The Sam Kelly Duo

Sam's place as one of the most exciting young prospects in the folk scene has been further endorsed by the BBC Radio Two Folk Awards 2016 in the Best Newcomer, Horizon category. Sam has gained a reputation for an incredibly high class and dynamic live show, and whether in his duo, trio or band he is rapidly becoming a firm favourite at venues and festivals in all parts of the country.

Coming from a family largely made up of Norfolk dairy farmers has left Sam with an unmatched experience of singing in front of hurtfully disinterested Friesians, and his meandering musical journey has ranged from reaching the final of ITV's Britain's Got Talent as a teenager, to being selected for the first ever EFDSS Artist Development Scheme. Whether playing to 13 million people on prime-time television, or to 10 people in a tiny pub, Sam's child-like fascination with music shines through, and his passion for discovering and rekindling the sounds of his musical heritage has gained him the respect of peers and audiences worldwide.

Tonight he appears in his duo with banjo player Jamie Francis, Sam’s main musical collaborator. Jamie is rapidly gaining a reputation as one of the most innovative and exciting banjo players on the UK folk scene, also a virtuoso guitarist.