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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.
Monday 1st June 2009Musicians' and Singers' night at Tonbridge Folk Club, Rose and Crown, 125 High Street, Tonbridge, Kent
audience welcome (free admission)Open Night at Herga Folk Club, Pinner, Harrow, West London
Singers/Musicians night at The Bridge Folk Club, Newcastle Upon Tyne
"Singers Nights - fronted by Beeswing
Beeswing are a local folk group who will start these nights off."
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Tuesday 2nd June 2009Red Ruth at The Nonsuch Folk Club, Bishops Waltham Social Club, Southampton, Hampshire
"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."Singers Night at Cramlington Folk Club, The Hind, Dewley, Cramlington, Northumberland
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Wednesday 3rd June 2009The Rude Mechanicals at The Ferry Inn, Shoreham, Sussex
"Foot-tapping music for all occasions. Huge repertoire of varied material including original arrangements of traditional folk tunes and new compositions."Andy Smythe at Havering Folk Club, Romford, Essex
Singer SongwriterThe Alison Arms Folk Club at The Alison Arms, Preston Road, Coppull Lancashire
"Everyone is welcome at the Alison Arms Folk singaround, every Wednesday from 8.30ish to midnight. If you play acoustic, sing, dance, recount stories or recite poems you'll get your turn to perform. It isn't compulsory, though. If you just want to come and listen your welcome as long as you applaud until your hands hurt. We meet in an upstairs function room (door to right of bar, left up the stairs and left at the top)"
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Thursday 4th June 2009The Icarus Club, Lewisham, South East London
"The Icarus Club is a weekly acoustic event featuring the best in local talent, plus some of the hottest acts doing the rounds in London. A warm and friendly atmosphere awaits you every Thursday at the Station Hotel, 14 Staplehurst Road, Hither Green, London SE13 5BN"Issy and Dave Emeney and Kate Riaz at Wivenhoe Folk Club, Wivenhoe, Essex
"Much of their material is original, but their style is distinctly traditional. Accompanying themselves on melodeon, guitar and bouzouki, with fine vocal harmonies and strong arrangements, their audience is with them from the word go.
Issy is an outstanding melodeon player. Inspired to take up the box by the playing of Norfolk squeezer Tony Hall, she has developed an unusually sensitive and creative style “a delight to play with” John Dipper. David’s guitar style was, he says, influenced by the playing of one of his folk heroes, Vin Garbutt. But various elements, not always folkie, of David’s eclectic taste in music can also be detected in his distinctive and thoughtful accompaniments.
The duo have recently been joined by brilliant cellist Kate Riaz. Her exquisitely skilful and creative playing has proved the perfect third dimension to an already successful duo."Claude Bourbon at Katie Fitzgerald's, 187 Enville Street, Wollaston, Stourbridge, West Midlands
"Acoustic blues guitar playing just doesn't come much better than this!" Blueprint MagazineSingers' Night at Acoustic Folk at the Nursery, Nursery Inn, Green Lane, Heaton Norris, Stockport, Cheshire
Singers Night at Gregson Lane Folk Club, Hoghton, Lancashire
Andy Irvine at The Black Swan Folk Club, York
"Andy Irvine has been hailed as "a tradition in himself." Musician, singer and songwriter, Andy has maintained both personal integrity and highly individual performing skills throughout his 40-year career. From Sweeney's Men in the mid sixties to the enormous success of Planxty in the 70s, to THE Irish super group, Patrick Street, in the 80s, Andy has been a world music pioneer and icon for traditional music and musicians.
Irvine occupies a unique place in the musical world, plying his trade as archetypal troubadour, with a solo show and traveling lifestyle that reflects his lifelong influence, Woody Guthrie. Few others can equal his repertoire, Irish traditional songs, dexterous Balkan dance tunes, and a compelling canon of his own material that defies description."
Friday 5th June 2009Open House at Bodmin Folk Club, Bodmin, Cornwall
"no featured guest artists, but an evening for local and visiting singers, musicians etc, to perform in a friendly and encouraging atmosphere - usually a lively and stimulating experience... or if you don't wish to perform and prefer to listen, you are equally welcome."Open night at The Valley Folk Club, Ivy Bush Hotel, High Street, Pontardawe, Swansea
"play, recite or just listen and sing choruses."Knees Up Cecil Sharp featuring Mawkin at Cecil Sharp House, Camden, London
"The Knees Up Cecil Sharp ceilidhs provide interesting and energetic evenings of folk dancing. They present a mixture of established and up-and-coming bands mostly playing in the English ceilidh style."Singers Night at The Grove Folk Club, Leeds
Saturday 6th June 2009James Hollingsworth at The Double Locks, Canal Banks, Exeter, Devon (3:00pm)
"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, 2006Red 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."John Kirkpatrick at Newhampton Folk, Wolverhampton
"one of the most prolific figures on the English folk scene, performing solo, in duos, acoustic groups and electric bands, and has established an enviable reputation as an instrumental virtuoso and session musician, as well as a leading interpreter of English folk music."Free Ceilidh at Lauries Acoustic Bar, Glasgow
Sunday 7th June 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, 2006Fran McGillivray & Mike Burke at The Three Lions, (Scratchers), Farncombe, Surrey
London based Acoustic Folk and Blues duoBlanche Rowen and Mike Gulston at Dinas Powys Folk Club, Dinas Powys, Vale of Glamorgan
"Blanche Rowen and Mike Gulston bring you French dance numbers, English ballads of star-crossed lovers and irrepressible heroines, old Welsh love songs, and strange & wondrous hybrids of all three. All served with a graceful accompaniment of guitar and octave mandola and a healthy dollop of irreverence."Tom Kitchin & Gren Bartley at Traditions at the Tiger, Long Eaton, Nottingham
"(I was) ...knocked out by the intricate pretty arrangements and songs from Tom Kitching and Gren Bartley delivered in deep rich tones (they will no doubt soon own quite a few well-won ornaments on their mantlepiece)" - North Devon Journal
Monday 8th June 2009Navaro at The Acoustic Session by Candlelight, The Old Barn, Cock Inn, Church Lane, Sarratt, Hertfordshire
"Beth Navaro’s country sound now evolves into something new as she joins forces with singer/songwriters Pete White and Steve Austin . This disparate trio describe themselves as a ‘singers collective’ where the sound is about voices but the song is the star. Beth’s affection for roots music, Pete’s flair for anthemic melodies and Steve’s love of British and American folk all find their place in the NAVARO mix."Hissyfit at (Not) The White Horse Folk Club, Beverley, East Yorkshire
Singers/Musicians night at The Bridge Folk Club, Newcastle Upon Tyne
"Singers Nights - fronted by Beeswing
Beeswing are a local folk group who will start these nights off."Steve Turner at Brecon Folk club, Smiths Arms, Castle Dene, West Rainton, Durham
"A shining example of the music the British folk scene is capable of producing." Froots
Tuesday 9th June 2009Reg Meuross at The Cask, Scarborough, North Yorkshire
'Reg Meuross's is an "exceptionally gracefull singer and a fine song writer with an ear for good arrangements and fine musicianship" (Folk & Roots - May 2008). His singing career began in 1986 with the formation of The Panic Brothers - his duo with Richard Morton. Five years of successful touring and TV work followed, with appearances at Edinburgh, Glastonbury, Sidmouth and all the major British Festivals. He then went on to form The Flamingos with Graham Parker, Martin Belmont, Bob Loveday and Alison Jones. In recent years Reg has also been a crucial member of Hank Wangford's band, The Lost Cowboys.
In 1996 he released the critically acclaimed solo CD 'The Goodbye Hat'. This was nominated for several music awards, including best song for 'Ring around the Roses.' However it was in 2004, with the release of 'Short Stories', that he became firmly established as "One of Britain's finest Singer Songwriters" (Time Out). This was followed in 2007 by the excellent 'Still' album and yet again in 2008 by another outstanding CD 'Dragonfly'
'Dragonfly' is probably Reg's most accomplished work so far. It contains a mixture of accessible pop songs, songs of mystery and intrigue, serious social commentary, and ballads to die for. Among other things, it established him as a firm favourite with Mike Harding who has described it as "absolutely fantastic"'Steve Turner at Croxdale Folk Club, Daleside Arms, Croxdale, Durham
"A shining example of the music the British folk scene is capable of producing." Froots
Thursday 11th June 2009The Icarus Club, Lewisham, South East London
"The Icarus Club is a weekly acoustic event featuring the best in local talent, plus some of the hottest acts doing the rounds in London. A warm and friendly atmosphere awaits you every Thursday at the Station Hotel, 14 Staplehurst Road, Hither Green, London SE13 5BN"Folk Night featuring Vicki Swan and Jonny Dyer at Great Bardfield Folk Club, Great Bardfield, Essex
"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."Tanglefoot at Maudslay Thursday, The Maudslay pub, 190 Allesley Old Road, Coventry, West Midlands
“Stan Rogers meets Van Halen” is how one fan described them, and Tanglefoot is indeed a potent brew of full-throttle energy, musical agility and exquisite vocal polish. They are one of Canada's busiest acoustic/roots bands, and since 1998 have maintained a relentless touring schedule across Canada, the United States and Britain.
They’re also a noteworthy group of songwriters, “...masters of the storytelling tradition, (with) elegant, sensitive musicianship and an impressive range of talent”, according to BBC Yorkshire, while the Chester Chronicle exclaimed, “The huge impact of their adept songwriting, spectacular vocal harmonies and strong instrumental accompaniment is hard to resist.”
Friday 12th June 2009
"Andy Irvine has been hailed as "a tradition in himself." Musician, singer and songwriter, Andy has maintained both personal integrity and highly individual performing skills throughout his 40-year career. From Sweeney's Men in the mid sixties to the enormous success of Planxty in the 70s, to THE Irish super group, Patrick Street, in the 80s, Andy has been a world music pioneer and icon for traditional music and musicians.
Irvine occupies a unique place in the musical world, plying his trade as archetypal troubadour, with a solo show and traveling lifestyle that reflects his lifelong influence, Woody Guthrie. Few others can equal his repertoire, Irish traditional songs, dexterous Balkan dance tunes, and a compelling canon of his own material that defies description."Open House at Bodmin Folk Club, Bodmin, Cornwall
"no featured guest artists, but an evening for local and visiting singers, musicians etc, to perform in a friendly and encouraging atmosphere - usually a lively and stimulating experience... or if you don't wish to perform and prefer to listen, you are equally welcome."Anything goes at Fo'c'sle Folk Club Folk Club, Southampton, Hampshire
Horses Brawl at The Assembly Rooms, Derby
"Horses Brawl, based in Norwich, are an experimental early music group with roots in traditional folk and renaissance music from Europe. hey explore unconventional techniques on modern and ancient instruments."
Saturday 13th June 2009Balkanplus at Cecil Sharp House, Camden, London
"Founded in 1986 to provide a regular forum for Balkan folklore enthusiasts, Balkanplus organises monthly dances as well as the occasional dance workshop and music event at Cecil Sharp House - home of the EFDSS. The "plus" tag allows the inclusion of popular material beyond the borders of the Balkans."Barndarnce at Cecil Sharp House, Camden, London
"This is the place for great dancing - American-style contras and squares, with a few trad and modern numbers thrown in for good measure. Top-class bands drive the dance, and clever callers guide the moves."Wild Willy Barrett & Mary Holland at Faldingworth Live, Faldingworth Memorial Hall, Faldingworth, Lincolnshire
Free Ceilidh at Lauries Acoustic Bar, Glasgow
Sunday 14th June 2009Singers/Musicians Night at Wheal Dream Folk Club, Wheal Dream Restaurant and Free House, Wendron, Helston, Cornwall
All Welcome
Monday 15th June 2009Will Duke and Dan Quinn at Tonbridge Folk Club, Rose and Crown, 125 High Street, Tonbridge, Kent
"Will Duke and Dan Quinn sing traditional songs in unison and play English country dance tunes on melodeon and concertina."Open Night at Herga Folk Club, Pinner, Harrow, West London
Dearman, Gammon and Harrison at The Bridge Folk Club, Newcastle Upon Tyne
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Tuesday 16th June 2009Isambarde at Great Knight Folk Club, Northampton
Coventry-based Isambarde are Chris Green (guitar, vocals), Emily Sanders (fiddle, vocals) and Jude Rees (oboe, vocals) – an unusual and winning combination, that we have witnessed first-hand. The band has been together for over six years and in that time they have played at clubs and festivals all over the country – collecting songs, tunes and friends along the way. Their music is a powerful blend of traditional and contemporary folk songs, taking the tradition forward into the 21st century."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.Singers Night at Cramlington Folk Club, The Hind, Dewley, Cramlington, Northumberland
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Wednesday 17th June 2009The Rude Mechanicals at The Ferry Inn, Shoreham, Sussex
"Foot-tapping music for all occasions. Huge repertoire of varied material including original arrangements of traditional folk tunes and new compositions."Steve Turner at The Carrington Triangle Folk Club, Nottingham
"A shining example of the music the British folk scene is capable of producing." Froots
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Thursday 18th June 2009The Icarus Club, Lewisham, South East London
"The Icarus Club is a weekly acoustic event featuring the best in local talent, plus some of the hottest acts doing the rounds in London. A warm and friendly atmosphere awaits you every Thursday at the Station Hotel, 14 Staplehurst Road, Hither Green, London SE13 5BN"Isambarde at Maidenhead Folk Club, Seven Stars, Bath Road, Knowl Hill, Nr Maidenhead, Berkshire
Coventry-based Isambarde are Chris Green (guitar, vocals), Emily Sanders (fiddle, vocals) and Jude Rees (oboe, vocals) – an unusual and winning combination, that we have witnessed first-hand. The band has been together for over six years and in that time they have played at clubs and festivals all over the country – collecting songs, tunes and friends along the way. Their music is a powerful blend of traditional and contemporary folk songs, taking the tradition forward into the 21st century.
"ISAMBARDE are a folk band with tremendous energy and enthusiasm. They are the unusual and winning combination of Chris's driving guitar, Emily's incisive fiddle playing and Jude's lyrical oboe coupled with great full on vocal harmonies. They play a great set and are an asset to any festival bill. Book 'em!!" Phil BeerSingers' Night at Acoustic Folk at the Nursery, Nursery Inn, Green Lane, Heaton Norris, Stockport, Cheshire
Johnny Dickinson at Rothbury Roots, Rothbury, Northumbria
"The most potent slide guitarist in the UK"
Friday 19th June 2009Rumney Folk Club at St. Augustine’s Church Hall, Whitehall Parade, Rumney, Cardiff
"The club meets every 3rd Friday of the month in the relaxed, candle-lit setting of St. Augustine’s Church Hall, to enjoy a variety of light/folk music and friendly company. Musicians regardless of skill or age are most welcome. Licensed Bar and raffle will also feature! £3.50 entry (musicians free)"Steve Turner at The Forest Folk Club, Coleford, Gloucestershire
"He comes from a family of singers and concertina players, and his career on the Manchester folk scene began in the 1960’s with “Canny Fettle”. After a period away he returned to the folk scene in 2004. A great singer and interpreter of folk song."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."
Saturday 20th June 2009Moveable Feast at The Wrotham Arms, 9 Ramsgate Rd, Broadstairs, Kent
World Roots & Folk RockFree Ceilidh at Lauries Acoustic Bar, Glasgow
Sunday 21st June 2009Singers/Musicians Night at Wheal Dream Folk Club, Wheal Dream Restaurant and Free House, Wendron, Helston, Cornwall
All Welcome
Monday 22nd June 2009Open Night at Herga Folk Club, Pinner, Harrow, West London
Tom Napper Tom Bliss at (Not) The White Horse Folk Club, Beverley, East Yorkshire
"Brilliant, a fusing of two exceptional talents.. gutsy, rootsy.. actually fantastically good.. spark off each other like an established comedy act.. Go and see this hugely talented duo the next time they come anywhere near you. You won't be disappointed."Singers/Musicians night at The Bridge Folk Club, Newcastle Upon Tyne
"Singers Nights - fronted by Beeswing
Beeswing are a local folk group who will start these nights off."
Tuesday 23rd June 2009Tom Napper Tom Bliss at St Neots Folk Club, St Neots, Cambridgeshire
"Brilliant, a fusing of two exceptional talents.. gutsy, rootsy.. actually fantastically good.. spark off each other like an established comedy act.. Go and see this hugely talented duo the next time they come anywhere near you. You won't be disappointed."Singers Night at Cramlington Folk Club, The Hind, Dewley, Cramlington, Northumberland
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Wednesday 24th June 2009John Tams & Barry Coope at Lincoln Drill Hall Lincoln
"John Tams described by Mojo as one of the ultimate British songwriters has had a career spanning four decades in every medium. A member of the Albion Band and Home Service he is a five times winner of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards."
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Thursday 25th June 2009The Icarus Club, Lewisham, South East London
"The Icarus Club is a weekly acoustic event featuring the best in local talent, plus some of the hottest acts doing the rounds in London. A warm and friendly atmosphere awaits you every Thursday at the Station Hotel, 14 Staplehurst Road, Hither Green, London SE13 5BN"
Friday 26th June 2009Open House at Bodmin Folk Club, Bodmin, Cornwall
"no featured guest artists, but an evening for local and visiting singers, musicians etc, to perform in a friendly and encouraging atmosphere - usually a lively and stimulating experience... or if you don't wish to perform and prefer to listen, you are equally welcome."The Claque at Fo'c'sle Folk Club Folk Club, Southampton, Hampshire
‘Distilled from the legendary groups of old, four voices of depth and maturity blended to give warmth and harmony to the English tradition.'Liz Simcock at Friday Folk, Orpington, Kent
"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" Hitchin Folk ClubZoox at The Acoustic Kitchen, Kings Lynn, Norfolk
"Traditional tunes with a contemporary attitude"
Saturday 27th June 2009Red Ruth at The Cannon, 50 High St, Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire
"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."Edwina Hayes at Acoustic Routes, Cambridge
'A wonderful young woman, so gifted and full of song, with a voice as sweet as the angels' Nanci Griffith
Free Ceilidh at Lauries Acoustic Bar, Glasgow
Sunday 28th June 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
Monday 29th June 2009Open Night at Herga Folk Club, Pinner, Harrow, West London
Singers/Musicians night at The Bridge Folk Club, Newcastle Upon Tyne
"Singers Nights - fronted by Beeswing
Beeswing are a local folk group who will start these nights off."
Tuesday 30th June 2009'Round the Room' at St Neots Folk Club, St Neots, Cambridgeshire
"Friendly singaround atmosphere, performers and audience very welcome"Singers Night at Cramlington Folk Club, The Hind, Dewley, Cramlington, Northumberland
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