24 February 2014

The Radio 2 Folk Awards 2014 took place last night. The event celebrated its 15th Anniversary and was presented by Radio 2 Folk Show host, Mark Radcliffe, and folk singer Julie Fowlis live. It was broadcast live from London in front of an audience of over 4,500 people. The BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards are an annual celebration and bringing together some of the biggest names in folk music to recognise their achievements over the past 12 months as well as giving awards to honour outstanding lifetime contributions. Folk icons and new talent gathered for the event. A highlight performance came from American folk singer Peggy Seeger. She held tribute to her late half-brother Pete Seeger, who died last month. Joined on stage by a number of performers, Peggy sang one of his most well-known songs, Quite Early Morning. Other exciting performances were heard from a variety of artists including Bellowhead, Suzanne Vega, Clannad, Martin Simpson, Anais Mitchell & Jefferson Hamer and The Full English. The Fisherman’s Friends performed for the first time since the tragic deaths of their band member Trevor Grills and Tour Manager, Paul McMullen, in 2013. Bob Shennan, Controller of BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music says: “Congratulations to everyone who won an award. It was a wonderful celebration and a reflection of just how vibrant the UK folk music scene is. As a genre, folk continues to be an important part of Radio 2’s schedule and we remain committed to broadcasting distinctive and specialist music content.” Folk super group The Full English received two awards, recognised for Best Group and Best Album; Phillip Henry & Hannah Martin were awarded with Best Duo and contemporary folk musician; and singer/songwriter Bella Hardy scooped the accolade for Folk Singer of the Year. The awards will be available to watch in full on the BBC Red Button until 7.45am the following morning (Thursday 20 February). There will also be chance to watch highlights from the event on the Radio 2 website –bbc.co.uk/radio2. The BBC Red Button will also have highlights from Tuesday 25 February until Saturday 29 February. Full list of BBC Radio 2 Folk Award 2014 winners: Folk Singer Of The Year – Bella Hardy Best Duo – Phillip Henry & Hannah Martin Best Group – The Full English Best Album – The Full English – THE FULL ENGLISH Horizon Award – Greg Russell & Ciaran Algar Musician Of The Year – Aidan O’Rourke Best Original Song – Two Ravens from Lisa Knapp Best Traditional Track – Willie of Winsbury from Anaïs Mitchell & Jefferson Hamer BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award – The Mischa Macpherson Trio Lifetime Achievement Award – Martin Carthy Lifetime Achievement Award – Clannad Good Tradition Award – Cambridge Folk Festival Hall Of Fame – Cecil Sharp

The Folk Alliance International Conference is an annual event that draws together music industry professionals from throughout the world to share ideas, network and celebrate traditional music and dance. It is an event of celebration, education and entertainment. The Americana Music Association will once again partner with Folk Alliance International. The Folk Alliance is pleased to announce the final list of its 2014 Music Camp instructors. The Music Camp is designed for players and songwriters of all ages, styles, and levels of ability. In addition to group sessions, the Music Camp will provide master classes for accomplished players, jam sessions for all levels, staff & camper concerts, a general store for music items, and a fun environment to share music. Plus, Camp attendees will have access to select Folk Alliance Conference features including the opening night events and the Graham Nash Keynote Interview on Thursday morning. All conference registrants have full access to all music camp events. The Winter Music Camp will take place from today – Sunday, February 19-23, 2014 at The Sheraton Crown Center Hotel in Kansas City. The full schedule can be found at: www.folkalliance.org/camp/winter-music-camp-schedule

The Roys, award-winning brother/sister duo, were named Top Bluegrass Artist at the 10th Annual International Acoustic Music Awards (IAMA). The IAMA promotes excellence in acoustic music performance and artistry, acoustic artists in various genres. Another Minute, written by Lee Roy in fond remembrance of his grandfather and released on THE ROYS’ recent hit-album GYPSY RUNAWAY TRAIN, competed against thousands of entries from all over the world. Winners were chosen by a Blue Ribbon Judging Committee comprised of music industry professionals including A&R managers from record labels, publishers and producers and judged equally on music performance, production, originality, lyrics, melody and composition. “What an honour it is to be recognised internationally for this song” said Lee Roy. “My grandfather was such an incredible person, and the time I had with him was so precious! Looking back, I realised how much he helped to shape my life and I set out to write a song about it. Fans just immediately connected with it, so we included it on our latest album. It’s really cool to win this award but even better that my grandfather helped me to win it.” “When Lee brought me this song, it brought tears to my eyes,” says Elaine Roy. “Pepere [grandfather] would be humbled by it all, but so proud that his grandson was able to write something that would resonate with fans all over the world. We couldn’t be more thrilled!”