Performers - 2009
Dave Swarbrick
Dave Swarbrick is without question the most influential folk fiddler Britain has ever produced. During his stints with the Ian Campbell Folk Group, with Martin Carthy and especially with Fairport Convention he developed a style of playing acoustic and electric violin that no one working in the field can ignore. His playing conveys his personality in a uniquely immediate way. Dave is taking time out of a busy touring schedule with Whippersnapper to tell us in an intimate setting some of his tales of life on the road. Of course, he’ll be playing the fiddle and mandolin, too.
The Lark Rise Band
The Lark Rise Band is the brainchild of Ashley Hutchings. Any band formed by the creator of Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span and the Albions is going to be worth checking out and this is no exception. Some years ago, the Albion Band worked at the National Theatre on a production of Lark Rise to Candleford and the fascination with Flora Thompson’s evocation of rural life a century and more ago has stayed with Hutchings. The band will be presenting an evening of songs, music, prose and poetry based on the book whose popularity keeps on growing – as witness the successful BBC adaptations.
Abba Gold
Thanks to the success of ‘Mamma Mia’, this is the year of Abba. Of course, Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan and the others were great, but anyone who has seen that movie will know that the true stars of the show are the songs themselves. Feel good and weep! Right now a ticket to see a reformed Abba would be the most desirable item on the planet so it’s little wonder that a really top notch Abba tribute band is doing very well, thank you. There are many inferior imitators and it’s a fair bet that there’ll be many more, but Abba Gold are the real deal. Voices, charisma, lights and costumes . . . and an audience yelling for more: come and be part of Abbamania with Europe’s finest.
Three Other Tenors from Welsh National Opera
With over 120 performances at venues throughout the UK, WNO’s Three Other Tenors perform at the Raglan Festival with a sparkling selection of songs and medleys by popular composers, as well as favourite arias from the great operas. They will be joined by WNO principal soprano, Ros Evans, and the whole evening will be linked together with anecdotes and humorous tales from the world of opera. Come and hear the great favourites such as the Flower Song, Nessun Dorma and O sole mio sung by three of WNO’s most popular tenors.
Nicky Campbell Premier
Brought together following their memorable performances in the BBC’s ‘Just the Two of Us’ competition, and a mutual passion for Swing and Jazz, Nicky Campbell and Mark Moraghan have collaborated to produce a fantastic album of original swing and jazz songs... hoping to prove that they still ‘write em like they used to!’ And for one night only... a world premiere for the Raglan Festival.... Nicky Campbell takes Marks role on the mic and sings the songs he wrote for the album ‘Moonlight’s Back in Style’, accompanied by a superb 7 piece band; and talks about the record, his collaboration with Mark Moraghan, his music and his career. This is an evening not to be missed.
Christopher Welsh
Christopher Welsh is a talented and versatile musician who is no stranger to the Raglan Music Festival! His instruments include Piano, Sax., Organ, and Voice and he is probably best known for his performances with the Jazz Quintet ‘Speakeasy’. Back to the festival by popular request, on this occasion he will be singing and playing songs from West End Musicals in his own inimitable one-man-show!
The Cambria String Quartet
Raglan is fortunate to be the home of the accomplished Cambria String Quartet. These gifted young professionals have put together a mixed program of light classical pieces such as the ‘Ashokan Farewell’; ‘All That Jazz’ from the musical Chicago; some Cole Porter, Gershwin and Henry Mancini as well as well known classical pieces including Haydn quartets and parts of the Bach Double Violin Concerto. Enjoy four of our most celebrated local musical talents in the beauty of St Cadoc’s Church.
Smerins Anti-Social Club
Well renowned for their sell-out triumphant gigs across the UK, Smerins Anti-Social Club are creating choas on the festival fields and dance floors of Britain. Huge horns, heavy beats, room shaking bass and tunes set to make your granny tremble with excitement - the buzz created around them is electric. This 10 piece lineup fuse the delights of ska, funk, dub, drum'n'bass and swing to maximum effect in their epic, brass instrumental marathons. Regular guest vocalists, including sassy Aussie songstress Nuala Honan, are now bringing a new dimension to their incredible live shows. These guys are poised for great things, catch them while you can!
Big Band
Monmouth Big Band are no strangers to the festival but this time star in a new venue and a new format for the festival: dinner dance. The 18 piece big band play a selection of favourites from Glen Miller to Ellington and Basie. A carvery style dinner will be served with guests on tables of eight. Raglan Parc’s well stocked bar never disappoints – Black Tie and cocktail dresses please!
Sixties Swing
Nothing beats a bit of nostalgia and nobody does the Fifties and Sixties better than the Humbuckers. Members have played in support bands to The Kinks, Pink Floyd and Paul Young amongst others! If you weren't lucky enough to see The Beatles, The Stones, Small Faces & co. first time round now is the time to catch up! All the great Rock, pop and roll you want served up with a carvery dinner in the lounge at Raglan Parc Golf Club - get your dancing shoes on!