PPY & The Black Swan Folk Club presents
Bella Gaffney
Kate Griffin
Sunday 27th October, 7.30pm
Tickets are £12.50 (+ b/f) in advance (more on the door) and available from See Tickets.

*This is a seated show with all seating unreserved*

Bella Gaffney (of The Magpies) is a folk troubadour whose music seamlessly weaves together original compositions and traditional tunes from both British folk and Americana traditions. Winner of the prestigious 2016 Celtic Connections Danny Kyle Award, Bella is celebrated for her folk-inspired songwriting and unique arrangements of traditional pieces.

In 2023, Bella released her latest album, ‘Reflections,’ which beautifully captures the essence of connections formed during the lockdown period. Her singles, ‘Fair and Tender Ladies’ and ‘Blood in the Earth,’ featuring duets with Sam Kelly and Leesa Gentz (Hussy Hicks), received widespread acclaim and BBC radio airplay.

Apart from her solo endeavors, Bella is a vital member of the folk band The Magpies, lauded as ‘effervescent’ by The Sunday Times. The Magpies have garnered national and international recognition, including a live session on BBC Radio 2 and hosting an annual sold-out festival.

Bella’s live performances are a captivating journey through folk storytelling, leaving audiences with earworm melodies, foot-tapping rhythms, and smiles from her off-beat humor. Her work has been praised by critics and fellow musicians alike, with Americana UK calling her album “a compelling collection” and Mike Harding hailing her as a “great singer, great guitarist, [and] really interesting songwriter.” The Daily Mail describes The Magpies music as “folk with finesse.”

Press:

‘A fine blend of original and traditional songs from Bella Gaffney of The Magpies… showcasing her exceptional guitar, banjo, and vocals.’
8/10, Americana UK

‘…an absolutely impressive album. Hit repeat and get lost in this one.’
Fatea Magazine

‘… one of the best folk albums in whatever year it was released.’
Folk Radio

Kate Griffin

Kate Griffin is a clawhammer banjo player, singer and composer emerging on the UK folk and world scene. Described as “one of the top banjo players in the country” by virtuoso Dan Walsh, her innovative banjo style combines both traditional UK and American folk, whilst also placing the banjo in a contemporary setting. In 2018 Kate formed award winning global folk collective MISHRA, alongside musical partner Ford Collier, with their debut album released autumn 2019. As of 2021 she also performs as part of critically acclaimed transatlantic neo-folk band THE MAGPIES. Kate is a fellow of international music exchange programme MAKING TRACKS 2020 with plans for future international collaboration, recently receiving a grant from EFDSS to explore collaboration with a Mozambique artist.

Bella Gaffney
Kate Griffin
Sunday 27th October, 7.30pm
Tickets are £12.50 (+ b/f) in advance (more on the door) and available from See Tickets.