“A shining new force in string band music” – Folk Radio UK
“Exceptional musicianship and creative imagination” – Folk Alley
ALLISON DE GROOT & TATIANA HARGREAVES: Allison de Groot & Tatiana Hargreaves are two of the most exciting musicians in the younger generation of American roots music, creating a sound that’s adventurous, masterful, and original. This acclaimed Canadian-American fiddle and banjo duo draws on influences from folk, old time Americana, bluegrass and more. Renowned Canadian banjoist Allison de Groot has achieved success as a member of Molsky’s Mountain Drifters and in a duo with step dancer Nic Gareiss. American fiddle ace Tatiana Hargreaves has won acclaim for her mastery of multiple fiddle styles, and has performed and recorded with musical luminaries including Jake Blount, Laurie Lewis, Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings. For Allison and Tatiana, traditional music is a way to interpret our uncertain times, and they draw artistic inspiration and power from the sources of meaning in their own lives. History, family, literature and environmental instability are all referenced in the sounds and sensations that permeate their music.
The duo’s self-titled 2019 debut album highlighted the diverse contributions of female, African-American and Indigenous musicians to American folk traditions, and garnered numerous glowing reviews. Their second album Hurricane Clarice (2022) continues their adventurous and compelling approach to traditional music, and has already picked up a 2023 Canadian Folk Music Awards nomination. The album’s repertoire comes from field recordings, old hymns and LPs, but also from modern literary sources and original compositions – a delightful mix of the old and the new which appeared in many best-of-2022 lists. Allison and Tatiana will be appearing as guest stars on the Transatlantic Sessions live tour in February 2023, and return to our shores in May 2023 for their own much anticipated UK tour. Expect an enthralling mix of beguiling fiddle and banjo tunes and powerful songs.
+ Special Guest HANNAH READ (Matinée performance only!): Versatile Scottish multi-instrumentalist Hannah Read is best known for her fiddle and guitar playing, songwriting and composing. Her 2018 solo album Way Out I’ll Wander drew comparisons with the likes of Sandy Denny and Joni Mitchell, and is an atmospheric delight, weaving in influences from both sides of the Atlantic. Hannah was also part of the critically acclaimed British folk supergroup Songs of Separation, and she has recorded and performed with notable artists including Kris Drever and Karan Casey. More recently Hannah has been performing in an old-time folk duo with Edinburgh-based banjoist Michael Starkey, and they released their warmly-received album Cross the Rolling Water in 2022.
Doors open 1.45pm for matinée and 7pm for evening show. Music starts at 2.30pm and 8.30pm respectively. The venue is mixed seated and standing. Tables are limited, and available on a first come first served basis, so if you’d like a seat, we recommend arriving early!
