The Horsenecks plus Vera van Heeringen

Hard-hitting and heartfelt Old Time, classic Bluegrass and original roots music. Their sound is centered around the pairing of the signature rhythmic Appalachian fiddle style of Oregonian Gabrielle Macrae and the driving yet subtle banjo playing of Liverpudlian Barry Southern. Gabrielle's playing style is the result of being raised in the Old Time music hotbed of Portland, OR and being exposed to the fiddle traditions of the Southeast through years of traveling to festivals and learning from some of the greatest players in the genre. Her love of traditional music brought her to North Carolina as a teenager where she fully immersed herself in the music of the region and became a sought-after clawhammer banjo player after releasing an album with the Macrae Sisters in 2008 that received glowing reviews in both Sing Out! And The Old Time Herald Magazine. Barry’s banjo playing ranges from thrilling and high-octane to moody and captivating, and his versatility shines whether playing clawhammer or driving three-finger banjo. Also an accomplished guitarist, adept in many styles of playing he has been consistently active in the UK Old Time and Bluegrass scene for the last decade playing with multiple groups. Harmony singing and thoughtful song writing bring this Old Time band to the stage with a compelling take on the music that moves them; foot-stomping dance tunes, innovative fiddle-banjo compositions and heartfelt and inspired harmony singing. Whether they are singing centuries-old ballads, their own songs, or getting you up and dancing with a barn-burning fiddle tune, they remain firmly rooted in tradition, paying homage to the depth and richness of the music. Whether performing as a duo or as a four piece The Horsenecks continue to set a new standard in today's traditional music scene with years of touring under their belts and appearances at major festivals in the USA and the UK, including the Cornwall Bluegrass Festival, Doolin Folk Festival, The Portland Old Time Gathering, and the Minnesota Bluegrass and Old Time Festival. They received critical acclaim for their first two albums, released in 2016 and 2018. Their much anticipated third album was successfully released in December 2020.

The Horsenecks Website

Supported by...

...Vera Van Heeringen

It's unusual to find someone who's as good a songwriter as an instrumentalist. Vera van Heeringen is that person. A consummate guitarist, highly acclaimed by her contemporaries, she brings the instrument to life in way that is entirely her own. Vera also writes  songs and tunes which deliver straight to - and from - the heart. Firmly rooted in Transatlantic traditions, her original contemporary Folk/Americana showcases both these skills: firebrand instrumental virtuosity and poignant, emotionally astute songwriting.

A compelling performer, Vera conveys an easy warmth on stage. Her live performances are intimate, understated affairs, allowing the music to speak for itself. Stripped back, potent, and full of groove. Outstanding flatpicking, heart-breaking lyrics, assured natural vocal tone and driving tunes are all integral to the show.

“This lady oozes class”

John Atkins, fRoots

“Her graceful playing is of the kind of a good malt, it tends to seep into ones soul, gentle Maurice Hope, Flying Shoes

“She can play the acoustic guitar better than most”

Alan Harrison, NoDepression

"Basically, contemporary Roots-flavoured songwriting, and concomitant playing of an eminently tasty variety, don't come much better than this”

David Kidman, FATEA Magazine

Vera's Website