We may have been around the UK Folk scene for a number of years but we’ve kept abreast of the latest musical tastes, embraced change and maintained a youthful attitude and approach to our music. What’s more, we have years of experience of playing in every kind of venue imaginable, both large and small, and have a relaxed, confident and reassuring manner. 

 We have a reputation for being reliable, innovative and, above all, energetic! For 2011, we introduced loads of new songs, tunes and dances!

Sue sings beautifully and dances, plays Banjo, Concertina, Cajon, Bodhran, spoons and various other items of percussion.

Ian sings, dances and plays Guitars, Bouzouki, 10- and 12-stringed Citterns, Mandolin, Dulcimer and a wicked Old-Time Fiddle. He also writes the original songs and runs the occasional Marathon!

Not only do we have a great stage show that has been acclaimed in Festivals and concerts as far away as the USA, but we also teach Appalachian Flatfooting in workshops from beginner to advanced standard. 

Our main speciality is in performing at Folk Festivals and Clubs, Concerts and Corporate events with our highly-acclaimed, self-penned material and percussive dancing combined with songs, tunes and dances from the American Old Time tradition. Thanks to our association with a number of talented and well-known musicians from the USA over many years, we can confidently present songs from the American Old Time tradition in an authentic and informed way, using our many instrumental skills. Sue plays 5-string banjo, concertina, cajon and percussion and Ian plays guitars, guittern, cittern, mandolin, octave mandola, autoharp and dulcimer. Of course, we both dance in addition to the singing. We have been described the Ira Bernstein as being amongst the finest Appalachian Flatfooters in both the UK and USA, and this dance form features in our repertoire.

For those occasions that require it we also perform a dynamic and original programme of English traditional music, using our many and varied instruments and our years of experience in the folk and corporate entertainment scene. PLUS, we also specialise in music from the Victorian and Edwardian Music Halls.

No venue is too large or too small, and no event too grand or too modest. We will ensure your event is enjoyable and memorable.If you are not familiar with The Harvesters and your first contact with us is on-line, we would be pleased to hear from you! Please let us know what your questions are and we will be more than happy to help.

We are also part of a Ceilidh Band, Reel To Reel, that specialises in providing Barn Dance music with a caller for all manner of events. The line-up includes accordion, piano, mandolin, guitar, fiddle and percussion.

Ian is also a member of the popular and well-established Aardvark Ceilidh Band, where he plays Acoustic and Electric Guitars and Mandolin. He is also much in demand as a session musician with singers and groups, performing all genres of music.

If you prefer your event to have a Period theme, we also have a long-established act performing songs and music from Medieval, Elizabethan and the English Civil War period through to 18th century songs that will delight audiences of all ages and musical tastes. We have been told that much of our appeal lies in our relaxed and professional style. From strolling around tables to performing from Minstrels’ galleries you can be sure of us delighting your guests or clients.

MARATHON MAN!                                                                                                   As if all this playing wasn't enough, Ian ran in the 2010 Flora London Marathon and recorded a new personal best time of 4 hours, 30 minutes. He raised more than £1,600 for PHABKids! He now also has a place in the 2012 London Marathon , when he will also be aiming to raise as much money as possible for PHABKids as well as breaking the elusive 4-hour barrier!

Where to see us:

27-29 January 2012    Auckland Folk Festival, New Zealand

EVERY FIRST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH AT HARBURY FOLK CLUB, THE DOG INN, HIGH STREET, HARBURY.  http://welcome.to/HarburyFolkClub

__________________________________________________________________

Sue:      Vocals, Bodhran, Percussion, Dulcimer, Concertina, Clawhammer Banjo and Appalachian Precision Clogging and Flatfooting.  Also available as Vocal and Step Dance tutor

Ian:       Vocals, Guitars, Bouzouki, Cittern, Guittern, Mandolin, Dulcimer, Fiddle, Tenor Banjo, Whistles, Autoharp, Ukulele and  Appalachian Flatfooting and Precision Clogging.  
Also available as a session musician for live shows or recordings, a Concert MC with over twenty-five years experience, and as Flatfooting and Precision Clogging tutor. 

The Harvesters are members of Equity in the UK and are always keen to appear in Television, Stage or Film Work - we have already appeared as Extras in a number of high-profile Television series. 

Ian is a member of the Performing Right Society.

________________________________________________________________

[Now read more about us in the other pages ]