29/04/2026
DAN
WALSH Friday 1st May '26 £10 Starts at 8:00PM
We
have a special treat this Friday with guest artist Dan Walsh
When
Dan Walsh first picked up the banjo, he did so with the passion and enthusiasm
of a youngster who simply loved its sound. He didn’t know anything about the
various playing styles, the difference between the tenor and the five-string
version, or that he would in time become a widely acknowledged world-class
proponent of the instrument. He just thought it sounded cool.
What’s
remarkable about the BBC Folk Award nominee is that he’s retained that
infectious and inspiring energy right throughout his career – and has picked up
equally impressive vocal and guitar chops along the way.
Initially
captured by the drive and melody of Irish banjo, he was soon struck by the
flawless Americana of artists such as Alison Krauss, Union Station and Nickel
Creek. Dan has since explored the full breadth of the folk idiom – from English
jigs to inventive jazz and frenetic funk, modern singer-songwriter fare and even
the Indian raga – but his upcoming album returns to those down-home country
roots.
Across
all his work, he has wowed audiences with a performance style equal parts
blisteringly kinetic and accessibly conversational. As well as his thriving solo
career, he’s an in-demand session musician, recently recording with Ward Thomas
and Darius Rucker and playing live with Imelda May and Seasick Steve. He’s also
a key part of the acclaimed Urban Folk Quartet (“impossibly wonderful,” fRoots).
And he has toured the world, from Canada and the USA to Australia, New Zealand
and across Europe, everywhere winning new fans for his rare mix of virtuosic
musicianship, moving and amusing songwriting, and winning charm.
Whether
in a group, as a soloist or as one half of noted duos with Alistair Anderson,
Jason Dowling or Brooks Williams, Dan is a full-spectrum musician – an ingenious
instrumentalist, evocative songwriter and dynamic performer. From the largest
festivals in Europe to the most intimate folk clubs in England, he’s become a
beloved performer, respected teacher and inventive
composer.
