For the first time I can remember, a little bit of me is jealous of all the “off to Glastonbury” pictures and posts. It’s no coincidence that this is also the first time I can remember Glastonbury festival not forecast to become a mud bath. But I have decided to curb this seed of jealousy and instead see Glastonbury for what it is: a great chance to expose drunk people to country music.
So if you’re there or know people who are, here’s the pick of the country and Americana bunch performing this weekend.
Friday
Carter Sampson – 12:00 – 12:40, Acoustic Stage
Oklahoma spawned singer-songwriter with a Sheryl Crow vibe.
Margo Price [pictured above] – 13:30 – 14:30, The Park Stage
Last year’s country breakthrough offering old country in a young package. Her critic-dazzling debut album Midwest Farmer’s Daughter had her compared to country queen Loretta Lynn.
The Mavericks – 23:10 – 00:20, Avalon Stage
Not the band to convince your friends that country is cool, but who wouldn’t want to Dance the Night Away with the nostalgic sounds of this 90s man-band.
Also worth checking out:
Kris Kristofferson – 13:30 – 14:30, Pyramid Stage – Johnny Cash’s twinkly eyed mate.
Emily Barker – 14:30 – 15:10 Acoustic stage – Atmospheric Australian folk singer you might have seen turing the UK with Danni Nichcolls.
Angel Olsen – 18:00 – 19:00, The Park Stage – If only to find out what ‘gothic country’ is.
Saturday
Lewis & Leigh – 12:50 – 13:20, Acoustic Stage
We’ve spoken about the half Brit, half ‘Merican duo before. More folk than country but with perfect harmonies and a mandatory whiskey song I’m sold.
Wildwood Kin – 12:50 – 13:45, Avalon Stage or 16:50 – 17:15, BBC Introducing
Brilliant all singing, all playing, all female trio.
Sunday
Lissie – 15:20 – 16:20, Avalon Stage
Before there was Cam, there was Lissie.
Justin Townes Earle – 16:20 – 17:05, Acoustic Stage
Son of alt-country legend Steve Earle but his retro blues-infused country stands up even without daddy’s name.
Kiefer Sutherland – 16:50 – 17:50, Avalon Stage
Yes that Sutherland. We can’t say his saunter from acting to a country album (via careers as a cattle rancher and rodeo cowboy) massively enriched the country charts, but what’s a festival without a surreal experience.
Ward Thomas – 20:00 – 21:00, Acoustic Stage
Of course. I’m pretty sure you’ve heard of the chart-topping, harmony-ninja Cartwheels twins.
Then finally, when you’re watching Ed Sheeran on the Pyramid stage (Sunday 21:45 – 23:15) remember this headliner own wise words; “Country music is some of the best-written music in the world.”
Cheers Ed, I knew I liked you.
CJ (Brits in Boots)
For the full festival lineup click here (but please note this link also contains non country music related bands so exercise caution).
Brits in Boots 
Leave a Reply