Ward Knútur Townes + Maddie Morris at Downend Folk & Roots @ Christ Church Downend
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A gig on Friday 17th November. The event starts at 19:30.


Ward Knutur Townes found their sound when the world fell silent. In 2020, these three singer-songwriters, (Lucy Ward, Svavar Knutur and Adyn Townes) were selected to take part in a virtual global music sharing experiment called Global Music Match. Teamed up together, they spent several lockdowns turning their stories into soft harmonies and intricate melodies. This year, they cashed in their stagnant travel points and recorded their debut album in Iceland. It will be released in October 2023 and accompanied by an extensive UK tour. 
 
The album is an evocative and seamless blend of these three critically acclaimed artists signature styles; it is heartfelt and powerful, with songs that take in the breadth of the human condition. It is an album that masterfully explores love, mystery, folklore and longing, each track united by having great story telling at its heart. 
 
On stage, the rapport between Ward Knutur Townes is effervescent. Each one of them is skilled in holding an audience alone, so there is an utter magic to watching their joyful, authentic camaraderie unfold. Audiences are welcomed as friends and leave a WKT show having laughed and cried; feeling truly uplifted by their epic stage presence and, undoubtedly, moved by their music. 

Maddie Morris is an artist who strives to make a difference in the world. Bold, insightful and refreshingly unique, she takes traditional song in new directions to shine a light on contemporary issues.

Folk songs have always told stories, but how Maddie makes her mark is by turning this storytelling into action. Described by Jim Moray as “leading the next generation of socially conscious songwriters”, she uses her work to highlight inequality, challenge viewpoints and provide an inclusive space for shared experiences.

Whether she’s turning a centuries-old ballad on its head or writing something new, Maddie places her focus on drawing out true meaning rather than being true to tradition. Her first studio release, Upstream, a beautifully crafted collection of songs which amplifies the stories of those often marginalised by society. Passionately political, yet gently understated, this is music that deftly treads the path between art and activism.

Tickets for the concert, which takes place at Christ Church Downend on Friday 17 November 2023, are available online here and from Melanie's Kitchen in Downend (cash only). They are priced at £14 each in advance or £16 on the door. Doors open at 7.30pm and the entertainment starts around 7.45pm.

There will be a bar, stocking cider, soft drinks, wine, hot drinks and real ale from locally-based Hop Union Brewery. Audience members are encouraged to bring their own glass/mug/tankard, as well as reusable bottles for water, as part of the drive to be more environmentally aware; there is a 50p discount for those that do. There will also be sweet treats available at the bar courtesy of Radstock-based The rest Cake Company, as well as a prize draw, which helps to fund the support artists for each concert.

For more information, please go to downendfolkandroots.com.

Terms & Conditions: All tickets are non-transferable. Please note that we operate a strict no-returns policy. Downend Folk & Roots is a "listening venue". Overly noisy patrons may be ejected from the premises. The organisers reserve the right to ask latecomers to wait for a suitable break in the performance before taking their seats. Our events are photographed and your image may be used online. If you would rather it was not, please speak to a team member when you arrive. By purchasing tickets, you agree to these terms and conditions.

Entry requirements:

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