Last here something like 10 years ago, Sheffield's Melrose Quartet have attracted a reputation for making music that truly connects with people. All four are internationally renowned singers, instrumentalists, writer/composers and teachers.

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They are:

 

Nancy Kerr (voice, fiddle) BBC Folk Singer of the Year 2015 and well-loved for her appearances with The Sweet Visitor Band, Martin Simpson, The Full English, Shake the Chains and The Transports among others – and especially for her multiply awarded duo with husband James Fagan,

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James Fagan (voice, bouzouki, guitar), bouzouki wizard, multi-instrumentalist and singer of traditional and contemporary songs especially from his native Australia. He has toured internationally with Nancy Kerr, Cara Dillon, Bellowhead, Glorystrokes and  duo The James Brothers

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Jess Arrowsmith (voice, fiddle). highly renowned singer and fiddler Jess performs with husband Richard as a duo, in ceilidh band Hekety, and in transatlantic trio Arrowsmith

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Richard Arrowsmith (voice, melodeons), box virtuoso and bass singer of great warmth and depth, Richard is recognised as one of the finest players of traditional dance music on the scene.

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In concert, Melrose Quartet perform a diverse repertoire – carousing chorus songs, lively dance tunes, ancient stories and modern pieces written in celebration of everything from weddings & birthdays to issues that affect all of our 21st century lives. This is music for everybody.

 

They will also be joined by Nigel Holmes on Bass to form the Melrose Ceilidh Band, later on Friday evening. This is a ceilidh with a difference, as the band use singing as well as instruments for the dance music, to great effect.

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“…all in all an inspired ensemble so obviously playing for joy”

Martin Simpson

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