Hi once again
A classic, friendly Dreamers night last Sunday, a few regulars missing (and missed) but plenty of folk on good form so all very enjoyable. This coming Sunday, 14th May, we look forward to the visit of Tom Lewis, fantastic writer and performer of shanties and nautical songs. At the age of 80, he’s still very active – this gig is in the middle of a schedule which runs from Wales to Essex and also includes a visit to Belgium next weekend. This should be a great evening, not just for the singing but for the depth of knowledge which Tom shares with his audiences – not to be missed
The other highlight of this weekend is the appearance of Jon and Jill at the Old Church in St Day as one of the support acts for Hanterhir who headline this evening of Celtic-inspired live music. Singing in Cornish and English, Hanterhir’s distinctive brand of progressive rock infused with elements of folk and space rock has a strong local following. The event now runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday May 13th. On current plans, Jon and Jill will be kicking off proceedings so don’t be late! Tickets available on the door or from EVENTS 2023 | St Day Old Church – £7.50 for an adult.
Plenty of on-line activity still though, as last year, we can expect a bit less over the summer with all the Festivals and other activity. The next Cornish Zoom Folk Club is on May 27th (the next May Bank Holiday weekend).
Two events from the increasingly prolific Rosslyn Court venue in Margate. Some of the artists they freature are less familiar but often turn out to be folk one wants to hear much more of.
· Today, Thursday 11th May at 7.30 p.m., they have Naomi Bedford and Paul Simmonds who have made 4 acclaimed albums and been nominated for a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award (Best Original Song). They tour widely and have appeared at Cambridge Festival, Glastonbury, Celtic Connections and many others. Their Appalachian ballads album, Singing It All Back Home, was Folk Album of the Month in the Guardian. This is a hybrid gig with the first hour of the performance livestreamed free of charge (donations encouraged) at Naomi Bedford and Paul Simmonds – YouTube
· And next Thursday, 18th May, again at 7.30 p.m., Rosslyn Court features past Dreamers guests Christina Alden & Alex Patterson, multi-instrumentalists and songwriters from Norwich. Their music is rich with intertwining harmony, sensitive accomplished musicianship and a creative song-writing style that is both delicate and moving.
While we wait for the programme for the Falmouth Shanty Festival next month (16th to 18th June), mre info on performers who’ll be there is now on the Festival web-site at Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival Some familiar names but also some new ones.
Devoran Accoustic Sessions seem to have an increasingly ambitious programme of concerts and ceilidhs so it’s well worth keeping an eye on that. Coming up are Phil Beer (in August), Steve Knightley (September) and Geoff Lakeman with Rob Murch at their Tea Treat Concert in October. These dates are further ahead than I would normally mention but the events are very popular and the Hall is not huge so tickets go quickly. Mostly this is on facebook at (19) Devoran Acoustic Sessions | Facebook
And, finally, the May session of the reopened Wadebridge Folk Club is next Thursday (18th May) at The Barn, NT Cafe, Pentireglaze PL27 6QY (7-10pm). Performers and audience all welcome – entrance £5 includes a hot drink and cake/biscuit Bring your own cold/alcoholic drinks
All the best, hope to see you on Sunday night at Dreamers
Nigel