SARAH McQUAID + MIKE WEAVER
FRIDAY 19 SEPTEMBER 2025
Downend Folk & Roots kick off their Autumn/Winter programme with Sarah McQuaid, whose lush, chocolatey voice combines with her engaging personality and “brilliant musicianship” (fRoots) on acoustic and electric guitars, keyboards and (occasionally) drum to create a truly immersive experience.
Born in Spain, raised in Chicago, holding dual Irish and American citizenship and now settled in rural England, she brings the eclecticism of her background to her “captivating, unorthodox songwriting” (PopMatters) and choice of material, spanning genres and defying categorisation.
In the words of one audience member: “Sarah is a truly impressive artist who takes you on a journey through storytelling, blending a variety of musical genres and instruments with ease and creativity. Her lyrics are down-to-earth yet incredibly captivating. Attending her concert feels like diving into a book of short stories — some resonate deeply, some spark your imagination, others make you pause and reflect, and a few bring tears or spontaneous laughter. Sarah’s connection with the audience is both gentle and profound. You don’t just watch a performance — you become part of it, part of the story she’s telling. To anyone considering seeing her live; go. It’s worth every second. You’ll leave with your heart full and your soul touched — guaranteed.”
Opening the evening will be long-time friend of Downend Folk & Roots, Mike Weaver, a singer-songwriter originally from Cheltenham, but now living in Worcestershire. He is a writer and illustrator by day and an acoustic performer by night, presenting his own melodic songs which draw upon both contemporary and traditional influences.
Tickets for the concert, which takes place at Christ Church Downend on Friday 19 September 2025, are available online from downendfolkandroots.com and from Melanie’s Kitchen (cash only). Tickets are £14 in advance or £16 on the door. Doors open at 7.00pm and the music starts around 7.45pm. This event is also included in the Autumn/Winter Season Ticket.
There will be a bar, stocking cider, soft drinks, wine, hot drinks and real ale from locally-based Hop Union Brewery. Audience members are encouraged to bring their own glass/mug/tankard, as well as reusable bottles for water, as part of the drive to be more environmentally aware; there is a 50p discount for those that do. There will also be sweet treats available at the bar courtesy of Radstock-based The Great Cake Company, as well as a prize draw, which helps to fund the support artists for each concert.
For further information, please go to downendfolkandroots.com or find them on social media.
Words: Gavin McNamara
Photos: Barry Savell