The Grahams + Avi Simmons

The Grahams, traveling troubadours, always itching for the next ride out of town guitars and whiskey in tow. In 2013 their wanderlust took them down the Mississippi to the Atchafalaya swamp in Louisiana, then in 2015 it was the American rails, and a cross-country odyssey that resulted in not only a new album but an award-winning film. In 2017, with the country reeling from a seemingly unstoppable vortex of disorientation, The Grahams embarked on perhaps their most adventurous journey yet, pointing their Harleys west to explore the “Mother Road” and the concept of “real” America with the eccentric and notorious characters who live and work in the strange and mysterious world that is Route 66. What they discovered was both heartening and heartbreaking, an America torn, but aching to come together, the culmination of decades of manhandling of the so called American Dream.

As is typical of the Grahams this dusty excursion begat a fountain of inspiration, the results of which are, so far, a new feature length documentary film and accompanying soundtrack, with contributions from some of Nashville’s finest musician, including Elizabeth Cook, AaronLee Tasjan, Dylan Leblanc, Chuck Mead, Andrew Combs, and many more. Love & Distortion is not a travel guide or a musical biopic, this documentary, which follows The Grahams down Route 66, is an unconventional narrative weaving in and out of moments and realities that can be found in the various sub-cultures of America’s Main Street.

The Grahams will be supported by Avi Simmons

Avi is a singer-songwriter based in the Pilgrim’s City of Canterbury. Combining acoustic guitar with delicate and powerful vocals, her performances create a uniquely intimate, emotionally charged and joyful atmosphere like no other.

Her first EP You Said ‘Live’ was released at The Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury, in April 201, and was produced by Neil Costello. Her latest EP, Hey Why, was released in June 2018, the first gig to take place in The Marlowe Kit Great Hall, Canterbury and was produced by Alastair Blackwood.

Avi is committed to telling stories. Her solo work pulls the listener into an inevitable journey, and it is no surprise that her emotive voice and poetic lyrics have also found a home in theatre.

Avi’s work in theatre includes writing/performing in A Heart At Sea, and performing as musician/clown in BOX CLEVER. Both shows ran month-long at The Edinburgh Festival in 2017 to 5-star reviews and award wins. As one of two performers in both, Avi expresses her passion for honesty and vulnerability in live performance. For more information on BOX CLEVER and A Heart At Sea please visit ‘collaborations’.