Whilst never wishing to stand still, and with a brief to develop new events Musicport, (which has always been a town-based festival) is extending outside of Whitby into the glorious countryside of the North Yorkshire Moors and developing an event that sets itself in the landscape of the historic and beautiful village of Goathland.
Based around the new community venue The Hut, with camping onsite, the festival aims to carry on the relaxed and friendly and high-quality ethos of its established festival but with more time for festival goers to interact with artists and with each other whilst hopefully developing new skills. With a limit on festival attendance of 150 it's bound to have a very intimate atmosphere and that combined with a line-up that encompasses many different music and other art forms, will make it a unique way to spend a bank holiday weekend.
If you'd like to buy tickets (which can be paid for in 3 instalments) ring Musicport on 01947 603475 or you can buy online by visiting their website.
The Ukrainians (who grew out of a project started by 80s Indie darlings The Wedding Present) continue to mix up their winning concoction of Western punk-pop and traditional Ukrainian sounds, a blend that's always best served live. As 'Q' magazine says "Going to a Ukrainians gig is like being at the mother of all parties".
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Rise Kagona Jit Jive Duo:
The BBC's Andy Kershaw cites him as having changed his life, and the late John Peel famously broke down in tears the first time he saw The Bhundu Boys. Back home in Zimbabwe, Rise is attributed with starting a whole new guitar genre. In the 1980's and 1990's, the band toured the world - everywhere they went, people danced to their infectious Jiti music.
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Alexander D Great:
Born in Trinidad, Alexander grew up in London. An energetic and inspirational performer who has appeared at festivals and well known venues across the UK including Cambridge Folk Festival, Notting Hill Carnival and The Barbican. His captivating workshops combine Caribbean story, calypso music and rhythms, and group composition
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The Blue Lions:
A band of Sikh warriors belonging to the ancient lineage of the Warrior Akali Nihang Singhs who perform the spiritual Indian classical music Kirtan, reciting mantras in specific ragas that have a profound effect on the mind and body to further become one with the soul. The Blue Lions have headlined the O2 London with Basement Jaxx, performed with Bob Dylan and Anna Phoebe.
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Muntu Valdo (Cameroon):
Muntu blends the traditions of his homeland, Cameroon, with technical mastery to create mesmerising bluesy music with jazz and soulful beats. He uses loop/sample technology to build up layers of sounds which supplement his guitar and harmonica.
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The Hut People:
The duo whose barnstorming set in the cafe at Musicport in 2007 really set their career rolling are still as engaging, inventive and awe-inspiring as they were then. Never have accordion and percussion sounded so wonderfully matched or as international.
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Duotone:
Songwriter Barney Morse-Brown (cellist with multi-platinum artist Birdy, BBC Folk Award winners The Imagined Village & Syrian musician Maya Youssef) loops guitars and cellos, percussion and voices to create ethereal soundscapes for his poignant lyrics to weave in and out of. He was recently support on Eliza Carthy & The Wayward Band's national tour.
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Reg Meuross:
A true modern troubadour who exemplifies English songwriting at its best. His appearances at clubs and festivals throughout the UK and abroad, and his highly acclaimed solo albums win widespread acclaim. “Powerful and moving songwriting” Martin Chilton, The Telegraph. “A mighty songwriter and an equally fine singer” Martin Carthy
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Matt Anderson Quartet:
Originally from Whitby and now living in London, young saxophonist and composer Matt Anderson released his debut album with his band Wild Flower in 2015 to widespread critical acclaim and airplay on BBC Radio 3 alongside a 13-date UK tour and launch gig at Pizza Express Dean Street, London. He is the Winner of the Dankworth Prize for Jazz Composition 2017.
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James Brunt:
A visual artist who works in and with the landscape ... James will be working with volunteers through the weekend down by the Mallyan Spout waterfall in Goathland to create wonderful things to complement an already magical space... Musicians will join them to create something that will live long in the memory.
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Gamelan Sekar Petak (York)
This orchestra of gongs and metallophones (as well as other instruments) originates from the islands of Bali and Java and was named "Sekar Petak" ("white rose") in honour of York's white flower symbol. The ensemble is the first purpose-built gamelan in a British university and has toured the country extensively and made appearances for children's programmes on BBC TV and ITV.
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Old Time Rags:
Duo who use folk music and dance to create an interactive and energetic street show featuring Appalachian step dance, broom dancing, banjos and the daring accordion balance of doom. They have wowed audiences across the UK bringing their show to Glastonbury, Sidmouth Folk Week, Edinburgh Fringe & last year to Musicport where they were a big hit on the Blundabus.
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Other Ways to Walk:
A project by artist Rachel Howfield Massey, who loves walking and loves finding ways to get a bit closer to the place she is walking – forest immersion training, mindfulness, natural navigation and a healthy imagination are some of the ways she does this. Join her to find out more and head out and explore the glorious countryside around Goathland.
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Under The Sun Artists
Kate Rider, Ste Iredale & Boz Halliday who helped create last year's lovely Musicport Festival parade will be doing creative things in the marquee over the weekend & will be looking for help to make things that will reappear at Musicport in October.
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Simon Wood: Learn to play the amazing and ethereal hang drum.
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Ian Clayton:
Broadcaster & writer deeply embedded in his native Yorkshire culture but with an extensive and inclusive world view, a great love of music and a great way with words.
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DJs:
We will be inviting guest DJs from the excellent Hub Collective on each of the days to keep the late night party vibe going.
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Food Award-winning food stall Yakumama will be serving South American street food throughout the weekend whilst The Hut will serve teas/coffees /snacks as well as having a full bar with real ale.
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Hidden Horizons (tbc)
The great inflatable Hidden Horizons planetarium (currently part of the Darker Skies festival) to encourage the appreciation of the wonderful night skies that Goathland offers.
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Anna & Elizabeth with Benjamin Lazar Davis (USA)
Their show is like no other. Through their immersive creative and bold interpretations, Anna and Elizabeth’s visionary partnership pioneers new ways of presenting old songs and stories to modern audiences.
