Live at Acanteen – Headliner Shea Rafferty plus James White & The Wildfire

Live at Acanteen brings a monthly evening of original country, Americana and roots music to the seated Acanteen venue in Chelmsford, taking place on the second Thursday of each month.

Shea Rafferty – Duo

The October edition is headlined by Shea Rafferty, performing as a duo. The Northern Irish Americana singer-songwriter arrives in Chelmsford following the release of his third studio album, Livin’, on 25 September.

Produced by acclaimed singer-songwriter and producer Ed Harcourt, Livin’ brings together Rafferty’s cinematic songwriting, emotional honesty and expansive Americana sound. The album follows a significant year for the artist, which has included an appearance at London’s O2 Arena as part of C2C Festival and a BBC Radio 5 Live interview and session with Patrick Kielty.

Rafferty has built a strong reputation as a live performer, playing venues including Manchester Academy, Birmingham Symphony Hall, Glasgow’s Òran Mór, The 100 Club, Omeara, Lafayette and The Green Note. His festival appearances include C2C, The British Country Music Festival and The Long Road, while a trip to Nashville saw him perform at the legendary Bluebird Café.

Special Guest: James White & The Wildfire

Joining Shea Rafferty are James White & The Wildfire, returning to Chelmsford for their first live performance following the release of their new EP, How To Replace Anxiety With A Broken Heart.

Blending psychedelic folk-rock with touches of bluegrass, the band bring an energetic live sound to Acanteen as special guests, ahead of a planned return to the venue for their own headline show.

Live at Acanteen: Shea Rafferty + James White & The Wildfire
Thursday 8 October 2026
Acanteen, Chelmsford