We're in for something very special again this year - 100 bands on four stages over two full days - headlined by The Lightning Seeds (Saturday) and The Beat (Sunday). Dodgy feature in the line-up too, as do The Wonder Stuff's Miles Hunt and Erica, and we're equally excited to welcome York's own Chris Helme (The Seahorses, The Yards) to Galtres for the first time - he'll headline the Oxman Stage on Saturday night.
The main Dukes Stage programme on the Saturday and the Sunday will run from 11.00am to11pm, and the acoustic Oxman Stage from 11.30am to midnight.Loads of other bands and musicians will be performing on the Little Top Stage (including youth bands by day and an evening cabaret by night) and on the Firkin Stage in the beer tent (including some open mic slots, so bring your guitar) - plus lots in the arena too.
All bookings detailed below are subject to change. Click here to sign up for news and updates.
Joff Hall from Fibbers and Dan Whiting from The White Rooms Studios as booking the bands this year, so we've got true music professional insiders making sure we have another year of superb music. As well as some new names we're looking forward to the return of some old favourites including blues guitarist Dave Smith, and the ever-wonderful Holly Taymar, plus loads more.
WOW! It's getting very exciting and it's less than a week to go. Bands will continue to appear on this page as they are confirmed.
The ever changing musical collective: ‘The Arts Barge Orchestra’ has manifested again with a new identity especially for Galtres 2010, comprising of musicians from an array of bands and genres. Led by maestros Rinkadon and Topman, they have produced collaborative genre defying musical creations for both The Duke’s and The Oxman stages. They will take you to the café’s in 1940’s Paris and into the world of Belleville. They will introduce you to ranks of guitarists, ukuleles, snare drums, and double basses, with groups of singers and horns backing amongst others, Chris Helme and Andy Stones and this year’s York Battle of the Bands winners Littlemores.
As an acoustic solo artist, Aimie has supported the likes of Foy Vance, Simone White and Amy Macdonald. She has worked with bands, theatre companies and kept her art in tow over the years. Her aim is to succeed in any area of the arts which makes her happy and can provide her a living of sorts.
Her song-writing is delicately balanced between getting her business UncouthArts off the ground, along with her composition and collaborative work. This includes contributing vocal and chord-organ parts to friend David Ward Maclean's Album 'The Wreckers and her own instrumental works. Aimie can also be heard on 'The Last Days of Edgar Harding' wherein two tracks from her E.P 'Count To Ten...' have been utilised for the soundtrack.
There has also been a recent move to work with Dan Webster completing his current band incarnation as keyboardist and backing vocalist.You may even see her tread the boards hither and thither around the York area.
Now annoyingly overdue to release another recording, Aimie is in the studio creating the Lost & Left Behind Album for later this year.
Boss Caine are a folk/americana collective from York formed around the songs and music of singer-songwriter Daniel Lucas (aka GT Turbo). After spending time in London Dan returned to his home town of York and put together the revolving line-up of local musicians that would become Boss Caine.
Years of hard living, hard drinking and love turned sour inform Boss Caine's music that is for the large part acoustic and at times visits some quite dark places, but is ultimately carried along by a healthy dose of Northern positivity and stoicism.
Dan's recently been recognised for his talents with airtime on Radio 2, including a session for 'Whispering' Bob Harris.
Boss Caine, with the man with "the voice that makes Louis Armstrong sound kinda girly".
The Jitters are a Vintage Rockabilly Trio from North Yorkshire. Formed by vocalist and guitar player Chris Kee from Thirsk. They are joined here by musicians from The Arts Barge Orchestra.
Jess Gardham is a singer/songwrite hailing from York, with music ranging from chilled acoustic to funky feel good tunes. Having shared the stage with international stars such as kathryn Williams, KT tunstall, Martin Simpson and Tony joe White, Jess's music career is going from strength to strength.
Jess has toured the US and Canada, having meetings record executives in Nashville music square as well as winning a place from over 3000 finalists on the BBC radio2 songwriting masterclass and this year will be performing in the grand final of the Shure songwriting award in London being judged by Paloma Faith.
With her new band she has already toured the UK including playing at Manchester Academy, so look out for future performances. Its safe to say things are hotting up for this exciting performer.
Her debut album 'Beyond belief' recieved favourable reviews in both local and national press making her new album much awaited.
Dave Keegan plays bittersweet, melody-heavy songs that channel a host of left-field classic pop influences from McCartney to Neil Finn, Wilco & Guided By Voices.
Especially for Galtres 2010, The Arts Barge Orchestra is only here and only now comprised of singersongwriter Andy Stones, acapella trio Lennanshees, members of ceilidh band Hot Not Bothered, pianist Adrian Moorhouse, guitarist Nick Walker and Christian Topman on double bass.Lets see what they've come up with!
Nashville singer, songwriter recently relocated to York . Bringing with her a dark collection of twisted Alt-country. Like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs meets Lucinda Williams.
People: in airports are a 4-piece indie-rock ensemble residentially spanning York and Leeds. Formed in 2006 by Shed Seven bassist Tom Gladwin and locally renowned singer/songwriter Paul Downes, songs were written, early sessions recorded and positive internet reaction enjoyed.
In 2007 Jimmy Greenall (guitar and backing vocals) and Ken Sayers (drums) were recruited and the line up was complete.
Sarah Horn & James Cudworth
28 Aug 2010 15:30 to 16:00
Best known for their mesmerising, power-driven fast and furious fiddle tunes, Sarah and James have developed a reputation over the past four years for their exciting arrangements of contemporary, traditional and original pieces.
When they opened for Spiers and Boden, York Press said they ‘demonstrated an understanding of folk which belies their age’ and after supporting Fairport Convention, Ric Sanders said he was ‘knocked out by their tremendous energy and musicianship’.
Sarah and James are firm favourites of Galtres Festival, Sarah originaly played with Jiggawatt in 2008 when she was just 15. They also bring their band, Aelfen, with them to Galtres for a bit of late night dancing!
Keep a look out, there will be other appearances from both Sarah and James over the weekend.
Alvin Purple formed towards the end of 2008, since then they've played across the UK, performed a BBC live session, had airplay across the BBC introducing network and on BBC6 music.
You can download for free their new Double A-Side Single at http://alvinpurple.co.uk
With his extraordinary combination of guitar and vocal skills covering a wide range of musical styles, Simon Snaize is one of the most in-demand musicians in York, and beyond.
Simon is renowned as one of York’s finest singer-songwriters and is an incredible guitarist. Simon is also well known as an accompanist and session artist with many performers including Heather Findlay, Fish, Dave Keegan, Carissa Lee Broadwater and David Ward Maclean.
For 13 years Heather Findlay fronted Mostly Autumn, taking them from fledgling local hopefuls to international Classic Rock giants. During this time she cemented a reputation as a celebrated songwriter, mesmerising performer and awesome vocalist, possessed of a keen ability to communicate heart, power and emotion in her singing.
Heather and Simon will be performing music from their collaborative CD, Structure Of Recollection; an unforgettable treat.
David Ward MacLean
28 Aug 2010 16:30 to 17:00
Scots-born guitarist, the brilliant singer and writer David Ward Maclean, now based in York, has guested for John Martyn, John James, Dougie Maclean, Jack Bruce, Ralph McTell, Martin Carthy, Edwina Hayes, Chris Helme, John Otway and Jethro Tull.
Covers for 6 Music lovers from this power trio, previous known as The Dilfs. As The Dilfs the trio made their debut at Galtres Festival 2006 and have since been touring the pubs and clubs of Yorkshire, playing anything from the Small Faces to the Queens of the Stone Age. These local lads from Sutton and Stillington will be enjoying a warm welcome from the home crowd.
Edwina Hayes numbers Michael Parkinson and Bob Harris among her fans. Her beautifully written songs, charming stage presence and voice of an angel have won her a reputation as a true natural talent of gentle folk-americana. She has opened numerous shows for Jools Holland and Van Morrison and the title track of her album Pour Me A Drink was covered by Nanci Griffith who calls her 'the sweetest voice in England'.
Her cover of Randy Newman's Feels Like Home was featured in the Cameron Diaz film My Sister's Keeper and has since had over a million plays on You Tube.
Michael Parkinson - 'A very talented young lady'
Nanci Griffith - 'The sweetest voice in England. A wonderful young woman, so gifted and full of song, with a voice as sweet as the angels'
Honeytone Cody are one of the most unpredictable and enigmatic underground bands around. Founded by siblings Elle and Elliot Nelson and joined by drummer Martell James, the trio combine influences that span decades. Honeytone Cody do not write traditional pop songs. Often they change directions two or three times in one song pushing at their own boundaries, experimenting with role reversals, and fierce interplay. They create a contrast of beautiful vocal melodies jarring against sonic guitars and dynamic drum beats just-barely containing an explosive amount of energy underneath itself – and that tension is nothing less than thrilling.
They have been championed by the late and great John Peel, and played with bands such as Scanners, Thank You, Underground Railroad and Charlotte Hatherley. Last year Honeytone Cody toured Germany and played festivals up and down the Uk including Beacons. Now set to go back into the Studio in November to record a new EP, due for release March 2014, with an extensive Uk/European tour to follow, 2014 promises to be one of the most exciting years for Honeytone Cody yet.
You may have caught the Littlemore's set first thing today, well they're back and they've brought their mates! This time in collaboration with The Arts Barge Orchestra, comprising only here and only now, of an array of brass and rhythm section players, to back up this years York Battle of The Bands winners.
"Ex-Blueskins frontman Ryan Spendlove brought the evening to a close with some spellbinding, ass kicking blues, and slide guitar playing that was second to none." - York Evening Press.
Ryan is now playing solo and is gaining popularity on the blues/acoustic scene - he made a fine Galtres debut in 2010 and we're looking forward to having him back. Definitely one to watch live.....
Andy is a singer/songwriter based in York. A self-taught guitarist, Andy has received some glowing reviews over several years of playing the acoustic music scene. Taking his influences from people such as John Martyn, Clive Gregson, Paul Simon and Suzanne Vega, Andy has been noted not just for his honest lyrics and songwriting, but also his well-crafted, intricate guitar playing combined with an impressive vocal range. After appearing on a bill of songwriters at Whitby's Colliseum theatre, one local journalist wrote -
"The revelation of the evening was Andy Stones. He made his guitar chime in unison with his voice in such a way as to render the audience spellbound. An excellent musician who lets his skill serve the song, rather than needlessly being flashy. Mr Stones got a well deserved encore. If you see he's playing in the area again, please go and see him. I doubt you'll be disappointed."
Miles and Erica join us hot off their UK Hup tour. We're anticipating much singing along to some Wonder Stuff classics. Miles Hunt is the singer / guitarist and songwriter for the pop band The Wonder Stuff.
Since the end of 2006, Miles and Erica have combined The Wonder Stuff’s touring and recording schedule with their own acoustic work of Miles and Erica. With a live album and two studio albums now under their belt, the duo regularly tour the length and breadth of the UK, playing to both smaller audiences and large festival crowds alike supplying a mix of tracks from Hunt's entire career, alongside inter-song banter and some explanations into the stories behind the songs.
20 years having passed since its birth, it would appear the media has decided that 2014 is the year we re-discover and reconsider the indie-rock explosion dubbed ‘Britpop’ – but while the press indulge in some harmless 90s nostalgia, one of the scene’s most distinctive voices is busy carving out a new niche for himself. Chris Helme, singer with John Squire’s legendary post-Stone Roses Britpop outfit, has proven in his most recent work what an artist with a successful commercial past can achieve when they unshackle themselves from an oversimplified version of their history, and focus on the more complex reality of their present.
What was obvious from Day One of Chris Helme’s career was that he was in possession of a truly special voice. Chris’ voice was just as distinctive a part of the Seahorses sound as John Squire’s guitar tone – no small feat. As frontman for the Seahorses, Chris took the adenoid twang of the “northern indie” rock singer and imbued it with a lilting folk-club creativity honed around the open mic scene of his native York. The Seahorses’ huge success took Chris around the globe, but when the band imploded in 1999, Chris returned to his home-town, determined to rediscover those roots, in order to move forward anew.
Two albums with a newly formed band The Yards followed. Operating within classic 60s/70s rock structures, Chris spent this stage of his career developing rapidly as a songwriter and a singer. The voice gained the gravel and grit of age and experience. Sporadic solo acoustic shows began to be spoken about in hushed, reverent tones – his cover of Nina Simone’s Be My Husband (retitled by Jeff Buckley as Be Your Husband) remains a show-stopping spine-tingler. As Chris’s command of his voice grows, so to his command of an audience. Playing to sell-out crowds up and down the country, few artists can hush a rowdy crowd like Chris Helme.
Chris’ journey led him, finally, to The Rookery. Released in 2012 to broad critical acclaim, The Rookery surely exceeded the expectations of even his most loyal fans. Twining wyrd early 70s Brit-folk with rumbling dark- skies Americana, The Rookery is a gorgeously arranged album dealing in self-doubt, melancholy and uncertainty. Fuzzed guitars growl, lysergically inclined strings swoop and swirl discordantly - and at the centre of this storm, that familiar voice, somehow simultaneously stronger and more hesitant than we’ve heard it before. And while The Rookery does feel like a culmination of Chris’ previous work, what it really feels like is the beginning of a new chapter. When Chris releases the follow-up to The Rookery later this year, it will be fascinating to see where his story goes next.
Festival organisers are delighted to announce that The Lightning Seeds will headline the main stage on Saturday night. The Lightning Seeds are an alternative pop and rock band from Liverpool formed by singer and guitarist Ian Broudie, who is also the main songwriter for the band.
They are best known for their single "Three Lions" and the album Jollification. They have achieved two 1 singles in the UK Singles Chart, as well as Top 20 and Top 50 success in the UK Album Charts.
Funky folk tunes, saucy songs and an infectious stage energy, Blackbeard's Tea Party mix fiddles & squeezeboxes, guitar noise & synth bass, and a feast of international hand percussion to bring to Galtres an unforgettable folk-rock extravaganza.
Grounded in English traditions - but never afraid to explore more exotic musical avenues - they create a sound that is equal parts tasty, dramatic and danceable.
We welcome them back to Galtres for the fourth time by huge popular demand - they will follow Levellers!
One way street are a four member indie / alternative Rock youth band.
The band have been together for just over a year but with a new lead singer. Their music is original and all songs are written by the band, with the occasional cover. They have played in venues such as Fibbers, Speakeasy, and the Basement and also a few more local venues.
The drummer and guitarist are twins, and started learning their instruments 6 years ago.
Nick Tudor
29 Aug 2010 11:00 to 11:30
Nick started writing songs in 1992 and didn't do as everyone else in his town did and do covers, no he set to work honing his style and crafting his songs which would hopefully one day propell him to the bigger stage. why do covers when you can write this good?
Influenced by Neil Finn and Paul Weller; Nick is a classic songwriter full of passion and melody.
Trophy Club consists of Ollie, Dec, Craig and Rich who have been playing and recording music together for years. The band were formerly know as Swimwear Juniors but decided to have a break due to members starting uni. In December 2009 the guys decided to start playing music together once again and Trophy Club was born. Since then a full new sound and set has been created......... Their music has been described similar to the likes of Noah And The Whale, Nizlopi, Kings of Leon and many more
Yorkulele
29 Aug 2010 12:30 to 13:00
The Arts Barge Presents…. Yorkulele.
You are invited to join Holly Taymar and Yorks only Ukulele Orchestra on stage to give a concert of popular hits on a hundred (or so) tiny instruments - rock out small time!
Preceded by ukulele workshops for anyone who can play a chord on a guitar.
Melodramatic popsters Dorien Starre mix the open and expressive tone of singer Leo’s melody set against drummer Andy’s infectious rhythm giving Ian (guitar) & Al (bass) the drama to crank up a theatrical style. Intoxicated by the same air that bands like Wild Beasts suck in: live shows are punctuated by blistering guitar and disco beats that thump and barge frivolity at the audience; novel, very fun.
The Arts Barge Project Presents...........Rinkadon and Friends. Aka Richard Ormrod from Leeds, Rinkadon plays soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones, alto and bass clarinets and concert flute, accordion, piano, guitar, steel pan and various made-up instruments. He performs, composes and arranges for a variety of projects, including dance, film and the theatre. He regularly performs his music in a variety of groups and also writes for and directs community jazz orchestra 'Dales Jam'. Rinkadon is teaming up with Christian Topman to create and direct the numerous Galtres Festival ‘Arts Barge Orchestras’. In this half half hour, he's doing his own thing!
Andy Curry is a rock / country / blues / folk / pop / whatever songwriter based in the north of England. He wields songs about gin, hot showers, shotgun marriages, escaping from Manchester, vampires, lifeboats and being beaten up on a wet Thursday night. Andy also often plays with his band. The culmination of an extended series of bets - The Andy Curry Band sees the eponymous songwriter turning his one-man acoustic songs into loud, noisy, distorted slices of rootsy joy. He has previously supported the likes of American Music Club, King Creosote, James Yorkston, Gravenhurst and Jeremey Warmsley amongst many others.Andy is also bass player for post-punk rock band Glass. Myspace
Lost From Atlas are an instrumental, alternative post-rock trio from Yorkshire born in 2008. Influences range from 65daysofstatic and Explosions In The Sky to Battles and Foals. They bring a refreshing blend of ambient melody and intense, instrumental technicality, stitching it all together with epic climaxes.
The Arts Barge Project Presents.....Mundo Rendezvous.
A collaboration led by Rinkadon and Topman featuring Jazzmuno's Djangoesque Hot Club rythmns together with Em Whitfield Brooks, the Lennanshees and as many guitarists as they can fit on the stage!
Jim Feakes (vocals/guitar), Jack Jewers (bass), Jack Holdstock (drums) and Eddie Coates (guitar) pump out a hurricane of fuzzed-up guitar, battered-to-death drums and a howling vocal that would put the Baskervilles pooch to shame, this is the sound of The Federals.
“This York quartet excel at feral garage rock which suggest more than a few nuggets comps in the communal record collection.” Pete Paphides, The Times
“Demo of the week!” Steve Lamacq, Radio One
Dave Smith
29 Aug 2010 15:30 to 16:00
Acoustic Country Blues. Dave has played wondrous set at Galtres Festivals every year since 2006 and we're delighted to have him back again this year with double bass player Mike Jackson. If you think you can play the guitar you'll be humbled by this maestro...
Having recorded and released their debut album "Broken homes and the halfway house" early in 2009, 98Pages have been been performing on numerous mini-tours, festivals and radio stations all over the UK these past 12 months.
After a LOT of shows, a lot of cities, sleep deprivation and some ridiculous stories to tell, 98Pages are back home working on new ideas. Blasting out numerous new songs over the past couple of months (both live and in the studio) there are some very good vibes buzzing around this next release, and 98Pages cannot wait to bring them out into the light.
Check out the tracks on Myspace to get a taste for the Broken homes' album, and new tunes will be available very soon!
GLASS have already shared a stage with up and coming national acts like Ipso Facto, Cinematics, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart and Victorian English Gentlemen’s Club.
Formed in early 2008 GLASS represent the best of the classic post-punk and new-wave acts while tapping into the current vogue of dark rock (Editors, White Lies, Interpol etc). The band consists of Alexander King (vocals and guitar), Andy Curry (vocals and synths) and Dan Whiting (drums).
Yorkshire band Copasetics have been playing their own edgy blend of ska and punk with hints of reggae since 2009. Since the band's inception they've supported a number of key ska/punk bands including Ruts DC, The Beat, Neville Staple, Random Hand, Sonic Boom Six and Jaya the Cat. They have also been interviewed on BBC York Introducing and played sets at Tramlines, Galtres (2010), Rebellion and Pie Race festivals.
Copasetics have already self-released two EPs and started work on a new album earlier this year - so you will definitely get to hear some of their new material in their Galtres set!
Jimmy the Squirrel is a 5 piece band from London and Nottingham, taking influences from ska, punk and reggae bands from all over the world. The band's sound has evolved through punk and ska into a stripped down ska/reggae sound in the vein of Bedouin Soundclash, and the King Blues.
Jimmy's formative months saw regular gigs and parties in Nottingham which have branched out to other cities as the band's momentum has grown, taking in gigs with The Big, King Blues, Catch-It Kebabs, Fandangle, P.O Box and Mouthwash, and a tour with Babar Luck along the way.
In April 2008 Jimmy the Squirrel signed to Do The Dog Records and are touring throughout August to promote their debut release on the label, an eponymous 4 track EP.
Chris Helme has been supportive of The Arts Barge Project from its conception and there’s excitement in the air for his Arts Barge Orchestra debut at Galtres 2010. Chris and The Arts Barge Players are joined by Andy Stones and guitarist Nick Walker to create some sunshine festival goodtime singalongs. You don't want to miss it!
York based rock kraken, going from strength to strength.
Career high lights include T in the Park, Cambridge Rock Festival and IndigO2 performances, along with rave reviews of their debut album, the band are currently setting their sights on conquering the European market whilst working on their second album to be released in 2014.
Forged from the members of The Seahorses/Yards, Hijak Oscar, Idle Jack and the Big Sleep and The Blackwater Trio, We Could Be Astronauts are an unrelenting riff machine that combine the iconic rock sound of yesteryear with the modern rock giants of today with a hairy vengeance.
'It’s hard not to feel a puff of pride as a reviewer when a band you’ve championed from an early stage in their career prove you right.'......'a quality act, and what’s more, they’re a proper rock band, in the traditional sense' - Christopher Nosnibo, whisperinandhollerin.
'...intelligently crafted, and wonderfully delivered, lyrics...' - Billy Jackson, Soundsphere.
Tears of Ishtar are a five piece instrumental outfit that trade in the standard bravado and convention of live musical performance for the delivery of epic swirling soundscapes and progressive phonic movements. These architects of darkness and uncertainty will take you on a journey full of twists and turns. They intricately weave visions of triumph and grandeur into overwhelming feelings of crushing grief and sombre dislocation; giving with one hand whilst taking with the other. The bands truly unique style may well leave you wondering where (or who) you are as the curtain finally falls, but you will undoubtedly walk away having gained ‘something’ quite unexpected but inexorably fulfilling.
Dodgy are an English power pop rock trio that rose to prominence during the Britpop era of the 1990s. Best known for their hits "Staying Out For The Summer," "If You're Thinking Of Me" and "Good Enough" which was their biggest hit, reaching number 4 in the UK chart. Their music has been compared to that of The Who and The Hollies and more generally, with the Northern Soul movement.
Catch-it Kebabs are at the forefront of the current British ska movement and are loving every minute of it. Yorkshire based 9-piece are renown their eclectic string of styles under their belt ranging from blazing ska/punk & peppy 2-tone to surging 3rd wave ska & sassy swing-core.
Sunday’s main stage will be headlined by The Beat. The band were formed in Birmingham in 1978, during a period of high unemployment and social upheaval. Their songs fuse ska, pop, soul, reggae and punk rock, and their lyrics deal with themes of love, unity and sociopolitical topics. The Beat toured the world with well-known artists such as David Bowie, The Clash, The Police, The Pretenders, R.E.M., The Specials and Talking Heads.
Everett, Saxa and Neil Deathridge combined with Tony O'Donnell, Andy Pearson, Dave 'Blockhead' Wright on keyboards and Roger's son Murphy make up the new The Beat lineup. Combining some of the old classics with some brand new material.
Sarah Horn, James Cudworth and Danny Watson will be joined by Andrew Horn (Sarah's brother) to close the 2010 festival as JiggaWatt-ish.
If you're a Galtres regular you'll recognise Sarah & Danny from JiggaWatt & particularly remember last year's storming late night set of fast & furious fiddle tunes.
Here's your chance to catch them again for another exciting end of festival stomp!