Scene & Heard

Just now the frost is off the larch, the early flowers are out, and it’s time to anticipate the summer festivals… over the winter there’s definitely been a gradual rise in audience numbers for guests at clubs as confidence gains. Larger gatherings like the Sussex Sing were full of fine participants from all over the country, and interestingly I hear that some Zoom sessions are being continued too, reflecting the fact that our South-Eastern folk strikes a chord right around the world.

Congratulations to the Session Band, who have achieved their ambitious lockdown target of £10,000+ for hospices around Kent in 2021-2. Led by Mike Wheeler & Ruth Cronk, they gathered first to play music in public in Faversham marketplace and Tunbridge Wells, a bucket to the fore. Canterbury, Deal, Sittingbourne, Sheerness, Maidstone… over two summers a lot of talented local musicians came out into the sun to play two hours of jigs, reels and gems from their extensive repertoires. As Mike says, ‘it blossomed with enthusiasm into a well motivated force with a worthy cause.’ Early days, it was wonderful to see so many children dancing as they passed and shoppers in general were most generous. ‘Live music back again’ was the overwhelming reaction. Thanks to all who were enticed out on Saturday mornings and to Ruth for her delicious lunches…!

The Market Inn sessions continue each Tuesday, 8-10 now.

There’s a flurry of recording which should bear fruit in the summer- James Kerry has his album in production, Danny Tonks likewise, and after the chart success of Will Allen’s ‘English Fiddle’ with Rowan Piggott (himself preparing another) he is contemplating new tunes for his next. A delight to hear, as all have the folk repertoire deeply embedded in their wide-ranging portfolios.

A great pleasure to hear Bully Wee in Kent, sadly for the last time as they are retiring as a band. Their set spanned the years, Ian Cutler’s flying fingers frying jigs, Colin Reece enticing Lady Lovibond out of the mist and a tumbling, rolling ability to switch from ballad to revel. Flute, mandolin, bazouki, all in the best possible taste. Colin plans to continue to play as usual in Medway with the likes of Steve Shorey, which is good news. Good to catch up with old friends and audience faithfuls like Derek, Pete, Linda, Dave and Russ in the crowd…

Grand evenings from Dave Ellis & Boo Howard, Dave Ferra and Sally Ironmonger & Brian Carter recently- all with fresh songs to augment their most requested. I can recommend sitting in the front row for DF, a masterclass for slide guitar and such polite introductions… all generous with their advice and warm professionalism.

Deal Folk Club is reopening on THURSDAYS at a new venue as from February… St Andrews Church Hall, West St CT14 6DZ with guests once a month, singers other evenings. March 16 is Derek Gifford, April 20 sees Bob Kenward ( who he?) , an evening of Kentish song with plenty of involvement, and for May 18 Johnny Dyer & Vicki Swann.

New monthly Irish session at Rosslyn Court in Cliftonville led by the irrepressible Una Bellingham, third Tuesdays of the month... 8-10pm ... hoping to hold future concerts...

Sarah Paley of Morrigan has been virtually pedalling herself round the globe… stung by a remark from a young relative, I’ve been exploring world music again. Vic would know more, it seems to me that the internet is a two-way blessing. An honour to host part of the Sussex Sing- newly ensconced in the Elephant & Castle, and a triumph for the organisers Valmai, Bryan et al. Always cheering in the heart of winter, a log fire burning and 148 different songs of love, cheer and goodwill. Strange to miss Sandra Goddard, Pete Collins and not to see Jerry Jordan this year, but as ever the company was lively and the choruses rang. For me the new year begins when Jim Glover sings Belloc and Ken Hobbs entertains… Will Duke delightfully engages with murder and bloaters… Marian Button ballads…Moose Rosser connects old songs with recent events…and the harmonies rise into the night…

Onwards, then: Sweeps from Sat 29 Apr- Mon 1 May is a must, with morris and folk acts all over the streets and gardens. The Castle stage has ever-popular Sur Les Docks and Silver Darlings, a female shanty group, among its attractions; the Gordon Hotel Marquee will host Loins with the Dredgermen to celebrate the songs of Chris Broderick, whilst there are four more music stages during the day offering a plethora of good acts… and its all free! Come and say hi at the Boley St Stage, if you’re passing- its’s always enjoyable to share a bit of time and catch up on your news…

Broadstairs planning is well advanced, 11-18 Aug; set your alarm clocks for Granny’s Attic, Tim Edey, Lady Maisery and Katie Spencer… working on the new KSC show Where Are You Going To as we speak, which is always interesting. John & Di Cullen, Sue Watson, Sue Evans and Laurie Jeal all contributing, songs, tunes and plenty of new material. Sessions as before with extensive use of the Sailing Club, Baptist Centre and daily Woodsheds in the Wrotham. Plenty to choose from!

Best wishes to all, and I’ve put one in for Ian Petrie... will he spot it???

Bob Kenward