Music / What's On
Bristol’s month in Folk & Roots – March 2025
February seems to have sped by and here we are already at the start of March. There is so much fantastic music in Bristol through this month, everything really does seem to be emerging from hibernation.
There is, as ever, a wonderful mix of traditional and contemporary folk, bits of Americana and loads of stuff that is, quite frankly, a bit tricky to categorise.
One of the brilliant innovations that Downend Folk & Roots has been trying over the last year is that of a Family Concert on a Saturday afternoon. Kids are more than welcome, it’s at lunchtime and the atmosphere is a little more relaxed than at a night time gig.
On March 8, Detta Kenzie plays the next one of these matinees. She is a fresh, dynamic voice in folk and her torchy, velvety vocals, coupled with the intricate guitar work of Tobias Ben Jacob, are not to be missed.
March 21 sees The Rosie Hood Band playing the normal evening concert. Her crystalline voice brings traditional songs to life, with her band offering a delicate yet robust backdrop. Expect material from A Seed of Gold.
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As ever, there’s plenty of good stuff just off of Park Street. On March 16 rising folk star Chris Brain comes to The Folk House. Brimming with intricate fingerpicking and delicate vocals, his latest album New Light is a must for Nick Drake fans. He’s supported by fantastic Bristolian singer-songwriter Lou Shepherd.
The Irish bouzouki maestro and singer Daoiri Farrell returns to Bristol on March 21, promoting The Wedding Above in Glencree. Farrell’s performances are always rich with tradition and passion.
The next day, March 22, a folk legend celebrates turning 80! Ashley Hutchings is a founding member of Fairport Convention and Steeleye Span and this celebration promises to be an historic evening. He will be appearing with folk favourite Blair Dunlop.
On the other side of Park Street, Police Dog Hogan return to St George’s on March 13. Always an excellent night out, they are a raucous blend of folk, country, and bluegrass, expect singalongs and a fuzzy folk riot, there will be plenty of favourites as well as songs from their latest release Lightning Strike.
Phil Beer, of popular folk act Show of Hands, is a ‘stunning’ multi-instrumentalist – photo: Natalie Shaw
There’s an absolute heap of brilliant folk and roots music at the Beacon through March. Genre-bending country-folk hero Sturgill Simpson is bringing songs from Passage Du Desir to the Main Hall on March 2. Now performing as Johnny Blue Eyes, he has lost nothing of his daring and brilliance.
Showcasing his stunning multi-instrumental talents and rich vocals, Show of Hand’s Phil Beer’s set will be a journey through British folk history, and way beyond, on March 9.
For something a little less traditional, but no less wonderful, pioneers of folktronica Tunng return with their unique blend of acoustic and electronic experimentation on March 14. They will be playing songs from their eighth album, Love You All Over Again, as well as celebrating twenty years of their debut.
Gritty, bluegrass-infused storytelling at its finest, the Dead South return to Bristol on March 17. They are currently riding high with Chains & Stakes and their progressive bluegrass is always brilliant live. Expect lightning fast banjo and mandolin as well as glorious harmonies.
Dreamy indie-folk from Montreal-based artist Helena Deland will be on the Weston Stage on March 25 performing songs from her debut album Somewhere New. Think Weyes Blood et al.
Finally legends of Irish folk The Fureys bring decades of anthemic ballads and stirring traditional songs to the Lantern Hall on March 31.
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Continuing a fantastic run of excellent folk music, the New Room once again has one of the most interesting bands around. The Grace Smith Trio are a fusion of English folk and contemporary flair: fiddle player Grace Smith leads this vibrant trio with boundless energy. They play at the Wesleyan Chapel on March 27.
They call themselves ‘slacker-trad’ – Milkweed are a mystery duo comprising voice, guitar and banjo – photo: Milkweed
If everything up until now is a tiny bit ‘traditional’ for you then Milkweed at The Cube on March 1 will be anything but. Expect folk music that has been buried for hundreds of years, unearthed and fed through an old tape machine, expect creaks and cracks, electronic glitches and tape stretches.
Milkweed are extraordinary and, quite simply, are making some of the most exciting folk(ish) music around. The bill is completed by Able Noise and Eva May & Pat Benjamin.
There are two fantastic bits of folky stuff at the Exchange in the early part of the month. Sean Rowe’s deep baritone and raw songwriting appear on March 2. They are the backbone to his brilliant new album The Darkness Dressed in Colored Lights.
On March 4 you get some high-energy folk punk from the Outer Hebrides in the form of Peat & Diesel – expect an electrifying night of anthemic chaos. The last time I saw them was supporting The Levellers at The Amphitheatre and they were great.
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Ethereal and richly textured, Rabbitts blend folk with dreamy soundscapes, perfect for the intimate setting of the Grain Barge on March 2.
Experimental folk from Belfast comes to Trinity this month – photo: Joshua Burnside
Joshua Burnside plays Trinity on March 7. His experimental folk from Belfast blends traditional sounds from Ireland and Scotland with electronic textures and splashes of Americana. He is often compared to the likes of Bon Iver, Nick Drake and John Martyn. His new album, Teeth of Time, is out now.
Country Queen Carter Sampson is celebrating the release of a new live album – photo: Carter Sampson
The Hen & Chicken can always be relied upon to have something a little more country-tinged and March is no exception. Two brilliant artists play in Bedminster this month.
Carter Sampson is known as The ‘Queen of Oklahoma’, and her Americana-folk storytelling is both powerful and intimate. She plays on March 11.
Kevin Montgomery was born into country royalty; his smooth vocals and heartfelt songwriting shine on latest album Some Comfort. He plays on March 18.
Bristol Fringe
Celebrating the release of her latest album Wildfires, Polly Paulusma makes a very welcome return to Bristol on March 12. Her folk storytelling is as evocative as ever, her voice just as fabulous.
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This one might just be the highlight of the month. A double headliner from Craven and The Goblin Band on March 13 is going to be fantastic. The Goblin Band are right at the forefront of the folk revival that is sweeping London (alongside Shovel Dance etc) and they are signed to the mighty Broadside Hacks label.
Craven are from Bristol/Stroud and, while being heavily influenced by the tradition, they pack their songs with all sorts of other fun stuff. Both bands are going to be amazing.
It goes without saying that there are interesting things going on at Rough Trade. On March 14, Jim Ghedi brings his earthy, political, and deeply resonant contemporary folk compositions to Nelson Street. They feel both ancient and modern.
On March 21 Ruth Lyon, best known as the vocalist in Holy Moly and the Crackers, launches her debut album Direct Debit to Vogue. Her voice is absolutely incredible – vulnerable, transportive and honest.
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New Zealand’s folk icon Nadia Reid plays on March 18, touring her latest album, Enter Now Brightness. It’s been gathering excellent reviews in all of the right places and NPR says that it has “one foot in folk, one foot in something bigger, louder, catchier and more potent”. She’s due to play Green Man and Deer Shed festivals in the summer too.
Triple harpist Cerys Hafana plays on March 23. She reimagines traditional Welsh music, looking at it through the prism of harp and electronics, Hafana is extraordinarily moving live. This one will be awesome.
The Louisiana
Jaz Delorean is known for his high-jinx live shows – photo: @sophie_isacommonname
Last, but certainly not least, there are a couple of superb things at the Louisiana. Jaz Delorean, the frontman of Tankus (the Henge), brings his cabaret-infused, piano-driven folk to Bristol on Saturday March 1. He’s always a superb host and is one of the finest frontmen around.
March 27 sees Rachael Lavelle’s avant-garde mix of folk, electronica and spoken word—one for fans of the unusual and immersive.
It seems like a long time ago that Danny Wilson was fronting the amazing UK alt-country band Grand Drive. His latest project is Danny & the Champions of the World. They, as with his first band, are a rousing mix of folk, rock and Americana. This band delivers big-hearted anthems with a soulful touch and are always fantastic live.
Singarounds and folk nights
The Star in Fishponds holds regular folk sessions of all styles – including trad, Irish ballads and Bluegrass, with a special ‘music and craic’ session planned for St Patrick’s Day in March
There are the usual places to sing, and to experience the lovely folk community around Bristol through the month. Keep an eye on the social media feeds of the Greenbank, the George and Dragon, Redfield and The Hare on the Hill.
Main image: @sophie_isacommonname
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