Richie Owens – The UK Pub Crawl 2026

Richie Owens, a fifth-generation Appalachian musician, carries an authentic legacy deeply rooted in the musical traditions of East Tennessee and the Smoky Mountains. His heritage links him to a lineage of storytellers and multi-instrumentalists, growing up surrounded by old-time gospel, early country, folk ballads, and mountain blues that shaped the soul of American roots music. Unlike many who chase dreams in Nashville, Richie was born into the tradition, sharing cultural bloodlines with legendary Appalachian artists such as Dolly Parton.

Embarking on Richie Owens – The UK Pub Crawl 2026, this tour presents a unique opportunity for UK audiences to experience an intimate and historically grounded musical journey. Alongside his lifelong friends Bob Ocker and Joe Sharp, Richie offers performances rich with acoustic textures — blending guitar, mandolin, upright bass, harmonica, harmony vocals, and spoken-word storytelling. Together, they bring the living history of Appalachia to life rather than simply revisiting it nostalgically.

Their set is centered on Richie’s latest release, Appalachia — Ballads, Bloodlines, and the Long Journey Home. This album, accompanied by the film project Smoky Mountain DNA: Family, Faith, and Fables, delves into the coal roads, old churches, floods, faith, humour, and loss that define the mountain experience. Owens has said, “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.”

If your tastes lean toward heartfelt Americana that carries the weight of history and lineage, with resonances of traditional folk and roots music, Richie Owens' performances offer an evocative and textured listening experience that honours the Appalachian spirit.

The Sun Inn, Beverley

The setting for this evening’s performance, The Sun Inn in Beverley, is a premier live music venue well known for showcasing a diverse range of genres six days a week, from blues to rock. Hosting Richie Owens adds an authentic acoustic dimension to its vibrant lineup, offering local audiences a rare chance to experience the rich storytelling and musicianship of Appalachian tradition within the warmth of an historic Yorkshire pub environment.