DKOS Artists 21st Jan Dara Dubh / Niamh Flynn & Charlie Birkett . Sir-Reel Clarks ft Aaron Clark. / Wise Woman / Woodlands Parents And Careres Community Choir
Dara Dubh
Harp unleashed – Hailing from Northern Ireland and quickly developing a name for herself in the Scottish music scene. Dara Dubh takes playing the harp to a whole new level with her intricate solos and use of percussive techniques and loop pedals. With the harp as her trusted companion, Dara pulls influence from the variety of musical styles that have surrounded her musical journey thus far to create a blend of genres. From trad to Flamenco, the harp has found new life in Dara’s hands as she pushes the boundaries of its capabilities.
Niamh Flynn & Charlie Birkett
Niamh Flynn & Charlie Birkett are a harp and fiddle duo based in Leeds and the Scottish Borders. They met during their studies at Leeds Conservatoire in 2019 and have been playing together ever since. Their tunes combine the sound of both traditional Scottish and English music, with a contemporary, modern feel. While exploring themes such as love, loss and nature they take massive influence from their respective homes; Charlie’s home in Coldstream, Scottish Borders, and Devon, which is where Niamh grew up. Telling stories through tunes is a really important part of their duo, making every performance as personal and as expressive as possible.
Wise Women
Hailing from the East Anglian and Welsh wildlands, power-folk four-piece Wise Woman bring an “intoxicating,” (Folk/Tumble) blend of folk, jazz, and musical theatre sounds to the airwaves and eardrums.
In just 2 years, their “startling and shimmering” (Folk Wales) harmonies have enchanted audiences far and wide, from guesting on Radio 3’ In Tune, to playing festivals including Hartlepool Folk and Lichfield, to opening for Radio 2 Folk Award Winners The Young Uns in 2023.
2024 sees them embark on their first UK tour with the release of their new single Home Safe in April and festival appearances including Folk East.
Woodlands Parents and Carers Community Choir
This is an informal weekly choir for parents and carers to come with their little ones but take part in something for themselves! We are passionate and proud of setting an example to the little ones that getting together to sing is a normal part of life. They have a safe space to play while we get on with practising arrangements of folk, Gaelic, Scots and contemporary songs. We currently perform at community events twice a year.
The choir is run by Suzanne Houston, a multi instrumentalist, singer and parent. Her background is Scottish folk music, and she, specialises in harmony and advanced chord theory. As there are 5 native languages between the little ones, we enjoy trying to show them representation and explore many musical styles in the choir.
Sir-Reel Clarks ft. Aaron Clark
**Sir-Reel Clarks ft Aaron & Andy:
A Harmonious Journey through Generations**
Aaron has Autism, Dyspraxia, ADHD, & Tourerttes and has struggled through his early years until he found music, which has simply unlocked him.
His family have supported him fully on this journey which includes his sister Chantel and younger brother Kyle.
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Sir-Reel Clarks, where father and son duo Aaron and Andy, from Huntly, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, create a captivating tapestry of folk music. Aaron’s melodeon journey, sparked in 2020 after inheriting the instrument from his very talented grandfather who had recently passed away, stands as a testament to determination and musical exploration. Despite the challenges faced in school, where teachers deemed him too challenging to teach due to his disabilities, Aaron’s passion for proving the accessibility of music remains unwavering.
Guided by the inspiration of Tim Edey, Aaron collaborates with his father Andy, a virtuoso on the guitar and vocals, resulting in the debut album “Out of the Box.” This musical venture goes beyond notes; it’s a fusion of genres, showcasing Aaron’s original compositions and highlighting creative brilliance. Andy’s fantastic skills on the guitar and vocals add a layer of richness to the duo’s musical offerings, transporting listeners to a beautiful world of music.
Having graced prestigious festivals such as Broadstairs Folk Week, Wimborne Minster Folk Festival, Haal Folk Festival, Tin Hut Mini Festival, Speyfest, Small Boats Fest, the Clarks extend their deepest gratitude to local folk clubs, Tim Edey, and The Highlander in Inverness, integral in boosting Aaron’s confidence during multiple gigs.
Reflecting on their journey, Sir-Reel Clarks eagerly anticipates entering the recording studio at the end of January for their next album. This marks a new chapter, promising more original compositions, innovative arrangements, and an enriched folk music experience for their growing fan base.
The harmonious tunes of Aaron, coupled with Andy’s exceptional guitar and vocal skills, have resonated not only with local audiences but also on national airwaves. Hearts of Folk with Mike Blackburn and Tim Walkers Folk on BBC Radio Lincolnshire have recognised Aaron’s musical prowess, adding another layer to the Clarks’ prominence in the folk music scene.
With 1 Scottish Folk Club Tour and 2 UK Festival tours already booked this year, and over 150 gigs to date, already booked for 2024, Aaron finds himself in great demand.