Son of the legendary UK singer-songwriter Roy Harper, Nick was born in London and raised in Wiltshire. Having played the guitar from the age of 10 and surrounded by the likes of Keith Moon, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and Dave Gilmour as he grew up, it was no surprise when he made his recording debut on his father's Whatever Happened to Jugula? in 1985.

Nick's talent and energy entranced Roy's fans and it was inevitable that he would begin touring and recording in his own right. The 1994 EP Light at the End of the Kennel was swiftly followed by his powerful 1995 debut long player Seed prompting The Independent to describe him as "hugely talented".

He has since gone on to become internationally-renowned as one of the most powerful performers, with an impressive back catalogue of album releases.

"If you've never seen Harper live, you're missing out on one of the musical phenomena of our age." - Rob Adams, The Herald

"One of the finest guitarists of his generation, his soaring vocal range and propensity for epic song place him somewhere between Rufus Wainright and Jeff Buckley. Thus far, however, putting his musical freedom before the demands of career, his talents have gone largely unrewarded. Miracles For Beginners, his most focused, warm and triumphant album to date, could right that wrong." – Mojo

Steeple Hall, Kilbarchan. Doors: 7.30pm. Tickets (£12 – only a few left) on sale now – Tel: 01505 706346

When Pokey LaFarge & The South City Three played Celtic Connections Festival in January, they took the event by storm and were afterwards being talked about as one of the outstanding highlights.

Demand meant that a second 2010 tour was arranged in rapid time with festivals, arts centres and theatres all seeking dates.

On the US release of the new album, Riverboat Soul, the reaction was unprecedented when the CD won radio plays right across the nation, providing much further well-deserved exposure and the band landed a slot at the prestigious Newport Folk Festival, alongside Levon Helm, The Low Anthem, Felice Brothers and Justin Townes Earle.

When Pokey and his sidekicks arrive back in Europe in August, they are sure to keep festival-goers here in joyous fettle once again with appearances confirmed at Edinburgh Fringe, Leicester’s Summer Sundae event, Open House Festival in Belfast and at Tønder Festival’s 30th Anniversary celebration in Denmark. They also have a string of dates that will take them from the south of England and north through Wales to the Western Iles and Inverness.

…We’re so happy, we’re singing LaLaLa.

Tickets for all events (£12) on sale now from the venue
tel: 01505 706070

Everyone's talking about them as the hottest new act on the rootsy Americana scene and ever since UK radio started playing tracks from the sensational new album, Fields of Fescue in December, and Americana UK awarded the CD an 8-out-of-10 rating, describing the release as "blisteringly good", the word has spread like an out-of-control bushfire right across Europe too.

As a result, the album soared to the Number 11 slot on the Euro Americana Chart after so many contributors - mostly music journalists and radio presenters who send in returns - included it as one of their latest fave raves.

Widely regarded as one of the rising stars of the American singer-songwriter circuit, Raina first emerged out of Portland, Oregon, where she came to prominence in the funky folk duo, Gypsy Moths.

Now based out of Austin, Texas, she has toured relentlessly in the USA to earn herself a "road warrior" tag and a host of rich experiences to both broaden her outlook and gift her with enough inspiration for a lifetime, and produce a writing and performance style that is alluring and addictive.

With a voice as clear as crystal and honeysuckle sweet, she built a faithful fan base after releasing the debut solo album, Despite the Crushing Weight of Gravity, in 2005, and kept the momentum going with two great follow-up releases and the highly-acclaimed new album, When May Came.

"Americana doesn’t get much better than this"
- Maurice Hope, Maverick magazine

Tickets for all events (£12) on sale now from the venue
tel: 01505 706070

Gurf Morlix reached legendary status way back, from sideman duties with the biggest names and production credits aplenty. He has released five solo albums...and a sixth is on the way.

At the end of the year his last, Last Exit To Happyland was sitting pretty at Number 40 when the Americana Music Association's Top 100 Albums of The Year were announced, then in the Americana UK Writers' Best of 2009 selection, the same album figured in the Top Ten Albums list, with contributor Phil Edwards saying of the man: "Legendary producer proves he's as good as the rest of the them. No in fact, he's better."

Staff writer Maurice Hope said: "After years making others sound good now it's his turn."

The record had won him a 9-out-of-10 rating from Americana UK, with the recommendation: "Albums like this don't come along that often".

In 2009, he was crowned Instrumentalist of The Year by the Americana Music Association at the prestigious annual awards in Nashville and interviewed by legendary BBC Radio 2 presenter Bob Harris, performing 'live' in the studio during his Thursday night Country show, before heading for his own sold-out headline event at Glasgow's Celtic Connections Festival.

Last time here Mr Morlix drew capacity crowds wherever he went.

That's what happens when you are a living legend.

Tickets for all events (£12) on sale now from the venue
tel: 01505 706070

We are delighted to announce that the hugely enjoyable pairing of Chris Stout (Fiddler’s Bid) and Catriona McKay will be diverting to Kilbarchan during their winter tour to perform a selection of their recent work – stunning material that has won them many glowing reviews.

After the award-winning Shetland fiddle and harp duo appeared in Edinburgh earlier this year, the promoter, Dr John Barrow, one of the country’s most knowledgeable and admired agents, was almost speechless when he wrote to venues around the country, encouraging others to book them.

The man had nothing to gain from doing so, Chris and Catriona are represented by a different organisation altogether. Nevertheless, he had this to say:

“Last night in Edinburgh, we ran a gig to launch Chris and Catriona's new album, "White Nights". They gave one of the most impressive displays of composition and sheer musicianship allied to outstanding instrumental skill that I've seen in years. Absolutely wonderful with knobs on!

“It was utterly brilliant - book them now - and get your head around this wonderfully inspired music from the northern islands which will lift your soul.

“Your audiences will thank you.” “A delight to the ear” – Scotland on Sunday

This will be an intimate candle-lit evening that is guaranteed to fill you with a welcome winter warmth.
Tickets (£12) on sale now from 01505 706070.
This is a BYOB event.