Kate Howden

Heartfelt songs, rooted in a love for people, place and nature.

Photograph by Tony Birch

Kate Howden is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. She plays Guitar, Mandolin, Bodhran and Cajon. Her experience of writing, performing and recording spans over 16 years as part of acoustic duo howdenjones.

This year sees her performing as a solo artist joined by other musicians, taking songs tunes and stories to Village Halls around the country.

Call to The Halls is an invitation to bring people together in a celebration of place, where people gather to meet, chat, laugh, socialise, enjoy listening to live music, joining in, and singing along. It creates an inclusive musical and social experience in any intimate setting at the heart of the community. A pint of Real Ale, a glass of wine, even a hearty supper and a musical journey with acoustic songs, tunes and stories as your appetizer.

For your community

The Call to The Halls show can be an opportunity to fundraise, for a village get together, or just a night out amongst friends where you don't have to drive!

Whatever your reason to celebrate, it emphasises the importance of our village hall networks all over the country, of all the people cherishing and looking after their village halls and each other, with a pride in their history, their buildings, their activities and achievements, and their valuable place in the community.

Singer/Songwriter

Kate Howden is well known across the country as one half of the celebrated acoustic duo HowdenJones.

She is a versatile and talented singer, songwriter, musician and performer, now embarking upon her solo career.

Iona Lane

Singer/Songwriter

Iona Lane is a young emerging folk musician who is currently studying for a degree in folk music, with a scholarship, at Leeds College of Music.

Iona's latest EP, 'Pockets', has been shortlisted for FATEA's 'EP of the Year' 2017 Award.

“We were privileged to enjoy a superb performance by two outstanding musicians. Their unique vocal ability, haunting lyrics and tightly played instrumentals were a joy to behold. Kate’s rendering of her song ‘Wish You Were Here’ brought a tear to a few eyes and Iona’s song ‘Hear The Birds’ delighted us all. An exceptional performance by two very special people.” - Erik Pomfret

Benefit Gig for Christ Church, Glasson Dock. Lancashire. May 2019.

"Thank you so much for a wonderful evening of very high quality folk music. Our vicar, Rev. Dee, summed it up very well when she said she was in awe and wonder at your gifts of song writing and musicianship. The response from our enthusiastic audience was very evident and comments afterwards were all very positive.

Thank you for bringing so much joy to our community, enhanced by the setting of our beautiful St. Mary’s Church." - Andrew Alsop

Carlton Le Moorland. Lincolnshire March, 2019

"Rounding off a great week of music was a trip to Reading to see Kate Howden and Iona Lane at Eye and Dunsden Village Hall
"The music was lovely. Iona couldn't play guitar because of tendonitis, but that doesn't stop real musicians from performing. Kate and Iona came up with a set combining both their talents and it created something really special. Kate's songs are based around people, landscape and nature which so suited the location whilst Iona's voice was at its very best singing both traditional and modern folk songs as well as gorgeous harmonie for Kate. Thank you both!" - Tony Birch

Dunsden Village Hall, April 2018

lovely little stories to accompany Kate's self-composed songs and Iona Lane was a delightful young songwriter and musician. A thoroughly good evening

Combe Raleigh Village Hall, February 2018

Everything went very smoothly with lots of information being provided plus tickets and posters in good time for the show and recommendations for how to make it go well. Even if you've no experience of promoting something like this I'd have no hesitation recommending them for a great night at your own village hall.

West Dean Village Hall, Wiltshire