Conway Hall opens its Folk Unplugged Summer Season with the multi-talented Charlie Dore Trio, supported by rising star Katie Spencer.

Charlie Dore is one of the UK’s most respected singer songwriters. In an unusually diverse career, her songs have won two Ascap Awards, an Ivor Novello nomination, both the Overall Grand and the Folk Prize from the International Acoustic Music Awards. Her 2017 album Dark Matter won both Album of the Year and Best Lyrics from the US Indie Acoustic Project, while her most recent album, Like Animals won her 2021’s FATEA Female Artist of the Year & Best Lyrics from the US Indie Acoustic Project. Charlie has also been recorded by the likes of artists such as George Harrison, Tina Turner, Celine Dion, Jimmy Nail, and Ricky Ross.

The Charlie Dore Trio features long-term collaborator Julian Littman (Steeleye Span) and five stringed double bass player Gareth Huw Davies, taking her exquisitely crafted songs and expanding their scope on stage. There will be swapping of guitars, piano, mandolin, harmonium, ukulele, banjo and stories as they showcase some of Dore’s best know songs – and some chosen by her audiences. Julian, Charlie and Gareth have re-discovered songs that have matured well, even though some were hidden on B Sides or even left in demo form. Plus they’re including a surprise cover and the night always ends with a very special acoustic version of her hit ‘Pilot Of The Airwaves’.

‘A gift for melody, brave, poignant, entertaining, original’ – The Guardian ★★★★

Raised in the East Yorkshire flatlands on the fringes of Hull, Katie Spencer’s landscape has always been that of open skies and widening rivers. The people, as with the land, are moulded by tides and stark horizons. It is this sense of space and movement that flows through her music.

Spencer’s debut release, Weather Beaten, was praised for its unique song-craft, spell-binding musicianship and crystal sonic clarity, as she brought together fans of music from all backgrounds and walks of life. The inclusivity found in her recorded works is most apparent when on stage, with a personal connection and humour that allows the listener time to appreciate the emotion of the music. Her historical gig list is extensive, taking in the world-renowned Celtic Connections and Cambridge Folk Festival, whilst performances with Danny Thompson and Alan Thomson have left audiences in awe of her confidence and craftsmanship.

“Her articulate picking, with suggestions of folk and jazz, frames intelligently written songs and is the backbone to her music.” – Guitarist Magazine