McCusker Trio

Contact

Name: Threlkeld Village Hall

Phone: 07931679654

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.threlkeldvillagehall.org

Address

Main Street
Threlkeld, Keswick, Cumbria,
Keswick
CA12 4RX

Price Notes

Adult £25 (£12.50 under 18)

Direction

Threlkeld is located off the A66 in Cumbria, 4 miles west of Keswick and 13 miles east of Penrith. From Penrith, junction 40 on the M6, follow signs to Keswick and after 13 miles turn right into Threlkeld Village. Do not follow your Sat Nav after this point - the Village Hall is located 0.5 mile along on the left hand side. From Keswick follow signs to Penrith and after 4 miles take the first left signposted Threlkeld. The Village Hall is 0.5 mile along on the right hand side.

Details

The Trio is led by John McCusker, one of the most revered and decorated traditional musicians of his generation. A multi award-winning fiddle player, producer and composer, John has been at the heart of the UK folk scene for over three decades. He is joined by two outstanding musicians: Sam Kelly, winner of the Horizon Award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and charismatic frontman of Sam Kelly & The Lost Boys; and Toby Shaer, a virtuoso multi-instrumentalist whose stunning command of flutes, whistles and guitars has made him a go-to touring musician for Cara Dillon. Tickets £25 (£12.50 under 18).

John McCusker’s ability to cross musical boundaries has seen him tour and record extensively with Mark Knopfler since 2008, performing on major stages including Madison Square Garden, the Hollywood Bowl and the Royal Albert Hall. He has also appeared with artists such as David Gilmour, Eric Clapton, Paul Weller, Paolo Nutini, Eddi Reader, Julie Fowlis, and many more.

As a producer, John has shaped influential albums for artists including Kris Drever, Roddy Woomble, Eddi Reader, Kate Rusby and Eliza Carthy, while his film and TV work includes soundtracks for Heartlands, 16 Years of Alcohol, and the BBC’s Jam and Jerusalem. His collaborative projects include Before the Ruin, Under One Sky, and long-running work with John Doyle and Mike McGoldrick, as well as his role in the prestigious Transatlantic Sessions house band. John has received numerous accolades, including BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Musician of the Year and the Scottish Culture Award for Music.

Sam Kelly, winner of the Horizon Award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and finalist on Britain’s Got Talent, has built a devoted following as frontman of Sam Kelly & The Lost Boys. His spellbinding voice, effortless charisma, and genre-blending approach have seen him perform at major festivals such as Cambridge Folk Festival and Glastonbury, as well as on stages across Europe with Kate Rusby.

Toby has performed in some of the UK’s most prestigious venues earning a reputation for his dynamic, expressive playing. Completing the trio is Toby Shaer, a virtuoso multi-instrumentalist whose stunning command of flutes, whistles and guitars has made him a go-to touring musician for Cara Dillon. Toby has performed in some of the UK’s most prestigious venues earning a reputation for his dynamic, expressive playing.

Together, The John McCusker Trio brings a thrilling combination of instrumental brilliance, heartfelt songs, and unforgettable live energy. Their performances … a rich tapestry of original compositions, traditional melodies, and contemporary folk songs .. captivate audiences with warmth, humour, and sheer musical class. Whether on festival stages or in intimate venues, this trio delivers a rare experience: deeply rooted in tradition, yet bursting with innovation, joy and soul. Sure to sell-out!

Threlkeld Village Hall, Thursday 25th June 2026, 8pm. Bar and Box Office from 7:15pm. Tickets £25 (£12.50 under 18) from Threlkeld Village Hall Coffee Shop and on-line at https://www.threlkeldvillagehall.org/whats-on by debit or credit card.  

Event Details