Welcome to Folk and Roots A guide to the folk and acoustic scene, with information about UK folk gigs and Folk Festivals and hundreds of links!

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Saturday 1st November 2008

All Hallows Concert in Song, Story and Music - with Robin & Bina Williamson at The Irish Cultural Centre, Hammersmith, London
"A concert of Robin & Bina’s original and traditional pieces from Celtic, Indian, Old Timey and English roots-on harp, bowed psaltery and other instruments and featuring the east west harmonies of Robin and Bina’s voices."

The Coal Porters at The Green Note, Camden, London
"The Coal Porters are a five piece acoustic band who originated their own genre, alt-bluegrass, with their most recent album, ‘Turn The Water On, Boy!’
Led by Sid Griffin, the Coal Porters have recently received rave reviews in Uncut, Mojo, The Sunday Times, Word, Maverick, Country Music People and Billboard. The Coal Porters do to bluegrass what the Pogues did with Irish music and what Los Lobos did with Tex-Mex."

Nancy Kerr and James Fagan at The Cellar Upstairs Folk Club, Camden, London
"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."

Rag Mama Rag at The Liberal halls, 7 station road, Orpington, Kent
"Formed in 1991, the English duo RAG MAMA RAG have slowly and consistently built up their reputation as one of Europe's finest Country Blues acts.
With an interesting and wide range of instruments, (ASHLEY DOW, Peerless Port Town jumbo Arch top guitar, Henderson Acoustic Guitar, National & Dobro Resonator Bottleneck Guitars, Weissenborn Acoustic Lap Steel, Ukulele and Vocals, plus DEBORAH DOW, Harmonica, Washboard, Percussion and Backing Vocals), RAG MAMA RAG create an exceptionally full and hard driving rhythmic sound which soon has audiences feet tapping.
Their repertoire is 20's and 30's Blues based, but extremely varied, encompassing Mississippi Blues, East Coast Ragtime sounds, early White Country tunes, Original Compositions, and many other regional styles of the 20's and 30's period."

Cara Dillon at The Theatre Royal, Winchester, Hampshire
"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."

Michael Messer at The West Wing Arts Centre, Slough, Berkshire
"Michael Messer is a virtuoso slide guitarist performing some of the greatest blues and roots tunes produced this century. His playing encompasses the entire history of the blues, but is totally individual and contemporary. Messer's haunting vocals ooze authenticity and integrity. For this concert he will play an acoustic show featuring music from his glittering 20 year recording career. Accompanying him and his National steel guitars will be the brilliant Ed Genis on rhythm guitar.
Tickets: £12 (£10) "

Barron Brady at The Acorn Folk Club, Minehead, Somerset
"Two young performers who confidently uphold the richness of the British folk tradition with superbly crafted self-written songs and fine interpretations of English folk song, beautifully sung with great sincerity and with impeccable musical accompaniment."

Le Grand Bal de Bath at St Gregory's School, Combe Hay Lane, Odd down, Bath, Somerset A weekend of the finest French (and Belgian) music and dance, featuring top musicians to play for concert and dance, and to teach you instrument and dance, with an wonderful array of traditional instruments from Hurdy Gurdy, melodeon, bagpipes, & violin.
Bands: Trio Paris, Göze, Gilles Chabenat, Serge Liorzou, Dave Shepherd and Ian Luff.

Edwina Hayes at The Hop Pole, 83 Bicester Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
'A wonderful young woman, so gifted and full of song, with a voice as sweet as the angels' Nanci Griffith

Bellowhead at The Roadmender, Northampton
"Although they have only been in existence for a few years, Bellowhead have an ever increasing fan-base including high-profile fans who range from the West Coast's Red Hot Chili Peppers to the West Midlands' Frank Skinner.
Blending folk, rock, ska, jazz, soul and world music influences with dashes of English Music Hall and cabaret, between them, the 11 musicians play more than 20 instruments, six of them sing and their arrangements are already the stuff of legend."

At First Light at The Space, Stroud, Gloucestershire
"At First Light" comprises the talents of world renowned Uilleann Piper John McSherry and outstanding young fiddle player Dónal O'Connor, Combined with the sub-lime musicality of Francis McIlduff, and 'Asturien Tradi-tional Musician of the Year' Rubén Bada. When combined with the power, clarity and sheer joy of Alan Burke's vo-cals and guitar this is a band of 'duelling pipes, soaring fiddle and crystal clear vocals'. 'Medicine of the soul'".
Doors open at 7.30pm, tickets are £12 from Kanes Record Shop or Hazel Kayes on 01453 762022

Julie Fowlis with special guest Emily Smith at Biddulph Town Hall, High Street Biddulph, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire
'Julie Fowlis burst onto the music scene in 2006 when she became the first Scottish Gaelic singer to win a prestigious BBC Radio 2 Folk award. Since winning the horizon award for best newcomer she has won the hearts of audiences the world over and is in constant demand as a performer of Gaelic music. “As enchanting, beguiling and fascinating as songs by Kate Bush and Bjork” – Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2. “Sings the songs of the Outer Hebrides with coolest grace” – Songlines.'

Vin Garbutt at The Red Lion, Birmingham
"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."

Ken Nicol and Phil Cool at The Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, Shropshire
"Ken & Phil perform their own music and songs with a little bit of mirth for good measure.
A special evening of entertainment from two very distinctive artists.....
Phil Cool and Ken Nicol have joined forces to present a unique evening of entertainment which will appeal to a wide range of audiences. Both are extremely experienced artists each with their own rich background of performing success."

Solas at The Picket. 61 Jordan Street, Liverpool
"Since its birth in 1996, Solas has been loudly proclaimed as the most popular, influential, and exciting Celtic band to ever emerge from the United States, with The Philadelphia Inquirer saying they make "mindblowing Irish folk music, maybe the world's best". The New York Times praised their "unbridled vitality", and the Austin American-Statesman called them "the standard by which contemporary Celtic groups are judged." The Solas sound today is anchored by founders Seamus Egan, flute, tenor banjo, mandolin, whistle, guitar and bodhran, and fiddler Winifred Horan. They are two of the most respected and imitated musicians anywhere in acoustic music. Mick McAuley from Kilkenny plays accordion and concertina, while Eamon McElholm is on guitar and keyboards. The line-up is completed by their newest member, vocalist Mairead Phelan."
Tickets available from Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Box Office. Phone: 07804 286 145

Ashley Hutchings Rainbow Chasers at The Royal British Legion, 100 Lewin Street, Middlewich, Cheshire
"The legendary ASHLEY HUTCHINGS, band-leader extraordinaire, is also a multi-talented writer, arranger, producer and broadcaster. His influence and innovation are celebrated throughout the music world. The founder of Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span and The Albion Band, Ashley continues to be in the forefront of English music. With the addition of Joe Topping to the band, new songs, new tunes and a rejuvenated band for us to enjoy!"
Tickets £12 from www.ticketline.co.uk
Or contact Liz directly to reserve your tickets 01606 834969 evenings please
A Fundraising Event for Middlewich Folk and Boat Festival

Finest Kind at The Georgian Theatre, Richmond, North Yorkshire
Thrills and Chills...Finest Kind's vocal arrangements are a creative tour de force. Tradition-based yet curiously modern, the trio's harmonies are an enchanting feast of opulent chords and ever changing textures. The trio's amazing vocal blend has been called "molecular bonding" by one reviewer: "Any closer," he says, "and they wouldn't be allowed to do it in public." Audiences invariably mention "goosebumps." Each member of Finest Kind brings to the group a lifetime’s learning and experience in many worlds of music. Each is at home on stage, the recording studio, and the folksong archive. They not only sing beautifully; they can tell you things you never knew—or knew you wanted to know—about the songs. They have instructed at heritage music programmes in both Canada and the U.S. Posen has studied the singing traditions of Ottawa Valley loggers and Newfoundland fishermen, taught Sacred Harp, sung an astonishing number of styles.

'Cool Acoustics For Cancer 2' at The Primrose Pub, 280 Meanwood Rd, Leeds 5.30-11.30pm. £3.
Fundraiser for Martin House Childrens Hospice + YEP's Yorkshire Cancer Centre Appeal, with: Roseville Grand/Hope & Social/Boss Caine/Simon Wiffen/Rosie Doonan/Shaun T.Hunter/The Listeners/Pilla/Laura Toth/Fay & Latta.

The poems of Lorca Set to music by Keith James & Rick Foot at The Met, Bury
"A poet, playwright and friend of Salvador Dalí and Luis Buñuel, his homosexuality in part led to the depression which is reflected in the bleakness of some of his work. His plays and poetry were banned by the Franco regime until the 1950s. A feature film entitled “Little Ashes” will be released next year about the relationship between Dali and Lorca.
Lorca has inspired poets and songwriters for many years with both Joan Baez and Leonard Cohen recording translations of his work. In 2007 Keith James and Rick Foot released the critically-acclaimed Lorca, a CD of Keith’s settings of Lorca’s poetry together with an inspired version of Cohen’s ‘Take This Waltz’. The power and beauty of the record is breathtaking.
As a prelude to the release of their new record of Lorca settings, Poet In New York, Keith and Rick embark in October on a 21-date tour of their show featuring their interpretations of Lorca’s poetry and songs by other writers he inspired: Joni Mitchell, Nick Drake and, of course, Leonard Cohen. Selected performances will include the documentary film, García Lorca, A Death in Granada."

Cathryn Craig and Brian Willoughby at The Davy Lamp Folk Club, Washington, Tyne and Wear
"Brian's strong British Folk Rock influence mixes well with Cathryn's Roots, blurring boundaries and showcasing her voice, his guitar and their intricately crafted songs in a unique and dynamic way."

Folkworks: Michael Morpurgo and Coope Boyes and Simpson - Private Peaceful: The Concert at The Sage, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear 2:00pm
"Best-selling author and former children's laureate Michael Morpurgo joins the outstanding English a cappella trio Coope Boyes and Simpson for a moving event, evoking the First World War. Based on the award-winning book, 'Private Peaceful' ("nominally a book for children its prose doesn't patronise nor does it pull any punches" Amazon), the performance combines Morpurgo's readings with songs written and arranged by the trio, which match and intensify Morpurgo's inspired narration as the story of Tommo Peaceful moves between humour and tragedy. "The words and the songs co-exist perfectly, providing a truly engrossing essay on one of history's darkest episodes." The Daily Telegraph

Folkworks: Coope Boyes and Simpson plus Jonny Kearney at The Sage, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear 8:00pm
"Barry Coope, Jim Boyes and Lester Simpson make up a fine a cappella trio, performing traditional folk songs and their own compositions, dealing with social and environmental issues. The trio's performances and sound show that the voice is perhaps the most powerful and evocative instrument: their first record was Q Magazine's Roots Album of the Year, and later the BBC Folk website simply listed all their albums as recommended listening. Support comes from a recent graduate of the Folk and Traditional Music Degree here - an engaging and entertaining singer and writer of songs."

Bob Fox and Stu Luckley at The Spa Hotel, Saltburn-by-the-sea, Cleveland
"Bob and Stu took the folk world by storm when they began playing together in the late 1970s. The duo's reputation was cemented in 1978 with the release of the album. The acclaim has stood the test of time: milestone folk albums are few and far between but Nowt So Good'll Pass remains up there with the very best ."

Cara Luft at The Acoustic Tea Room, Kirby Stephen, Cumbria
"Cara Luft's been listening to the right stuff way out there in Canada... This third album shows an abiding love of good old Brit trad and a canny way of writing her own remarkable folk rock grooves. On the up escalator for sure." - fRoots

Jim Byrne at The Place, St Joseph’s Church Hall, Milngavie
"Acoustic, bluesy folk and country style songs of love, heartbreak and the Scottish weather."

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Sunday 2nd November 2008

Rubus at Walthamstow Folk Club, Walthamstow, East London
"Rubus combines the talents of Emily Portman (voice & concertina), Christi Andropolis (fiddle, viola & voice) David Newey (guitar) and Will Schrimshaw (drums).
Individually they all play integral parts in the new wave of outstanding young musicians on the British Folk scene."

David Francey at Twickenham Folk Club, Twickenham, West London
"Scottish born, Francey is a two-time Juno Award winner whose straightforward songs tell honest stories of real people and real places. Poetic perception and a keen eye for the heart of the matter are trademarks of the man and his music. His songs and stories are a direct connection for audiences seeking depth and meaning in the day-to-day" Shelter Valley Folk Festival

The Sally Ironmonger Trio at The Old Neptune, Whitstable, Kent (4:30pm)
"The Sally Ironmonger Trio, is made up of Brian Carter (acoustic guitar) and Shaun Murray (gut-strung guitar & mandolin), and Sally Ironmonger on vocals. They play an eclectic mix of folk, jazz, & gypsy swing, as well as original material inspired by living in Medway."

The Hot Rats at The Royal Oak Holt Street, Nonington, Dover, Kent
"One of Southern England's most exciting Celt style folk/rock outfits"

Ron Trueman-Border at The Seal, Hillfield Rd. Selsey, Sussex 3:30pm
"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 Clarke

Folk Night at Mullens, Eastbourne, Sussex

Singers/Musicians Night at Wheal Dream Folk Club, Wheal Dream Restaurant and Free House, Wendron, Helston, Cornwall
All Welcome

Le Grand Bal de Bath at St Gregory's School, Combe Hay Lane, Odd down, Bath, Somerset A weekend of the finest French (and Belgian) music and dance, featuring top musicians to play for concert and dance, and to teach you instrument and dance, with an wonderful array of traditional instruments from Hurdy Gurdy, melodeon, bagpipes, & violin.
Bands: Trio Paris, Göze, Gilles Chabenat, Serge Liorzou, Dave Shepherd and Ian Luff.

Swarbs Lazarus at The David Hall Arts Centre, South Petherton, Somerset
"A trio featuring the legendary English fiddler Dave Swarbrick (ex-Fairport Convention, Whippersnapper), known affectionately as Swarb, ace guitarist Kevin Dempsey (Whippersnapper) and multi-instrumentalist Maartin Allcock (ex-Fairport Convention, ex-Jethro Tull). Swarb’s Lazarus play mostly traditional music of the British Isles."

The 3 Daft Monkeys at The Jericho Tavern, Oxford.
"World influenced acoustic music, with a hint of the bizarre!
From Cornwall, 3 Daft Monkeys combine rousing vocals, frenetic fiddling, rhythmical 12-string guitar, dancing bass and foot drum."

Ceilidh Experience at The Stables, Stockwell Lane, Wavendon, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire 10:00am - 2:30pm
"The popular Stables 'Experience' returns with a new project for anyone interested in traditional and folk music who would like the chance to play in a band at a Ceilidh. You'll learn tunes and come together as small bands, getting ready to perform at a final event for dancers and folk fans of all ages. You'll also have the opportunity to practice with a 'caller' and work on a professional stage with sound equipment. For any instrument, but acoustic instruments especially welcome. Participants should already be able to play tunes from memory, ideally at 'dance speed' and be prepared to do some tune practice between sessions.
Course fee £70 (£45 students) for 6 sessions"

James Hollingsworth at The Queens Head, St. James Street, Monmouth
"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

Bellowhead at The Roadmender, Northampton
"Although they have only been in existence for a few years, Bellowhead have an ever increasing fan-base including high-profile fans who range from the West Coast's Red Hot Chili Peppers to the West Midlands' Frank Skinner.
Blending folk, rock, ska, jazz, soul and world music influences with dashes of English Music Hall and cabaret, between them, the 11 musicians play more than 20 instruments, six of them sing and their arrangements are already the stuff of legend."

Dik Cadbury at The Priory Inn, Tetbury, Gloucestershire
"A warm welcome back to gifted Gloucestershire-based singer/songwriter. Dik (formerly with Decameron & Steve Hackett and currently with Mike D'Abo's Mighty Quintet & Degutis) will play solo for us - he sings songs from the heart - songs that tell stories. A great evening as usual guaranteed."

Singers Night at Folk at the Manor, Wallasey, Wirral

"All singers and instrumentalists welcome
A host of musical talent from the local area and beyond.
Artists free entry - others £1."

Norland Wind at St George’s Hall, Liverpool (Tickets are £18.50 from The Royal Philharmonic Box Office by telephone or person.)
"Norland Wind, a pan European band playing music from the Celtic north west and featuring Noel and Padraig Duggan from Clannad .......Special guest is Robin Huw Bowen, world renowned Welsh triple harpist and they are supported by local duo Blarneystone."

Pete Morton at Swan Folk, Loughborough, Leicestershire
"Folk singer Pete Morton is a songwriter and performer from Nottingham, England with a wealth of great songs and stage presence. His show is dynamic and intense as well as approachable and fun loving. He seriously believes there are 'Six billion eccentrics' in the world and that particular song is fast becoming a signature tune for people everywhere. Starting out as a busker on the streets of Europe he has entertained all over the globe with his unique and involving style of songwriting and traditional singing. Pete sings from the heart, delivering songs that tell compelling stories and speak of the human condition from a very unique perspective. With a passionate, strong voice and strident guitar style, traditional songs often rub shoulders with Pete's current writing with remarkable ease. His songs are an unruly mix of humour, politics, love and social comment, wrapping their way around the folk tradition. Pete has recorded five solo albums of original material and a project album of traditional songs entitled 'Trespass'. His CD 'Hunting the heart' was a mojo folk album of the year in 2000. His more recent releases, 'Swarthmoor' and 'Flying an Unknown Flag' have received rave reviews."

Michael Rossiter, David Broad and Serious Sam Barrett at The Odder Bar, Manchester
"Playing the finest in folk, blues and country"

Bob Fox and Stu Luckley at The Sage, Gateshead
"Bob and Stu took the folk world by storm when they began playing together in the late 1970s. The duo's reputation was cemented in 1978 with the release of the album. The acclaim has stood the test of time: milestone folk albums are few and far between but Nowt So Good'll Pass remains up there with the very best ."

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Monday 3rd November 2008

Adrian Mannering at Brighton Acoustic Session at The Lord Nelson, Trafalgar Street, Brighton (9:00pm - Free)
His most famous song, Lovers, has been recorded multiple times, notably by The Fureys, but is only one of many that have earned him the reputation as one of Irelands finest.
His talent was obvious from his early days as this review in New York's prestigious Village Voice observed: "He wrote terrific ballads and became the troubadour of the Gaslight. The crowd loved his topical songs - his visitor's eye framed New York in a fresh, awestruck perspective."
“A songwriter with the rare ability to connect, with words & music, a time, a place and a generation.” - Irish Music Magazine

Los Pistoleros (feat BJ Cole, Martin Belmont & Bobby Valentino) + Support at Maverick at Zebra, Maidstone, Kent
"The musicians in Los Pistoleros had played together many times before they became an Institution. They met playing in groups in and around London and at recording sessions for TV adverts, film sound tracks and other people’s records. With a mutual respect and enjoyment in each other’s musicianship it was only a matter of time before they got together."

Rag Mama Rag The Fox and Hounds Folk Club, Romney St, Knatts Valley, Sevenoaks, Kent
"Formed in 1991, the English duo RAG MAMA RAG have slowly and consistently built up their reputation as one of Europe's finest Country Blues acts.
With an interesting and wide range of instruments, (ASHLEY DOW, Peerless Port Town jumbo Arch top guitar, Henderson Acoustic Guitar, National & Dobro Resonator Bottleneck Guitars, Weissenborn Acoustic Lap Steel, Ukulele and Vocals, plus DEBORAH DOW, Harmonica, Washboard, Percussion and Backing Vocals), RAG MAMA RAG create an exceptionally full and hard driving rhythmic sound which soon has audiences feet tapping.
Their repertoire is 20's and 30's Blues based, but extremely varied, encompassing Mississippi Blues, East Coast Ragtime sounds, early White Country tunes, Original Compositions, and many other regional styles of the 20's and 30's period."

The Hot Rats at The Barge, Gillingham, Kent
"One of Southern England's most exciting Celt style folk/rock outfits"

Vin Garbutt at Colchester Folk Club, Colchester, Essex
"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."

Lau at The Nettlebed Folk Club, Nettlebed, Oxfordshire
"Lau are a formidable trio of the finest and most innovative exponents of modern traditional music in Britain today. Lau’s now infamous live shows are a must-see experience with an energy and musicianship which is spellbinding."

Catfish Keith at The Victoria Hotel, Menai Bridge, Anglesea
"Blues singer, songwriter and bottleneck slide guitarist Catfish Keith has established himself as one of the most exciting country blues performers of our time. Catfish's innovative style of foot-stomping, deep delta blues and American roots music has spellbound audiences the world over."

Julie Fowlis with special guest Emily Smith at Royal Northern College of Music, 124 Oxford Road, Manchester
'Julie Fowlis burst onto the music scene in 2006 when she became the first Scottish Gaelic singer to win a prestigious BBC Radio 2 Folk award. Since winning the horizon award for best newcomer she has won the hearts of audiences the world over and is in constant demand as a performer of Gaelic music. “As enchanting, beguiling and fascinating as songs by Kate Bush and Bjork” – Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2. “Sings the songs of the Outer Hebrides with coolest grace” – Songlines.'

Tom McConville at Skipton Folk Unplugged, The Narrowboat Inn, Victoria Street, Skipton, North Yorkshire
"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

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Tuesday 4th November 2008

Sharps Folk Club at Cecil Sharp House, Camden, London
Come and join in a friendly, informal sing-around in the bar at Cecil Sharp House, 8pm. £3.00 Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent's Park Road, NW1 7AY

Blackheath Folk Club at The British Oak, Old Dover Rd, Blackheath, London SE3 8SU
Meets every tuesday for an open mic acoustic session. All welcome.

Folk Singaround Session at The Good Intent, John Street, Rochester, Kent

The Expatriate Game at Darford Folk Club, Dartford, Kent
“three of the finest musicians you are ever likely to hear lap back and forward across the Atlantic with consummate ease” Living Tradition

Martyn Wyndham-Read at The Hoy at Anchor Folk Club, Leigh on Sea, Essex
"English by birth, Martyn first developed his great interest in folksongs of the outback when he went to Australia in the early 1960's. There, while working on the South Australian sheep station "Emu Springs", he gained first hand experience of life as a bush worker and at the same time fell in love with Australia and it's music.
During his subsequent travels he spent much of his time seeking out and learning old songs directly from drovers, cane cutters and other bush workers. As the folk song revival gathered pace in Australia, Martyn found himself singing these songs to audiences all across the Australian continent and after seven years down under, he returned to England where he performed these songs to an appreciative British audience. Concert tours spreading his style of music to the far corners of the world have been the norm since then."

The Mellstock Band at Ringwood Folk Club, The Elm Tree Hightown, Ringwood, Hampshire
Featuring material from the time of Thomas Hardy.
Very popular and have appeared all over Europe Africa and America. The 4 of them play numerous instruments including concertina, fiddle, clarinet, flute, shawm, serpent, ophicleide, trombone, oboe, and cor anglais. They are all fine singers. Tonight they are performing "Human Shows"Come early for a seat!

Vin Garbutt at The Great Knight Folk Club, Northampton
"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."

Lau at The Stables, Stockwell Lane, Wavendon, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
"Lau is a formidable union of three of the finest and most innovative exponents of modern traditional music in Scotland today; Kris Drever (guitar and vocal), Martin Green (piano accordion) and Aidan O'Rourke (fiddle). This spring they took the Best Group title at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and with a year of dates around the globe they look set to cause serious musical trouble worldwide.
"Beyond the realms of technical, traditional music literacy, the trio displays a delicious propensity for danger and boundary pushing - and all with a disarming glint in their eyes" fRoots. "

The 3 Daft Monkeys at Coxs Yard, Stratford, Warwickshire
"World influenced acoustic music, with a hint of the bizarre!
From Cornwall, 3 Daft Monkeys combine rousing vocals, frenetic fiddling, rhythmical 12-string guitar, dancing bass and foot drum."

Catfish Keith at Theatr Harlech, Harlech, Gwynedd
"Blues singer, songwriter and bottleneck slide guitarist Catfish Keith has established himself as one of the most exciting country blues performers of our time. Catfish's innovative style of foot-stomping, deep delta blues and American roots music has spellbound audiences the world over."

Michael Rossiter, David Broad and Serious Sam Barrett at Fox and Duck, Sheffield
"Playing the finest in folk, blues and country"

Barrow Sessions at The Six Bells Pub, Barrow on Humber, North Lincolnshire
20.30 onwards, singers & musicians

Didsbury Sings Night at Didsbury Cricket Club, Didsbury, Manchester
Admission free, contact via the link above to pre-book a spot, singers get 15 mins/3 songs depending on numbers. It starts around 8.30/9ish and Ransom finish off the evening from around 10.15

Marian Bradfield at Cramlington Folk Club, Cramlington, Northumberland
"Marian Bradfield described as one of Ireland's hidden musical treasures is based in Donegal & has to date penned 3 solo albums and 1 live album .Together with the likes of Loreena McKennitt, Maire Brennan, Hazel O,Connor, Francis Black, Rita Connolly, Mairead Ni Dhomhnaill & Katie Moffatt she has appeared on several compilations of which Celtic Woman 1 & 2 are to name but a few. She has also been voted by readers of Hot Press as one of Irelands top ten female singers & short listed by a panel of top music critics as one of Irelands Best Solo Performers."

Mike Whellans at The Leith Folk Club, Leith, Edinburgh
The award-winning one man blues band delivers a blues feast with good humour and mischief.
'...one of Scotland's heroes, a bluesman of amazing ability...a totally brilliant one man band.'
Mike Harding, preview of Whellan's new album 'Fired-Up & Ready', BBC Folk & Acoustic Website 15th Sep 2008

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Wednesday 5th November 2008

Needleandthread presents the redstar open mic, The Redstar, 319 Camberwell Road, London
"with free entrance, live music, and two for one cocktails all night, it'll be a good one.. Live music celebrated in all its forms.. if you want to play, sign ups are from seven thirty pm.. bring your instruments, and play your own songs, to an appreciative audience.. or come be a part of the crowd! We welcome all styles.. spoken word, and acoustic acts are catered fully, with a nice sound system, monitoring, and sound engineer on hand.."

"CEOL AGUS OL" at The Nightingale Public House, 51 Nightingale Lane, Wanstead, East London E11 2EY
"An Evening of Traditional Irish Music every Wednesday evening from 8.30 - 11pm. All Session players welcome. Food available on the night.( 020 84530 4540 )."

Folk Music Workshops at The Mick Jagger Centre, Dartford, Kent (7.45pm till 9.45pm)
Meet every Wednesday at the mjc 7.45pm to 9.45pm. Any instrument and experience welcome. For more information call 01322 225567

Open Mic night (The Rhythm Room) at the Fighting Cocks, Horton Kirby, Dartford, Kent
Held every other Wednesday, this is a semi Acoustic evening open to all style of music, instruments/singers & abilities
new players/singers are always most welcome!

Pete Morton at Faversham Folk Club, Faversham, Kent
"Folk singer Pete Morton is a songwriter and performer from Nottingham, England with a wealth of great songs and stage presence. His show is dynamic and intense as well as approachable and fun loving. He seriously believes there are 'Six billion eccentrics' in the world and that particular song is fast becoming a signature tune for people everywhere. Starting out as a busker on the streets of Europe he has entertained all over the globe with his unique and involving style of songwriting and traditional singing. Pete sings from the heart, delivering songs that tell compelling stories and speak of the human condition from a very unique perspective. With a passionate, strong voice and strident guitar style, traditional songs often rub shoulders with Pete's current writing with remarkable ease. His songs are an unruly mix of humour, politics, love and social comment, wrapping their way around the folk tradition. Pete has recorded five solo albums of original material and a project album of traditional songs entitled 'Trespass'. His CD 'Hunting the heart' was a mojo folk album of the year in 2000. His more recent releases, 'Swarthmoor' and 'Flying an Unknown Flag' have received rave reviews."

Cara Dillon at St Georges, Bristol
"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."

The 3 Daft Monkeys at The Little Civic, Wolverhampton
"World influenced acoustic music, with a hint of the bizarre!
From Cornwall, 3 Daft Monkeys combine rousing vocals, frenetic fiddling, rhythmical 12-string guitar, dancing bass and foot drum."

Catfish Keith at The Iron Works, Oswestry, Shropshire
"Blues singer, songwriter and bottleneck slide guitarist Catfish Keith has established himself as one of the most exciting country blues performers of our time. Catfish's innovative style of foot-stomping, deep delta blues and American roots music has spellbound audiences the world over."

3 Monkeys Folk Club Presents: Chris Wood at Southport Old Links Golf Club, Moss Lane, Churchtown, Southport, Merseyside
"Chris Wood is an uncompromising writer whose music reveals his love for the un-official history of the English speaking people. With gentle intelligence he weaves the tradition with his own contemporary parables, his writing has been said to share the same timeless quality as Richard Thompson at his best."
Time: Doors – 1900 hrs; Concert 2000 hrs
Tickets: £10
Contact for information: 07841 842137 or sarahandrich@simcocks.wanadoo.co.uk
Contact for tickets: 01704 540011 or www.seftonarts.co.uk

Cara Luft at The Clarence, Blackpool, Lancashire
"Cara Luft's been listening to the right stuff way out there in Canada... This third album shows an abiding love of good old Brit trad and a canny way of writing her own remarkable folk rock grooves. On the up escalator for sure." - fRoots

Acoustic/Folk Session at The Railway Hotel, Pleasington, Lancashire
Starts Around 8.30pm Till Midnight.A Talented Bunch Of Musicians Perform A Wide Variety Of Music Every Week Including, Irish, Lancs, Bluegrass, Blues, Jazz.
Mandolins.Banjos,Whistles.Harmonica,Bodhran.Fiddle,Guitars.
All Welcome Free Drink To Guest Musicians,Free Supper.Good Rail Links,Great Cask Beer.01254201520 For More Details

Chicago Red at The Travellers Rest, Draycott, Derbyshire - Free
"American acoustic blues guitar/vocalist"

David Francey at Spalding Folk Club, The South Holland Centre, Market Street, Spalding. Lincolnshire
"With not one wasted word or superfluous line he takes the everyday, often mundane business of living and elevates it into something infinitely more noble and memorable, the mark of a truly gifted songwriter." Eric Bogle

Tradfest Irish session’ with Grace Kelly and Friends at Union Music Lounge, 845 Stockport Road, Levenshulme, Manchester

Flossie Malavialle at Otley Folk Club, Otley, West Yorkshire
“Flossie has a voice as clear and tuneful as a lark, with a pureness of quality to stop you in your tracks in the forest of a song” Colum Sands
“A truly impressive voice and excellent stage presence” Tanglefoot, Canada
“Flossie’s great! She came over from France and wowed everybody with her sensational voice, her gutsy guitar style, eclectic repertoire and franglais patter” Vin Garbutt

Singers and Musicians Night at Cottingham Live, The Back Room, 73 Hallgate, Cottingham, East Yorkshire

Nuala Kennedy and the New Shoes at Edinburgh Folk Club, Edinburgh
"Nuala Kennedy is a musician in the broadest sense of the word: composer, session musician, singer, flautist and teacher. She is a vibrant part of Scotland's traditional music scene, having performed with various line-ups at all of Scotland's top traditional music festivals, as well as at many others around the world. She performs a range of traditional and contemporary material from across the Irish and Scottish repertoires, including many of her own compositions."

Jannette Geri at The Thistle Hotel, Baldridgeburn, Dunfermline
"A gifted singer of rare warmth and beauty, Janette is a powerful performer with a truly beautiful voice, great acoustic guitar style, and a genius for interpretation. As a solo act she can mesmerize her audiences with soaring and assured vocals, rich guitar work and wicked sense of humour."

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Thursday 6th November 2008

Cara Luft & Hugh McMillan at The Irish Cultural Centre, Hammersmith, London
"A powerfully elegant guitarist, Cara favours a variety of open tunings and also enjoys branching out into mandolin and clawhammer banjo. Her writing is a blend of social commentary, imagination, and rhythmic intensity, and her distinctive voice penetrates listeners to the core. Cara balances pathos with joy, telling invariably hilarious stories between poignant songs, simultaneously managing complex retunings of her guitar. She's touring the UK with Hugh McMillan, a true duo with High providing accompaniment with a twist; virtuoso electric bass and adept octave mandolin (and lap steel) with occasional effects, providing intricate countermelodies and chordal structures, and strong harmony vocals. Hugh's background cuts a wide musical swath, melding well with Cara's deep folk heritage and powerful energy. Their vocal blend is outstanding as is their combined sensitive instrumental work and overall sound quality. They are both seasoned players, and play fine instruments."

Ross and Jarlath at The Magpies Nest Folk Club, The Old Queen's Head, 44 Essex Road, Islington, London
"Ross Ainslie & Jarlath Henderson first started playing together back in 2003 at the William Kennedy Piping Festival, and have since joined forces to create a pipe sound that pushes the boundaries of what both instruments can achieve together. In Autumn 2007 (ish) they will release their much anticipated debut album 'Partners in Crime' with fellow 'inmates' such as Paul Meehan, Caomhin Vallely, Ali Hutton & Rick Standley, which features many new compositions along with traditional tunes as never heard before."

Antje Duvekot at The Green Note, Camden, London
"has solidified her reputation as one of America’s top emerging singer songwriters with “Big Dream Boulevard” her debut studio release. The CD was produced by Seamus Egan, founder of the Irish super group, SOLAS. The project was released on acclaimed songwriter Ellis Paul’s label, Black Wolf Records and has quickly attracted international attention for Antje. This release was voted “#1 Folk Release of 2006” by the Boston Globe and was named to the “Top10 Releases of the Year” by National Public Radio’s, Folk Alley."

Folk in the Cellar at The Cellar Bar, The Constitution, St Pancras Way, Camden, London
Held every other Thursday With Northern Celts,Typsy Gypsys,Steve Woodcock,Omri and Emma Scarr
And many more with a session at the end of the night

BB & Friends at Orpington Folk Club, at the Change of Horses, High Street, Farnborough, nr Orpington, Kent
"Brian Bruce will sing mainly contemporary songs in his unique and emotional style."

Jez Lowe at Folk at The Royal Oak, Lewes, Sussex
‘Some of the greatest contemporary English folk songs since early Richard Thompson are coming from the pen of Jez Lowe’ Boston Globe

The 3 Daft Monkeys at The Centre Stage, Bournemouth
"World influenced acoustic music, with a hint of the bizarre!
From Cornwall, 3 Daft Monkeys combine rousing vocals, frenetic fiddling, rhythmical 12-string guitar, dancing bass and foot drum."

Catfish Keith at The Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne, Dorset
"Blues singer, songwriter and bottleneck slide guitarist Catfish Keith has established himself as one of the most exciting country blues performers of our time. Catfish's innovative style of foot-stomping, deep delta blues and American roots music has spellbound audiences the world over."

Evening Star at The Haymarket, Basingstoke, Hampshire
"new band formed by Paul James of Blowzabella with accordion virtuoso Luke Daniels, French hurdy gurdy Patrick Bouffard, Carlos Beceiro (multi-instrumentalist from Spain's La Musgana), Italian drum/percussion maestro Gigi Biolcati, and electronic bass guitarist Victor Nicholls....
Collect six musicians from France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom and make them play traditional dance music influenced by improvisation and 21st century sound and you get Evening Star."

James Hollingsworth at The Tap House, 1 Peterville Square, St Agnes, Cornwall
"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

Cara Dillon at Huntingdon Hall, Worcester
"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."

Trio Threlfall at Gregson Lane Folk Club, Gregson Lane, Hoghton, Lancashire

Dabbers' Session, The Oddfellows Arms, Welsh Row, Nantwich, Cheshire
A great little pub close to the canal and the town (walking distance). All singers and musicians welcome to participate.

Singaround at The Tump Folk Club, British Legion, Heath Lane, Brinklow, Warwickshire

Steve Pinnock and Cafe Du Monde at The Hand and Heart, Nottingham
"One of the UK’s finest exponents of modern acoustic guitar, Steve’s playing ranges from haunting and intricate self-penned lyricism to fiery flamenco. His repertoire takes in Django, jazz, country, latin and folk."

Carmina at The Maze, Nottingham
'The brilliant band Carmina return with music from their award-winning new album 'My Crescent City', produced by Donal Lunny and released to rave reviews. Their concert will feature haunting uilleann piping from the young star of Irish trad music, Diarmaid Moynihan and special guest Irish banjo player and percussionist Brian Morrissey. Carmina features the mesmerising and haunting vocalist Pippa Marland, with Rob King on guitar, Chris Haig on fiddle and acclaimed keyboard player Geoff Castle. They plays a subtle and uplifting mix of Folk, Jazz and Celtic crossover music, described by The Irish Times as reminiscent of "Moving Hearts at their innovative best as well as Van during his 'No Guru, no Method, no Teacher' period."'

Singers' Night at Acoustic Folk at the Nursery, Nursery Inn, Green Lane, Heaton Norris, Stockport, Cheshire

The Queensberry Rules at South Lakes Music Promotions, Ulverston, Lancashire
"This trio from Stoke-On-Trent plays spare acoustic music to accompany their tight harmonies. Their working-class West Midlands accents are clearly preserved in their singing. Aside from “Around Cape Horn” which is a traditional song, all of these are original compositions drenched in history and a sense of place. Most of this has raw power in spite of its vocal polish and spot-on-playing."

Celtish at The Topic Folk Club, Bradford
‘If you have any interest in Celtic music at all you must see this band’ Guild Hall arts centre

Chris Wood at The Black Swan Folk Club, York, North Yorkshire
"Chris Wood is an uncompromising writer whose music reveals his love for the un-official history of the English speaking people. With gentle intelligence he weaves the tradition with his own contemporary parables, his writing has been said to share the same timeless quality as Richard Thompson at his best."

Katriona Gilmore & Jamie Roberts at O’Donaghues, Wakefield
"By taking influences from the world?s folky singer songwriter types and not just a narrow field, the Gilmore/Roberts partnership sounds refreshing and modern...with commendable detail and honest feeling. In my book this duo definitely comes recommended." - Joe Broughton

Whitby Folk Club at The Friendship Rowing Club, Church Street, Whitby, North Yorkshire

Dick Gaughan at The Irish Centre, Newcastle Upon Tyne
"A troubadour, a stunning singer, passionate songwriter and a guitarist with a dazzling technique, Dick has been at the cutting edge of Scottish music for almost four decades. He has been a member of Boys of the Lough, Five Hand Reel and founded and produced the short-lived but quite extraordinary ensemble Clan Alba. Well known for his forthright and long-held political views, the legendary Dick Gaughan just doesn’t do gigs which are ‘ordinary’."

Finest Kind at Ryton Village Folk Club, The Black Bull, Blaydon, Tyne and Wear
Thrills and Chills...Finest Kind's vocal arrangements are a creative tour de force. Tradition-based yet curiously modern, the trio's harmonies are an enchanting feast of opulent chords and ever changing textures. The trio's amazing vocal blend has been called "molecular bonding" by one reviewer: "Any closer," he says, "and they wouldn't be allowed to do it in public." Audiences invariably mention "goosebumps." Each member of Finest Kind brings to the group a lifetime’s learning and experience in many worlds of music. Each is at home on stage, the recording studio, and the folksong archive. They not only sing beautifully; they can tell you things you never knew—or knew you wanted to know—about the songs. They have instructed at heritage music programmes in both Canada and the U.S. Posen has studied the singing traditions of Ottawa Valley loggers and Newfoundland fishermen, taught Sacred Harp, sung an astonishing number of styles.

Michael Rossiter, David Broad and Serious Sam Barrett at Ashington Folk Club, Ashington, Northumberland
"Playing the finest in folk, blues and country"

Michael Marra at The Star Folk Club, Glasgow

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Friday 7th November 2008

Teddington Acoustic Music Club at The Adelaide, Park Road, Teddington, West London
Formerly the Teddington Folk Club, TAMC is now held upstairs at The Adelaide on Park Road on the first Friday of each month, from 8.30pm to 11pm. The club is run to an open-mic format and all genres of acoustic music are welcome – traditional and modern folk music, blues, singer-songwriter, instrumental or a capella. Entry is free to audience and performers. Anyone wishing to play should turn up on the night and give their name to that month's host/MC. Contact jsporter@ndirect.co.uk to join the emailing list for regular updates.

The 3 Daft Monkeys at The 100 Club, Oxford Street, London
"World influenced acoustic music, with a hint of the bizarre!
From Cornwall, 3 Daft Monkeys combine rousing vocals, frenetic fiddling, rhythmical 12-string guitar, dancing bass and foot drum."

John Kirkpatrick at The Musical Traditions Club, The King and Queen, 1 Foley Street, London
"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."

Breabach and Cutashine at The Magpies Nest Folk Club, Cecil Sharp House, Camden, London
"Scottish firebrands Breabach are one of the most talked about bands on the folk scene. Their innovative celtic style, blending double bagpipes, flute, fiddle, song and Scottish stepdance, brings to the stage, flare, excitement and diversity rarely seen from such a young group.
Their enviable musicianship is coupled with a delightful ability to connect with their audience and has gained Breabach international recognition as one of Scotland’s leading new acts."
"Anarchist Hillbilly Barn Dance Shenanigans with this troupe of musicians, charismatic callers and gingham-clad dancers. Strip the Willow, Do Si Do, swing yer partner and have a good ol' foot stompin' dance. Whether it's self produced events across London, or on festival stages, we're sure to get you up and dancin'!"

Tish Hinojosa at The Green Note, Camden, London
Special gig celebrating the release of her new album "Our Little Planet"
Tish Hinojosa’s music crosses borders – between cultures, languages and musical genres. Moving with equal grace through folk, country, pop and latino styles, her music reflects contemporary America’s multicultural richness. Combining a vision that embraces all of these musical styles, with her characteristic warmth and a pure, soulful voice, this enchanting Texan singer-songwriter has gained a loving and loyal audience throughout America, Europe and beyond.

Michelle Shocked at The Union Chapel, Highbury, London
"Shocked is a traveler and a troubadour; a “picker-poet,” as they say in Texas. As a young feminist, she left Texas to travel, Kerouac-style, a musical vagabond caught up in Reagan-era grassroots politics. Her musical career was ignited by a bootleg recording made around a Kerrville Folk Festival campfire on a Sony Walkman. Released in England as The Texas Campfire Tapes without Shocked’s authority, its success abroad enticed Mercury Records to offer the newcomer a recording contract."

Davis, Locker and Winquist at Court Sessions, Tooting, South London
"A great, exciting new line-up, of Old-Timey and Bluegrass musicians: bass guitarist, autoharp player and dancer Rosie Davis joins flat-pick guitar and banjo wizard Joe Locker and Bluegrass fiddler Bob Winquist."

Cara Luft and Hugh McMillan at The Ram Folk Club, Claygate, Surrey
"Canadian CARA is a dynamic performer with deep roots in both folk and rock. An ace guitarist and vibrant, captivating singer, her shows flow with engaging, witty stories and powerful original and traditional songs. Raised by folk-musician parents in Calgary, at four she played autoharp and dulcimer in the family band before moving on to house concerts, folk clubs and festivals in her teens. A founder member in 2002 of THE WAILIN' JENNYS she toured and recorded with them for three years, bagging a Juno Award for the album ‘40 Days’. Her new CD ‘The Light Fantastic’ is contemporary, strong, evocative and highly-accessible, taking in Folk, Roots Rock, Country and Soul along the way. What’s more it’s just been nominated for a Western Canadian Music Award – ‘Outstanding Roots Recording of the Year’! HUGH is a hugely talented bass guitar and octave mandolinist who was here in June with James Keelaghan. Since leaving legendary Canadian Folk-Rock band ‘Spirit of the West’ he has joined with Cara in a true duo, providing intricate countermelodies, chording and strong harmony vocals."

The Curst Sons at The Half Brick, Brighton Road, Worthing, West Sussex.
"Inspired by American traditional music with an added shot of urban grit and dose of wry humour the Sons powerful rootsy songs combine Old Time, Hillbilly and Hellfire Gospel."

The poems of Lorca Set to music by Keith James & Rick Foot at The Folkhouse, Bristol
"A poet, playwright and friend of Salvador Dalí and Luis Buñuel, his homosexuality in part led to the depression which is reflected in the bleakness of some of his work. His plays and poetry were banned by the Franco regime until the 1950s. A feature film entitled “Little Ashes” will be released next year about the relationship between Dali and Lorca.
Lorca has inspired poets and songwriters for many years with both Joan Baez and Leonard Cohen recording translations of his work. In 2007 Keith James and Rick Foot released the critically-acclaimed Lorca, a CD of Keith’s settings of Lorca’s poetry together with an inspired version of Cohen’s ‘Take This Waltz’. The power and beauty of the record is breathtaking.
As a prelude to the release of their new record of Lorca settings, Poet In New York, Keith and Rick embark in October on a 21-date tour of their show featuring their interpretations of Lorca’s poetry and songs by other writers he inspired: Joni Mitchell, Nick Drake and, of course, Leonard Cohen. Selected performances will include the documentary film, García Lorca, A Death in Granada."

Lau at The Fiddlers, Bristol
"Lau are a formidable trio of the finest and most innovative exponents of modern traditional music in Britain today. Lau’s now infamous live shows are a must-see experience with an energy and musicianship which is spellbinding."

Jez Lowe at The Bodmin Folk Club, Bodmin, Cornwall
‘Some of the greatest contemporary English folk songs since early Richard Thompson are coming from the pen of Jez Lowe’ Boston Globe

Sarah McQuaid at Devoran Village Hall, Quay Road, Devoran, Cornwall
"Sarah McQuaid's debut album offers a masterclass in restraint and subtlety. Authoritative singing and quietly insistent arrangements make for a sumptuous whole -- recommended." --fRoots

James Hollingsworth at The Thatch, 14 Hobb's Hill, Croyde Bay, Croyde, Devon
"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

Red Ruth at Oxford Folk Club, Oxford
"7 piece acoustic folk band that play original and traditional folk"

Abbie Lathe at The Corn Exchange, Bedford, Bedfordshire Enquiries 07837-367560
"Abbie Lathe is a versatile and accomplished multi-instrumentalist singer/songwriter and inspiring voice workshop leader."

Megson at Cambridge Folk Club, Cambridge
“This is first rate - if you don’t like this music you have a problem! Megson are a couple of potential stars, peaches and cream harmonies, melodic roots consciousness and a huge sense of individuality. ” fRoots

Dan Raza at The Stables, Stockwell Lane, Wavendon, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
"Fresh from touring Texas with Slaid Cleaves, Dan Raza returns to The Stables following his sell-out show here last year. Dan's music is a mix of folkabilly, blues and roots elements and has made fans of artists as diverse as Chris Farlowe, Mary Gauthier and Cara Dillon. Playing The Stables for the first time with a full band, it is worth booking early to avoid disappointment.
"Truly spellbinding, stunning… if there is any justice in this world it won't be long before Dan Raza is headlining in a town near you." Maverick Magazine.

Finedon Sessions at Finedon Community Centre, Wellingborough Road, Finedon, Northamptonshire
Quarterly concerts at this superb venue, featuring name acts from the world of folk, blues and roots, plus supports from the cream of the region's acoustic talent. Main guest this month is ADRIAN BYRON BURNS, sensational guitarist and singer, considered one of the most exciting acoustic blues acts in Europe. Adrian will be supported by SEAN TAYLOR, a young and brilliant blues performer gaining a big reputation, plus top rate traditional acoustic blues duo, STEEL UNION. Doors open 7.30, start 8.00, entrance only £5.

Open night at The Valley Folk Club, Ivy Bush Hotel, High Street, Pontardawe, Swansea
"play, recite or just listen and sing choruses."

Cathryn Craig and Brian Willoughby at The Woodman Folk Club, Kingswinford, West Midlands
"Brian's strong British Folk Rock influence mixes well with Cathryn's Roots, blurring boundaries and showcasing her voice, his guitar and their intricately crafted songs in a unique and dynamic way."

Chris Wood at The Citadel, St Helens, Merseyside
"Chris Wood is an uncompromising writer whose music reveals his love for the un-official history of the English speaking people. With gentle intelligence he weaves the tradition with his own contemporary parables, his writing has been said to share the same timeless quality as Richard Thompson at his best."

Ken Nicol and Phil Cool at The Marine Hall, Fleetwood, Lancashire
"Ken & Phil perform their own music and songs with a little bit of mirth for good measure.
A special evening of entertainment from two very distinctive artists.....
Phil Cool and Ken Nicol have joined forces to present a unique evening of entertainment which will appeal to a wide range of audiences. Both are extremely experienced artists each with their own rich background of performing success."

Swarbs Lazarus at The Wesley Centre, Maltby, South Yorkshire
"Swarb's Lazarus is a trio featuring the legendary English fiddler Dave Swarbrick (ex-Fairport Convention, ex-Whippersnapper), known affectionately as Swarb, ace guitarist Kevin Dempsey (ex-Whippersnapper) and multi-instrumentalist Maartin Allcock (ex-Fairport Convention, ex-Jethro Tull). Swarb's Lazarus play mostly traditional music of the British Isles."

Dick Gaughan at Seven Arts Centre, Leeds, West Yorkshire
"A troubadour, a stunning singer, passionate songwriter and a guitarist with a dazzling technique, Dick has been at the cutting edge of Scottish music for almost four decades. He has been a member of Boys of the Lough, Five Hand Reel and founded and produced the short-lived but quite extraordinary ensemble Clan Alba. Well known for his forthright and long-held political views, the legendary Dick Gaughan just doesn’t do gigs which are ‘ordinary’."

Vin Garbutt at The Station Hotel, Station Road, Loftus, North 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."

Bob Fox at The Little Boat Gig, Hartlepool Marina, Hartlepool, Cleveland
"Fox always was one of the scene's superior singers and his voice is as confident and ebullient as it ever was ." Froots

Michael Rossiter, David Broad and Serious Sam Barrett at The Georgian Theatre, Stockton on Tees
"Playing the finest in folk, blues and country"

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Saturday 8th November 2008

Sliabh Notes at The Irish Cultural Centre, Hammersmith, London
"Sliabh Notes is Matt Cranitch (fiddle), Dónal Murphy (accordion), and Tommy O'Sullivan (vocals, guitar). "

Monroes Revenge at The Green Note, Camden, London
"Hard-driving, rootsy, traditional bluegrass in the manner laid down by the originators of the musical style in the rural American South in the 1940s and 50s
Hard-driving, rootsy, traditional bluegrass in the manner laid down by the originators of the musical style in the rural southern states of America in the 1940s and 50s. That's what Monroe's Revenge has become known for over 21 years of entertaining audiences up and down the country. Mixing songs of hardship, heartache and loneliness, murder and incarceration, trains and aeroplanes, with blistering breakdowns on banjo, mandolin and fiddle, the band aims to capture the raw energy of the early pioneers - Bill Monroe, the Stanley Brothers, and Flatt & Scruggs - and apply it to more recent songs."

Twisted Folk presents: The Owl Service at Orange Street Music Club, Canterbury, Kent
"The Owl Service was formed by Steven Collins in 2006 as a vehicle to explore his love of British films and television of the 1960s and 70s, the great outdoors and the sound of the English folk revival. The band fuse traditional British folk ballads with elements of psychedelic rock and recall the great acid-folk bands of the late '60s/early '70s but never once sound contrived or overtly retro. Nobody has approached traditional folk quite like this for over 30 years. They signed to Southern Records at the end of 2007 and their debut album A Garland of Song, an eclectic selection of traditional material interspersed with mostly instrumental originals, was released on June 30th 2008. An EP recorded with Alison O'Donnell (formerly Alison Williams of legendary Irish '70s prog/folk band Mellow Candle) entitled The Fabric of Folk will be released by Static Caravan in September 2008. The follow up to Garland... is underway with the working title The Pattern Beneath the Plough and is set for a Summer 2009 release"

Meltdown Ceilidh featuring Boldwood with caller Jackie Allen at Clair Hall, Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath, Sussex
£9/£8 concs.
Youth Student discount STILL operating - ONLY £5 for full-time students under 25yrs old.
(supported by SEFAN with additional support from Hobgoblin Music)

Open Night at Shammick Acoustic Sessions, The Castle Inn, High Street, Combe Martin, North Devon

Martin John Nicholls and friends plus Nicky Swann at The Manor Hotel, The Beacon, Exmouth, Devon
"Two Devon based singer/songwriters"

The 3 Daft Monkeys at The Phoenix Arts Centre, Exeter
"World influenced acoustic music, with a hint of the bizarre!
From Cornwall, 3 Daft Monkeys combine rousing vocals, frenetic fiddling, rhythmical 12-string guitar, dancing bass and foot drum."

The Poozies at The Arts Centre, Bridgwater, Somerset
"Seventeen years down the line The Poozies seem to have found the secret of eternal youth. Still with three original members, Sally, Patsy and Mary, they have been energised by the perfectly compatible additions of Eilidh and Mairearad, and remain as fresh and delightful as ever."

Oxfolk Ceilidh with The Hosepipe Band with Andrew Swaine at Kennington Village Hall, Kennington, near Oxford, OX1 5PG
"The Hosepipe Band offer bright and lively electro-acoustic dance music with a mix of British and European influences. Andrew, a young but experienced caller from Cambridge, offers clear and concise calling and broad selection of dances."

Cara Luft and Navaro at Acoustic Routes, Cambridge
"Cara Luft's been listening to the right stuff way out there in Canada... This third album shows an abiding love of good old Brit trad and a canny way of writing her own remarkable folk rock grooves. On the up escalator for sure." - fRoots
"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."

Dansmall at Newhampton Folk, Wolverhampton

Michael Rossiter, David Broad and Serious Sam Barrett at The Savoy, Monmouth
"Playing the finest in folk, blues and country"

Lau at Rhosygilwen Concert Hall, Rhosygilwen Mansion, North Pembrokeshire
"Lau are a formidable trio of the finest and most innovative exponents of modern traditional music in Britain today. Lau’s now infamous live shows are a must-see experience with an energy and musicianship which is spellbinding."

Jannette Geri at The Sun Inn, 10 High street, Clun, Craven Arms, Shropshire
"A gifted singer of rare warmth and beauty, Janette is a powerful performer with a truly beautiful voice, great acoustic guitar style, and a genius for interpretation. As a solo act she can mesmerize her audiences with soaring and assured vocals, rich guitar work and wicked sense of humour."

Flaxenby at The Black Swan, Jackfield, Ironbridge, Telford, Shropshire
Acoustic Roots Trio

The Dylan Project at Farnsfield Acoustic, Farnsfield, Nottinghamshire
"Take four of Britain's most talented folkrock musicians and a unique singer, add the repertoire of a genius, and you've got the recipe for a dream band. "

Dave Burland with Blackbush, The Barnsley Lads and String Theory at Barnsley Folk and Acoustic Night, The Keel Inn, Barnsley, South Yorkshire (Entrance by Ticket Only £7.50 from Dave Bottomley 0780 304 9856)
“Dave is a uniquely calm, gentle and clever singer, who makes you feel it’s all so amazingly simple. His apparently effortless guitar playing supplies the structural footings for the whole musical building. He’s also got a deliciously wicked sense of humour” Nic Jones

OXJAM @ The Winning Post, 127-129 Bishopthorpe Rd, York
An exotic evening of songs, harmony, movement & drumming from near and far featuring Celtic Singer/songwriter Paula Ryan + World Music Choir - Chechelele + global drumming sounds from Akimbo and all for a really good cause!
Time: 20.30 Entry by donation

Appalachian Roots at Reeth Memorial Hall, Reeth, Nr Richmond, North Yorkshire
"Appalachian Roots (Ira Bernstein & Riley Baugus) Riley sings on the soundtrack of Academy Award winning film, Cold Mountain - fiddles & feet, banjos & ballads from North Carolina and beyond "

Cara Dillon at The Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal, Cumbria
"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."

Charity Indoor Celtic and Folk Festival to be staged at West Park Auditorium, Perth Road , Dundee
It is a two day event to be held on the 8th and 9th of November 2008 from 1pm- 1am. This is to be a massive event for Tayside and we hope to raise as much money as possible whilst helping a deserving charity. There will be food and drink available at the event and all proceeds go to the T.C.C.L TAYSIDE CHILDRENS CANCER & LEUKAEMIA UNIT
The bands confirmed so far are: Bodega, Skerryvore, John Langan Band, Clanadonia, Boogalusa, Alive and Jigging and much much more.
The bands confirmed so far are: Bodega, Skerryvore, John Langan Band, Clanadonia, Boogalusa, Alive and Jigging and much much more.

The Sorries at The Warehouse Theatre, Pitgaveny Quay, Lossiemouth, Moray
"The Sorries are Douglas Kay (vocals, guitar, bodhran) and Martin Philip (vocals, guitar, bodhran). The duo sing, play and smile their way through a show inspired by the music of The Corries; performing a selection of tunes from that well-loved songbook as well as a few satirical comedy songs which cast a sardonic eye on the political and public life of present-day Scotland."

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Sunday 9th November 2008

The Sally Ironmonger Trio at Neptune's Hall, Broadstairs, Kent (4:30pm)
"The Sally Ironmonger Trio, is made up of Brian Carter (acoustic guitar) and Shaun Murray (gut-strung guitar & mandolin), and Sally Ironmonger on vocals. They play an eclectic mix of folk, jazz, & gypsy swing, as well as original material inspired by living in Medway."

Porchlight Smoker at The Prince of Wales, 47 Clarence Square, Brighton, Sussex, admission free. 3:30pm
Brighton based Country/Bluegrass Trio

Folk Night at Mullens, Eastbourne, Sussex

Maggie Holland at Walthamstow Folk Club, Walthamstow, East London
"A rare chance to see this legendary songwriter, Maggie's songs have been recorded by artistes including Martin Carthy and June Tabor and her song A Place Called England won the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Best Song.
"The proof that outstanding contemporary songs are still being written" - fRoots

Cara Luft at Twickenham Folk Club, Twickenham, West London
"Cara Luft's been listening to the right stuff way out there in Canada... This third album shows an abiding love of good old Brit trad and a canny way of writing her own remarkable folk rock grooves. On the up escalator for sure." - fRoots

Clive Gregson at Hitchin Folk Club, Hitchin, Hertfordshire
"Gregson is as fine a singer-songwriter as anyone has a right to expect...he does the lot." The Independent

Catfish Keith at The Limelight Theatre, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
"Blues singer, songwriter and bottleneck slide guitarist Catfish Keith has established himself as one of the most exciting country blues performers of our time. Catfish's innovative style of foot-stomping, deep delta blues and American roots music has spellbound audiences the world over."

Jez Lowe at Topsham Folk Club, Topsham, Devon
"Jez has toured the world, building up a formidable reputation in the USA, Australia and Europe, and gaining the respect of his peers and his audience alike. His songs are among the most widely sung by folk singers and bands around the country’s clubs and festivals."

Lau at The Flavel Arts Centre, Dartmouth, Devon
"Lau are a formidable trio of the finest and most innovative exponents of modern traditional music in Britain today. Lau’s now infamous live shows are a must-see experience with an energy and musicianship which is spellbinding."

Guy Charles and Richard Plank at Wheal Dream Folk Club, Wheal Dream Restaurant and Free House, Wendron, Helston, Cornwall
"With a combination of fingerpicking and flatpicking guitars, plus twin vocals, Richard Plank & Guy Charles will be singing and playing their way through a selection of their favourite songs and tunes from the folk blues, old time, early country, bluegrass and fiddle tune areas of American folk music. "

Ron Trueman-Border at The Locks Inn, Geldeston, Norfolk (3:00pm)
"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 Clarke

J.C Lennard at The Priory Inn, Tetbury, Gloucestershire
"Local singer with a strong following, singing contemporary folk music with covers by Bob Dylan, John Denver, Johnny Cash and Tom Paxton. J.C’s melodic vocals are complemented by his acoustic guitar and harmonica and he'll be playing songs from his new albumn."

Finest Kind at The Halfpenny Folk Club, Gower, Swansea
Thrills and Chills...Finest Kind's vocal arrangements are a creative tour de force. Tradition-based yet curiously modern, the trio's harmonies are an enchanting feast of opulent chords and ever changing textures. The trio's amazing vocal blend has been called "molecular bonding" by one reviewer: "Any closer," he says, "and they wouldn't be allowed to do it in public." Audiences invariably mention "goosebumps." Each member of Finest Kind brings to the group a lifetime’s learning and experience in many worlds of music. Each is at home on stage, the recording studio, and the folksong archive. They not only sing beautifully; they can tell you things you never knew—or knew you wanted to know—about the songs. They have instructed at heritage music programmes in both Canada and the U.S. Posen has studied the singing traditions of Ottawa Valley loggers and Newfoundland fishermen, taught Sacred Harp, sung an astonishing number of styles.

Steve Turner at The Eagle Folk Club, 144 West St, Boston, Lincolnshire
Steve Turner has been turning into one of this country's finest male singers and performers of folk-song [...] with him you can truly say that he has shown all the qualities of a great singer and interpreter of folk song. Swing 51, National Folk Magazine

Singers Night at Folk at the Manor, Wallasey, Wirral

"All singers and instrumentalists welcome
A host of musical talent from the local area and beyond.
Artists free entry - others £1."

Chris While and Julie Matthews at The Back Room, Cottingham, East Yorkshire
"Two of my favorite singer songwriters in the whole wide world" Beth Nielsen Chapman.

Michael Rossiter, David Broad and Serious Sam Barrett at The Little Wonder, Harrogate, North Yorkshire
"Playing the finest in folk, blues and country"

Folkworks: 20th Anniversary Celebrations: Song Workshop with Sandra Kerr at The Sage, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear 11:00am - 1:00pm
"Folkworks is celebrating its 20th Anniversary: what better way than with an opportunity to take part in and listen to exceptional singing? This workshop, in which you will learn harmony singing in a relaxed environment, is for all ages and abilities. It is led by Sandra Kerr, who has had a distinguished career in folk music, beginning with the acclaimed Critic's Group (1963-72), under the tutelage of Ewan MacColl and Peggy Seeger. Sandra has been at the heart of folk song and community choirs in the North East for many years and has been a hugely popular tutor at Folkworks events over many years."

Folkworks: 20th Anniversary Celebrations: Absolute Beginners: Northumbrian Pipes at The Sage, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear 11:00am - 1:00pm
"The Northumbrian pipes are a captivating, mysterious instrument with a beautiful and haunting sound. This is an opportunity for people to try out these pipes as absolute beginners - and by the end of the day to be able to play a simple tune. The tutor Anthony Robb is one of the country's leading teachers of the Northumbrian pipes and his gentle approach will inspire confidence and may spark a lifelong new enthusiasm!"

Folkworks: 20th Anniversary Celebrations: Free Folk Music and Ceilidh at The Sage, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear 12:30pm
"An afternoon of free music on the Concourse featuring some key local and national performers including our outstanding youth band Folkestra (described recently by The Times as "the irresistible teenage band") and some surprise guests. The afternoon culminates in our early evening ceilidh before the Hall One concert. This features ceilidh bands from schools in the region - showing that producing great dance music with strong melodies and rhythms is certainly passing down the generations."

Folkworks: 20th Anniversary Celebrations: 20th Anniversary Celebrations: Sharper than the Thorn at The Sage, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear 4:00pm
"An afternoon of free music on the Concourse featuring some key local and national performers including our outstanding youth band Folkestra (described recently by The Times as "the irresistible teenage band") and some surprise guests. The afternoon culminates in our early evening ceilidh before the Hall One concert. This features ceilidh bands from schools in the region - showing that producing great dance music with strong melodies and rhythms is certainly passing down the generations."

Folkworks: 20th Anniversary Celebrations: Concert with Flook, the New Rope String Band and Clog on the Tyne with Alistair Anderson and Kathryn Tickell at The Sage, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear
"The celebrations continue with a concert so packed it has become a concert of three halves! Flook - driven by the astounding flute playing of Brian Finnegan and Sarah Allen - has had a long association with Folkworks, in the acclaimed tour Flutopia and as inspirational tutors. Flook possesses a rare blend of technical brilliance, delicate ensemble interaction and a bold musical imagination. The New Rope String Band is multilayered musical lunacy. They play a big assortment of things and combine folk, Celtic, honky-tonk, hoe-down, comedy, physicality and all sorts. Irresistible musical shenanigans! Alistair Anderson, Artistic Director of Folkworks, is renowned for his composition and tonight offers a further opportunity to enjoy the acclaimed 'Clog on the Tyne'. The piece evokes the sparkling waters of the river and its tributaries and includes exhilarating clog and rapper dances. The new writing continues with Alistair and special guest Northumbrian piper Kathryn Tickell - each performing material composed by the other. Following this show, there will be another free ceilidh on the Concourse to round off the evening!"

Dick Gaughan at The Old Laundry Theatre, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria
"A recreation of one of Folkworks' national tours, Sharper than the Thorn was seen across the UK in 1998 and featured leading ballad singers. Those same singers, who will tonight captivate you with their melodies and stories, are Martin Carthy, Norma Waterson, Alyth McCormack and Kevin Mitchell. For more than thirty years Norma Waterson and Martin Carthy have been at the forefront of the English folk scene, both being awarded MBEs and numerous awards. Norma was the first folk artist to be nominated for the Mercury Prize. They have both sung with The Watersons and Blue Murder, and Carthy with Steeleye Span. Gaelic singer Alyth McCormack incorporates her Hebriddean influences, plus jazz, rock, minimalist classical and... samba into her ethereal yet powerful singing. Kevin Mitchell grew up in Derry, learning traditional Irish songs from the older generations. This is a rare opportunity to hear a fine singer from the absolute heart of the tradition.

Charity Indoor Celtic and Folk Festival to be staged at West Park Auditorium, Perth Road , Dundee
It is a two day event to be held on the 8th and 9th of November 2008 from 1pm- 1am. This is to be a massive event for Tayside and we hope to raise as much money as possible whilst helping a deserving charity. There will be food and drink available at the event and all proceeds go to the T.C.C.L TAYSIDE CHILDRENS CANCER & LEUKAEMIA UNIT
The bands confirmed so far are: Bodega, Skerryvore, John Langan Band, Clanadonia, Boogalusa, Alive and Jigging and much much more.

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Monday 10th November 2008

Lau at The Komedia, Brighton
"Lau are a formidable trio of the finest and most innovative exponents of modern traditional music in Britain today. Lau’s now infamous live shows are a must-see experience with an energy and musicianship which is spellbinding."

Jack Lawrence + Support at Maverick at Zebra, Maidstone, Kent
"Long-time guitarist and vocalist with the legendary Doc Watson - Jack Lawrence is heralded as one of the finest acoustic guitarists in the USA. Referred to as an "acoustic powerhouse," his musicianship on the flat top guitar has mesmerized audiences for decades. Here on his first solo UK tour with just a handful of selected gigs."

Open Mic/ Singaround The Fox and Hounds Folk Club, Romney St, Knatts Valley, Sevenoaks, Kent

Micah P Hinson + Retribution Gospel Choir (feat. Alan Sparhawk of Low) at Norwich Arts Centre, Norwich, Norfolk
"Sparse, yet beautiful country songs, delivered in his inexplicably timeworn burr and with hints of gospel and blues thrown in. After a year off through serious illness, Hinson returns with his greatest collection of songs with new album '…And The Red Empire Orchestra'."

Faustus at Colchester Folk Club, Colchester, Essex
"A trio of exceptional musicians flying the flag for English music. Benji Kirkpatrick guitar and bouzouki) and Paul Sartin (vocalist and multi-instrumentalist) on loan from Bellowhead and the wonderful Saul Rose (melodeon) as seen here with Waterson:Carthy promise a night of superb music played with taste and panache"

Navaro at Acoustic Session by Candlelight. The Cock Inn, 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."

The Poozies at The Nettlebed Folk Club, Nettlebed, Oxfordshire
"Seventeen years down the line The Poozies seem to have found the secret of eternal youth. Still with three original members, Sally, Patsy and Mary, they have been energised by the perfectly compatible additions of Eilidh and Mairearad, and remain as fresh and delightful as ever."

Singers Night at Skipton Folk Unplugged, The Narrowboat Inn, Victoria Street, Skipton, North Yorkshire

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Tuesday 11th November 2008

Sharps Folk Club at Cecil Sharp House, Camden, London
Come and join in a friendly, informal sing-around in the bar at Cecil Sharp House, 8pm. £3.00 Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent's Park Road, NW1 7AY

Blackheath Folk Club at The British Oak, Old Dover Rd, Blackheath, London SE3 8SU
Meets every tuesday for an open mic acoustic session. All welcome.

Acoustic Open Mike Night at The Good Intent, John Street, Rochester, Kent

Cara Luft at Darford Folk Club, Dartford, Kent
"Cara Luft's been listening to the right stuff way out there in Canada... This third album shows an abiding love of good old Brit trad and a canny way of writing her own remarkable folk rock grooves. On the up escalator for sure." - fRoots

The 3 Daft Monkeys at The Komedia, Brighton
"World influenced acoustic music, with a hint of the bizarre!
From Cornwall, 3 Daft Monkeys combine rousing vocals, frenetic fiddling, rhythmical 12-string guitar, dancing bass and foot drum."

The Young Coppers at The Hoy at Anchor Folk Club, Leigh on Sea, Essex

Informal singaround at Ringwood Folk Club, The Elm Tree Hightown, Ringwood, Hampshire
"tunes, songs and poems"

Barrow Sessions at The Six Bells Pub, Barrow on Humber, North Lincolnshire
20.30 onwards, singers & musicians

Tom Bliss at The Brown Cow Folk Club, Brown Cow, Radcliffe Gate, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
"This guy has pretty well universal appeal - with his beautiful voice, his accomplished playing of several instruments and the range of his material. Tom’s songs are accessible and engaging, with humour and singable choruses, and he appeals to the traditionalists and the modernists alike. We are guaranteed a wonderful evening." Tom and Barbara Brown - Shammic Acoustic Sessions

Cheyenne Brown and Seylan Baxter at Penicuik Folk Club, Penicuik, Midlothian
"Cheyenne and Seylan met while studying on the prestigious Scottish Music course at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and performed for the first time together at Cowalfest in 2005. The combination of Cheyenne`s exuberant and sensitive harp playing, Seylan`s mellow, natural singing and her creatively atmospheric cello playing forms rich and varied musical textures with a distinctive style. Whether in slow airs, jigs and reels or traditional songs Cheyenne and Seylan bring precision and empathy to their quirky, innovative arrangements. Their energetic performances and warm stage presence dispel any stereotypes of stuffy instrumentalists and prove the effectiveness of this unusual line-up."

Michael Marra at The Leith Folk Club, Leith, Edinburgh
"Musician, playwright, poet, actor, and most of all, writer of some of the most wonderful songs ever heard, Michael Marra, a national treasure, is coming back to see us in Leith, and we can hardly wait."

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Wednesday 12th November 2008

The 3 Daft Monkeys at The Orange Box, Yeovil, Somerset
"World influenced acoustic music, with a hint of the bizarre!
From Cornwall, 3 Daft Monkeys combine rousing vocals, frenetic fiddling, rhythmical 12-string guitar, dancing bass and foot drum."

The Carolina Chocolate Drops at Walberton Village Hall, Main Street, Nr Arundel, West Sussex
"The Carolina Chocolate Drops are a group of young African-American stringband musicians that have come to together to play the rich tradition of fiddle and banjo music in Carolina's Piedmont. Although they have diverse musical backgrounds, the band draws its musical heritage from the foothills of the North and South Carolina. Under the tutelage of Joe Thompson, said to be the last black traditional string band player, of Mebane, NC, they strive to carry on the long standing traditional music of the black and white communities. Joe's musical heritage runs as deeply and fluidly as the many rivers and streams that traverse the North Carolina landscape. The Chocolate Drops are proud to carry on the tradition of black musicians like Odell and Nate Thompson, Dink Roberts, John Snipes, Libba Cotten, Emp White, and countless others who have passed beyond memory and recognition."

Lau at The Firestation Arts Centre, The Old Court, St Leonards Road, Windsor
"Lau are a formidable trio of the finest and most innovative exponents of modern traditional music in Britain today. Lau’s now infamous live shows are a must-see experience with an energy and musicianship which is spellbinding."

Needleandthread presents the redstar open mic, The Redstar, 319 Camberwell Road, London
"with free entrance, live music, and two for one cocktails all night, it'll be a good one.. Live music celebrated in all its forms.. if you want to play, sign ups are from seven thirty pm.. bring your instruments, and play your own songs, to an appreciative audience.. or come be a part of the crowd! We welcome all styles.. spoken word, and acoustic acts are catered fully, with a nice sound system, monitoring, and sound engineer on hand.."

"CEOL AGUS OL" at The Nightingale Public House, 51 Nightingale Lane, Wanstead, East London E11 2EY
"An Evening of Traditional Irish Music every Wednesday evening from 8.30 - 11pm. All Session players welcome. Food available on the night.( 020 84530 4540 )."

Megson at Biddulph Up In Arms, Biddulph, Staffordshire
“This is first rate - if you don’t like this music you have a problem! Megson are a couple of potential stars, peaches and cream harmonies, melodic roots consciousness and a huge sense of individuality. ” fRoots

Finest Kind at Llantrisant Folk Club, The Windsor Hotel, Pontyclun, Mid Glamorgan
"Finest Kind is the remarkable folk trio from Ottawa, Canada whose exquisite harmony singing and brilliant vocal arrangements are bringing a fresh sense of excitement and discovery to the performance of old songs. The trio's glorious sound, served up with easy-going humour, has won a devoted following across North America."

Kit Holmes at Birkenhead Town Hall, Hamilton Street, Birkenhead, Merseyside 0151 647 0752
"singer/songwriter and rising guitar star. Her music fuses a broad range of influences from pop to folk, blues and soul. Kit's latest album, Catch The Echo, which features the legendary double bass player Danny Thompson was given a 5 Star Review by Maverick. Kit’s music has been played on both the Bob Harris and Andy Kershaw Show and she was recently asked to give a master-class at Paul McCartney’s LIPA."
''Full of warmth…an absolute delight"

Jannette Geri at The Travellers Rest, 24 Derby Road, Draycott, Derby, Derbyshire - Free
"A gifted singer of rare warmth and beauty, Janette is a powerful performer with a truly beautiful voice, great acoustic guitar style, and a genius for interpretation. As a solo act she can mesmerize her audiences with soaring and assured vocals, rich guitar work and wicked sense of humour."

Singers and Musicians Night at Cottingham Live, The Back Room, 73 Hallgate, Cottingham, East Yorkshire

Acoustic/Folk Session at The Railway Hotel, Pleasington, Lancashire
Starts Around 8.30pm Till Midnight.A Talented Bunch Of Musicians Perform A Wide Variety Of Music Every Week Including, Irish, Lancs, Bluegrass, Blues, Jazz.
Mandolins.Banjos,Whistles.Harmonica,Bodhran.Fiddle,Guitars.
All Welcome Free Drink To Guest Musicians,Free Supper.Good Rail Links,Great Cask Beer.01254201520 For More Details

Robin Laing at Edinburgh Folk Club, Edinburgh
"Robin Laing is a Scottish folk-singer and songwriter. Robin is originally from Edinburgh, and Edinburgh will always be his spiritual home. His affection for that city and indeed Scotland is evident in the subject matter of many of his songs. Robin now lives in the idyllic setting of rural Lanarkshire. Already he is sniffing out the local songs and finding possible subjects for composition."

The Catriona MacDonald Quartet at The Ceilidh Place, Ullapool, Highlands
"A fiddler from the Shetland Islands in the far north of Scotland, brought up surrounded by some of the worlds finest traditional musicians from a very young age. At age 11, she started fiddle lessons with the legendary teacher and fiddler Tom Anderson and soon after became one of the founding members of his fiddle group Shetland`s Young Heritage. In 1992 she won the "BBC Radio 2 Young Tradition Award" and went on to play in a duo with Scottish piano accordionist Ian Lowthian and subsequently in her own trio with David Milligan and Conrad Ivitsky. She has played with Scottish fiddle band 'Blazin` Fiddles' for the last ten years. In 2000 she created the female fiddle band 'String Sisters' who have performed at Celtic Connections and has also enjoyed playing with Scotland`s folk big band 'The Unusual Suspects' for the past few years."

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Thursday 13th November 2008

Michael Rossiter, David Broad and Serious Sam Barrett at The Golden Lion, Bristol
"Playing the finest in folk, blues and country"

The Carolina Chocolate Drops at The Fiddlers, Bristol
"The Carolina Chocolate Drops are a group of young African-American stringband musicians that have come to together to play the rich tradition of fiddle and banjo music in Carolina's Piedmont. Although they have diverse musical backgrounds, the band draws its musical heritage from the foothills of the North and South Carolina. Under the tutelage of Joe Thompson, said to be the last black traditional string band player, of Mebane, NC, they strive to carry on the long standing traditional music of the black and white communities. Joe's musical heritage runs as deeply and fluidly as the many rivers and streams that traverse the North Carolina landscape. The Chocolate Drops are proud to carry on the tradition of black musicians like Odell and Nate Thompson, Dink Roberts, John Snipes, Libba Cotten, Emp White, and countless others who have passed beyond memory and recognition."

Megson at The Globe Hotel, Topsham, Devon Box Office / Enquires Tel ; 01598 740281
“This is first rate - if you don’t like this music you have a problem! Megson are a couple of potential stars, peaches and cream harmonies, melodic roots consciousness and a huge sense of individuality. ” fRoots

Rory McLeod at Folk at The Oak, Lewes, Sussex
"Orkney-based Rory McLeod has developed a stage act like no other with his 300mph rap folk delivery and his highly potent, original songs that fearlessly tackle everything from major social issues to the minutiae of everyday life."

Foghorn Leghorn and Alan Tyler Upstairs at the Betsy Trotwood, 56 Farringdon Road, Clerkenwell, London
Bluegrass Night

Maeve Mackinnon at The Magpies Nest Folk Club, The Old Queen's Head, 44 Essex Road, Islington, London
"Maeve Mackinnon has been described as Scotland's leading young folk singer. She is here joined by a four piece band"

Cara Dillon at The Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge, Kent
"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."

Strangeworld at The High Barn, Braintree, Essex
"Traditional and self-written tunes with an eclectic instrumentation and a continental influence. Prepare to be dazzled!
Bryan Causton - Guitars, Mandolin, Mandocello, Cittern. Anna Ardley - Oboe, Whistles, Bassoon, Bombard. Andy Thompson - Piano Accordion. Ginette Davis-Cello, Violin "

Clem at Stortfolk, Bishops Storford, Hertfordshire

Bram Taylor at Newport Folk Club, Newp