Saturday 12th October 2024, 8pm
The Carlile Institute, Meltham, Huddersfield
I’m excited to announce our next local concert, which is a bit of a coup for True North Music! Acclaimed Scottish guitarist, singer and songwriter Kris Drever has been a leading light of the UK folk and roots scene for well over a decade. He has released five solo albums and has won numerous BBC Radio Two Folk Awards, including Folk Singer of the Year and Best Original Song.
In addition to his thriving solo career, Kris is a member of renowned trio LAU, and has toured, recorded and won awards with the band since its foundation in 2004. He has also performed and collaborated with many other musical luminaries over the years, including Aoife O’Donovan, Eddi Reader and John 
McCusker. Kris is also a member of the award-winning Spell Songs collective, in a stellar line-up that includes Karine Polwart and Julie Fowlis. Originally from Orkney and now based in Glasgow, Kris is a highly skilled guitarist who adroitly blends traditional folk and flatpicking styles with more contemporary influences. Also an outstanding singer with a warm and distinctive voice, Kris is a fine interpreter of others’ songs, as well as being a master songwriter on his own account.
“Immense yet ultra-supple sophistication, musicianship of the first order – a breath of fresh air” – Songlines magazine
On a personal level, I’m absolutely thrilled with this booking, as I’m a longtime fan of Kris and have seen him perform multiple times over the years. Special concerts that spring to mind include a big LAU gig at Celtic Connections (supported by Crooked Still), with LAU at the Brudenell in Leeds, a solo performance with Cahalen Morrison & Eli West that was filmed by BBC Alba, and over in Belgium earlier this year in a wonderful collaborative line-up alongside Eli, Laura Cortese and Nora Brown! Kris is a consummate musician and evocative singer, with a charming and humorous stage presence.
There will also be some local talent featured, with the excellent Katy Ryder (Lonan, Living With Machines band) performing a short opening set. Katy is a great guitarist and singer based in Leeds, also skilled on flute, clarinet and whistle. This is going to be another very special concert!
Doors 7.30pm, showtime from 8pm
Tickets £18 advance (£12 for under 23s)
This event is part of True North Music’s 2023-24 live music series, supported by National Lottery Project Grants funding from Arts Council England. Many thanks to them for supporting grassroots live music, enabling us to continue to bring world class artists like this to our local community venues. We also want to thank our series sponsor Dark Woods Coffee for their support. There will be a licensed bar run by the volunteers of the Carlile CIC.