Country Cantina : Fri 6th June & Sat 7th June 2025 @ The Barn at Easington, Co Durham
( Gates 5pm onwards Fri 6th)
The Country Cantina is our annual celebration of country roots-driven music from all over the world :The Barn at Easington is situated on a 30-acre farm on the edge of the beautiful and wild Hawthorn Dene on the Co Durham coast very near to Easington. ” With the finest music found almost anywhere, with the best ticket value found almost anywhere “.
Live music tickets are on sale from here (weekend tickets only – £55.00) , however camping/mobile van tickets are booked separately (we have more spaces this year) , direct from The Barn
email – thebarnateasington@hotmail.com
This an over 18 event, also No dogs please….
This year’s line up – House of the Black Gardenia, Wayward Jane, John Miller (Country Casual) The Niche Family, Most Ugly Child, Annie Dresser & Friends, Errant Moose, Scott Taylor & Michael Littlefield, Mr Saturday Night (bluegrass band), Lost Lot , Tom Blackwell , Side Café Orkestar + MC Mr Drayton
House of the Black Gardenia –
Headliner’s HOTBG are a 9 piece troupe playing Viper Jazz, dirty classic blues & hot vintage swing music. Their another group that don’t do all that many shows, so this is a big scoop for us. So get your dancing shoes on….
Wayward Jane –
Wayward Jane’s music is a modern, transatlantic interpretation of American folk and Old Time traditions, blending roots music with fresh arrangements and original compositions. Their rich sound features fiddle, clawhammer banjo, double bass, guitar, wooden flute and close vocal harmony. Their live shows have a joyful energy, expressing the fine musicianship and playful chemistry of the band members with material ranging in mood from high- octane, toe-tapping tunes to tender and soulful songs. Wayward Jane are Dan Abrahams (guitar, double bass, vocals), Sam Gillespie (vocals, guitar) Rachel Petyt (fiddle, vocals) and Michael Starkey (5-string banjo, guitar, vocals).
The Niche Family –
The Niche Family are a family of folk country roots singers based in Glasgow and hailing from Rutherglen and Toronto, Canada. The band was formed by ex -members of Glasgow Freak Folk band The Hoojamamas.
John Miller –
A rare solo appearance (without his Country Casuals) by one of the UK’s leading purveyors of real authentic traditional country music Mr John Miller. He sings & writes traditional country music ; there’s no gimmicks and no new fangled twists. Consequently he’s the purest country singer practising his art on these islands, and one the finest around.
Annie Dresser & friends –
Based in Cambridge but New York City born, Annie is an acclaimed indie-folk artist. An avid collaborator, she’s shared her talent with the likes of David Ford, Polly Paulusma, and Matthew Caws (Nada Surf), yet Annie’s voice stands out as a singular force.
She has been likened to an ‘uptempo Mazzy Star’, Phoebe Bridgers and First Aid Kit.
Most Ugly Child –
Most Ugly Child play country music the way it’s supposed to be, high & lonesome with battered hearts on their sleeves. The band centre around the songwriting partnership of Daniel Wright and Stevie-Leigh Goodison, backed by guitar ,bass & drums. Over the years they’ve refined, re-defined and perfected their sound into a thing of heart-wrenching beauty and hard earned grit.
Errant Moose –
Philippa & Pheobe are Errant Moose. Two local artists that play & sing old time and bluegrass music with skill, humour and with beautiful harmonies.
Michael Littlefield/Scott Taylor( King Bees duo) –
If you like authentic blues music (& who doesn’t) with the simple harp/acoustic guitar line up, then Michael & Scott are just the ticket. These two musicians are sheer class.
Mr Saturday Night –
London based 4-piece classy & new bluegrass band
Lost Lot –
Not many young bands call themselves Alt-Country these days, however it’s quite a good description for Lost Lot. However they put a modern twist on the genre & a band most definitely on the up.
Tom Blackwell –
Tees-side based rootsy singer- songwriter Tom Blackwell’s a writer with a visceral and dynamic performance style, who has been playing across the UK and beyond for the last 15 years, honing his craft both on and off stage. He’s a Jumpin Hot Club regular.
Side Café Orkestar –
Side Cafe Orkestar, are a local based ensemble, playing Klezmer, Hot Club, Balkan, and other eclectic melodies and tunes.