Balladeers and Chancers got a top spot at the Hay Festival on Bank Holiday Monday (25th May 2009). Performances from eight different Balladeers and Chancers ran from noon into the evening in the square in town. The final listing was:Mark and Jill from the Rhythm Thieves; The Volunteers; The Daughters; Howard Bragen; Virg Clenthill and Comfort of the State; Izzyjack; Small Blue Fish; Emma and The Professor. All part of the wild fringe festivities and a hot bed of excitement. Warm thanks and appreciation from audiences, the fringe scene, Shepherds and the towns folk.
Hot performers at the Dukes in Presteigne on Thursday 28th May 2009 included:
Paul Hassett, making an annual return with his gentle blues and songwriting
Sue Littlejohn, who some of you may have seen perform a couple of songs in January or visited her new guitar and studio equipment shop in Knighton..songs of heartbreak
Jack Brett..younger member of Izzyjack now expanding into his own territory of acoustic folk pop and in midst of recording his first ep (well that's what i still call them)
Wig Out... that's my pet name for them 'til I hear better...Tony Lancett and Steve Williams will play their competent meaty blues covers and own compositions and back Jerry Price as he finally ventures onto the B&C stage proper..with some fellow Dukes regulars in support..