Blowzabella
Blowzabella is a genuinely unique band that makes an inimitable, driving, drone-based wall-of-sound – played with a fabulous sense of melody, rhythmic expertise and sheer feeling.
In March 2026, founding member Dave Shepherd sadly died. His wide and deep knowledge of traditional music and dance was hugely influential, and he was a very dear friend to many in the scene. Dave is irreplaceable, Blowzabella continues as a six-piece, honouring his legacy by continuing to play the beautiful and much-loved tunes he composed.
The band composes its own music, drawing inspiration from English and European traditional folk music and song. Many of their tunes have become ‘standards’ in the modern British and European folk repertoire, played by musicians all over the world. Bands across Europe and beyond who experiment with folk music often cite Blowzabella as a major influence. Much loved and deeply respected, there is no one else quite like them.
With the band set to disband in 2028, this is likely to be one of Blowzabella’s final appearances at Sidmouth, a rare opportunity to experience one of the most influential and distinctive folk bands of the last four decades.
Blowzabella is Andy Cutting – diatonic accordion; Jo Freya – vocals, clarinets, saxophones; Paul James – vocals, bagpipes, saxophones; Benoit Michaud – hurdy-gurdy; Barnaby Stradling – acoustic and electric bass guitars; Jon Swayne – bagpipes, saxophones.
Date: Mon 3 & Tue 4 August 2026
Time: Coming soon
Venue: Coming soon