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May 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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Friday 1st May 2009Tom Kitching & Gren Bartley at The Green Note, Camden, London
"From deepest Loughborough come Tom Kitching and Gren Bartley. Playing an aromatic hotpot of folk, world and blues from around the globe, this is a great opportunity to catch the pair on their way up. Recently signed by Fellside records, and with a busy festival schedule, the future looks bright. A young folk award finalist 2003, Tom Kitching plays fiddle with a unique flair, adding depth and context to material, drawing on his broad command of styles. Gren Bartley is simply a superstar of the finger style guitar in the making. Leaving audiences flabbergasted with the speed and control of his picking, the sensitivity and variety of his music will draw you deeper in! Together, there’s quite a chemistry"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
John Tams & Barry Coope at The Electric Theatre, Guildford, Surrey
"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."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."Wendy Arrowsmith & Blind Summat at Deal Folk Club, The Royal Marines Club, Walmer, Kent
"Good Time (mainly!) Folk & Blues from North Yorkshire. Three talented musicians/ songwriters and a banjo player came together with a mission to cheer up the Folk Scene. The Result is...... Blind Summat! The Talented Musicians are: Wendy Arrowsmith. Wendy is establishing a name for herself on the Northeast Folk scene as a fine singer of traditional songs (Scottish, Irish, English & American) and as writer of folky style songs with a real sense of place and history. She says she mainly joined Blind Summat to laugh at the banjo player! Joolz Cavell is also well known on the North Yorkshire Folk Scene as a writer of fine contemporary folk songs, a talented percussionist and for her solid guitar style. She says she joined Blind Summat to pass the time between real gigs. Rebekah Findlay is another fine singer & musician and burgeoning songwriter. She says she joined Blind Summat to keep the old folks happy (i.e. the rest of the band). Paul Arrowsmith is the banjo player. He joined Blind Summat as it was the only gig he could get. Unaccompanied & folky!"The Acoustic Kitchen, Crofters Coffeehouse, 27 King Street, King’s Lynn, Norfolk
Featuring: Strangeworld and Donal O’ ConnorBag of Rats at The Fleur-de-lis, Stoke-Sub-Hamdon, 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."Open night at The Valley Folk Club, Ivy Bush Hotel, High Street, Pontardawe, Swansea
"play, recite or just listen and sing choruses."Show of Hands at Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan, Ceredigion
"Show of Hands are undeniably one of the strongest current forces in acoustic music, England's finest and most popular roots duo and something of a "people's band", regularly voicing the hopes, fears and life stories of scores of people in song. "Emma and the Professor at The Hollybush Inn, Hay-on-Wye, Powys
"Powerful Tribal Roots music, drawn from the Marches - with world influences. Their songs are inspired by local folklore and written and performed with a contemporary edge."Romi Mayes at The Maze, Nottingham
Rock edged country music fusing Americana with bar-room blues.
"This is the sort of sound you'd want to hear pouring out of roadhouses as you drive up expecting to get drunk and maybe fall in love." (Americana UK Magazine)Singers Night at The Grove Folk Club, Leeds
Saturday 2nd May 2009Bill Caddick at The Cellar Upstairs Folk Club, Euston, London
"Simply brilliant. English folksong delivered with passion and commitment." The Living Tradition
"Superb...proves beyond doubt that he is one of the finest songwriters of his generation." TaplasWendy Arrowsmith & Blind Summat at The Wrotham Arms, Broadstairs, Kent
"Good Time (mainly!) Folk & Blues from North Yorkshire. Three talented musicians/ songwriters and a banjo player came together with a mission to cheer up the Folk Scene. The Result is...... Blind Summat! The Talented Musicians are: Wendy Arrowsmith. Wendy is establishing a name for herself on the Northeast Folk scene as a fine singer of traditional songs (Scottish, Irish, English & American) and as writer of folky style songs with a real sense of place and history. She says she mainly joined Blind Summat to laugh at the banjo player! Joolz Cavell is also well known on the North Yorkshire Folk Scene as a writer of fine contemporary folk songs, a talented percussionist and for her solid guitar style. She says she joined Blind Summat to pass the time between real gigs. Rebekah Findlay is another fine singer & musician and burgeoning songwriter. She says she joined Blind Summat to keep the old folks happy (i.e. the rest of the band). Paul Arrowsmith is the banjo player. He joined Blind Summat as it was the only gig he could get. Unaccompanied & folky!"Norcsalordie at The Angel, Egremont Street, Glemsford, Suffolk
"Their music is superbly performed, buoyant, catchy and individual. Their stage presence is such that it encourages the audience to take part and ‘buy in to’ their performance and image. That in itself is very rare. They have a unique take on an old fashioned style of music, which makes it both contemporary and engaging"
Romi Mayes at Tingewick Village Hall, Tingewick, Buckinghamshire
Rock edged country music fusing Americana with bar-room blues.
"This is the sort of sound you'd want to hear pouring out of roadhouses as you drive up expecting to get drunk and maybe fall in love." (Americana UK Magazine)John Tams & Barry Coope at The Guildhall, Lichfield, Staffordshire
"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."Free Ceilidh at Lauries Acoustic Bar, Glasgow
Sunday 3rd May 2009Donal O'Connor at Wheal Dream Folk Club, Wheal Dream Restaurant and Free House, Wendron, Helston, Cornwall
"Donal grew up in provincial Ireland of the seventies. He writes about the people and places he knows and loves. He writes about issues, which are colloquial and yet universal. He writes about ordinary everyday life in an extraordinarily simple way. Is it any wonder that the great Christy Moore described his debut album as "A Pure Joy"."Liz Simcock at Hitchin Folk Club, Hitchin, Hertfordshire
"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 ClubNiamh Parsons & Graham Dunne at Traditions at the Tiger, Long Eaton, Nottingham
"Niamh Parsons has come to be known as one of the most distinctive voices in Irish music. Her voice has drawn comparisons to such venerated singers as Dolores Keane, June Tabor and Sandy Denny. The great Scottish balladeer Archie Fisher said of Niamh, "a songstress like her comes along once or twice in a generation."Ember at Plug 'N' Play, Penrith, Cumbria
"The simple yet moving music centres around the miraculous blending of two very different voices: that of Welsh songstress Emily Williams, who also sails through the mix with her violin and sets up chunky rhythms with her nylon-strung guitar, and that of Rebecca Sullivan of Utah who fingerpicks a sparkling steel-string, and breaks out the harmonica for a song or two. You could call it contemporary folk – with an edge – and the group has been compared to Indigo Girls, The Be Good Tanyas, Simon and Garfunkel, Tracy Chapman, Michelle Shocked, Rickie Lee Jones and Dead Can Dance."
Monday 4th May 2009Ember at Conwy Folk Club, The Royal British Legion Club, Rosehill Street, Conwy
"The simple yet moving music centres around the miraculous blending of two very different voices: that of Welsh songstress Emily Williams, who also sails through the mix with her violin and sets up chunky rhythms with her nylon-strung guitar, and that of Rebecca Sullivan of Utah who fingerpicks a sparkling steel-string, and breaks out the harmonica for a song or two. You could call it contemporary folk – with an edge – and the group has been compared to Indigo Girls, The Be Good Tanyas, Simon and Garfunkel, Tracy Chapman, Michelle Shocked, Rickie Lee Jones and Dead Can Dance."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 5th May 2009Reg Meuross and Jackie Oatesat Dartford Folk Club, Dartford, Kent
Singer SongwriterThe Hoy at Anchor Folk Club, Leigh on Sea, Essex
Oysterband Guitarist stepping out soloSingers Night at Cramlington Folk Club, The Hind, Dewley, Cramlington, Northumberland
Wednesday 6th May 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."Devon Sproule at Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan, Ceredigion
"25 year-old Virginian singer-songwriter Devon Sproule has a growing following for her sunny, warm and funny alternative pop, lingering just where the meandering lanes of folk, country and lightly swinging jazz intersect. Joyful, elegant and cheeky in equal measure, her music is deliciously unhurried, redolent of high-summer dog-day afternoons and balmy southern nights in her home town of Charlottesville, a picture-postcard college town just east of Virginia's Blue Ridge mountains. She was raised nearby in an eco-village, where she grew up surrounded by musicians and learnt her trade. Her very original, carefully crafted songs are rendered so eloquently and delivered so unaffectedly that it's extremely difficult not to buy into the dream."The John Richards Band at Spalding Folk Club, Spalding, Lincolnshire
"Fine contemporary acoustic music with added bite from one of the scene’s best songwriters."
Thursday 7th May 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"Maggie Boyle and Gary Boyle at Whitstable Folk Club, Whitstable, Kent
"An exuberant cocktail of traditional and and contemproray folk with a splash of jazz. Maggie's expressive, traditional vocal style -the result of her Irish heritage -has kept her in demand for many years.She has accrued an impressive catalogue of recordings and live appearances, including work with The Chieftains, Rambert Dance Company, Incantation, Bert Jansch, Steve Tilston & Renbourne's Ship of Fools."Lynn and Barrie Hardman at Acoustic Folk at the Nursery, Nursery Inn, Green Lane, Heaton Norris, Stockport, Cheshire
Singers Night at Gregson Lane Folk Club, Hoghton, Lancashire
Singers' and Musicians' Night at The Topic Folk Club, Bradford
"An opportunity for everyone to come along and perform or just listen. Entry free."
'In the Autumn of 2003, three singers, rich in repertoire and musical experience, decided to combine their talents as an a-capella harmony trio. Those singers were Moira Craig, Sarah Morgan, and Carolyn Robson. Under the billing Craig; Morgan; Robson they have been captivating audiences in the UK and America, earning accolades such as "A joy to the ear" and "A harmony master-class". Their debut CD, "Peppers and Tomatoes"has been hailed as "a gem of an album" Mick Peat, BBC Radio in the Midlands'
Friday 8th May 2009Annie Dearman, Vic Gammon & Steve Harrison at Bodmin Folk Club, Bodmin, Cornwall
Donal O'Connor at Fo'c'sle Folk Club Folk Club, Southampton, Hampshire
‘Donal grew up in provincial Ireland of the seventies. He writes about the people and places he knows and loves. He writes about issues, which are colloquial and yet universal. He writes about ordinary everyday life in an extraordinarily simple way. Is it any wonder that the great Christy Moore described his debut album as "A Pure Joy".'Claude Bourbon at The Bent Brief, Portswood, Southampton, Hampshire
"Acoustic blues guitar playing just doesn't come much better than this!" Blueprint MagazineHappy Trails at The Wrotham Arms, Ramsgate Road, Broadstairs, Kent
"The Happy Trails have been playing together in various Cajun, Zydeco, Country and Blues bands for in excess of twenty years. They all share a lifelong love of the diverse and inspiring musical forms emanating from the Southern States and during the last decade have had the pleasure of experiencing it "for real" during several vacations to Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Georgia and Alabama."
Blues GuitaristLittle Johnny England supported by Navaro at The Mill Arts Centre, Banbury, Oxfordshire
"Little Johnny England is an English folk-rock band which originates out of the Oxford/Banbury/Northampton section of England. Formed in 1999, the band takes its name from a traditional playground song from Moulton in Northamptonshire. At the foundation of their music is the traditional mix of squeeze box and fiddle that is balanced by a strong rhythm section and a slide guitarist. The combination of instruments and music style creates a unique Folk Rock sound that is drawn from English musical roots."
"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."The Queensbury Rules at Rhyl Folk Club, Rhyl, Denbighshire
"Having spent three years serving their apprenticeship in the folk clubs of Britain, The Queensberry Rules first signified their arrival on the folk circuit with the release of their 2004 album – ‘Heritage and History’. Self produced and released, it contained a collection of songs focusing, in the main, on their home city of Stoke on-Trent. Songs such as ‘The Saggar Makers Bottom Knocker’ and the title track, talked of trade and industry synonymous with the area, whilst ‘Jam Jar Wakes’ dealt with the local traditions. So successful was the album in introducing the band to new audiences, that their burgeoning reputation also alerted the attentions of the Fellside label in Workington, Cumbria. One of the most prolific and well-respected folk record labels in the UK, and home to staples of the scene such as Spiers and Boden, Nancy Kerr and James Fagan, Bram Taylor and Cockersdale, and who also launched the careers of Jez Lowe and John Wright."The Tindalls at Chase Folk Club, Burntwood, Staffordshire
"With songs in our repertoire from Joni Mitchell to Billy Holliday, Bob Dylan to James Taylor and Fairport Convention to Fleetwood Mac, our music spans many "genres" of popular folk and acoustic music where Paula's powerful voice, together with Stuart's harmonies and many intricate finger-picking guitar styles (including Ragtime, Classical, Jazz and traditional Folk) ensure a varied mix of music, from songs to instrumentals."
Saturday 9th May 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."Maggie Boyle and Gary Boyle at The Cellar Upstairs Folk Club, Euston, London
"Maggie Boyle is a traditional singer and musician. Through her ballads she continues the tradition of music and storytelling passed on by her Irish family."Nancy Kerr and James Fagan at Newhampton Folk, Wolverhampton
"This well-loved duo combine highly skilful and innovative performance with accessibility, warmth and stage presence. Rarely are duos so full in sound; Nancy’s earthy and exquisite fiddle and viola playing dances with the striking rhythmic texture of James’s guitar-bouzouki, while their rich singing both as soloists and in harmony evokes the stories of the songs they choose and write. They approach their music with energy and infectious smiles. Rapid musical communication with one another and the audience makes their performance spectacular and unforgettable."Free Ceilidh at Lauries Acoustic Bar, Glasgow
Sunday 10th May 2009Singers/Musicians Night at Wheal Dream Folk Club, Wheal Dream Restaurant and Free House, Wendron, Helston, Cornwall
All WelcomeWendy Arrowsmith & Blind Summat at Acoustic Roots, Northallerton, North Yorkshire
"Good Time (mainly!) Folk & Blues from North Yorkshire. Three talented musicians/ songwriters and a banjo player came together with a mission to cheer up the Folk Scene. The Result is...... Blind Summat! The Talented Musicians are: Wendy Arrowsmith. Wendy is establishing a name for herself on the Northeast Folk scene as a fine singer of traditional songs (Scottish, Irish, English & American) and as writer of folky style songs with a real sense of place and history. She says she mainly joined Blind Summat to laugh at the banjo player! Joolz Cavell is also well known on the North Yorkshire Folk Scene as a writer of fine contemporary folk songs, a talented percussionist and for her solid guitar style. She says she joined Blind Summat to pass the time between real gigs. Rebekah Findlay is another fine singer & musician and burgeoning songwriter. She says she joined Blind Summat to keep the old folks happy (i.e. the rest of the band). Paul Arrowsmith is the banjo player. He joined Blind Summat as it was the only gig he could get. Unaccompanied & folky!"
Monday 11th May 2009Open Night at Herga Folk Club, Pinner, Harrow, West London
Steve Turner at Barnsley Folk and Acoustic Night, Barnsley, South Yorkshire
Brian Peters at The Midway Folk Club, Stockport, Cheshire
"Traditional songs and music from England with squeezeboxes and guitar"Spindrift (Folk Degree Course participants) at The Bridge Folk Club, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Tuesday 12th May 2009Hans Theessinkat Dartford Folk Club, Dartford, Kent
Blues GuitaristThe Hoy at Anchor Folk Club, Leigh on Sea, Essex
"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."Jeremy Taylor at St Neots Folk Club, St Neots, Cambridgeshire
Simon 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"Claude Bourbon at The Roman Bath, 9 St. Samson’s Square, York, North Yorkshire
"Acoustic blues guitar playing just doesn't come much better than this!" Blueprint MagazineAdrian Nation at Cramlington Folk Club, Cramlington, Northumberland
"...But as a twenty-something music fan, folk music has never been more accessible as in its rawest form, and this is where Adrian Nation really excels. At the table I was sitting, several people made comment and comparison to the late Isaac Guillory..." - NINA WRIGHTCraig Morgan Robson at Penicuik Folk Club, 34 High St, Penicuik, Midlothian
'In the Autumn of 2003, three singers, rich in repertoire and musical experience, decided to combine their talents as an a-capella harmony trio. Those singers were Moira Craig, Sarah Morgan, and Carolyn Robson. Under the billing Craig; Morgan; Robson they have been captivating audiences in the UK and America, earning accolades such as "A joy to the ear" and "A harmony master-class". Their debut CD, "Peppers and Tomatoes"has been hailed as "a gem of an album" Mick Peat, BBC Radio in the Midlands'
Wednesday 13th May 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."Bob Fox at The Willows Folk Club, Arundel, Sussex
"Fox always was one of the scene's superior singers and his voice is as confident and ebullient as it ever was . . ." FrootsSinger’s and Musican’s night at Cottingham Live, Cottingham, East Yorkshire
John Tams & Barry Coope at The National Centre for Early Music, York
"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."Steve Turner at Dunfermline Folk Club, The Thistle Tavern, Baldridgeburn, Dunfermline, Fife
"A shining example of the music the British folk scene is capable of producing." Froots
Thursday 14th May 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 Local Musicians at Great Bardfield Folk Club, Great Bardfield, Essex
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.Claude Bourbon at The White Hart, 222 High Street, Aldeburgh, Suffolk
"Acoustic blues guitar playing just doesn't come much better than this!" Blueprint MagazineLes Barker supported by Alfresco at Maudslay Thursday, The Maudslay pub, 190 Allesley Old Road, Coventry, West Midlands
Singers and Musicians Night at The Hungry Horse Acoustic Folk Club, The Rake (Pub/Restaurant), Rake Lane, Little Stanney, near Ellesmere Port, Cheshire
Marta and Richard present “Soul of Flamenco” at Wallace Bennett Theatre (Arts Guild Theatre), Greenock, Inverclyde
"The traditional flamenco performed by Marta and Richard appeals to audiences across different cultures, and the duo have taken their music to places as remote as Sikkim and Fiji. As singer and guitarist they have performed together for over 16 years. Among their tours they have traced flamenco’s roots from India through the Middle East to Eastern Europe and thence to Spain, presenting their shows in all of these regions. They have also played across Canada and the USA, and appeared as guest artists in a series of concerts presented by Broadway Concerts Direct of New York."
Friday 15th May 2009
"Brass Monkey – the five-piece band that started in 1980, sputtered to a halt in 1987, and burst back onto the scene with renewed vigour in 1997 – looked all set to build on the buzz of a re-energised come-back with regular new albums and annual tours. They had a unique sound, nobody else remotely resembled them, every live appearance was a wonderful success, and every new recording was greeted with joyous appreciation."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 Fisher Theatre, Bungay, Suffolk
"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."Rumney 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)"The Maggie Sand Band at The Forest Folk Club, Coleford, Gloucestershire
"Maggie Sand & Sandragon perform a unique blend of English traditional songs and hi-energy dance tunes from the mediaeval and Renaissance eras, performed on crumhorns, recorders, hurdy-gurdy, harmonium, bouzouki, mandola guitar and percussion."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."Steve Turner at The Valley Folk Club, The Ivy Bush Hotel, High St. Pontardawe, West Glamorgan
"A shining example of the music the British folk scene is capable of producing." Froots
Saturday 16th May 2009Trio Threlfall at The Cellar Upstairs Folk Club, Euston, London
English Traditional TrioClaude Bourbon at The Station Arms, Southminster, Essex
"Acoustic blues guitar playing just doesn't come much better than this!" Blueprint MagazineJohn Tams & Barry Coope at The Red Lion Folk Club, Birmingham
"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."Real Time at Faldingworth Live, Faldingworth Memorial Hall, Faldingworth, Lincolnshire
Free Ceilidh at Lauries Acoustic Bar, Glasgow
Sunday 17th May 2009Singers/Musicians Night at Wheal Dream Folk Club, Wheal Dream Restaurant and Free House, Wendron, Helston, Cornwall
All WelcomeJames Hollingsworth at The Platform Tavern, Town Quay, Southampton, Hampshire
"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, 2006Claude Bourbon at The Three Lions, 55 Meadrow, Godalming, Surrey
"Acoustic blues guitar playing just doesn't come much better than this!" Blueprint MagazineTom McConville & David Newey at Traditions at the Tiger, Long Eaton, Nottingham
"Tom is a great player, and a terrific singer, he happens to be a number one bloke too. Tom plays as Tom is, with honesty and passion, and an obvious love for the fiddle and traditional music." Dave Swarbrick
Monday 18th May 2009Wholehearted at Tonbridge Folk Club, Rose and Crown, 125 High Street, Tonbridge, Kent
John (aka Barty) and Pete have been singing in the SE of England for the best part of 30 years . Pete is a long-standing member of the Portsmouth Shantymen, described recently (and accurately) as 'A Power Harmony Group who specialise in songs of the Sea' Barty & Pete were members of the 4-part harmony group 'Ramskyte' , who were starting to make quite a name for themselves in the UK Folk scene until the untimely death of one of the group members."
"A dynamic English folk ensemble from Sheffield, Crucible marry driving and infectious instrumental music with richly layered harmony song and subtle accompaniments. Their music combines the deepest roots of their native tradition with a fresh and contemporary edge to produce performances sparking with raw energy."Brian Peters at (Not) The White Horse Folk Club, Beverley, East Yorkshire
"Traditional songs and music from England with squeezeboxes and guitar "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 19th May 2009Clive Gregsonat Dartford Folk Club, Dartford, Kent
Singer SongwriterDerek Gifford at St Neots Folk Club, St Neots, Cambridgeshire
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 20th May 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."Claude Bourbon at The Beehive, 55 Prospect Hill, Swindon, Wiltshire
"Acoustic blues guitar playing just doesn't come much better than this!" Blueprint MagazineSinger’s and Musican’s night at Cottingham Live, Cottingham, East Yorkshire
John Tams & Barry Coope at Wigan Parish Church Crawford St, Wigan, Lancashire
"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 21st May 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"The Michael McGoldrick Big Band at Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan, Ceredigion
"Renowned for their mighty, joyous sound, The Michael McGoldrick Big Band are definitely not to be missed! This top Irish band is famed for an inspired combination of high energy, driving traditional tunes and a BIG sound.
Michael McGoldrick is a true star of Irish music, regarded as one of the greatest flute players of all time, and a master of whistles and Uillean pipes. He has a reputation for creating innovative music, bringing his bold instrumentation and sheer skill on the flute to the forefront. He has collaborated with the likes of Jim Kerr, Youssou N'Dour and John Cale. As well as founding Toss the Feathers, Flook and Lunasa, he is a member of Capercaillie and the Afro-Celt Soundsystem. "Tom Kitching & Gren Bartley at The Beltane Bar, 8a Hall Bank, Buxton, Derbyshire
"From deepest Loughborough come Tom Kitching and Gren Bartley. Playing an aromatic hotpot of folk, world and blues from around the globe, this is a great opportunity to catch the pair on their way up. Recently signed by Fellside records, and with a busy festival schedule, the future looks bright. A young folk award finalist 2003, Tom Kitching plays fiddle with a unique flair, adding depth and context to material, drawing on his broad command of styles. Gren Bartley is simply a superstar of the finger style guitar in the making. Leaving audiences flabbergasted with the speed and control of his picking, the sensitivity and variety of his music will draw you deeper in! Together, there’s quite a chemistry"Singers' Night at Acoustic Folk at the Nursery, Nursery Inn, Green Lane, Heaton Norris, Stockport, Cheshire
Pete Rimmer at The Gregson Lane Folk Club, Hoghton, Lancashire
Fyrish at The Topic Folk Club, Bradford
"FYRISH is a folk duo of Marjorie Paterson (cello) and Dave Cowan (vocals and guitar).
Marjorie Paterson is a cello player, originally from the Black Isle, who grew up in a musical family and who has a natural gift for music and harmony and loves to play a wide range of styles.
Dave Cowan is a singer and guitar player from Glasgow who has been singing traditional and contemporary folk songs for many years. He has a relaxed, easy style and a mellow voice.
FYRISH have a wide repertoire of folk songs from all over the world, with lyrics which will grab your attention, and melodies to warm the heart."
'Hammered dulcimer, guitar, violin, cittern, Native American flute, percussion... with songs in many languages and rhythmic roots from Siberia to Morocco.This Anglo-Alaskan duo have been on the road together since 1995 in a unique collaboration which combines their distinctly separate musical backgrounds, bringing their exuberant music and wild tales to audiences around the world.'Steve Turner at Darlington Arts Centre, Vane Terrace, Darlington, County Durham
"A shining example of the music the British folk scene is capable of producing." Froots
Friday 22nd May 2009Cockersdale at Bodmin Folk Club, Bodmin, Cornwall
Anything goes at Fo'c'sle Folk Club Folk Club, Southampton, Hampshire
John Tams & Barry Coope at Rhyl Folk Club Rhyl, Denbighshire
"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."
Saturday 23rd May 2009Marta and Richard present “Soul of Flamenco” at Strathpeffer Pavilion, Ross & Cromarty, Scottish Highlands
"The traditional flamenco performed by Marta and Richard appeals to audiences across different cultures, and the duo have taken their music to places as remote as Sikkim and Fiji. As singer and guitarist they have performed together for over 16 years. Among their tours they have traced flamenco’s roots from India through the Middle East to Eastern Europe and thence to Spain, presenting their shows in all of these regions. They have also played across Canada and the USA, and appeared as guest artists in a series of concerts presented by Broadway Concerts Direct of New York."
Sunday 24th May 2009Singers/Musicians Night at Wheal Dream Folk Club, Wheal Dream Restaurant and Free House, Wendron, Helston, Cornwall
All WelcomeCara Dillon at The Queens Hall, Edinburgh
"Cara has an incredibly rare talent that you only come across a handful of times in your whole life. Her gentle charm and natural personality combine with a mesmerizing gift to relate a great story through song and has helped her to defy borders, cultures and even languages. She is an emotive and captivating performer at the very top of her field and one has the feeling she'll be there for a very long time."
Monday 25th May 2009Singers/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 26th May 2009'Round the Room' at St Neots Folk Club, St Neots, Cambridgeshire
"Friendly singaround atmosphere, performers and audience very welcome"Pete Wood at Kiveton Park Folk Club, Kiveton Park, South Yorkshire
"Pete mainly plays concertina and sings traditional and contemporary material (e.g. Keith Marsden, Graham Miles). "Wendy Arrowsmith at Tuesday At The Tap, Spring Bank, Hull
"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 Night at Cramlington Folk Club, The Hind, Dewley, Cramlington, Northumberland
Wednesday 27th May 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."Vicki Swan and Jonny Dyer at The Willows Folk Club, Arundel, Sussex
"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."Red Ruth at Loughborough Acoustic, Loughborough, Leicestershire
"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 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)"Landermason at Acoustic Roots, Osmotherley Village Hall, Osmotherley, North Yorkshire
"Fiona Lander and Paul Mason collectively known as 'Landermason' have been writing, recording and performing together since 2000. Multi instrumentalist Fiona (vocals, piano, whistles, saxes, clarinet and recorder) and Paul (guitars and vocals) have developed a unique sound which displays their undoubted talents. They combine both traditional and contemporary folk with jazz and other styles in their beautiful and striking arrangements."
Thursday 28th May 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"
Red 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."Singers and Musicians Night at The Hungry Horse Acoustic Folk Club, The Rake (Pub/Restaurant), Rake Lane, Little Stanney, near Ellesmere Port, Cheshire
Steve Turner at The Topic Folk Club, Bradford, West Yorkshire
"A shining example of the music the British folk scene is capable of producing." Froots
Friday 29th May 2009Zoe Mulford at Bodmin Folk Club, Bodmin, Cornwall
"A set by American songwriter Zoe Mulford is like a small volume of short stories - evocative, beautifully crafted, and endlessly varied. Whether her starting-point is a 2000-year-old Chinese anecdote or the neglected contents of her refrigerator, her vivid storytelling and down-to-earth humor promise listeners an enjoyable journey. She backs her clear voice with guitar or claw-hammer banjo and intersperses her own songs with selections from the music that inspires them: American and British folk ballads, Appalachian banjo tunes, and the work of songwriters from George Gershwin to Richard Thompson. Raised near Philadelphia, she now lives in England in the great music city of Manchester and plays on both sides of the Atlantic."Dan McKinnon at Fo'c'sle Folk Club Folk Club, Southampton, Hampshire
‘Award-winning singer, guitarist, songwriter and historian Dan McKinnon hails from the Canadian Maritimes, an area rich in the musical and cultural traditions of the North Atlantic. His warm baritone voice, superb guitar arrangements and original compositions have won this native Nova Scotian widespread praise.'The Acoustic Kitchen, Crofters Coffeehouse, 27 King Street, King’s Lynn, Norfolk
Featuring: Martin Kaszak and Richard GraingerJoe O'Donnell's Shkayla at The Belgrade Theatre, Corporation St, Coventry, Warwickshire
"The captivating sound of Joe O'Donnell's Shkayla brings together the spirit of Celtic tradition and the dynamic grooves of modern rock and jazz. It’s a unique and powerful sound that has evolved since band leader and ace electric fiddle-player Joe O’Donnell moved to Coventry in 1998.
Limerick-born Joe’s career has previously included work with former Steeleye Span members, Terry and Gay Woods, dynamic fiddle-driven rock band East Of Eden and the late, great Irish bluesman Rory Gallagher.
Singing songs in English and Gaelic and playing soaring fiddle melodies and improvisations, Joe is accompanied by a team of first-class musicians who really understand and do justice to the dynamic spirit of Celtic and rock music."
Saturday 30th May 2009
Zoox at The Stables, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
"Traditional tunes with a contemporary attitude"Anna Shannon + support from Gary Jackson at Kirkby Fleetham Folk Club, The Village Hall, Kirkby Fleetham, North Yorkshire, DL6 0SH
"Since being awarded BBC Radio Yorkshire Songwriter of the Year in August 2006 Anna has been forging a steady path into the contemporary singer-songwriter scene, appearing at numerous festivals during 2007/8 where she has entertained her audiences with her original songs and songwriting workshops."Free Ceilidh at Lauries Acoustic Bar, Glasgow
Sunday 31st May 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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