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April 2009 Events Guide
Please bear in mind that every effort is made to ensure that the details below are accurate, however some events are cancelled/sell out etc so please check with the venues/clubs before travelling long distances. Please email us to include your event listings and these will be added as soon as possible.
To return to the main events guide and for events this month click here
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Thursday 2nd April 2009Liz Simcock at Wivenhoe Folk Club, Wivenhoe, Essex
"Liz is a great songwriter and gorgeous singer with a relaxed and very endearing stage presence. We have seen her grow from strength to strength as a performer, and now stand easily alongside any of the female singer/songwriters working on the acoustic/folk music scene" Hitchen Folk Club
Friday 3rd April 2009Ruth Notman at Brighton Folk and Blues Club, Brighton, Sussex
"Ruth Notman started out on the live circuit at just 13 years old performing at folk clubs and venues in and around Nottingham and Derby and soon began securing slots at leading Festivals. In 2006 Ruth reached the finals of the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award and shortly afterwards signed a record deal.
Threads was released in November 2007 and created quite a stir, receiving great reviews including 4 Star reviews in The Guardian and Mojo Magazine and airplay on many local and national radio stations including BBC Radio 2 and 3.
Ruth's pure and powerful voice conveys stories of love, loss, adventure and heartache, weaving through simple stripped down ballads and soaring above complex arrangements."Red Ruth at The Jericho Tavern, Oxford
"Formed in Jan 2008 by singer/songwriter Ian Rigg, Red Ruth completed it's final line up in June, when rehearsals for both the live shows and the debut album began in earnest. With a line up of amazing and renowned UK folk musicians, Red Ruth are tipped to be the next big thing on the folk festival scene."The Askew Sisters at The Northwich Folk Club, Northwich, Cheshire
"The Askew Sisters are a young fiddle and melodeon duo, playing and singing traditional English music in a dynamic and exciting style. Their sheer energy and musicality is quickly leading them to become one of the up and coming stars of the new English music revival."The Toyhearts at The Chindit, 113 Merridale Road, Wolverhampton, West Midlands
"The Toy Hearts, 5 piece bluegrass band from Birmingham, England continue to go from strength to strength in 2008. Formed in 2001, by founder members Stewart, Hannah and Sophia Johnson, the band became serious contenders when they began writing their own material a few years later. Their first critically acclaimed release ‘If The Blues Come Calling’ 2006, marked the real beginning of the band as it is now; with their trademark self penned material , sweet harmony vocals and a high octane delivery."
Saturday 4th April 2009Ruth Notman at Newhampton Arts Centre, Newhampton, Wolverhampton
"Ruth Notman started out on the live circuit at just 13 years old performing at folk clubs and venues in and around Nottingham and Derby and soon began securing slots at leading Festivals. In 2006 Ruth reached the finals of the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award and shortly afterwards signed a record deal.
Threads was released in November 2007 and created quite a stir, receiving great reviews including 4 Star reviews in The Guardian and Mojo Magazine and airplay on many local and national radio stations including BBC Radio 2 and 3.
Ruth's pure and powerful voice conveys stories of love, loss, adventure and heartache, weaving through simple stripped down ballads and soaring above complex arrangements."
Sunday 5th April 2009Singers/Musicians Night at Wheal Dream Folk Club, Wheal Dream Restaurant and Free House, Wendron, Helston, Cornwall
All WelcomeJames Hollingsworth at The Hare on the Hill, 41 Thomas Street North, Bristol
"James Hollingsworth’s main stage set on the Saturday afternoon of the festival ranged from what was grounded in the traditional – a voice buzzing in the ear, the familiar plucked guitar – to what seemed to border on the celestial, as both voice and a much effected, but delicately measured, acoustic guitar swept back and forth across the arena. James’ performance was captivating…truly so, as many followed him to the intimate surroundings of the Bar Stage later in the afternoon, where an equally diverse mixture of songs and styles was in evidence." - Abbey Mill Folk Festival, 2006
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Tuesday 7th April 2009Pete Coe at Dartford Folk Club, Dartford, Kent
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Wednesday 8th April 2009The Askew Sisters at Hambledon Folk Club, Hambledon, Hampshire
"The Askew Sisters are a young fiddle and melodeon duo, playing and singing traditional English music in a dynamic and exciting style. Their sheer energy and musicality is quickly leading them to become one of the up and coming stars of the new English music revival."
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Thursday 9th April 2009Folk Night featuring Local Musicians at Great Bardfield Folk Club, Great Bardfield, Essex
Singers' Night at Acoustic Folk at the Nursery, Nursery Inn, Green Lane, Heaton Norris, Stockport, Cheshire
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Friday 10th April 2009
Ruth Notman at The Kalamazoo Klub, Crouch End, London
"Ruth Notman started out on the live circuit at just 13 years old performing at folk clubs and venues in and around Nottingham and Derby and soon began securing slots at leading Festivals. In 2006 Ruth reached the finals of the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award and shortly afterwards signed a record deal.
Threads was released in November 2007 and created quite a stir, receiving great reviews including 4 Star reviews in The Guardian and Mojo Magazine and airplay on many local and national radio stations including BBC Radio 2 and 3.
Ruth's pure and powerful voice conveys stories of love, loss, adventure and heartache, weaving through simple stripped down ballads and soaring above complex arrangements."
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Saturday 11th April 2009Kris Drever Heidi Talbot at Newhampton Folk, Wolverhampton
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Sunday 12th April 2009Singers/Musicians Night at Wheal Dream Folk Club, Wheal Dream Restaurant and Free House, Wendron, Helston, Cornwall
All Welcome
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Tuesday 14th April 2009The Askew Sisters at Dartford Folk Club, Dartford, Kent
Emily and Hazel Askew are a young duo making waves on the folk scene with their energetic brand of English folk music. Using fiddle and melodeon, they play and sing with an infectious enjoyment and love for the music, winning them fans wherever they go. From rhythmic foot stomping tunes to powerful interpretations of songs and ballads, their playing always guarantees to engage and inspire those who hear.Peter Price at The Cask, Scarborough, North Yorkshire
'Peter Price is a renowned interpreter of the pre war (i.e. pre electric) blues. He uses a range of vintage guitars including a Gibson SJ Deluxe, a beautiful Beltona made from Bell Brass and an amazing Tricone slide guitar.
Peter has been described by the Guardian newspaper as "An acoustic blues virtuoso." However, he is much more than that. His concerts take detours into all styles of music and all styles of singing. Be prepared for a musical journey into the blues, and far beyond!'
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Wednesday 15th April 2009Ron Trueman-Border at The Willows Folk Club, Arundel, Sussex
"Ron employs a wealth of musical forms and influences to produce songs that vividly portray an Everyman's vision of life in the 21st century" Steve ClarkeKirsty McGee and Matt Martin at The Lamb Folk Club, Eastbourne, Sussex
'shivering, hollering, edgy, dark, delightful, disturbing, involving, beautifully phrased, acoustic music' - the living tradition
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Thursday 16th April 2009Kirsty McGee and Matt Martin at The Brewery Arts Centre, Taunton, Somerset
'shivering, hollering, edgy, dark, delightful, disturbing, involving, beautifully phrased, acoustic music' - the living tradition
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Friday 17th April 2009Kirsty McGee and Matt Martin at The Nailsea Folk Club, Nailsea, North Somerset
'shivering, hollering, edgy, dark, delightful, disturbing, involving, beautifully phrased, acoustic music' - the living traditionThe Askew Sisters at Fo'c'sle Folk Club, Southampton, Hampshire
"The Askew Sisters are a young fiddle and melodeon duo, playing and singing traditional English music in a dynamic and exciting style. Their sheer energy and musicality is quickly leading them to become one of the up and coming stars of the new English music revival."Red Ruth at Folk at The Pumphouse, Watford, Hertfordshire
"Formed in Jan 2008 by singer/songwriter Ian Rigg, Red Ruth completed it's final line up in June, when rehearsals for both the live shows and the debut album began in earnest. With a line up of amazing and renowned UK folk musicians, Red Ruth are tipped to be the next big thing on the folk festival scene."The Toyhearts at The Bartons Arms, 144 Aston High Street, Newtown, Birmingham
"The Toy Hearts, 5 piece bluegrass band from Birmingham, England continue to go from strength to strength in 2008. Formed in 2001, by founder members Stewart, Hannah and Sophia Johnson, the band became serious contenders when they began writing their own material a few years later. Their first critically acclaimed release ‘If The Blues Come Calling’ 2006, marked the real beginning of the band as it is now; with their trademark self penned material , sweet harmony vocals and a high octane delivery."Folk/Acoustic Night hosted by In Any Order at the Britannia Inn, Shepshed, Nr Loughborough, Leicestershire
"The venue is excellent, with great acoustics and we would like to extend the invitation to anyone wishing to enjoy a good night of live music."Vin Garbutt at Ashover Village Hall, Milkens Lane, Ashover, Chesterfield, Derbyshire
"This ‘must-see’ artist who has won a sheaf of Folk Awards and a legion of fans never fails to delight! His songwriting is witty and powerful and tackles thought-provoking issues. He’s an accomplished guitarist and fine whistle player, a zany wit and a superb performer."
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Saturday 18th April 2009Barber and Taylor at The Wrotham Arms, Broadstairs, Kent. 8.00pm
'Acclaimed multi-instrumental duo playing bluegrass, country, folk and blues on guitar, dobro, mandolin, banjo and pedal-steel. "Apart from their ability to write superb songs and play ukele, mandolin,banjo, electric bass, slide and lap-steel guitars-they have empathy. And incidentally their harmonies are pretty spot-on too.........................Barber & Taylor are a superb acoustic duo. It's that simple." Tim Carroll www.folkwords.com'Vin Garbutt at The Arts Centre, Kings Lynn, Norfolk
"This ‘must-see’ artist who has won a sheaf of Folk Awards and a legion of fans never fails to delight! His songwriting is witty and powerful and tackles thought-provoking issues. He’s an accomplished guitarist and fine whistle player, a zany wit and a superb performer."Mawkin Causley at Faldingworth Live, Faldingworth, Lincolnshire
"Those wicked Essex rascals, Mawkin, have joined forces with the honey-voiced Jim Causley to form one hell of a boyband! One of the best instrumental outfits to emerge in recent years, Mawkin have a string of festival and concert apperances under their belt. Bringing Jim Causley on board is a master stroke, as his gorgeous baritone voice is the perfect foil for their cleverly textured tunes and energetic performances. A unique collaboration not to be missed."Kirsty McGee and Matt Martin at The Acoustic Tearoom, Kirby Stephen, Cumbria
'shivering, hollering, edgy, dark, delightful, disturbing, involving, beautifully phrased, acoustic music' - the living tradition
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Sunday 19th April 2009Wendy Arrowsmith at Guisborough Folk Club, Guisborough, North Yorkshire
"Wendy Arrowsmith - tremendous song and what a voice and performance .I think we're destined to hear more of her voice and guitar - brilliant singer - a gem."Singers/Musicians Night at Wheal Dream Folk Club, Wheal Dream Restaurant and Free House, Wendron, Helston, Cornwall
All Welcome
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Tuesday 21st April 2009Brian Peters & Gordon Tyrrell at Dartford Folk Club, Dartford, Kent
"Brian Peters and Gordon Tyrrall perform traditional songs and music with vibrancy and virtuosity. Both are respected solo artists on the British and international folk scene, teaming up regularly as a duo combining instrumental skills and vocal harmony - it's often said that they sound more like a whole band than just two people. Brian is a top melodeon and concertina player as well as an accomplished guitarist, while Gordon contributes brilliant guitar and fine flute playing, and both are strong singers. Together they create rich arrangements of classic folk songs, blistering instrumentals, original material and the occasional startling cover version."The Low Row Folk Session at The Railway Inn, Low Row near Brampton, Cumbria
The session/singaround takes place on the third Tuesday of the month, from 8.30pm onwards. There is no charge for entrance (just buy a drink to keep the landlady happy!) It's a friendly event and we welcome singers and musicians of all standards.
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Thursday 23rd April 2009Singers' Night at Acoustic Folk at the Nursery, Nursery Inn, Green Lane, Heaton Norris, Stockport, Cheshire
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Friday 24th April 2009
"Think vocal harmonies. Think Elizabethan pop. Think fretboard wizardry. Think the Melodeon. If you can think all of that, then you have just conjured the dark and peculiar Modeival world that is Faustus.
Comprised of three of the most pivotal players in the English roots revival of the past decade, Faustus boast a trio of travelling minstrels whose musical Curriculum Vitae is frankly intimidating…"Vin Garbutt at Moonbeams Acoustic, The Bell Hotel, Market Place, Driffield, East Yorkshire
"This ‘must-see’ artist who has won a sheaf of Folk Awards and a legion of fans never fails to delight! His songwriting is witty and powerful and tackles thought-provoking issues. He’s an accomplished guitarist and fine whistle player, a zany wit and a superb performer."
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Saturday 25th April 2009Bag of Rats at The King William, High Street, Glastonbury, Somerset
"Spreading disease from the Somerset and Dorset area of the West Country comes a filthy scum slime of rats, in fact the Bag of Rats. The band have toured around the local area (to the dismay of all) gigging at festivals, pubs and folk clubs entertaining the crowds (is five people a crowd?) with their unique take on folk with influences in Traditional English Beer, Nuclear Physics (where's me bloody fusion? - you can't have nuclear physics without fusion), Blues, Irish, Jazz, Country, a smidgen of Ska (Naah), a hint of alternative (Alt what?) and a peppering of salt and psychedelic skiffle."Red Ruth at Rosie O'Gradys, Oxford
"Formed in Jan 2008 by singer/songwriter Ian Rigg, Red Ruth completed it's final line up in June, when rehearsals for both the live shows and the debut album began in earnest. With a line up of amazing and renowned UK folk musicians, Red Ruth are tipped to be the next big thing on the folk festival scene."Vin Garbutt at Birdsedge Live @ Birdsedge Village Hall, Penistone Road, Birdsedge, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire (7.30 (doors open 7.00) Tickets £10.00 from 01484 606230
"One of the best loved characters on the folk scene, Vin Garbutt's performance at our festival in 2006 had the audience laughing so hard I thought we might need a medic standing by. Funny, impassioned, melodic and unique. Vin is a performer NOT to be missed. If you've seen him before you'll know. If you haven't take my word for it and book early."
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Sunday 26th April 2009Meet in the Hedge, The Feathers Inn, Town Green, Wymondham, Norfolk
“Meet in the Hedge” is a monthly get together for people who like listening to, or performing live ‘acoustic’ music. We boast a friendly welcoming evening for both artists and audience.
Here’s some of what you can expect;
No restriction on the types of music played. (a typical evening often consists of a wide variety of styles and instruments which could include, guitar, bodran, saxophone, trumpet, recorder, violin or even on one occasion a Sarangi).
No Booking to perform. (Just turn up and ask to play, we’ll fit you in).Singers/Musicians Night at Wheal Dream Folk Club, Wheal Dream Restaurant and Free House, Wendron, Helston, Cornwall
All Welcome
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Monday 27th April 2009Vicki Swan and Jonny Dyer at Fox and Hounds Folk Club, Knatts Valley, Kent
"Currently taking the world by storm, Vicki and Jonny are rightly “establishing themselves as one of the best young duos around on the folk scene today” (Famous Willows Folk Club). Although best-known for their instrumental skills with Scottish Smallpipes, accordion and even Swedish Nyckelharpa, the duo are well recognised for their songs arrangements too. With their blend of traditional material and contemporary interpretations, they have developed a sound that is both familiar and fresh."
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Tuesday 28th April 2009Simon Mayor & Hilary James at The Museum Of English Rural Life, Redlands Road, Reading, Berkshire
Hilary James elegant singing is regarded as one of the purest singing voices to be found on the English musical stage. Quintessentially English, they easily cross the great musical divides from British ballads to blues and Berlioz.
They have that rare ability that allows them to perform a truly diverse array of music with respect and affection held together by humorous introductions.
Their repertoire encompasses folk, traditional, Celtic, swing, blues and classical music richly illustrated by a diverse range of instruments from mandolin, guitar, banjo’s, ukuleles, double bass and Hilary’s famous giant mandobass - the latter generates a lot of interest at performances"Harvey Andrews at Dartford Folk Club, Dartford, Kent
Singer Songwriter
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Thursday 30th April 2009Vin Garbutt at The Arts Centre, Bridgwater, Somerset
"This ‘must-see’ artist who has won a sheaf of Folk Awards and a legion of fans never fails to delight! His songwriting is witty and powerful and tackles thought-provoking issues. He’s an accomplished guitarist and fine whistle player, a zany wit and a superb performer."The Mandolinquents at The Arts Centre, Newbury, Berkshire
The Mandolinquents feature everything from hot swing and ragtime instrumentals from the mandolin orchestras of the 1930s: Irving Berlin, Mozart, Ravel and Tchaikovsky to lively reels and beautiful traditional Irish airs to Chinese and Brazilian folk tunes. All this played with infectious fun, off-beat humour and stunning virtuosity on mandolin, mandola, mandocello, mandobass and classical guitar, with the occasional burst of song or fiddle.
"a one man folk industry" BBC Radio 2
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