James Dixon

With a sound that is both raw and intimate, James Dixon engages his audiences across the country with heartfelt lyrics, soulful vocals and a guitar style described as “red in tooth and claw” (Americana-UK) Heavily inspired by Chris Whitley, John Martyn, Kelly Joe Phelps, Neil Young, Nic Jones, Chris Wood and Ralph McTell. In 2022 James supported Seasick Steve on all of his shows that year around Europe and UK Seasick Steve himself described James as “a soul Brother” with “his fingers in the mud”, deep praise for anyone who knows anything about the Blues.

Choosing to reject effects pedals altogether, he chooses from a quiver of instruments including a beloved custom made 6 string cigar-box guitar called “The Weight” after the Band’s classic song; a National Style 0 resonator; 1950s Harmony Silvertone and his Bulwark Guild dreadnought acoustic; all in various traditional open tunings. Well known in the UK cigar-box scene, James has been collaborating with Dirtbox Guitars (Bude, Cornwall) for many years, helping to fine tune the instruments that leave the workshop as well as using various 3 and 4 string models from time to time.

As well as playing across the UK, you can always catch James in his home-town of Bude, Cornwall, where he runs the music venue “The Barrel” and holds a monthly residency. James is committed to playing live and sharing his stories with engaged audiences. His songs…“are all “true stories”, focusing on the largely small and personal rather than big political or social picture. Giving us details of the immediate small scale interactions between individuals that we are all largely missing now” (Americana-UK). James’s music is sure to resonate with listeners who appreciate honesty, passion and vulnerability.  ♫♪♪

Supporting on the night will be

Jodie Elms

Jodie Elms is an alternative-folk music singer-songwriter from the New Forest. Her music nods to artist such as Joni Mitchell, Kate Bush, PJ Harvey and Tori Amos. Jodie is classically trained, and has worked extensively as a session singer and top-line writer. Her music is lyrically thoughtful, with soaring vocal melodies, backed by the sound of her Irish Bouzouki and Shruti-Box.

Follow Jodie’s Instagram @jodieelmsmusic

Lily Kurosawa

Studying Music in Southampton, Lily Kurosawa’s songs are inspired by nature and the raw essence of life. Singing mainly in Japanese she wants to reach people’s hearts and connect through music.