REVERED folk duo Chris While and Julie Matthews, are to make a special appearance for the Bournemouth Folk Club at the Shelley Theatre on Saturday, May 19.

After 25 years of musical partnership gathering numerous nominations, awards and critical acclaim along the way, While and Matthews have cemented their place as one of the finest duos in acoustic music.

Winners in the Best Duo category at the 2009 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and ten times nominated since 2001 in the Best Duo, Best Song & Best Live Act categories, Their musical partnership began in 1993 when they were key members and writers in the legendary folk-rock group The Albion Band with Ashley Hutchings and Simon Nicol (Fairport Convention).

In 1997 they left the band to concentrate on their work as a duo which has seen them tour throughout the world and gain an ever growing devoted fan-base.

Their songs have been covered by a range of renowned artists including Fairport Convention, Mary Black, Frances Black, Barbara Dickson, Christine Collister and Mary Duff among others but they are most appreciated for their own interpretation of these songs.

Ten studio and two live albums later their partnership flourishes. The Bournemouth Folk Club audience in the Mulberry Room at the Shelley Theatre will be treated to new songs and a mighty arsenal of material covering diverse topics and bridging musical genres, making them difficult to pigeonhole.but after years of drawing on many influences and experiences they have acquired a sound all of their own and are comfortable in the skin they are in. Each track is delivered with impeccable vocals, musicianship and harmonies and produced with clarity and detail.

Last year saw Chris While and Julie Matthews promoting their newest release ‘The Best of While and Matthews Volume 2’ which includes key tracks from the last half-dozen studio albums.

Last year saw them perform at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards alongside Boo Hewerdine, John McCusker and Kris Drever. In 2018, Chris and Julie are more powerful than ever and remain at the very top of their game.

Tickets for the show on Saturday, May 19 are on sale from 01202 413600 or online at shelleytheatre.co.uk.