13 July 2015

The Stray Birds have been one of the busiest in USA this summer, appearing at most of the country’s biggest outdoor events including MerleFest. It’s a pattern that is about to be repeated in Europe too as they dash over the Atlantic twice in the space of a month for a main stage appearance at Cambridge Folk Festival on Saturday, August 1 followed by a return to Denmark’s big Tønder Festival (August 28 – 30). In between, as well as a London show at Cecil Sharp House (August 19), they play Norwich Arts centre (August 20), Gatehouse Theatre, Stafford, Black Box, Belfast, have a late show lined up at The Famous Spiegeltent during Edinburgh Fringe (August 23) and also return to Glasgow’s St Andrews In The Square, scene of their sold-out Celtic Connections show last year (August 25). (Photo by Doug Seymour)

After an impressive performance on Later…with Jools Holland in September last year, Tennessee-raised, Minneapolis based soul-songstress Chastity Brown is heading back to the UK in July 2015 for a string of UK live dates and festivals. Chastity will be performing at London’s prestigious 100 Club on July 13. Chastity has been busy in the studio for the past few months working on her new album, due for UK release nearer the end of the year. Chastity will be showcasing some of new tracks, as well as live favourites throughout July. Her 2013 album BACK-ROAD HIGHWAYS received huge critical acclaim (Independent 4* / Sunday Times Culture / Maverick 5* / 4* The Daily Mirror), and was a favourite amongst reviewers’ Top 10 end of year lists. The album’s lead track, After You was featured in the BBC/HBO film, ‘Mary & Martha’ starring Hilary Swank, and Chastity was also invited to duet with Michael Kiwanuka whilst supporting him at First Ave in Minneapolis. Chastity’s style is a beautiful mix of Gospel, Roots & Soul, Jazz, Blues & Country, and it couldn’t work better. Chastity channels songs that are born deep in the American bone, the hunger, desperation and confidence that runs through our times. Saturday July 4 Suffolk, Maverick Festival Sunday 12 Chipping Norton, Cornbury Festival Monday 13 London, 100 Club Tuesday 14 Menai Bridge, Victoria Hotel Wednesday 15 Biggar, Biggar Municipal Hall Thursday 16t Selkirk, String Jam Club @ The County Hotel Saturday 18 Isle Of Lewes, Hebridean Celtic Festival