Stompin' Dave Allen is an American roots musician currently residing in Bridport, Dorset, UK. He showcases a diverse range of musical styles, including bluegrass, blues, country, folk, rock 'n' roll, and old-time music. In his performances, Dave not only sings but also plays multiple instruments—guitar, banjo, fiddle, harmonica, and piano—while often incorporating old-time flatfoot dancing.
Praised by Maverick Magazine as "one of the world's greatest performers," Stompin' Dave is a vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and tap dancer with over twenty-five years of experience in the music industry. Since 2000, he has dedicated himself entirely to his musical career. Previously a member of The Producers, a band recognized as the UK blues band of the year, Dave received a nomination for a British Blues Award in the acoustic act category in 2014. He is also a two-time winner of the FOAOTMAD old-time banjo competition, securing victories in both 2011 and 2013.
His repertoire features a wide variety of songs and instrumental pieces, encompassing both traditional tunes and vintage covers, alongside original compositions. Over the years, Dave has performed throughout the UK and internationally, entertaining audiences in settings ranging from street performances to major festivals, including Glastonbury Festival, Camp Bestival, and Bestival. He has graced the stages of numerous specialist roots music festivals, such as the Gainsborough Old-time Music & Dance Festival, The Cornish Bluegrass Festival, Didmarton Bluegrass Festival, Ealing Blues Festival, Upton Blues Festival, Maverick Festival, and The Rhythm Riot rock 'n' roll festival.
In 2023, Dave has the honor of performing for an unprecedented seventh consecutive year at Monica Madgwick’s Boogaloo Blues Festival on the Isle of Wight. Recognized with a Blues Matters Lifetime Achievement Award, Monica describes Dave as “not just a superb multi-instrumentalist but a great entertainer and raconteur.” She highlights his mastery of guitar, banjo, violin, harmonica, and keyboards, alongside his singing and flat-foot dancing skills, encouraging audiences to experience his performances.
Dave has also made appearances at notable folk festivals, including Cork Folk Festival, Warwick Folk Festival, Towersey Folk Festival, and Priddy Folk Festival, among others. Recently, he has expanded his concert performances to art centers and theaters, frequently collaborating with touring musicians from the USA, including the revered Whitetop Mountain Band from Virginia, W.C. Handy Award winner Guy Davis, and International Bluegrass Achievement Award winner Alice Gerrard.
As his career progresses, Stompin' Dave has begun to headline festivals, with performances at events such as The Cornish Folk Festival, National Banjo Day, and The Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival. Although he primarily performs solo, he occasionally collaborates with various friends and bands, including his own groups, Stompin' Dave & His Bluegrass Band and Stompin' Dave's Blues3.
Press accolades include observations such as: "Stompin’ Dave is a master of all kinds of American roots music, ranging from bluegrass to electric blues guitar and boogie piano, with a nice line in self-deprecating patter between numbers," as noted by The Daily Telegraph. Maverick Magazine emphasizes his status as "one of the world's greatest performers," while Blues In Britain expresses that "the supremely talented and multi-faceted musician deserves a higher profile." The Dorset Echo recognizes him as "the pick of Dorset's homegrown talent," and Blues Matters! states that "his style is mesmerizing and infectious." Furthermore, Blues In The South notes that "Dave's spectacular talent leaves us less talented people open-mouthed in amazement," and he has been described as "a true treasure from the South Coast" by the Banbury Blues Festival. Wessex Folk Festival highlights his energetic performances, stating he "generates enough energy to illuminate Blackpool."
