The Stowes – Album Launch of ‘Four Sheets to the Wind’

Since their formation in 2012, The Stowes have built on a shared love of traditional Celtic music and unique personal experience to create a signature sound that is becoming rapidly recognisable across the Cornish and Celtic folk scene.  

The Stowes seamlessly transcends the boundaries between traditional genres and styles, with those most notable being Cornish music, Irish trad and nautical songs and shanties. Combine with that a subtle hint of bluegrass, a driving beat and a strong passion for Cornwall and Cornish history, and the result is an infectious energy that appeals to audiences of multiple generations and enthusiasts of almost every genre.  

The group consists of members Tom, Calum, Kevin and Jamie. Tom and Calum have both had successful careers at sea in the Merchant Navy, with Calum still actively serving.  Kevin comes from an industrial background and so has a strong affinity to working class songs and Cornwall’s rich industrial heritage, whilst Jamie’s proud Cornish and Irish ancestry has created a passionate and unique playing style.  

Throughout the band, a vast array of instruments can be played, however those featuring most regularly include the piano accordion, bouzouki, tenor banjo and 5 string banjo, each played in an individually precise and impressive manor. This acoustic approach is rooted deep in the DNA of The Stowes, however the group are not afraid to experiment and regularly merge a stomp box or bass guitar into the mix, providing substantial depth and drive. Strong lead vocals and layered harmonies integrate exquisitely to complete a powerful yet authentic listener experience.  

The groups latest and second studio album ‘Four Sheets to the Wind’ was released in the  latter stages of 2020 and highlights a clear ambition to experiment and develop their sound, whilst at the same time remaining true to the Cornish and Celtic origins on which  it was built. It is also the first time the group have published original material, which stands proudly alongside select cover songs and reworkings of traditional classics.  

The legendary Cornish folk writer and singer Harry Glasson says this of the album, ‘This new album by the Padstow based Stowes is certainly bright and bouncy and should please a wide variety of people. Songs from the traditional South Australia to the lovely local references in Rape of the Mackerel Shoals and I Miss my Cornish Home, with a  couple of lively jigs thrown in. The musicianship is of the fine quality that we expect from these boys and the singing matches it perfectly. An album for every local Cornish Christmas stocking, certainly one for mine.’

Cornwall based theatre company Popp Theatre have created a new, innovative theatre space for an exciting season of performance in Truro.

Gwaryjy (‘theatre in the house’ in Cornish) contains 16 clear pods, each cocooning the audience around the stage, creating a safe space for both the audience and the performers. Based at the Pydar Pop Up in Truro, Gwaryjy is a fully accessible venue created by Catherine Lake & Jason Gerdes.

Each pod has space for 4 people, and pods will be sold as a whole, costing £30. A single occupancy rate will be available for £20.

Popp Theatre is supported by Arts Council, Crowdfunder, Cornwall, Council, Truro City Council, Arts Well, and Stephens Scown LLP.