With a powerful new stage show, immersing audiences in a profound and beautiful soundworld, The Rheingans Sisters take traditional music in bold new directions. A not to be missed live show. 

Previous winners of BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for ‘Best Original Track’ and nominees for ‘Best Band’, with their uniquely blended sound of fiddles, voices, feet, banjos, guitar, synths and the powerful bass drones of the medieval tambourin à cordes, The Rheingans Sisters are one of the most visionary acts on the British folk scene today.
The Rheingans Sisters’ last album Start Close In received enthusiastic critical acclaim, celebrated at #2 in The Guardian’s Top 10 Albums of 2024: “it’s clear that the Rheingans Sisters have made their boldest album yet”. MOJO Magazine called it “joyous” and Trad Folk described it as “experimental and brave and genuinely magical”.
 “A radical leap” – The Guardian
Produced by New York based Adam Pietrykowski (whose genre-diverse work spans rock, contemporary classical and prog folk) the visionary duo’s current work is “wildly expressive; at the forefront of the recent upsurge in experimental, drone-led folk” (KLOF). The sisters’ live show is an immersive and uplifting musical journey. Taking in baroque fiddle tunes and trance beats, metal-inspired arrangements of traditional ballads and improvisations with voicenotes, Rowan and Anna once again make music like painters; revealing in bold colours the next soaring chapter in their unmistakable brand of avant-garde trad, blending ancient song and universal stories with future imaginings, dystopias and dreams.

https://youtu.be/zsqD9LXQpUw

“Joyous – take a bow” – MOJO
“A radical leap into darkness” – The Guardian, Folk Album of the Month
“Gorgeous, vivid songwriting” – Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2
“A meditative look at the world around us” – Morning Star
“It’s the Rheingans Sisters: expect the unexpected” –Songlines Magazine
“Experimental and brave and genuinely magical” – Trad Folk
 “Too good not to play” – Ian Lynch (Lankum) Fire Draw Near 

Description

The Barrel House Ballroom stands as a significant cultural asset within Totnes, a dedicated hub for live performance that extends its influence across South Devon. Supported by Arts Council England and operating in collaboration with Sorting Room Studios, it plays a crucial role in sustaining the grassroots music ecosystem, actively contributing to initiatives like the Music Venue Trust. This commitment positions it beyond a mere commercial enterprise, fostering a vibrant space for artistic development and community engagement.

Inside, the venue offers an authentic atmosphere where the reverberating sound of live music fills the air. The space, often bathed in the warm glow of stage lights, feels intimate yet capable of holding a substantial energy, providing a direct connection between performers and audience. It is a setting designed for focused appreciation of sound and performance.

Located on the High Street, the Ballroom is situated on the first floor, with access currently via stairs. While seating is limited, the venue is actively exploring solutions to enhance accessibility for all patrons. On the ground floor, the Totnes Brewing Co. provides a selection of craft beers and other beverages, which can be enjoyed upstairs during events.

The programming at The Barrel House Ballroom is broad, encompassing a regular schedule of live music from various genres, alongside comedy nights, spoken word events, and DJ sets. It is also a consistent home for community-led initiatives, including open mic sessions and jam nights, providing a platform for local talent to develop and connect.