Howay The Lasses Sunderland

‘Howay The Lasses’ are a vibrant collaborative that celebrate the lives of notable women heroes of the North East of England through original songs and arrangements. The North East is rich with the discoveries, achievements and successes of women across all strands of life - from writers, poets and painters, to engineers, champions of industry and social reformers. Some of these stories both contemporary and historical are known to a degree - others not so well.

We cant wait to welcome Howay the Lasses to Seventeen Nineteen so we can learn about and celebrate amazing women from the North East. And in the theme of supporting and celebrating amazing women we will also have Singer/songwriter Ruby Kelly, she speaks tales of moving away from home at 18 and the struggles that come with it. Writing catchy storylines that are as refreshing as they are honest, the welsh solo artist speaks to a crowd in an engaging way. Currently based in the North East of England, Ruby released her latest single “Hometown” in summer to show her large love for life and the world around her, which is now available to stream online!

Singer and accordionist Annie Ball, father and daughter singer-songwriter combination Gareth and Bronwen Davies-Jones, and cellist Katie Tertell began working together during the lockdown of 2021. The result is an engaging and original canon of material in tribute to the lives of historical characters such as engineer Rachel Parsons and mathematician Janet Taylor as well as contemporary figures like artist Sheila Graber.

Based in and around Newcastle Upon Tyne/Northumberland ‘Howay The Lasses’ have set out to share through original song how these characters have inspired and shaped the region and the wider world. Their music weaves together a rich tapestry of traditional sounds and musical landscapes with each musician bringing their unique style and creative background to surround and elevate the accomplishments and adventures of these special women.

“...a moving paean to the lives of women from the North-East of England, from the fêted to the altogether more obscure.. ear-catching three-part vocal harmonies.. an uplifting foot-tapping delight.” Songlines Magazine (4 Stars)

“Blows struck and awareness raised, Howay The Lasses adds another keystone to the North East musical legacy.” At The Barrier

“Howay the Lasses gives a new life to these sometimes unsung heroines, scientists, artists and social reformers who have reshaped our society by their example. An intriguing concept album to savour” Bright Young Folk

“A testament to true stories of female empowerment set amid the stereotypically patriarchal landscape of the North East, this is a terrific and highly listenable album, the fact that it is just Howay The Lasses Vol 1 fuelling anticipation of what other unsung heroines they have to illuminate.”

Folking.com

“..this is an enjoyable album to listen to telling the stories of women who otherwise may be hidden from history. With great vocals and instrumentals and intended as a first volume, we can eagerly look forward to the second.” The Morning Star

“This album.. is a powerful lesson to our society as it manages to highlight, with the thoughtful use of words and strong melodies, the obstacles these women had to face; an empathetic experience all round.” Bright Young Folk