SONGDOG (BYOB)
2024-09-26 19:00 - 21:00 (Europe/London) | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
Songdog are a folk noir trio based around Welsh songwriter Lyndon Morgans, whose most recent album ‘Of Gods And Men’ received glowing reviews in Uncut, Mojo, RnR, Goldmine and Americana UK amongst others. Previous albums were released to equally great reviews. Lyndon’s tracks have been featured on BBC Radio 2 and BBC 6Music plus other regional and international shows, he has recorded a session for Tom Robinson’s show and had his music praised by the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Robert Wyatt.

Previous live dates have included headline shows at London’s St Pancras Church, Bloomsbury Theatre, Kings Place, the Roundhouse Studio, Union Chapel and the ICA, plus high profile supports and appearances at various festivals in the UK, France, Netherlands, Japan, Canada, Spain, Sweden and Russia.

What they’ve said about the music:
“Lo-fi and alluring, like a heady mix of Eels and Lambchop. A fully qualified peer of such droll, self- deprecating Americans as Kurt Wagner, Stephin Merritt and Mark Everett.” UNCUT (Andrew Mueller)
“Soaring, Mellotron-inflected arrangements enhance Morgans’ acutely observed lyrics.” MOJO (John Aizlewood)
“They create stark word snapshots and capture moments in a life of music, love, mistake, and regret. You only write these songs if you paid attention while living.” AMERICANA UK (Michael Macy)
“If he were a Wainwright, he’d be Loudon III, not Rufus. I’d give a body part to write poetry like this.” RnR (Andrew Darlington)
“He has a brilliant way of investing despair and dysfunction with romance. Stellar stuff indeed.” FATEA (Mike Davies)
“Bejewelled lyrics of wit, woe & wonder” MIRROR (Gavin Martin)
“Terrific stuff!” Robert Wyatt
“Intense & sensual collection of baroque, last chance lives…supremely evocative imagery that lesser poets can only aspire to” MAVERICK
Current album:https://tinyurl.com/LyndonMorgans-OfGodsAndMen
Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/SongdogSpotify
Video link: www.youtube.com/bravetales
Songdog site:www.songdog.co.uk

CHRIS CLEVERLEY (BYOB)
2024-10-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
Cleverley’s boundary-shattering ‘Dream-Folk’ songwriting sits on the cutting edge of modern folk. A true guitar-man, his elaborate alternate tunings, percussive rhythms and ambient sound design flow beneath a visceral lyrical style inspired by the Lo-fi American Greats, Elliott Smith & Sufjan Stevens; a curious tapestry weaved from the hazy psychedelia of the 60s folk revival and the soulful oblivion of 90s Pacific Northwest.
Described as ‘impressive’ (The Telegraph), and ‘haunting’ (The Sunday Times) his collection of award-winning independent releases have earned him a robust and loyal, grassroots following throughout his seven years touring the New British Folk Scene. From the fairy-light intimacy of concert venues, to the stages of world-renowned festivals, his outstanding musicianship and warm delivery combine to underpin the infectious draw of his unique song-writing prowess. With a visceral lyrical style explores the place of acoustic-driven music within the 21st Century emotional landscape. Shining an honest light on diverse, arresting themes from pervasive artificial intelligence to disquieting climate emergency, it is no wonder Folk Radio UK have called him “One of the most vital voices of his generation.” Powered by a strong social conscience, his music serves as a vehicle for exploring constructive, meaningful change.

Jason McNiff £15 (BYOB)
2024-11-03 19:00 - 21:30 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
Born in Bradford, following studying in Nottingham for his first degree, where he developed an interest in the folk and blues guitar playing of the likes of Wizz Jones and Davey Graham; from 1995 Jason lived for some 20-odd years in London, where, as has been well-documented, his finger-picking apprenticeship was honed thanks to regular exposure to Bert Jansch at Soho’s 12 Bar Club, together with also undertaking support slots for the guitar maestro. Since moving to Hastings in 2019, where he has established regular Friday Sundowner Sessions at The Jenny Lind pub, he has continued to play live extensively, including shows with ‘poetry in music’ paying homage to another of his significant influences, Leonard Cohen.
Jason is described as Americana/Folk, but he does something with the Americana side a lot of other artists would do well to follow; he doesn’t pretend he’s American. He’s taken the style but moved it back across the pond.

David Ian Roberts & Henry Parker
2024-11-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
Henry Parker & David Ian Roberts – Chasing Light [2024]
Yorkshire and Cardiff based guitarists Henry Parker and David Ian Roberts met in 2019 when their respective folk-influenced albums ‘Silent Spring’ and ‘Travelling Bright’ were finding their way to new audiences via a series of co-headline tours across England and Wales. A shared appreciation of Nick Drake, Ryley Walker, Genesis and John Martyn naturally led the pair of musicians to sit down, guitars in hand, to improvise and compose during their free time on the road. The result of this collaboration is an album of all-original, steel-string instrumentals which blur the lines between traditional folk, psychedelia, and progressive music, bound by the beautiful simplicity of two acoustic guitars, panned left [Roberts] and right [Parker] in the stereo field.
‘Chasing Light’ was largely written and was entirely recorded in the Dales village of Malham, North Yorkshire over the course of three weekend sessions in 2023. These intense periods of creativity produced eleven focussed compositions which reflect David’s long journeys north in the winter, Chasing Light, the limestone landscapes of rural Craven, Wedber Wood, and the nature themed artwork of the Pre-Raphaelite period, The English Dreamers. The album was self-recorded,over three long days, utilising two microphones and requiring no overdubs; the energy of these freshly written songs being deservedly laid down in a pure, simplistic form.
With Mark Radcliffe of the Radio 2 Folk Show calling Robert’s 2020 solo album ‘From The Harbour’ “a quiet masterpiece” and Prog Magazine describing Parker’s 2021 ‘Lammas Fair’ recordas “an immersive and mellifluous world” it is surely the case that ‘Chasing Light’ will capture the imaginations of folk and progressive music fans long into the future.
Henry Parker & David Ian Roberts –
Influenced by the acoustic guitar artistry of the 1960’s and 70’s, Henry Parker and David Ian Roberts play a style of folk-guitar music originally pioneered by artists such as Bert Jansch & John Renbourn and more recently Ryley Walker & Bill MacKay. Established singer-songwriters in their own right; the pair of musicians now present intricate instrumental duets from their highly anticipated debut album alongside original, lyrical song-writing.
Henry Parker –
“Channelling the ghosts of Jansch and Renbourn through his fingertips, the fluid playing and emotive singing of Yorkshire-born Henry Parker evokes the spirit of the early-60’s folk revival as ifit were yesterday.”RnR★★★★★“
Original material and traditional songs create an immersive and mellifluous world in which both the peace and isolation of nature are unfurled evoked through subtle arrangements” Prog Magazine
David Ian Roberts –
“A contemplative and understated classic already…I recommend this record to you unreservedly”. MARK RADCLIFFE – BBC Radio 2
“An intimate performance of astounding artistry. Lyrically his songs draw a line from Dylan Thomas to Elliott Smith, with hypnotic melodies and guitar patterns that match even the legacies of a Nick Drake or Sufjan Stevens.” -RnR

The Triple Crones Presents...Performance & Book Launch (new date 19th November)
2024-11-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
Ajeana, Crone of Rural Spaces welcomes you to her Cronewood lairwith tales of big bad wolves and arachnophobic women. In her other guise, Jean G-Owen is a writer and publisher at Naked Figleaf Press. Her poetry collection Bites of Love: Poems & Images was published in 2023.
Cass, Crone of the Sea, surges from the great sea swell with tales of oyster festivals and warnings to maidens. In her other guise, Sandy Kealty had been writing and performing on IOW for over twenty years. She has published The Mermaid is Unimpressed and The Mermaid Rides Again.
Flamenco, Crone of Urban Spaces, rises phoenix-like to bring colour, carnival and comedy to the Cronedom. In her other guise, Cheryl May writes comedy scripts published by Lazy Bee Scripts. She has recently published her debut poetry collection, Not Just Desserts.
Holly Medland Lees is a storyteller from IOW with a keen interest in medieval and local history. She loves stories of the sea and tales with a twist. She’ll be telling two tales of Middle Age wily women who both have a point to prove.
Tina Goode started her musical life in early childhood. In recent years she sings and plays with IOW folk trio Second Time Around. On rare occasions, Tina enjoys solo performances, and will be bringing her beautiful sounds to the Cronedom.

Em & The Asteroid & Friends £10 BYOB
2024-11-29 19:00 - 21:30 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
Noah of Em & the Asteroid will be joined by Emma of Mouth, Tom of Fleeper and Lisa of Neon for a relaxed acoustic show featuring a mixture of originals and covers. Expect plenty of harmonies and relaxing music.
Having recently played Ventnor Fringe and Isle of Wight Festival, Em & the Asteroid have invited some of their musician friends to play a one off show.
Emma from Mouth and Sheer Pink will be joining Noah, having also played Isle of Wight Festival and Ventnor Fringe with Mouth. She also joined Plastic Mermaids for their extraordinary performance at Wight Proms this year.
Tom will be supporting by bringing his expertise on the keys. Having played for so many bands and often being in high demand, we are excited to have him join us for this show.
Noah and Lisa have been singing together for years in many music projects, notably TriAmi and Charming. Lisa is known for her effortless harmonies in TriAmi and her incredible lead vocals and stage presence in Neon.
We hope you come and enjoy us for some relaxing music and awkward stage conversations.

The Weatherkings unplugged
2025-02-21 19:00 - 21:30 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
Join us for an evening of joyous and irreverent musical noodlings with Mike Rodrigues and friends.
Mike’s paintings currently grace the walls of the bookshop so this will be a truly immersive experience inside the head of one of the Island’s best loved eccentric musical talents, a playful frontman with charisma, wit and wisdom in equal measure and a wonderful band who respond to his every whim. Expect the unexpected.
Bring your own refreshments

Polly Paulusma
2025-03-22 19:00 - 21:30 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
Together Paulusma and Thorne will bring you songs from across Paulusma’s repertoire of six studio albums to date released since 2004 on Bjork’s label One Little Independent.
Her latest, ‘Wildfires’, is an extraordinary extended piece of work containing two hours of breathtakingly emotional songs interlaced with spoken word poetry. A truly immersive experience, the album has been produced by acclaimed record producer Ethan Johns (Laura Marling, Ray Lamontagne, Ryan Adams).
The musical connection between Paulusma and Thorne is something to behold; together they swoop and glide through songs from all of Paulusma’s albums, but especially ‘Wildfires’ which Thorne also recorded with Paulusma — combining their trademark bawdy humour and anecdotes with deep songs that touch on love, loss, grief and philsophical enquiry.

TRIANGULUM
2025-04-01 19:00 - 21:30 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
A contemporary piano trio playing a range of original compositions, the music of Duke Ellington, and reimagined arrangements of modern rock, pop and folk in a jazz style.
Jon Thorne is the bassist in Lamb and has performed and recorded with world renowned artists across many genres including Robert Plant, Jon Hopkins, Donovan and Laura Mvula.
Tom Barker is the leading young jazz pianist on the Isle of Wight.
Chris Jones is the versatile and exciting drummer and founder member of The Plastic Mermaids.

An Evening Of Conversation And Music With Ian A Anderson
2025-04-11 19:00 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
Ian A. Anderson – no, not that one! – began his solo musical career in the mid 1960s, heavily influenced by old country blues players, before taking a left-swerve in the early ’70s into what nowadays gets called ‘psych folk’, with a trio of songwriter/ guitarist albums for the pioneering and now highly collectable independent label Village Thing.
He eventually settled into a personal – and notably English – style, drawing from traditional folk, blues, old-time and world roots musics, making some dozen albums by the end of the 1980s with groups Hot Vultures (with Maggie Holland), the English Country Blues Band and Tiger Moth. Then after a break from live performances in the 1990s he returned to stages and recording this century, with the trio Blue Blokes 3 (with PiL’s Lu Edmonds and 3 Mustaphas 3’s Ben Mandelson), the duo The False Beards (again with Mandelson), a re-union tour by Hot Vultures in 2016 and a very effective double-header partnership with Northumbrian traditional music master Alistair Anderson as Not The Anderson Twins.
Over the years he’s appeared in multiple guises at most of the UK’s important folk/roots venues and festivals (from the very first Glastonbury to Cambridge, Sidmouth, Shrewsbury, WOMAD and many more). Since 2017, he’s been enjoying performing and recording solo again, with repertoire and tales drawn from across those sixty years of experience.
Two recent well-received compilation CDs – Onwards! and Onwards Vol 2: A Crown Of Crows (on Ghosts From The Basement) – range over his entire recording career, and all his early solo albums were re-issued as the 4-CD boxed set Please Re-adjust Your Time by Cherry Red in 2021.
He now lives in Cambridge, from where he also produces and presents the long-running Podwireless podcast – covering “the world of folk, roots music and associated weirdos.”
Ian received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Folk Alliance International in 2019, the Gold Badge Award of the English Folk Dance & Song Society in 2015 and the Womex Award in 2010.
His long-awaited book ALIEN WATER: Six Decades Paddling In Unpopular Music is published by Ghosts From The Basement in 2025.

Harry Diplock
2025-07-17 19:00 - 22:30 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
Originally starting his journey from Devon to London in 2012 as a guitar builder, Harry soon became part of the jazz scene where his love of improvisation took over.
Now at the forefront of the jazz scene in the UK and co-founder of the London Django Collective, Harry has played all over Europe at venues such as Ronnie Scott’s, Pizza Express Jazz Club, Torino Jazz Club, 606 and The Green Note as well as being regularly played on TSF Jazz Radio, BBC 3 and Jamie Cullum’s Radio show.
Harry is also an educator in the style and regularly teaches as well as hosting various workshops at jazz festivals.

KATIE SPENCER !!!SOLD OUT!!!
2025-09-18 19:00 - 21:30 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
Raised in the East Yorkshire flatlands on the fringes of Hull (UK), Katie Spencer’s landscape has always been that of open skies and widening rivers. Industry still shapes the city here. The people, as with the land, are moulded by tides and stark horizons. Stand in the same place for long enough and you can watch the sun rise over the North Sea and then sink into crop fields, glowing auburn in late-summer sun. It is this sense of space and movement that flows through Katie Spencer’s music.
The songwriting, and most notably her guitar playing stems from a time when the steel-stringed instrument was truly finding its voice. Artists like Joni Mitchell, James Taylor and perhaps most evidently Michael Chapman, flow into her sound, carrying with them the warmth and idealism of the early 70’s folk and songwriter movements.
Katie Spencer’s widely celebrated new album, The Edge of the Land (2022), follows her debut release, Weather Beaten (2019) which was praised for its unique song-craft, spell-binding musicianship and crystal sonic clarity, as she brought together fans of music from all backgrounds and walks of life. Delicate and un-rushed, the ten songs on The Edge of the Land drift by like ships on the horizon, yet intimacy and introspection still remain. This record reached #14 in the Official Folk Charts upon release.
The inclusivity found in her recorded works is most apparent when on stage, with a personal connection and humour that allows the listener time to appreciate the emotion of the music. Her historical gig list is extensive, taking in festivals such as the world-renowned Celtic Connections and Cambridge Folk Festival. Her performances have left audiences in awe of her confidence and craftsmanship with tour dates including UK, Germany, The Netherlands, Denmark, Australia and Canada.
—
“Her articulate picking, with suggestions of folk and jazz, frames intelligently written songs and is the backbone to her music.” Guitarist Magazine
“One of the most satisfying and spellbinding singer-songwriter collections I’ve encountered in some time.” RnR Magazine ★★★★★
“Imaginative imagery supported by compelling music that summons up the best of early 70s folk, fluently delivered here with its own contemporary power. This is a fine collection of memorable songs by an outstanding writer and musician.” Record Collector
“A timeless English folk album, perfect for the still calm of a Sunday morning.” Shindig!
“Katie Spencer sits gracefully in a vocal nook between Sandy Denny, Linda Thompson and, to conjure a name we hear less often these days, Bridget St John.” Prog Magazine
“The way Katie plays is never contrived, showy or imitative; it sounds true … a world-class folk guitarist” – fRoots
“Katie’s guitar playing has echoes of my dear friend the late great Bert Jansch. Like a musical weaver she threads her poetic lyrics through the guitar’s strings and produces little tapestries of song” – Ralph McTell
www.katiespencer.net
https://www.facebook.com/katiespencermusic/
Tweets by KRSpencerMusic
https://www.instagram.com/katiespencermusic/

An Evening with Esther Swift
2025-10-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
“a wondrous blend of folk and electronica in a sold-out amphitheatre … Björk-esque”
★★★★★
– Sound Effects review, The Edinburgh Reporter
​“mesmerising and … heavenly”
– The Light Gatherer review, jazzwise Magazine
“captivating”
– Rob Harbers, Ambient Light
“monster musician”
– Chris Wood, The Argus
Esther Swift explores ritual, connection, isolation, and the natural world in her performance with pedal harp and voice.
A prolific, boldly innovative harpist, composer and singer, Esther works across genres as diverse as classical chamber music and free improvisation, and writes for ensembles large and small. Having studied at Edinburgh’s St Mary’s Music School and the Royal Northern College of Music, as well as with harp pioneer Catriona McKay, she has received numerous prestigious commissions and featured in many international collaborations.
She has travelled to Vietnam, New Zealand, Malaysia, Mongolia, and beyond with her music, and shared international, music lead collaborations with musicians and other artists around the world.
She has recently been commissioned by Celtic Connections, Chamber Music Scotland, Manchester Jazz festival and The Edwin Morgan Trust and performed internationally with her band Emergence Ensemble.
Esther’s debut solo studio album, Expectations of a Lifetime, was released in June 2024.

Chris Cleverley
2025-11-22 19:00 - 21:30 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
Chris Cleverley was born under a solstice moon, in the honeysuckle mysticism of a late 80s Midsummer, where the symbolic sounds of ‘Hunky Dory’, ‘Graceland’ and ‘Ladies of The Canyon’ echoed from the woodchip walls of the South Birmingham terrace where he was raised; quiet and curious, saturnine and shy. Here, the soul of a young artist was shaped.
And so this winter, Cleverley tours his brand new collection of alternative festive songs ‘Gods Of All Things’, the follow up to 2024’s critically acclaimed ‘In the Shadow of John the Divine’ (“Holiday Music that doesn’t suck!” – No Depression).
Come bask in the intricate fingerstyle and lush ambient soundscapes of this true guitar-man, inspired by the Lo-fi American Greats, Elliott Smith, Sufjan Stevens & Phoebe Bridgers; A curious tapestry weaved from the hazy psychedelia of the 60s folk revival and the soulful oblivion of the 90s Pacific Northwest.
In his characteristically unconventional style, Cleverley offers part 2 of a bittersweet Christmas compendium for the head-spinning modern age. A brand new selection of songs for the misfits, celebrating this curious, magical season, in all its joyful and melancholy contradictions.
Whether you love or loathe the festive period, this rare evening promises a welcome, serene and reflective space for all to unwind in their own way, as the year draws to a close. With replenishing calm and warm humour, his one-man live show occupies the space between a concert performance and a yoga nidra meditation; Jarringly raw, hauntingly serene and effortlessly 21st Century.

Ryan O'Reilly , Jadea Kelly and Tali Trow
2025-12-14 19:00 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
Ryan O’Reilly, an English-Irish songwriter known for his poetic, emotionally charged songs, has spent the past decade touring Europe and North America, building a dedicated fanbase through word-of-mouth and compelling live shows. His music, featured US Netflix shows, and ITV’s McDonald & Dodds and After the Flood, blends folk, indie, and literary influences, with writing credits alongside London indie favourites Flyte, Germany’s Amistat, and Prague’s Anna Vaverková. His latest album Other Plans explores connection, solitude, and modern life with quiet power.
‘Ryan O’Reilly is the perfect antidote to our era of production-line pop, to see him live is to be reminded of what music is all about: people, passion and poetry.’ – London Evening Standard
Jadea Kelly, hailed by CBC as “a shining jewel in the crown of Canadian songwriters,” brings a cinematic, heartfelt edge to contemporary Canadian-country-folk. Her latest release Roses earned millions of streams and ‘Single of the Year’ at the Oshawa Music Awards, while her voice has featured in acclaimed film and TV projects. Fans of Alternative Folk music and artists such as Kathleen Edwards and Lindi Ortega will immediately fall in love with Jadea Kelly.
‘If you can imagine Patsy Cline writing songs with Feist you kind of have an idea of where Jadea Kelly resides in the musical spectrum’ – The Pop Stereo USA
Tali Trow is a producer, musician, and writer with over 30 years of global performance experience. From his early days as a chorister singing for the Pope to sharing stages with legends like The Rolling Stones and, more recently, Bonnie Raitt. Recently, he has reconnected with his own artistic voice, supported by the musicians who first inspired him. His latest album has been praised as a “treasure trove of good songwriting and musicianship,” with listeners captivated by the “sublime clarity and warm timbre” of his voice. Trow’s storytelling, lyricism, and vocal skills continue to bring joy to audiences.

Christmas Carols Under The Tree.
2025-12-21 17:00 - 18:00 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
Medina bookshop invites you to join us for our annual Carols Under The Tree performed by the wonderful Medina Community Choir.
Gathering around the Christmas tree outside Rosalie’s at the bottom of Market Hill, we, along with some of the surrounding shops will be offering mince pies, mulled wine and other seasonal treats. A chance to really get in the spirit of Christmas and pick up a few last minute presents. There will also be a charity collection.

An Evening Of Stories And Songs With JC Carroll Of Legendary Punk Group The Members
2026-01-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
Quitting his job as a bank clerk to become a member of the, erm, Members, co-authoring their early hits Solitary Confinement and Sound Of The Suburbs, JC’s career has followed a remarkable trajectory. As well as a life in music working with legends such as Graham Parker, Johnny Thunders and film composer Michael Kamen, he also set up the iconic London boutique ‘The Dispensary’ selling his own designs and becoming a gathering place for the early acid house scene. Described by Ian Hislop as ‘the TS Eliot of Punk’ JC now tours and records regularly as frontman of the Members and has recently published his brilliant autobiography ‘(Still) Annoying The Neighbours’.
Come and join us as JC holds court with a mixture of chat, readings and song followed by an audience Q&A.

Tales Of Winter SOLD OUT
2026-01-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
Come join us for a wintery selection of classic jazz and self-composed tunes, performed by the wonderfully accomplished trio of Jon Thorne on double bass, Tom Barker on piano and Chris Jones on drums.
Bring your own refreshments
Doors at 6:45

Second Time Around SOLD OUT
2026-01-29 19:00 - 21:30 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
Following our sell out show at Ventnor Fringe Festival, the band can’t wait to bring you a repeat performance of ‘Across the Pond’, an exploration of the similarities and differences of English and American folk music in the wonderful, intimate atmosphere of Medina Books.
Their rich and varied soundscapes allow them to weave together many genres of music and song of not only traditional folk, but early jazz, Americana, gospel and World music that has kept their audiences entertained and guessing for over a decade.
Bring your own refreshments.
Doors just before 7pm, performance starts just after 7pm.

Lucy Kitchen
2026-02-26 19:00 - 21:30 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
Lucy Kitchen is a British folk singer-songwriter based in Romsey, Hampshire. She makes music spanning Folk, Americana, a little bit of Country, and infused with the feel of 70s singer-songwriters. Lucy’s songs explore concepts of grief and loss. She is inspired by lyrical poets, nature, the seasons and making beauty out of hard things.

The Brothers Gillespie
2026-03-07 19:00 - 21:30 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
Described by Folk Radio UK as ‘weaving an especially compelling magic’, and ‘showing British acoustic music in its best possible light’, Northumbrian duo The Brothers Gillespie make music that is animated by lyrical songwriting, fine fingerstyle guitar playing, multi-instrumental musicianship and ‘the glorious tones of their blood harmony’ (Sam Lee).
Brothers James and Sam Gillespie found their sound growing up in the fells and valleys of Northumberland, their songs often describing relationships with wild places and the
experience of finding oneself in a world alive with soul. The music comes to them most strongly when walking in the borderlands with their packs and instruments which remains a
regular practice for them. This spirit is channeled into their live performances which have a rare and intimate energy, both ethereal and earthy, romantic and radical. The brothers have travelled far and wide with their music and have played at Cambridge and Sidmouth Folk Festivals and opened for Lankum and Sam Lee. In 2021 they featured in the English Heritage ‘Songs of England’ recording series that appeared on BBC Radio 4. The release of their new album ‘The Merciful Road’ (‘pure magic’, Living Tradition) in Spring 2022 saw them embark on their most extensive national tour to date.
‘The Merciful Road’ was recorded in a cottage by the banks of the river Tweed and like their previous album ‘The Fell’, it blends rootsy, acoustic elements to create a rich warm sound with a touch of vintage magic. In some ways it is an album about finding the thread of love
and belonging in a world that seems to be nonetheless unravelling.
The brothers emerge from the time of lockdowns with a yet greater reverence for the joy and privilege of being with an audience in real time and space.
‘Our music is inspired by the still wild soul of the land in which we live, a land alive withpresences, not owned by anyone. It is about seeing with the eye of the heart and recovering our imaginations. It is about finding home, belonging and each other in a world which is singing to us as we sing to it’.
“Anyone who has seen the brothers live will surely attest that it is an experience that will stay with you. There is a feeling of warmth that exudes from them and affects everyone in the room” – Folk London
“Not since the minimal chamber folk of Simon And Garfunkel has two voices and an acoustic guitar sounded so absolutely perfect.” FATEA
“Stunning songs beautifully sung and played. Without doubt a classic in the making from a duo potent with potential.” – Northern Sky
“Uncluttered, simply but intoxicatingly arranged and adorned by their magical harmonies, musically steeped in the earth, grass and leaves that mark the pathways, this is a road you really need to travel.” – Bright Young Folk
“The stars of the show were The Brother’s Gillespie – more than an hour of fantastic musicianship. Imagine the guitar work of the early Nic Jones, the close harmony work of
the Dransfields and the commitment and honesty of Bob Davenport rolled into two brothers and you’ll get some idea.” Mike Harding

Dom Pipkin - Piano from London, soul from New Orleans
2026-03-12 19:00 - 22:00 | Island Sailing Club, 70 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RE, United Kingdom
Alongside a glittering session career (David Byrne, Ray Davies, Morcheeba), piano player and songwriter Dom Pipkin has been described by Blues in Britain as “one of the world’s greatest exponents of New Orleans piano”. He first discovered the New Orleans style in the early 90s, and has gone on to become a regular visitor and performer in that city, with appearances that include the highly acclaimed “Piano Night” and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage festival. He is a regular fixture on the European blues and boogie-woogie festival circuit having played 1000’s of club and theatre, radio and TV dates in a career spanning nearly three decades. Jazz star Jamie Cullum says “I can’t hold a candle to this guy”.
Pipkin developed a particular specialisation for the unique flavours of maverick New Orleans piano star James Booker (1939 – 1983) capturing the player’s trademark combination of driving blues married with rhapsodic classical influences. He was invited to play at the world premiere of the documentary “Bayou Maharajah” at SXSW in 2014, and at multiple subsequent screenings of the film.
Pipkin regularly performs and records in New Orleans, and has shared stages with legends such as Allen Toussaint , Dr John and Screamin’ Jay Hawkins. Grammy award winner Jon Cleary invites him to jam whenever he’s in town. In live shows Pipkin mixes his own compelling songwriting with blues and Big Easy classics that “..cooks up a steaming musical stew that has the crowd dancing and clapping for more” Classic Rock Blues Magazine.
During the Covid lockdown he performed more than 120 broadcast shows from his home and completed his solo album “C’mon Sunshine” – an all-original collection of songs on the subject of hope, jammed full of spicy New Orleans and blues piano styles. The album “Live At The Temple” followed in 2023 – a spontaneous mix of two live sets at London’s Temple Of Art And Music.
Pipkin’s on screen appearances include the new Netflix thriller, Black Doves (5 Dec 2024), and A Thousand Blows by the creators of Peaky Blinders (released Feb 21 2025), and he can be seen jamming boogie-woogie with king of Mandopop, Jay Chou, in the latest Rimowa commercial.
Alongside his own career, Pipkin has travelled the world with the band Morcheeba (with whom he has been associated since the bands inception in 1996). He is also active as an educator, running a highly popular New Orleans jam session in London, and writes articles based around keyboards for Blues Matters magazine.
WEBSITE https://www.dompipkin.com

Johnny Campbell
2026-03-18 19:00 - 21:30 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
Johnny Campbell emerged onto the UK folk scene writing self-penned material and delving deep into Northern English folk song and story.
‘A Modern-Day Billy Bragg’ – Tradfolk
The album From Hull & Halifax & Hell (2020) took him to The Faroe Islands where he recorded a live album on the island of Nolsoy. Since musical instruments hadn’t arrived on the islands until the 19th century, this is perhaps the first time Northern English traditional song has been recorded on these islands.
This album earned him album of the week with Blues and Roots radio and reviews with British folk press:
‘The spirit of the folk clubs in their heyday runs in his veins’ Folking.com
‘I defy anyone not to be galvanised by the total integrity of his exceptional rendition of (Ewan MacColl’s) Moving On Song’ The Living Tradition
‘A truly entertaining work. Lose yourself in the true folk experience’ Fatea Magazine
Since March 2020, Campbell hasn’t relented, releasing three singles, Hard Times of Old England, Winter Hill Trespass & A Right to Roam. The former receiving play on Ian Lynch’s (Lankum) Fire Draw Near podcast, Winter Hill Trespass (2021) gained national press in Country Walking Magazine & The Guardian.
‘Nobody else seems to be doing what Campbell is doing right now, and his passion and determination deserve recognition’ – Jon Wilks
A Right to Roam (2022) is a collaboration with Commoners Choir & Skelmanthorpe Brass Band which received the accolade of ‘One of the Best Folk Songs of 2022’ alongside contemporaries such as Eliza Carthy, Jon Boden, Angeline Morrison & more, chosen by Tradfolk.
2024 sees Campbell releasing True North, an album of Northern English traditional songs recorded on their respective county summits, garnering press from Country Walking Magazine, Folk on Foot & BBC Radio 4 Open Country. Richard Thompson declared True North as one of his top five albums of the year in ‘My Year in Music’ in UNCUT Magazine.
‘I can’t think of another project quite like this!’ Richard Thompson
⭐⭐⭐⭐'(True North) is a psychogeography field trip’ MOJO
Through extensive touring in UK and Europe, Campbell finds time to write for Britian’s best selling walking magazine, Country Walking as well as being billed with BBC Folk award nominees & winners in recent years such as Stick In the Wheel, Martin Carthy, Ye Vagabonds, Lankum, Daoiri Farrell, Ewan McLennan, The Men They Couldn’t Hang and many more.
⭐⭐⭐⭐’Haunting, Evocative & Pure’ SONGLINES

Jason McNiff - Songs of Love, Loss and Light, featuring the songs of Leonard Cohen
2026-05-01 19:00 - 21:00 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
Jason McNiff, acclaimed English singer, songwriter and guitarist, returns with a compelling new show that brings together the timeless songs of Leonard Cohen with his own deeply lyrical work.
Born in Bradford and moving to London in the 1990s, McNiff became a central figure in the city’s thriving folk and Americana scene. A regular performer at the legendary 12 Bar Club on Denmark Street, he supported Bert Jansch on numerous occasions and signed to Snowstorm Records in 2000. His debut album, Off the Rails, received widespread acclaim, earning glowing reviews, particularly from Time Out magazine.
McNiff’s second album, Nobody’s Son, was named Americana UK Album of the Year in 2003, while his fourth release, April Cruel, was nominated for Best Alt-Country Album at the Independent Music Awards in the United States. Over the years, he has collaborated widely, forming duos with Emily Barker and Emma Tricca, and later the folk group Lone Malones.
In addition to his recording career, McNiff has been an active force in the live music community. He co-ran the Easycome Acoustic Club with Andy Allan (Hank Dogs) and was a regular at Alan Tyler’s celebrated “Come Down and Meet the Folks” sessions. Since moving to Hastings in 2019, he has hosted “The Sundowner” at the Jenny Lind, welcoming musicians from around the world, and performs regularly with his band.
Now working on his tenth album, McNiff continues to evolve as an artist.
In Songs of Love, Loss and Light, he places his own acclaimed songwriting alongside that of the Canadian master Leonard Cohen, tracing the subtle thread between influence and originality. The result is an intimate and moving performance that offers audiences a rare glimpse into the enduring art of songcraft.
Blending reverence with individuality, McNiff reimagines Cohen’s legacy while showcasing the poetic depth of his own work—creating an evening that is both reflective and inspiring.

Awake Mother
2026-05-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
Awake Mother are a new duo from the south of England.
They are keen to share music from the folk tradition, reigniting old favourites and introducing you to new songs and tales from times gone by.
Awake Mother are Minnie Birch and Kathleen P, two award winning, critically acclaimed musicians who have joined together to present something new and special in the folk tradition.
Minnie Birch has been writing and releasing music for many years. In 2020 she released an album called “You’re not singing anymore” which was a contemporary look at the relationship between football terrace songs and folk music. This work received critical acclaim and was named a Sunday Times Album of the year. She has toured extensively, performed at The Great Escape Festival, been BBC Radio 1s introducing artist of the week, named Buzzfeed’s “one to watch” and supported Joan Armatrading on tour.
Kathy Pilkinton is an award winning folk musician. With her trio Said the Maiden, she has performed at many of the countries prestigious folk clubs and festivals including Folk By The Oak, Folkeast, Gate to Southwell, Shepley and Bunkfest. These opportunities have in turn led to invitations to support many fantastic artists including The Fisherman’s Friends, Jim Moray, Megson, Martin Carthy and David Swarbrick.
“I think every folk club in the country will be beating a path to their door”
Fatea

Tom Bright
2026-06-06 19:00 - 21:00 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
Tom Bright is a relentlessly touring songwriter whose songs land with emotional weight and unvarnished honesty. 2025 saw him make his third television appearance on BBC One’s Sunday Morning Live, serenade thousands at his fifth Glastonbury Festival, and sell out shows across the UK and beyond.
Armed with a guitar signed by Johnny Marr of The Smiths and John Squire of the Stone Roses, Bright’s tireless graft has seen him hit iconic heights of the London Palladium, Shepherd’s Bush Empire, appear on BBC’s The One Show and Sky News, and record countless live sessions and interviews for BBC Radio 2, 5 Live, Radio X and more. Along the way, he’s shared stages with The Libertines, Mystery Jets, Tom Grennan, Reverend & The Makers, Katherine Priddy, Ed Harcourt and others.
He has collaborated with The The, earned continued support from tastemakers Guy Garvey and John Kennedy and spent two years on Spotify’s Most Beautiful Songs in the World playlist with ‘If I Met Your Shadow’.
In May, Tom released Young Old Bloke, a collection of early songs produced by Mick Jones (The Clash) and Dirty White. He has three previous albums in the world — all produced by Ed Harcourt. Away from the stage, his story is just as remarkable: once the UK’s youngest pub landlord, and a childhood marked by multiple life-saving surgeries.
Tom is currently working on his fifth studio album, with Blaine Harrison (Mystery Jets) handling production.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombrightmusic/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tombrightmusic
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5FeiISr6o8mHNSTNtwKceS
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tombrightmusic

An Evening Of Old Songs Sung By 'Soft Lap'
2026-06-18 19:00 - 21:30 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
‘I have fallen so completely in love with this book… just one of the finest, most covetable things around’ Katherine Rundell
Best-selling historian and author Amy Jeffs, musician Natalie Brice and illustrator Gwen Burns have created Old Songs, a reimagining of ten traditional British ballads. Each artist applied her primary trade: word, music and image respectively, but each also influenced the others’ work.
In this live performance, Amy will offer historical insights and readings from the stories, while Gwen will showcase animations created from the illustrations and Natalie will lead them both in mesmerising sung renditions of the earliest known melodies of the ballads themselves. Old Songs fuses short stories, histories, lyrics and illustrations in an enthralling reimagining of traditional folk ballads. Sunday Times Bestselling historian Amy Jeffs and Illustrator Gwen Burns combine forces to create a rich compendium, singing of travel, mystery, magic and the essential urges of humanity.
Featuring iterations of fairy tales and sinister descendants of Greek myths and bible stories, as well as a cast of lesser-known characters with names like Tam Lim, Child Wynd and Maisery, Old Songs threads a tapestry of Britain’s landscape, history and cultures. At the base of hills we can visit to this day, elf queens kidnap hapless poets and carry them through rivers of blood; and at the foot of a tree whose offspring still stand in the forests of Northumberland, a girl mimes combing the hairless head of a dragon who was once her brother.
Dr Amy Jeffs is an author, artist and medievalist. During her PhD in Art History at the University of Cambridge, she co-convened a project researching medieval badges and pilgrim souvenirs at the British Museum. She then worked in the British Library’s department of Ancient, Medieval and Early Modern manuscripts. Now a Somerset-based author, she illustrates her books with print and paper cutout. Storyland: A New Mythology of Britain was published in 2021. It was a Sunday Times bestseller and a Waterstones Book of the Month, as well as being shortlisted for Waterstones Book of the Year. Wild: Tales from Early Medieval Britain was published in 2022. Its audiobook, illustrated with 7 original songs, was named Audiobook of the Week by the Guardian and the Times.
Amy will be discussing her work with Bookshop manager Paul Armfield on the following night Friday 19th.

Charity Quiz Night for Independent Arts
2026-07-16 19:00 - 22:00 | Island Sailing Club, 70 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RE, United Kingdom
With prizes aplenty and various alcoholic incentives throughout the evening, expect challenging but fun rounds on various topics devised by quizmaster Paul Armfield, including two music rounds performed live by the wonderfully entertaining Ventnor Darlings duo. You’ll have loads of fun raising money for a very worthy cause:
Independent Arts – Transforming Lives Through Creativity
Founded in 1987, Independent Arts is a pioneering Isle of Wight charity dedicated to improving wellbeing, reducing social isolation, and enhancing quality of life through the arts.
At the heart of its work is the belief that creativity can bring people together, build confidence, and support mental and emotional health across all ages and backgrounds.
Creative Health & Wellbeing
Independent Arts delivers a wide range of arts-based programmes designed to support wellbeing. These include visual arts, music, movement, and creative workshops that encourage self-expression while providing vital social connection.
Their activities are particularly impactful for:
Older people and care home residents
Individuals experiencing loneliness or isolation
People with disabilities or mental health challenges
Through initiatives like Workshops for Wellbeing, the charity reaches thousands of participants each year, helping unlock creativity, stimulate memory, and improve overall happiness and health.
Extensive Community Reach
The charity runs around 25 weekly workshops across the Island, both at its Creative Hub in Newport and in community settings such as schools and care homes.
Its work extends into:
Schools and youth programmes
Family-friendly creative sessions
Outreach projects in rural and urban communities
These programmes are designed to be inclusive and accessible, often free or low-cost, ensuring that as many Islanders as possible can take part.
Supporting Young People
Independent Arts has delivered targeted projects for young people, using creativity to build confidence, skills, and connections to the Island’s landscape and heritage.
For example, collaborative projects like public murals have helped young participants explore their environment, develop artistic skills, and feel a sense of ownership and pride in their community.
Celebrating Creativity Across Generations
A key strength of Independent Arts is its intergenerational work. From young people to care home residents, the charity brings together diverse groups through shared creative experiences.
Their exhibitions—often showcasing work created in workshops—highlight the talent and voices of participants, reinforcing the idea that creativity is for everyone, at any stage of life.
Events, Exhibitions & Cultural Contribution
Through exhibitions, festivals, and community collaborations (such as involvement in initiatives like The Big Draw), Independent Arts plays a vital role in the Island’s cultural life.
Their Creative Hub in Newport acts as a welcoming space where people can:
Take part in workshops
View community artwork
Connect with others through shared creative experiences
A Lasting Impact
Overall, Independent Arts has made a profound contribution to the Isle of Wight by:
Reducing loneliness and social isolation
Improving mental health and wellbeing
Creating accessible opportunities for creativity
Strengthening community connections
Celebrating local voices and talent
Their work demonstrates how the arts can be a powerful tool for positive social change—bringing people together, inspiring confidence, and enriching lives across the Island.

'East Cowes Shanty' singing songs of the sea for Cowes Week
2026-08-06 19:00 - 21:00 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
Celebrate Cowes Week with an evening of rousing sea songs and maritime tradition as East Cowes Shanty bring their unmistakable energy to Medina Bookshop.
Known for their rich harmonies and spirited performances, this much-loved local group will transport you to the high seas with a collection of traditional sea shanties and nautical favourites. Expect tales of adventure, hardship and camaraderie, all delivered with warmth, humour and plenty of audience participation.
Set in the intimate surroundings of Medina Bookshop, this special concert offers a unique chance to experience the sounds of the sea in the heart of Cowes Week festivities.
Come along, join in, and let the rhythm of the waves carry you away.

PETUNIA
2026-09-26 19:00 - 21:00 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
Step into an evening of rich storytelling and spellbinding song as the enigmatic singer-songwriter Petunia brings a rare solo performance to Medina Bookshop.
Blending elements of folk, country, ragtime and old-time roots, Petunia’s music feels both timeless and refreshingly original—like a late-night radio broadcast drifting in from another era. With a voice that can shift from tender and intimate to wild and weathered, and lyrics full of wit, longing and unexpected turns, every song is its own small world.
Expect tales of love and loss, strange journeys and beautiful misadventures, all delivered with charm, humour and a touch of the surreal. In the cosy, book-lined setting of Medina Bookshop, this promises to be a truly immersive and memorable night—part concert, part storybook, and wholly unique.
Come along, settle in, and let Petunia carry you somewhere else for a while.
Petunia is more than just an entertainer, he’s a modern musical enigma. Imagine that David Lynch and Nick Cave had a hillbilly baby, that yodeled… or Tom Waits meets Elvis at Woody Guthrie’s hobo junction. This is just one way of describing the man known simply as Petunia. He’s an adventure seeker, a poker player, and a mysterious stranger. He’s been referred to as “The Savior of Country Music”, and a man who exists in a different era, bringing the past forth as something new to be celebrated and not forgotten.
Petunia grew up in rural Quebec, in exactly the sort of surroundings that a country musician would find idyllic, with old dilapidated barns, secret forts, and acres of unspoiled land. As an adult, the wandering spirit took a firm hold on his life, so he set out on the road, playing every major street corner across Canada and throughout the NYC subway system, before graduating to full fledged touring musician. When he’s not on the road playing shows, Petunia is also involved in the theatre world; building side projects, writing scores, acting, or collaborating with theatre artists. He currently resides in Vancouver BC, and works with several sets of sidemen across Canada, the US and Europe in addition to his own Vancouver based band, The Vipers. A restless wanderer, a musical historian, and a quirky yet amazing talent, Petunia is simply a Canadian treasure joining the greats from north of the 49th.
A poem by Al Mader describing Petunia:
Razor sharp hombre
all snake eyes and boxcars
steals a kiss from a raven-haired
flapper – slips out the side window
of a 1920s speakeasy
Out fleet foots a flat foot
hops a train to
Buddy Bolden’s tombstone
wins some horseflesh playing
high stud – pitches camp
beneath a prairie sky
watched over by a full moon
and a lovesick coyote
howling for mercy…
