More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Singer Billy Bragg has joined the line-up of an Americana music festival in Kent this summer.
An icon of stripped-back storytelling and political activism, the singer of punk-charged songs will play the Black Deer Festival at Eridge near Tunbridge Wells, which will be held over seven stages from Friday, June 21 to Sunday, June 23.
He was honoured with an Outstanding Contribution to British Music Award at the Ivor Novello awards last year.
He joins already announced acting star and singer Kris Kristofferson and Band of Horses.
UK country rising star Yola, who recorded her debut release with Dan Auberbach of The Black Keys, also joins the line-up with 2012 Brit Award winner Ethan Johns, who will play solo sets and also with Black Eyed Dogs at the festival.
Famed for his world class engineering, production and mixing work with the likes of Paul McCartney, Kings Of Leon, Ray LaMontagne and Tom Jones, Ethan released his fourth EP Anamnesis in September 2018, of which he said the experience was “legitimately one of the best times I’ve ever had making a record.”
London folk rock outfit Treetop Flyers bring their 60s West Coast and psychedelia style, while vocalist Sam Beer will also make a solo appearance at Black Deer.
Also joining the line-up are husband and wife duo Ida Mae, a.k.a Chris Turpin and Stephanie Jean, UK starlet Emily Mae Winters who won last year’s Guardian Songwriting Competition and Los Angeles-based Sam Morrow.
Northern Irish singer-songwriter Amy Montgomery, Arielle - who has toured with the likes of Billy Rae Cyrus, Guns N’ Roses and Graham Nash, Darren Hodson, and multi-instrumentalist act Hot Rock Pilgrims will all be playing.
There will also be DJ sets from eclectic Americana selector Hank JD Sleek, duo Shamblin Sexton and Senor Mick AKA Whiskey Preachin’ and award-winning globetrotting broadcaster Big Steve Arlene
Under The Apple Tree sessions - founded and curated by BBC Radio 2 and The Old Grey Whistle Test’s “Whispering” Bob Harris OBE - return on the SupaJam Stage.
There will also be Americana food and drink, an area of Live Fire Chefs and a unique cinematic experience from byNWR Expressway with cult movies to match the atmoshere including Wild Guitar and Cottonpickin’ Chickenpickers.
Co-founders and co-promoters Gill Tee and Deborah Shilling are curating the line-up and mix of artisans and makers, custom motorcycle culture and outdoor adventures for families.
To book tickets go to blackdeerfestival.com
