January 23rd 2026
Sarah McQuaid
As part of the Stony Words 2026 Festival The Song Loft is proud to present Sarah McQuaid. Sarah McQuaid’s lush, velvety voice combines with her engaging personality and “brilliant musicianship” (fRoots) on acoustic and electric guitars, keyboards and (occasionally) drum to create a truly immersive experience. Her live performances are full of warmth, wit, and intimacy, and have earned her loyal followings on both sides of the Atlantic.
Born in Spain, raised in Chicago, holding dual Irish and American citizenship and now settled in rural England, she brings the eclecticism of her background to her “captivating, unorthodox songwriting” (PopMatters) and choice of material. From contemplative ballads to playful blues to atmospheric instrumentals, Sarah’s music invites reflection, connection, and a deep appreciation of the quiet power of a well-crafted song.

Tickets £11 each from https://wegottickets.com/event/682665
Doors open 7.30pm Event starts at 8.00pm
There will be a bar
27th February 2026
Something Sleeps
London based dream-folk band Something Sleeps (trio) features songwriters Fiona Fey and Rey Yusuf, known for their vocal harmonies and emotionally provocative lyrics. Intricately flowing songs in vocal harmony wind their way through soulful cello melodies by Josh Considine. With a warm and playful sense of humour they entertain with their on-stage antics.

Tickets £11 each from https://wegottickets.com/event/684532
Doors Open 7.30pm Event starts at 8.00pm
There will be a bar
27th March 2026
The Lonnie Donegan Story with Warren James
York House and The Song Loft welcome Warren James, he of the Jake Leg Jug Band, for his stunning show celebrating the life, music and legacy of the great great Lonnie Donegan.
The story and songs of Lonnie Donegan’s rise to fame as “The King of Skiffle” as well as the god-father of British pop music.
Lonnie Donegan was Britain’s most inspirational pop star before the Beatles and is the sole reason that all of the major 60s bands began to play music.
“No Lonnie Donegan, No Skiffle Groups, No Beatles – It is that simple” – George Harrison.
From Banjo player in The Chris Barber and Ken Colyer Jazz & Blues Band, to the heights of international fame, Lonnie had over 30 chart entries in 4 years.
This show features all of Lonnie’s major hits including: Battle of New Orleans, Rock Island Line, Cumberland Gap, Does You Chewing Gum Loose its Flavour, Have a Drink on Me, Lost John, Putting on the Style and many more.
Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LonnieDoneganStory
And watch a couple of videos at https://warrenjamesguitar.com/lonniedoneganstory/

Tickets £11.00 each from https://wegottickets.com/event/682368
or £12.00 on the door
Doors open 7.30pm Event starts at 8.00pm
There will be a York House bar offering real ale, cider, lager, wine and soft drinks
24th April
Megson
Four times nominated in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and double winners of the Spiral Earth Awards Megson, aka Stu & Debbie Hanna, draw heavily on their Teesside heritage to create a truly unique brand of folk music.
The husband & wife duo bring an infectious mix of heavenly vocals, lush harmonies and driving rhythmic guitars. Comprising Debs Hanna (Vocals, Whistle, Piano Accordion) and Stu Hanna (Guitar, Mandola, Banjo) Megson have gained fame on the British folk scene, not only for their arresting & intelligent songwriting, but for their exquisite musicianship and northern humour. As fRoots Magazine puts it ‘if you don’t like the music here then you have a problem’

Tickets £18.70 each from: https://wegottickets.com/event/686122
Doors Open 7.30pm Event starts at 8.00pm
There will be a bar