Radio 2 Folk Awards nominees announcedBBC Radio 2 Folk Awards presenter Mark Radcliffe today announced the nominees for this year’s awards. The annual event, now in its 18th year, is one of the year’s musical highlights and sees some of the biggest names in folk music celebrate the UK’s thriving folk music scene. The categories in which accolades will be awarded are: Folk Singer of the Year, Best Duo, Best Group, Best Album, Horizon Award, Musician of the Year, Best Original Track, Best Traditional Track and BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award. The awards show will also include the presentation of Lifetime Achievement Awards. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony, being presented by Mark Radcliffe and Julie Fowlis, from the Royal Albert Hall in London on Wednesday 5 April. The Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 will welcome an array of star guests and will see legendary performer Billy Bragg headlining with a tribute to folk icon Woody Guthrie, who will be inducted into the Radio 2 Folk Awards Hall of Fame to recognise his special contribution to the world of folk music and someone whose impact and influence has had a lasting impression. Confirmed to perform live on the night are Afro Celt Sound System – the musical group which fuses modern electronic dance music with traditional Irish and West African music. Also set to perform are Orkney group Fara. Kristan Harvey, Jeana Leslie and Catriona Price’s dynamic fiddles combine with Jennifer Austin's driving piano to produce a fiery sound rooted strongly in their upbringing. Other acts set to perform at the event will be announced at a later date. As previously announced by Radio 2 Folk Show presenter, Mark Radcliffe, on the Radio 2 Drivetime show with Simon May on Monday 6 February, singer-songwriter Al Stewart will receive a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to folk music. Al Booth, Editor Specialist Music for BBC Radio 2, says: “It’s so great to see some of folk’s newest names alongside real musical legends in this year’s nominations list, as it’s important that the Radio 2 Folk Awards support both established and burgeoning musicians. It really shows how the music grows and reinvents itself whilst staying true to its roots. And the representation of acts from all areas of the British Isles proves that those roots do indeed stretch far and wide. We can expect an entertaining and surprising show once again at the Royal Albert Hall.” Listeners will be able to watch the ceremony live on the BBC Radio 2 website with highlights of the awards being broadcast on the BBC iPlayer after the event and on Red Button. The BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards will be broadcast live from 7.30-10pm on Radio 2. For more details head to bbc.co.uk/radio2 The Radio 2 Folk Awards are a Smooth Operations: A 7digital Company production for Radio 2. AF2 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 Nominations: Folk Singer of the Year
Best Duo
Best Group
Best Album
Horizon Award
Musician of the Year
Best Original Track
Best Traditional Track
BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award
February 9, 2017 12:17pm ET by Newsdesk
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