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The Lonesome Ace Stringband
These masters of their trade have been described as three of the most accomplished old-time musicians playing on this planet, and that is not overstating the case.
John Showman is rightly recognised as one of the most talented of the new old-time- style composers having spent a lifetime tapping into the source, Chris Coole is a well-established banjo player and songwriter with a considerable pedigree around the World and bassman Max Heineman has earned himself the kind of plaudits normally reserved for those who are much longer in the tooth. You’ll feel the energy of three passionate musicians playing the bejesus out of those instruments and loving every minute. In their native Canada, they are recognised as the best, and the band triumphed at 2018’s MerleFest where the discerning audience knows ‘stand-out’ from more-of-the-same. They ventured across the Atlantic earlier this year and took Celtic Connections by storm with three sold-out shows. “A rip roaring hoedown and a rawness fans love” – Maverick magazine "Three of the most accomplished old-time musicians on the planet” – WAMU, Washington DC |
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The Waggonhoppers
What happens when you mix an American, an English, and a Dutch girl with a Scot? The Waggonhoppers! Old Time Music in the UK. Debra Clifford, Becca Wintle, Jock Tyldesley, and Vera Van Heeringen. More Info coming soon! 
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Bill and the Belles
Bill and the Belles are an entertaining Tennessee quartet featuring gloriously smooth vocal harmonies and exquisite musicianship on fiddle, banjo, guitar and double bass. Influenced by classic country, bluegrass, hillbilly and old time music, Bill and the Belles’ attractive “vintage” persona is rooted in the music of the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s. The band was nominated for four IBMA awards in 2017 and bandleader Kris Truelsen also shares his enthusiasm for traditional American music as a producer for Radio Bristol, housed in the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol, Tennessee. The line-up is completed by talented musicians Kalia Yeagle (fiddle/vocals), Helena Hunt (banjo/vocals) and Andrew Small (bass). Bill and the Belles regularly play alongside America’s top bluegrass, old time and country/ roots music artists, as the house band for the historic radio programme Farm and Fun Time. They bring to the stage an uplifting live show full of engaging humour, high spirits, and all-around revelry. “They’re a joy to watch live, and we bet you can’t make it through their set without smiling.” - The Bluegrass Situation 
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The Old Time Wasters
Rip-roaring, foot-stomping, knee-slapping, rib-tickling Old Time music (with an English accent) The Old Time Wasters play and sing American traditional old-time music and songs drawn from the dark and dusty corners of the 20s and 30s string band repertoire, with the occasional detour into English music-hall. Their often eccentric and amusing selections are complemented with rock-solid rhythm and infectious three-part harmonies. |
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Rough Chowder Cajun dance music. Fronted by husband and wife, Ian McIlroy and Miss Kitty, Rough Chowder combine traditional Cajun and Zydeco music with their own original material, to produce a highly danceable and infectious sound guaranteed to transport you to the dancehall, the back porch or a field during Mardi Gras. It’s a music that transcends the ages. Influenced by some of the greats - the Balfa Brothers, Octa Clarke, Boc Sec Ardroin and also by the new generation of Cajun bands coming out of Louisiana such as Feufollet and Pineleaf Boys, Rough Chowder will take you on a transatlantic journey with the beautiful melodies of the accordion and fiddle playing the Cajun two step and waltz mixed with their foot stomping swamp blues and Zydeco. |
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Alice Wylde Alice was born and raised in the heart of West Virginia state. Her ancestors were among the very first settlers to cross the Appalachian Mountains into Kentucky, where many later died in the Baker-Howard feud, before settling in West Virginia. She comes from a long line of singers. Singing was part of everyday living. Alice's mother sang constantly and songs were absorbed as chores were done on the small farm. Alice now lives in England and is very often joined in song by her husband, David. |
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Tony Mates Described as "infamous" and "revered" as a dance caller, Seattle-based Tony Mates has been part of the old-time music and dance scene for over 30 years. Tony likes nothing better than to have a frenzy of dancers in front of him and a fine band behind. He is known for fun dances, clear delivery and general good humour. When not calling dances he is often parked behind a string bass, or maybe a guitar or a fiddle, whiling away the time with various kinds of old-time music. Tony has appeared at festivals across the US and is well known for his work with Northwest Folklife, The Festival of American Fiddle Tunes, and Dare to Be Square amongst many others. 
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Calling a dance at Portland Old-time Gathering. Jump to 1:57 for great patter!
Tony fiddling for a dance
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