The Togfest Music Festival supports, encourages and promotes live, original music, and thanks all those listed below for doing the same..
In no particular order, these acts confirmed…..
(Check out full list. Newer confirmations not necessarily added at top or bottom.)
Togmor
The festival’s favourite celtic rockers. Wouldn’t be the same without them!
SATURDAY
MUD II
….featuring members of Les Gray’s Mud
It is true! They are confirmed. Finest retro pop….with all those great 70’s sounds. Feet tapping just thinking about it! Signed to Mickie Most’s RAK label, Mud, one of the most successful and legendary English glam rock bands, formed in 1968 and always remembered for their single "Tiger Feet", the UK’s best-selling of 1974. With several British Number One singles and, with their records co- written and produced by Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman, in 1975 they had no fewer than seven singles in the UK Top 40. Sadly, founder member, Les Gray died in 2004, but the sound and hits so well nurtured and performed by Les continue, courtesy of his estate and the members of the band who played and performed alongside him.
FRIDAY
Solstice
…. and yet another legendary band joins the Togfest line-up. With the finest prog rock steeped in 80’s history, this band performed to sell out tours, appeared at all the major fests and called, the equally legendary, London’s Marquee Club their home. Happily back again and adding new fans all the time, their soaring violin and guitar weaves around delicately passionate female vocals, underpinned by driving rhythmic complexity ….it’s all there, and with the current ascendance of musicians mixing traditional influences with contemporary elements, Togfest welcomes a band who the cognoscenti have loved for decades.
FRIDAY
Geoff Watson ( a.k.a. ' the hurricane ' )
A great one man act singer-songwriter-guitarist, producing highly original guitar sounds in the acoustic power-rock and contemporary range, creating a solid foundation of his own original songs. It has been said that hearing Geoff is like 'being swept away by a hurricane' such is the intense energy of his presence and style. Now with latest CD album "The Hurricane Effect".
"Choppy chords and fluid fills get the head nodding nicely and the stomping ‘Running Home’ makes you want to rev up the Harley & head out onto the freeway." The Talk Magazine-Nov2007 "A Limey Lad of Limitless Liveliness" - Cafe Improv, Princeton USA TV performance, Feb2007-
SATURDAY
Stone Foundation
Also celebrating their tenth anniversary, this stunning seven piece band from The Midlands describe their sound as rock, soul and psychedelic. We love it. Terrific brass section too!
SATURDAY
Vikki Clayton
Singer, songwriter, guitarist with nine successful albums, many years of guesting with Fairport Convention, projects with Jerry Donahue, Pat Donaldson, Gerry Conway and Doug Morter, the original members of Fotheringhay, and collaborations along the way with the likes of Fred T. Baker, Martin Barre, Chris Conway, Gerry Conway, John Kirkpatrick, Xu Pin Xin, Dave Pegg, Chris Leslie,Ric Sanders, Clive Bunker. Vikki last graced a TogStage back in 1999 (..as remembered by ‘Ali Max’ on our ‘Comments’ page …….see we do listen!). Togfest is truly honoured that Vikki will perform again at our Tenth Anniversary.
SATURDAY
Six Point Five
Six (and a half?) piece Ska band who make very good use of their excellent brass section. We couldn’t choose which of the band member’s descriptions, when asked during a BBC interview, to use here. You can decide! “Feel good upbeat, dance-ska music”, “ A blend of swing to punk, all revolving around a ska/reggae rhythm” , “ New age punk heavily influenced by ska and reggae beats”, “Edgy, funky, offbeat madness!”, “There are elements of funk, jazz, metal, rock, ska and reggae in our music (did I miss anything out?!)”.
SATURDAY
Terrapin Trainstation
A unique rock and roll band, true to their roots, The Terrapins are hitting the music industry with full force. Phenomenal performances, creative songs and playing to sell out audiences. Having played alongside the likes of The Feeling, Khama45, The Blockheads, and The Hoosiers, The Terrapins have now graced the studio to record their own debut chart release and a national tour is in the planning.
: ) Customers who bought Terrapin Trainstation also bought: Counting Crows, Snow Patrol, Beatles, U2, Maximo Park, Bruce Springsteen!!!!!
SATURDAY
Titan System
Experimental reggae rockers from Brighton mixing dub with rock while injecting the groove of reggae to create a unique sound with thought-provoking lyrics “that will make you think and skank all at once”. The Togfest audience is ready!
SATURDAY
Navaro
Mixing anthemic melodies, and a love of rootsy british and american folk, with great songs and great voices, this band from Hertfordshire now bring their varied sound to MK
SATURDAY
Yaw Asiyama
Caribbean poet, artist, chef, designer…there can’t be much this multi-talented artiiste can’t, and doesn’t, turn his brilliant hand to. Performing an extract from his much praised play, ‘me, Marley and i’, set against a backdrop of political struggle, a military coup and armed revolution, a young Ghanaian boy sets out to conquer the world and his pubescent emotions, armed only with an overwhelming passion for Bob Marley and the wisdom of his grandmother.
This play brings to life a different time in a different culture with great friendships, courage and sacrifice. Gloriously funny and warm, this true story jolts sharply into focus with the horror of living through an African revolution. With musical accompaniment from Dan Plews on guitar.
SATURDAY
The Zeds
Bluesy rock from another Herts based band. Good energy and equally good songs. Played Togfest in 2005 and we’re glad to have them back again.
SATURDAY
JJ White
People have been taking notice of JJ’s debut album, Featherhead. A very talented singer songwriter, his song ‘Say Anything’ has been included on Omniphones’s revolutionary Musicstation package in Europe. Co-produced by Chris White of the legendary Zombies, producer of Argent, Colin Blunstone and the seminal Odessey & Oracle… who also happens to be his dad! Don’t miss this.
SATURDAY
Big Laundry Bill
King of the Bluesmens Laundryman, Big Laundry Bill not only performs (like you’ve never seen) but also offers great rates on stain removal. Yes, you will have to be there!
SATURDAY
3AM
Originally from all over the UK, the six members of this now London based Rhythm & Blues band all have enviable musical pedigrees. Lead vocalist Helen Turner has also been cited as being “The best Blues Diva to come out of Scotland since Maggie Bell…”
FRIDAY
The Peartree Bridge Family
Local legends and loud and glam, this legendary band are great fun, playing 100% original material, written by other people for other bands. Fully supporting original music as otherwise they’d have nothing good to cover!
SATURDAY
Taylor’d Country
Just what is says on the tin: beautifully crafted country sounds. Think Dixie Chicks, Shania Twain and Garth Brooks, Keith Urban. This six piece band now boasts three lead vocalists, making for a varied set with close three part harmonies.
SATURDAY
Red Dirt
Hard to describe….try folk rock with clear underlying thread of jazz. Good songs, great music performed with passion and humour. This band has already built a strong following across the south and south west . . .and soon in Bucks too!
SATURDAY
Firetone
Intelligent Alternative Rock. Since 2004 this young band have learnt their craft performing hundreds of gigs all over the UK, resulting in an enviable list that includes Soundhaus, Roadmender, Esquires, and also numerous festivals. 2007 saw them named the worthy winners of MK Battle of the Bands.
FRIDAY
Machine
This band can really rock with an array of material ranging from the edgy to the sensitive and melodic. Lot of great hair going on too.
SATURDAY
Rogue Poet
The band describe themselves as indie/postpunk/powerpop/garage.
…..and we like what Roar Club, Esquires says: “Super skinny jingle jangle indie pop with a devilish wink in its collective eye. Bursting with energy, it’s as if these rascals had been locked in a cupboard by an evil svengali and ordered to write tunes for food and survival. Seems like they won their freedom.”
SATURDAY
Jonny Cope
Jonathan Cope has played didgeridoo for over fifteen years, having studied with several well-known international players and Australian Aboriginal Elders. He is also skilled in various styles of Mongolian / Tuvan 'Khoomei' throat or overtone singing, chant, mantras, and jaws harps.
SATURDAY
The Powders
The combined musical talents of this four-piece band produce beautifully crafted songs underpinned by melodic soft indie rock. Their music has a passion and an energy that would happily stand alongside any of today’s successful acts. The Powders closed the Marquee Stage at Togfest in 2005. We loved them then, and we love them now.
FRIDAY
The Red Bullets
Four-strong rock/pop band with’ a contemporary take on rock’. Good energy and strong, confident songs from a talented line-up that includes a lead singer/ keyboard player with a classical piano background and a drummer awarded Master Performer of the Year 2006-2007 by Drumtech.
SATURDAY
Dereck Rose
Alternative. Reggae. Afro beat. Singer/ songwriter plus an innovative, skilful guitarist. Contemporary songs sung with passion, delightfully influenced by Dereck’s Jamaican roots and an early love of gospel music.
SATURDAY
Soul Fever
Powerful eight piece soul band with two lead vocalists, playing classic soul from the sixties and seventies, recreating the distinctive horn section harmonies that make soul music so special.
FRIDAY
El Mahico
“…..impressive set of pulsating Latin rhythms, urgent bongos and resilient female vocals.” Atomicduster
“Heavy label attention to the band is unsurprising as the mix of latino guitar riffs, samba rhythms fused with hip-hop beats from the bass and decks is fresh and invigorating.” Clickmusic
SATURDAY
The Bad Habits
Young, talented and rocking it up. This band deliver “dirty rock” mixed with sexy, heartfelt vocals. This is a mighty foursome, destined for success. Catch them now!
SATURDAY
Royston Jones
Without doubt one of the most exciting new up and coming bands around with the unforgettable voice of Josh Kershaw.
SATURDAY
Big G
Beat box special
SATURDAY
The Lovedays
Watch out for this very retro inspired band. They are already attracting a lot of attention. Be one of the first!
SATURDAY
Liz Simcock
Singer songwriter of exceptional talent. Lots to say…not enough time…..
SATURDAY
Kejosi
A trio of voices creating some magic gospel sounds.
SATURDAY
Keep watching this space for more additions to the line-up.