Multi-award-winning folk musicians Sam Kelly and Jamie Francis first met at university in Brighton in 2010 and started performing around Brighton as a duo, playing folk and blues songs. They have since become two of the most respected and innovative musicians on the British folk scene, and they are the main songwriting partnership behind the hit folk band Sam Kelly and the Lost Boys.

They are both successful musicians in their own right — Sam plays guitar in Kate Rusby's band and works as a record producer and Jamie is known as one of the UK's foremost banjo players, having published a book and multiple online lessons for the legendary US company Deering Banjos.

Expect to hear traditional folk music from the British Isles and USA, with barnstorming instrumental performances of Irish jigs and reels, tender folk ballads, as well as original material from both artists as they work on a brand-new duo album due for release later this year. An evening of most pleasurable musical entertainment is guaranteed!

You can find out more about Sam and Jamie by visiting their websites:

Sam and Jamie have performed for Maxability a couple of times before, and they kindly recorded a special video concert for us in 2021. This sample will remind you of their virtuoso online performance.

We are very pleased to welcome them back in real life in 2024!

Their work has attracted numerous rave reviews. Here are just a few edited highlights:

About Sam Kelly:

'What a beautiful singer. He has that really rare male voice, that soft-edged tone, you know those beautiful tenor voices of the 30's and 40's... it really draws you in.' Kate Rusby, fRoots magazine (on the 'next big thing').

'Sam has such a beautiful voice and sings with so much soul. I've seen him perform live a few times and he's amazing.'
Cara Dillon

'I think this guy is absolutely brilliant.... His voice is beyond sublime.' Mike Harding

'Amazing, thrilling music.'
Mark Radcliffe, Radio 2 Folk Show

'A captivating performer, Sam Kelly has one of the best young male voices in British acoustic roots music. Seriously... Check him out!'
Sean Lakeman

About Jamie Francis:

'Fantastic banjo player'
Mike Harding, the Mike Harding Folk Show

'Stealing the banjo from the clutches of Mumford and Sons' Huey Morgan, Fun Lovin' Criminals
BBC Radio 2

'Exemplary Banjo'
Folkradio.co.uk

'Superb banjo picking'
Folkall.blogspot.co.uk

Don't take our word for it — have a look for yourselves!

PGC cannot guarantee that all What's On information is 100% accurate. If in doubt, contact the organisers or visit their website using the More Details button.

See all upcoming events

Become a Friend of Cooking Champions today!

While we admire and support the Christmas campaigns that we see pop up in December, we also know that help is urgently needed all year round, each and every year. As some people pack away after the festive break, we are still here.

Our support is not limited to a food package, but it leaps beyond - we form connections, we listen and respond to everyone who steps through our doors. We open up a warm, safe, environment which aims to feel like a home away from home.

For us to continue to thrive and grow, and keep supporting as many people as possible, we are asking you to become a Friend of Cooking Champions. Even a donation of just £5-10 per month can make a HUGE impact on the lives of those who come through our doors.

Pop to our People's Fundraising page to donate, and we promise to keep you updated with how your support is making a difference. Thank you, we appreciate you! Team Cooking Champions