Part of Manchester Folk Festival 2027
A unique intergenerational duo – both virtuoso players – John Kirkpatrick and Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne are an exciting new musical combo exploring the possibilities of concertina music in an entertaining and joyous celebration of their art. Both energetic and charismatic performers, this duo highlights
their kindred passion for English traditional music and song, whilst both also finding inspiration from a range of other musical genres as part of their sets.
John is a mighty oak of the English tradition, an acclaimed and MBE-decorated English folk musician and one of the most prolific figures on the scene, having performed in every format from solo shows to folk rock bands like Steeleye Span and numerous ceilidh bands He has established an enviable reputation as an instrumental virtuoso on melodeon, Anglo concertina and button accordion as well as being a powerhouse singer.
Cohen is at the forefront of his generation of English folk musicians as both a powerful and commanding singer and a masterful player of the Anglo concertina and melodeon. Since bursting onto the scene in his teens, award-winning Cohen has toured extensively across the UK and abroad, both as a soloist and with the much-loved energetic trio Granny’s Attic. Expect visceral performances of traditional songs and tunes and a few surprises along the way. Spoiler alert: get ready
for the world’s first duet for bass Anglo concertinas!
Manchester Folk Festival marks 10 years with Eliza Carthy & The Restitution, Belinda O’Hooley & Jackie Oates, Spiers & Boden, Leveret, Olivia Chaney, Fionn Regan, Pokey LaFarge, Catrin Finch & Aoife Ní Bhriain and many more performing from Wednesday 10th – Saturday 13th March 2027.
Manchester Folk Festival is a multi-venue festival taking place in the heart of the city, bringing together a diverse range of artists who represent the broad definition of contemporary folk music. Discover the best traditional folk, roots and acoustic music across a variety of the city’s iconic music venues.
Their four-day Festival Legends 2027 wristbands offer full access to every gig, session, ceilidh and event during the festival – you can book those here. Individual tickets for all headline shows are also now available.
“Arguably the UK’s leading urban folk festival, which given its relatively short history is a real endorsement of the event” – BBC Radio
