What’s On at the Folk Club

 

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January 9, 2019: The Rumblestrutters (Wales)

John Toft (vocals, mandolin, banjo), Jonathan Nicholas and Liam Ward bring the Prohibition era to the party! The Swansea-based acoustic three-piece vividly evoke the blues, jazz and jug-band music of the 1920s – and their debut album, Prohibition Blues, has been greeted with international radio play and critical acclaim. The album has confirmed the trio’s reputation, with stellar performances at top festivals across the land.

Equally adept at classic material and original compositions, The Rumblestrutters’ performances have to be seen to be believed. Luscious harmonies and virtuosity combine in songs of bootleg liquor, late night parties, and even the odd hubbly-bubbly pipe.  Started when Jon found an ink jug at the back of an old cupboard, the trio features the virtuoso guitar-playing and voice of Jonathan and Liam Ward on vocals, harmonica and jug. Songs of bootleg liquor, all-night parties and bacchanalia abound, tapped from a rich musical source. The Rumblestrutters bring you the authentic sounds of 1920s and ’30s America – Paul Seligman shot this video of the last time they played at the Club in 2017.

(£8 admission, £5 members)

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January 16, 2019: Club Swap Night – Newport Folk Club

Showcasing Newport Folk Club’s floor musicians and singers with a one-hour spot. (£3 admission)

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January 30, 2019: Keith Donnelly

Keith Donnelly – stand-up comic, fall-down comedian, surreal snigger-songwriter, guitar-hero, performance-artist, (tall) story-teller, philosopher, scriptwriter, (none can) compere, man-of-mystery, inner-childminder, actor, stuntman, metaphysical poet, human ping-pong ball, life and soul of the (kids) party, world-class athlete, leading socialite, raconteur, business tycoon, wit, author, half-wit, secret (sh!) agent, (Vauxhall) astral-traveller, shaman, Geordie cultural attache, word-juggler, snake-charmer, underline-dancer, unexpected clairvoyant, dream-weaver, daydream believer, psycho-linguist, shark-wrangler, smile sculptor, (compulsive) lying-tamer, Great British eccentric, (alleged) international jewel thief, hot-dog skier, alien abductee, zen grand-master, champion tiddly-winker, sand-dancer, friend to the pantomime horse, erstwhile slice of bacon and all-round good egg. Here’s a video of Keith at Southwell Folk Festival, with the audience just loving it.

(£8 admission, £5 members)

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February 6, 2019: Club Swap Night – Barry Folk Club

Showcasing Barry Folk Club’s floor musicians and singers with a one-hour spot. (£3 admission)

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Febuary 13, 2019: Club Swap Night – Lyceum Folk Club

Showcasing The Lyceum Folk & Acoustic Club’s floor musicians and singers with a one-hour spot. (£3 admission)

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February 20, 2019: Solasta

Solasta are an outstanding new folk trio who are fast building a name for themselves with their inventive arrangements, unique sound and exhilarating live performances. Comprised of award-winning Scottish fiddler Elisabeth Flett, Welsh cellist Hannah Thomas – talented daughter of Porthcawl singing duo Neil and Louise Thomas – and English guitarist Jamie Leeming, their dynamic interpretations of Celtic-based material are rooted firmly in tradition, whilst incorporating elements from diverse musical worlds including classical, jazz and early music. Sheena Wellington, Patron of the Traditional Music Association of Scotland​​, enthusiastically reviewed their show: “Solasta gave one of the most exhilarating and enchanting performances we have ever had….breathtakingly good, consummate young musicians with true flair and imagination.”

The trio recorded their debut EP in 2016 and released their first full-length album, A Cure For The Curious, in 2018 -The Guardian hailed it as Album Of The Month and gave it four stars, and fRoots Magazine made it Editor’s Choice! Watch a video of Solasta playing at the prestigious Celtic Connections Festival in Glasgow.

(£8 admission, £5 members)

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February 27, 2019: Showcase with Mike Johnson (Wales)

Cardiff songwriter Mike Johnson records material about important events in the city’s life; from a folk club organiser to a Cardiff leisure centre and Coal Exchange events manager, Mike’s troubadour presence charts Cardiff’s history. (£3 admission)

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March 13, 2019: Judy Cook (USA)

Judy is an author, a folk singer and an entertainer who lives in Maryland. She has  has been on the road since the early 1990s, making her own the songs and ballads of traditional Americana and the British Isles. She has family roots in Virginia, born into a family who loved music, which led to a personal discovery of the rich and varied treasure of folk music. She has four albums; Her first CD of unaccompanied traditional songs and ballads, If You Sing Songs… , was released in 1998, followed two years later by Far From the Lowlands. Tenting Tonight: Songs of the Civil War was released in 2007, and Lincoln’s America in 2009.

July was the third of four children, and she grew up with singing from both parents and a love for music: “We sang at the table, we sang washing dishes, we sang riding in the car, they sang lullabies to us.” Singing went beyond the immediate family: Judy’s father sang squares for neighbourhood dances and played songs on the piano by ear, and Judy’s mother made sure singing was a big part of the scout troops she led; extended family gatherings often featured evening sings. Judy’s  joy of singing date from her earliest years.

(£8 admission, £5 members)

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April 3, 2019: Pat’s birthday bash with The Fishguard Folk Singers 

The Fishguard Folk Singers come all the way from Pembrokeshire to bring you songs of the sea, seasonal songs and tunes, fund-raising to benefit the continuation of the Fishguard Folk Festival, in conjunction with other worthy causes. If you want to organise a fundraiser of your choice, the Singers will turn up and perform for you; all they ask for is a donation to the festival funds!(£8 admission, £5 members)

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April 17, 2019: Mairearad Green & Anna Massie (Scotland)

This is a must-see and a must-hear! Two of Scotland’s most revered multi-instrumentalists, Mairearad (accordion and bagpipes) and Anna (guitar, banjo, fiddle) are a truly captivating duo, providing a highly-energetic performance with an instantly warm and friendly stage presence. Having played alongside each other for over ten years, they revel in an intuitive approach to each other’s musical ideas and interpretations, and an “almost telepathic communication” on stage (Hi-Arts), effortlessly showcasing the fruits of duo partnership to the highest level, creating “music more than the sum of just two parts” (The Scotsman).

Now based in Glasgow, Mairearad and Anna both grew up in the Scottish Highlands amidst very similar musical backgrounds – most notably, mandolin-playing Dads – and so share an innate understanding of Scottish culture and music. As a duo, they have enjoyed many successes, including five stars in The Scotsman and high praise from KT Tunstall, becoming a much-loved live act. Their three albums (2009’s eponymous debut, ‘Doubling’ in 2013 and ‘Best Day’ in 2015) have met wide acclaim. Mairearad and Anna was recorded live, just the two musicians – the live double act – whilst Doubling features many layered tracks, building a more complex sound, though still just from the two musicians. At the heart of Doubling remains the live duo sets, intricately arranged and executed with symbiotic sympathy, enhancing their “must-see” reputation. Watch a video of Polkas!

(£8 admission, £5 members)

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May 8, 2019: John Doyle (Ireland)

Name many of the most notable recordings and/or performers in Irish music, and it’s a fair bet that the Irish guitar wizard John Doyle had something to do with them – Liz Carroll; Eileen Ivers; Karan Casey;  the Irish-American band Solas (which John co-founded); Michael Black; Mary Black; the trio of McCusker, McGoldrick and Doyle; and now Usher’s Island (Andy Irvine, Dónal Lunny, Mike McGoldrick, Paddy Glackin and John Doyle), not to mention the hugely popular Transatlantic Sessions. This list is a veritable Who’s Who of the greatest names in Irish music, and these are just a very few of the stellar artists for whom John’s signature guitar sound, singing or songwriting is essential.

Impossibly in demand in the studio and on the road, immensely talented and blessed with an acute ear, a wicked sense of rhythm and seemingly endless stream of magic in his playing, composing, performing and producing, John is solidly establishing himself as one of the most versatile, creative and prolific voices in folk and traditional Irish music. He is resident in the United States, and these are just a few of the American press tributes: “Doyle on guitar has risen to a level occupied by him alone. No one in Irish traditional music is a better guitarist than him right now” (The Wall Street Journal); “A complete rhythm section all on his own” (Chicago Tribune); “More talent than anybody deserves to have all to themselves” (Philadelphia News).  Watch a video  of ‘Clear The Way’, his take on the Irish Brigade in the Civil War.

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May 22, 2019: The Hut People

Taking the audience on a musical journey around the world, English instrumental duo The Hut People – accordionist Sam Pirt (ex-Chipolatas) and percussionist Gary Hammond (ex-The Beautiful South) – have firmly established themselves as one of THE most unique, entertaining and best-loved acts on the UK folk scene today. Mixing global rhythms with folk tunes from Quebec to Spain, Scandinavia to Sussex and everywhere in between, this is a quirky celebration of our rich musical heritage – and it works so well!

This is a show like nothing you’ve ever seen before – expect feel-good dancing tunes, audience participation, step dancing, Quebecois foot-percussion (whilst playing the accordion!) and humour aplenty. Here are some reviews: “A bewildering array of percussion and accordion-fired compositions…truly infectious!”  (R2)… “Remarkable” (The Living Tradition)…  “The festival season is nearly upon us, and with The Hut People gracing many of this year’s bashes, their infectious ‘World Folk’ will surely be winning them many new fans” (Songlines)… “This is a brilliantly unique sound…piano accordion and percussion defiantly unbounded by British traditions as they stride into world music” (The Scotsman)…  “The only band to have been asked back 10 times consecutively – because they’re so good!” (Swaledale Festival)

Please watch a video of Sam and Gary on stage at last year’s Chester Folk Festival. (£8 admission, £5 members)

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June 12, 2019: Eirwen Malin – Sorting The Sock Drawer

A highly entertaining and fun storytelling Showcase evening, written and performed by local storyteller Eirwen Malin, in aid of  the Cure Parkinson’s Trust and/or Parkinson’s UK. Eirwen says: “I have worked in the voluntary, arts and adult education sector in Wales for more years than I really want to admit to. I’ve been around the block a bit. In traditional stories, the ‘henwife’ knows a thing or two; she is the one who knows when to bring around a nourishing soup, when to offer practical help, when to ask a question and when to just listen. I hope I am beginning to have some of the henwife’s wisdom.

“It is two hundred years since James Parkinson wrote his ‘Essay on the shaking Palsy’ and gave the pesky condition his name. Many still know little of it, beyond the shaking – the anniversary is a chance to learn. Sorting the Sock Drawer takes an entertaining look at Parkinson’s from the perspective of two intertwining stories, one mythical, one personal. Each protagonist faces challenges, gain strengths, goes through ups and downs, experiences laughter as well as loss and arrives at journey’s end with a changed but meaningful life.”

Admission: £5 on the door for members and non-members alike.

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July 3, 2019: Martin Curtis (New Zealand)

Martin lives in Cardrona, the Central Otago area nestling in the Southern Alps in the South Island of New Zealand; 37 years after he recorded his debut recording, Gin & Raspberry, the veteran folk singer, song-writer, climber and tour guide has released 10 albums and one DVD, Otago My Home. The folk song ‘Gin And Raspberry’ – which Martin wrote about a Cardrona gold mine – has become a classic ‘hit’, with folk singers all over the world performing it. (£8 admission, £5 members)

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September 4, 2019: Josie Duncan & Pablo Lafuente (Scotland/Spain)

2017 BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award Winners Josie and Pablo are a vocal/guitar duo like no other. Calling the Isle of Lewis and Glasgow/Spain home, their music focuses on many strands of Scotland’s web of traditions where centuries-old ballads meet Gaelic Puirt A Beul, songs from the mines and cotton mills, as well as some original writing. Josie’s crystal-clear voice, with its slight island twang, is equally at home in any of these domains. Accompanied by Pablo’s dynamic, sensitive guitar playing, they illuminate the lyrics. Their music, at times sparse and haunting, at others driving and all-consuming, leaves audiences stunned.

They are both accomplished musicians in their own right. Josie is a recent graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where she studied with some of the masters of the Scottish and Gaelic traditions. She has toured extensively, performing at festivals and venues in Europe, Canada and America. Her other projects include a collaboration with innovative Gaelictronica band Inyal, and Blasta, a showcase of singers of the Isle of Lewis, commissioned by this year’s Festival Interceltique de Lorient. Pablo’s experiences are no less varied; he has put down cultural roots in Scotland, exploring the tradition to its deepest core. Since completing his studies of guitar and fiddle at the National Centre for Excellence in Traditional Music, he has been in high demand, playing, recording and touring internationally with artists including The Outside Track, Barluath, Sketch and Spanish gaita extraordinaire Anxo Lorenzo. Since joining forces in 2016, Josie and Pablo have taken the scene by storm, quickly becoming one of Scotland’s most in-demand live acts at festivals and venues across the country. They were nominated for Folk Band Of The Year at the MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards.

(£8 admission, £5 members)

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September 18, 2019: Colum Sands (Ireland)

A warm welcome back for Colum, who has performed in over thirty countries around the world – confirming the universal appeal for the songs and stories with which he observes the minute and often humorous details of life. A member of the internationally renowned Sands Family from County Down, Colum established his reputation as a songwriter with the release of his first solo album, Unapproved Road, in 1981. Songs like ‘Whatever You Say, Say Nothing’ and ‘Almost Every Circumstance’ were soon in the repertoire of artists from Billy Connolly to Maddy Prior and June Tabor.His second album, The March Ditch, inspired a special BBC television documentary and songs like ‘The Man With The Cap’ and ‘Looking The Loan Of A Spade’ confirmed his unique ability to observe locally and appeal universally.

In March 2001 Colum joined Middle Eastern storyteller Sharon Aviv for a tour of Israel and a concert in that country’s first integrated school and village for Jews and Arabs, Neve Shalom. This concert inspired the song ‘The Child Who Asks You Why’ and ‘Going Down To The Well With Maggie’, just two of the songs which appeared on a unique collection of songs and stories, Talking To The Wall, released by Colum and Sharon in 2002.

Colum noted that people in Belfast were asking him if he wasn’t afraid to go to Israel with all the trouble going on over there and then, that people in Israel inquired if he wasn’t afraid to go back to Belfast with all the trouble over there…In response to these and many other questions in each place as to what exactly the problem was, he put pen to paper to record his thoughts on the complexity and yet the simplicity of it all. The result, ‘Skipping History Lesson’, was a one-minute summary of human conflict and appeared on his 2003 album The Note That Lingers On, along with songs of love and life like ‘The Wake Song’, ‘Sweeney The Fiddler’, ‘Song For Adam And Eve’ and a live version of Mickey MacConnell’s classic ‘Politician’s Song’.

The endless range of venues around the world inspired the title track of Colum’s seventh album, Look Where I’ve Ended Up Now. Meetings on the road with Scottish Gaelic singer Maggie MacInnes led to another fascinating project and a new album, The Seedboat, investigating musical and linguistic links between Ireland and Scotland. There are many more albums, and between touring and recording, countless other performers have been introduced to the airwaves through Colum’s work as a presenter of BBC Radio Ulster’s Folk Club programme. He has also broadcast a series of programmes for BBC Radio 2 and has compiled and presented a series RTE Radio called Rootin About. Watch a video of Colum performing ‘The Wake Song’ in the Humph Hall in Sydney, Australia in 2016.

(£8 admission, £5 members)

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October 2, 2019: Showcase with Bruce Watson (Australia)

Bruce is a hilarious humorist, writer and performer with the power to move audiences to tears. His performances are joyful and thoroughly engaging, with witty lyrics and energetic presentation. He is a masterful song craftsman, be they evocative and heart-wrenching, or side-splittingly funny.

(£3 admission)

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October 30, 2019: Hallowe’en Special with Andrew McKay & Carole Etherton (Wales)

Andrew and Carole present their spooky Special, featuring seasonal songs, sketches, costumed characters and shadow puppets….a little bit of theatre!

(£8 admission, £5 members)

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November 6, 2019: Dan McKinnon (Canada)

A big welcome back for Dan! Folk music enthusiasts just cannot mistake this

native Nova Scotian for his wonderful

deep-brown baritone voice, the flowing liquidity of his guitar, his prolific songwriting, his inspired storytelling and his larger-than-life personality that keeps his audiences transfixed and thoroughly fascinated thoughout his performing career. Playing French horn in various youth orchestras helped to form Dan’s love of music, but it was two defining influences that showed him a new direction. During a summer break at the Nova Scotia Teachers’ Training College, Dan picked up his sister’s seldom-used 100-dollar guitar – and he was smitten. And hitching a ride to a folk festival, he was introduced to the magic of Stan Rogers’ songwriting; hearing Stan’s performance would never leave him, and in the midst of a history degree he decided to take the plunge and go on the road. Dan has played concerts, festivals and folk clubs around the world, and he has released six albums: Just Another Day, Fields Of Dreams And Glory, Minstrel In The Rain,  Songs From The Hearth, Chasing Sunsets and Between Wind And Water.

Watch this video of Dan singing ‘Wandering Days’ at the Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival on America’s East Coast in 2014. (£8 admission, £5 members)

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December 11, 2019: Christmas Party no. 1

(£3 admission)

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December 18, 2019: Christmas Party no. 2: Carolling & Crumpets with John Kirkpatrick

Taking its title from John’s unforgettable song telling the Nativity story from the point of view of the animals in the stable, this show is a heart-warming look at the timeless rituals found in the folklore and folk music at Midwinter. John peels away the commercial gloss of modern Christmas to reveal the powerful pagan urges that race through us all at this time of year, and the life and death struggle that is symbolised in so many traditional songs and customs.

And if that all sounds just a little too intense, then rest assured that the mysterious and murky goings-on in these magical songs of wassailing, wren-hunting, stirring the fire, and incessant feasting, all come dressed up in a glittering finery of toe-tapping tunes and cracking choruses. Add to the mixture a light-hearted smattering of hilarious original songs, a sprinkling of carols both familiar and unfamiliar, all stirred up with John’s usual panache and energy, and supported by his scintillating skill on a variety of squeeze-boxes, and you have an unbeatable recipe for having a rattling good sing, guaranteed to keep the spirits cheery and the cold at bay.

(£8 admission, £5 members)

DON’T FORGET: All other Wednesdays are Song And Music Nights, starting at 8.30pm

For past guests, click here

For booking Information & general enquiries…

 

Pat Smith			Mick Tems
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