MFF presents: Heather Ferrier (Trio)

mjf @ First Street (Ask Garden Stage)

Heather Ferrier accordion, clog dance / Alasdair Paul guitar / Adam Stapleford drums

Marking one of mjf’s new programming partnerships – in this case our celebrated friends Manchester Folk Festival (MFF) – mjf offers audiences from both festivals the chance to experience live music-making from an artist who has their feet – and ears – in both the jazz and folk camps.

With captivating musicianship and a sound unapologetically her own, Heather Ferrier is a force to be reckoned with. An “engaging talker and magnetic performer” (NARC magazine), the Stockport–born accordionist, clog dancer and composer is changing the perceptions of alt-folk on her own terms.

Her music sets the accordion free from its stereotypes, using powerful melodies, jazz-influenced harmony and an explosion of groove that embellishes Heather’s signature alt-folk style. The trio’s influences and genre-bending collaborations transcend the limits of contemporary instrumental folk music, employing Heather’s distinct compositional style to create a show with both emotive and upbeat moments.

Bold, passionate and enthralling, her music has featured on BBC 6 Music, with live shows at Cambridge and Manchester Folk Festivals and at the iconic Bridgwater Hall as part of WOMEX 2024.