The Fringe programme for the 2016 Festival is another cracking collection of local (and not so local) talent performing an eclectic melting pot of music.
The Fringe tent is a great place to dip into and check out rising acts.
Last year, Ant Noel and the Peabody Drakes wowed everyone who saw them in the tent and as a result, this year they are in the Festival proper.
Who will be this year’s Fringe surprise successes?
Here’s the 2016 Priddy Festival Fringe programme:
Saturday 9 July
Hosts: Nicki Davey & Johnny Francis
2pm-2.25pm Kadia
Kadia perform a mixture of traditional folk music, Irish session tunes, original material and contemporary covers along with the occasional joke, multiple stories and general chatter during their shows and have made a name for themselves locally for their creative arrangements of traditional music and their unique takes on more modern contemporary music. Their debut album, East of Alexandria, made it on to the Telegraph’s 2015 Folk Album of the Year list. Have a look at their website.
2.30pm-2.55pm Nicola Clark
Nicola Clark trained as an artist but was suddenly smitten at the age of 45 with the need to write songs. A memorable visit to the Cerne Abbas Giant inspired her and his mysterious magic empowered her to perform her songs and she has been painting and performing in Gloucestershire for the last six years.
3pm-3.25pm Leo James & Katy Hooper
This Bristol-based folk, blues, Americana influenced duo were drawn together through a love of acoustic folk and roots music from both sides of the Atlantic, combining their own arrangements of traditional and contemporary folk, country and blues songs alongside original material. You can check out some great videos on their website.
3.30pm-3.55pm Max Harrison
Max Harrison aka Milegamax is a singer/songwriter born and bred in Bristol who’s music is a mix of blues, soul and reggae, and his influences range from country and western through to jungle. Take a peek at Max on facebook
4pm-4.25pm Vapor
Vapor are Onika Patterson and Mark Venus who perform acoustic soul and reggae with just a hint of country! Have a look at their facebook page.
4.30pm-5pm The Minke Whales
This Bristol five-piece were formed in 2009 by Edinburgh singer songwriter Stuart Reid (formerly of Shifty Disco Records’ combo, Seagull Strange) and bassist Neil Hughes when they discovered their collective love of recording music in allotment potting sheds. Tales of revenge, lost love and witch hunts wrapped up in sweet melodies that blend twisted folk with Reid’s grizzled Scottish vocal gruff, an English nightingale and banjo laden stomping to give them a dark and brooding intoxication. Check out their website and have a listen.
Sunday 10 July
Hosts: Cathy Judge & Johnny Francis
1.30pm-1.55pm ZZ Birmingham
This well respected and experienced bluesman has had 50 years in the business. Expect masterful harmonica, rootsy guitar, authentic vocals and a warm demeanour coupled with a truly encyclopaedic knowledge of the genre. Here he is having fun with friends at Priddy in 2013.
2pm-2.25pm Cathy Judge
A well-known local singer/songwriter with a rich velvety voice singing beautifully crafted ballads sung with emotion and passion. Cathy will be accompanied by long term musical partner Johnny Francis on the guitar. Here’s a slice of what they do.
2.30pm-2.55pm Eve Lesedi
At the tender age of only 17 Eve – pictured above – is an outstanding musician wowing audiences with her superb flute and sax playing. Topped with an exceptional voice that belts out soul and delightful persona, Eve is one to watch out for. Check this out!
3pm-3.25pm Invisible Gem
This upbeat band consisting of violin, piano, percussion, guitar create a full and enriching sound. Their diverse musical backgrounds has produced a rich mix of folk, rock, classical and swing styles to form a unique and original style. Here’s a great bit of film of them in action.
3.30 – 4.00 You Me and Him
You Me and Him are a four piece band from Chilcompton producing upbeat popular covers in their own unique style. Appearing in pubs, clubs and local radio shows they are a good time band ideal for this year’s Fringe tent finale.