Poppy Folk Day - Afternoon Concert with Old Spot

Event information

Old Spot (Rowan Piggott & Joe Danks) burst onto the scene in 2023 with a critically acclaimed debut album and a whirlwind UK tour, quickly establishing themselves as a fresh force in old-time music. Praised for their raw energy and expressive musicianship, the duo lit up stages across UK/EU folk, bluegrass, and old-time festivals.
Now Old Spot continue to push the boundaries of stringband tradition – digging deeper into the roots of old-time while crafting a live show that’s equal parts intimate and electrifying. Their new album Old Spot (II), recorded in the Scottish Borders, captures this evolving sound with fresh material and atmospheric arrangements. Whether trading close harmonies, ripping into a tune, or experimentally reworking a classic, Old Spot captivate audiences with a sound that’s both steeped in tradition and boldly original.
Joe (Banjo, Gourd Banjo)
Joe Danks is a multi instrumentalist and singer from Nottingham. As well as being an accomplished songwriter Joe thrives on collaboration, and is currently touring regularly with experimental folk artists Jim Ghedi and Nick Jonah Davis. Joe has played in a myriad of different genres, but grew up surrounded by the patchwork of American folk music played by his parents, and has taken a winding path home to these traditions. Five string banjo became Joe's place of solace and is now the beating heart of Old Spot. His trademark rhythmic intensity and energy is more present than ever.
Rowan (5 String Fiddle, Viola)
Rowan Piggott is a folk fiddler, traditional singer and tune collector who grew up in the foothills of the Burren on the west coast of Ireland, surrounded by traditional music. Rowan is best known for performing and writing with his folk trio, The Wilderness Yet. Rowan brings his studious passion for international folk traditions to Old Spot, and his inventive 5-string fiddling pulls in melodic elements of the Swedish and Irish traditions to ornament traditional Old-Time grooves.

Rakestone Trio is 3/5ths Rakestone, bringing you beautiful songs peppered with vibrant folk melodies.

Dan Kittmer, Nottingham-based multi-instrumentalist and singer, will be kicking off our afternoon concert.