A Different Thread at The Canteen
Headfirst Editor's Pick

"Free entry! British-Americana troubadour duo A Different Thread weave together the roots of traditional Celtic balladry with Appallachian bluegrass + country to create a richly emotive strain of contemporary transatlantic folk - featuring fiddle, banjo, double bass and an abundance of honeyed vocal harmonies. Timeless!"

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A gig held at The Canteen on Thursday 5th June. The event starts at 21:30.


Free entry!

British-Americana troubadours A Different Thread create a richly emotive tapestry of transatlantic folk.

Lead singers Robert Jackson (Midlands, UK) and Alicia Best (North Carolina) first met busking in Ireland. Their chance encounter sparked a musical journey that has spanned over nine years, a dozen countries, and three studio albums— capturing the love of two folk singers chasing their dreams on the road.

Backed by Mike Seal on double bass, their original songs weave Celtic balladry and Appalachian blues, featuring fiddle, harmonica, and an abundance of honeyed harmonies.

Following in the footsteps of Johnny Cash and June Carter, Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris, and Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings, A Different Threadʼs unique sound has earned them acclaim for their powerful storytelling and moving live performances. They have garnered support slots with the likes of The Milk Carton Kids, Native Harrow, and Jody Stephens (Big Star), as well as features with NPR and the BBC.

Their third album, Over Again (Sept 2025), is an ode to new beginnings and working towards a brighter future. Written around the solar eclipse, it sees the band exploring new sonic territory, mixing electric guitars with dulcimers, gospel-esque backing vocals with honky-tonk fiddle. Echoes of Old Crow, R.E.M., Joni Mitchell, and John Prine ripple through its tracks, creating a potent, soul-soothing mix that will leave you wanting to play it all over again.

Entry requirements: 18+

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