After the great evening with Jim Causley, a rather quieter but still excellent evening at Dreamers on Sunday – well done to Robin on his first venture as MC. Two more singers nights to look forward to now before the visit of our next guests, Silvington, on 19th February. In the meantime, two previous guests – the Shackleton Trio and Alden & Patterson have merged to form a new five piece group to be known as Kite Wing. They have played together in the past but this is a more formal merger of talents – best of luck to them.
Last Saturday’s Cornish Zoom was, arguably, the best yet with no less than 26 different performers. It’s hard to keep track with so many screens to manage so well done to Malcolm and Hilary for steering us through so well. Familiar faces, new faces, performers from Australia, Canada, USA, Norway and Ireland as well as all over the UK, all bringing a notably high standard of performance. Thanks to all who took part – the next zoom session is on 25th February.
A message from Neal Jolly of the newly reopened Wadebridge Folk Club. Neal has set up a new Facebook page and encourages everyone to have a look. Their next club night is February 16th from 7 – 10pm. All welcome, performers or audience, entry £5 to help build up funds – that incudes hot drinks and cake but you need to take your own cold drinks. And whilst on the subject of Cornish Folk, thanks to Lamorna Spry who has taken on the role of correspondent for Folk Life.
It’s good to be able to look forward to summer events while it’s still cold and wet – early tickets and information (as well as the opportunity to volunteer) are available now from the Sidmouth Folk Festival which runs from 4th to 11th August this year. Details at www.sidmouthfolkfestival.co.uk
Before that we have the Falmouth Shanty Festival from 16th to 18th June – details coming soon at https://www.falmouthseashanty.co.uk/ Even later in the year, there’s the Mevagissey Shanty Festival in October – two of our visitors on the zoom session (from Merseyside) have been booked to perform there.
Online, a reminder that Brian Peters is featured on Live to your Living Room on Saturday (4th February at 8.00). Brian has recorded many acclaimed CDs, devised concept performances of Child Ballads and Appalachian-English songs, and worked with singers and musicians including Sara Grey (USA) and Jeff Davis (USA) as well as Pete Coe and Laura Smyth on 2019’s ‘Road to Peterloo’ project. He also had a key role in the most recent revival of Peter Bellamy’s ‘The Transports’ in 2022. Brian Peters | Live To Your Living Room
And the following Saturday 11th February, the same site features a hybrid gig, held in Shrewsbury as well as being livestreamed around the world! This features Two of the most dynamic musicians in folk music. Alistair Anderson(Concertina & Northumbrian Pipes) has been blazing a trail for the music of Northumberland and beyond for close on five decades, while Dan Walsh (Banjo, Guitar and Vocals) is fast establishing himself as one of the finest young performers around. Alistair Anderson & Dan Walsh | Live To Your Living Room
That’s all for this week. Remember, if there’s any news or events which you want me to include, just let me know
All the best
Nigel