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Music
Martin Simpson presents ‘Skydancers’
3 Apr 2026
7:30pm
Quick summary
- Price
- £15.00
- Venue
-
- Arts Centre Washington
Event description
Friday 3 April, 7.30pm, Tickets £15
“One of the virtuoso instrumentalists of the English music scene… sounds better than ever” **** The Guardian
One of England’s most revered folk performers, widely acknowledged as one of the finest acoustic and slide guitar players in the world, Martin’s interpretations of traditional songs are masterpieces of storytelling. His remarkable solo shows are intense, eclectic, spellbinding and deeply moving. Always prolific, and never one to rest long without a guitar in his hands and a song in his head, Martin Simpson continues to travel the length and breadth of the UK and beyond giving rapt audiences passion, sorrow, love, beauty, tragedy and majesty through his remarkable intimate solo performances. Martin has been nominated an astounding 32 times in the 18 years of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards – more than any other performer – and has won numerous awards.
Martin’s latest solo album, Skydancers, was released on Topic Records in April 2024. The album is a twin release featuring a live CD recorded on recent gigs and a studio CD including some of Martin’s absolutely favourite musicians.
Last year’s album with Nashville’s Thomm Jutz, Nothing But Green Willow : The Songs Of Mary Sands And Jane Gentry, received superlative reviews from both sides of the Atlantic. “Drizzling with Simpson’s shining guitars” The Guardian “A record of rare power and significance” 9/10 Guitarist
A virtuoso player without question, but above all Martin Simpson conveys his diverse treasure trove of material from the heart, performing with rare subtlety, intensity and honesty. A true master of his art.
Support from Laurie Shepherd and the Moonfires / Callum O’Neil
Steeped in playful non-conformity with themes of bureaucratic dullness and corporate destruction, Laurie Shepherd and the Moonfires alt-folk trio will have you moving through wild wooded hills, messy living rooms and the picketed lines of past and present.
Their songs combine soulful melodies, intricate vocal arrangements and unusual rhythms to create deeply emotional atmospheres, sometimes upbeat and playful, other times slow and moving. Every song is vivid and distinct, with subject matter ranging from the beauty and challenges of motherhood, the suffragettes movement, and the pain and joy of what it means to be a human being living in an age of crisis and wonder.
Callum O’Neil is a young and prolific songwriter, whose deeply personal songs shine through, leading him to win the Sunderland Music City songwriting competition in 2024. He is about to release his debut single and following on from sold out support slots with local artists Patrick Gosling and Swindled is looking to build some momentum throughout 2026!
