Organisers of the TENTH SummerTyne Americana Festival which runs from 17 – 19 July, are delighted to announce that a host of artists have been added to the already stellar line-up of Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell, Rosanne Cash & John Leventhal andT
New for 2015 is the SummerTyne Late Lounge, presented in association with the Americana Music Association UK, jam-packed with an eclectic mix of artists. Saturday night features singer-songwriter Ags Connolly whose powerful old country sound is influenced by Texan hero James Hand and is reminiscent of country outlaws such as Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard. Red Sky Julyfollow, a country trio who deliver brilliantly catchy melodies, ballads and sublime harmonies and have already shared stages with Steve Earle and Sheryl Crow. Finally Newcastle’s own Rob Heron & his brilliant Tea Pad Orchestra, winners of Americana Band of the Year in the Spiral Earth and AMA-UK Awards 2015 whip up a frenzy of western swing, blues, gypsy jazz and country to close the evening.Sunday night’s Late Lounge features the close harmony sounds of The Bevvy Sisters serving up equal measures of sweetness and sass, grit and glamour with a dash of potent Scottish spirit. Mississippi born Lisa Mills singing the blues, gospel and Nashville country while local lass Hannah Rickard with her band, The Relatives bring the night to a close with their stomping vintage R&B and blistering rock ‘n’ roll.
TRUDIE MYERSCOUGH-HARRIS on behalf of AMA-UK said “AMA-UK is a membership organisation for singers, musicians and industry professionals who promote American and British Roots music in the UK. As such we are thrilled to be working in partnership with SummerTyne Americana Festival in 2015 to present a unique and eclectic bill of UK and US artists in the SummerTyne Late Lounge.”
In addition to this, the legendary broadcaster Whispering Bob Harris, famed for his longstanding passion and promotion of Country and Americana music will be broadcasting a series of unique live recordings from SummerTyne for his ‘Under The Apple tree Sessions’.
"We are Thrilled that 'Under The Apple Tree Sessions' is collaborating with the AMA-UK and SummerTyne Americana Festival to present a very special night of unique acoustic performances in the SummerTyne Late Lounge this year. We are excited to be part of this wonderful festival." BOB HARRIS OBE.
And the good times get even better! Two hotly-tipped breakthrough artists who went down a storm at this year’s County to Country Festival (C2C) appear in a sensational double bill.
British born Callaghan is proving to be one of Nashville’s hottest new acts. A young singer-songwriter praised for her sweet, strong vocals she recently released her debut album and has been playslisted on Radio 2 and Bob Harris is a big fan. Front woman Jess Clemmons from Jess & The Bandits is a big voiced Texan with a huge personality, who with her five piece took C2C by storm and became the act most talked about on social media during the Festival.
Performing on the free indoor concourse stage are a who’s who of established and emerging Americana artists including Red Sky July, Norrie McCulloch, Chloe Chadwick, Ward Thomas, The Bevvy Sisters and laid back folk-rock duo Zervas & Pepper.
Audiences can expect the usual specially curated films and talks programme too and of course SummerTyne wouldn’t be complete without the much loved free outdoor stage. A highlight of SummerTyne Americana Festival, the DFDS Seaways Jumpin’ Hot Stage brings a sizzling combo of country, blues and rock ‘n ‘roll. The bill this year includes the soulful sounds of James Hunter Six, country duo and sisters Ward Thomas, the raw musical excellence of Marty O’Reilly & The Old Soul Orchestra, rootsy blues from Moreland and Arebuckle, Nashville’s feisty female combo Della Mae plus many more (see summertyne.com for the full line-up).
SummerTyne Americana Festival 2015 presents a strong seam of southern soul, blues and gospel alongside a sensational cast of country, rock and Americana stars. Headliners taking to the stages at Sage Gateshead between 17 and 19 July will be; Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell, Rosanne Cash and John Leventhal plus Anderson East, Dan Penn & Spooner Oldham, The Shires, Jace Everett, Naomi Shelton and The Gospel Queens, Cedric Burnside Project, The McCrary Sisters, Gruff Rhys, The Felice Brothers andPierce Brothers.
There is also a chance for aspiring singers to participate and channel their inner Aretha Franklin or Percy Sledge and prepare to raise the roof in the SummerTyne Southern Soul Choir.
This year organisers are delighted to welcome to SummerTyne, legendary soul song-writing partners Dan Penn & Spooner Oldham who penned and/or played on hits such as ‘Dark End of The Street’, ‘Do Right Woman’ and ‘When a Man Loved a Woman’. Taking inspiration from their back catalogue and led by the inimitable and inspirational choir leader Sharon Durant, singers can come and learn to belt out those southern soul classics in perfect harmony and take part in a special performance at Sage Gateshead.
All events take place in or around Sage Gateshead and there is much more to keep festival goers entertained at the tenth SummerTyne Americana Festival with musical river cruises, a poster exhibition, street food, themed fun family activities and a family gospel concert ‘Oh Happy Day’ with Nashville’s The McCrary Sisters.
For tickets and details of the full line-up go to www.summertyne.com or contact Sage Gateshead Ticket Office on 0191 443 4661.
Published on 19 May 2015 by Wayne Feltham
