Miles Hoyle has a new 7-piece folk-rock band based in Norfolk, VA. Their debut song “Spirit of Norfolk” was released on Saturday July 27, 2024. Miles shares, “I’ve been an accordionist for roughly 15 years, and perform both solo as well as in two bands (the Fighting Jamesons, we do Irish/Celtic-rock not dissimilar to that of Flogging Molly or the Dropkick Murphys) & Mosquito Cabaret (we are an original folk/world music group)My debut solo recording will come out this winter!” His new band, The Dunkirk Riots includes the following musicians: Ryan Livingston – guitar & vocals; Casey Copeland – violin; Alaina Shaw – viola; Miles Hoyle – accordion; Tommy Tavenner – whistle; Simone Koussa – bass; Rick Isotalo – drums.
In 2014, Miles joined the Fighting Jamesons and is featured on the recording of their second full-legnth album, “Every Day Above Ground”. Touring all over the United States, he has appeared with the Jamesons at many Irish & Rock festivals; ranging from multiple appearances at both Shamrockfest at RFK Stadium in Washington and more/During his time with the Fighting Jamesons, they’ve shared the stage and opened for World Inferno Friendship Society, Lucero, Eileen Ivers, & the Dropkick Murphys!
When not playing with Fighting Jamesons- Miles does a variety of other types of performances: from private parties, Oktoberfest events, weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, dinners & cocktail hours, funerals, suprises-at-the-door etc. Maybe it’s playing a rowdy Irish-Rock festival or a cocktail-hour for a wedding reception– Miles’s accordion performance can adapt to any atmosphere. His repertoire draws from various styles and countries ranging from German, Irish, French. Scandinavian,Klezmer, & more! Previously a guitarist in rock groups, Miles made a musical transformation in late 2006 when switching his primary instrument from guitar to the accordion. Initially self-taught, he then later became an apprentice of accordionist Sid Sward and a member of VALOV (Accordion Lovers of Virginia). He then further cut his teeth with the instrument while street performing all over the state of Virginia– particularly in Norfolk, Charlottesville, Williamsburg, & Alexandria while also picking up gigs at weddings, cafes, and parties.
Hoyle also performed & was the bandleader for Mosquito Cabaret from 2017 until 2023– which was a folk/world music sextet that derived their signature sound from various European folk traditions. The cabaret performed heavily in the Hampton Roads area: bars, art events, museums– as well as appearing at festivals such as the nor-FOLK Fest, the Hampton Block Party, Stockley Gardens Art Fest, & NEON Fest + also appearing at venues such as Elevation 27, Shaka’s, The Bunker, & The
Norva– and many other places. Mosquito Cabaret shared the stage with the Atom Age, Maid of Ace, Agents of Good Roots, the Toasters, Agent Orange, & Bella’s Bartok. You can hear Miles’s accordion playing in this project on their debut album, “The Modern Life of Insects” & 4 single tracks that followed.Previously, Miles has done special guest-performances with Carbon Leaf & the Hackensaw Boys. He also has been a guest-performer with the Lazy Dangers, and guest-recorded for their original song, “One More Night” on their Lost Dogs EP as well as performing as a guest-organist on the Spirit Gun single, “Restless”.
When COVID-19 hit, as a result of all concerts and major public gatherings having to be cancelled due to COVID-19– Miles remained active by providing an Accordion-At-Your-Door service in the Hampton Roads area (and sometimes further!) that was both safe and COVID-19 compliant by doing small private performances for an affordable fee and showing up as a surprise to play for people at their door for whatever the occasion (birthdays, anniversaries, etc.).
Miles is performing regularly both solo & with the Fighting Jamesons, who are working on writing and recording their third full-length album. With solo performances sprinkled in between gigs with both groups– Miles is also currently consistently in the process of writing, recording, and releasing new music. He has performed as a special guest on organ & assisted as a producer for the arrangement of the latest Spirit Gun single called, “Restless”. Most recently, Miles teamed up with audio engineer Rob Ulsh at Master Sound Recording Studios & guest violinist Justin Stanley, as well as cellist Joshua Sierra-Delgado for his debut solo recordings– two singles entitled, “Of Cities Dreamt” & “Absolutely Charming” now available to hear on all major streaming platforms!
Future 2024 performances include:
Saturday August 3rd,\;solo performance @ Live On Atlantic ;7 PM – 11 PM in
Virginia Beach, VA
Wednesday August 7th; solo performance; 6 PM – 9 PM; @ Kardinal Hall in
Charlottesville, VA
Saturday August 10th; solo Augtoberfest performance; 3 PM – 6 PM; @
Center of the Universe Brewing in Ashland, VA
Saturday September 14th; solo Oktoberfest performance; 1 PM – 4 PM; @
Three Roads Brewing in Farmville, VA
Friday September 20th; w/The Fighting Jamesons; @ Circle City Irish; in
Indianapolis, IN
Saturday September 21st; w/The Fighting Jamesons; @ Circle City Irish; in
Indianapolis, IN
Sunday September 22nd; solo Oktoberfest performance; 2 PM – 5 PM; @
Harper’s Ferry Brewing in Purcelville, VA
Friday September 27th; solo Oktoberfest performance; 7 PM – 9 PM; @ Bald
Top Brewing Company in Madison, VA
Saturday September 28th; solo Oktoberfest performance; 12 PM – 3 PM; @
Old Armor Beer Company in Kannapolis, NC
Saturday September 28th; solo Oktoberfest performance; 4 PM – 7 PM; @
Twenty-Six Acres Brewing Company in Concord, NC
Sunday September 29th; solo Oktoberfest performance; 3 PM – 6 PM; @
Havoc Brewing in Pittsboro, NC
Wednesday October 2nd; solo Oktoberfest performance; 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM;
@ Wasena City Taproom in Roanoke, VA
Thursday October 3rd; solo Oktoberfest performance; 5 PM – 8 PM; @ Blue
Mountain Brewery in Afton, VA
Friday October 4th; solo Oktoberfest performance; 6 PM – 9 PM; @ Kardinal
Hall in Charlottesville, VA
For further information: miles.accordionist@gmail.com
