Bringing folk together

Frome FM volunteer radio host, Patrick Moss, is bringing together a local independent singer/songwriter and international folk musician, artist and writer, for a one-off show. 

Patrick, the host of Frome FM’s Magpie’s Folk Cafe, which airs on Sunday evenings, has arranged for John Buckley McQuaid to celebrate the release of his new album, Be Yourself, with a one night only concert this Saturday, 13th April, at the Bennett Centre, Frome. 

A lifelong folk music fan, Patrick’s radio show showcases music from folk musicians of all kinds. One of these is John Buckley McQuaid, a Danish/Irish musician, artist and writer. Described as one of the finest songwriters and troubadours of our time, John is a master in crafting powerful, stylish, beautiful and sometimes hilarious songs that challenge and entertain and he has become a firm favourite over the Magpie airwaves.  

Through an on-air interview with John, Patrick learned that he was releasing a new album early this year and seized on the idea of inviting John to Frome to celebrate the release with a one night only event hosted by Frome FM and Magpie’s Folk Cafe. Given the vibrant music scene, and particularly the folk music scene, here in Frome, John could not decline the opportunity.  

Given Patrick’s continued commitment to support local talent, he saw this as an opportunity to showcase one of the local musicians he features on his show. So, he suggested that John select a female vocalist from his radio playlist to sing one of his songs with him and perform as a supporting act. Having listened to the local singers played by Patrick, John decided to invite Joanne, a local singer/songwriter and recording artist, to join him for the evening.  

Joanne said, “I was surprised to receive the invitation to perform with John – after all I’m not really a folk artist but I’m very pleased to have the opportunity and it’s been a privilege to get to know John as we’ve prepared for the event. The fact that Patrick has brought us together has been a real benefit to me as a musician and a performer. The show will be hugely entertaining and I would encourage people to come along – even if folk isn’t your thing!’” 

 Joanne is a Frome based singer/songwriter who has written and released her own music and has co-written songs that have appeared on a Netflix series and an ITV2 show. As the opening act for the event, she will be performing a selection of her own songs and will join John on stage later in the evening. 

About putting these two artists together, Patrick said, “I’m always looking for ways to showcase local artists and connect them with others. Bringing these two very different but complementary artists together has been a really good experience. They differ in style and experience, but both tell stories through song and together, will create an entertaining evening that is not to be missed.” 

To find out more about the event and to get advanced tickets please scan the QR Code.