The Foghorn Stringband is the present day gold standard for real-deal hard-hitting genuine old-time American string band music, with nine albums, thousands of shows, over 15 years of touring under their belts, and an entirely new generation of roots musicians following their lead. American roots music is a diverse and never-ending well of inspiration,…
We are delighted to welcome back to The Coniston Institute – Rod Demick & Jackie McAuley Born in Prestatyn in north Wales, Rod Demick moved with his parents to Belfast, Northern Ireland, aged 5. He learned guitar and at the age of 11 joined his first band, the Vibros, who later became the Telstars (or Tony and the…
Tim Edey a double BBC Musician of the year BBC ALBA/Scotland Best Traditional musician 2020, BBC Radio Two Musician of the year 2012 (BBC R2 FOLK AWARDS) Tim has toured the world and recorded with most of the major names in Celtic/Contemporary roots music including; The Chieftains, Christy Moore, Sharon Shannon, Ross Ainslie, Natalie MacMaster, Donnell Leahy, Altan, Capercaillie, Brendan…
National Award Winning, previous SSAT Champion Function Band and regular national finalist in Music for Youth.
Holly Clarke, a singer who draws from the old ballads and stories, conjures a performance that immediately captivates any listener. As a performer, Holly transports the listener into the heart of ballads, immersing them in the narratives that have shaped humanities experience through time. From songs of the supernatural and folklore, to the tales of…
The Little Arrow String Band are back! The Little Arrow String Band blends heartfelt melodies with foot-stomping energy, bringing a fresh yet timeless sound to the modern string band tradition. With rich harmonies, lively instrumentals, and a warm, down-home spirit, they create music that feels both deeply rooted and wonderfully new. All…
With a shared passion for modern bluegrass, The Charlotte Carrivick Band brings together four of the most exciting musicians in the UK today. Charlotte Carrivick is a flatpicking guitarist of international renown, sought for her inventive lead playing and regarded as an expert fiddle tune interpreter on the guitar. Joining Charlotte is long time…
An Eclectic group who play in amazing places; a 4-piece acoustically electrifying orchestra playing gypsy & folk-flavoured music from all around the world; the BCO deliver traditional Balkan, Russian, Hungarian and Romanian traditional gypsy and folk music in their own fresh and surprising way with jazz nuances and their own unique arrangements and established…
Jackie Mcauley & Rod Demick – 19th October 2024 – Doors open at 7pm – BYOB Leaving Belfast in the early 60’s, Jackie with Them, and Rod with cult garage band The Wheels. For over 60 years, between them they’ve travelled the World, working with Lonnie Donegan, Screaming Lord Sutch, Gene Vincent, Taj Mahal, The…
SOLD OUT!! The intuitive musical interplay between Kathryn and Amy is born out of a long-standing creative friendship. Kathryn’s pipes marry beautifully with Amy’s exquisite accordion playing. A cascade of jigs, reels, heart-wrenching airs, together with percussive clog dancing makes for an irresistible mix. Kathryn Tickell – Northumbrian pipes, fiddle, voice Kathryn…
Shane Cook & The Woodchippers Shane Cook & The Woodchippers rely on their deep foundation in the traditional music, song and dance of Ontario for the core of their sound, yet also draw on styles as broad as Celtic, folk, roots, bluegrass and swing. Their superbly crafted compositions and arrangements are a modern, exhilarating…
Holly Clarke & George Sansome – SOLD OUT! A dynamic new duo of two talented musicians, a must-see act for folk music lovers. After their initial collaboration as part of Queer Folk, Holly Clarke and George Sansome found their musical chemistry to be undeniable. Their shared passion for traditional songs…
Kinnaris Quintet – the powerhouse group forging new attitudes towards traditional and folk music with their unique and signature sound. Expect uplifting and driving harmonies, intricate arrangements, and joy in abundance. Renowned for having a style quite like no other – powerful, fresh, euphoric, cinematic, raw, enigmatic and highly emotive – Kinnaris Quintet have quickly…
Singer and bouzouki player Daoirí (pronounced ‘Derry’) Farrell is described by some of the biggest names in Irish folk music as one of most important singers to come out of Ireland in recent years. Six months after releasing the album ‘True Born Irishman’ Daoirí won two prestigious BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 for…
For the final gig of the season we have the Christian Garrick quartet feat John Etheridge. Tickets £15.00 available here: https://conistoninstitute.uk/product/christian-garrick-quartet-feat-john-etheridge-saturday-16th-march-2024-doors-open-at-7pm-byob/
Making a return to The Coniston Institute – The Often Herd – Saturday 24th February 2024
Will Pound & Jenn Butterworth – Saturday 27th January 2024 – Doors 7pm BOYB
****POSTPONED**** We are very happy to welcome back Rod Demick and also making his Coniston Institute debut, Jackie McAuley
The Little Arrow String Band (featuring our very own Sam Clarke) will be performing on Friday 8th December. All proceeds go to St Mary’s Hospice
Ever dreamt of meeting Santa himself? This year, that dream can come true! Immerse yourself in the enchantment of Christmas by joining our exclusive “Meet Santa” event at Santa’s magical grotto! Imagine the joy on your little one’s face as they meet the jolly man in red, whisper their secret wishes, and receive a special…
We have a very special evening for you. In aid of The Bring Bluebird Home campaign, Graeme Hall AKA The Dogfather is holding a one off event here in Coniston. Best known as the presenter of Channel 5’s Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly, and The Dog Hospital, Graeme will take his skills to the stage…
The toe-tapping smile-inducing Elderly Brothers band purvey a blend of gentle mayhem & soulful R&B Tickets £12.00 per person available to buy here https://conistoninstitute.uk/product/the-elderly-brothers-saturday-28th-october-2023/ Or from The Ruskin Museum
Holly and The Reivers, a band brought together through their love of singing together and telling old stories to their audiences. Bertie Armstrong, Merle Harbron and Holly Clarke create a musical setting for their songs by combining the musical styles of Old time banjo, Scottish fiddle and the Ballad singing, as well as bringing…
An Eclectic group who play in amazing places; a 4-piece acoustically electrifying orchestra playing gypsy & folk-flavoured music from all around the world; the BCO deliver traditional Balkan, Russian, Hungarian and Romanian traditional gypsy and folk music in their own fresh and surprising way with jazz nuances and their own unique arrangements and established…
Rod Demick started playing in Belfast in 1962, whilst still at school. He came over to England and joined ex-Belfast band The Wheels, who scored a hit with “Gloria”. Demick then teamed up in the very early 70s with Herbie Armstrong, initially as The James Brothers, becoming the backing band for Screaming Lord Sutch. After…
Back by popular demand. The Jaywalkers are at The Coniston Institute once again. As those who have been fortunate enough to catch them in full flight will testify, a Jaywalkers show is an exhilarating experience. UK-based they may be but many from the other side of the Atlantic have complimented them on their particularly stylish delivery…
Dublin quintet I Draw Slow have been honing their craft for over a decade, selling out venues in their native Ireland and releasing four albums to critical acclaim, with their fifth due out this autumn. Performing a compelling blend of old time and contemporary Americana, folk and roots, I Draw Slow’smusic has a distinctive flavour, with…
SOLD OUT!! We are delighted to announce that retired HM Coroner for South and East Cumbria, Ian Smith with be talking about his fascinating career and the inquests he dealt with on Thursday 3rd November at 7pm in the Coniston Institute, Coniston. The inquests include our very own Donald Campbell, The Lady in the…
SOLD OUT Winner of two BBC Folk Awards 2017: The Horizon Award for best newcomer and Best Traditional Track Three times nominee for the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards 2019 ALSR Celtic Music Awards for 2020: Male Vocalist of the Year ‘Daoirí is one of the most important traditional singers to emerge in…
***** TO BE RESCHEDULED**** Nancy Kerr – Nominated ‘Best Original Track’ with ‘Fragile Water’ – BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 Twice winners “Best Duo” BBC RADIO 2 FOLK AWARDS (2003, 2011) Nancy Kerr is the 2015 “Folk Singer of the Year” (BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards) Nancy Kerr and James Fagan are one…
SOLD OUT!!! Jack Rutter is a highly respected folk singer, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist from West Yorkshire. His second solo album Gold of Scar & Shale is available CD/DL from October 4th 2019. Produced by Joe Rusby and recorded as live, the new album continues the stripped back approach of its critically acclaimed predecessor, Jack’s debut solo…
Here we go first concert of 2022, Saturday 22nd January – An evening with Rod Demick. Rod has been on the road since the sixties touring the world with the likes of The Strawbs, David Essex and shared the stage with Taj Mahal, Screaming Lord Such, Dr John & Billy Ocean and latterly has toured…