Alan Bearman Music is a leading UK music agency and events company, formed in 2004, representing some of the foremost artists on the folk, roots and acoustic music scene. The agency represents a diverse range of UK and international touring artists from across a spectrum from grass roots traditional to pioneering new sounds, from establish folk icons to rising talent.
ABM is also responsible for the artistic programming and marketing of The Sidmouth Folk Festival, now in its 69th year, and is an Artistic Associate of Kings Place in London. The team has over 40 years’ experience of programming events and festivals including Sidmouth International Festival, Towersey Festival, Folk in the Fall at the South Bank Centre and the Ards International Guitar Festival.
ABM is now run by James Garrett. James is joined by agents Sarah Coxson, Sarah Allen, and John Blakeley. Tash Daly contracts and advances most of the agency’s gigs. Elie Rees is our financial administrator. Lisa Ratcliff deals with the legalities of touring overseas artists and Lyn Beardsall organises some of our tours by overseas artists. With many years of club, event, marketing and festival organisation and promotion behind us we provide a professional, understanding and complete service for our artists and bookers alike.
Whilst agency is our core business we continue to work as programmers and consultants and are heavily involved in many aspects of the folk scene.
ABM is an Artistic Associate of Kings Place in London, where the agency regularly curates themed concert series and promotes folk events.
ABM have a pivotal role in The Sidmouth Folk Festival: Tash as Artistic Director, James as Marketing Director and Sarah Coxson as Artistic Advisor and copywriter.
Alan Bearman has now officially retired. The whole ABM would like to offer up our heartfelt thanks to him for all his brilliant work and amazing support. He has built a great team at ABM and we look forward to honouring his legacy as we move forward into the future.
Consultancy
Current and past clients include:
Kings Place Music Foundation
Mrs Casey Music
The Association of Festival Organisers
Smallworld Music, Belfast
Folk Arts England
Whilst specialising in artistic matters, Alan Bearman Music offers consultancy and support on all related aspects of festivals and together with experienced associates cover the whole range of event management.
Event Programmer and Consultant:
The Sidmouth Folk Festival 2012 onwards (Artistic and Marketing)
Sidmouth International Festival 1991-2004 (Artistic Director)
Curator of folk concert series at Kings Place (Lau-Land, Commonplace etc) 2011 onwards.
Towersey Festival 1988- 2012
Festival of the Peninsula, Newtownards, Northern Ireland 2005-2007
Ards International Guitar Festival, Newtownards, Northern Ireland 2005-2008
Mrs Casey Music 1988-2005, projects included:
• Evolving Tradition Weekend – Barbican Centre, London
• American Music Weekends – Barbican Centre, London
• Concerts at Royal Albert Hall and Royal Festival Hall
• Farnham Folk Day- Farnham, Surrey
• Arts in the Parks – Hampshire County Council
• Association of Festival Organisers – Conferences and Showcases
• Folk Arts England Conferences
Concert Programmer and Consultant – English Folk Dance and Song Society 1998-2000
Director – Chestnuts Community Festival, Walthamstow, London 1984-1990
Programme Co-ordinator – Bands in the Park, for Waltham Forest Arts Council 1985-1987
Alan devised and edited Direct Roots: The Guide to Folk, Roots and Related Music and Arts in the British Isles and co-wrote the Promoters’ Guide for Folk Arts England and Jazz Services.