Having developed his song writing craft and live performances over the past decade, GEORGE BOOMSMA has quietly been gaining attention in all the right places. For example, he has been invited to open for established artists such as Richard Thompson, Martha Tilston, Kathryn Williams and Scott Matthews. Most recently he has been collaborating with rising star of the folk world - Katherine Priddy. In 2024 Katherine and George appeared live in session on BBC 6 Music (Marc Riley & Gideon Coe show), where George accompanied Katherine on guitar and backing vocal and they dueted on ‘Father of Two’ – a track lifted from Katherine’s highly acclaimed album ‘The Pendulum Swing’. A week later they were back in the BBC studios, this time live in session on Mark Radcliffe’s BBC Radio 2 Folk Show where they performed three live tracks including another dueted song ‘Ready to Go’. On the same show on 28/2, Radcliffe played out with George’s track ‘Cashmere Grey’.
In April 2024, George unveiled his debut album, The Promise of Spring, a collection of deeply personal, beautifully crafted songs that earned critical acclaim. The album marks a significant step in his evolution as a songwriter and performer, securing his place as a rising star in the music scene.
George has graced the stages of some of the most renowned folk festivals, including the Cambridge Folk Festival in the UK and the Port Fairy Folk Festival in Australia. Known for creating an intimate atmosphere in his live performances, his shows are a captivating experience—his pure, resonant voice paired with delicate guitar work draws audiences in, leaving a lasting impression. He continues to perform across the UK, sharing his music with an ever-growing fanbase.
‘A skilled guitarist, distinctive songwriter and a fine singer’ - Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2 Folk Show
‘A sensational guitarist and a beautiful singer-songwriter’ – Moseley Folk Festival
‘Songs of exquisite beauty, with a voice that could melt ice caps’ – Bob Fischer, BBC Tees
‘If it were possible for Nick Drake and Thom Yorke to collaborate, it might sound something like this’ – BBC Introducing
After 6 years as the frontman of The October Game, which saw the release of 3 albums, extensive touring throughout the UK and Europe and regular radio play on BBC6 Music, Cambridgeshire-based singer-songwriter LUKE JAMES WILLIAMS released his first solo track 'Jenny Writes Letters' in January 2017 and has since been steadily building his reputation as an engaging solo live performer.
His Instagram profile describes him as a ‘Plant powered purveyor of indie-folk party poopers’ and Luke’s debut album ‘Our Blood is Red’ certainly reflected the general malaise but also reminded us of the inherent beauty of the world around us. It's a light and dark album, ugly and beautiful, fearful and brave, combining the raw power of PJ Harvey with the delicate sensitivity of Sufjan Stevens. Williams paints pictures with words and sings them in his own distinctive voice, broadly categorised as alt. folk and drawing influences from the likes of Nick Drake. Luke's 2019 single ‘Still In Bed’ was made a BBC6 Music Recommends track of the week, and was played across the station by Tom Robinson, Tom Ravenscroft, Steve Lamacq and Lauren Laverne.
'A perfect slice of alt-folk pop'. - Charlie Ashcroft, Amazing Radio
'One man, and a Spanish guitar and the song-writing and vocal delivery are just so raw, heartfelt and beautiful I just found it irresistible' - Tom Robinson, BBC6 Music
'Reminds me of Bon Iver, only with an English accent' - Louder Than War
Also check out other Music events in Durham, Entertainment events in Durham, Festivals in Durham.
