RJ McCarty + Mora and The Fabulous Wonderfuls with George Borowski

Making his debut at Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre on Sunday 14th June, stepping out of the richly immersive, almost mythical world of The Slambovian Circus of Dreams, RJ McCarty arrives as something far more than a singer-songwriter — he is a fully realised, multi-dimensional artist forged inside one of the most celebrated live acts on the contemporary Americana and psychedelic folk circuit. Often likened to a missing link somewhere between The Allman Brothers Band, The Avett Brothers and The Wood Brothers, McCarty's music carries that same deep-rooted sense of brotherhood, soul and storytelling, yet pushes into more surreal, shape-shifting territory — a sound world where intricate folk and Americana songwriting is layered with rich instrumentation and driven by gritty, authentic vocals that feel both ancient and immediate.

Cutting his teeth from a young age and now touring internationally across the UK, Canada and the United States, RJ has built a reputation not just as a compelling frontman but as a formidable multi-instrumentalist — equally fluent on guitar, bass, keys, banjo, saxophone and Hammond organ — bringing a rare musical depth that sets him apart from the pack. His latest release Tear Back The Sheets — a striking seven-track statement recorded entirely solo, with RJ performing every instrument — has already drawn significant international acclaim, picking up Album of the Year 2023 (Neil Jones, Smart Radio 101, UK) and earning praise from broadcasters and critics on both sides of the Atlantic, who have described it as "a 7-track gem… an amazing introduction to what will surely become a very successful story" (WNTI Radio), while others place his sound somewhere between Jon Cleary and Levon Helm — rich in groove, dirt, and storytelling soul.

Drawing influence from the poetic flow and spiritual looseness of Van Morrison, the fire and gospel-rooted grit of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and the swampy, voodoo-infused musicality of Dr. John, RJ McCarty creates something that feels less like a performance and more like a transmission — a living, breathing musical space. This is further amplified by his role within the Slambovians themselves, a band widely celebrated for their ability to transport audiences into what has been described as "a realm… a communication between musicians and audience," with shows praised for their "brilliant songs, stellar playing and craziest atmosphere," and festival credentials that include major UK appearances such as Glastonbury Festival and beyond.

That lineage matters — because RJ brings all of that energy, musicianship and sense of musical adventure into his solo performances, where shapeshifting guitar lines, rolling keys, and deeply felt vocals combine to create a dynamic, unpredictable and emotionally charged live experience. In a room as intimate as Barnoldswick's 60-capacity cellar, this is exactly the kind of artist that transcends the usual gig format — this is a shared moment, a word-of-mouth discovery, and the unmistakable feeling of catching something special before the wider world fully catches on.

Adding serious fire, heart, and righteous soul to the bill are Mora and The Fabulous Wonderfuls, a powerhouse collective built around the extraordinary voice of Mora and the guiding hand of her father, legendary songwriter and guitarist George Borowski — a revered figure on the UK underground scene whose influence and ethos run deep through every note. This is no ordinary band; it's a generational passing of the torch, with Borowski handing over the reins while still shaping the sound through his songwriting and unmistakable guitar work, creating a unique father-daughter dynamic that pulses at the core of the music . Together, they have forged a sound that critics describe as a fusion of folk, rock, soul and protest energy, delivered with conviction, compassion and serious musical muscle — "a record people should be clamouring to hear" and a body of work that "demands attention… uplifting and heart-breaking in equal measure" .

At the heart of it all is Mora's voice — frequently compared to the raw emotional power of legends, with one description placing her somewhere between Janis Joplin and Nina Simone — capable of dropping from soaring intensity into deep, soul-stirring depths that stop a room dead in its tracks . Around her stands a band of "quakingly talented musicians" delivering a sound that blends righteous anger with soul-lifting release, channelling themes of injustice, empathy, love and resistance into something communal — music that doesn't just entertain but connects, challenges and uplifts. Their debut album Hot Property has been hailed as fresh, relevant and powerful, combining "marvellous musicianship with a voice demanding to be heard far and wide," and carrying messages that both energise and comfort in equal measure .

This is protest music with heart, groove and purpose — songs that confront the world as it is, yet leave audiences lifted, united and ready to face it again. Live, they have quickly built a reputation for captivating crowds, raising voices, hands and spirits wherever they go — from grassroots venues to festival stages — creating that rare thing: a band that feels both urgent and timeless. With Borowski's decades of songwriting wisdom and Mora's fearless, generational voice leading the charge, this is a set that promises not just music, but a shared emotional surge — a moment of defiance, unity and release that will shake the room and stay with you long after the final note fades.