FILKIN’S DRIFT + MICHELLE HOLLOWAY
FRIDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2024
Downend Folk & Roots return to their normal third-Friday-of-the-month pattern after the excitement of their 10th Anniversary, but there’s no drop in quality as they welcome one of the most exciting young duos in the country to kick off their Autumn/Winter series.
Filkin’s Drift reimagine traditional melodies through pizzicato grooves, intricate guitar tunes, and boundless improvisation. Their 870 mile foot-powered-tour, described as ‘committed and fascinating’ by BBC 6 Music’s Cerys Matthews, has recently propelled them into the spotlight. This radical approach to sustainable touring has earned the duo global attention from major news outlets including BBC News, Billboard, The i, Radio New Zealand, Canadian Broadcasting Company, and The Times.
The music of Filkin’s Drift captures the essence of their 870 mile walk, ‘weaving together a tapestry of shared experiences’ (Songlines). Their compositions are sophisticated, yet rooted in tradition. From delicate Welsh folk-songs to traditional English dance tunes, the pair blend fiddle and guitar with their ‘gorgeous close vocal harmonies’ (Folk Radio UK).
Seth Bye and Chris Roberts have earned widespread acclaim with extensive national airtime on BBC Radio 2, 3, 4, 6 Music, and BBC World Service. Renowned for their live performances, characterised as ‘utterly mesmerizing’ (Bristol 24⁄7) and ‘hugely entertaining’ (RnR), the duo have enchanted audiences across the UK including FolkEast, Warwick Folk Festival, St George’s Bristol, and Llangollen International Eisteddfod.
Filkin’s Drift are dedicated to exploring innovative avenues in music creation. In tandem with their commitment to sustainable touring, the duo’s latest endeavour involves the formation of Filkin’s Ensemble, a 15-piece orchestral-folk band, which also includes Michelle Holloway, who will open the evening with a short solo set.
Peeling back the noise and focusing on the song itself has become a new focus point for Michelle’s work. She sings songs of past and present about women, social justice and Birmingham’s heritage. Fatea Magazine has praised her “extraordinary vocal work [which] acutely voices the song’s drama…[a] distinctive lead vocal taking no prisoners”.
Tickets for the concert, at Christ Church Downend on Friday 20 September, are available from downendfolkandroots.com and from Melanie’s Kitchen in Downend (cash only). They are priced at £14 each in advance or £16 on the door. Doors open at 7.00pm and the music starts around 7.45pm.
Audience members are encouraged to bring their own glass/ mug/tankard, as well as reusable bottles for waterFor further information, please email info@downendfolkandroots.com, visit downendfolkandroots.com