When: 19th-20th November 2016
Where: Various locations, Leeds
In a little less than a fortnight’s time, the rather wonderful High & Lonesome will once more be upon us. The inaugural event was held in 2014, spread across numerous locations in Leeds city centre and promoted as a celebration of all things Americana. Last year it moved its geographical focus to west Leeds and the larger venues of the famous Brudenell Social Club and the magnificent surroundings of the Left Bank Church. Brilliant headlining sets from Josh T. Pearson and Julia Holter confirmed its arrival on the UK festival map.
This year High & Lonesome once more returns to the Brudenell Social Club (utilising both of the venue’s concert rooms) and the Left Bank Church. Left Bank, situated just round the corner from the Brudenell, is the former St. Margaret of Antioch church which a few years ago was turned into an arts and creative space. It’s superb natural acoustics make it a truly stunning place in which to experience live music.
Now in its third edition, High & Lonesome has expanded to a two day event and on the Sunday and in addition to the Brudenell, it will host acts on the Sunday at the Hyde Park Book Club on nearby Headingley Lane. Furthermore it has extended its musical reach to include all that is great in modern, alternative songwriting. This is very much reflected in its choice of headliners for 2016.
Topping this year’s bill on Saturday are local legends and those grand purveyors of atmospheric post-rock, I LIKE TRAINS and the Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter and supreme guitar wizard Steve Gunn. Whilst on the Sunday, the Brudenell welcomes The Low Anthem, the marvellous American indie-folk band from Providence, Rhode Island.
The appearance of I LIKE TRAINS marks quite a coup for High & Lonesome as recent live appearances by the Leeds’ quintet have been something of a rarity. This show coincides with the release of a new album, A Divorce Before Marriage, an instrumental soundtrack to a feature-length documentary on the band.
As has been the case previously, this year’s High & Lonesome festival features an excellent supporting cast which brings together a diverse range of both established acts and emerging new talent. Leisure Society’s delightful folk-pop will come courtesy of an acoustic trio performance. And relative newcomers Nashville’s Applewood Road are another group who have three members. With their original folk tunes and beautiful harmonies, Emily Barker, Amber Rubarth and Amy Speace are surely destined to be one of the many highlights of this year’s festival.
All of the information for High & Lonesome Festival 2016, including how to purchase tickets for the event, can be found HERE
