MFF2027: John Kirkpatrick and Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne

Part of Manchester Folk Festival 2027. This show will take place in Carole Nash Hall within the Stoller Hall building. A unique intergenerational duo – both virtuoso players - John Kirkpatrick and Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne are an exciting new musical combo exploring the possibilities of concertina music in an entertaining and joyous celebration of their art. Both energetic and charismatic performers, this duo highlights their kindred passion for English traditional music and song, whilst both also finding inspiration from a range of other musical genres as part of their sets. John is a mighty oak of the English tradition, an acclaimed and MBE-decorated English folk musician and one of the most prolific figures on the scene, having performed in every format from solo shows to folk rock bands like Steeleye Span and numerous ceilidh bands He has established an enviable reputation as an instrumental virtuoso on melodeon, Anglo concertina and button accordion as well as being a powerhouse singer. Cohen is at the forefront of his generation of English folk musicians as both a powerful and commanding singer and a masterful player of the Anglo concertina and melodeon. Since bursting onto the scene in his teens, award-winning Cohen has toured extensively across the UK and abroad, both as a soloist and with the much-loved energetic trio Granny’s Attic. Expect visceral performances of traditional songs and tunes and a few surprises along the way. Spoiler alert: get ready for the world’s first duet for bass Anglo concertinas!