APRIL 2024

TREACHEROUS CRETINS

Wednesday 3rd April / 8pm / £17

Treacherous Cretins is a UK-based band that performs the works of the legendary American composer Frank Zappa. Its members have played and collaborated with the likes of Dweezil Zappa, Ike Willis, Ray White, Denny Walley, Craig “Twister” Steward and Candy Zappa.

For this tour they are performing two punishing sets with Bobby Martin, multi-instrumentalist regular member of Zappa’s band. After Robert joined Frank Zappa’s band in 1981, he performed on all of Frank’s tours and live albums from that time on. In between tours with Zappa, Robert worked with other musical greats, including Stevie Nicks, Michael McDonald, Paul McCartney, Prince, The Moody Blues, and Etta James, and more. Robert is also a member of The Zappa Band, regularly playing alongside other ex-Zappa band members and keeping the music alive.

TRUE STRAYS

Thursday 4th April / 8pm / £14

True Strays are lifelong friends, songwriters and country boys – Joseph James and James Cameron – from Bristol. They are fast carving out a niche of their own in the UK Americana scene. Their music is a cathartic celebration of alternative roots americana and blues rock. Their songs focus on the dirt that life throws at you and how struggle can be transformed into something better. The prolific songwriting duo draw influences from classic sounds such as Neil Young, Muddy Waters, Fleetwood Mac.From the rock and roll circumstances of their first meeting in a sand pit in a playgroup 30 odd years ago, they have completed countless UK tours, supported bands such as My Baby and Elles Bailey, played their first European dates and over 70 festivals.

Support from Mat Walklate and Alex Haynes.
Two highly distinctive British blues artists who draw on the deepest blues roots to create fresh, relevant songs, expanding British Blues into new territory. Influenced by artists such as John Lee Hooker, Little Walter, and R.L. Burnside this collaboration between award winning harmonica player and singer Mat and renowned singer, guitarist Alex brings out the best in both artists.

GRACELAND

Friday 5th April / 8pm / £18

A spectacular, 7 piece ensemble that faithfully recreates Paul Simon’s landmark 1986 Graceland album in all it’s glory. With layers of guitars and percussion, bouncy accordion, vocal harmonies and many a bass solo Gary Stewart and his band have been bringing the South African rhythms and harmonies to life in concert halls and festivals all around the UK since the band was formed in 2016.

EMMA STEVENS

Saturday 6th April / 8pm / £13

Emma started playing guitar at the age of 2 and has gone on to learn bass, cello, piano, banjo, ukulele and mandolin. She established a career as a singer songwriter in 2012, her original music and has achieved four consecutive play-listed singles on BBC Radio 2, extensive international radio play in the UK, Europe and Australia and an iTunes single of the week with her song “Riptide”. She’s sold out headline shows and supported The Feeling, Take That, Wet Wet Wet, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Train, Simply Red to name a few! Emma’s music has been used on many TV shows on BBC, ITV, Sky and Channel 4, and even featured on a TV show in China which was broadcast to 75 million people, gaining her over 500 million + streams on Chinese streaming site NetEase!

COBALT TALES

Sunday 7th April / 8pm / £12

‘Rapidly developing an enviable reputation in the Folk World, Cobalt Tales offer a fine selection of songs delivered with spirit and joy, underpinned by an onstage chemistry for which their shared love of music, and what they bring to it together, are the catalysts. If you enjoy it half as much as they’re enjoying it themselves – then they will leave you very happy indeed!’ Damian Liptrot, Festival Organiser ‘Peace Through Folk’ 2023

Sheffield based, multi-talented female duo, Cobalt Tales, return for their 6th headliner gig at The Greystones. Through a wide variety of styles, (ballad, country, folk, rock, soul and a cappella), singer-songwriters, Pat and Nuala, follow threads through the tales of their lives and ancestry, singing of people, places, events and experiences that have made them who they are.

With compelling, soulful vocals, nifty rolling bass and swingy scat, dramatic a cappella harmonies, haunting low whistle, entertaining banter they build a warm relationship with the audience bringing joy and spirit to their performance… ‘Music from the heart that stirs the soul’.

‘The calibre of their songwriting is second to none on the folk circuit… In only 5 pieces of music (they) set their stall out and the audience bought it! Their new perspective on folk was a sheer delight… Powerful songs with powerful messages’H. King, At The Barrier 2022

‘A breath of fresh air. Singing their own songs, accompanied by guitar, bass, gob iron and whistles. Loads of personality!’ Rhyl Folk Club 2023

OPEN MIC NIGHT

Monday 8th April / 8pm / FREE

Anyone can join in, all abilities welcome. Contact Peter Hill on hillpeter@live.com or just come along on the night. 

P.A. and mics provided, so just bring yourselves, your instruments and your friends to enjoy the proceedings.

IMAR

Wednesday 10th April / 8pm / £17

Light the blue touch paper and stand well back, Imar are on the way!

There are many reasons to be excited about Imar not least a line up featuring former and current members of Manran, Mec Lir, Rura and Talisk who’s collectively crammed trophy cabinet includes several Radio 2 folk awards and all Britain/all Ireland titles. The music is intense, energetic and precise featuring fast driving tunes, bouncing, infectious reels and slow, beautiful melodic numbers that highlight the skills of each player.

JODY DAVIES + CHRIS DOVER + MATT HILL + STEVE ROBERTS

Thursday 11th April / 8pm / £10

On Thursday April 11th, WagonWheel Presents… brings another of our acclaimed “In The Round” singer/songwriter nights to The Greystones. Joining us for this edition will be Jody Davies, Chris Dover, Matt Hill and Steve Roberts. All 4 acts will be on stage together from the off, taking it in turns to share songs and stories.

Tickets will be more on the door.

ROBERT VINCENT

Friday 12th April / 8pm / £22

Change is in the air for award-winning artist Robert Vincent.

The Scouse singer/songwriter will release his much-anticipated fourth studio album through Thirty Tigers in 2024 and its music is riding the winds of change in the air. “The songs are less traditional sounding,” he reveals. “I’m learning how to lower my barriers and have made a more personal album than ever before.”


It was the start of 2020 when Robert’s third LP, the critically-acclaimed ‘In This Town You’re Owned’, was released and walked straight into a worldwide pandemic. That stalled all promotional plans and tours, but the record resonated and won the prestigious Americana Music Association UK’s ‘Album Of The Year’ award for 2021. Now, Robert wants to spread his music’s prescient words: “I think there will be mixed memories for anyone who lived through that and hopefully the album was a bit of a soundtrack to those times for some folks,” he says. “I had to try and take the positives as an artist. I hadn’t had any time off in many years from gigging and that gave me a bit of a reset… but I’m looking ahead to a successful year of touring and playing these new songs to people.”


The record has captured said intimacy. Robert’s core band came together and made the music live in the studio, looking into the whites of each other’s eyes. “I chose to record closer to home with my usual band of brothers and sisters (Anna Corcoran on piano, vocals; Jim Kimberley, drums; Danny Williams, bass; Adrian Gautrey, guitar, keys) and they assisted me beautifully as always. We’ve also got featured musicians like Joe Coombs, an amazing guitar player from the south west, and added inspired bits and mixed the record.”

SIMPLY DYLAN

Saturday 13th April / 8pm / £21

A tribute to Bob Dylan not a Bob Dylan tribute

After last year’s sell out show we’re pleased to welcome John O’Connell and the Simply Dylan Band back to the Greystones for a no frills, no gimmicks, no pretence celebration of the music of folk music’s biggest legend Bob Dylan. Expect wonderful musicianship, a beautifully chosen set list and an evening of great entertainment.

“Stunning, wonderful, magical. A 5 star show”

“A truly joyous celebration”

CHRIS & KELLIE WHILE

Sunday 14th April / 8pm / £15

Mother and Daughter, two stunning voices…..

Whenever you hear two superb vocalists sing together, it’s a great experience, but when they are related it’s becomes something else. Chris While and her daughter Kellie both have impeccable musical pedigrees as singers and instrumentalists. In this duo show they present a mix of self-penned material and imaginative interpretations of other singer-songwriters’ compositions and standards knitted together with charming and entertaining introductions and stories.

They currently have 3 albums together, the eponymously titled Chris & Kellie While, Too Few Songs and their latest album Indigo.

“Chris and Kellie have an enviable relationship. More like sisters than mother and daughter. They have a synchronicity of vocal expression that could not have been learned.” Ralph McTell.

KEITH JAMES-THE SONGS OF NICK DRAKE

Thursday 18th April / 8pm / £16

Nick Drake is the most revered and loved of all this country’s singer/songwriters. He has given us given us timeless songs that shed all the tears of life within their fragile yet perfect lines. He recorded 3 cherished albums between 1969 and 1972 but was almost entirely unknown in his day. After his tragic death in 1974 aged only 26 his music almost disappeared into obscurity. Now, thanks to a massive resurgence of interest and a worldwide re evaluation of his genius Nick Drake has become a National treasure.
Two decades and over 1,000 concerts have now passed since singer, guitarist Keith James first stunned the whole country with a series of beautiful concerts bringing this intriguingly fragile music to venues in it’s pure live concert form.

TARREN

Friday 19th April / 8pm / £14

“A mini folk supergroup” Tradfolk

“Just the kind of band we need on the folk circuit today” FRUK

Tarren is an ambassador for new folk music, music that is rooted in the English tradition.

Original and traditional material is expertly arranged by this trio of musicians creating music that moves and excites taking folk music to a new place while keeping the pulse of traditional dance at it’s heart. Combining cittern and concertina, fiddle and accordion their debut album was compared to the work of Faustus and Lau’s legendary debut album Lightweights and Gentlemen.

KATY HURT

Sunday 21st April / 8pm / £15

Born in London, raised in the USA Katy was drawn to the sounds of country, Americana and southern rock from an early age inspired by artists such as Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow, The Eagles and Patsy Cline. Since her debut in 2016 she’s released a string of critically acclaimed singles and ep’s showcasing her versatile range and has won numerous accolades including UK Country Music Spotlight Award for Female Vocalist of The Year, Best EP, Best Song and Best Video.
She tours extensively and has played many of the major festivals including Country to Country, Glastonbury and Isle of White. Katy spent a lot of time in Canada, which she now considers to be her second home, writing and recording a host of songs including her latest singles “Sounds Good In A Bar” and “Wish I Could Give You Up” both of which went to #1 in the UK itunes chart on the day of release and were subsequently added to rotation on CBC, Sirius FM, KIX Australia and were play listed on Amazon Music.
With a rapidly growing fanbase Katy Hurt is poised to take the music world by storm with her authentic storytelling, genre defying sound and undeniable talent.

ANNIE DRESSNER

Wednesday 24th April / 8pm / £13

the Thought It Would Be Easier album tour

Born and bred in the heart of NYC, Annie’s musical journey started at an unexpected crossroads. The night of her high school graduation, she picked up the family guitar for the very first time and discovered a hidden passion that would change her life. Inspired by icons like Simon & Garfunkel, Carly Simon, and Ben Kweller, she began crafting her own melodies, often humming her thoughts like a secret soundtrack to city life.
Annie’s artistic odyssey led her to countless open mic nights in the bustling streets of New York, where she learned the art of performance and songwriting. It wasn’t just about singing; it was about baring her soul through her own creations. These experiences ignited a fire within her, setting the stage for her debut solo show at legendary NYC venue ‘The Bitter End’ in 2008.
An avid collaborator, she’s since shared her talent with the likes of David Ford, Polly Paulusma, and Matthew Caws (Nada Surf), yet Annie’s voice stands out as a singular force. Her music serves as a reminder that even in life’s chaos, there’s beauty to be found in its soundtrack.
She didn’t choose the conventional path, pivoting from her first love of theatre to later embarking on a musical journey that would define her. Those Open mics became her training ground, cultivating not only her craft but also a vibrant community of fellow songwriters and musicians.
Though Annie now calls Cambridge home, her music still resonates with a unique NYC flair, showcasing her knack for rich storytelling, mesmerising melodies, and lyrics that cut straight to the heart.
Her muse is her own life. Through music, she navigates the world and her place within it, sometimes discovering her true emotions in the process. Some of her songs are personal, while others are inspired by the stories of those around her.
A regular on the UK touring and festival circuit, her accolades most recently include a nomination for Female Artist of the Year at FATEA Magazine. She has been likened to an ‘uptempo Mazzy Star’, Phoebe Bridgers and First Aid Kit.
“Dressner is able to paint visceral images and transport the listener to the world of the song.” American Songwriter
“…This album is low key one of the best pop releases of 2020.” Paste Magazine

MAD DOG MCREA

Friday 26th April / 8pm / £18

Mad Dog Mcrea blend a unique mixture of folk rock, pop, gypsy jazz, bluegrass and ‘shake your ass’ music. From self-penned songs of adventure, drinking, love and life, to traditional songs of gypsies, fairies, legless pirates and black flies – Mad Dog never fail to capture their audience with their infectious songs. In constant demand and having played just about every festival and two-bit, jibe-arsed dive in Christendom, Mad Dog Mcrea are, in every sense of the word, a live, band. Matched with the unshakable dedication of their massive and “loyal-to-the-hilt”, fan base – Mad Dog Mcrea are more than just a very popular, festival act – with five albums under their belts, they are serious and acclaimed recording artists too. The famous purple happy bus is fired up and ready for action, and there’s room for you – jump aboard.

ELIZA CARTHY

Saturday 27th April / 8pm / £20

Eliza Carthy is undoubtedly one of the most impressive and engaging performers of her generation. Twice nominated for the Mercury Prize and winner of innumerable other accolades over a 20 year career, Eliza has performed and recorded with a diverse array of artists including, Paul Weller, Rufus and Martha Wainwright, Patrick Wolf and Bob Neuwirth. More than most, Eliza Carthy has revitalised folk music and captured the most hardened of dissenters with intelligent, charismatic and boundary-crossing performance.

Eliza grew up immersed in the world of traditional music. She still divides her time between touring and recording with her legendary father Martin Carthy, as well as engaging in numerous pioneering solo and band projects, including work with Pere Ubu and Melanie Challenger, an artist in residence in Antarctica. In what has become something of a parallel career, Eliza has co-presented the BBC Radio 3 World Music Awards, been a regular guest-presenter on the BBC Radio 2 Mark Radcliffe Show and has made many appearances on BBC TV’s “Later with Jools”. In her own right, Eliza has been the subject of an hour long ITV documentary (“Heaven and Earth”) and “My Music” on Channel 5.

Comedian and writer Stewart Lee describes Eliza as “Not the Messiah, but a very naughty girl”.

BARE JAMS

Sunday 28th April / 8pm / £14

An ever evolving collective, a tour-de-force of experienced musical alchemists with a sound that is uniquely their own. A frequent must see on festival aficionados’ lists they have a reputation for tight, flamboyant, high energy yet wholesomely candid performances seamlessly cooking up a credible fusion of pop, soul, reggae and rock.

Well travelled with an enviable tour history Bare Jams have headlined their own shows across Europe, supported legendary acts such as The Wailers, Katchafire and La Pegatina and appeared at the biggest festivals including Glastonbury, Boomtown, Isle of Wight and many more.