Welcome to Spalding Folk Club
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Guests 2019
First Wednesday each month at South Holland Centre.
8pm. Usual admission £6.
And we're on Facebook too!
2nd January The John Ward Trio
John and Lynn Ward are joined by bassist Les Woodley to make a very full sound, with three part harmony to the fore. John's songs are wide-ranging and thoughtful, whilst the band's stage presence is enlivened with plenty of humour.
6th February
Alistair Russell and
Chris Parkinson
Ali and Parky have a huge catalogue of material to draw on, from their time in the Battlefield Band and the House Band respectively. Two seasoned performers who know how to please an audience - their last appearance here was a masterclass.
6th March Miranda Sykes
Miranda has a new solo album out and is embarking on a long tour with these new songs. Entitled Behind the Wall, this is a powerful and hard-hitting set, and a departure from the wistful and reflective mood of her last album. Her gorgeous singing and brilliant musicianship are still abundantly clear. Get there early for this.
3rd April Anthony John Clarke
Originally from Belfast, Anthony John is now based in Southport but has toured all over the world and has an enviably full gig diary. His songs often draw on his Irish background, such as his moving reflection on the Troubles, entitled The Broken Years. Fairport Convention call him a "national treasure."
1st May Jez Lowe
Jez has been a regular visitor to the club for decades - but his creative spirit is as prolific as ever, with top quality new songs and collaborations. He has recently even published a novel, The Dillen Doll, which has led him back to the traditional music of his native North-East England. This event also marks our 40th anniversary celebrations. There could be speeches, there will surely be birthday cake...
2nd May Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman
No, that date isn't a misprint - this is a special extra concert to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the club, which has been running continuously since Thursday 10th May 1979. Kathryn and Sean are superstars of the folk world. Twice winners of the Radio 2 Folk Award for Best Duo, Kathryn's rich and expressive singing combines with Sean's perfectly judged and sensitive guitar to stunning effect. Please note this will be a concert performance and not the regular folk club format.
5th June Phil Hare
Phil is known for his well-crafted songs on themes of social justice, and gave us a very entertaining night on his last visit a year or two back. But you can also expect to see a group of guitarists sitting in the front row of the audience, saying to each other "how did he do that??!" He does also give guitar lessons, so they can always pay him and find out.
3rd July The Mile Roses
The Mile Roses describe themselves as "contemporary British folk with a nod to Nashville." Fiddle and mandolin player Kate Bramley will be familiar to many from her work with Jez Lowe and the Bad Pennies as will guitarist Simon Haworth, who also has partnered Carlene Anglim and other musicians from the North East of England. Newest member singer/songwriter and fiddle player Kari Mcleod from Tain in Easter Ross also plays in her own band The Fugitives. They sound really promising - here's a couple of very short clips
7th August Archie Fisher
Cancel your holiday! Archie Fisher MBE is one of the all-time greats of folk music, looking forward to his 80th birthday in 2019, but still as mesmerising a performer as ever. His songs have been performed by such varied artists as Eva Cassidy, Fairport Convention and Stan Rogers, but hearing them in Archie's own unique voice is something else.
4th September Bill Whaley and Dave Fletcher
We make no apology for scheduling Bill and Dave again so soon after last year's appearance. Probably we could book them every single month and no-one would complain. Their combination of virtuosity, wit and glorious singing makes for an unforgettable evening's entertainment. Early arrival recommended.
2nd October Steve Turner
Steve appeared here a few times in the 1980s, when he lived in this locality, not far from Sutton Bridge. He disappeared from view as a performer for several years while he built up his violin business, but is now back on the road with an impressive list of gigs. A very special night for concertina buffs.
6th November Kelly's Heroes
The richness provided by the accordion, powerful rhythm guitar and bodhran give a fullness of sound that belies the number of people on stage. With a repertoire encompassing fast and furious Celtic songs and tunes, gentle ballads and contemporary numbers by the likes of Christy Moore, Eric Bogle and Ewan MacColl as well as some original material, this Nottingham based band are at home in almost any venue, and we have waited far too long since the last time they appeared here.
4th December annA rydeR and Sally Barker
Sally is a singer/songwriter and founder member of The Poozies. She achieved even wider recognition as a finalist in TV's The Voice a few years back. AnnA is a prize-winning songwriter and plays an eclectic variety of instruments. A new collaboration with huge potential.
and coming up in 2020
1st Jan
5th Feb
4th March
1st April
6th May
3rd June
1st July
5th August
2nd Sept
7th Oct
4th Nov
2nd Dec
Andy Wall
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