Weyfest Music Festival - Rustic Stage

Hailing from Michigan USA Chris Conway has built his music career in the UK, becoming one of the most fascinating musicians on the scene.

As well as being an amazing singer-songwriter, world music, electronic music, acoustic, Celtic, new age, and jazz all make up Chris Conway's musical world.

Time Out Magazine of London said of him, "Rootsy multi-instrumentalist Conway is a master of witty, touching acoustic songs. He purveys a lilting and melodic music of depth and emotion"

His huge and unique experience of different musics, together with his skills on so many acoustic and electronic instruments is part of what makes Chris Conway’s music so special. But it's also the lilting way his effortless lyrics weave into the music that is so outstanding. The songs just get inside your head - and stay there.

Chris Conway is a true multi-instrumental wizard playing... piano, keyboards, 9string acoustic & electric guitars, low, tin & twin whistles, live electronics, kalimba, theremin, zither, and vocals.

He has worked with a very diverse set of top musicians - he's played with members of Jethro Tull and Fairport Convention and toured with Peter Tork (from the Monkees). He's also played with composer Gavin Bryars, and new age stars Llewellyn & Juliana, tabla man Talvin Singh, violin virtuoso Dr L Subramanium. Brazilian jazz diva Ithamara Koorax and UK Folk star Vikki Clayton have both recorded his songs. He has recorded 5 CDs with sitar maestro Baluji Shrivastav in the Jazz Orient and Re-Orient bands.

He has supported legends Bob Geldof, Roy Wood, Joan Baez, Country Joe McDonald, Jefferson Starship, Arthur Brown, and Irish star Frances Black amongst others.

Chris Conway has released over 35 CDs under his own name or with his bands. His music has been heard on UK National TV, Radio, and film. His CD of relaxation music Ayurveda has sold 10,000 copies worldwide.

So check out Chris Conway's music and hear some extraordinary creativity and some beautiful songs.

Dan Britton

'Visiting places only inhabited by the likes of Van Morrison and Mike Scott'

Dan Britton is a dynamic singer-songwriter with an amazing power in live performance. He blends US West Coast, hints of celtic and country, roots and rock into his own unique style. Go and see Dan perform solo, with his band, in duo with Chris Conway or with the traditional Irish band Govannen, you'll come out a fan. He has played guitar for Jackie Leven, Bob Cheevers and Cathy Lesurf ('The best guitarist I've worked with since Simon Nicol.') He has released several nationally acclaimed albums. A passionate performer, his powerful voice and stage presence immediately attracts attention.

"Superior British singer-songwriter fare. Dan Britton is yet another performer from the seemingly inexhaustible supply of excellent singer-songwriters coming out of Leicester at the moment. “Journey to Love” is his second album and a fine thing it is too. Beautifully produced, the album features great keyboards from Chris Conway as well as good work from the remainder of the four piece band. But its Britton’s acoustic work and vocals that are at the heart of the music and the forefront of the mix, and mighty things they are."

(Excerpt from Americana UK Review of Album 'Journey To Love')

Manu

Born in Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire on 6th January 1977, Manu (Real Name Duncan Mizen) spent his schooldays gigging with heavy metal, rock and soul bands before moving to the big smoke to study for a Vocaltechnology music diploma at the University of Thames Valley. During this time, Manu played gigs in local pubs and clubs in London and back home in Wiltshire.

A quick change of tack saw Manu go back to college to study more A levels, which paid off with a place at Sheffield Hallam University to Study Business. It was here that Manu formed the rock band Silverside and went on to gig in and around the City, including a stint in the studio to record an EP.

Manu has continued to play regularly at open mic nights on the South Coast, as well as in Surrey and Wiltshire. Manus live sets usually feature original songs, with a plethora of covers, usually adapted from dance and soul-oriented material, breaking away from the run of the mill.

The name Manu is maori for Bird of Freedom. It is the national symbol of the maori people of New Zealand.

"The name was used because a Kiwi friend always called me Manu, after a friend of hers back home. - Manu." - Manu

Steve Gratton

Hailing from Farnborough, Steve Gratton mixes originals and interesting cover songs as diverse as Pink Floyd and Neil Young within his sets. Whilst also playing in a band Steve normally accompanies his vocals on twelve string guitar when playing solo.

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Saturday Line-Up

Village Green Stage

Old Kiln Stage

The Rustic Stage

Sunday Line-Up

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Tim Green
Steve Smith
Vic Cracknell

Dominic Worsfold

Dominic is an unsigned singer songwriter from Aldershot. His influences are varied which contribute to the eclectic mix of songs he writes. His style is best described as acoustic rock. Some of his music can be heard at www.myspace.com/dominicworsfold

Clearfield (James Deane)

Awaiting Details...

Vic Cracknell

Vic Cracknell starting playing drums when he was 15 years old before turning to vocals, piano and guitar later on. Since turning professional in 2005 Vic has played over 250 gigs either solo, duo, with his band "Something 4 The Weekend" or with his very popular "Vic's Buskers" Open Mic nights. Whilst writing his own songs Vic is better known for his acoustic interpretation of songs by artists as diverse as Elton John, David Gray, Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Coldplay, James Taylor, Oasis and Billy Joel. In most of his shows he puts in an element of authentic rock'n'roll piano in the style of Fats Domino and Jerry Lee Lewis. "I love many styles of music but in the end it comes down to the quality of the song that is performed." says Vic. "I believe in good lyrics and a melody that is memorable. I often get people singing along at my gigs and I like to get the audience involved as it is more interesting for them. I also like to talk about the songs and the artists that have inspired me."

Vic is running the acoustic stage at Weyfest and has helped pull together some of the most talented acoustic performers in the area including a number of emerging singer songwriters. "I am pleased to be involved with Weyfest and am looking forward to hearing and seeing the many talented performers who will be playing" said Vic. Vic's Buskers Open Mic nights take place regularly in Farnham, Guildford, Fleet and Haslemere. This is an opportunity for performers to play to a supportive and friendly audience. If you are interested in playing at one of these nights there is more information at www.viccracknell.co.uk or contact Vic on 07917 403052.

Byron Johnston

Performing since 2001, Byron Johnston is a young guitarist currently receiving glowing reviews for his performances which fuse elements of contemporary, world and flamenco music and break many of the rules on acoustic guitar playing.

A former student at the Academy of Contemporary Music, Byron first picked up the guitar at the age of 8 and took an instant liking to the sounds of acoustic Guitar. During his time at the Academy Byron met and studied with Sardinian Guitarist Giorgio Serci (Antonio Forcione Quartet) as well as the late Celtic finger stylist Eric Roche. These influences led to him blending and blurring musical genres in pursuit of artistic vision to forge his own unique style of playing.

He went on to enjoy success in the local music scene when he formed latin rock band Cuba Libra. The band went on to release their first album 'Aviendha' which led to festival performances and radio appearances in 2006, in the same year Byron began producing his debut solo album 'Oceano'. The studio album also features a DVD of Byron playing live and shows just how he forms a direct connection with the hearts and minds of the audience.

Extensive gigs have found him playing all over the UK in the past two years, highlights for 06' and 07 include, The Royal Albert Hall, The Clapham Grande, Guildfest, The Rockgarden in Covent Garden, The Guildford International Music Festival, The Windsor Arts Centre, and many others.