In an era when the pop and rock incarnations of country music are enjoying a surge in popularity, Ags Connolly is known as a staunch defender of the genre’s traditional roots. Building on that foundation, a rapidly growing fanbase has seen his songwriting become recognised as outstanding in any category.
A traditional country artist from Oxfordshire, England, Ags is widely considered to be one of the best singer-songwriters in the genre ever to emerge from the UK – but that doesn’t tell the whole story…
Ags’ songs have been lauded by country and non-country artists and fans alike in Europe, the US, Canada and beyond since his debut album How About Now emerged in 2014. Three more highly acclaimed original albums followed in Nothin’ Unexpected (2017), Wrong Again (2019) and Siempre (2023), complemented in 2024 by a tribute album to Texas troubadour James Hand entitled Your Pal Slim: Songs of James Hand. Among many accolades, each of these releases were awarded five stars by Country Music People magazine – the longest-running country music publication in the world. In 2020, Wrong Again was named Album Of The Year at the UK Country Music Awards.
A constant presence as a headline act on the UK, Ireland and European touring and festival circuit – appearing regularly in the Netherlands, Germany and Scandinavia especially – Ags has also shared stages with country music icons such as Rosanne Cash, Asleep At The Wheel, Dale Watson and Jim Lauderdale. More recently he has opened shows for a newer batch of stars, including every date of Charley Crockett‘s major European tour in 2023.
Our special guest for the evening, is rising UK talent, Susannah Clegg!
Susannah is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from the North West of England. The Road Is Only Miles, her debut EP of original songs inspired by Americana and classic country music, alongside “spine-tingling” renditions of American roots standards, was released on 1st February 2025.
Described by The Rugged Revival as "a standout voice on the UK scene", her recent work as a solo artist is a powerful combination of impressive vocals, thoughtful lyricism and acoustic guitar, and has been featured on BBC Introducing (Lancashire & Cumbria), Somethin’ Country UK, The British Country Show, UK Country Radio, The International Americana Music Show and Beyond Radio. Taking inspiration from the likes of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn and Townes van Zandt as well as contemporary artists such as Willie Watson, Sierra Ferrell and Gillian Welch, she has performed across the UK, producing a timeless sound that takes in country, blues, folk and western swing.
Susannah is also a key member of bluegrass and country string-band The Long Nights, who released their debut album in 2024 and have supported artists such as Karen Jonas, Rod Picott and Jaywalkers.
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