Kris Drever is among Scotland’s most acclaimed and distinctive contemporary musicians, celebrated for his warm voice, virtuosically expressive guitar playing and imaginative and evocative songwriting.

Plus Support: Annie Dressner

Raised in the Orkney Islands, Drever has carved out a unique place at the intersection of traditional folk and modern acoustic music, as a solo artist and as one third of the award-winning trio Lau.

Over the course of his career, Kris has won hatfuls of honours, including BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards for Best Singer, Best Original Song, and Best Group with Lau. His solo work combines lyrics of depth and authenticity with expertly pitched arrangements, exploring themes of place, identity, and social change, delivered with clarity, compassion, and poetic insight.

Kris will be playing some brand-new songs from his new album as well as a selection from his back catalogue of originals and his storied interpretations of traditional material.

7pm Doors
7.30pm Annie
8.30pm Kris

Venue - Firth Hall, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN

The Sam Sweeney Trio brings together three of the UK’s most distinctive folk musicians to play music from across Sam’s discography: Sam Sweeney (fiddle), Ben Nicholls (double bass), and Louis Campbell (guitar). Fusing masterful musicianship with emotional depth and a forward-thinking approach to traditional music, the trio creates a sound that is both deeply rooted and strikingly modern.

Sam Sweeney is widely regarded as one of the finest fiddle players of his generation. A member of Bellowhead and Leveret, and now an acclaimed solo artist, Sam has carved out a unique space in contemporary folk music — blending English fiddle traditions with cinematic composition and innovative ensemble work. His playing is known for its expressiveness, virtuosity, and storytelling power.

Joining him is Ben Nicholls, a double bass player renowned for his inimitable tone and groove. With a background that spans many genres, Ben brings depth and drive to the trio’s sound. A long-time collaborator with Seth Lakeman and a seasoned session musician, his trademark sound provides the perfect foundation for the group’s intricate interplay.

On guitar is Louis Campbell, a rising star of the British folk scene whose playing defies categorization. Combining dazzling technical skill with an instinctive understanding of harmony and space, Louis adds colour and edge to the trio. His innovative approach to accompaniment and melody makes him a captivating musical presence.

Together, the Sam Sweeney Trio creates music that is at once intimate and expansive — weaving traditional English melodies with contemporary arrangement, improvisation, and a deep sense of musical conversation. Whether reinterpreting ancient tunes or unveiling new compositions, the trio captivates audiences with their precision, passion, and powerful storytelling through music.

“Britain’s Premier Fiddler” - Songlines

“The fiddler with the Midas touch… an English equivalent of the great Irish fiddle player Martin Hayes.” - The Guardian

“One of the defining English fiddle players of his generation” - Mark Radcliffe

7.30pm Doors
8pm Start - 2 x 45 Minute Sets

We have 4 shows in the UK January 2024 from Angrusori, specially presented by Hudson Records. We'd love to give these incredible International artists from Slovakia, Norway, Czech Republic & USA a huge welcome so spread the word and grab a ticket.

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