7.30, Friday 11th April
Winter Wilson, Iona Lane, Katie Spencer
Another memorable evening of great live music is promised with 3 contrasting performances. We are delighted to welcome back Katie Spencer and Iona Lane and added the brilliant Winter Wilson.
Winter Wilson
When Mike Harding dubbed Winter Wilson as one of the hardest working duos on the circuit, he'd clearly done his homework. UK based, Kip Winter and Dave Wilson have performed in Germany, Australia, Spain, Canada, Belgium and New Zealand. They've released a string of critically acclaimed albums, one of the highlights being Live & Unconventional. The live album, recorded on tour and at Cropredy Festival with folk rock icons Fairport Convention. The reviews were exceptional:-
"If you need evidence of just how special the duo Winter Wilson is, then Live & Unconventional delivers in abundance." Steve Caseman, RnR magazine
"This is a brilliant, exceptionally well-recorded live album that really does convince that Kip and Dave are well and truly at the top of their game." David Kidman, Living Tradition Magazine.
It is in live performance where these two really excel. Kip Winter and Dave Wilson bring a sense of intimacy to every venue, blending superb stunning harmonies and musicianship with sometimes hilarious humour.” (John Roffey, Maverick Magazine),
“In 30 years of listening to folk music, I have never heard two voices blend so perfectly.” (David Aird, Chairman, Glenfarg Folk Club)
You will laugh; you may cry. You will certainly want to see them again!
Katie Spencer
Katie just gets better and better. Having been to Wetherby twice now, she always delights the audience and demand a return.
Katie has recently announced a tour with Henry Parker to The Netherlands, Germany and France - they are in for treat.
The songwriting, and most notably her guitar playing stems from a time when the steel-stringed instrument was truly finding its voice. Artists like Joni Mitchell, James Taylor and perhaps most evidently Michael Chapman, flow into her sound, carrying with them the warmth and idealism of the early 70’s folk and songwriter movements.
Katie’s album, The Edge of the Land (2022), follows her debut release, Weather Beaten (2019) which was praised for its unique song-craft, spell-binding musicianship and crystal sonic clarity, as she brought together fans of music from all backgrounds and walks of life. Delicate and un-rushed, the ten songs on The Edge of the Land drift by like ships on the horizon, yet intimacy and introspection still remain.
“Her articulate picking, with suggestions of folk and jazz, frames intelligently written songs and is the backbone to her music.” Guitarist Magazine
“Imaginative imagery supported by compelling music that summons up the best of early 70s folk, fluently delivered with its own contemporary power. An outstanding writer and musician.” Record Collector
“Katie Spencer sits gracefully in a vocal nook between Sandy Denny, Linda Thompson and, to conjure a name we hear less often these days, Bridget St John.” Prog Magazine
Iona Lane
Driven by awe and wonder of the natural world Iona Lane delivers poetic songs, with subtle musical touches and contemplative melodies that link unheard stories with the world we find ourselves in today.
‘Hallival’ is the long awaited debut album from Glasgow-based folk singer and songwriter Iona Lane. Having found herself fascinated by folklore and folk stories from across the UK ‘Hallival’ is inspired by natural landscapes, scientific discoveries, equality, human relationships and the supernatural, all tied together by a strong sense of place and a love for being in wild places - creating something truly special.
‘Hallival’ charted at #36 in the Official Folk Album Charts and was named by Folk Radio UK as #27 in their ‘Top Albums of 2022’. The album recieved wide spread press including in The Guardian, Walk Highlands, BBC Radio 2 and The Scotsman to name a few. In 2023 Iona has been touring ‘Hallival’ extensively.
The name ‘Hallival’ is taken after one of the mountains on the Isle of Rum, which inspired the writing for the opening track ‘Western Tidal Swell’. Karine Polwart and Julie Fowlis, amongst others, selected ‘Western Tidal Swell’ to win Feis Rois’/NatureScots’ In Tune With Nature competition in 2020.
With Andy Bell on production, Iona and her band ventured to Watercolour Music (Ardgour, Highlands) for a week of recording in April 2020.
7:30, 11th April 2025
Wetherby Sports Association, Lodge Lane, Wetherby, LS22 5FN
Watch the website for more terrific line-ups...
George Boomsma, White Sail, Chechelele, Gaelforce, Alistair Russell, Gary Stewart's Graceland, Edwina Hayes, Emily Slade,
Katie Spencer, Iona Lane, Winter Wilson, Tom Bliss, Den Miller & Charlie Barker (MS/MND Charity night),
Roger Davies Band, Boo Hewerdine, Reg Meuross, Viginia & John Kettle (Merry Hell), Lindisfarne