Sian & Rob Colquhoun Acoustic Duo performing classic country & Americana

As an acoustic duo, our technical requirements are minimal. We need a small, level performance area with enough room for two musicians, guitars, banjo and microphone stands, plus access to a standard 13-amp power socket nearby.

For outdoor performances, we require a covered area protected from rain and direct weather exposure.
We require one parking space within a reasonable distance to the performance space.

We are fully self-contained for sound, with our own professional Bose PA system suitable for small and medium-sized venues. For larger events, we are happy to perform through a venue’s existing sound system. Lighting can be discussed according to the venue and event requirements.

We’d appreciate details of the venue address, access and parking arrangements, particularly for unloading equipment. It’s also helpful to know whether the performance will be indoors or outdoors, the approximate number of guests, available power supply and any sound restrictions or noise limits.

We can provide carefully selected background music through our PA system before and after our performance and during intervals. We prepare playlists in advance to suit the occasion and are happy to discuss musical preferences with you beforehand. This is a background music service rather than a full DJ service. Please be advised that recorded music may require appropriate music licensing, so the venue/organiser will need to ensure this is in place.

One of the most memorable performances was on the main stage at Swanage Folk Festival in 2026. The audience were absolutely wonderful, responding enthusiastically after every song. There was a fantastic atmosphere and a real connection between us and the crowd. It’s those moments that remind us why we love performing live.

Our musical influences are wonderfully varied, from the classic country sounds of Dolly Parton and Patsy Cline to the early rock ’n’ roll of Elvis Presley, the beautiful close harmonies of The Everly Brothers and the roots-inspired songwriting of Gillian Welch.

We love music that tells a story, has a memorable melody and connects with an audience. Those influences all find their way into our performances, alongside our love of traditional American music.

Rob has been a gigging musician since the age of 19, while Sian has worked professionally as a musician since 2008. They met that same year playing at Corsham Folk Club in Wiltshire and have been performing as a duo ever since.

In 2023 their shared love for early American country music, Appalachian old-time and roots music led them to develop their current repertoire, recording their debut album of mostly original songs in 2026.

Since then, they have performed at folk clubs, venues and festivals across the UK, including Maverick, Purbeck Valley and Swanage Folk Festival, bringing their close harmonies, guitar, banjo and lively performances to audiences around the country.

We particularly enjoy intimate celebrations, birthday parties and country-themed events where we can really connect with the audience. There’s something wonderful about bringing live music to a special occasion, whether it’s creating a relaxed atmosphere or getting everyone singing along to familiar favourites. Every event is different, and that’s part of the fun.

As an acoustic duo, we’re straightforward to set up and normally allow around 60 - 90 minutes before a performance for unloading, setting up our PA and sound checking.

We typically perform two 45-minute sets, although we’re very flexible and can offer shorter or longer performances to suit your event. Timings and intervals can be arranged around your celebration.

We are happy to perform outdoors and in the past have played for garden parties, festivals and country celebrations.

We do require a flat, stable performance area, reliable access to power and adequate shelter from rain and direct weather exposure to protect our instruments and electrical equipment.

We’re happy to discuss your musical preferences and tailor our repertoire to suit your occasion.

Our music ranges from classic country and Americana to vintage hits from the 1950s.
We can also include our original material which have been described as melding seamlessly with the well-known songs we play. You’re welcome to suggest favourites from our repertoire, or leave the musical choices to us.

We can also discuss special requests in advance, including particular songs for weddings or celebrations, subject to suitable arrangements and preparation time.

Audiences and organisers often describe our performances as warm, engaging and full of energy, with beautiful harmonies, accomplished musicianship and entertaining stories.

Folk in the Foyer praised our “wonderful musicianship and captivating stories”, describing the performance as “a lovely mix of warmth, humour and storytelling that made for a truly memorable evening of live music.”

Swanage Folk Festival also described us as a “warm, engaging duo” with “lovely close harmonies, skilful playing, toe-tapping energy”, while Newport Folk Club said we “mesmerised the audience with a class performance”.