The Cambridge Folk Festival has announced its second tranche of acts for the 2024 event, including several names to whet the appetite of fans of Americana. Following their shows with the 2024 Transatlantic Sessions, banjo/ fiddle duo Allison De Groot & Tatiana Hargreaves appear in their own right as well as part of the previously announced Transatlantic Sessions. The pair won Instrumental Group of the Year and Traditional Album of the Year at the 2023 Canadian Folk Music Awards.
Leyla McCalla finds inspiration from her past and present– her music vibrates with three centuries of history and influences from around the globe. Born in New York City to Haitian emigrants and activists and previously a member of Carolina Chocolate Drops and Our Native Daughters, McCalla possesses an impressive mastery of the cello, tenor banjo and guitar. A multilingual singer and songwriter, she has risen to produce a distinctive sound that reflects the union of her roots and experience.
Harpist, guitarist and singer-songwriter Lizzie No will be familiar to those who caught her show at the UK AmericanaFest in Hackney earlier this year. Her latest album ‘Halfsies’ garnered a glowing review from Martin Johnson here in January. Stylistically, No sits somewhere between Americana and indie folk, and has also hosted the Basic Folk podcast.
Amongst the other artists announced are Jon Muq, Locarno, Niall McCabe, The Paperboys, Rum Ragged, Sangjaru, Bess Atwell, Birdvox, Butler Blake & Grant, Darlingside, Dean Owens & The Sinners, FARA, Genticorum, Hollie Cook, Jeremy Dutcher, Sarah Hagen, Smith & Brewer Band, Taylor McCall and Turin Brakes These new names join previously announced artists including Robert Plant (presenting Saving Grace featuring Suzi Dian), Aoife O’Donovan, Fantastic Negrito, Flamy Grant, Jerry Douglas, Tommy Emmanuel and Nora Brown & Stephanie Coleman.
The festival which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year offers in addition to music dedicated children’s activities, workshops on instrument making and songwriting, storytelling, clog dancing and tai-chi. Full festival tickets are £230, or Thursday: £35, Friday: £89, Saturday: £89, Sunday: £89. Prices include booking fees. Head over to the official website for concessions, camping and parking information. Tickets are available here.
