Evie Ladin and Sophie Wellington at The Cumberland Arms

Evie Ladin and Sophie Wellington are both regularly described as “spitfires,” and put on a stellar show. A generation apart, they both grew up deep in the traditional folk music/dance scenes in the Eastern US, that catapulted them into professional careers. Exploring an extensive shared repertoire of old-time and American roots music, both as much percussive dancers as multi-instrumentalists, they make a powerful duo.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4c-G5uTciVA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZZLijtSZ14

Oakland, California-based banjo player, singer, songwriter, percussive-dancer, choreographer and square-dance caller, Evie Ladin has toured the UK many times - with the Stairwell Sisters, Keith Terry, and this upcoming special run. “A natural entertainer with a gift for infusing folk practices with contemporary verve.” – San Francisco Chronicle, Evie’s performances, recordings and teaching reconnect Appalachian music/dance with other African-Diaspora traditions, and have been heard from A Prairie Home Companion to Lincoln Center, Celtic Connections to Edinburgh Tradfest, Brazil to Bali. www.evieladin.com

Sophie Wellington plays old time music on fiddle, guitar, voice and feet, and enjoys connections between traditional repertoire and spontaneous improvisation. A Staunton, Virginia native, Berklee graduate, Boston-based, Sophie’s been kicking up a storm in performance, and teaching at camps. In 2024, she's been touring big stages with acclaimed musician and storyteller Willi Carlisle, simultaneously fiddling and flatfooting in an impassioned display of rhythm and skill. Her solo program integrates dance, instrumentals, and singing in a singular musical expression. www.sophiewellington.com

Support comes from:

Alasdair Paul and Sam Baxter:

Alasdair Paul is a musician, composer and producer from Wester Ross, now living in Newcastle. Most known for his playing with Pons Aelius, the Heather Ferrier Trio and his duo with Amy Leach - Alasdair’s music draws as much on his roots in traditional Scottish music as it does on the diverse and vibrant Newcastle music scene. He is joined by local fiddler Sam Baxter who will be weaving introspective and warm melodies through Ali's songs to create an emotional and deeply personal performance.

Chiara Imbalzano Hilton:

Fiddler and recent Folk degree graduate Chiara Imbalzano Hilton showcases her combined background of classical training and folk playing styles to bring a distinctive edge to the exciting traditional repertoire of Scotland and Canada. Chiara combines a range of influences and deep understanding of her repertoire with skill and flair, and is joined by powerhouse multi-instrumentalist Alex Walters on piano and guitar.

Doors 7PM