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Dean Friedman
Dean Friedman burst onto the scene with the Top 20 chart success of his infectious hit single, Ariel, a quirkily irresistible and uncategorizable pop song about a free spirited, pot-smoking, vegetarian Jewish girl in a peasant blouse who lived, as the lyric goes, "...way on the other side of the Hudson". Friedman scored again with the release of his follow up album, “Well, Well,” Said the Rocking Chair’, and the now classic hit single, Lucky Stars. This magical duet, performed with singer, Denise Marsa, zoomed to the top of the UK singles charts, going instantly gold. Lucky Stars paved the way for a slew of Friedman hits, including familiar radio staples such as Lydia, Rocking Chair, McDonald’s Girl and Woman of Mine. Oh, and did we mention he composed, produced and performed the soundtrack to the TV series, 'Boon' along with the low-budget classic horror flick, 'I Bought a Vampire Motorcycle'?
“Every song in this show is a classic.” (London Theatre Guide), “Songsmith Extraordinaire” – (Music Week), “Stunning Musicianship” (HotPress), “Dean Friedman is entirely unique and utterly brilliant!” – (ThreeWeeks)… are just a few of the superlatives used to describe his unique and original talent.
In addition to his many multi-media projects, Dean is the author of 'The Songwriter's Handbook' and conducts 'Songwriting Masterclasses' around the world. Dean will be conducting a Songwriting Masterclass' to be held in the early afternoon - 1pm to 2:30pm - prior to the main festival performances.
Tickets to the
'Songwriter's Masterclass' can be purchased as 'ADD ONS' during the
ticket-order process.
A few years back marked the 40th Anniversary of the release of Dean's critically acclaimed and best-selling album, "Well, Well," Said the Rocking Chair' which he celebrated by performing the entire album 'live', along with other fan favorites, on a sold-out UK tour. For this year's SongFest, audiences can expect to hear choice selections from that classic album as well as fan-favorites from his extensive, eight-album, song catalog, plus selections from his latest album-in-progress. Join Dean for a collection of powerful, poignant and hilarious songs about the ordinary and extraordinary lives we share. Also, this whole SongFest concept was concieved by Dean's so he'd have a chance to catch his favourite songwriter/friends perform, at the same time he was on tour! ;-)
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Describing Mike Batt as the consummate 'master songsmith' barely scratches the surface in light of his plethora of musical accomplishments as lyricist, composer, arranger, producer and more. Over a decades long career, he's written and produced classic hits for folks as diverse Art Garfunkle ('Bright Eyes'), the Hollies ('Soldiers Song'), David Essex ('A Winter's Tale'), Cliff Richard ('Please Don't Fall in Love'), and Alvin Stardust ('I Feel Like Buddy Holly') - not to mention his top-10 hit 'Summertime City' on his own and with New Edition - along with a slew of sublime recordings for Katie Melua, including 'The Closest Thing to Crazy' and 'Blame it on the Moon'. And it's the shared opinion of folks here at SongFest that Mike's song, 'Nine Million Bicycles', lead track off Katie Melua's album, 'Piece by Piece' is one of the most beautiful songs ever written.
And, of course, it goes without saying that the lives of a generation of 1970's kids would have suffered a serious deficit of musical joy, whimsy, and delight, were it not for the deliriously infectious music Mike created for the wonderful Wombles of Wimbledon.
We couldn't be more pleased that Mike Batt LOV has consented to join us in Rugby to share his musical gifts with all of us at SongFest!
Bright Eyes
Nine Million Bicycles
www.mikebatt.com
Although often mistaken for a humble village in Lincolnshire, in point of fact, Boothby Graffoe is a critically acclaimed and award-winning, English comedian, singer-songwriter and playwright. He is particularly known for his surreal sense of humour and work with Canadian band, Barenaked Ladies, as well as actor/comedian Omid Djalili. Following his awesome performance at the first SongFest, Boothby is back to delight audiences at both SongFests 2019 (south & north).
Here's what comedian Stewart Lee once said of Boothby Graffoe: 'Most stand-ups secretly want to be rock stars, their ambitions thwarted only by their total lack of musical ability. This man is unique amongst comedians, in that he’s a real musician, who has been moonlighting as a funnyman since re-naming himself after a Lincolnshire village sometime during the Thatcher era. Boothby Graffoe is a multi-talented, darkly hilarious, grade A British eccentric, who can twist your funny bone one minute, and break your heart the next. A musical comedy act who is more musical than most musicians, and funnier than most comedians.’
We are pleased that Boothby is joining us for his 4th appearance at SongFest and hope that given the fact that his concerts have been selling out all over the UK, we hope we'll be able to afford him next year!
Note: Boothby Graffoe will be performing as part of the SongFest 'Alumni' Song-Circle on Sunday late afternoon, along with SongFest veterans Tracey Curtis, Charlotte Campbell and Lach. He'll also be dropping into the 'Songwriter's Masterclass' Artist Panel Discussion to be held from 1pm to 2:30pm, prior to the festival performances. Tickets to the 'Songwriter's Masterclass' can be purchased as 'ADD ONS' during the ticket-order process.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boothby_Graffoe
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Ian Shaw is celebrated by critics, and fans alike, as one of the world’s finest male jazz vocalists working today. He was voted 'best jazz vocalist' by the BBC Jazz Awards in 2004 and 2007 and was nominated for the Jazz FM Awards 2013 and Downbeat Magazine in 2017. A brilliant stylist and sublime interpreter of songs, his acclaimed 2006 album 'Drawn To All Things - The Songs Of Joni Mitchell', saw him praised by Jazz Times as “the single greatest male jazz vocalist Britain has to offer”
In addition to regular presenting and guest appearances on BBC Radio 2, Ian currently presents The Ronnie Scott’s Radio Show for Jazz FM in the UK.
Shaw’s 2008 album, Lifejacket, cemented his reputation as master songsmith in his own right. Songs like 'My Brother' from his 'The Theory of Joy' album and 'To Be Held' off of 'Greek Street Friday', proved him to be a songwriter of great subtlety, originality and depth, and one that truly transcends genres.
We couldn't be more pleased that Ian Shaw will be sharing his unique artistry with all of us at SongFest.
https://www.ianshaw.biz
rainbow frog biscuits
rainbow frog biscuits - real name Amber Louise - is a brilliant new singer-songwriter from Leicestershire who has recently burst onto the music scene, having amassed an enormous following on social media sites like TikTok, Instagram, etc... Her songs are enchanting and delightfully original, while her voice is ethereal and her delivery impecable. Her lyrics possess a maturity and wisdom that belie her youth, while retaining the lighthearted sense of fun and mischief of an artist just starting off on an exciting, unfolding, creative journey.
We are so pleased to have rainbow frog biscuits joining us at SongFest 2024, and we can wait to see where her musical adventures takes her, in years to come.
@rainbowfrogbiscuits kinda proud of this one not gonna lie :) #fyp #itsallfakeanyway #originalsong #rainbowfrogbiscuits ♬ It's All Fake Anyway - rainbow frog biscuits
https://linktr.ee/rainbowfrogbiscuits
https://www.rainbowfrogbiscuits.com
In a glowing review, Richmond Magazine once wrote, “If Joni Mitchell and Richie Havens had a love child, with Rodney Dangerfield as the midwife, the results might be something close to the great Vance Gilbert". That's not a bad characterization of Vance's stellar songwriting and unique persona. He's the kind of songwriter who, when I hear him perform his songs, has prompted me to think, on more than one occasion, 'Damn, I wish I'd written that!'. Vance compositions like, 'Unfamiliar Moon', 'Dear Amelia', 'Goodbye Pluto' and 'Black Rochelle' prove him to be a master songsmith and deft perfomer, with an original and affecting voice.
Vance is an integral part of the national folk scene, in the US and, given his eclectic songwriting style, has toured with a broad range of performers, including the likes of Shawn Colvin, Arlo Guthrie, Anita Baker, George Carlin, Chrstine Lavin and Southside Johnny to name just a few.
I am so delighted that Vance has inexplicably agreed to risk life and limb by flying across the Atlantic ocean, for the expressed purpose of favoring all of us, attending SongFest, with his unique and wonderful, musical talents. Check out this surprisingly poignant ode to a demoted planetary body, 'Goodbye Pluto'...
www.vancegilbert.com
Tracey Curtis
We're delighted that Tracey Curtis is able to join us, again, at this year's SongFest. An audience favorite, when she performed at the very first SongFest, Tracey Curtis returns for her 4th SongFest to perform her uniquely personal and thoroughly engaging songs. Tracey Curtis describes herself as an anarchist, a vegan, an activist and mother who bases herself in Ammanford, West Wales. Tracey was a member of the truly wonderful post-punk pop band, Shelley's Children. Since then she's released three acclaimed solo albums containing deftly crafted and beautifully performed, heartfelt songs about real life, love, and politics. If you've never heard Tracey perform her joyous, delightfully poignant and bitingly funny songs, you're in for a rare treat.
Note: Tracey Curtis will be performing as part of the SongFest 'Alumni' Song-Circle on Sunday late afternoon (see schedule), along with SongFest veterans Boothby Graffoe, Charlotte Campbell and Lach. Also Tracey will be dropping into the 'Songwriter's Masterclass' Artist Panel Discussion to be held from 1pm to 2:30pm, prior to the festival performances. Tickets to the 'Songwriter's Masterclass' can be purchased as 'ADD ONS' during the ticket-order process.
https://www.reverbnation.com/traceycurtis
https://www.facebook.com/traceycurtisinfo
"Lach is the mastermind of Antifolk, like a Lower East Side rendezvous of Bob Dylan and Patti Smith. Like black snow, stalled subway cars and random violence, Lach is a Manhattan institution." - NY Times
"Lach is incredibly bright, he's influential, he's funny, he's smart, and he’s got his own, sort of, counter-culture charm. A very intelligent songwriter, funny, poetic. He became part of New York folklore." - Suzanne Vega “
"He's a street-corner ambassador. Lach is beat. He's a ringmaster. He's a poet's poet." - Michelle Shocked
"Lach is a star! More Woody Allen than Woody Guthrie and a raised middle finger to the folk purists." - NME
“Lach’s Great.” - Bob Dylan
In recent years, Lach and his anti-folk movement has been transplanted to Edinburgh, where he's been embraced by UK audiences, and celebrated due to the success of his The Lach Chronicles radio diary series, which ran for three seasons on BBC Radio 4 and has been heard by hundreds of thousands of fans world-wide. The show was chosen Top Radio Pick by The Times, The Guardian, The Telegraph, The Observer, The Daily Mail and Radio Times! We're very excited to welcome Lach for his first apperance at SongFest!
Note: Lach will be performing as part of the SongFest 'Alumni' Song-Circle on Sunday late afternoon (see schedule, below), along with SongFest veterans Boothby Graffoe, Tracey Curtis, and Charlotte Campbell. Also Lach will be dropping into the 'Songwriter's Masterclass' Artist Panel Discussion to be held from 1pm to 2:30pm, prior to the festival performances. Tickets to the 'Songwriter's Masterclass' can be purchased as 'ADD ONS' during the ticket-order process.
Charlotte Campbell delighted audiences with her debut performance at SongFest, and she's been a beloved musical presence at every SongFest since. Over the last few years, she has rightfully earned the title of 'Queen of Busking', as a London Street Artist, charming the ears of locals and tourists alike. Through glorious summers and bitterly cold winters, she can be found sharing her original music with crowds along the Southbank. As a teenager, Campbell attended the BRIT School in South London and went on to study songwriting at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance. Building an online fanbase through street art, Charlotte has released 3 albums; her singles “Streets of London” and “Songbird” have gained attention from Mark Forest’s BBC Introducing, as well as having her single “Free The Night” featured and named official song of London’s Night Tube. Charlotte's latest release is a compilation album of songs from my previous three albums; including new recordings and remasters of her most requested original tracks. Instead of braving the crowds and chancing the weather along the Southbank, enjoy this chance to hear the heartfelt, honest and hope-filled songs of this delightful and original singer-songwriter in the intimate indoor setting of SongFest. Bumbershoots not required!
Note: Charlotte Campbell will be performing as part of the SongFest 'Alumni' Song-Circle on Sunday late afternoon (see schedule, below), along with SongFest veterans Boothby Graffoe, Tracey Curtis, and Lach.
Daniel Cainer
Daniel Cainer is a multi award-winning Edinburgh Fringe Festival favourite. His heartwarming and richly detailed story-songs are about all our families with all our foibles, lovingly and intelligently depicted. Smart, funny, timely and deeply moving. 'A truly gifted musician and an extraordinary performer. At times heartbreakingly poignant, at other times laugh-out-loud funny. Utterly charming, thoroughly recommended’ (Edinburgh Festivals Magazine). ‘An hour in Cainer’s company is a true pleasure’ (Stage). ‘Heart-rending, delicate and witty’ (Daily Express).
Virtual audiences who've attended Dean's 'Holiday Zoom Extravaganza's will be familiar with Daniel's often bittersweet tales of scandalous family lore and misadventure. He tells stories in words and music with an original voice and quiet mastery of his songwriting craft. Irreverent songs like 'Bad Rabbi' offer an hilarious take on the Jewish heritage his music draws on, poking serious fun at the hypocracy which is endemic to our painfully flawed humanity.
We're so pleased to welcome Daniel Cainer to his first SongFest and invite you to check out a small sampling of what's in store for SongFest attendees, come August 2024 in Rugby!
https://www.danielcainer.com
Nia Nicholls is signed to Bob Patmore's Record Label, Uniq Recording Artists and has been recording and performing, and receiving raves and acclaim, for her music, on both sides of the Atlantic. Check out Nia's music video for her stunning song, 'Attached', in the clip below:
Here's what folks have to say about his folk-pop-jazz inflected songwriting:
“Songs this beautiful deserve to be heard” - Paul Williams (songwriter for The Carpenters/Cher) “They’re just great songs. When you put Randy Newman, Fats Waller & Clifford T Ward in a melting pot, you get Colm Gavin” - Mike Kennedy (Welsh Connections)
Have a listen to this cool, evocative track, 'On Firebird Avenue' (Quarter to Five) off of his 'The 1992 Tapes' collection:
https://open.spotify.com/track/0AgvL1uxl9Msds0GiHm0ai?si=289b5b4fc4fb4d0d
https://www.facebook.com/colmgavinofficial
Barbara is the delightfully bold and inspired music project of Henry and John Tydeman, two charismatic brothers from Brighton and Hove, England. Bucking the current music trends of hip hop, dancepop, 80s revival, EDM and post punk, their sunny, uplifting sound is a charming and anachronistic blend of – in their own words – “a bit of 70s US AM radio, a dash of English music hall, the effortless catchiness of a Broadway musical, a sprinkling of sequined power pop, luscious Disney strings and glorious golden harmonies.” The musical result is disarmingly joyful. And their unique and engaging sound has led to sold-out tours as a band, in support of major acts including Haircut 100 and Paul Weller.
For this occasion, Barbara will be entertaining the SongFest audience as a stripped-down duo, a format that will feature their familial vocal blend and provide an intimate setting for their delightful lyrics. We welcome you, Barbara, to SongFest!
www.barbaratheband.com
| Saturday 17th Aug | Sunday 18th Aug | |||
| 11:00am (outside) | Boothby's Invitational Golf | |||
| 11:00am (inside) | Board-Games in the Lobby | |||
| 1:00pm | Songwriting Masterclass | 1:00pm | Songwriting Masterclass | |
| 2:30pm | Doors | 2:30pm | Doors | |
| 3:00pm | Charlotte Campbell (Intro) | 3:00pm | Boothby Graffoe (Intro) | |
| 3:10pm | TBA | 3:10pm | Nia Nicholls | |
| 3:45pm | Barbara | 3:45pm | Daniel Cainer | |
| 4:15pm | Reset / Break | 4:15pm | Reset / Break | |
| 4:30pm | Colm Gavin | 4:30pm | * SongFest 'Alumni' Song-Circle | |
| 5:15pm | Rainbow Frog Biscuits | feat: Boothby Graffoe, Tracey Curtis, Charlotte Campbell & Lach | ||
| 6:00pm | Dinner Intermission | 6:00pm | Dinner Intermission | |
| 7:15pm | Vance Gilbert | 7:15pm | Ian Shaw | |
| 8:00pm | Mike Batt | 8:00pm | Dean Friedman | |
| 9:15pm | Reset / Break | 9:30pm | Break | |
| 10:00pm | Beatles + Laurel Canyon 'Sing-Along' | 10:00pm | Hang Out | |
| 11:00pm | Hang Out | |||
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* NOTE: SongFest 'Alumni'
Song-Circle (Sunday 4:30pm) features SongFest
veterans and fan favourites Boothby Graffoe,
Tracey Curtis, Lach, and Charlotte Campbell swapping songs in a round-robin 'song-circle'. It's GONNA BE AWESOME! |
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