Richie Owens – The UK Pub Crawl 2026

Richie Owens, a fifth-generation Appalachian musician steeped in the rich musical traditions of East Tennessee and the Smoky Mountains, brings his deeply rooted sound and storytelling to the UK this August. His music—infused with old-time gospel, early country, folk ballads, and mountain blues—resonates with an authenticity born from his heritage and upbringing among Appalachian songkeepers, a lineage shared by the likes of Dolly Parton.

Owens' latest project, Appalachia — Ballads, Bloodlines, and the Long Journey Home, stands at the heart of his current work, blending original ballads and spoken-word storytelling to weave narratives of family, faith, and Appalachian life. This album, supported by the companion film Smoky Mountain DNA: Family, Faith, and Fables, takes audiences on a journey through the coal roads, churches, floods, and humour that define Southern mountain culture, all while drawing connections back to the British Isles.

Accompanied by longtime friends and fellow roots musicians Bob Ocker and Joe Sharp, Owens tours the UK as part of the "UK Pub Crawl," offering intimate acoustic performances grounded in guitar, mandolin, upright bass, harmonica, and harmony vocals. The trio’s approach goes beyond mere nostalgia, delivering a living, breathing expression of Appalachian heritage that resonates with shared histories and universal themes.

“I’ve been blessed to perform across the UK for over 35 years, but Smoky Mountain DNA has given those journeys a whole new meaning. Every show is now a chance to celebrate the shared heritage, music, and stories that connect Britain and Appalachia. I’m excited to bring this new chapter of that story to audiences across the UK.” — Richie Owens

If you appreciate the heartfelt storytelling and rich traditions of Appalachian roots music akin to artists committed to preserving folk heritage, Richie Owens' performances promise a profound experience connecting the past with the present in a way that is both intimate and evocative.

Red Lion Pub, Cropredy

This concert takes place at the Red Lion Pub in Cropredy, a charming 18th-century village pub characterized by its part-thatched roof and picturesque setting by the North Oxford Canal. The venue’s traditional and welcoming atmosphere provides an ideal backdrop for Richie Owens’ acoustic set, inviting audiences into a space that complements the timeless quality of his Appalachian ballads and stories.