The Stowes

The Stowes are a Celtic Folk group from Cornwall, UK. who play traditional and
self-penned folk songs and sea shanties and splice them with Jigs and Reels to
create an up tempo, upbeat performance.
The Stowes play a stimulating mix of traditional folk, of mainly Cornish, Irish and
Scottish origin, as well as rousing sea shanties with scintillating, foot stomping
instrumental arrangements.
Over the past 4 years They have performed over 250 live performances around
the Duchy of Cornwall and the UK. They have also toured in America and played
with such bands and performers as Bohola, Colleen Raney and Hanz Araki of The
Press Gang.
With a full-bodied combination of Piano Accordion, Bouzouki and Stomp Box, as
well the occasional subtle tone of the 5 String and Tenor Banjo, The Stowes are
on a mission to re-invent Cornish Celtic music and present it to the world.
The Band
The trio of Calum, Tom and Kevin have been performing as The Stowes since
2012, but it has only been in the last 3 years that the band has gained traction,
with 2018 being the first year that all members have been able to commit on a
full-time basis. Both Calum and Tom have served for over 10 years in the
Merchant Navy and that combined with the trio growing up in the port of
Padstow has shaped a sound with a strong maritime and Cornish identity.
Although Calum has temporarily left the band to focus on his career goals at sea,
he will still join the band from time to time, contributing his powerful vocals and
subtle, yet distinctive banjo playing.
Cornwall, and Padstow in particular is well renowned for its Celtic heritage akin
to that of Ireland and Scotland. As such, the Stowes are keen to create and
promote a ‘Celtic Crossover’ which blurs geographical boundaries and enables
listeners to experience the influences of all the Celtic nations spliced as one.
As well as reinventing traditional music, the bands original material aims to
present listeners with a unique and thoughtful insight into life at sea and

growing up in Cornwall. Both are said to be pleasant and harsh simultaneously,
but for very different reasons.

Reviews
“Fantastic band! Fantastic music! Amazing instrument playing. We’re mesmerised
watching the accordionists fingers on the accordion! Fantastic vocals too. Saw
them last year in GDSF, so pleased that they were back again this year. Thank you,

lads, for a great show!”
Kathryn Emery

“We love you guys! Best band in all of Cornwall hands down! Thanks for coming to

the Beer and Mussel’s Festival!”
Sarita Ester

“Gathering new fans wherever they go, The Stowes are constantly developing
sumptuous harmonies and it’s clear to see why they are now one of the top live

bands in Cornwall”
Philliegh Folk Club

“Everyone thoroughly enjoyed your music and songs. It’s clear you’re all passionate
about what you do but want to have fun with it too, and that’s what it’s all about as

far as I’m concerned.”
Mark Bazeley – Dartmoor Folk Festival