Grateful Fred's Newsletter No: 100
Two great concerts ahead!
This coming Wednesday, 2nd July, sees a truly diverse and multi-talented lineup at Grateful Fred’s at The Atkinson with three great artists.
Our headliners are the truly exciting…
RANAGRI
Just look what’s being said of them…
’How often do you hear a sound that's completely new, which has great energy and immediately makes you want to dance? I'll be following Ranagri around, I hope they don't mind...' Katie Derham, presenter BBC Proms and Radio 3
'Echoes of Pentangle, Jethro Tull and new Celtic folk sounds - cemented by strong contemporary song-writing'. Carl Corcoran, Presenter on RTE Lyric FM
Ranagri is a dynamic contemporary folk band that blends traditional Irish and British roots with modern influences and world music textures. Known for their innovative instrumentation, they fuse voices, harp, flutes, guitar and percussion to create a sound that is both deeply rooted in folk traditions and refreshingly original.
Their music is characterized by intricate vocal harmonies, rhythmic energy, and evocative storytelling that explores themes ranging from mythology to social and environmental issues. With a reputation for captivating live performances, Ranagri has played at major festivals and venues across Europe.
Mark Radcliffe BBC R2 'They're a really serious proposition live'.
Fatea Magazine's 'Band of the Year' and their latest release voted in the Top 10 albums of the year by Folk Radio UK,
Ranagri go from strength to strength!
Dónal Rogers, Eliza Marshall, Eleanor Dunsdon, Jordan Murray
Their unique instrumentation includes hammered dulcimer, bouzouki, bodhrán, guitar, flutes, whistles, harp, piano, orchestral percussion and voices.
Ranagri have recorded five studio albums to date, with their latest release, Tradition II receiving critical acclaim upon its release. Folk Radio UK placed the album in their top 10 albums of the year, cementing the band's status as one of the most exciting and innovative folk bands in the UK today.
Ranagri has established themselves as a standout act, drawing in crowds from around the world with their captivating live performances and exceptional musicianship. They have performed at some of the most prestigious venues & festivals across the UK and Europe, including Cambridge Folk Festival, Bloom festival (Dublin), Montelago festival (Italy),Towersey Festival, a headline slot at Costa Festival Ibiza 2023, Birmingham Symphony Hall, The Union Chapel, Kings Place London along with regular tours of Scotland and Europe.
Louder Than War 'You're unlikely to hear anything more irresistible and more folky this year'.
Supporting Ranagri will be:
HELEN MAW
https://www.instagram.com/helenmawmusic
Helen Maw is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist hailing from the heart of Liverpool. Blending the raw emotional depth of folk, the storytelling traditions of country, and the infectious melodies of pop, Helen has cultivated a sound that resonates deeply with her listeners. Her music is a reflection of life’s most universal experiences—love, loss, and the complexities of growing up.
Helen’s live performances have taken her across the UK and internationally, gracing iconic venues such as The Cavern Club, The Liverpool Philharmonic, Future Yard, and Prohibition Recording Studios. She has also performed at renowned festivals, including the IPO Festival in Liverpool and Stockholm, Sweden, where her powerful live presence has left a lasting impression.
Drawing inspiration from the likes of Carole King, Amy MacDonald, The Beatles, and Taylor Swift, Helen’s style is a mixture of indie rock sensibility with the emotive storytelling of folk and the catchy hooks of pop. She brings a personal touch to every song, weaving narratives that speak to the collective human experience. Whether she’s exploring the struggles of growing up or reflecting on the complexities of relationships, Helen’s music offers a sense of connection and comfort.
Opening the evening will be:
VISIONS OF ALBION
Samantha and Dan, Visions Of Albion, performed a great set earlier this month at the Grateful Fred Bijou Cinema Sessions so I am delighted that they will be bringing their equisite harmonies and (definitely) West Coast tinged songs to Grateful Fred’s at The Atkinson.
To give you an indication of what you can expect from Visions Of Albion, this is what was written about them for their headlining concert at Liverpool’s prestigious Tung Auditorium…
With comparisons to the likes of Fleetwood Mac, and the Laurel Canyon songwriters of old, it’s easy to see why Visions of Albion have gone from strength-to-strength in the Liverpool music scene.
Blending a curious mix of roots, psychedelia, and electric folk, they have impressed as their high-flying harmonies soar over a bed of musical fusion.
Founded back in 2018 as a duo by Samantha Shields, a lead singer cut from the same cloth as the likes of Linda Rondstadt and Heart’s Ann Wilson, and Daniel Ryan, whose Krieger-esque blend of acoustic and electric fingerstyle guitar provides the cornerstone for the band’s musical backdrop, they have proven themselves to have one foot in the present and another firmly in the musical past as they lead their listeners on a musical journey that is as striking as it is ethereal.
So, I hope from that you will get a flavour of what’s in store from Sam and Dan on Wednesday evening.
There are still some tickets available for what will be a memorable show at our next Grateful Fred’s Americana, Roots and Acoustic Night at The Atkinson.
You can book online here: https://theatkinson.co.uk/events/grateful-freds-jul-2025/
The Grateful Fred Bijou Cinema Sessions
Our next Grateful Fred Bijou Cinema Sessions is one that I have been looking forward to for months.
On Thursday the 17th of July, just 3 weeks away, we will be welcoming back to Grateful Fred’s the amazing…
MAX & VERONICA
If you have not been lucky enough to see and hear Max and Veonica perform before then you are in for an absolute treat. Although from listening to their music you would swear they came from anywhere south of the Mississippi, they, in fact hail from sunny Italy. However their music comes from almost everywhere.
If you are a guitar player then you will either be inspired or you will go home, look sadly at your guitar… and weep.
Max’s guitar playing is a revelation. He’s that good. I can only watch in awe as his fingers perform acrobatics and he reaches parts of the neck that most of us have never ventured to.
Veronica is a washboard-maestro and a ukulele wizard and has one of the jazziest and classy voices you will hear. Together they are sooooooooo….good.
And you will go home smiling!
To open the evening we will be welcoming back two more friends to Grateful Fred’s.
All the way from Australia…
THE WEEPING WILLOWS
https://www.theweepingwillows.com.au
Laura and Andrew performed at Grateful Fred’s at The Atkinson last year and seem to have been touring almost everywhere ever since. From the UK to the USA, from Europe to Australia, The Weeping Willows seem to be one of the most travelled duos that I know of. And I am delighted that they will be coming back to perform at the Bijou Sessions.
Since sweeping onto the stage with the celebrated Till The North Wind Blows (2012), The Weeping Willows have firmly established themselves as songwriters of captivating power and poise. Following in the footsteps of the luminous likes of Gillian Welch and The Secret Sisters, The Weeping Willows continue to lead the way in Australia’s bustling Alt-Country/Americana scene.
The Weeping Willows have performed everywhere from AmericanaFest (USA) to Folk Alliance International (USA), Maverick Festival (UK), Port Fairy Folk Festival and Queenscliff Music Festival. They’ve supported Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real (USA), Iris DeMent (USA), Hayes Carll (USA), Eilen Jewell (USA), Kevin Welch (USA), Shane Nicholson, Bill Chambers and Lachlan Bryan.
This concert will be one of the highlights of the Grateful Fred year.
At the time of writing there are only 14 tickets left, so if you are planning to come along please dont’ leave it to pay on the door as there just wont’ be any tickets left and I dont’ want anyone to be disappointed.
So please book your tickets today from: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/southport-bijou-cinema/t-yaxzvad
So, a great month ahead of live, acoustic music and I hope I will see you at one or both of these super shows.
Till then,
Peace and Love,
Grateful Fred
www.facebook.com/gratefulfreddie