Concert Andymaytrio - Les Damoiselles

Three award-winning musicians from Newcastle – Northumbrian piper Andy May (Jez Lowe and The Bad Pennies, Baltic Crossing), guitarist Ian Stephenson (Kan, Baltic Crossing) and fiddler Sophy Ball (422, Bottle Bank Band) – come together as the Andy May Trio to play high energy instrumental folk, inspired by the music of their native North East.

A typical performance might include traditional tunes from Northumberland, newly-composed material by all members of the band and an introduction to the pipes, all delivered with a warmth and humour which is sure to draw in both folk aficionados and newcomers alike for a dazzling show filled with virtuosity and energy.

All three members are also experienced teachers and workshop leaders. Andy and Ian both teach on the folk music degree course at Newcastle University, Sophy is a professional folk music teacher throughout Northumberland, and Ian was Director of this year’s Folkworks Summer School in Durham.

There’s a certain connection only heard between musicians after many years’ playing together; after more than a decade’s music making together in various guises the tight interplay and sense of fun between these three friends is sure to delight.