John Smith

For 20 years, John Smith has been bringing his songs to audiences across Britain, Europe, and North America, and his VFMF debut is long overdue. Smith comes with a guitar case full of songs exploring the ebb and flow of love, loss, and longing, but always with an eye to the light shining in the dark. His smoky molasses voice complements his warmth as a live performer; his gift of connecting with audiences makes him beloved wherever he plays.

Raised by the Devon seaside, Smith developed an innovative guitar style in the bars and clubs of Liverpool. He cut his teeth opening for the late John Martyn, and has since worked with a diverse who’s who of artists such as the Milk Carton Kids, Joan Baez, Sarah Jarosz, Patty Griffin, David Gray, Tom Jones, and Jackson Browne.

Critics have compared Smith to John Martyn, Richard Thompson, and Ray Lamontagne, and a strong undercurrent of blue-eyed soul drives many of his songs. Smith’s friend and guitar hero, the late John Renbourn, called him “the future of folk music.”

Smith’s most recent recording, 2025’s Gatherings, revisits songs from his first three albums, songs that have evolved through years of touring and that Smith felt warranted a second life. The album features guest vocal appearances from Lisa Hannigan, The Staves, Siobhan Miller, and our own Dan Mangan.

It’s a real treat to welcome John Smith to VFMF audiences. Come let yourself be charmed.  -LP

SET TIMES TBC