The band which Kenneth Pattengale of Milk Carton Kids described as ”The essence of my future hope” are heading to the UK for some dates at the end of this week. Anyone who was in the big tent when Mike + Ruthy rocked Cambridge Folk Festival, creating such a buzz that 3000 revellers packed the space to dance, whoop and cheer in what turned out to be a magical celebration, will recall how powerfully uplifting a pairing this is.
Singers and storytellers, poets, the couple have a down-home approach to Americana that is honest, beautiful and raw. When not on the road with The Mammals, they take their harmony-driven fiddle, guitar and banjo show out around the world, most recently to Australia.
Admired by peers and fans alike, Anais Mitchell has described them as “a national treasure.” So highly regarded are they, that privileged access to the Woody Guthrie Archive was given and permission to complete/re-work an unfinished piece, ‘My New York City,’ which was a track on their last album.
Merenda’s songs paint pictures of the world we want to live in, his lyrics embracing the notion that we are all connected, to each other and to the Earth. The track, ‘Sunshiner’ which simultaneously honoured the past and looked to the future, won an International Folk Music Award Song-of-The-Year nomination.
Ungar’s outstanding vocal style ranges from a capella balladry to earthy soul and country. She was raised in a folk music family and learned the fiddle at a young age. Her father is fiddler/composer Jay Ungar, best known for composing ‘Ashokan Farewell’ which she also enjoys performing.
April 2023 Tour Dates:
Sat 1: Fishery Wharf Café, Boxmoor*
Sun 2: The Live Room, Saltaire
Tues 4: Green Note, Camden*
Wed 5: Atkinson Theatre, Southport
Thurs 6: The Ropewalk, Barton upon Humber
Fri 7: Town Hall Live, Kirton in Lindsey
Sat 8: CatStrand Arts, New Galloway
Sun 9: Performing Arts Centre, Kilbarchan
Mon 10: Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh
Tues 11: The Playhouse, Montrose
Thurs 13; Birnam Arts Centre
Fri 14: The Tin Hut, Gartly
* with Bryony Faye in support
Beautiful …