The Black Feathers + Barney Kenny at Downend Folk & Roots @ Christ Church Downend
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A gig on Friday 15th September. The event starts at 19:30.


If you were of the belief that The Black Feathers are named because of their love of dark humour and the smooth blending of harmony, you’d be wrong.

If you were told that the name is more concerned with recognition of their gentle souls, a predilection for dark clothing and the sonic tumult of the plethora of (mainly US) progressive-metal bands doing mega-business around the world in the 1990s and beyond, you might doubt those who said so, but they would be accurate.

You’d be wrong as to the name, BUT you would be utterly correct that the sonic architecture of their lyrics and musical composition takes its imperious scope from a love of blended vocal harmony and idiosyncratic guitar shapes.

Americana to some, folk to others, The Black Feathers have those qualities in expansive quantity. Sian Chandler’s soaring, dramatic, melodious but powerful voice is a perfect counterpoint to Ray Hughes’ piquant vocals and his sparkling and occasionally spicy guitar motifs. This is a duo who love what they play and play what they love with panache, humour, delight and rather a lot of commentary on the downside of being a human.

Seeing and hearing them will leave you with a smile on your face and a glowing heart of delight. You might not think that is possible when you’ve just spent some time hearing the themes of the songs they lay before an audience but it is testament to their sunny dispositions, infectious laughter and amused self-deprecation that you can only come away from a gig feeling a whole heap better about yourself and life.

Barney Kenny is quickly carving out a name for himself as a solo artist across the folk circuits. Armed with a 6 string and a Lapsteel slide guitar, Barney Kenny’s music doesn't fall into the normal trappings of 'folk'. Heavily influenced by world music, blues and rock, Barney blends storytelling and acoustic music with his foot-stomping somewhat delta style. He has racked up several thousand views on the Narrowboat Sessions platform and also over social
media.

Tickets for the concert, which takes place at CHRIST CHURCH DOWNEND on Friday 15 September 2023, are available online here and from Melanie's Kitchen in Downend (cash only). They are priced at £14 each in advance or £16 on the door. Doors open at 7.30pm and the entertainment starts around 7.45pm.

There will be a bar, stocking cider, soft drinks, wine, hot drinks and real ale from locally-based Hop Union Brewery. Audience members are encouraged to bring their own glass/mug/tankard, as well as reusable bottles for water, as part of the drive to be more environmentally aware; there is a 50p discount for those that do. There will also be sweet treats available at the bar courtesy of Radstock-based The Great Cake Company, as well as a prize draw, which helps to fund the support artists for each concert.

This concert will also be live-streamed in partnership with Live To Your Living Room.

Terms & Conditions: All tickets are non-transferable. Please note that we operate a strict no-returns policy. Downend Folk & Roots is a "listening venue". Overly noisy patrons may be ejected from the premises. The organisers reserve the right to ask latecomers to wait for a suitable break in the performance before taking their seats. Our events are photographed and your image may be used online. If you would rather it was not, please speak to a team member when you arrive. By purchasing tickets, you agree to these terms and conditions.

Entry requirements:

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