James Keelaghan & Jez Lowe

James Keelaghan, from Alberta, Canada, and has established himself the world over as a writer and performer of considerable skill. Jez Lowe is from County Durham in North East England, and is widely acknowledged as something of a national treasure on the UK folk circuit and beyond. How these two men have come to tour together, sing together and even write together, is a remarkable testament to their shared experience and mutual admiration and empathy.

James and Jez began their partnership somewhat casually, when they found themselves on the same touring circuit of Australian folk festivals back in 1997. Their first formal tour together took place in 2001, a month-long haul across America and Canada. It is a partnership which has continued sporadically ever since, most recently when they were joined by Archie Fisher for the “Men At Words” tour in 2015.

Throughout a career that now spans almost four decades, JUNO and Canadian Folk Music Award winner James Keelaghan has created a repertoire of incalculable importance – a unique body of work, either inspired by or drawn from the folk tradition. Originals, such as Small Rebellions (highlighting the 1931 slaughter of peaceful striking miners in Bienfait, SK); Hillcrest Mine (a prelude to the worst coal mining disaster in Canadian history); Kiri’s Piano (a triumph over adversity amidst the shameful, racist treatment of Japanese-Canadians during WWII); Cold Missouri Waters (a harrowing portrait of the 1949 Mann Gulch Fire in the mountains of Montana) must surely enter the domain of traditional folklore.

Fusing his insatiable appetite for finding unique storylines, Keelaghan forges his songs with brilliantly defined craftsmanship, making him one of the most distinctive and readily identifiable voices of not only the Canadian scene, but as a member of the international singer-songwriter community.

A double nomination in the 2015 BBC Folk Awards (best singer and best new song) was a timely reminder of Jez Lowe’s standing in the UK folk and acoustic music scene. Not only is he is one of the busiest live performers in the country, but his songs are among the most widely sung by other performers, whether by long-established acts like Fairport Convention, The Dubliners and Bob Fox, or by the new breed of stars like The Unthanks, The Young Uns, Megson and The Duhks.

Jez’s own long-established band The Bad Pennies continue to attract a huge following, and his other collaborations with The Pitmen Poets,, The Broonzies, Men at Words (with James Keelaghan and Archie Fisher) and with fellow-songwriter Steve Tilston, show a willingness to push boundaries and venture boldly into pastures new.

His latest solo album, “Crazy Pagan”, his first for six years, was recorded and released during the lockdown of 2020. Twelve new songs, with Jez playing all instruments and doing all the vocal work, this new album is a solo album in every sense.

Sponsorship Opportunities: These are available for all our shows. For a nominal cost, individuals or businesses can sponsor any of our shows and reap a number of benefits - free tickets, reserved table, recognition on literature, our web site and at the concerts. For more information simply contact our Sponsorship Director Morris Biddle at [email protected]