A Northumbrian folk legend is the guest on 3tynespodcast … David McCracken talks about the world of traditional singing, how he came to be a big part of it, and why sheep make for a better audience than dogs. David’s songs are rarely recorded but he performs three specially for this episode. What a treat! (fb)

The Zawose Queens at the Allen Valleys Folk Festival … There is spirit and fire in the music of The Zawose Queens. There is the vibrations of the ancestors, coming through on traditional instruments — soaring chizeze fiddle, buzzing illimba thumb piano, ngoma drums that chatter and thunder — and voices that go deep, high and out there. There's the connection to nature, to ceremony and ritual, in their dance-inspired fusion, their blend of the organic, harmonic and modern-day electronic. There are lyrics that tell, in their native kigogo, of the passion for music, the wonders of life. Of pride in environment, in tradition. In their East African roots. We’re very excited that Pendo and Leah will be performing on the Saturday night of our 2025 festival. (fb)