For me there were two - The Nursery in Hartlepool and the Red Lion at Trimdon (both NE UK) and I loved them because they were my first introduction to a music and a way of thinking about life that was to change the whole of my future (didn't KNOW that then, of course, but something must have given me an inkling. My brother took me to my first folk club - The Red Lion, Trimdon and the first introuduction I had to the world of folk was Roaring Jelly!!! Loved them, loved it all and I've never been the same again. I admit, my tastes have changed somewhat over the years and are probably now considered VERY traditional, but if I were only to hear a bass being slapped in a quizzical, music hall kind of way - anything could happen (and probably would!)

I remember seeing The Matthews Brothers at Hartlepool and seriously considering running away with them (mind, I used to consider that every week, whoever was the guest, but I really meant it this time...)

I was innocent, unknowing, naive - mostly I was young!! And I used to love watching the tendons in guitarists arms (don't ask - just don't ask!!)

Too much info by far - got to go now

The Dancing Doxy (by the way - my instrument allegiance has changed now too)