from a desire to get back to the core of songwriting,” says Smith. “With these new songs, two of which I wrote by myself, I wanted to create them in a way that felt very raw and honest. Working with Dwight Baker for the first time, we took my band up to Echo Mountains in Asheville and brought these songs to life over the course of four days. This collection is just the beginning of more new music on the way I can’t wait to share!” The track list for ‘Smoky Mountain Sessions’ includes: ‘A Thousand Miles Away’ – Written by Conner Smith ‘Song For Tennessee’ – Written by Conner Smith ‘Boys In The Picture’ – Written by Conner Smith, Rodney Clawson, Jessie Jo Dillon, Matt Jenkins ‘Roulette On The Heart (featuring Hailey Whitters) (Smoky Mountains Sessions)’ – Written by Conner Smith, Jessi Alexander, Chase McGill, Mark Trussell Additionally, Smith recently released the original song ‘Steal My Thunder’ featuring Tucker Wetmore, crafted for the soundtrack of the blockbuster ‘Twisters’. The energetic track, co-written with Matt Jenkins, Ben Johnson, and Blake Pendergrass, is part of ‘Twisters: The Album’, accompanying the movie set to hit theatres on 17th July in the UK and 19th July in the US. “Having the opportunity to be a part of the Twisters movie and album is a very cool honour,” said Smith. “With such a high calibre group of artists featured on the project and an already iconic movie, being asked to write a song for it was creatively inspiring. Adding Tucker Wetmore to the song took it to a new level and I’m glad he was able to join us in bringing ‘Steal My Thunder’ to life.” To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: [email protected]

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60th Anniversary of the Academy of Country Music Awards set for May 2025

Leave a Comment / News / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

The 60th Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards will take place on Thursday 8th May 2025, at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, the global headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys. This milestone event will be hosted by entertainment icon Reba McEntire, marking her 18th time in this role, the most of any artist in ACM history. The awards show will air exclusively on Prime Video. ACM CEO Damon Whiteside expressed excitement about the upcoming anniversary: “Reba McEntire has hosted more ACM Awards shows than any other artist in history, and after her triumphant return this year for the 59th show, there is clearly no one better suited to helm this milestone show! Our landmark 50th anniversary show in 2015 marked our debut in Texas, and we’re thrilled to return again to celebrate another major moment in ACM history.” Reba McEntire shared her enthusiasm: “I’m thrilled to be coming back to host the 60th ACM Awards on Prime Video. It’s going to be an absolute can’t miss show and I can’t wait to see everybody back in Texas!” The 59th ACM Awards, which streamed live to an international audience across 240+ countries, featured performances and collaborations by artists including Jason Aldean, Kane Brown, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Post Malone, Parker McCollum, Thomas Rhett, and Lainey Wilson. Notable duets included Chris Stapleton with Dua Lipa, Kelsea Ballerini with Noah Kahan, and Blake Shelton with Gwen Stefani. Lainey Wilson was awarded Entertainer of the Year and earned the ACM Triple Crown trophy. Chris Stapleton led the night with four awards. Following the 59th ACM Awards, there was a significant increase in U.S. on-demand streams of performances, with Kane Brown’s rendition of “Georgia on My Mind” seeing a 410% rise, and Lainey Wilson’s “God Blessed Texas” and “Hang Tight Honey” experiencing a 330% increase. The 60th ACM Awards will be the third consecutive year the event is broadcast from Texas. The Ford Center at The Star, which opened in 2016, serves as a practice facility for the Dallas Cowboys and hosts various major sporting events. The ACM Awards made history in 2022 by being the first major awards show to stream live exclusively for a global audience, providing an immersive concert event across Prime Video, Amazon Music, Amazon Fashion, Amazon Freevee, Amazon Live, and more. The 2024 ACM Awards are available on demand on Prime Video, Amazon Freevee, and Amazon Music. Additional details about the 60th anniversary event, including award submissions, nominees, performers, and ticket sales, will be announced in the coming months. To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: [email protected]

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Review: Alex Warren – Before You Leave Me

Leave a Comment / Top Picks / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

‘Before You Leave Me’ by Alex Warren is a dynamic and energetic track, released in 2022. With its fast-paced beat and lively rhythm, the song showcases Warren’s versatility. The upbeat nature is a refreshing departure from his more introspective tracks, offering a vibrant, danceable vibe. However, the repetition of lyrics towards the end might not appeal to all listeners, as it can feel overused or monotonous. Despite this, the song remains a strong offering, highlighting Warren’s ability to produce engaging music. For fans who enjoy a lively tempo and catchy melodies, this track is a solid addition to their playlists, reflecting Warren’s growing capabilities as a multifaceted artist. Read the full feature in our free digital magazine here: https://bit.ly/3WUe56j Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: [email protected]

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Review: Floramay Holliday – Song To Myself

Leave a Comment / Top Picks / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Holliday’s low, raspy voice gets this album going from off with the title track ‘Song To Myself’. It’s bluesy, featuring a shuffling rhythm and a real honky-tonk feel (helped along by the brass band and tinkling piano). The sweet ‘My Best Friend’, about Holliday’s partner, is a lyrical standout on the album, imbued with honesty and love. As Holliday grooves her way into ‘Honest Man’, her lyricism takes the spotlight again with the opening lines ‘I love my mama and Jesus too’ immediately captures the attention. It’s another ode to her husband, although there is a sort of tinny-sounding overlay to Holliday’s voice that detracts slightly from her capable vocal line. Other cuts like the upbeat, catchy ‘Workin’ Man’ make this album a must-listen for fans of classic honky tonk and blues. Read the full feature in our free digital magazine here: https://bit.ly/3WUe56j Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: [email protected]

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AI country music on TikTok: A trend for the future

Leave a Comment / Exclusives / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

It’s not hyperbole to say that people are afraid of AI – particularly musicians. Most are scared of being out of a job, after all, AI can imitate voices, write lyrics and create full tracks in just one minute. All based on prompts. The ever-growing trend in AI use across the board and in music is one that has found an unusual battleground: the social media app TikTok. TikTok really took off during the COVID-19 pandemic – why wouldn’t it? It was a way of people sharing easily from inside their own homes, a platform that was built off of music, now shaping the future of it. Country musicians flourished in particular (and continue to). It’s nearly impossible to talk to a country musician nowadays who doesn’t use the app, hasn’t posted them and a guitar in their bedroom singing on it, or hasn’t reached success due in no small part to TikTok. As of 2024, however, the threat of being replaced by AI is greater than ever for professional musicians. The rise of AI in music Artificial intelligence in music involves the use of algorithms and machine learning to compose, produce and sometimes even perform music. AI tools can analyse vast amounts of data, identifying patterns and structures that define specific genres. For country music, this means the AI can learn from thousands of songs, picking up on common themes, chord progressions and lyrical content. So, what does that mean? Well, in short, AI can take its database of country music and create what we would expect a country song to sound like. Whether that’s lyrically, instrumentally or even imitating the voice of artists. For example, there is a cover of ‘Barbie Girl’ by Johnny Cash. Not the real Johnny Cash, but the tone, style and intonation of his singing to create a song that he never actually sang (we can’t comment on whether he knew it existed, as ‘Barbie Girl’ was released in 1997 and Cash died in 2003). AI country on TikTok On TikTok, AI-generated country music has found a unique niche. Users on the platform often engage with these tracks in various creative ways: Original songs: AI can create completely original country songs, from lyrics to melodies. These tracks can then be shared by users, who often add their own twist by performing the song or creating videos that fit the mood and theme of the music. Mashups and remixes: AI tools can also be used to mash up existing country songs or remix them, blending elements from different tracks to create something fresh and novel. TikTok users frequently use these AI-generated mashups to create engaging and entertaining content. Customisation: Some advanced AI tools allow users to input specific themes, keywords, or moods and generate custom country songs based on these inputs. This level of customisation has led to a wave of personalised music content on TikTok, with users sharing songs that feel uniquely theirs. Read the full feature in our free digital magazine here: https://bit.ly/3WUe56j Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: [email protected]

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Queens of The Castellows

Leave a Comment / Exclusives / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

The Castellows are heading out on tour. The sisters are supporting Little Big Town and Sugarland on their mammoth ‘Take Me Home’ tour. But before 2023, the three Balkcom siblings hadn’t considered that they could be country musicians – how exactly did these sisters from Georgia become one of the most exciting bands in country music? Georgia girls Eleanor (Ellie), Lily and Powell Balkcom hail from the small town of Dahlonega, Georgia. Dahlonega is famous for being the place where the first gold rush took place in 1829, a circumstance that spawned one of the best-known misquotes in history, from Mark Twain’s ‘The Gilded Age’: “There’s millions in it”. For The Castellows, golden-haired as if to give their fans a hint of their origins, a cattle farm would be the place they grew into the women making their names known in country music. Growing up in a close-knit family with deep southern roots, music was always a part of their lives. Their father, a bluegrass musician, often filled their home with the sounds of banjos and fiddles, while their mother’s love for classic country provided the soundtrack to their upbringing. However, it wasn’t until their late teens that the idea of forming a band took shape. In 2022, a series of local performances started gaining attention. The sisters, who initially played music for fun, began to notice that their harmonies and unique blend of traditional and contemporary country resonated with audiences. A pivotal moment came when they uploaded a cover of a Dixie Chicks song on social media. The video went viral, garnering thousands of views and catching the attention of local radio stations and music producers. Encouraged by the positive feedback, the sisters decided to take a leap of faith. In early 2023, they packed their bags and headed to Nashville, the heart of country music. The journey wasn’t easy; they faced scepticism and the daunting task of breaking into a highly competitive industry. However, their authentic sound and compelling stage presence quickly set them apart. Their big break came when they were invited to perform at the famed Bluebird Café, a Nashville institution known for launching the careers of many country stars. Their performance was a hit, leading to a recording contract with a major label. Their debut single, ‘Southern Nights’, a nostalgic ode to their Georgia roots, climbed the charts rapidly, solidifying their place in the country music scene. They were signed to Warner Music Nashville and Warner Records simultaneously, the rest, as they say, is history. Read the full feature in our free digital magazine here: https://bit.ly/3WUe56j Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: [email protected]

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From the Honky Tonk to Hyde Park: How country crossed the Atlantic

Leave a Comment / Exclusives, News / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

This July, the lush expanses of Hyde Park in London will transform into a veritable honky tonk haven as American Express presents BST Hyde Park welcomes two of country music’s biggest stars: Shania Twain and Morgan Wallen. It’s a first for the festival, whose previous headliners have leaned more towards rock and pop, with previous years giving us legends like Guns N’ Roses, Adele and The Rolling Stones. The two country music powerhouses headlining means only one thing: Country is taking over the UK. Slow starters Country music has historically been slow to gain traction in the UK. Unlike in the US, where country is a dominant genre, the British music scene has been more resistant. This resistance can be chalked down to cultural heritage: country music is an inherently American genre, particularly focusing in on the working-class people of the US South. In the US, country music has always been a reflection of its rural, Southern heritage, with themes that resonate with a lifestyle that is less familiar to the average Brit. The UK’s musical landscape has been more dominated by rock, pop and electronic music, with country music often being relegated to a niche status. However, recent years have seen a significant shift. Darcey Jackson, AEG Festival Bookings Manager, credits events like C2C (Country to Country) for opening up the market by bringing major artists to the UK. “As soon as something becomes tangible and accessible, then it has the power to really make an impression,” she says. This sentiment is echoed by the surge in popularity of country fashion — cowboy boots, double denim and cowboy hats, with the latter seeing a 326% increase in sales in the UK year on year —thanks in no small part to mainstream artists like Beyoncé and Post Malone switching up their sounds to join in the hoedown. Jackson’s insights highlight a crucial point: the physical presence of country music in the UK has been a game-changer. The C2C festival, which started in 2013, has been instrumental in this transformation. By featuring top-tier country artists from the US, the festival has introduced British audiences to the authentic sounds of country music. The festival’s success is evident in its rapid growth and the increasing number of attendees each year. What started as a modest event has now become a staple in the UK’s (and Europe’s) music festival calendar. An upwards spiral (or should that be viral?) The rise of social media, particularly TikTok, has also played a crucial role in the genre’s growth. These platforms allow for the viral spread of music, making it easier for UK audiences to discover and fall in love with country music. Jackson notes, “Platforms like TikTok can have an impact on music, no matter the genre”. TikTok, with its algorithm-driven content delivery, has been a boon for country music. Songs can gain massive popularity almost overnight, reaching audiences that traditional marketing methods might never have touched. This digital revolution has democratised music discovery. In the past, access to new music was often mediated by radio DJs and music critics. Now, anyone with a smartphone can stumble upon a catchy country tune and share it with their followers, friends and family. This has led to some surprising hits and the emergence of new stars who might have struggled to find an audience in the pre-digital age. For instance, artists like Lil Nas X, whose ‘Old Town Road’ blended country with hip-hop, owe much of their success to platforms like TikTok and even artists who take a more traditional approach, like the UK’s Remember Monday, are feeling the benefits of virality. “It’s very female heavy, a lot of young girls and young gays. It’s really, really nice that we have that because I think before we’d been present on social media, we didn’t see that kind of audience when we’d come out and play. Now since the TikTok world has come out, we walk out and we’re like, wow, all of these young girls singing our songs. It’s really lovely. That is what our music is aimed at. It’s aimed at people who are young and girly,” they say, ahead of taking to the stage for another UK country music event that is on the rise, Highways Festival. Moreover, the visual aspect of TikTok has helped to amplify the appeal of country music. Users donning cowboy hats and boots, line dancing to country hits and participating in challenges have all contributed to a cultural crossover. This blending of music and fashion has made country music not just a genre, but a lifestyle that resonates with younger audiences. Although country music isn’t all about aesthetic, there’s little more fun than learning a dance with friends and dressing up to play the part – after all, us Brits are fantasists at heart. Read the full feature in our free digital magazine here: https://bit.ly/3WUe56j Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: [email protected]

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Morgan Wallen to debut ‘Lies Lies Lies’ at BST Hyde Park

Leave a Comment / News / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Morgan Wallen, hailing from East Tennessee, continues to make waves in the music scene. His collaboration with Post Malone, ‘I Had Some Help,’ has topped the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks, becoming the longest-running No. 1 of 2024. As he gears up for his headline performance at BST Hyde Park in London on 4 July, Wallen is also preparing to release his much-anticipated new single, ‘Lies Lies Lies,’ on 5th July. The track, penned by Jessie Jo Dillon, Josh Miller, Daniel Ross, and Chris Tompkins, and produced by Joey Moi, was recorded at the historic Abbey Road Studios in London on 5 December 2023, shortly after Wallen’s sold-out performance at The O2. ‘Lies Lies Lies,’ part of Wallen’s Abbey Road Sessions digital series, was initially released on 3rd March 2024 to mark the one-year anniversary of his record-breaking third studio album, ‘One Thing At A Time.’ Wallen’s release of ‘Lies Lies Lies’ coincides with his first-ever headlining set at BST Hyde Park on 4th July. The event will feature support from Riley Green, ERNEST, Ella Langley, Alana Springsteen, Zandi Holup, and others. Fans attending the Hyde Park show can also purchase exclusive merchandise, including a limited edition ‘Lies Lies Lies’ t-shirt, available online from 5th July. In addition to his musical achievements, Wallen is committed to giving back. A portion of ticket sales from his live shows supports The Morgan Wallen Foundation (MWF), which aims to provide children with opportunities to engage in sports and music. To celebrate his Hyde Park debut, MWF has pledged $20,000 to support London Youth Choirs (LYC), an organisation dedicated to improving access to music for disadvantaged young people. Wallen’s latest album, ‘One Thing At A Time,’ has recently reclaimed the top spot on Billboard’s Country Albums chart, marking 53 weeks at No. 1, the second-longest run in the chart’s history. His collaboration with Post Malone, ‘I Had Some Help,’ has also achieved remarkable success, reaching No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart in just seven weeks, the fastest ascent since Garth Brooks’ ‘More Than a Memory’ in 2007. The track has been touted as a Song of the Summer contender by Spotify and Variety. Morgan Wallen’s momentum shows no signs of slowing as he continues to captivate audiences with his music and live performances. To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: [email protected]

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Cambridge Folk Festival lineup keeps getting better

Leave a Comment / News / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

The Cambridge Folk Festival, renowned for its rich history of showcasing Americana and country music, returns from 25th to 28th July 2024 with a diverse line-up of artists set to perform across four covered stages throughout the festival weekend. Among the highlights, Robert Plant will present Saving Grace featuring Suzi Dian. With a career spanning several decades, Plant has transitioned from legendary rock frontman with Led Zeppelin to a Grammy-winning bluegrass artist alongside Alison Krauss. Plant, who holds a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Americana Music Association UK, will perform with Saving Grace, a collective that includes Suzi Dian, Oli Jefferson, Tony Kelsey, and Matt Worley. Brighton-based singer-songwriter Bess Atwell, whose new album Light Sleeper has garnered rave reviews, will be performing on Sunday. Produced by Aaron Dessner of The National, Atwell is one of the festival’s most anticipated acts. Flamy Grant, a North Carolina native known for her powerful vocals, songwriting, and comedy drag performances, will also feature. Having topped the Billboard charts and won multiple awards, including the Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk Competition in 2023, Grant’s performance is highly anticipated. Dean Owens & The Sinners, praised by Irvine Welsh as “the pulse of all our lives,” will perform as part of the Showcase Scotland Expo partnership. The Edinburgh-based band, known for their engaging live shows, have won multiple Americana UK awards. South Carolina’s Taylor McCall, who recently toured with Robert Plant, will bring his deep-rooted music and lyrics to the Cambridge stage. McCall’s performances reflect the legacy of his grandfather, who gifted him his first guitar. Leyla McCalla, born to Haitian emigrants in New York City, draws on her heritage and diverse influences. McCalla, who excels in cello, tenor banjo, and guitar, will showcase her multilingual songwriting and distinctive sound. Darlingside, who made a memorable debut at the festival with their technical prowess and harmonious vocals, will return. The Boston-based quartet is known for their on-stage banter and captivating performances. Larkin Poe, the Grammy-nominated duo of Rebecca and Megan Lovell, will present their unique blend of Roots Blues Rock. Their self-produced work has been critically acclaimed for its gritty and soulful style. Aoife O’Donovan, co-founder of I’m With Her and Crooked Still, will perform songs from her latest album, All My Friends. O’Donovan’s music reflects the evolving landscape of women’s rights in America. Local artist Annie Dressner, known for her rich storytelling and evocative melodies, will bring her contemporary sound to the festival. Her music has been likened to artists like Phoebe Bridgers and First Aid Kit. Fourteen-time Grammy winner Jerry Douglas, celebrated for his mastery of the Dobro and lap steel guitar, will also grace the stage. Douglas, a co-director of Transatlantic Sessions, is known for his innovative contributions to music. Legendary guitarist Tommy Emmanuel CGP, renowned for his ‘finger style’ playing, will make a rare UK festival appearance. Emmanuel’s technical precision and improvisations are a must-see. Closing the festival on Sunday evening, Blue Rose Code’s Ross Wilson will lead a Caledonian Soul Cavalcade. Wilson, known for his blend of alt-folk, jazz, and blues, will perform with a five-piece band and horn section, alongside special guests Karine Polwart, Justin Currie, Steve Knightley, and Danny Thompson. Christian Raphael Prize winner Katherine Priddy, noted for her haunting vocals and distinctive guitar style, will also feature. Her second album, The Pendulum Swing, has received widespread acclaim. Rolling Stone’s “future of music,” Lizzie No, will perform songs from her album Halfsies, which explores personal and political themes through a blend of Americana and indie folk. Irish duo Lemoncello, recognised for their enchanting harmonies and dramatic soundscapes, will also take the stage. Their finger-picked guitar and cello playing have earned them a growing fanbase. Allison De Groot & Tatiana Hargreaves, winners of Instrumental Group of the Year and Traditional Album of the Year at the 2023 Canadian Folk Music Awards, will perform both individually and with Transatlantic Sessions. Manchester singer-songwriter Robbie Cavanagh, recipient of the Bob Harris Emerging Artist Award, will bring his heartfelt music to the festival. Nora Brown and Stephanie Coleman will showcase their rich musical partnership, featuring traditional southern Appalachian banjo and guitar playing alongside masterful old-time fiddling. Beyond the music, the festival offers a range of activities including children’s events, workshops, a silent disco, storytelling, and an array of food trucks and bars. Recognised as “Outstanding” by the Greener Festival Awards, the Cambridge Folk Festival promises a weekend of exceptional entertainment and community spirit. To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: [email protected]

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