DARIA KULESH & TRISTAN SEUME / John Drakes

“The Voice of Fairytales”

DARIA KULESH has been described by Mike Harding as “one of the finest voices and one of the most intriguing and interesting songwriters on the present folk scene”.

She is a multiple award winner and her four albums to date have all received rave reviews.

Born in Russia but based in the UK for the last 15 years, she fearlessly explores her heritage and turbulent family history in Ingushetia (North Caucasus) with songs that "aren't just sung, but lived" (FATEA).

We found the experience unforgettable: insights into a hitherto unknown people and their culture, overcome by the cruelty of mega state power, told through the lives of the past and present. Truly folk music at its best.” - "Remarkable woman/voice/stories" - "One of our best nights yet" - The Lightship, Blyth - organisers and audience

"An excellent evening and an epic journey told in stories and song. I don't think we have had an artist cover such a dramatic and traumatic history with such beauty, emotion and humour. Thank you"- Gerard Edwards, Bradninch Folk Club

“Motherland (Daria’s 2025 release) finds Daria at the height of her vocal powers and is destined to be one of the albums of 2025 – 5 out of 5 stars” – RnR Magazine

“Full of humanity…triumphant… an album of fabulously varying delights – Folk NorthWest

TRISTAN SEUME is acclaimed as one of the UK’s leading acoustic guitarists. He has toured all over Europe both as a soloist and a sought-after accompanist. His solo recordings mix handcrafted originals with beautiful interpretations of traditional and contemporary tunes. As an in-demand side-man, he has played countless shows accompanying some of the foremost voices on the UK folk scene.

An experienced and enthusiastic educator, his CV includes countless contributions to some of the UK’s best-selling guitar magazines. He has led workshops at many events such as Halsway Manor Guitar Week, Bath International Guitar Festival and the legendary Ullapool Guitar Festival.

JOHN DRAKES has written award-winning songs. You can find some of them on his album “Real Here Now”, which is packed with melodies and words as beautiful as the North York Moors where he lives