A Different Thread, the dynamic transatlantic band, fronted by Robert Jackson from Lichfield, UK and Alicia Best from Durham, North Carolina, has announced dates across the UK with their ‘Patchwork’ tour which runs from the beginning of August to the end of October 2024. They are joined by double bassist, Mike Seal, for a show that promises a popular blend of folk, blues, and americana.
The story of A Different Thread began with Jackson and Best meeting, busking on the streets of Galway. Their creative partnership has flourished over eight years of independent music-making and relentless touring. Known for their vocal harmonies, intricate guitar, soulful fiddle, playful harmonica, and Best’s distinctive suitcase drum kit, the duo has forged a powerful sound that resonates with listeners. You can listen to recent track ‘Didn’t Wanna Go’ below.
The tour, they say, is not just about music; it’s about community. A Different Thread invites audience members to bring a small square of fabric or cloth to contribute to a collaborative piece of art. The band will transform these contributions into a unique quilt, symbolising unity, diversity and creativity. Fans who contribute are put into a hat to win the quilt once it’s finished.
“Music weaves our lives together” said the band in an Instagram post, adding: “It is the thread that binds us to so many of you amazing people! This patchwork tour celebrates how music enriches our connections with each other. It also symbolises our opposition to the fast fashion fabric market”.
The dates for the Patchwork Tour UK 2024 are shown below. For the most up to date list of tour dates, and to purchase tickets, visit their tour page.
A Different Thread 2024 UK Dates:
Aug 1-4 – Chepstow, Green Gathering Fest
Aug 08 – Bath, Chapel Arts
Aug 10 – Timsbury, Tangled Blues Fest
Aug 16 – Bristol, Crofter’s Rights
Aug 17 – Hay-On-Wye, The Globe
Aug 18 – Birmingham, Kitchen Garden
Aug 19 – Derby, Flower Pot
Aug 21 – Coventry, The Ltb
Aug 22 – Manchester, Carlton Club
Aug 25 – Pontefract, The Bradley Arms
Sep 18 – London, What’s Cookin
Sep 21 – Newcastle, Belta Blues Dance Fest
Sep 24 – Doncaster, The Crooked Billet
Sep 25 – York, The Black Swan
Sep 27 – Sheffield, Cafe#9
Sep 29 – Worcester, The Marr’s Bar
Sep 30 – Bristol, Blue Monday’s
Oct 02 – Bristol, Folk Tales On The Js
Oct 03 – Frome, 23 Bath St.
Oct 05 – Oswestry, Hermon Arts
Oct 07 – Hereford, The Left Bank Speakeasy
Oct 10 – Liverpool, Kazimier Stockrooms
Oct 13 – Hull, The New Adelphi
Oct 18 – Brighton/Hove, The Bee’s Mouth
Oct 20 – London, Green Note
Oct 25 – Lichfield, The Hub St. Mary’s
Oct 26 – Manchester, Eccle’s Town Hall
