Set in the beautiful surroundings of the Isis Farmhouse at Iffley Lock, it mixes the cream of Oxfordshire’s Americana scene with guest performers from as far afield as Texas into a heady summer brew of musical delight.
The festival has drawn praise for its “small but exceptionally curated programme”, a tradition which is set to continue with the line-up for 2017.
BBC 6 Music’s Huey Morgan says of Little Brother Eli “I kinda think I’d hang out with them and have a good time.” Formed in Oxford during early 2013, and with a sound that brings Jack White or the Black Keys to mind, Little Brother Eli take powerful vocals, growling guitars and gritty solos to create their own twist on bluesy garage rock.
Rachel Laven is surely a country star in the making. Hailing from San Antonio Texas, at 24 she is already a veteran performer, having started out in her parents’ cover band at the age of just 5. A songwriter at 10, she recorded her first full length album at 13. Now with 3 albums with her family band the Lavens, 2 solo albums, and 1 EP with her bluegrass project band (Sweet ‘Shine & Honey), she’s setting her sights on an international following.
Flying the flag for UK country meanwhile will be Devon Mayson. UK country is going through something of a surge of popularity at the moment, and it’s surely only a matter of time before Mayson is mentioned in the same breath as artists like the Shires and Halfway to Seventy-Five’s 2014 guests Ward Thomas. Her music sits unashamedly on the pop side of country, but her gift for songwriting lends her debut release Lie to Me an understated depth.
Influenced by artists such as Emmylou Harris, Gram Parsons and Alison Krauss, The Rosellys’ first full band album The Granary Sessions has gathered praise from musicians, critics and audiences alike. Signed to Clubhouse Records, home of Cale Tyson and Oxford’s own Loud Mountains, the Rosellys represent UK Americana at its best.
Returning to Halfway to Seventy-Five this year are Oxfordshire’s own Knights of Mentis and Jonny Payne & the Thunder, while it’s a festival debut for the fantastic Deadbeat Apostles.
Once again, young festivalgoers will be entertained by the incomparable Nick Cope, while Sophie Grigson’s brilliant pop-up cookery school is back with loads of hints & tips for summer eating.
A limited number of discounted earlybird tickets are now available from www.wegottickets.com, priced at £13.50 for adults and £7 for under 13s. Under 5s are free. Get them while you can and start dreaming of summer…