WHITE HORSE FOLK FESTIVAL

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WHITE HORSE FOLK FESTIVAL 2008

Friday 15th August to Sunday 17th August 2008

 

FESTIVAL GUESTS

QUICKSILVER – Hilary Spencer (that voice from acapella meistersingers Artisan) & Grant Baynham (ex “That’s Life!” and comic songsmith to the stars). Quicksilver, so named because the initials H & g form the elemental symbol for mercury, is all about Hilary's voice and Grant's guitar-playing and writing and the chemistry is indeed wonderful. The material includes all the things you can imagine doing with two voices and an acoustic guitar, plus a good few that you probably can't. Both performers are experienced pros, well known for their on-stage repartee, so the performance flows seamlessly and is by turns moving, funny, relaxed and occasionally jaw-dropping.

RON TAYLOR & JEFF GILLETT - Jeff is well known in Gloucestershire as a fine musician, and in particular for his wonderful guitar arrangements. Ron is a great English singer with a exceptional voice, who has been singing since the 60’s and who is well known for his work with The Songwainers and Regal Slip.  Jeff is an outstanding guitarist who also turns his hand to mandolin, mandola, Appalachian dulcimer, and English concertina.  He is also a fine singer in his own right. Their repertoire is made up mainly of traditional songs and ballads, with sensitive settings that serve to enhance the songs – beautiful.

CEILIDHOGRAPHY – A 5-piece Ceilidh band based in Shropshire and the West Midlands. Their style is based around English folk tunes fused with an eclectic mix of world beats. Cate Bannister is the caller who will get the crowd dancing into a frenzy with her captivating charm.

ANDY TURNER – Local singer and concertina player Andy delivers traditional material in a simple and uncomplicated way letting the song tell the story.

BILL McKINNON -  Bill has 30 years experience and enjoyment of traditional music, playing semi-pro for many years before "taking the plunge" professionally some years ago.  Bill plays 5-string banjo, tenor banjo, guitar, mandolin and melodeon (& probably too many other instruments to mention!). Bill is also a great session leader, inspiring all with his energy and enthusiasm.

TONY & PEARL O’NEILL – Tony, ably abetted by the wonderful Pearl, leads the lunchtime sings in the Bell. Tony has an easy style which encourages even the most timid performer whilst subtlety building a session to a rousing crescendo. Laughter and smiles abound in the Big Sings.

DANCE

ICKNIELD WAY MORRIS MEN – Enthusiastic and accomplished performers of traditional dances from Oxfordshire villages. First started at Icknield School, Wantage in the 1950’s the side are now nationally known and highly regarded for the quality of their performances.

ABINGDON TRADITIONAL MORRIS DANCERS – Cotswold Morris side who can trace their roots back to the 16th century. They always dance with their distinctive horns, said to have been won in battle from the Vineyard men in 1700, and carry on the ancient ceremony of the Election of the Mayor of Ock Street each year.

CORNUCOPIA – Appalachian & British Clog dancers from Wantage supported by The Shady Grove String Band.

VALE ISLANDERS - A group of dancers who perform the English country-dances of the 17th Century in the costume of the period. The group started in the village of Charney Basset in the Autumn of 1995 and their name reflects their roots in the island villages of the Vale of the White Horse.

CRY HAVOC - is a mixed Morris side, formed in 1993 as a result of a local amateur dramatic group requiring a Morris dance in their pantomime performance. The name 'Havoc' is the Old English for 'hawk' hence the emblem on their waistcoats.