The musician John Buckley McQuaid is coming to Frome and he will be supported by a long-standing Frome artist who will be stepping out of her usual musical type to support him.

It is all thanks to Patrick Moss.

The volunteer radio host on Frome FM, the creator of Magpies Folk Cafe and owner of Soaring Magpie Records - a record label he set up to support another local artist to release her first album - he champions all things folk.

Patrick lives in Frome and is a regular attendee at many of the music events around the town.

We spoke to the support act, Joanne, who is accomplished in her own right, having co-written songs that have featured on a Netflix series and an ITV2 show about the forthcoming gig and why it is for all FOLK.

Introducing her to new audiences

Joanne told Nub News : " Patrick regularly features local folk artists Sue Harding, Sara Vian and Glastonbury-based Sarah Curtis on his show. But he also plays local artists of other genres such as Sweet Machine and me, helping to introduce us to new audiences.

"Patrick has provided me with opportunities to perform and provided words of encouragement when all I had were tears of frustration !

"He is not a musician himself but is an incredible supporter of others and will do what he can to help our music to be heard. And, for independent artists like me, this is so valuable."

The gig, on April 13, will showcase John Buckley McQuaid.

Patrick has interviewed John on the Frome show Magpies Folk Cafe and regularly plays his music. At the end of last year, Patrick invited John to come to Frome to promote his new album. He proposed that the event would be hosted by Frome FM and his show Magpies Folk Cafe.

Given the vibrant music scene, and particularly folk music scene, here in Frome, John could not decline the opportunity to perform at The Bennet Centre.

So that is where Joanne came in.

Joanne explained : " One of the songs John performs in his show is a duet with a female vocalist and Patrick saw this as an opportunity to showcase one of the local female musicians he features on his show.

"Patrick suggested that John select a female vocalist from his radio playlist to sing with him and perform as a supporting act.

"Having listened to the local singers played by Patrick, John decided to go for a non-folk artist - me. Which I found quite surprising but was delighted to be asked and accepted. "

Come along to the show even if you think folk isn't your thing

Joanne said: " This is an exciting opportunity for me and its been a privilege to get to know John as we have been preparing for the event.

"His writing is incredible and his performance will evoke a range of emotions.

"He has an incredible sense of humour and will be enormously entertaining. What's more he is generous with advice and tips and I have learned from him during our time working together. The fact that Patrick has brought us together has been of real benefit to me as a musician and performer. I would encourage people to come along to the show.

"Even if folk isn't your thing, you'll enjoy this show! "

Joanne will be performing stripped back versions of some of her released songs and others that are yet to be recorded. 

More details on the show HERE

Joanne has also recorded vocals for a number of other artists' music including The Faces of Sarah (Wrexham based Goth Rock Band), The League of Joy (Frome based 80's synth artist) and GHST MDRN (Canada based cinematic/post-rock artist).