Around Kent Folk issue 90 December 2018 - January 2019 by Tenterden Folk Festival and Around Kent Folk

o u nd r a

ke nt folk Issue 90 December 2018 / January 2019

Your FREE Guide to Folk Events in Kent, Surrey, Sussex and beyond

Published by Tenterden Folk Festival, Charity No 1038663 Promoting folk song, music, dance, crafts and traditions.

Tenterden Folk Festival, an insider’s view I think all the TFF Committee were more stressed than usual in, at least, the last few weeks before this year’s festival. It was going to be the first festival since we lost Bob and Kathy Drage and Martin Lawrenson. Paul Cumberland, our stalls organiser for over 10 years, had also retired after the previous festival. Our official photographer Lewis Brockway was in hospital and has sadly since passed away. Another of our longstanding committee members, Ian Wookey, was also unable to be there due to ill health. Margaret White, a fairly recent committee member, had experience of running craft fairs for the National Trust some years ago, and rather reluctantly took on the role of administering and booking all the stalls in the marquee and the street. Just a few weeks before the festival, we were lucky to be able recruit Sally Argent as volunteer chief steward and she was working hard to recruit the necessary extra stewards and work out the rotas. I was trying to get the programme finalised and printed, sort out events and running orders, and the 101 other things that fall to the Festival Director. One of my biggest concerns was that I had booked Mick Ryan’s new folk show “Here at the Fair” with a cast of eight performers and that brought technical and logistical requirements we had not had to deal with at the festival before. The Tenterden Club was not available on Saturday evening, so the show was going to be in the Town Hall which was already the venue for the VIP reception with guests including our local MP, several Mayors, Councillors and other people we need on our side. The big question was whether we could get it all set up in time. On Tuesday and Wednesday our team of volunteers started to arrive in Tenterden; the marquees went up; the skips and campsite toilets arrived; signs and banners, stages and PAs were put up; finally it really looked to be ready for the festival goers to arrive on Thursday. The festival got off to a good start on Thursday evening with a great, well attended concert sponsored by this magazine and featuring John Conolly, Steve Turner and Peter Collins. Rightly or wrongly, we began to relax. All events on Friday went reasonably to plan and the town began to fill up and come alive. The barn dance with Morrigan gave the most fun we have had for several years. Good music with instructive and helpful calling got the dancers on the floor and kept them there all evening. The concert in the Saddlery was full to capacity and the Caxton was heaving. Then came Saturday morning. Not a bad start to the day but the forecast was not good. By mid-morning the Morris sides and folk dancer display teams had taken over the town centre. The craft fair and free music stage were looking good and there were plenty of people about. A quick visit to the VIP reception to shake a few hands and grab a sandwich or two then back to liaise with the professional road closure team and our hardworking stewards to get the procession started promptly at 3.00 p.m. Down came the rain! About 20 sides still took part in the rather hurried procession but the public were not out in the numbers we hope for on a sunny Saturday. Eventually back to the Town Hall where people were starting to queue for Here at the Fair. Despite one or two “technical issues” which hopefully were not too noticeable by the enthusiastic audience, the show went very well with house full signs up. Another success. Sunday, the pressure was less, it was dry and sunny and there were still plenty of Morris about. Events mostly went to plan other than a couple of problems at one of the concerts. I finished the day at the William Caxton for the final sing-a-round and it was all over for another year, except all the clearing up, post festival paperwork and returns, etc. A big thankyou to all the guests, participants, dancers, committee, volunteers, stewards, stallholders, ticket holders, supporters, funders, Councils and to the town of Tenterden. We could not do it without you ALL. All being well we will see you all again next year. Alan Castle (Trustee and Festival Director) Tenterden Folk Festival

Broadstairs Folk Week Folk Week welcomed hundreds of musicians and dancers to Broadstairs and everyone seemed to have a fantastic time in a happy, welcoming, family atmosphere – we even had very positive feedback on the showers at the campsite! There were a lot of ‘firsts’ in 2018: – first time for Zoe and Peter Hammond (Inspirations Creative) at the helm of the Hobby Horse Club- not an easy task and they really understood the ethos and added their own touch to the general merriment and mayhem; first time that Dane Court School had hosted the campsite and my what a challenge the first Friday was – as the heavens opened, the winds blew and our Campsite warden heroically prevented the entire site from becoming a quagmire – and after that, things calmed down and there was generally positive feedback – a few things didn’t turn out as we had planned – mainly due to being located in the wrong place but the school was very impressed with how our volunteers managed, how clean and tidy the site was and the harmonious atmosphere. We will return there next year, with some lessons learned and a few tweaks to improve the infrastructure. Without the campsite, it’s difficult to see how the festival could continue so we are extremely grateful to Dane Court School for opening their gates to an invasion of folkies! It was also first time for me to be mainly responsible for creating the whole artistic programme – which was daunting to say the least and made me feel quite overwhelmed on occasion. We sent out a survey to ticket holders after Folk Week and it was fascinating to see who their favourite acts were and how wide the net was – covering musicians who performed in pubs, in small venues and the Concert marquee. Everyone has their own personal highlight of Folk Week– some of which have nothing whatsoever to do with the festival organisation! In the main, the music was very successful – the pub programme which is booked by Euan Headley – attracted loads of people and a diverse range of performers. I hope that the different audiences who came to see the headliners such as Sharon Shannon, Kathryn Tickell and the others also discovered some new musicians and became instant fans. Due to the new arrangements at the campsite – the Social Dance programme, directed by marvellous Madeleine Smith had to relocate to St. Peter’s Church Hall – another first. We threw such a lot at poor Madeleine over the year – new venue, shorter programme – and she coped with everything. It proved very difficult to find a venue that could continuously host the social dance – everywhere has regular bookings of Zumba classes, playgroups and lunch clubs – so we weaved our way around that – and in the main – it was very successful – with some dance events attracting new people. St. Peter’s Church Hall is a lovely venue and a ten-minute walk from the new campsite so we have booked it again for next year. Jack’s Dance Night was held in the Pavilion which worked really well – the venue is in the centre of town and so there were a host of new dancers who probably would not have made the trek to the campsite. There were a few interesting mishaps – a banjo workshop with Dan Walsh that had the wrong date in the programme – but he agreed to do it again; Tim Edey’s car breaking down en-route to his gig in the Baptist Centre; Bob Kenward missing the entire festival due to a back problem – please sort yourself out for next year! But the band of stalwarts who come to the festival all stepped up to the challenges – thank you to all of you. Anybody who wants a week of intense experiences, meeting new people and enjoying a beautiful town should volunteer for Folk Week. We always need more workforce and we make a big effort to place people in a suitable role – the festival can’t exist without them and we have every generation wearing the infamous yellow workforce t-shirt.

We start from scratch every year – raising funds, booking artistes, recruiting workforce. Thank you to everyone who makes it happen – our hard-working committee particularly. As part of our fund-raising efforts - there is a Winter Festival to look forward to in January 2019. This is being held on Saturday 26 and 27 at the Sarah Thorne Theatre – many of you will remember it as Folk Week’s main venue before the Concert Marquee. Also – to make it a real humdinger of weekend – there’s a ceilidh with the Up Yer Kilt Band with caller Mr Doug Hudson at the Pavilion on the Sands on Friday 25 January – Burns Night. There are 2 different ticket numbers – sorry – couldn’t get round that – but please come and support it – it’ll be a chance to meet up with some friends, listen to some great music and help Folk Week. See you there! Jo Tuffs

Dance Corner

by Tony Foxworthy

During the early and mid 60s I lived in the North East, looking after the Yorkshire area of the English Folk Dance and Song Society. One New Year I was at the Allendale Fire Festival in Northumberland. This is something to see, a crowd of local men processing through the town with flaming half barrels on their heads filled with sawdust, tar, kindling and paraffin! Just before midnight they finish at the village square and throw the barrels onto a waiting bonfire. Very very exciting but I digress again... There was a couple staying in the same hotel as me, who were regular dancers at the Hexham Barn Dance. They told me about a dance which I had not come across which they had first danced in Buxton in Derbyshire and brought it with them to Hexham. Here it is. THE FARMER’S JIG Four Couple set dance, Couples in two lines facing partner Music any reel or jig A1 - All four couples dance down the middle holding their partners’ hand. Turn individually and dance back to place A2 - All four couples take both hands with their partner and gallop down and gallop back B1 - 1st & 2nd couples right and left hand star, while 3rd & 4th couples do the same. B2 - Single cast, men turn left and dance round, women turn right and dance round to the bottom of the set. 1st couple make an arch and the other dancers dance underneath, back to new place. If there is time swing partner. I know I say it every time but I mean it. Hope you enjoy it.

Ashford's No. 1 Music and Arts Venue paul jones & dave kelly

A live acoustic set by the founders of the legendary Blues Band. A guitar, harmonica and two authentic, thrilling blues voices.

Kathryn Williams & Neill MacColl Mercury prize nominee, Kathryn is joined by Neill, two of the UK's most critically acclaimed musicians.

jon boden & the remnant strings Legendary performer Jon Boden returns to Revelation, this time with his latest band The Remnant Strings.

tickets* available from:

www.revelationashford.co.uk

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Friday 14th December 2018 @ 7.30pm BELSHAZZARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FEAST-TWO WISE MEN www.belshazzarsfeast.com On tour with their celebrated Christmas show that mixes traditional folk music, seasonal material, stirring in classical, pop and music hall, all topped off with audience participation and lashings of wry humour, Paul Sartin (Oboe, Violin and Vocals for Bellowhead / Faustus) and Paul Hutchinson (Accordion for Hoover The Dog), together have wowed audiences across the UK, USA and Australia with their eclectic and eccentric mix of tunes and between songs chat, always sending audiences home with smiles on their faces. Join us for a night of great music and jolly japes, superb musicianship and two razor sharp wits are a winning combination; youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll love the music and possibly die laughing too.

+ The Courtiers The Courtiers are a four-piece acoustic Folk band from Portsmouth with Irish/ Celtic influences. Tickets: Adults ÂŁ16/Under 16s ÂŁ8 Available from Des Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Byrne on 01428 607096

Friday 18th January 2019 @ 7.30pm THE BULLY WEE BAND We are delighted to welcome back The Bully Wee Band on their 15th Anniversary Reunion Tour. They have appeared at Grayshott Folk Club three times before and each time they have thrilled our audiences and made new friends. The Bully Wee Band are one of Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foremost exponents of acoustic folk/rock music. They have toured every January since and we are delighted to have been included on their January 2019 tour

+ Chris Fox Inspired by roots, blues and folk music Chris Fox writes contemporary songs about the human experience. Tickets: Adults ÂŁ16/Under 16s ÂŁ8 Available from Des Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Byrne on 01428 607096 Thank you for supporting live music and real, live musicians

Dartford Folk Club BBC Radio 2 Best Folk Club of the year 2008 www.dartfordfolk.org.uk 01322 222553

FLOOR SINGERS WELCOME (PLEASE BOOK) 4th December Bruce Molsky 11th December Phil Beer and his special guest Odette Michell 18th December Jez Lowe & The Bad Pennies Christmas Show “THOR’D OUT!” 25th December **MERRY CHRISTMAS !!** Sorry we are closed! 1st January 2019 **HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE !!** Sorry we are closed! 8th January Liz Simcock 15th January Geoff Lakeman 22nd January The Long Hill Ramblers 29th January Edwina Hayes 5th February Luke Jackson Duo 12th February The Shackleton Trio 19th February Wizz Jones 26th February Sam Kelly & Jamie Francis Coming up: Craobh Rua, Quicksilver, Tom McConville, Steve Tilston

To receive regular updates: Email (put ADD on subject line) dartfordfolk@googlemail.com

DARTFORD WORKING MENS CLUB Essex Road EVERY TUESDAY 8.30 TILL 11.00

Winter 2018 - 2019

Albion Christmas Band

Sunday 9th Dec - Gulbenkian, Canterbury, Full Price £18, Students £10

St Agnes Fountain

Monday 17th Dec - Canterbury Cathedral Lodge, £18 online, £19.50 offline, £21 door

Cara Dillon -

Upon a Winter's Night

Friday 21st Dec - Gulbenkian, Canterbury, Full Price £22, under 25s £15

The Hut People Sunday 13th Jan – Black Robin Inn, Kingston, £12 online, £13 offline, £14 door

Reg Meuross

Sunday 20th Jan – Black Robin Inn, Kingston, £12 online, £13 offline, £14 door

annA rydeR Sunday 27th Jan – Black Robin Inn, Kingston, £12 online, £13 offline, £14 door

Steve Knightley –

Songs & Stories

Friday 8th Feb – Waterstones, Canterbury, £18 online, £19 offline, £20 door, under 25s £10

Fairport Convention

Tues 19th & Weds 20th Feb – Gulbenkian, Canterbury, Full Price £26, Under 25s £13

Chris Wood Saturday 9th March 2019 – Waterstones, Canterbury, online £15, offline £16, door £17, under 25s £7

Ross Ainslie & Ali Hutton’s ‘Symbiosis’ Tuesday 12th March 2019 – Gulbenkian, Canterbury, Full Price £16, Under 25s £8

Edgelarks Sunday 17th March 2019 – Gulbenkian, Canterbury, Full Price £14, Under 25s £7

To learn more - join our friendly mailing list at www.folkinthebarn.co.uk

THE UK’S MOST INSPIRING ACOUSTIC MUSIC IN BEAUTIFUL INTIMATE LOCAL VENUES

All End In Tears

John H Hills

FOLK-AT-THE-DRUM The Club meets every Thursday at ‘The Drum’ Inn at N. Stanford, Stone Street (Between Cant’ & Hythe)

146th June - Keith December 2018Kendrick - Steve Turner and- “Porch SylviaSwing Needham 17th January 2019 Blues” 12 July - Geoff 21st February 2019 - Higginbottom John and Di Cullen with- Iris Murdoch. 23 August Peter Collins All other evenings Singers Nights Guest Nights 8.00 p.m. Singers Nights 8.00 p.m. Members, Guests & visitors are always welcome to play, sing, listen or do all three! On Club Nights everyone who wishes gets a spot to perform. On Guest Nights there is limited time for ‘floor artists’ but a phone call usually gets you a spot. Tel: 01797 320518 mobile: 07890 292467 or email: david@plesbit.net www.folkatthedrum.co.uk

ELSIE’S The Queen’s Arms, on the B2026 midway between Edenbridge and the A264, Tunbridge Wells - East Grinstead Road 8 - 11 pm

15th Dec - Christmas Capers Mumming with the Cowden Pounders!!

12th January - 3 Hags Pull Sue Gates, Sue Mills, Iris Bishop & (p) lucky Colin?!

9th February - Will & Wolfie Good - time music, songs & laughs

www.elsiesband.com

Tonbridge Folk Club (Nellie’s) The Flying Dutchman, 118 Tonbridge Road, Hildenborough, Kent TN1 9EN First and third Mondays of each month, 8 - 11 pm

3rd December

Bob Kenward

Fine singing of traditional and self-penned songs and skilled guitar accompaniment

17th Dec The Nonesuch Mummers Enjoy this prelude to the festive season.

7th Jan 2019

Hook Line & Sinker

A mix of traditional & contemporary folk song in three part harmony from three ladies with lovely voices.

21st January

The Jones Boys

A duo from East Kent with an eclectic collection of songs accompanied by squeeze box and strings.

4th February

Bond of Union

This trio from Brighton perform traditional & contemporary folk music unaccompanied, with superb harmonies.

the Change of Horses Farnborough Village, Orpington

DECEMBER:

6th - Nick Dow Traditional Folk Songs with a wonderful soft voice and a mean guitar!

13th, 27th - Singers & Musicians Night 20th - Hudson & Cutler Doug Hudson sings and plays guitar with Ian Cutler one of the best folk fiddlers in the country. One last fling at the end of the year, lets make it a good one.... Same time, same channel...

JANUARY

3rd, 17th, 31st Singers & Musicians Nights 10th - Dave Ellis & Boo Howard 24th - Jolene Missing & Hippy Joe (Joe Hymas)

Tel: 01892 822945

Thursdays @ 8.15pm 01959 532 754 020 8325 6513

info@tonbridgefolkclub.org www.tonbridgefolkclub.org

Website: www.orpingtonfolkclub.org.uk E-mail: orpingtonfolkclub@hotmail.com

The Ballads of Child Migration Congratulations to Debs Earl and Folk in the barn for putting on The Ballads of Child Migration at the Gulbenkian in Canterbury on 12th November. This show featured an all-star cast including John McCusker, Michael McGoldrick, Boo Hewerdine, O’Hooley & Tidow, Chris While, Julie Matthews, John Doyle, Jez Lowe, Andy Seward and Andy Cutting and was narrated by Barbara Dickson. The show is currently on tour and well worth seeing. It tells story of Britain’s forced child migrants who for just over 100 years were sent off to countries including Australia and Canada. More than 100,000 children aged from around two years of age were forcibly transported to just for being orphans or from single parent or poor families who could not afford to look after the children themselves. They were with the promised a better life but mainly found only hardship, abuse and loneliness. The last children were sent off in 1970. The concert, presented as a series of songs, narration, slides, audio and film clips and brought tears to the eyes of most of the capacity audience in the Gulbenkian. The songs were originally written by the cast were recently heard as part of a major BBC Radio 2 dramatisation of Michael Morpurgo’s book Alone on a Wide Wide Sea, which deals with the same subject. The radio drama, including the music, starred Toby Jones and Jason Donovan and reached an estimated audience of 6 million listeners. This tour is supported by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, and is produced by 7digital – the digital music and radio services company that also produced the BBC Radio version of Alone on a Wide Wide Sea. Alan Castle - Editor Doors/bar ors/bar open 7 fo for 7.30

2nd Thursdayy each month from 8:30pm

The Bell, High Street, Kemsing, TN15 6NB We are short on numbers and would welcome support from musicians, singers and audience. It is possible we may have to close in the spring if we do not have a few more regular people. Lots of parking, the pub does food and the room is comfortable. What more could you want? Free entry but a hat collection to defray payments to guests. Seasons greetings to you all, Sheila Finn for Travellers Rest

Moore OR Less Folk Club Oast Community Centre, Granary Close, Rainham, Kent, ME8 7SG (next to Rainham railway station)

Second Friday of each month The club always welcomes new performers, of any ability, and audience who just wish to listen.

14th December Guest Night with Steve Turner (£5 including raffle) All singers nights are £2.00 members and £3.00 non-members Guest nights as advised but generally £4.00 / £5.00

All Club Nights 8.30 - 11.00pm Doors/bar open 7 for 7.30

Doors/bar open 7 for 7.30 Enquiries Chris Wilkin 01634 366155

Skinners Rats As last issue

EGERTON FOLK AND BLUES CLUB Meets every last Tuesday of the month, at The Barrow House, Egerton, TN27 9DJ, from 8pm. Folk, Blues and beyond. No guests, just residents and itinerants. All welcome. Hat collection. Contact Jerry Hatrick

(01233) 756357.

Foots Cray Social Club Waring Road Entrance, DA14 5BY

Open Music and Song Session in the Bar every Monday 8.00 11.00 p.m. www.crayside-folk-club for more information All genres- – Mainly Acoustic, but quiet electric guitars with battery amp allowed- must be compatible sound level. Beginners Encouraged. Experience is gained through jamming along. Occasional Open Mic Evenings and Guest Nights. Players, poets, storytellers, and listeners welcome. Free Entry – Please support our raffle, which pays our running costs.

CD Reviews Avalanche Imar BAMANN003 From Mabon, a Welsh band who have been around for 20 years, to Imar, a Scottish band, who have been around for only two years and were voted “Best emerging Act” at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards in 2018. Avalanche is Imar’s second album and features 10 very lively Celtic style tunes. In many ways this album is similar to Mabon’s and is very upbeat and lively and they to have already played at a variety of Celtic festivals from the Hebridise to Cape Breton and Tonder. Alan Castle – Editor There seems to be a glut of Celtic bands releasing albums over the last few weeks or months and most of them seem to be good but where is all the English music from English bands of a similar quality. Why are they not getting the same amount of exposure and publicity? I know the English musicians and bands are out there as you do see and hear them at the English festivals and in some art centres and venues. Please can we hear more English music from English bands. Mabon Twenty Live! Jamie Smith’s Mabon EOTRCD06 The title of this album really sums it up; a celebration of 20 years of Mabon recorded live during a tour in spring 2018 complete with some audience reaction. This very lively five piece award winning Welsh Celtic touring band have impressed audiences from Wales to Scotland via Brittany, Mexico, and even Malaysia’s Rainforest World Music Festival. The album includes a selection of very upbeat tunes interdispersed with some slightly less energetic Welsh language songs. This seventh album from Mabon includes live versions of tracks from the previous six as well as two new tune sets. As well as Welsh songs they play music including Breton an dro, French mazurkas, Galacian muniera and music which has been influenced by jazz and klezmer. The 12 tracks on this CD are all well worth a listen if you like your music, varied, energetic, fast and furious but do not expect to sit still while you are listening as I think you will be dancing around the room! Alan Castle – Editor Facts and Fiction - The magazine for everyone interested in stories and (oral) storytelling Issue 107 of F&F has just dropped on my doormat. This A4 format, black and white, 36 plus page magazine is published four times a year by Steel Carpet Music and edited by Pete Castle. The magazine is not only a national what’s on for the story telling scene but also contains stories, interviews and news together with illustrations and pictures. The cover picture this time is a knitted face/mask by Suz Hennessey which was part of the Woollen Woods for Belper Arts Festival. The regular “Centrefold Story” in this issue is “The Cat and Man legend” adapted from a History of Barngurgh (South Yorkshire) by J Stanley Large in 1952. There are also a large number of book reviews many of which are of books in the History Press Folk Tales series including “Sussex Folk Tales for Children” by Xanthe Gresham Knight and Robin Knight. If you are interested in storytelling this magazine is definitely for you. www.factsandfiction.co.uk Alan Castle – Editor

Acoustic Music Night at “The George”

Stone Street CT4 6DF Every third Wednesday of the month 8pm - 10.30pm If you enjoy playing or listening to unplugged acoustic music of all types (folk, blues, pop, rock, country, jazz, soul, classical etc) you are very welcome to join us at the pub for a free, relaxed and entertaining evening. For more information, contact Jeff on 01303 813188

Doors/bar open 7 for 7.30

The Bell, High Street Kemsing TN15 6NB

2nd Thursday each month from 8:30pm a great programme of events for 2018

December 13 Christmas Party January 10 Singers and residents night February 14 Allan Richardson March 14 Mike Nicholson 'Resident singers: Alan Austen and Linda Smith' We welcome all new musicians and singers as well as our regular club members. Contact: 01689 825263/ 0208 857 1024 Email: sheilafinn@hotmail.co.uk

THE STORMCHIEF

Native North American Legend Words and Music by Bob Watson

THE STORMCHIEF

Native North American Legend Words and Music by Bob Watson

Chorus (To start and finish): G

Oh the Stormchief comes, and he’s whipping up the wind, G/Em

And his breath is shot with rage and fire; G

Oh the Stormchief comes, and he’s whipping up the wind, G

And his breath is shot with fire. G 1.

See the clouds hang dark like a blanket in the sky, G

So the sun can’t shine and the light can’t pass; G

And all around there’s menace in the air, Em

As the Stormchief’s armies mass. Chorus

See the light’ning flash as it’s burning up the sky, Hear the wild wind’s howl and the thunder’s rage; It’s woe betide what’s standing in the way Of the Stormchief’s mad rampage.

Chorus

Get your head right down, taking shelter from the blast, As the trees are torn and the reeds all bent; There’s time enough for standing up again, When the Stormchief’s rage is spent.

Chorus

Now the Stormchief’s gone, back to lay his battle plans, Where the grapes of wrath are held in store; It’s peace at last, enjoy it while you can, Till the Stormchief comes once more.

Chorus

Sussex Folk News Into December and folk clubs are getting ready to present the rather special evenings that will prove to be a treat for all their regular supporters. Folk clubs in Sussex have come up with a variety of ways providing these. Eastbourne folk club meets fortnightly on Wednesdays at the Lamb in the Old Town and on the 5th December they hava an evening with that top duo, Vicky Swan & Jonny Dyer and they will be presenting their show called “Winter Warmer”. They tell us that ‘Vicky and Jonny have created a show that brings together a Scandinavian Christmas, classic carols and winter stories. It is informative, fun, full of chorus songs that you know and stories you probably don’t.’ If you haven’t heard this pair then you really ought to, they are singers, multi-instrumentalists and storytellers of the highest calibre. Two weeks later there will be their free admission Christmas Party offering an evening of seasonal celebration with songs, food, giant raffle and fun! For a number of years now, the Lewes Saturday Folk club has been offering two special nights on the last two Saturdays before Christmas. The first is usually, and is again this year an evening with a group of local singers and musicians who perform under the name of “Shepherds Arise”. This group concentrates on a wide range of folk tunes and carols from Sussex manuscripts. That will be on Saturday 15th November. The following Saturday will have a totally different atmosphere. They light a log fire in the grate in their clubroom and lit by candles and with punch and mice pies on hand it makes a very homely atmosphere. Horsham Folk Club meets on Sundays at The Normandy Centre Denne Road, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 1JF and their Christmas Party Night is on December 16th. Chichester Folk Club meets on Mondays and their Christmas Party Night is the day after the one at Horsham. Their home is in The Chichester Inn, 38 West Street, Chichester PO19 1RP. The club in now fully embedded in their new home there and have been enjoying their best attended year for a long while. Away from the regular folk clubs, Spyboy Presentations are always very strong on their Christmas presentations and they have three this year. On Saturday 8th December they will be presenting an evening called “A Traditional Sussex Christmas” and that will be in the company of the Copper Family, Chalk Horse Music and a very special guest Shirley Collins. It will take place at the lovely Old Chapel in Alfriston The Copper Family, who have been described as the backbone of the English musical tradition will be joined by Chalk Horse Music who gain their inspiration from the stories, the landscape and legends of Sussex. Shirley will be reading from her acclaimed book of memoirs, “All in the Downs” , punctuated with a few seasonal songs and a little help from her regular musical partner, Ian Kearey. Another Christmas attractions is on Saturday 15th December at Hailsham Pavilion is one that crops up every Christmas, he annual St Agnes Fountain show. Then back at the Old Chapel in Alfriston, on Sunday 16th December, they will be presenting a show called “A Celtic Christmas with Calan” and Calan are a quintet of excellent young singer/musicians. Against the backdrop of old traditions the show includes Plygain singing popular at Christmas in the chapels of Wales. Step dancing also features and the seasonal tunes are played on a range of instruments including fiddle, guitar, whistles, accordion, Welsh harp and Welsh bagpipes! A word of warning, though. Many Spyboy concerts sell out in advance, so don’t just turn up there expecting to get in. Check ticket availability at spyboy.co.uk Aside from the Christmas events, the two most attractive events would seem to be the visit of the superb American Old Time maestro, Bruce Molsky to the Lewes Saturday Night Folk Club on December 8th and the sensational young trio, Granny’s Attic to Horsham folk club on Sunday 27th January. The combination of Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne, George Sansome and Lewis Wood are the best thing that had happened to the folk scene in many years. Vic Smith

since 1976

BRITAINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FOLK & ACOUSTIC SPECIALISTS Our 8 UK shops stock all kinds of acoustic & folk musical instruments from Britain and around the world! Expert staff are always on hand to give you free, friendly advice. Try the instruments for yourself - visit our shops and festival stalls! 40th Anniversary CD out Now! A compilation of great music from current & past staff, to celebrate our 40 years in the business.

Order securely online or call 0333 800 9500

www.hobgoblin.com

-Folk Nightat the

Stile Bridge Inn at Marden Come and join us every third Wednesday for a free sing around 7.30pm until 11pm Musicians and audience welcome The Stile Bridge, Staplehurst Road Marden, Kent TN12 9BH

Tom Thumb Theatre 2 Eastern Esplanade, Cliftonville, Margate CT9 2LB www.littleopryattomthumb.webeden.co.uk 01227 770840 01322 228802 www.tombthumbtheatre.co.uk www.wegottickets.com or phone 01843 221791

Doors/bar open 7 for 7.30 01622 831236 Or call Nigel White 07793 076827

Deal Friday Folk Club meets 8pm every Friday at RMA Club (upstairs) 37 The Strand, Walmer CT14 7DX October - Granny's Attic 3 incredibly talented December 7th26th - Morrigan - Come and- delight in the young men who have taken the folk world by storm in beautiful recent4-part years harmony singing and playing as Morrigan perform their Christmas show November 9th - Singer's Night with Remembrance

December 21st - Christmas Party - Dig out your Party theme (Armistice Day Centenary) Pieces and Christmas Songs and come along to celebrate!

November 16th - Quicksilver - Grant Baynham &

January - The Allen Family Band Americana and Hilary18th Spencer entertain and delight with-virtuoso old-timey to warm you up in January guitar music and amazing voice Guest nights - £5. Singers Nights - £1.50 Singers, £2 Non-singers www.dealfolkclub.org.uk or ring Sue on 01-304-360877

Faversham

Every Wednesday 8.00pm Doors open 7.30 www.favershamfolkclub.net

Folk Club

The Limes Preston Street, Faversham ME13 8PG

Dec - Jan

April - May

November 28th - Lynne Heraud & Pat Turner £7/8 Two top harmony singers well beloved by the club, with a wide variety of ballads, bounce and bawdy. Come prepared to be thrilled... shocked... excited… December 5th & 12th - Singers Nights December 19th - Vicki Swann & Johnny Dyer £8/9 A Yuletide treat, a welcome return for nationally acclaimed Vicki and Johnny, fine musicians and a range of musical influences brought to bear on powerful and moving songs. Nickelharper buffs welcome, smiles all round… January 2nd - Singers Night January 9th - Sue Hudson & Ian Petrie £7/8 Long-time favourites of the Kent scene combine in an eclectic evening of Americana and original songs. Foot-tapping, fingerlicking rhythms, big smiles and big voices... Guaranteed to bring a warm glow to the depths of January… January 16th Singers Night January 23rd - Hook, Line & Sinker £7/8 Three delectable voices combined in East Kent’s newest supergroup- Sue Watson, Chrissy Holmes and Karen Scott in fresh a capella takes on the traditional and contemporary repertoire. You’ve seen them all individuallynow catch them together! January 30th - Singers Night

Unless otherwise stated, admission to guest nights is £6 members, £7 non-members All singers nights now £2. Under 18 always free Chairman/ Bookings: Pat on 01795 423674 or rjpmailbox pat@yahoo.co.uk Press/ Radio Publicity:Bob on 07885 642763 / bobkenward21c@gmail.com

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Tenterden

olk festival

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tenterden the Jewel of the Wealdâ&#x20AC;?

Thursday 3rd to Sunday 6th October 2019 Folk song, music, dance, crafts and traditions

i Ticketed events include: Thursday evening concert, concerts, barn dance, special shows, workshops, meet the guests, folk clubs, etc. Free events include: cra & street stalls, free music stage, dance stage, Morris dancers, dance displays, procession, song and music sessions, street theatre, etc. CONTACT INFORMATION: Fes val director: Alan Castle, 15 Repton Manor Road, Ashford, Kent TN23 3HA E: alan@tenterdenfolkfes val.org.uk T: 01233 626805 Cra s & stalls: E: info@tenterdencra fair.org.uk Chief steward: E: chiefsteward@tenterdenfolkfes val.org.uk Dance co-ordinator: Spud Jones dance@tenterdenfolkfes val.org.uk

Tenterden Folk Fes val Registered charity No. 1038663

T N E K RADIO W

O H S K L FO Sunday 9 - 10 pm Presented by Doug Welch mw 96.7 (west) 104.2 (east) Live show featuring guest performers and artists appearing in Kent venues. Send info to: kentfolk@bbc.co.uk 0345 9811 111 Radio Kent Folk Show The Great Hall Mount Pleasant Road Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1QQ

Singdanceandplay Join us for friendly,, free even nings with great music and d special guests at The Castle Inn, Brenchley TN12 7BN from 8pm: x 27 January:: Dan Qu uinn — legendarry melodeoniist,, trad songs,, monolo ogues and goo od humour x 24 February:: Peter Collins — well loved local siinger with a warm deep voice and a wealth of greatt songs)) Also fo or regular English music sessions,, old local Christmas carol sings,, popular free tunes workshops, and twice--yearly family barn dances see Singdanceandplay.net or call 07985 522734

Shepherd and Crook Inn Burmarsh TN29 0JJ 01303 872336

Open Mic Night

1st Tuesday of every month

7.30 – 9.30pm

Come and join us, and sing-a-long with a local ukulele band If you play come and entertain us It’s a fun evening

Adventures of an Old Folkie May I start by offering an apology to readers who may have taken offence at my comments about the use of the capo with guitars in the last edition. May I make it clear that I did not mean to criticise those who choose to use one when transposing keys; I know that a lot of folk guitarists use them to match keys to their vocal ranges, and I believe that this is perfectly acceptable, although, personally, I don’t like using them, as I find it difficult working out the appropriate chord shapes and where they should go on the fretboard when using a capo. This is really an admission of a weakness on my part. All of this came out of my guitar practices with my friend Steve, in which he’s taught me how to transpose keys on the guitar’s fretboard without using a capo. We used this knowledge in this afternoon’s practice session, when we transposed the key of an old 17th century folk song, “To The Queen Of Hearts”, from E minor to A minor, and it actually made it easier to play, especially as we were trying to fingerpick the song! For a long time, I’ve wanted to vary my guitar-playing techniques, partly to make my public performances more interesting; however, in the past, I have fallen prey to my own inherent laziness and tendency to be bored easily, and have therefore failed to put in the required effort and resilience when it comes to practicing. With this in mind, I have decided to put aside a period of each day in order to practice and hopefully improve my playing; particularly the areas of fingerpicking and soloing. For my next set of songs at Folk-at-theDrum in Stanford, I have chosen to use fingerpicking; I just hope it won’t turn out to be a disaster! Still, they say you only learn from your mistakes. This sudden enthusiasm for practicing may have been piqued by my recent acquisition of a new electro-acoustic guitar. Regular readers may remember that I wanted to purchase a bespoke, hand-made guitar, such as an Atkin. However, a few weeks ago, I just happened to be in Hobgoblin in Canterbury, perusing the acoustic guitar section, when I noticed a beautiful-looking guitar with a really unusual design on its headstock. After asking permission from the assistant, I prised it from its holder and was delighted to find that its tone matched its looks and that it was lovely to play. My thoughts about bespoke guitars were immediately forgotten, and I bought it straightaway. Its brand is “Blueridge”, which I had vaguely heard of, and, from the headstock design, I would say that it is designed for country music players. I must admit that, when I got it home and looked more carefully at the label inside it and discovered that it was made in China, I felt a little disappointed, but subsequently, people have told me that modern Chinese guitars are very well-made; it certainly plays very well and has a lovely tone. And it was cheaper than a bespoke guitar would have been! Finally, I realise that I may have offended another group of people in my last missive; namely, Morris dancers. At the time of writing, The George on Stone Street was about to be visited by the East Kent Morris side, with whom I had once been slightly associated, almost joining them, before realising that Morris dancing was not for me. As I wrote at the time, I would like to emphasise that I greatly appreciate and approve of the practice, believing that it should be cherished and continued well into the future. As it happens, because of family commitments, I didn’t get to see them, although I have heard that there were problems on the night, not least of which was that the pub ran out of beer! Jeff (JR) Hartley

CD Reviews Tentation Yves Lambert Trio PRU2-4818 This album starts with the sounds of chickens cluck, clucking and moves on to some chatter in French or Breton before the musicians takeover with La Poule A Jean-Paul. To quote from the album sleeve, the musicians are Yves Lambert accordeons, guimbardes, harmonica and voix principale), Tommy Gauthier (violon, pieds, percussion and voix), and Olivier Randeau (guitares, basse and voix) plus guest musician Mark Busic (harmonium, and arrangement sur Le lac rond). Listening to this album as a non-French speaker I was still very impressed by the upbeat music and obvious quality of the vocals[ ] and the robust choruses. Some of it put me in mind of music suitable for a barn dance and some more for listening to more closely. Ives says that the album was inspired by the biblical theme Temptation of St Anthony that also inspired many artists including Salvador Dali and Michelangelo. The artwork on the album cover was drawn by Genevieve Chabot and would have been very appropriate for Halloween. All in all, a very interesting listen but I could do with the English translation of the songs for full enjoyment. Alan Castle - Editor

CD Reviews Steve Turner - LateCut - The Tradition Bearers LTCD1106 www.thetraditionbearers.co.uk My album shelves tell me that this is the eighth solo album from one of the most admired singers on the folk scene since his debut in 1979 - and there is not one substandard track amongst them. Once again Steve sets out to provide a selection of old and new songs that is rich in variety and interest. Of course, as we would expect, there is a ballad (The Two Sisters) a song written by Paul Metsers (Palestine) in the selection of songs from both sides of the Atlantic. His ability to bring something new to a song is there, perhaps most obvious in his treatment of Robert Burns’ Mary of Argyll, a somewhat unexpected choice for Steve. The album ends with one of his best performances; a song written by a friend , Ron Yates, Bide A While; with his voice blending to great effect with the harmony vocals of Eliza Carthy. The only instrument that we hear Steve playing this time is the sophisticated chording of his concertina, but there is also a range of backing musicians including Gina Le Faux and Martin Simpson, but the one present on most songs is the rising star of the guitar, Sam Carter. The two manage to generate great empathy together. Vic Smith PS to above review from Alan Castle (Editor) I was lucky enough to be sent a “rough” mix of this CD by Steve a few weeks before Tenterden Folk Festival where he was due to talk about the new album which is due for official release on 1st December. It was obvious from that early version that this was going to be an excellent album. As Vic says, Steve always comes up with a good mix of material and on this album he has done himself proud. It is very well produced so that the lead vocals are always clear but you can still hear the backing vocal and music from the long list of featured guest. Hector Gilchrist - Gleanings - Wildgoose WGS426CD - www.wildgoose.co.uk Hector is a Scot, living for many years in Surrey and he has been a stalwart of the folk scene in south-east England. His main strengths are his fine engaging voice and his ability to choose interesting and varied songs that suit that voice to construct a varied programmes both in his live performances and his albums; this is the third for this company. The way he varies his songs covers a number of aspects of his performance. He changes his accent; a good example would be the transfer of the standard English pronunciation used in Steve Knightley’s fine Exile immediately followed by pure Lallans Scots as he sings Burns’ A Waukrife Minnie. This track with its superbly sensitive, supportive fiddle playing by Carol Anderson is one track that stands out in very fine company here. Another is the only unaccompanied song. My Lagan Love gives the opportunity to concentrate on the beauty and control of his singing. Elsewhere songs range from the traditional to such fine songwriters as Graeme Miles, Janis Ian and Andy M. Stewart. The important contribution of the fiddle has been mentioned but all the accompanists are well chosen, but in particular the multi-instrumental talents of Vicki Swan and Jonny Dyer. Vic Smith

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Wanted Alive or Alive! Marlings Morris, a North West side based in Edenbridge require an experienced musician to augment their skilled & friendly band If you are interested please email Tim tim@tpeters.co.uk

Folk music on the radio and

online - Send us details of the folk show you enjoy especially those produced in Kent, Surrey and Sussex

BBC Radio 2: The Folk Show with Mark Radcliffe every Wednesday at 7.00 p.m. FM 88 to 91 www.bbc.co.uk BBC Radio Kent: Kent Folk with Doug Welch every Sunday at 9.00 p.m. MW 96.70 West MW 104.2 East. www.bbc.co.uk Channel Radio Channel 2: Folk in the Barn Radio with Keith Peverly every Tuesday at 7.00 p.m. www.channelradio.co.uk/two Deal Radio: The Folk Pilot with Neil Vessey every Tuesday at 8.00 p.m. www.dealradio.co.uk Chichester Hospital Radio: "Folk For All" with Ken Hobbs every Thursday at 6.00 p.m. www.chr1431.org.uk or via the apps TuneIn and Radioplayer

This issue of Around Kent Folk was produced by Alan Castle and Andy Wood on behalf of Tenterden Folk Festival. Promoting folk song, music, dance, crafts and traditions. Registered Charity No 1038663 Issue No. 91 February/March COPY DATE: 18th December Then … 18th February – April / May 18th August – October / November 18th April – June / July 18th October - December / January 18th June – August / September 18th December – February / March

ADVERTISING RATES: With both printing and postage costs continuing to rise we have reluctantly decided to increase some of our advertising rates with effect from issue 91. The new rates are as follows: Full colour: Back cover: £75 Inside front or back cover: £65 Full page run of issue: £60

Grayscale: Back cover (if available): £50 Inside front or back cover (if available): £50 Full page: £35 / Half page: £25 Quarter page: £16

Series discount: 10% if you pay in advance for a series of six adverts. You can still submit new artwork for each issue. Artwork: Copy for new advertisements should be supplied as camera ready artwork by email as a high-resolution PDF, JPEG, or TIFF. Existing, regular advertisers need only send in new copy to update existing adverts. A minimum extra charge of £10 will be made if you cannot submit your artwork in the correct format or sizes. Adverts and listings should be sent to akf@tenterdenfolkfestival.org.uk with a copy to anmarprintingservices@gmail.com Payment: Cheques payable to Tenterden Folk Day Trust (not Tenterden Folk Festival or Around Kent Folk). Send cheque and hard copy of adverts to: Alan Castle, 15 Repton Manor Road, Ashford, Kent, TN23 3HA You can also pay by BACS or internet banking. Ask for details. REVIEWS AND NEWS ITEMS: AKF also includes CD and book reviews. Please send items for review to the address above. AKF also welcomes reviews of live gigs and festivals that you have attended and other folk news which you can email to us at akf@tenterdernfolkfestival.org.uk WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA: www.aroundkentfolk.org.uk twitter.com/AroundKentFolk ● facebook.com/AroundKentFolk Around Kent Folk Subscription Form Name ....................................................................................................................................... Address .................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................................. Telephone: ............................................................................................................................... Email:....................................................................................................................................... SUBSCRIPTION £8 for 1 year (6 issues) Cheques payable to “Tenterden Folk Day Trust” Send to: Alan Castle, 15 Repton Manor Road, Ashford, Kent TN23 3HA