Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker & John Doyle – an Englishman, an Irishman and a Scotsman – all top notch musicians and all part of the acclaimed BBC Transatlantic Sessions will open The Atkinson’s Love Folk Festival on Friday 12 February.
The trio promise traditional music from master flautist McGoldrick (Flook, Lunasa and Capercaillie), McCusker (Battlefield Band) and guitarist Doyle.
BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Musician of the Year 2006, Michael McGoldrick is a master of flutes, whistles and Uillean pipes. A founding member of Flook and Lunasa and current member of Capercaillie, Michael has toured Bob Dylan and Mark Knopfler, as well as with The Afro Celts, RTE Orchestra and Kate Rusby and collaborated with the likes of Jim Kerr, Youssou N’Dour, John Cale and Zakir Hussian.
John McCusker‘s unique fiddle playing has earned him a worldwide reputation as one of the most gifted and versatile musicians of any genre. Joining the Battlefield Band at just 17 John spent 11 years touring the world with the now legendary folk outfit. He has worked with artists ranging from Paulo Nutini and Jools Holland to Steve Earle and Rosanne Cash and has recorded with Paul Weller and Ocean Colour Scene to name but a few.
John Doyle‘s gifts as guitarist, songwriter and vocalist have played an essential role in the ongoing renaissance of Irish traditional music. One-half of duo Liz Carroll and John Doyle, he is also a founding member of the internationally acclaimed Irish group Solas.
The Love Folk Festival now in its second year and takes place on Friday 12 & Saturday 13 February at The Atkinson. This year the team hope to attract new audiences to enjoy the fabulous lineup of new, upcoming, traditional and contemporary folk that can be heard over the weekend.
The fantastic lineup also includes Saturday’s headliner – Seth Lakeman (solo) with Elbow Jane, Will Pound & Eddie Jay, Ange Hardy and Sheelanagig sharing the stage across the 2 days.
The Atkinson is delighted to have Fatea Magazine as this year’s media sponsors Fatea Editor Neil King commented:
“Fatea has always been impressed with the Atkinson’s commitment not only to folk music, but to acts right along the acoustic spectrum. As a venue they have always been prepared to commit to the best the genre has to offer, but more important from a Fatea point of view, they have always been prepared to take a chance and bring new, less familiar names to the venue giving exposure to upcoming bands and giving both locals and travelling fans the chance to experience new names in a fantastic setting.“
Getting gigs and making recordings is only part of the picture, Fatea’s editor, Neil King, will also be running a workshop/Q&A session Making the Most out of Media on how to make the best use of the internet and social media to help get your band noticed and advice on how to approach radio stations, magazines, bloggers etc to maximise awareness. This event is free, just drop in on Saturday 13 February, 11am – 12pm.
Don’t forget to drop in and see free Busk Love Folk at The Atkinson. The Busk Love Folk Event will run in the foyer throughout the afternoon and evening of Saturday 13 of February with the day full of twenty minute showcase appearances from folk artists.
Bothy Folk Club are also back! They will be performing across the 2 days in the Theatre Bar. They are one of the oldest folk clubs in the UK and have recently celebrated their 50th birthday!
Love Folk the little festival with a big heart invites you to spend the most romantic weekend of the year singing, dancing drinking, eating and generally loving folk!
Festival tickets are £41 ,daytime gigs are £10, McGoldrick, McCusker and Doyle £17, Seth Lakeman £15 plus booking fee *. Tickets are available online at theatkinson.co.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01704 533333. They are also available over the counter during The Atkinson opening hours. Individual gig tickets are limited.
*Please be advised that there is a £1 per ticket booking fee for telephone and online sales and a 2% fee for credit cards at the Box Office.
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LISTING INFORMATION
Love Folk 2016 – At A Glance
Friday 12 February from 7pm
Bothy Folk Club
Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker & John Doyle £17
Saturday 13 February from 12pm
Bothy Folk Club
11am – Making the Most out of Media Workshop (FREE DROP IN)
12pm-6pm – Busk Love Folk – Open Mic
12.30pm – Elbow Jane £10
2.30pm – Ange Hardy £10
4.30pm – Will Pound & Eddie Jay £10
Bothy Folk Club
7pm – Sheelanagig £10
9pm – Seth Lakeman (Solo) £15
Festival Ticket: £41
Please be advised that there is a £1 per ticket booking fee for telephone and online sales and a 2% fee for credit cards at the Box Office.
The Atkinson
Lord Street
Southport
Merseyside
PR8 1DB
HOW TO BOOK
In person: Visit The Atkinson box office on Lord Street
For tickets: visit the website theatkinson.co.uk or call box office on 01704 533333
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About The Atkinson
The Atkinson is Southport’s beautiful new home for music, theatre, art, poetry, literature and history, right in the middle of Lord Street in Southport. Significant investment has been made in refurbishing the stunning 19th century buildings, to create a really welcoming multi art-form venue with a strong contemporary feel.
The Atkinson offers an exciting and varied destination for families, cultural tourists and arts enthusiasts alike, with a full day and night time offer. Wile the day away visiting the new shop, that sells gifts and contemporary crafts from regional makers and then relax in the Bakery, choosing from a selection of artisan bread sandwiches, cakes and sharing platters. You can even take little bit of The Atkinson home with you from the delicatessen. Wander through the major exhibitions and see performances from some of the UK’s foremost musicians, actors, performers and companies, films, family activities and much more.
The new Museum is now open. Sefton Between Land & Sea tells the story of Southport and Sefton as well as the area’s dramatic maritime history. While Discover Ancient Egypt – the new Egyptology Gallery is the home of the Goodison Egyptology Collection, a remarkable collection of archaeology that has not been seen for over 40 years.
Posted on 22 January 2016 under General news
