The artists

Cole & Ward bring together two accomplished British roots musicians: Mark Cole, a singer, songwriter and versatile guitarist, and Liam Ward, an award-winning harmonica player and Hohner artist. Their engaging performances combine blues, Americana, folk and original songs with exceptional musicianship and plenty of humour.

Stan Dickens first met Mark Cole and Liam Ward at Ain't Nothin' But in Soho, London, in April 2026. Further encounters at the Gloucester Rhythm & Blues Festival that summer helped develop a musical friendship and plans to bring the duo to Madrid through The Roots Circuit.

Bird in the Belly are a distinctive Brighton-based folk quartet who bring forgotten British songs, poems and stories to life through imaginative original compositions.

Stan Dickens discovered them performing at Soho Folk and Blues in London in August 2026. Impressed by their originality, musicianship and the atmosphere of their intimate performance, Stan has remained in contact with the group ever since. The Roots Circuit hopes to introduce Bird in the Belly to Madrid audiences in the future, although no concert date has yet been confirmed.

Emilio Velozo and Emilio García bring harmonica and guitar together in a musical partnership exploring blues, jazz, bossa nova, soul and familiar classics.

Stan Dickens first heard Emilio Velozo at La Coquette in Madrid in spring 2026. Emilio became his harmonica teacher and introduced him to Emilio García. The duo performed at The Roots Circuit's first home concert in Madrid on 18 June 2026, an early milestone for the project.

Kevin Brown is an acclaimed British singer-songwriter and slide guitarist whose music draws on Delta blues, folk, country and world music. His performances combine expressive guitar playing, warmth, humour and memorable storytelling.

Stan Dickens was introduced to Kevin Brown at The Sisters in Gloucester on 31 July 2026, during the Gloucester Rhythm & Blues Festival. The Roots Circuit hopes to welcome him to Madrid in 2027, although no concert date or venue has yet been confirmed.