Get ready for an afternoon of incredible music at the free Clevedon Music Festival on Saturday, September 6th, 2025. From 2:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Clevedon Queens Square will be transformed into a hub of diverse musical talent, with something to get everyone’s feet tapping and heads bopping. The event, presented by Clevedon Live Music, promises a lively atmosphere with food and drink stalls available to keep you energised throughout the day.
The festival’s lineup features a fantastic mix of genres and performers, starting with Poor Old Dogs, a Bristol-based folk-punk band known for their rich storytelling and energetic shows. Later in the afternoon, get ready for a special ‘Piano Extravaganza’ featuring three street piano legends from London: Fabio, Keba, and Patrick Clopon. Each brings a unique style, from Fabio’s global influences to Keba’s Debussy-fused jazz and Patrick’s vibrant improvisations. As the evening progresses, local favourites The Squirrel Sisters will take the stage, filling Queens Square with an eclectic mix of soul, pop, glam, indie, and rock spanning from the 60s to the 2010s and beyond.
The festival will conclude with a performance by Mohamed Errebbaa with Tagna Groove. Mohamed, a Maalem (master) of traditional Gnawa music from Morocco, founded the six-piece Bristol-based ensemble in 2023. The group creates a unique sound by blending traditional Gnawa music with contemporary genres like funk, jazz, soul, and Afrobeat. With a lineup like this, you won’t want to miss a moment of the festivities!
And the music doesn’t stop there! There’s an official after-party at The Riff Corner from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Wrens Pizzas will be there selling their delicious pizzas, and the phenomenal Fabio, Keba, and Patrick will be on hand to keep the entertainment going – a perfect end to a wonderful day.
Thank you to Maureen Ni Fiann for all your hard work in making this happen, and to Discover Clevedon and the Diverse Artist Network for their support.
Here is a closer look at the performers who will be gracing the stage:
POOR OLD DOGS 2.30 p.m.
Poor Old Dogs are a five-piece folk-punk band. They are known for their energetic and often chaotic live performances, which they have been honing at gigs and festivals across the southwest of England for several years.
The band’s sound is a unique blend of traditional folk music and punk rock, with a rhythmic foundation that incorporates elements of skiffle, ska, reggae, and even Zimbabwe Jit. They have been compared to The Pogues, but with their own distinct, wild impudence and audacious style. The band’s influences are wide and varied, drawing from traditional folk music from both sides of the Atlantic.
Poor Old Dogs released their debut album, A Fresh Pot of Mustard, in 2015. The album features 13 songs, most of which were written by the band’s lead singer and guitarist, Jack Murray Francis. The album’s lyrics are eclectic, covering topics from fishmongers to forgotten love and the perils of a heavy night of drinking.
The band is known for its raw and unpolished recording style. For instance, some of the tracks on A Fresh Pot of Mustard were recorded outdoors, with ambient sounds like birdsong and seagulls audible in the background.
Poor Old Dogs have a reputation for bringing ‘fun and mayhem’ to their gigs. They encourage dancing and a lively atmosphere, and their performances have been described as high-energy. They have played at various venues and festivals, including Valley Fest, Boomtown Fair, and the Outcider Festival. Their live shows are characterised by a punk ethos and a love for traditional tunes.
PIANO EXTRAVAGANZA: A SPOTLIGHT ON CLEVEDON’S COMMUNITY PIANO ‘LILY’ 3.30 p.m.
The Piano Extravaganza at the Clevedon Music Festival will feature the Clevedon Community Piano, affectionately known as ‘Lily’. This pink piano is a testament to community spirit and is part of a wider international movement of street pianos that encourages people to share in the joy of music.
Street pianos, or city pianos, are instruments placed in public spaces like parks, markets, and train stations, available for anyone to play. The concept originated with artist Luke Jerram’s “Play Me, I’m Yours” project in 2008, which has since installed over 2,000 pianos in more than 70 cities worldwide. These pianos are often decorated by local artists and are meant to be a catalyst for social interaction, transforming ordinary urban environments into places for connection and impromptu performances. In London, for example, the street piano at St Pancras Station, donated by Sir Elton John, became a musical haven for both commuters and celebrities. Keba, one of the pianists at the festival, found refuge in playing this very piano when he was experiencing homelessness in London.
Maureen has a previous history with community projects, having co-directed ‘The People’s Piano’ and the award-winning documentary ‘Instrument of Change: Street Piano’ with Tom Rochester. This documentary, in particular, highlights the power of street pianos to foster a sense of community. It was after seeing this film that Kate and Laura from Discover Clevedon created an enthusiastic crew of volunteers to locate and renovate Lily for Clevedon.
Three pianists will be entertaining us:
FABBIO TEDDE – PIANIST WITHOUT BORDERS.
Hailing from Sardinia, Italy, Fabio Tedde’s passion for music began at an early age, nurtured by his father, Mario Tedde, a respected pianist and composer. Inspired by his global travels and a deep appreciation for diverse musical styles, Fabio’s journey led him to London in May 2001.
As a pianist, musician, and composer, Fabio has built a vibrant career both as a soloist and as a member of various bands. His original compositions are a rich tapestry of influences, blending modern classical, easy listening, new age, oriental, romantic, and melodic music. His ability to improvise on the spot has captivated audiences and is a hallmark of his unique style.
From 2009 to 2011, Fabio was the pianist for the Mimitah Band from Congo, performing at notable venues like the Double Club and The Tabernacle. His performances have taken him across North America, with appearances in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. He has also toured extensively throughout Europe and Africa, visiting numerous countries and immersing himself in local cultures.
Fabio’s solo career has been equally impressive, with a world tour that included performances at 1,067 different locations, often at public “street piano” events. His music is a direct reflection of these global encounters.
His live and recorded broadcast performances include his compositions “Why Fighting” on Brooklands Radio and “Equality” on the Emmanuel Ray TV Show. Fabio has released three solo CDs:
- Dream With Me (2006)
- Place For Everyone (2008)
- Improvisation Volume 001 (2015)
In October 2016, Fabio performed with the band ElBorn in New York. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with many acclaimed musicians, including Modou Toure, Dramane Konate, Yacouba Diabate, and others.
A dedicated philanthropist, Fabio has also performed at numerous charity events in London, supporting organisations like Street Child and City Gateway. His performances have graced many of London’s most prestigious venues, including The Waldorf Hilton Hotel, Guildhall, and The Troubadour.
KEBA JUUF
Keba, né Francois Pierron, also known as Efe Ikeuseu, was born in Dakar. He spent his first eight months in an orphanage before being adopted by his French parents, who were white, middle-class teachers and artists. They raised him on a farm in the countryside near Calais.
Keba’s sense of identity was shaped by a profound moment in his childhood. At the age of five, he realised his parents were white, a revelation that shattered his perception of himself as an extension of them. As he described in an interview with the New Statesman, he suddenly saw himself as if “behind glass,” separate and different.
Feeling that he didn’t fit into the traditional education system, he left school in his late teens. He saved money to travel to Spain, where he connected with Senegalese rough sleepers. His journey eventually brought him to London, arriving via a bus from France to Victoria.
In London, he worked as a kitchen porter and had no fixed abode. He had his wallet stolen and ended up living on the streets.
Keba would visit St Pancras Station every night and play on the piano there, which was donated by Sir Elton John in 2016. Little did he know that this gesture would transform the railway station’s concourse into a musical haven for both celebrities and everyday commuters.
And that’s precisely what it was for Keba, a haven. He would go to the station every day to listen to people playing. It intrigued him:
“……. I was very curious, so I tried it every day, and that quickly became my refuge, my shelter. It’s not normal to play piano eight hours a day when you’re homeless, but it’s something that became an obsession.”
Keba admitted to playing the piano in France but very badly, and he could not read music. He mastered his piano playing in London. His raw talent and dedication eventually caught the attention of others.
He was helped by the long-standing New Horizons homelessness charity, which put him in contact with the iconic Roundhouse in Chalk Farm. It enrolled him on its On Track course, a free programme for young people not in education or work which helps them prepare for a career in music. A fan of Ravel and Debussy, he now dreams of one day playing in the main hall of the iconic venue in Chalk Farm Road.
Mayor of Camden Cllr Richard Cotton, who had met him at the Roundhouse, later invited him to play at Lauderdale House as part of a fundraising evening for CW4S homeless charity, the Camden charity which Mr Cotton supported during his mayoral year. Photo credit: Emily Banks.
Keba had heard of Camden before, because of Amy Winehouse, he said. “At one centre, I got to play for her parents.” In the winter months, he took shelter in church crypts as part of the CW4S Homeless Project,
Alastair Campbell, who spoke at the event about homelessness and addiction, praised Keba’s performance.
He said: “It was the highlight of the evening. He was really amazing and it is a wonderful story. I wonder how many more talented people there are sleeping rough on our streets that we just walk past?
Keba described the event as one of the “best places I’ve ever played at.”
And the talk raised more than £1,000 in ticket sales for the charity.
In the Ch 4 Piano Show, Keba was one of the show’s most popular players. When Davina asks him what he is going to play, he says:
“I’m going to play “Old Heavens”, and I’ve composed it. It’s an accolade to all the people who gave me a little bit of encouragement when I didn’t have shoes to even step on the station.”
If you’d like to support Keba’s musical journey, he has a GoFundMe account. The idea of this fundraiser is simple: it’s just a way to help him kick-start his career and open doors, whether it’s finding an agent, getting a grand piano, buying a website domain, or even just using a Fiverr creative or paying for a studio session and a good sound engineer.
PATRICK CLOPON
Patrick is a London-based pianist celebrated for his vibrant improvisations and genre-blending style. His musical journey is as unique as his sound. Entirely self-taught until the age of 20, he then dedicated three years to formal study at the Sir John Cass Faculty of Art, Architecture and Design, before making his mark on London’s music scene. He began by sharing his talent on the city’s street pianos, a raw and authentic start that honed his connection with his audience. His passion soon led him to perform regularly at prestigious venues like Raffles London, The Sheraton, and The Landmark Hotel.
What sets Patrick apart is his distinctive sound, which seamlessly blends jazz, contemporary, and pop. He infuses each piece with his own personal twist, creating an atmosphere that is both engaging and full of character. As a natural improviser and performer, he brings a fresh, dynamic energy to every single set.
THE SQUIRREL SISTERS 5.00 p.m.
I’ve written about The Squirrel Sisters in a previous blog, so I know quite a bit about them. Clevedon people will know of them as they perform regularly at the Old Inn. The band was formed around 2015 and consists of Anne on vocals and percussion; Will on guitar and vocals; Patrick on guitar and vocals; Sara on bass; and Mike on drums and vocals.
The name originated as a nod towards the Scissor Sisters with Sara’s love of squirrels thrown into the mix. The band has had various line-ups over the years, but the basic philosophy of the Squirrels has stayed the same which is to cover a variety of songs from the 50s/60s to the 2010s and to provide fun entertainment in a variety of venues.
From Glasgow originally, teenage Anne and her best friend started the Edinburgh-based all-girl punk band the Ettes in the late 70s. While living in London in the 80s she joined in on vocals for a brief spell with West Country-based The Terraplanes’ bluesy post-punk. The 90s-2010s saw her singing with the DD Wonder Choir and later as part of 6 piece acapella harmony group Hot Flush, performing at events around Bristol. Summer of 2018 Anne took part in a showcase event for the upcoming documentary film ‘Since Yesterday: Unsung Women Pioneers of Scottish Pop ’ at Leith Theatre as part of EIF of music. Anne stepped up to the mic for Squirrel Sisters in March 2018 and has lived in Clevedon since 2020.
Teenage Patrick became fascinated by the guitar, constructing several from scratch with a view to learning a few licks. Rock and blues influences led to playing in a punk band at university and the backing group behind Rowan Atkinson’s Edinburgh Fringe Review. Jumping onto the back of a lorry to join a band playing Jonny B Goode at a CND march led to a couple of appearances as a warm-up act at Glastonbury, with MANA – Musicians against Nuclear Arms. Moving from London to Bristol in the early 90’s family took precedence but he played in the Blue Mangos for several years while they were active, and for 20 years, he has been in the party band BLT playing for birthdays and weddings, occasionally bringing out his trombone.
Guitarist Will is from Brighton and played in a number of bands there in the 1970s, notably the proto-punk Austin and the A40s. More recently, he played in the London band the Oral Sect before moving to Clevedon in 2014. As well as now being a Squirrel, he is an experienced session player and producer.
Sara played in a variety of all-girl and girl/boy line-ups in London throughout the 80s. She gigged regularly in and around London, playing from Goth (Faint Hearts and Sins) to Pop (Permanent Waves) to Electronica (Monomix). Her final gig in 89 was at the Rock Garden in Covent Garden where at eight months pregnant her only rider was that the venue provides her with a chair on stage. Fast far forward to 2012. Sara was asked to dep in a reunion gig for an all-girl punk band. The gigging bug returned and eventually after a few other ventures Bass Squirrel was born in 2015. Originally from Bristol, Sara has lived in Clevedon since 2018
Drummer Mike is originally from London, he’s a very well-travelled member of the band and enjoys playing pop, rock, and country. Mike joined his first band in the West of Scotland. Musical and professional careers have followed each other from Scotland to the Medway area in England, Plymouth. Gibraltar, and finally, back to England around the Bath area. Notable bands include The New Pence, Tommy Lacey Trio, Contrast, Country Special, and Bear-Faced Country. Check out The Squirrel Sisters at rehearsals two months ago
MOHAMED ERREBBAA WITH TAGNA GROOVE 6.00 p.m.
Born in Rabat, Morocco, Errebbaa is a Moroccan Maalem (master) of Gnawa music, a title he achieved at the young age of 26, making him one of the youngest to receive this distinction.
Errebbaa’s musical journey began at the age of 10, when he started performing with traditional Sufi brotherhoods. He was influenced by his musician uncle, a member of a traditional band, and the Gnawa ceremonies he witnessed in his grandmother’s neighbourhood. This early immersion in music led him to dedicate a decade to travelling across Morocco, studying various regional traditions under leading musicians. He became especially passionate about the three-stringed Gnawa bass lute, the Guembri, which is central to Gnawa music. He received his Guembri from his master, Abderahim Benthami, at the age of 26.
Gnawa is an oral tradition, with its music shaped by the history of enslaved people from different tribes in West Africa who were brought to North Africa. The songs tell stories of their lands of origin, their journey from slavery to freedom, and their experiences. The music, a fusion of rhythms, harnesses a deep trance power and is a spiritual and cultural cornerstone of the Gnawa community.
In 2020, Errebbaa’s life took a new turn when he moved to the UK just before the Covid lockdown. This was a challenging time, with no gigs or opportunities to socialise and make new friends. However, he lives in Bristol with his young family and his wife, a singer who introduced him to the city’s musical community. He found them to be very welcoming, understanding, and respectful of other cultures, which helped him to establish himself.
Receptive to the fusion of musical genres, Errebbaa has collaborated with many leading international artists, including Trevy Felix, Nelly Stharre, Antonia Vai, Hamid Bouchnak, Martin Signeur and Justin Adams. He has always tried to fit into different musical disciplines like reggae, jazz, rock, and soul without losing the identity of his own culture.
In 2023, he founded Tagna Groove, a six-piece ensemble based in Bristol. This group was born from an Arts Council England-funded project with the goal of introducing traditional Gnawa music to Western audiences. The band expertly blends traditional Gnawa sounds with contemporary genres like funk, jazz, soul, and Afrobeat, creating a sound that is both ancient and modern. The ensemble features Mohamed Errebbaa on guembri, lead vocals, and djembe; Fabio Ferri on electric guitar; David Mowat on trumpet and flugelhorn; Jonathan Segar on keyboards; Chris Langton on drums; and Chloë Rose Laing on vocals and percussion.
A multifaceted artist from Bristol with British Jamaican heritage, Chloë Rose Laing has collaborated with artists in the UK and Morocco for over 15 years. Beyond her work with Tagna Groove, she is a writer, producer, and musician who describes her unique musical style as “Roots Afro Soul,” a fusion of roots reggae, soul, and deep afro grooves. Additionally, Chloe is the founder of “Your Voice Heals,” an initiative that utilises workshops to help people explore the voice as a tool for emotional, mental, and physical well-being.
Tagna Groove’s debut album, ‘Hali,’ which was funded by Arts Council England, was a major project that Errebbaa began working on in January 2023. The album, which features collaborations with artists like guitarist Justin Adams, explores themes of spiritual journey and cultural identity. The title song, “Hali,” was a piece he had written a few years prior and updated for the album. The album was released on December 24, with a launch party at The Jam Jar on 20th December.
Mohamed Errebbaa and Tagna Groove have performed at several festivals worldwide, including Shambala, Greenbelt, WOMAD, Bergenfest (Norway), Busan (South Korea), and Festival Internationale de Percussions Sousse (Tunisia), captivating audiences with their hypnotic rhythms and soulful sound. Their music offers an unforgettable journey through trance, soul, and unstoppable rhythm, celebrating deep ancestral sounds meeting contemporary spirit.
The Clevedon Music Festival promises to be a memorable day for all music lovers, showcasing an array of talent from a diverse range of backgrounds. From the energetic folk-punk of Poor Old Dogs to the soulful, hypnotic rhythms of Mohammed Errebbaa with Tagna Groove, there is a performance for every taste. The festival not only provides a platform for incredible musicians but also highlights the community spirit of Clevedon, symbolised by the “Lily” piano that brings people together through music. It promises to be an unforgettable journey through sound, culture, and rhythm.