MIKE & RUTHY OF THE MAMMALS: If you were in the big tent when Mike + Ruthy rocked Cambridge Folk Festival, creating such a buzz that 3000 revellers packed the space to dance, whoop and cheer in what turned out to be a magical celebration, you’ll know how powerfully uplifting a pairing this is.
They brought the full band over for Celtic Connections too. We still hear people talking about it to this day.
Singers and storytellers, poets and parents, the couple have a down-home approach to Americana that is honest, beautiful and raw. When not on the road with their band, The Mammals, they take their harmony-driven fiddle, guitar and banjo show out aroud the world, most recently to Australia.
Admired by peers and fans alike, Anais Mitchell has described them as “a national treasure.” So highly regarded are they, that privileged access to the Woody Guthrie archive was given and permission to complete/re-work an unfinished piece, “My New York City.”
Merenda’s songs paint pictures of the world we want to live in, his lyrics embracing the notion that we are all connected, to each other and to the Earth. Sunshiner, which simultaneously honoured the past and looked to the future, won an International Folk Music Award Song-of-The-Year nomination.
Ungar’s outstanding vocal style ranges from a capella balladry to earthy soul and country. She was raised in a folk music family and learned the fiddle at a young age. Her father is fiddler/composer Jay Ungar, best known for composing ”Ashokan Farewell” which she also enjoys performing.
”Some of the best songwriting of their generation.” High Times
“In the vanguard of today’s vibrant folk revival.” Pop Matters
“Easily a new favorite.” Daytrotter
“These two will shatter any stereotypical misconceptions about what it means to be a folk musician.” Coastal Journal
”The essence of my future hope” – Kenneth Pattengale (Milk Carton Kids)
Doors open 7pm. Music starts 8.30pm. The venue is mixed seated and standing. Tables are limited, and available on a first come first served basis, so if you’d like a seat, we recommend arriving early!
