Harvey Andrews and Ruth Notman

As the sun sets on this year’s festival you are invited to a gentler night of folk with Harvey Andrews and Ruth Notman. Acclaimed folk legend Andrews, who will be just celebrating his 65^th birthday, plays alongside 19 year old Ruth Notman. The smart money is on Notman becoming the new Kate Rusby - she has started her career in style being nominated for a Radio 2 award as well as already gracing the premier folk stages throughout the country. Her debut album Threads was given the seal of approval by the Guardian “one of the most assured, varied and impressive debut albums of the year”.

Harvey Andrews

There aren’t many artists that can boast T.V. appearances on the The Old Grey Whistle Test, and over 50 other shows, three “in session” appearances on the late John Peel a Radio Four ‘Kaleidoscope’ specially devoted to his work as well as hosting BBC Radio Two’s ‘Folk on Two’.

This is all a testimony to the high regard and affection Harvey Andrews enjoys as a result of his 40 year career. Originally schoolteacher, he began his singer/songwriter career in 1964 and has produced 15 albums of original material many of which have been recorded by other class artists, like Mary Hopkin and Christy Moore. His own recordings have featured special guest appearances from the likes of Martin Carthy, Ralph McTell, Richard Thompson, Rick Wakeman, Danny Thompson and Dave Pegg. His festival experience is vast and includes Tonder in Denmark, Lunenburg and Regina in Canada, and five Cambridge Folk Festivals in the U.K. And here’s one for the folk triva buffs did you know The lyric of one of his songs was used in course work for the national G.C.S.E. English Language examination…another lyric was included in the Oxford University Book of English Traditional Verse. You will be in the presence of true song writing greatness so pay attention - we’ll be asking hard questions at the end and there will be prizes!!

Ruth Notman
The Burslem Fringe is delighted to welcome the rare talent that is Ruth Notman. Folk aficionados amongst us can look forward to catching her later in the summer as she is scheduled to appear at Cambridge Folk Festival, Fylde Festival, The Larmer Tree festival, Wath Festival, Saul Canal Festival and many others.
At only 18 years of age Ruth Notman reached the finals of the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards. This auspicious start has lead to extensive touring across the UK, culminating in a defining performance at the Towersey Village Festival (Oxfordshire) which secured many new fans and the respect of fellow artists. Ruth has recently completed hre debut album – Threads which combines traditional material and unique covers with Ruth’s own beautifully crafted songs. Ruth’s pure and powerful voice, quirky piano melodies and delicate guitar riffs are accompanied on the album by driving rhythms on melodeon from Saul Rose (Whapweasel, Waterson:Carthy), cello from Hannah Edmonds, fiddle from Roger Wilson and harmonies from Bella Hardy.“ Threads is a stunning piece of work. My favourite cd of the moment. I have been playing it over and over again”. Mike Harding BBC Radio 2
If you see one new act this year Ruth will be the one to see!

Sunday 11 May, The Leopard, 7:30pm, Gig

Tickets: £10.00, call 01782 206 000 or browse to www.musicmaniauk.com to order tickets!