Voices Now 8 — 10 May

Kathryn is Artist Curator, along with the wonderful folk singer Sam Lee, for this festival involving fifteen (fifteen!) choirs from around the UK for three days of singing at the legendary Roundhouse, London. Kathryn talks about the festival in this short clip. Kathryn and Sam have been working with the choirs, skipping along the highways and byways of folk music, to inspire some truly rousing performances given by hundreds of voices. See this video clip for a hint of the concerts in store. Kathryn chats about Northumbrian stories and music in a free workshop, “Kathryn Tickell’s Tales”, and joins the choirs for some performances. Full programme details here.

Kathryn and Sam played live on BBC Radio3’s In Tune which included a sneak preview of a new piece by Kathryn, “Where Dwells My Heart”, sung by the Holst Singers. If you missed it you can listen to the programme on iPlayer.

BBC Four — When the Last Ship Sails

This Friday 17 April at 23:00 a recorded live performance of songs from Sting’s album “The Last Ship” (filmed at the Public Theatre, New York) is being shown again on BBC Four. Kathryn worked on The Last Ship for some time with Sting and she can be seen here in fine form, along with a few other musical luminaries from the north east of England! It’s only available to view again for a short time after this second broadcast, so do have a look and listen. This goes out before The Last Ship performances at Sage Gateshead on the 24th and 25th April, which benefit the Sage Gateshead’s 10th Birthday appeal. 

fRoots Magazine Cover Stars

Kathryn & The Side feature on the cover of the latest fRoots magazine. Interview and some beautiful photos inside, taken at last year’s Sidmouth Festival.

Royal role

Kathryn has been chosen to be a Deputy Lieutenant of Northumberland, assisting the Duchess of Northumberland in her role as Lord Lieutenant, the Queen’s official representative of the county. More details here in the Chronicle. Please note: new curtseying/bowing protocol at future concerts!

BBC Radio 3 — International women’s day

Kathryn takes part in BBC Radio 3’s celebration of female composers on 8th March. A fascinating day of music and discussion spanning the centuries, from Hildegard of Bingen to contemporary composers. 

Summer Festivals

As February touring draws to a close we’re looking ahead to warmer months! See live dates for festival dates this summer. Recent concerts have elicited some wonderful audience responses: “exciting, uplifting, beautiful, moving”, “simply wonderful, thank you!”, “Beautiful! I should’ve brought flowers to throw!”, “I was the one dancing in the gallery!” … and, mysteriously, “I’m off to Google the Monday Men to see if I can join!”

BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards — Musician of the Year

Kathryn’s nominated for “Musician of the Year” at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. She’s in the sparkling company of fellow-nominees Martin Green, Will Pound and Sam Sweeney! Winners will be announced on 22 April at the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff where Yusuf/Cat Stevens, Kate Rusby and Loudon Wainwright III will be performing on the night. All the award nominations and broadcast details can be found here. 

Concerts Selling Out

The Celtic Connections concert on 30th January is sold out. Berliner Philharmoniker (4th February) is looking very full! And Luxembourg Philharmonie (11th February) is nearly sold out. Tickets selling like hot cakes to warm up the chilly months of the year! See Live Dates for further UK touring.

BBC Radio 3 Private Passions

For a fascinating insight into Kathryn’s musical world tune into Private Passions on BBC Radio 3, 2 November, 12:00. The programme will also be available on BBC iPlayer.

The Side at Celtic Connections

Fabulous news: The Side will be playing at Celtic Connections on 30th January, 8pm, Glasgow Royal Concert Halls. They are in super company — check out the complete festival line up here.