The 2024 Cambridge Folk Festival will once again spotlight some of the brightest voices in Americana and country music across its four stages
The 2024 Cambridge Folk Festival will once again spotlight Americana and country music with a captivating lineup spread across its four main covered stages. This year’s festival continues its tradition of diverse programming, offering a mix of musical legends, emerging talents, and unique performances that promise to make the weekend a memorable celebration of roots music.
One of the highlights will be Robert Plant’s Saving Grace, featuring Suzi Dian. Known for his groundbreaking work as the lead vocalist of Led Zeppelin and his Grammy-winning collaboration with Alison Krauss, Plant now brings his deep musical repertoire to Cambridge with a collective that includes Dian on vocals, alongside a talented ensemble on various string instruments and percussion.
Bess Atwell, whose new album “Light Sleeper” has garnered critical acclaim and is produced by Aaron Dessner of The National, is set to perform on Sunday. Her music, characterized by introspective lyrics and evocative melodies, makes her one of the festival’s most anticipated acts.
Flamy Grant, combining powerful vocals with an engaging stage presence, adds a unique twist by blending Americana with elements of drag performance and comedy. This North Carolina native has gained recognition on the Billboard charts and won several awards, including the 2023 Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk Competition.
Dean Owens & The Sinners will bring their heartfelt lyrics and energetic performances as part of the Showcase Scotland Expo partnership. Owens, an acclaimed figure in the Americana scene, is known for his ability to connect with live audiences through his compelling storytelling.
Taylor McCall, rooted in his Southern heritage and inspired by his grandfather’s legacy, will also share the bill. His music reflects a deep connection to traditional storytelling and sounds, making his performance a rich addition to the festival.
Leyla McCalla, born to Haitian emigrants in New York City, offers a vibrant fusion of genres in her music. Her mastery of the cello, tenor banjo, and guitar, combined with her multilingual songwriting, creates a distinctive sound that resonates with historical and contemporary influences.
Darlingside, returning to the festival after their impressive debut, promise a blend of harmonious vocals, technical brilliance, and engaging stage banter. This Boston-based quartet’s performance is sure to leave audiences smiling.
Rebecca and Megan Lovell of Larkin Poe bring their own brand of gritty, soulful roots rock to the festival. These Grammy-nominated sisters infuse their Southern heritage into their music, delivering electrifying performances.
Aoife O’Donovan, co-founder of the female folk trio I’m With Her and lead singer of Crooked Still, will showcase her sophisticated songwriting and emotive voice with selections from her latest album “All My Friends,” which reflects on women’s rights in America over the past century.
Annie Dressner, now based in Cambridge, is known for her rich storytelling and compelling melodies, drawing comparisons to artists like Phoebe Bridgers. Her music combines personal narrative with contemporary freshness, enhanced by her distinctive double-tracked vocals.
Jerry Douglas, a master of the Dobro and lap steel guitar, will showcase his innovative compositions and virtuosic playing. As a fourteen-time Grammy winner, Douglas is a highlight of the festival.
Tommy Emmanuel CGP, the legendary Australian guitarist known for his intricate fingerstyle technique and improvisational skills, makes a rare UK festival appearance. His performance promises to be a must-see for guitar enthusiasts.
Closing the festival, Blue Rose Code’s Caledonian Soul Cavalcade will feature Edinburgh-born Ross Wilson, known for his powerful blend of alt-folk, jazz, and blues. Wilson will be backed by a five-piece band and a horn section, performing inventive selections from the Scottish Songbook, supported by a star-studded line-up including Karine Polwart and Justin Currie.
Katherine Priddy, a rising star with her haunting vocals and distinctive finger-picking guitar style, will present her critically acclaimed new album “The Pendulum Swing.” Her performance is expected to captivate with its emotive depth and technical skill.
Lizzie No, merging Americana and indie folk, will bring her latest work “Halfsies” to the festival. Her music navigates personal and political themes from her perspective as a queer, black woman in contemporary America.
The Irish duo Lemoncello, known for their enchanting harmonies and evocative soundscapes, will perform their dramatic compositions driven by finger-picked guitar and gritty cello playing.
Allison De Groot & Tatiana Hargreaves, winners of Instrumental Group of the Year and Traditional Album of the Year at the 2023 Canadian Folk Music Awards, will offer their expertise in traditional music, also performing with the Transatlantic Sessions in a UK Festival exclusive.
Robbie Cavanagh, the Bob Harris Emerging Artist Award winner, will deliver his raw and authentic sound, resonating with contemporary folk audiences through his introspective lyrics and compelling performances.
Nora Brown and Stephanie Coleman, though separated by a 20-year age difference, share a deep musical partnership rooted in old-time traditions. Brown’s Appalachian banjo and guitar complement Coleman’s masterful fiddling, creating a rich and engaging musical dialogue.
In addition to the stellar lineup, the festival offers a variety of activities for all ages, including dedicated children’s entertainment, instrument-making and songwriting workshops, a silent disco, storytelling, clog dancing, and tai-chi sessions. Food enthusiasts can enjoy a wide selection of mouth-watering options from Cambridge’s finest food trucks and bars. The festival has also been recognized with an “Outstanding” rating at the Greener Festival Awards for its commitment to sustainability.
Weekend and day tickets are available, with a payment plan option to suit various budgets. The 2024 Cambridge Folk Festival is set to be one of the finest musical events of the summer, offering a rich tapestry of Americana and country music against a backdrop of vibrant cultural activities and a family-friendly environment. Don’t miss out on this exceptional celebration of roots music!
