Does anyone agree that folk clubs are a marvellous institution? I¹ve been going to folk clubs since 1964. Sometimes I have been bored shitless. Sometimes it¹s been a chance to catch up with old mates. And sometimes something has happened. And it¹s for fellowship and the chance that something might happen that I¹ve been going to folk clubs since 1964.

Can you think of any other cultural cornerstone that has been so utterly dependable, so utterly unchanging these last 30-plus years? And what about all the big names that the folk club circuit has generated?

An evening in a folk club is little different now than it was 30 years ago. Except that (some) people play and sing better now than they did then. And perception of what proper beer is all about has improved the quality of the average pint. Other than that, it¹s down to the floor singers (some arresting, some with a little way to go yet) and the guest.

Sometimes you wonder why you turned out. Other times you witness something wonderful. I love it! I wonder what all you other folkies think.

FreeReed