Maz O'Connor + Chris Avery

The season kicks off on Friday 22 January as we welcome Maz O'Connor. Described by The Observer as “a highly individual singer-songwriter”, Maz is a truly unique artist. Known for her haunting, emotive vocals and her poetic lyricism, her songs are most often short stories inspired by her love of literature, folklore and mythology. After taking a few years out of recording and performing to have her son and work on her musical, Maz has just released her new album, ‘Love it is a Killing Thing’. Recorded live to tape in Spring 2025, this record is a collection of ancient songs about the perils of love, reimagined and in some cases re-composed by Maz. It marks a triumphant return to her folk roots.

Opening the evening will be Chris Avery, a Welsh guitarist and composer drawing from the deep well of Welsh musical tradition. Rooted in folk song and dance music, his work moves between traditional material and contemporary composition, all shaped by his classical training.

Tickets for the concert, which takes place at Christ Church Downend on Friday 22 January 2027, are available online here or in person from Downend Cards and Gifts (cash only please). They are priced at £15 each in advance or £17 on the door. Doors open at 7.00pm and the music starts around 7.45pm. This event is also included in our Spring Season Ticket.

There will be a bar, stocking cider, soft drinks, wine, hot drinks and real ale from Bristol’s 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. There is a decent-sized car-park behind the Parish Hall/Medical Centre, and free on-street parking in the surrounding area. Parking on the church grounds is not permitted unless agreed in advance.

For further information, please email [email protected] or find us on social media.

Terms & Conditions: All tickets are non-transferable. Please note that we operate a strict no-returns policy. Downend Folk & Roots is a "listening venue". 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.