The Shires, Alabama 3 and The Magic Numbers among additions to Black Deer Festival 2019

The latest list of additions to the 2019 Black Deer Festival include UK country duo The Shires returning to the UK for a Sunday night show at the festival. Other names added today (May 9th) include Alabama 3 performing an acoustic set, The Magic Numbers, Stephen Spender and The Breretons. They will join an already impressive list that includes The Mavericks, John Butler Trio, Band of Horses and Billy Bragg. The festival will also host a panel celebrating the history of AMA-UK with Stevie Freeman, Bob Harris OBE and Emily Barker among those set to participate. Much more about the festival, which takes place at Eridge Park, Kent on 21st-23rd June 2019, follows:

Black Deer are proud to announce that The Shires will be adding to the ultimate celebration of Americana and country in Eridge Park this June. Having become one of the most talked about acts in the home of country music, and with a legion of fans on both sides of the Atlantic, the Nashville based duo have a lot to offer to the new UK festival. Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes have two gold-certified record-breaking albums in their arsenal of brilliantly crafted songs, and have even worked with Ed Sheeran. The audience at Black Deer can look forward to the pair performing their hits after returning to their home country for a special performance this summer.

On playing Black Deer Festival, The Shires say;

“We’re really excited to play Black Deer Festival with some of the most influential artists in Americana and country music. We can’t wait to perform in the stunning surroundings of Eridge Park in just a few short weeks - it’s going to be a truly special summer show.”

In homage to the classic delta blues slide players like Mississippi Fred McDowell, Howling Wolf, John Lee Hooker and their own Rockfree Base, Alabama 3 will present a stripped down acoustic set at Black Deer 2019. Complete with Larry Love's gravelly ash-stained vocals and Nick Reynolds bank robber melodies on harmonica, they promise a raucous and unrestrained rendition of their esteemed back catalogue. After emerging in London in the late 90’s the nine-piece band have become synonymous with Americana, leftist politics and laughter - and through their brilliantly theatrical live shows command a huge following here.

Larry Love of Alabama 3 says;

"Alabama3 are extremely excited to be invited to The Black deer Festival so keep your stetsons sharp , your yodels high and your hoedowns low......The Sheriffs lost his badge and the deputy is in the jailhouse now!"

UK-based four-piece The Magic Numbers also join the line-up for Black Deer today, bringing unique harmonies, melodic hooks, songwriting craftsmanship and a timeless sound. Comprised of two pairs of brothers and sisters (Romeo and Michele Stodart, Sean and Angela Gannon), the Mercury Music Prize nominees are set to resonate with the family friendly Black Deer audience. The band have previously toured around the world with the likes of Brian Wilson, Neil Young & Crazy Horse, The Flaming Lips, Sonic Youth, The Who, Morrissey, U2 and Bright Eyes to name a fe

Adding a dose of catchy, heartfelt soul, Canadian singer-songwriter Stephen Spender is announced to play Black Deer, whilst he currently resides in London to record his forthcoming fourth LP. Spenders’ affinity with the UK began after studying at the Academy of Music and Dramatic Art in London early on in his career, and sings with a raspy, honest and melodic voice which he honed over the years busking in Canada. His experience in Canada and the UK has lead to comparisons to the likes of English songwriter David Gray, as well as American legends Paul Simon and Ray LaMontagne.

Black Deer Festival is also happy to welcome Kent locals The Breretons into the fold this year. Described as noir folk draped in hard rock sentiments, The Brereton's debut album exhibits dark undertones drawing from long days and nights growing up in the Kent sticks. The band are set to bring their own special glimmer of Americana to Eridge Park in June 2019.

In addition to these incredible new names and outstanding previously announced artists, Black Deer Festival is proud to announce that professional trade association The AMA-UK take to the Live Fire stage to engage festival goers in the history of the prestigious group. The panel will see UK Country trailblazers Stevie Freeman (AMAUK CEO), Bob Harris OBE (Legendary BBC Radio 2 Country show DJ), Emily Barker (UK Artist Of The Year winner 2018), Robert Vincent (Bob Harris Emerging Artist winner 2016, UK Album of The Year 2018), Danni Nicholls (Nominee Album and Artist 2017 & 2018) take to the stage to share story of The AMA-UK in all its glory, from formation through to its vital award shows.

ARTISTS ANNOUNCED TODAY

THE SHIRES

ALABAMA 3 ACOUSTIC

THE MAGIC NUMBERS

STEPHEN SPENDER

THE BRERETONS

MG BOULTER

GWENIFER RAYMOND

THE FOLLY BROTHERS

THE LOWLY STRUNG

MA POLAINES GREAT DECLINE

LOUIS RIVE

HOLLIE ROGERS

LUCY KITT

CIARA RAFFERTY

RYAN FARMER

HOLLY ROSE WEBBER

TICKET INFORMATION
Tier 3 tickets on sale now and are available from https://blackdeerfestival.com/tickets/
Adult weekend ticket prices from £140 - subject to booking fees.

For more news about Black Deer Festival please check out previous RGM coverage of the festival.