Oakwood Band

At the heart of everything we do is a deep love for connecting with people through music. As Oakwood Duo, we believe in the power of music to create shared moments that last long after the final note. Whether we’re playing an intricate melody for a wedding aisle walk or setting the perfect tone at a party, we want to make every performance unforgettable. -- Our Musical Journey-- Both of us (Seth Bye and Chris Roberts) are lifelong musicians. Seth began as a classical violinist before diving into folk, honing his distinctive pizzicato groove style and ability to bring traditional melodies to life. Chris, meanwhile, developed his own guitar voice inspired by everything from Welsh folk dances to Baroque compositions. With degrees in music and years of experience as session musicians and solo performers, we joined forces to bring Oakwood Duo to life. From the start, we knew we wanted to challenge the boundaries of traditional folk. Our groundbreaking 870-mile walk around the Wales Coast Path saw us performing in remote villages and busy towns, connecting music to the communities we travelled through. The journey, described as "committed and fascinating" by BBC 6 Music's Cerys Matthews, didn’t just showcase our music — it cemented our identity as storytellers with a passion for sharing extraordinary experiences. -- Performance Highlights -- We have been fortunate to gain recognition from respected industry voices. We’ve had extensive national airtime on BBC Radio 2, 3, 4, and 6 Music, as well as the BBC World Service. Renowned for our live performances, we’ve captivated festival crowds at FolkEast and Warwick Folk Festival, enchanted intimate settings like St. George’s Bristol, and even found ourselves on international platforms such as Llangollen International Eisteddfod. Our performances are filled with variety — from delicate Welsh folk songs to energetic dance tunes, layered with sophisticated arrangements and boundless improvisation. Audiences have described us as "utterly mesmerizing" (Bristol 24/7) and "hugely entertaining" (RnR), and we take great pride in crafting moments that feel both polished and personal. -- Our Personality & Professionalism -- Professionalism is something we value just as much as performance quality. We understand the importance of being reliable and easy to work with, tailoring every set to suit the vibe of your event. Whether it’s setting a sophisticated, calm tone for a wedding dinner or getting a room up and dancing at a party, we approach every gig with energy and enthusiasm. Every Oakwood performance is a story. Rooted in tradition but with contemporary inspiration, we’re proud to bring something special to every occasion we’re part of.