VIBRANT vocal trio Lady Maisery shine brightly among a folk scene that's brimming with bold and innovative music.

Hazel Askew, Hannah James and Rowan Rheingans have a terrific approach to harmony singing and whether unearthing a feminist twist hidden in a traditional tale, delivering a poignant anti-war ballad, or showcasing their immense multi-instrumental talents in original compositions that draw on a myriad of musical influences, they are deft explorers of the power, beauty and vitality of song. Over the last five years, the trio have toured widely, performing sell-out shows across the UK and Europe and on May 14 (8pm), take their intelligent and thoughtful arrangements to Ulverston's Coronation Hall for a Furness Tradition gig.

Their distinctive harmonies are lush and rich; at other times dark and invigorating.

Hazel, Hannah and Rowan are also one of the nation's foremost proponents of mouth music, or 'diddling', a form of singing without words. All three are accomplished instrumentalists; their many songs are accompanied by a rich tapestry of Rowan’s fiddle, banjo and bansitar, Hazel’s harp and concertina and Hannah’s accordion and foot percussion.

Since the release of their debut album in 2011, Weave and Spin - which was named Album of the Week by the Independent newspaper - Lady Maisery have attracted substantial attention, including being nominated for the Horizon Award at the 2012 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and regularly appearing live on national radio. Their second album Mayday in 2013, a darker and more politically coloured record, cemented their growing reputation as a truly unique band.

Their much anticipated third recording, Cycle, was released in October 2016 alongside a sell-out 23 date tour and more rave reviews from the national press. The Guardian described it as "some of the most exquisite, thrilling vocal harmony work in the English folk scene."

The trio are all highly respected performers in their own right and all three are also key members of the English and Scottish supergroup Songs of Separation whose debut album and stunning premiere at Celtic Connections festival pushed them straight into the indie album charts top 20 in January 2016.

Tickets from the Coro box office on 01229-587140.

Following on, Furness Tradition stage another show on May 17 (7pm) at the Laurel and Hardy Museum at Ulverston, featuring the double bill of Gift of the Gab and Cosmotheka.

The Gift of the Gab is an hour long piece of fun dreamed up by storyteller, Ian Douglas, and Gary Bridgens (Gacko), clown, showman, street entertainer, actor and much more. Rooted in the folk tradition but apparently peppered with punk, music hall and variety, The Gift of the Gab is a wild hour combining chaos, charm and lots of participation. Gary and Ian wrote and performed the show as a piece for some of the bigger folk festivals last year.

Sharing the stage are Cosmotheka, who were Dave and Al Sealey, recognised as major players in the booming folk club scene of the 1970s, who developed a specialised and unique show around the classic comedy songs of the music halls. Sadly, Al died in but after much persuasion Dave has returned with his son Dan and pianist Adam Barry to recreate the show with some new twists.

Tickets online at www.furnesstradition.org.uk.