IVW 22 – Vicki Swan and Jonny Dyer + Supports
Church Walk
Stowmarket IP14 1ET
Independent Venue Week ’22
Vicki Swan and Jonny Dyer
Vicki and Jonny are two of the most versatile musicians of the folk circuit today, a on stage – and now online, the duo are recognised for the high quality of their polished concerts; not only by their charismatic singing and playing but also by their involving, winning presence and easy rapport, their polished delivery that genuinely respects their listeners, and their lively, informed backstories. The whole package.
Their performances showcase new interpretations of old songs alongside original self penned tunes and new contemporary songs that are entirely at home in the tradition.
Vicki & Jonny’s evening at the John Peel Centre will be centre around Vicki’s Swedish side. You’ll meet the Swedish nyckelharpa (keyed-fiddle), Swedish bagpipes, the willow flute and even the cow horn.
Vicki Swan is the UK’s leading expert in the Swedish nyckelharpa* and a second- generation piper, holding the prestigious Zorn Brons award for the traditional playing of the säckpipa (Swedish bagpipes). A Royal College of Music postgraduate, she is now bringing the nyckelharpa to a wider audience in the UK with her nyckelharpa UK project. As a fluent Swedish speaker and brought up surrounded by Swedish traditions Vicki is perfectly placed to perform Swedish music. Jonny Dyer is probably the UK’s leading exponent of the ancient Viking instrument the cow horn and also holds the Zorn Diplom award.
Bof!
In 2000, Bof! started playing as a four-piece band specializing in traditional French and Breton music for dancing or listening to. During that time they have played in folk clubs, for dance groups and at festivals in England and France, as well as organising regular French and Breton dance workshops and public dances in East Anglia, as part of the Burybal and Prêt à Danser groups. Breton singer Gwendal Moële became a full-time member of our line-up in 2018.
Michael Sheehy & friends
Michael Sheehy plays music from the Cork, Kerry, Limerick border, an area known as Sliabh Luachra which means ‘The Rushy Mountains’. It is one of the most vibrant musical areas of south west Ireland being known for its unusual polkas and slides (single jigs).
Michael Sheehy plays the piano accordion is now one of the finest exponents of this exciting music. He plays in a style which is firmly rooted in the traditions of Sliabh Luachra and he remembers his father telling him to ‘Put a bit of life into it’. He certainly does that!