Windborne - Summertyne Americana Festival 2016 @ Sage Gateshead Friday July 22

(Review by Ann Alex)

Lance was unexpectedly absent from this event on Friday, so I was the only representative of BSH present, apart from Russell who, apparently was there earlier, perhaps disguised as a cowboy.  And there were quite a few of those, and cowgirls too, wearing the appropriate hats which were for sale on a stall, rather expensive at £35-£40, which was also the price of some guitar-like instruments also on sale.  These had box-shaped bodies, 3 strings and were electric, and they sounded ok as people tried them out, the sound adding to the atmosphere.
There were 3 kinds of cocktails available at the reception in Level 3 bar, where we were introduced to Windborne, an excellent close harmony group. The 2 men, 2 women group sang Time Is A-Winding Up. 

My press ticket was for the Mike And Ruthy Band but this group was actually more to my taste, acoustic and folkie, so I followed them down to the Concourse Stage, positioned where the cafe counter usually is, to listen to their set of gospel and folk songs, with just a hint of Barbershop harmony, and the skilful addition of banjo, mouth harp, washboard and foot-tapping.  The set was beautifully rounded off with Rollin In My Sweet Baby’s Arms, with the audience joining in the chorus.

Ann Alex.