Melton Christmas Folk Trail - Saturday 14th Dec 2024 - Sunday 15th Dec 2024

Josie Allen & Andy Griffiths

Prolific Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist

Andy Griffiths’ music captivates both with its lyrical prowess and intricate accompaniment.

His warm baritone voice will lead you from one enchanting tale to the next. An act not to be missed!

You can find his music at:

Bandcamp: https://andygriffiths.bandcamp.com

https://www.youtube.com/@andygriffiths3501

 

Singer / Songwriter. Guitar / Vocals

Josie Allen performs original songs with acoustic/bluesy/folky feel.

 

Performing together so expect melodic and enchanting harmonies.

 

Interview with Josie

What’s your name and where are you from?

Josie Allen and I am from Nuneaton, Warwickshire, but live in Melton Mowbray.

What is your local folk club or place you regularly perform?

I am a regular at Melton Folk Club (every Wednesday Night 730pm upstairs at The Crown)

How did you get into folk music?

I’ve always been a writer, and for years I have mainly performed as a poet at open mics and festivals across Coventry and the West Midlands.

A friend of mine was a big Seth Lakeman fan and I took her to see him play at the Rhythm Rooms in Nottingham and he was fantastic. Then she took me to see Bellowhead at the Barbican in York and a few more folk albums made their way on to my Ipod.

Then I moved to Melton, where there is a great folk club and fantastic folk festivals, and was welcomed in the fold and now I am a confirmed folkie.

Who is/are your folk and/or musical inspiration?

I really like The Unthanks and Bella Hardy. They create a great sound and write their own music, as well as performing traditional folk songs.

They tell stories with their songs, which I like to think I do too.

Who are you most looking forward to seeing at this year’s folk festival?

I am really looking forward to seeing great singer songwritters like Paddy McCullough, Becky Foord and Becky!, plus more folky artists like Jack’s Rake and also discovering someone amazing I have never heard before.

Tell us about the best gig you have ever been to?

Bellowhead at the Barbican were amazing, as they create such a wall of sound and their set is really high energy.

But I think the Seth Lakeman show I mentioned earlier beats it, because it was just more intimate and anyone who can play the fiddle and sing that well at the same time has my vote.

Although I once saw a Mexican Ska Band play at the Academy in Islington and the Trombone player led the crowd in a conga around the mosh pitt, which was pretty memorable.

If we were to buy you a drink (I’m not saying we will but…) at the festival what would you want?

If I’m driving an earl grey tea. If I’m not a flavoured gin and lemonade.

Where can we find you? (social media/you tube / band camp/ gigs etc)

twitter and instagram: @el1jea

And, of course, Melton Folk Club most Wednesday nights!

 

Saturday : 11:20 amOdd Clock Café
Saturday : 2:40 pmWhite Hart
Sunday : 2:00 pmThe Boat
Sunday : 5:20 pmCharlie’s Bar