MFF26: Bay Bryan + Joshua Arnold and Therine + Macharia + Bek Jones

Bek Jones is a singer-songwriter from Wigan who left the corporate world a couple of years ago to pursue her love of Music. Driven by a love of writing and the power of a well-told story, her songs explore real moments and raw emotion, blending reflective lyrics with memorable melodies.

Evie Moran

Evie Moran is a nature lover, a closeted poet and a folk musician. She has spent the past decade crafting melodies, scribbling lyrics and exploring an eclectic array of influences to become the artist she is today. Inspired by the rich harmonies of The Staves, the sweet soul of Corinne Bailey Rae and the delicate poeticism of Billie Marten, Evie breathes a fresh lease of life into contemporary folk.

Macharia

Made in Kenya, based in Manchester, Macharia is a singer-songwriter and storyteller, creating cross-cultural music rooted in Kenyan folk influences and contemporary songwriting. Singing in both Swahili and English, her work blends rich vocal textures with intimate, reflective storytelling that invites audiences into moments of healing, connection, and self-discovery.

Joshua Arnold and Therine

Joshua Arnold and Therine are a drone folk duo from the North West consisting of Joshua Arnold (hurdy gurdy, electric upright bass, and DIY instruments), and Therine (vocals, harmonium and drums). As a live act they perform droning, instrumentally eclectic versions of songs in the British folk canon showcasing themes of the dark and macabre, dense, thudding Playford hurdy gurdy tunes, and original experimental folk and historically accurate charms and prayers from their first album; a concept album about 1612’s Lancashire witch trials.

Bay Bryan

Originally from the Rockies of Colorado, Bay Bryan is a singer-songwriter and theatre artist based in Manchester whose concept album The Meadow (2023) earned praise from the likes of BBC Radio 2’s Mark Radcliffe and DJ Luke Una, and led to performances at The Jazz Cafe, Manchester International Festival, Lunchtime at Bridgewater Hall and beyond. Known for his transportive, story-driven songs and cabaret-like flair, Bay is currently working on his second concept album BAYARD—a kaleidoscopic soul-infused follow-up influenced by a wide range of artists like Amy Winehouse, Anaïs Mitchell, Labi Siffre and Stevie Wonder.

Artists on stage: 1.30pm
Curfew: 2.00am
Stage: The Copper Bar
Audience: Standing

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