Nashville Meets London returns to Canary Wharf this weekend, and it’s set to be bigger and better than ever.
This is the third year of the festival and as its popularity has grown, the surrounding events have expanded. Things kick off with an opening night party on Thursday 26th July, featuring Elles Bailey, Twinnie and Raintown. Then there’s a sold-out pre-party cruise on the Thames on Friday 27th July, with artists including Frankie Davies and Liv Austen performing live.
However, the main event is still the free performances at Canada Square Park, showcasing the best of US and UK country talent. There’s plenty of variety on offer across the weekend and hopefully something that will appeal to everyone.
We’re kicking things off with what’s happening on Saturday 28th July. The music starts from 2pm (though we recommend you arrive early to get a good spot!) and here’s what’s in store…
2.00 – 2.30 PM – Jade Helliwell
Originally from Batley in North Yorkshire, Jade Helliwell rocketed to fame last year when a video of her singing Leonard Cohen’s classic Hallelujah alongside a Leeds busker went viral. Since then her EP Forget The Night has topped the UK iTunes Country chart and she won the British Country Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year Award. No stranger to the festival scene, she’s previously performed at Country to Country and Buckle and Boots, and will be bringing her pop-influenced sound and powerful vocals to Canary Wharf.
2.45 – 3.45 PM – The Adelaides
This three-piece group – made up of Paris, Alicia and Abi – are one of the hardest-working bands on the UK country music scene. They’ve opened for artists including Megan McKenna, Andy Brown and Catherine McGrath, as well as performing at Country to Country, Black Deer Festival and Country Music Week. Winning over audiences with their mix of original songs and covers, as well as stunning harmonies, they’re playing their longest live set to date at Nashville Meets London and should win over plenty of new fans in the process.
4.15 – 5.15 PM – Keywest
Originally from Dublin, four-piece band Keywest got their start as buskers trying to pay the rent. However, their blend of folk, rock and pop quickly won over crowds wherever they played – even blocking the streets! They’ve since played over 300 shows, including appearances at Black Deer, Cornbury and British Summer Time Festivals, standing them in good stead for Nashville Meets London. The quartet released their latest record, True North, in March and audiences can expect to hear a mix of new songs as well as tracks from across their four previous albums, including 2012’s The Message which went triple platinum in Ireland.
5.45 – 6.45 PM – Frankie Davies
Jersey native Frankie has been one of the UK country scene’s leading lights since releasing her debut EP Dancing All Night in 2015. She’s toured with the likes of Chris Young, Maddie & Tae, Charlie Worsham and The Shires, and has also appeared at CMA Fest in Nashville and Country to Country. Well-known for her cover versions, her set will also feature plenty of her own original material, blending upbeat melodies and gorgeous ballads with sweet yet soulful vocals and plenty of twang. She’ll also be performing on Friday’s sold-out cruise, so if you didn’t get a ticket for that make sure you see her in Canary Wharf!
7.15 – 8.15 PM – Sam Palladio
If you’re a fan of the TV series Nashville, then Sam Palladio will be a very familiar face. The singer and actor, who played lead character Gunnar Scott on the hit show for six years, has been regularly wowing UK audiences as part of cast tours in recent years. However, he’s now embarking on a solo career including performing at Black Deer Festival, where he wowed the crowd with his most accomplished performance yet. Whilst his girlfriend Cassadee Pope may not be making an appearance at Nashville Meets London, there’s sure to be a mix of songs from Nashville alongside Sam’s original music, which is influenced by folk, country and rock.
Read our recent interview with Sam
8.45 – 10.00 PM – Dylan Schneider
The first day of the festival closes with a headline set from Dylan Schneider, one of the US country scene’s rising stars. Dylan got his start after performing on stage with Brett Eldredge aged just 14, before recording a series of cover songs which he posted to YouTube. He released his debut EP, Wannabe, in 2016, and has recently released his latest single, How Does It Sound, in the US. When we interviewed him recently he promised that he’d be performing acoustically and that fans could expect a mix of rock and pop influences with country storytelling. With songs like the smooth No Problem and upbeat Two Black X’s amongst his set, he’s sure to bring a fun party atmosphere to Canary Wharf.
Nashville Meets London 2018 takes place in Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf, London on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th July. For more information visit http://www.nashvillemeetslondon.com/.
