Sunday 16th July sees the return of The (THL) Festival, a one-day music event held at The Klassic Park at Kirton in Lindsey in North Lincolnshire which last year saw such Americana luminaries as Hannah Aldridge and Lachlan Bryan headline the bill. This year’s edition looks to be the strongest yet with a quartet of acts that epitomise the very heart of AUK’s premise, originating from both sides of the Atlantic. Those who have had the pleasure of attending The (THL) Festival in previous years can attest to the warm friendly family atmosphere that emanates from this historic Lincolnshire Market Town, so with the festival season well underway and temperatures finally climbing there can be few better ways to spend a balmy Sunday afternoon in July than slapping on a bit of sunscreen, dusting off the Stetson and soaking up some of the finest Americana music on offer.
This year’s headline act, The Sarah Petite Band, hails from San Diego, California and play a brand of outlaw country that travels far beyond the genres borders delivering their version of American roots music with a raw, rugged edge. Described as gritty, wild and rocky but with a tender soul Petite and her band sound like the perfect way to top any festival.
The Blue Highways are no strangers to regular readers of Americana UK, nor are they strangers to the local congregation that frequent the Town Hall in Kirton in Lindsey, having played there as recently as last September. The driving force of this London-based band are the brothers Callum, Theo and Jack Lury who over the past few years have built up a reputation as one of the most exciting up-and-coming acts on the circuit.
Gloucestershire-based duo The Black Feathers (husband and wife Ray Hughes and Sian Chandler) will be making their third visit to Kirton. Last year saw the release of their most recent album ‘Angel Dust & Cyanide’ with their music being described as stunning, with their song delivery full of pure emotion and subtle timing.
The Sam Chase Trio hail from San Francisco. Fellow AUK writer Andrew Frolish has previously waxed lyrically about the trio in these pages stating, “Their musicianship is mesmerising and Chase is a natural storyteller, with one of the most captivating voices you’re likely to hear, earthy, gritty and full of story telling character while his interaction with the audience makes for a thoroughly entertaining show”. Quite an endorsement.
The day’s proceedings will get underway at 1.00pm when Rock Choir will start things off with a 30-minute set after which each act will play for 75 minutes. The day is a bring your own chair, food and drink event with the emphasis purely on relaxing and enjoying the music. Tickets are priced at £25.00 and can be obtained here.
Thanks Graham. A glowing – and thoroughly deserved – endorsement of this excellent Festival. Needless to say, I’m really looking forward to it (once again!)
Cheers Alan. Let’s keep our fingers crossed the weather plays ball.