Westgate Library
Saturday 23rd April
9.30am Roary Skaista
10.15am Harry Skully
11.00am Mandolirium
11.45am Trev Williams
12.30pm Oli Steadman
1.15pm Strannik
2.00pm Knavish Sprite
2.45pm Greg Mayston's Folk
3.30pm Ben Avison
4.15pm Forty Thieves
Roary Skaista
Roary Skaista is an Oxford-based folk singer, performing traditional and original songs. Their pure singing voice and guitar accompaniment blends a traditional folk sound with up-to-date, witty and poignant lyrics, challenging audiences on current issues such as mental health, neurodiversity, LGBT+ rights, gender equality and the environment.
Harry Skully
Harry Skully writes songs with a strong folk influence on banjo and guitar merging British and American folk roots. He’s played at festivals around the UK, winning the Gate to Southwell talent competition, and later played support for Chance McCoy from ‘Old Crow Medicine Show’ with the old-time band ‘Moorlanders’.
Mandolirium
Rod Craig and John Somerscales put their shared passion for the mandolin and guitar in an exhilarating blend of moods and styles. From 16th-century dance tunes through the Bluegrass and lrish traditions to contemporary originals, Mandolirium showcases the lyricism, spirit and energy of this most captivating of instruments.
Trev Williams
Trev grew up in Stanford in the Vale and have been living in Oxford and Rose Hill for the last decade. His music is upbeat and heartfelt.
Oli Steadman
Oli Steadman, bassist with Oxford group Stornoway and singer with Count Drachma, returns to FWO for a solo sing through some English folk favourites. Might he be joined by some special local guests?!
Strannik
Folk and Jazz from around the world. Strannik was a prize winner at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod in Wales in 2019, and has been subsequently booked at the Broadstairs, Cropredy and BunkFest festivals. Their first album ‘Songs From Russia’ was described as “beautiful and educational”, “with powerful vocals and sensitive support”.
Knavish Sprite
Knavish Sprite (Robin Shannon) is a Didcot- based folk / blues singer and songwriter. A keen singer and guitar player, from a young age Robin was particularly taken with the haunting melodies and stories encapsulated by the folk and blues traditions. Under the Knavish and Spritely guise of his namesake Robin Goodfellow, he is increasingly establishing himself on the local music scene notably performing at the Cornerstone Beer and Music Festival and reaching the final 10 acts in the Purbeck Folk Festival “Rising” competition.
Greg Mayston's Folk, Blues & Americana
Greg Mayston’s Folk, Blues and Americana play country, folk and blues songs, new and old, and with love for the traditions behind the songs. They released an album in 2020: ‘Old Heads On Young Shoulders’ and continue to spread the word of the music through these troubled times.
Ben Avison
Guitarist Ben Avison has carefully honed the craft of songwriting, telling a story in every song. He is a captivating performer who has been singled out for his “beautifully rich voice”, “tasty guitar work” and as a “master of many styles” by the BBC. The influences are eclectic and classic, yet floating above it is a clear English voice all its own.
Forty Thieves
Drawing on a range of musical sources, Forty Thieves weave poetic tales of life and love by fusing haunting melodies, spell-binding harmonies and subliminal rhythms all served up in an eclectic contemporary folk sound. Food for the soul. Reservations taken. No cutlery required.
