John Kirkpatrick

About the show

John is one of the most prolific figures on the English folk scene, performing solo, in duos, acoustic groups and electric bands, and has established an enviable reputation as an instrumental virtuoso (melodeon, Anglo concertina and button accordion), as well as a leading interpreter of English folk music. He has been a member of the Albion Country Band, Magic Lantern, The Richard Thompson Band, Umps and Dumps, Steeleye Span, Brass Monkey, Trans-Europe Diatonique, and Band of Hope, as well as numerous ceilidh bands.

As songwriter, composer, choreographer, and musical director, he has contributed to over sixty plays in the theatre and on radio. And as featured artiste, band member, or session player, his music can be heard on over 200 different commercial recordings.

John has lived in Shropshire since 1973, where he still dances with the Morris team he founded in 1975, The Shropshire Bedlams.

English Folk Dance and Song Society’s Gold Badge 2003 (Awarded for his outstanding contribution to English Folk Music)

“Kirkpatrick’s buoyant presence and lust for this music sounds more rampant than ever” – Colin Irwin, fRoots Magazine 2009