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Paul Antony Brookshaw, AKA Tall Paul

We're proud of Paul, one of the founders of Xpress Fest and an all-round wonderful human being. Paul bought his first guitar when a fellow student suggested he do so, and he's been writing songs ever since.

Paul writes songs that express how he feels and which help him manage his anxieties. His songs are powerful — with all the self-expression we value at Xpress Fest.

Feud

This funky, fun 5-piece is part of the Bristol Youth Studios project created by Bristol Beacon for 13–18-year-olds hoping to develop exciting music and performance skills.

It's where they can experiment with making music, trying something new and collaborating with others learning music production, DJ skills, rap and vocals.

Band of Buggers

Highbrow… civilised… intellectual… are all words that have never been used to describe The Band of Buggers. A chaotic affair of silliness, slapstick and singing accompanied by a uniquely bluesy whisky sound.

You may laugh. You won't cry. But you'll definitely stomp your feet.

Pilot Scheme

Earworms and mind treats from the Bristol story-song guy who's also one of this festival's organisers. Fusing stand-up and twisted soul with good hooks and butt-shaking rhythms.

A touch of indie-croon, story/tune goth/froth, punky cabaret-groove, and so forth — plus a warm irony and a nice line in audience participation.

Odessa Steps

The West Country has been pastures fine for catchy, observant tunesmiths that blend folk with other flavours. This long tradition stretches back to the George Martin-produced Stackridge and continues with the mighty Goldfinches — of which John Slattery is a member.

Here he is in his other musical project Odessa Steps, making merry with fellow musical travellers. Guitar, voice, fiddle and drums.

Bethany Jane

Bethany is Bethany: a singer-songwriter of immense emotional power with a gorgeous voice. We know her from Mind Your Music — and honestly, she's great. Don't miss her set. She's a star.

The Open Mic Surgeons

Steve of Pilot Scheme and his buddies from Open Mic Surgery become The Open Mic Surgeons in a brassy-voiced romp through the twentieth century — from New Orleans of the '30s to the Talking Heads era of New York.

This is a debut performance. Come watch the Surgeons live!

Sam Elliott

We're privileged to host the debut performance by very talented Bristol songwriter Sam Elliott (of art-rock band Windshake). Sam's new venture is in the realms of beautifully melodic, poetic acts such as Waterboys, Doves and Prefab Sprout.

He'll be at the Hen & Chicken with his band. We've heard a preview and vouch we've chosen well to have him headline our grand finale.