BIRMINGHAM: Kitchen Garden Cafe

Sunday 27th July, 2025

7:30pm

Event information

“Warm, deep, singer-songwriters that have drank from the well of 20th century tradition” (Folk Radio UK).

British-Americana troubadours A Different Thread create a richly emotive tapestry of transatlantic folk.

Lead singers Robert Jackson (Midlands, UK) and Alicia Best (North Carolina) first met busking in Ireland. Their chance encounter sparked a musical journey that has spanned over nine years, a dozen countries, and two studio albums—capturing the love of two folk singers chasing their dreams on the road.

Their original songs weave Celtic balladry and Appalachian blues, featuring fiddle, harmonica, and an abundance of honeyed harmonies. Following in the footsteps of Johnny Cash and June Carter, Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris, and Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings, A Different Thread’s unique sound has earned them acclaim for their powerful storytelling and moving live performances. They have garnered support slots with the likes of The Milk Carton Kids, Native Harrow, and Jody Stephens (Big Star), as well as features with NPR and the BBC.

Their upcoming third album, Over Again is set for release in early September, however physical pre-release copies (CD and Vinyl) will be available at this show. The album is an ode to new beginnings and working towards a brighter future. Written around the solar eclipse, it sees the band exploring new sonic territory, mixing electric guitars with dulcimers, gospel-esque backing vocals with honky-tonk fiddle. Echoes of Old Crow, R.E.M., Joni Mitchell, and John Prine ripple through its tracks, creating a potent, soul-soothing mix that will leave you wanting to play it all over again.