The Magpies

The Magpies are a transatlantic folk band working on the contemporary roots scene. Their music draws on Anglo and American roots, taking in traditional Celtic folk, bluegrass and Appalachian music, and blends these influences into a single style. Vocal harmonies, musicianship and songwriting are central to the group's sound.

The project is built around founding members Bella Gaffney, a singer-songwriter who plays guitar and banjo and has won an award, and Holly Brandon, a fiddle player and tunesmith. They are joined by Kate Griffin, who plays banjo and dobro, and Cathy Ife, on bass guitar. The four musicians write and arrange their material together.

A strand of feminism runs through the band's music, and the members champion gender equality in the music industry. The evening also features special guests. Rough Trade Bristol hosts concerts and shows in the city, and this performance is one of its events.