Our new playlist of the best new Americana we’ve heard over the last month is out later today exclusively for AUK supporters which includes new tracks by Will Varley, Wednesday, The Minus 5, Herman Dune and Peggy Seeger – as always we trawl through the best Americana we’ve heard recently so you don’t have to. And our giveaway this month is two tickets for one lucky supporter to see acclaimed singer-songwriter Dawn Landes who is returning to the UK this summer following her stirring performance of The Liberated Woman’s Songbook at The Barbican last autumn, where she captivated audiences with a powerful, history-rich set celebrating women’s voices. Now, she brings the project back to British shores for a full run of dates, including headline shows and a special performance of The Liberated Woman’s Songbook at the legendary Glastonbury Festival.
Folk icon Peggy Seeger, who appeared with Landes at The Barbican, said of The Liberated Woman’s Songbook shows: “Dawn Landes has conceived and carried out a stunning program of selections from The Liberated Woman’s Songbook and is touring with it, using only female singers plus a band, all sourced from wherever her next program will take place. I was part of it in September 2024 at London’s Barbican and would gladly do so again wherever it travels. A must-see, must-hear, must applaud, vigorously wonderful evening for men and women of any age. An about-time happening.”
The Liberated Woman’s Songbook reimagines music from the women’s liberation movement. Inspired by a 1971 songbook of the same name, Landes and producer Josh Kaufman (Bonny Light Horseman, Bob Weir, Cassandra Jenkins) breathe new life into 11 powerful songs spanning 1830-1970, amplifying the voices of women who fought for equality throughout history. The project began when Landes stumbled upon The Liberated Woman’s Songbook at a thrift store during the pandemic. Following the 2022 overturn of the Roe v. Wade case in the US, the songs took on an even greater urgency. “We’re suddenly back in 1971 all over again,” Landes reflects. “I know we’re in for a long fight, and it helps to find solidarity where you can.” Kaufman adds, “Many of these songs were never meant to travel beyond the picket line. I hope our work helps to amplify their message of freedom and equity anew.” Recorded in Upstate New York and Chapel Hill, NC, The Liberated Woman’s Songbook features contributions from an incredible lineup of voices, including Emily Frantz (Watchhouse), Kanene Pipkin (The Lone Bellow), Rissi Palmer, Charly Lowry, Annie Nero, and Lizzy Ross (Violet Bell).
The album was first brought to life on stage in July 2023 at the Newport Folk Festival, where Landes and Kaufman dazzled audiences with a stirring live performance. The set was recognised by Rolling Stone as “one of the best things we saw at Newport”, reinforcing the album’s relevance and power. Reflecting on the power of the music, Landes told Uncut, “There was always going to be plenty of room to roam within these centuries-old compositions… When we do the full show, it’s just so powerful, because there’s that great feeling of solidarity between women.”
Full dates are below – for tickets and full tour details, visit this link.
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DAWN LANDES – UK TOUR DATES 2025
Thu 26/6 – Cambridge – Portland Arms
Fri 27/6 – Hassocks – Mid Sussex Music Hall
Sat 28/6 – Lyme Regis – Marine Theatre
Sun 29/6 – Glastonbury Festival (The Liberated Woman’s Songbook)
Tue 1/7 – Birmingham – Kitchen Garden Cafe
Wed 2/7 – York – Bluebird Bakery
Thu 3/7 – Hebden Bridge – Trades Club
Fri 4/7 – Chester – St Mary’s
Sat 5/7 – Edinburgh – Voodoo Rooms
Sun 6/7 – Gateshead – Central Bar (Matinee Show)
