Untitled Document


			A celebration of traditional and contemporary, music, song and dance, in the beautiful city of Winchester. All the colour and warmth of its strong folk heritage. Includes roots, blues and jazz ... join us as often as you can ... from 15 to 18 MAY '08


	Tom Bliss Tom Bliss is one of the best contemporary songwriters, combining passion and wit to engage his audiences. His beautiful voice, accomplished playing of several instruments and refreshingly different approach to the folk scene make his solo performances something not to be missed.
	Craig;Morgan;Robson Moira Craig, Sarah Morgan and Carolyn Robson combine their talents as an a-capella harmony trio. Under the billing Craig; Morgan; Robson they have been captivating audiences in the UK, USA and Canada. Their debut CD, “Peppers and Tomatoes” has been hailed as “a gem of an album” Mick Peat, BBC Radio in the Midlands
	Jackie Oates & James Dumbleton Jackie Oates has been described by Radio2’s Mike Harding as “one of the finest singers and musicians on the current folk scene – her treatment of traditional songs is exquisite”. She is joined at this year’s MAYfest by James Dumbelton – Jackie’s permanent accompanist. Picking up many instruments through the years, he now settles on playing mainly guitar, mandolin and bodhrán.
	Easy Street Easy Street Acoustic Swing - two acoustic guitars, a double bass and a clarinet doubling saxophone. plays a lively yet sophisticated selection of swing music with more than a hint of the gypsy jazz sound of Django Rheinhardt. They are becoming a favourite with the crowd at The Old Vine where they perform throughout MAYfest.
	The Baddest Blues Band (Ever!) The Baddest Blues Band (Ever!) - featuring jazz stalwarts Zoe Schwarz (vocals) and Rob Karol (guitar) alongside Mike Gorman (C3 Hammond organ), Malcolm Creese (double bass), Dave Wallace (drums) and Si Genaro (harmonica). This is NOT miserable, down-at-heal morose smokey-pub fare - rather Hammond and harmonica orientated dance blues. And the players are all amazing musicians with excellent track records, including headline appearances at Ronnie Scotts and collaborations with the likes of Gilad Atzmon, Bobby Wellins, US3, Georgie Fame, Jim Mullen, Django Bates and many others...........The finest new blues band on the British scene...? Very possibly.
	Louche Manouche Louche Manouche - a five-piece enjoying the revival of interest in hot club jazz and gypsy swing. The band consists of guitars, violins, double bass, mandolin, clarinet, flute and vocals in an upbeat ensemble that will get you up dancing and make you smile.
	Mary Jane MARY JANE play a highly original blend of acoustic and electric psychedelic folk-rock. Their music is a very individualistic and varied combination of self-penned and traditional material, with strong Celtic, eastern and medieval influences. Albums include Hazy Days, The Gates of Silent Memory, Tacit, and their latest To the Prettiest One. They will be performing an "unplugged" gig at MAYfest.
	Colcannon Colcannon - a multi-instrumental band that plays real Irish and Celtic music plus a smattering of Breton and Eastern European. Heard regularly at the Black Boy, their Friday night MAYfest session at the Eclipse has proved unmissable.
	Albatross Pie Albatross Pie – a group of multi-talented musicians and singers. Peter “Theo” Theobald, keyboard, wind and vocals; Richard Brecknock, fiddle, mandolin and vocals; Richard Carver, guitar, squeeze boxes and vocals; Heather Bradford, vocals; perform a mix of traditional and contemporary songs and tunes arranged in their own eclectic styles.
	Steamchicken Steamchicken - a bustling bluesy five/six piece, harmonica and mandolin swapping leads/improvising melodies, bass/piano and percussion keeping the rhythm tight and tenor sax blowing over the top. Under the guidance of renowned caller Dave Hunt, the band is sure to get everyone up and dancing at the One BIG Party.
	Quattrio Quattrio – the members of this quartet perform chamber music of the Baroque period by composers such as Handel, Corelli and Vivaldi. The group’s focus is the trio sonata played on two violins, bass viol (or violin and recorder) and harpsichord. They perform these charming and accessible pieces in a FREE concert in the intimate setting of St. Lawrence’s Church on Saturday.
	Steve Picken & Polly Wood Steve Picken is a finger style, acoustic guitarist influenced byt of guitarists like Tommy Emmanuel, Pierre Bensusan, Antonio Forcione and John Williams. Polly Wood had an affinity with music that led her to start writing lyrics from age 12, but it was only after being handed a guitar after a drunken Christmas Party many years later, that Polly discovered the means that would allow her to cross the bridge from 'poet' to 'songwriter'. With Polly's flair for penning thought provoking lyrics and Steve's unique approach to guitar playing the two are destined for a successful future.
	Chris Whitfield Chris Whitfield - a finalist in the 1998 BBC Radio Two Young Folk Awards, Chris plays stunning finger-style acoustic guitar. A master of his instrument, his repertoire spans folk, blues and jazz.
	Contraband CONTRABAND has been playing bluegrass since the early eighties, evolving from a straight "hardcore" bluegrass via to its current rootsy approach to the music. An acoustic mixture of ballads and upbeat songs feature some amazing banjo and mandolin solos. The music 'moves', as they say!
	Miros Miros – jazz folk quartet perform songs, melodies and improvisations on acoustic guitar, flute, fiddle, mandolin, bodhran and percussion. They feature self-penned songs and tunes as well as traditional material from Scotland, Ireland and Europe. Inspiring jazz folk with Celtic roots.
	Dr. Sunshine Doctor Sunshine - specialises in audience involvement and participation with lots of funny songs, rhymes, tongue-twisters, stories and games. Expect lots of fun and laughter, along with some VERY silly songs.
	Ticklish Allsorts Ticklish Allsorts provide the ultimate in children’s and family entertainment. The multi talented performer Gary Nunn and a selection of able support artists make up the Ticklish Allsorts team - a versatile, colourful, exciting act, offering incredible energy and talents. Energetic, full of fun and expect to get involved!
	Winchester Community Choir Winchester Community Choir is an open access choir for the people of Winchester. Formed in late 2005, the choir now has almost 100 members who meet weekly to sing for fun and give regular performances in the community. Led by Sarah Morgan and Freya Tabbush, the choir sings a wide range of unaccompanied harmony songs and will perform in concert at MAYfest on Saturday 17th May.