Crime Writer And The Best In Country Music Present An All In One Package For Beverley Festival

With a history of providing only the best in music, the Beverley Folk Festival has also grown to have a reputation for presenting some of the best top international authors.

These have collaborated with musicians, bringing together the forces of words and music. This year is no exception where it presents an original story by bestselling crime writer Mark Billingham, sound tracked by the powerful and poignant songs of internationally acclaimed Americana duo My Darling Clementine. “The Other Half “ is a unique collaboration between the leading lights of mystery fiction and country music.

With her best years seemingly behind her, a former Las Vegas showgirl works double shifts in a rundown Memphis bar. Alone and estranged from her daughter, Marcia lives life vicariously through her customers and the everyday tragedies of people falling in and out of love. These are moving tales of grief and heartbreak, lust, murder and domestic horror. Serving beer and burgers as these very different stories unfold, Marcia reflects on her single doomed shot at happiness. Then one day she receives a phone call that changes everything…

“Where literature and music collide is a perfect wrap for this latest project by top selling crime writer Mark Billingham and the UK’s premier act for keeping the flame of classic country alive My Darling Clementine. The merging of the two art forms is pulled off with professional ease.” Three Chords and the Truth. “Country romanticism and hard-boiled crime come together in a story that perfectly emphasizes the drama contained in the music.” What’s On. “Part gig, part play, part storytelling (albeit a story influenced by Jim Jarmusch)” Crossing Borders

Pain, loss, violence. The lifeblood of crime fiction, but also the dark seam that runs through the very best country music.

Perhaps not the typical recipe for Sunday lunch on the Summer Solstice ( Sunday 21st June at 12.00 noon) , but why not break with tradition, enjoy a bit of excitement and intrigue, and come along to the Beverley Folk Festival and meet this internationally acclaimed author.

As well as this event the festival has a full programme for those interested in all aspects of literature and poetry from creative writing to publishing and lots more, in its “Words on the Westwood” events.