Arbadétorne
Our main guests for 2024 were Arbadétorne, a trio from the Vendée region of France. The band played for two bals and led dance and music workshops during the weekend.
Line-up
• Maxime Chevrier: violon, mandoline, chant
• Michaël Auger: accordeon diatonique, chant
• Benoit Michaud: vielle à roue
Line-up
• Maxime Chevrier: violon, mandoline, chant
• Michaël Auger: accordeon diatonique, chant
• Benoit Michaud: vielle à roue
You can find out more about them and hear samples of their music HERE
ANNA PACK & JO VEAL
Jo and Anna are well known on the French and balfolk dance scene here in the UK, having played together over many years at informal sessions and dance events, but also from their individual collaborations with musicians such as Dave Shepherd and Andrew Swaine. Anna also plays with the trio Oscina, whilst Jo is a long-standing member of the ceilidh band Hekety and balfolk trio Outre Manche. As a duo they apply their unique and very danceable style to a variety of popular and lesser-known tune repertoire from across Europe, along with their own compositions. During the weekend they will be playing for two bals and leading a music workshop.
• Jo Veal: clarinet
• Anna Pack: diatonic accordions, clarinet
BOF!
In 2000, Bof! started playing as a four-piece band specializing in traditional French and Breton music for dancing or listening to. Since then 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 has been a full-time member of the line-up since 2018.
The band’s repertoire is mainly traditional music from Central France and Brittany, but also includes compositions by members of the band and others.
Line-up
• Phil Lyons: guitar / vocal
• Simon Haines: accordeon diatonique
• Val Woollard: flute, recorder, bagpipes, saxophone, bells
• Gwendal Moële: vocal
More information on Bof! website HERE
DAVE SHEPHERD
Master fiddle player, dance expert and long-time member of Blowzabella.
LES HIRONDELLES
A musical collaboration across two Eastern Counties, Les Hirondelles formed following an encounter at the Folk East Sandling Sessions in February 2018 to play French and Breton dance music. Drawing on influences from the English, European and Irish folk traditions, indie and classical music, Les Hirondelles create bal folk music with a unique driving sound and innovative arrangements aimed to get everyone on their feet.
Line-up
• Emma Hardy: fiddle
• Pete Sewell: fiddle,
• Vicky Lambert: flute and whistle,
• Tom Hardy: guitar
SAWNEY WHITE BIRD
Line-up:
• Ravi Sawney – diatonic accordion, vocal
• Heather White – saxophone and whistle
• Jane Bird – concertina, mouthorgan, bagpipes, vocal
More information on SWB website HERE