Another invitation to play at the St Ives September Festival this year! A fabulous evening of music from folk duo, Will Keating and John Dowling will be kicked off by half an hour of Ollie Jones, with original compositions and improvisations.
The festival is not just for music, it entails everything from Art and Drama, to comedy and film. It runs from 10th through to 24th of September, so come along!
A bit about the duo
Will Keating and John Dowling met for the first time in 2016 when Anna, John's wife, agreed to play fiddle on Will's debut album Cornwall My Home (Kernow Ow Thre).
During the recording of the album at Falmouth University in Cornwall UK, Will was let down by a banjo player and called in John's help!
Will was blown away by John's banjo playing and learnt a lot from John in the studio. Since that day Will and John have become great friends, enjoying performing together, on BBC Radio Cornwall, in pubs, festivals, concert halls and community spaces.
Their highlight, so far, being a sold out performance at the iconic Minack Theatre in 2021. Will & John’s first successful tour took place in 2019 to the Isles of Scilly.
Such was the success, they returned again in 2021. Will and John recorded and produced Will's “Gyllyngdune” EP which was released in 2020 and recorded at historic venues, Treslothan Church, St Just Miners Chapel and Newlyn Chapel.
John Dowling’s Banjo playing has won him high accolades from across the globe!
Previous winner, and twice finalist, of the prestigious BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards, John notably became the first non-American to win the USA National Bluegrass Banjo Championships held in Kansas at the tender age of 21.
“John Dowling’s banjo playing reminds us of the breadth of expression this sometimes-maligned instrument is capable of. In his hands the dignity of this instrument is restored. John is not just a great banjo player, but a master musician” Ralph Mctell
Will’s velvety vocals, and presence, alongside Johns world-class musicianship, is a feast for the ears, setting you off on a roller-coaster of emotions.
It really is a match made in heaven…….. well, Cornwall!
Ticket link above
