Prepare for an exhilarating night of music as two of the UK’s most accomplished folk musicians, Will Pound & Jenn Butterworth, bring their spellbinding live show to The Wesley Anne, with an opening set by one of Australia’s most loved fiddle and harp duos Mickey & Michelle.
Harmonica and melodeon virtuoso Will Pound and award-winning guitarist and vocalist Jenn Butterworth are a powerhouse duo renowned for blending folk traditions with spontaneous improvisation and high-energy musicianship. Their performances are a thrilling game of “musical cat and mouse,” a dance of spontaneous, in-the-moment interplay that mesmerises audiences. Virtuosic, unpredictable, and filled with joy, their music is a celebration of the magic of live performance.
Their debut album, recorded live in Glasgow in 2023, has received widespread acclaim. The Scotsman awarded the album five stars, describing it as: “Harmonica and melodeon ace Will Pound and guitarist Jenn Butterworth… transfer their celebrated live duo to the studio. Their opening blues-inflected reel set would raise the dead and make them dance… There’s not so much musical dialogue as mutual hot pursuit.”
With accolades from BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, FATEA, Songlines, and the Scots Trad Music Awards, Will and Jenn are recognised as musical alchemists, turning tradition into something thrillingly new while staying deeply connected to the roots of their craft. Both are sought-after collaborators, known for their fearless innovation and infectious stage presence.
Expect an evening of high-energy musicianship, deep tradition, and spontaneous, joy-filled moments. Will Pound & Jenn Butterworth’s performance is an exhilarating fusion of masterful technique and playful improvisation—a rare opportunity to witness folk music at its most electrifying and transformative.
Opening the evening are harp and fiddle extravaganza Mickey & Michelle, whose energetic and virtuosic performances have captured hearts throughout Australia and New Zealand. Celebrated for their artistry and virtuosic skill, Mickey & Michelle weave a gorgeous ‘chamber-folk’ tapestry of original Celtic music infused with vocal harmony and fiery improvisations. Their second album ‘Solace in Wonder’ was nominated for Best Folk Work in the 2024 Music Victoria Awards, and they have graced the stages of some of Australia’s best loved folk festivals such as Woodford, The National Folk Festival, Cresfest and Australia’s National Celtic Festival. Catch them at one of their final Melbourne shows before they tour overseas for the rest of 2025.
