What an award winning evening!

With only three days until our next event, it’s time I shared another little note …

Hard to believe that just over a month ago, the Sam Kelly Trio were playing for our humble little gathering at Folk at the Froize … and then a few days later they go ahead and win a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award! Is that awesome or is that awesome?! Massive congrats to Sam, Jamie and Evan for winning the Horizon award (for those of you who don’t speak radio two folk lingo (like me)… the horizon award means “Best emerging artist or artists on the scene during the Award year. Any acts, who have debuted, made a significant increase in their popularity or a special impression during the 12 months” … yes it’s true … I googled)… so I would say three thoroughly deserving, highly talented chaps. They certainly made ‘a special impression’ on my ears. I was totally bowled over from the moment they played their first tune in soundcheck (i had another of those butterfly-in-the-tummy moments … they seem to be occurring regularly thanks to FATF) And their album is just sooooo good! I’ve listened to it many times now, and the production is fantastic, with some lovely guest vocals from Kitty Macfarlane. If you haven’t had the chance to buy ‘The Lost Boys’ yet, for the digital folk among us, it’s available on iTunes and for those who enjoy the good ole fashioned ‘hard copy’ (personally my favourite kind … love to read the notes and go ‘oooooh’ at the artwork) you can buy it on his website: https://www.samkelly.org/shop.php. You’ll be able to see Sam Kelly and the Lost Boys at FolkEast this year … a slightly extended band line up featuring the marvellous Ciaran Algar on fiddle. Its going to be epic. Can’t wait.

I think the loveliest part for me about Folk at the Froize, is that not only do I get to listen to some great music (and eat wonderful food), I also get to meet such down to earth, friendly musicians, who are pursuing their dreams. It’s highly inspiring. If you are a regular at Folk at the Froize, or a newcomer, don’t feel like you have to rush out of the door after the show. We all hang out afterwards and have a chat with the artists, have a good ole laugh and take some cheesy photos (stunning example below .. you’ll notice Jon plonked himself in front of the leftovers … smart man) 🙂

Now, I have to admit, I was a little sad last month … because the wonderful Tom Barber and Paris couldn’t make it to be our support act. Poor Tom came down with nasty tonsillitis that weekend, so we had to find a last minute replacement … luckily the house band were available 🙂 (funny that) … so yes, Honey & the Bear filled in for the first 30 minutes before the Sam Kelly Trio took to the stage to wow everyone with their fantastic folksy beats. (We hope that Tom and Paris will be able to join us soon, as we’d just love them to share their beautiful vocals with everyone at FATF)

Now … looking ahead to this weekend, we have the wonderful Hannah Scott and cellist Stefano coming to join us and once again … IT’S A SELLOUT!! We are looking forward to introducing you all to the very witty James Morgan too, who will be supporting Hannah on Sunday.  Here is a little video or two to whet your appetites …