Limetree Music & Arts Festival

Revolution comes in cycles. It happened with the British rediscovery of American blues in the sixties, and it's happening again in 2012. Albany Down serve up their own blend of infectious contemporary blues-rock music, whilst not forgetting to give a respectful nod of recognition to the glorious past. JB's is proud to welcome them to the stage at this year's Limetree festival.

The Alec Robinson Quartet brings together four distinctive young jazz musicians from the North of England, all of whom met while studying at Leeds College of Music. The sounds of the quartet bring to life stirring and lyrical melodies..

Johannesburg writer and astrologer Alison McCabe’s poetry is a potent, gurgling cauldron of erotic queer encounters, pagan spirituality and anarchic politics. Some of her recent poems include ‘The Royal Family of Andromeda are Queer’, and ‘Marraka Anal Beads’. Living in the glacial valley of Cornholme, Lancashire she also writes about her everyday encounters with sheep. Her favourite book is ‘Know your Sheep’.

Almost Midnight play original funky rock and are based in Aylesbury, Bucks in the UK. Front man Charlie Wood plays Bass, Sings and writes songs about life. The music is catchy and a bit cheeky, there is a great depth to the sound with elements appreciated by all levels of musical connoisseur which comes from the diverse backgrounds of the members.

After having played with chart-topping acts such as Toploader, The Hoosiers, The Twang, Jon Allen, Brian Houston, and appearing at the London O2 Arena over the last year, Andy Doonan is making serious waves on the music scene.

Built On Tradition are a Liverpool based rock outfit with big ideas. They play loud, in your face rock and roll music the way it should be played.Their blend of loud rock guitars coupled with catchy choruses and singalong lead melody never fails to catch peoples ears and always leaves people wanting more. With their critically acclaimed, energetic live performances, they have wowed audiences with an electric blend of hard edged indie and memorable tunes. Catch them now, to say you were there at the beginning.



Celt Islam is probably best known to date for his work in the Sufi-Dub genre which he is probably alone in trying to create and to help define as a sub-genre. He does so in collaboration with some respected names such as Inder Goldfinger, tabla player for Stone Roses legend, Ian Brown’s band and Natacha Atlas and Dawoud Kringle who has recorded and performed with the likes of Lauryn Hill.

“Believe me! if you love Dubstep but with an emotional heart beating its very core your gonna need this album!”
Bobby Friction

Claire Cameron Band’s music is inventive and catchy, fusing genres of rock, folk, metal, pop, and acoustic music to create a superb, melody driven sound which is delighting audiences wherever they play. Continuing the energetic Leeds tradition the band write and perform original, passionate, emotive songs with their signature mix of styles.

it will be the last show for the Clifford Village Band as they each take off in their own directions after Limetree and Sam Murray says “We feel Limetree is a fitting end to our 3 years together and we will be going out with a bang! There is no better place than the QueerinSpace stage to explode with happiness. Expect ridiculously fun songs and muscle strain form smiling too much!”

Formed in November 1984 and based in Derbyshire, England, Cold Flame have established themselves as one of the more hardworking and innovative acts on the circuit playing across the country as well as in Europe. Limetree welcomes them back to the stage for the 2012 festival.

Dean Atta has been writing and performing for more than 10 years, during which he has been commissioned to write poems for galleries including the Tate Modern, the National Portrait Gallery and Keats House, as well as organisations such as the Damilola Taylor Trust. Denouncing homophobia and racism, last summer he made a BBC 1Xtra documentary with SBTV presenter Georgia Lewis Anderson called No Homo: Hip Hop's Last Taboo.

The Devil’s Jukebox are five vaudevillains playing red-hot ragtime, dirty, dirty 20’s jazz and scurrilous blues from the wrong side of the tracks. Featuring Miss Scarlett Bonansea on Lap-Harmonium and suitcase percussion, Lotus Dubois on resonator and banjo Ukuleles, the Reverend Jim Lodge on Clarinet, Mr David Broad on washtub bass, and Dr Ezekiel Bordello on Holler, Hokum, Jug, and striptease… Jon Gomm in Sandman Magazine thought they were “darkly surreal, sinister and bewitching… for those who can’t afford LSD the Devil’s Jukebox are a great alternative.”

Over the years DJ Si Forestiero has worked alongside some of the world’s best DJs (including Erick Morillo, Graeme Park, Norman Jay and Basement Jaxx) and has played at internationally recognised clubs and events (including Global Gathering, various clubs in Las Vegas USA, Sankeys, Café Mambo, Gods Kitchen, Hed Kandi, In The City, Cocoa Rooms, Sugar Lounge, Retro and Ministry Of Sound).

JB's welcomes Dr Bluegrass and the Illbilly 8 to Limetree 2012. Foot stompin', thigh slappin' bluegrass from the deep south (of England). Available for hire for hoedowns, shindigs, hootenannys and barn dances!

Emma Decent is a writer-performer based in the north west, known for her provocative poetry and performance prose. She has performed at Emerge Festival Leeds, Not Part Of Festival Manchester and Ilkley Literature Festival Fringe in 2011, as well as at poetry events as far flung as Preston, Wakefield, Huddersfield and Chicago.

From the depths of the river Ouse and the surrounding graveyards of Ye Olde City of York five souless muscians gathered round a disfunctional PA system in 2009 and began to weave together a compilation of songs which became “A Block For The Wigs” The Fox North Coalition's debut album Following up with "Broken Teeth and Rusty Nails" they make a welcome return to Limetree Festival.

Mr Cottonhouse is the solo project of Gary Ward, the lead guitar/vocalist of Lancashire based band The Cottonhouse Shakers. Having many years experience performing and teaching the guitar, "Mr Cottonhouse" is the long awaited solo project which sees a return to performing acoustic blues...

A seven piece Hip Hop / Soul / Funk band based in Birmingham, UK. Genius Collective blend honest, feel good lyrics with funk rhythms! Limetree welcomes them back to the stage for the 2012 festival.

Hannah Trigwell has built a worldwide fan base through Youtube and her first gig was busking on the streets of Leeds. Now, Hannah and her band are set to release their debut single 'HEADRUSH' on iTunes April 11th. Somewhere in between The Script and Adele, Hannah has a truly emotive lyrical style backed by a band that swallow you up in a depth of sound.

One of Australia’s festival favourites and perennial showstopper Hat Fitz is now joined on stage by Northern Ireland’s critically acclaimed vocalist extraordinaire and multi instrumentalist Cara Robinson on drums, washboard, flute and tin whistle. The blending of pre war hill country and delta blues with traditional celtic and early Australian folk has produced a truly unique musical style that’s seen audiences world wide drift off into the early morning, often drenched with sweat and always covered in smiles.

Describing Hayley as inspirational, refreshing and unique, is without doubt accurate, but this only touches the surface of a musical talent whose depth at times seems immeasurable. With a voice which can melt the hardest heart to piercing solid granite rock without ever losing control or technique, the Leeds-based singer-songwriter has established a fan-base far beyond her home city.

"Introspective, contemplative, armed with a voice to stop you in your tracks."

Jasmine Kennedy is an acoustic singer/songwriter who sings from the heart; her lyrics a collection of throw away observations and bittersweet tales from theteenage heart which possess a remarkable power to stun an audience in to silence. In 2009 her debut album 'I Don't Have An Uncle Pat' was self-released and she spent 2010 sharing stages with the likes of Seasick Steve, James and Frightened Rabbit. Potentially the next Tracy Chapman, this 18-year-old has immense talent and an endearing charm.

Jilly Riley is a solo artist from South Elmsall, West Yorkshire, making music inspired by the people, for the people. She's here to deliver a brand new sound of freedom to your ears and souls, like you've never heard before! With a passion to fight for what's good and right ( in a non violent, musically harmonious way), this lass is on a mission to bring freedom and peace back to the people, where it belongs. She released her debut album "Organic Soul" last summer, a fresh and unique mix of funk, ska, latin and blues.....

International press acclaim, numerous festival appearances, 3 separate BBC introducing sessions, opening for various legends, including touring with Average White Band, and selling out some of London's most prestigious venues, have only added to Jo's growing reputation as a blues, soul and gospel influenced singer of exceptional promise.

Jon Gomm is an acoustic singer-songwriter with an incredible virtuoso guitar style, where he uses one acoustic guitar to create drum sounds, basslines and sparkling melodies all at the same time, and combining styles from blues and jazz to rock and pop. The emphasis is still on the soulful vocals and songwriting however, and his original material is influenced by everything from Robert Johnson to Radiohead.

Drummer, producer and DJ extraordinare Currently residing in Bristol UK Jon is unquestionably one of the leading beatsmiths of our era. Ever since Mr Scruff of Ninja Tunes dropped Jon's demo on his radio show JK has consistently been bringing beats to make your feet move topped with sweet sweet melodies. Jon's flavour is pure dancefloor candy and is currently showcasing his fourth long player rocking stages worldwide with his live band, the man will be representing the very best in UK based Funk Soul & Hip Hop beats for your listening pleasure well into the future.

Comprising of 4 experienced Liverpool based musicians, King Twit were formed in the autumn of 2011. After initial writing and rehearsals, they took King Twit on the road to Holland for a mini-tour. With a handful of successfully blagged European dates and hours of busking under their belt, they returned to self produce Bicycle. In an attempt to always remain one step ahead of themselves they immediately began booking their first UK tour, and have been honing their chops in the rehearsal room ever since in anticipation of their debut jaunt around the country.

Blues / Funk / Soul based in Glasgow. Singing lead vocals regularly with the duo Serendipity and the band Grand Central, and writes and co-writes original material, Laura's work as a session vocalist encompasses both live and recording sessions.

Born out of a love for old Americana- from blues struts, swinging jazz standards, and delta stomps to folk ballads and country waltzes, the Leeds City Stompers can be guaranteed to bring a ruckus to any party. Ragtime guitar, slapped double bass and wailing harmonica capture the era of gin joints and honky-tonks.

With a solid 7 cat line-up, the Long Finger Bandits look readyto jive their way through 2012 offering a bedazzling show of genre-gymnastics as they blend jazz, ska, circus and stories into their already hip-swinging rock and roll concoction. The face paint has not worn off, with spontaneous puppets, preaches, jokes and jiggles. Oh yes, and SCREAMING HORNS, JANGERLING STRINGS and WAILING BANSHEES!

Mad Jack & The Hatters are the UK's hottest new Americana / Rockabilly band.....They are bringing the oldest forms of music back out of the closet and giving them a severe dusting-down! Their Unique Sound, Intense and Unforgettable Live Shows & Crazy Antics will have you Jumpin' 'n' Hollerin' from Minute One!!

Maria and the Gay are two council flat gays who make synth pop anthems in their bedroom and provide a mind-blowingly different live performance. Their music could be described as The Fall meets Kim Wilde as they regularly jump from riot grrrl punk rock to 80's influenced power ballads. Singing about scruffy dogs and "daddy's bulge", this is a band who aim to challenge and confuse their audience - always successfully!

Wordsmith, screamer, storm reveler, night embracer, travel lover, truth seeker, hug giver, verse breather.

P*Starr are a Funk/soul fusion outfit from Rochdale. Based in and around Manchester, P*Starr are....Adey McDermott - vocals/percussion, Anthony Nicholl - guitars/vocals, Mick Kiernan - guitars/vocals, Neil 'Nelly' Schofield - bass/vocals. Limetree Festival welcomes them in 2012.

Pan... Artist, poet, guitarist, singer songwriter... A unique solo acoustic performer influenced by a wide variety of music. With shades of Dylan, Fleetwood Mac, Roy Harper, Cat Stevens and Donovan. A modern day Parsival in search of the Grail... in search of Babalon. Courage, love and innocence influence his music with complex droning rhythms and sweet melodic tones, passionately portraying life's enchantments.

The Pete Oliver Band play a sweet mix of soul, funk, blues and jazz with a few rocky edges. Formed in 2007 with guitarist Nathan Tooke, the first album, 25 Years In A Leaky Boat, was released on Straytown Records in 2008. The second album, Travelling With Friends (One World), is now available via The Pete Oliver Band – funk, soul, blues, jazz, rock.

The Samuel C Lees Quartet was originally started by Samuel C Lees And Graham Kidd in 2008 as a duo, both Samuel and Graham had a love of Gypsy Jazz. The music of Django Reinhardt inspired the duo to commit their talents to breakdown the "jazz barrier" wanting to share and promote Gypsy Swing with many other talented players across the globe.

Scapegoat Kelly are a jazz, funk, reggae and rap outfit pumping out a brass powered high octane performance that's guaranteed to get any music lover moving. A hit already with the Limetree crowd, JB's welcomes them back in 2012.

Scargfight Scragfight are three retired feminist ninjas from Glasgow. They have been wowing crowds across Scotland for years and their bouncy, political pop-punk will get stuck in your head for weeks! This is the sound of out, loud and REALLY proud queer women letting loose, tearing it up and having an amazing time. Scragfight make feminism that you can really dance to - and you will!

Shelly Bridgman Stand-up Comic, Presenter, Actor, & Writer, brought the Queerinspace tent down in 2010 & 2011 and we are delighted that she is returning to the Bet Lynch stage in 2012. Shelley is making it three in a row for the Queerinspace comedy stage as she returns in 2012 having won this year's Silver Stand Up Award.

It was as a young teenager in Dundee that Simon first came across a steel guitar which was gracing the cover of the Dire Straits album ‘Brother in Arms’. Subsequently his fascination with the sound of this instrument lead him on a journey of musical discovery which took him back to the blues masters of Son House, Robert Johnson & Lightnin’ Hopkins. It was the honesty, simplicity and emotion in the voice, songs and guitar of the music of this genre that struck a chord with Simon – how so much could be achieved with so little. JB's is proud to welcome Simon to the stage at this year's Limetree festival.

DJ Sony Miguel is responsible for producing the Addictive Tour Radio Show mixes along with Jimmy Bell on a weekly basis. Sony also bring his flair and passion to the decks with his own style and is often given plenty of great feedback when he provides the show with his own guest mix.

SoulFunkful are Sheffield’s freshest funk band. They hit the scene last year and are repeatedly asked to return to every venue they play, stealing the show at this year’s St Paddy’s Day knees up in Sheffield City Centre. They fuse jazz and soul within their original, vibrant material and make a surprising collection of funk covers sound like their own. You won’t be able to help swinging your hips and wanting to sing along to tracks that your funk-dar might not have picked up but will be screaming at you should be anthems. Guaranteed to entertain!

Spiral Scouts, this 7 piece band are an eclectic mix of potently talented musicians from around the Lancashire Coast, their folk funk sound will take you on an emotional journey through toe-tapping rhythms, thought provoking songs & engaging characters that we can all relate to.

We’re delighted Ste McCabe is back with us in 2012. This queer-electro-punk singer based in Edinburgh conjours up a quirky and sarcastic blend that is sure to delight, energise and politicise his audience .

In the last 5 years Ste has released 2 critically acclaimed albums on Cherryade Records, toured all over Europe and has been praised by everyone from Huw Stephens on Radio 1 and Artrocker Magazine to 80's pop icons like Boy George and Holly Johnson.

Defying genres and breaking musical boundaries, Tantz fuse the Eastern European Jewish Folk sounds of Klezmer with Ska grooves, Hip Hop grooves, Reggae grooves (in fact any grooves they can get their hands on!)

Israeli born, with Spanish/Turkish heritage alongside a Yorkshire accent, songstress Terri Shaltiel has been touring the gig circuit for a few years to critical acclaim. Described by Ian Shaw as ‘a phenomenal soul blues singer – world class’ and Craig Charles (BBC Radio, Funk and Soul Show) as having ‘Cool tunes and what a great voice!’ she is currently going from strength to strength..... Limetree welcomes the Terri Shaltiel Duo to this year's festival.

"To capture the spirit and diversity of the band you must see their dynamic live performance" (Off the Beat). "…the driving and soulful sound of The Hustle's live performances feature many of their own songs. Heavy brass lines, red hot boogie-woogie piano and lyrical guitar, backed by a canny rhythm section are The Hustle's trademarks" (Grapevine).

The Limetree Family Affair a hugely talented group of musicians, pulled in from many world famous groups. This is a one time opportunity to witness these musicians performing together. The line-up will remain a closely guarded secret but all of the line-up are Limetree Festival veterans.

Tinkering with a winning formula can be a dangerous tactic, but after two critically lauded albums and three years of touring, The Miserable Rich decided that their third album warranted a different approach. So they holed themselves up in a stately home in Norfolk to write and record, bringing in a recording engineer and a drummer. Blickling Hall, the haunted ancestral home of the Boleyn family, provided the setting, and they spent a dark, bitter month isolated from the outside world, putting together the new tracks.

Ever passionate about bringing the essence of live music back to the streets and hometowns by leading by example; both within her own music and teaching others the basic skills of guitar and song writing (skills in which she picked up within her years of singing). She began self taught skills on the guitar within her college days, heavily backed up with years of therory and confidence in the chosen arts. That and song writing from the age of 12 has allowed many years of entertainers, members of the community and more recently events such as; The Flyover Show 2010, RichMix Presents BrixLane Remixed (an event in which she hosted and performed) 2010, many years of library theatre shows, Town Hall performances and various gigs streatching as far as Crawley, Manchester and London

Electronic Dance music sample pioneers, started underground then accidentally became overground for a while, producing writing and mixing over 20 international "hits" for themselves and other artists. Temporarily stopped releasing music in 2003 to concentrate on making music for their legendary DJ sets , and promoting and developing their own club brand SugarBeatClub.com.