Current Great Folk Clubs?

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: Gervase
Date: 13 Feb 20 - 06:07 PM

The Grove in Leeds, as might have been mentioned above, is dmaned good. As is Sharps in C#H

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Feb 20 - 11:20 AM

Doncaster Roots. A Friday night concert style rather than floor singers but booking excellent folk artistes weekly. Ukrainian Centre, Becket Rd.   They have a web site, Facebook page etc.

Last week Jez Lowe, this week Greg Russell.

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: Rob 'Mad Jock' Wright
Date: 12 Feb 20 - 10:00 AM

Oh meant to mention that the pub TWA TAMS was voted Best Pub 2019 up here in Scotland.

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: GUEST,Warwick Slade
Date: 07 Feb 20 - 11:43 AM

The WIMBORNE FOLK CLUB has recently moved to its new venue at the cafe@Allendale where it meets weekly on a Thursday welcoming an average of 25 different performers including several semi pro singers. It can accommodate a crowd of 70 listening to good acoustic music of many shades

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: GUEST,LesB
Date: 06 Feb 20 - 05:22 AM

The Bothy Folk Club in Southport is still going strong (55yrs in April), with the same format alternating Guests and Singers nights weekly www.bothyfolkclub.co.uk

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: The Sandman
Date: 05 Feb 20 - 02:38 PM

aberdeen folk club in its heyday i was honoured to meet him alovely man as well as a very good player

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: GUEST,kenny
Date: 04 Feb 20 - 03:59 PM

I remember you from your gigs there too Dick.
Arthur, I'm afraid, is long gone, but there were very few "moothie" players as good as him then or now. I found this on "Youtube" :

https://youtu.be/ouIWW-NAnHU

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: The Sandman
Date: 04 Feb 20 - 03:29 PM

keny i remeber the aberdeen rfolk club in the 80s and a moothie called arthur middleton

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: The Sandman
Date: 04 Feb 20 - 12:42 PM

yes sorry kenny

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: GUEST,kenny
Date: 04 Feb 20 - 12:23 PM

"When was the last time you were there Dick.....l think you'll find the club is in Wolviston"
That wasn't from me, Dick. Kenny

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: Dave Sutherland
Date: 04 Feb 20 - 11:31 AM

Regarding Traditions at the Tiger, Tamworth Road, Long Eaton, as mentioned in April 2008, we moved from The Tiger Inn in 2011, as the pub looked like it was closing (and it did a year later), a few yards up the street to The Stumble Inn, Tamworth Road, Long Eaton and subsequently changed the name to Tigerfolk.
We celebrated our 29th birthday on Sunday night with Jez Lowe as our guest.

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: The Sandman
Date: 04 Feb 20 - 10:55 AM

kenny , i did a gig there april 2019, it is a great club wolviston is part of billingham.

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: GUEST,Jim Knowledge
Date: 04 Feb 20 - 10:12 AM

I `ad that Banjoman in my cab the other day.`e does a very fair version of "The Campdown Races" on `is old five stringer. Well worth a listen.
I said ,"Morning Paul, where to then?"
`e said, "Morning Jim. Can you take me to the Press Archives Office, please. I want to look in the old "Melody Maker" to see the `istory of the Folk Clubs down `ere. I`m doing a piece about the really good`uns."
I said, "No sooner said than, Paul".
`e said, "`ere Jim. You and your band `ave done `em all over the years. Can you think of a really great one?"
I said, "One of the best was MacDonalds."
`e said, "Not "MacDonald & MacTavishes Bar" on Sochie`all Street?"
I said, "No. I mean the club they used to `old in the MacDonalds in Tunbridge Wells. Us lads in the band used to `avec a pint of Larkins in "The `op Puller" opposite, our young lady member would settle for an orange and lemonade and then we all got a burger and chips in the club, free, gratis and for nothing, `alf way through our set!!"


Whaddam I Like??

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: GUEST,Guest Tim
Date: 04 Feb 20 - 09:26 AM

A vote for the Song Loft, Stony Stratford. Very friendly and welcoming, regular guests and good floor singers.

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: Doug Chadwick
Date: 04 Feb 20 - 05:33 AM

...l think you'll find the club is in Wolviston

The club's own up-to-date website shows the address as High Street, Billingham. Google Maps gives Wolviston as being a part of Billingham. It is only 6 minutes drive from the town centre.

You are being very picky, anonymous Guest.

DC

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: GUEST,David Nuttall
Date: 04 Feb 20 - 05:29 AM

Wakefield Music Sessions. I would like to agree with Ray's post above...these 2 sessions are most excellent and I would love to see new participants....singers and instruments of all kinds plus the usual appreciative audience. The sessions are well attended although I have missed some of late due to ill health.There are friendly , talented people , so many real ales and a great atmosphere at both venues. The sessions could not be described as Folk Clubs ( whatever the definition may be ) but provide wonderful afternoons for so many. Please feel free to come along and see for yourself....all are very welcome....no charge of course. We look forward to seeing you.

David Nuttall

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Feb 20 - 04:49 AM

yes kenny billingham folk club run by the wilsons............When was the last time you were there Dick.....l think you'll find the club is in Wolviston

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: r.padgett
Date: 04 Feb 20 - 04:41 AM

I held back from posting here as the mixed sessions I and a number of mature folkies frequent are in Wakefield not strictly folk clubs ~

Fernandes Tap (top room) plenty of room for performers no mic and audience with good order first Sunday itm ~ from 1.30pm usually around 8 plus performers of high calibre melodeons, banjos (I know),concertinas and fiddles as well as the guitars very traditional material usual and similar

Polka Hop 3rd Sunday itm in the afternoon! 1pm ish on ~ Polka Hop renamed started to run their own guest spots ~ had the Hunch and one or two others so far ~ was already established as a long running folk venue under old name of Bull and Fair House ~ a little place but nigh all the main room utilised!

Ray

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 03 Feb 20 - 10:01 AM

I'll just keep plugging Skipton! Fits all the criteria listed for great so far plus the pub is in, the Narrow Boat, has a splendid choice of beer and good food :-) Oh, the club always starts and finishes on time too :-)

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: Richard Mellish
Date: 03 Feb 20 - 09:27 AM

An unidentified Guest a few days ago mentioned "excellent (BOSE) sound system and mixing". There should be no reason for a sound system (however good) unless the venue is a large room holding a large audience, in which case I would be very reluctant to count it as a "folk club".

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: The Sandman
Date: 03 Feb 20 - 03:16 AM

very good residents high standard of floorsingers good quality guests.

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: GUEST,kenny
Date: 02 Feb 20 - 04:52 PM

Aye, but what makes them "great" ?

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 02 Feb 20 - 04:44 PM

Houston folk club , near Greenock, is a great little club, very rarely a guest artist, but local talent and a very friendly bunch. ( Every Thursday) Bose sound system.

Irvine folk club, every Wednesday, quality guest artists and floor spots.

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 02 Feb 20 - 04:34 PM

Jimmy Crowley: always good entertainment and thoroughly likeable guy: have had him at our local folk club a good few years ago, and since seen him at Whitby on a couple of more recent occasions. On one occasion he was booked to play at our club, but the club then had a crisis of suddenly and unexpectedly having no venue. Jimmy, kind soul, suggested that he would play in our local pub which was a pretty small space, if we would "pass the hat round": he was going to be over here anyway to do other gigs, and his generous spirit allowed us to have a really good night, and hopefully there was plenty in the hat for him. Maybe different circumstances from what happened in Aberdeen, but I don't think anyone felt insulted, and, as I said, it was his suggestion and choice, rather than cancel the whole thing.

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: The Sandman
Date: 02 Feb 20 - 03:54 PM

yes kenny billingham folk club run by the wilsons

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: GUEST,kenny
Date: 02 Feb 20 - 02:08 PM

Some definitions required for this thread to be meaningful, I'd say.
a - the original poster was quite specific about what he / she meant as "Current" - "shall we say in the last year ?"
b - " the one(s) you have enjoyed " - ie you have had to have been there yourself, not "hearsay".
c - "Great" - you tell me how you define that.
d - "Folk Clubs" - I'll be generous and would say an event which advertises itself as "xxxxxxx Folk Club". "Club" implies meeting throughout the year at regular intervals, and with a membership. It's certainly not any of the poxy "open mic" sessions I've seen in pubs in Aberdeen.
S0 - where are the "Current Great Folk Clubs" in the UK in 2019/2020, and why ? Are there any ?

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: The Sandman
Date: 02 Feb 20 - 05:20 AM

Kenny so many guest clubs are not as well attened as they used to be ,one exception is the wilsons club, otherwise i agree with you

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: GUEST,kenny
Date: 02 Feb 20 - 04:52 AM

Since you asked - Aberdeen Folk Club stopped booking professional guests 2 years ago. I only went once last year, to hear Jimmy Crowley, whom I had booked at the club in the mid-1980s. On that occasion, Jimmy was a duo with the late Chris Twomey [RIP]. Although it was their first appearance in Aberdeen, the publicity was done right and there was a near capacity audience of over 100. They were paid a professional fee according to the rates at the time, and I think even got an increase on a "percentage of the door takings basis".
Jimmy was over last year to play at the Portsoy Festival - [ the "Haal", not the boat festival ], and had a night off beforehand in Aberdeen. Although it was short notice he could have been given a gig in my opinion. He was invited to be a "special guest" at a "Singers & Musicians" session. They "passed the hat" round for him, which I thought was extremely insulting to a professional and long established touring musician. Jimmy's choice, of course, and it was actually a very good evening. Audience was less than 50.
Not the mark of a "great" folk club, IMHO, of course.

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 01 Feb 20 - 05:31 PM

Point taken Kenny! Has it gone downhill since then, then?

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: GUEST,kenny
Date: 01 Feb 20 - 06:13 AM

"Of course, I shouldn't rely on hearsay!" Agreed. I wouldn't call 5 years ago "Current".

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 31 Jan 20 - 08:15 PM

Probably about 5 years ago Kenny: so I'm not a regular exactly, but some of my friends are. I found it very welcoming then, if a little sparse on numbers. Of course, I shouldn't rely on hearsay!

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: The Sandman
Date: 31 Jan 20 - 06:23 PM

i was there about 4 years ago, good to see it still going but not as good as years ago

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: GUEST,kenny
Date: 31 Jan 20 - 05:24 PM

When were you last in Aberdeen Folk Club, for you to class it as "great" ?

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 31 Jan 20 - 11:43 AM

Some more from Scotland: Edinburgh, Leith, Newtongrange (Nitten), Falkirk, Stonehaven, Aberdeen, Almond Valley (West Calder), Stirling. Loads more that I haven't been to, but have heard are good, in the central belt, Fife, East Lothian and Aberdeenshire.
Then there are lots of good sessions: Edinburgh in various pubs, Linlithgow, Bo'ness,etc: that could merit a whole other thread.

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: The Sandman
Date: 31 Jan 20 - 10:57 AM

hada good gig at hadleigh

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: GUEST,Modette
Date: 29 Jan 20 - 12:42 PM

The Sunflower in Belfast is a great music pub, though nothing will ever bring back the much-missed Rotterdam.

The Sunflower

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: Joe G
Date: 29 Jan 20 - 12:40 PM

I'll put a word in for the Topic in Bradford at this point - the oldest continuously running folk club in the world. Sadly it has has had to move from it's previously superb venue Glyde House as it was closing down and is now in the Merchant's Bar in Little Germany. Now that I am in York I don't go but can testify to it's friendliness and eclectic mix of guests and floor singers

The Black Swan in York is also very good though I prefer the cabaret layout of the Topic to the more formal theatre style seating at the Black Swan - though the room is very small so sensible option to get a decent sized audience in. The old pub is beautiful but the beer range and prices are disappointing compared to other places in York

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: GUEST,Rob Mad Jock Wright
Date: 29 Jan 20 - 12:23 PM

And I meant to mention that it is all FREE.

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 29 Jan 20 - 06:20 AM

You reminded me, Mad Jock. The Grove in Leeds is similar to the pub you mention. There is a folk club there but also other types of live music most nights. Great place. The only old building left surrounded by new development. It was my default go to when I worked in Leeds.

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: GUEST,Nick Dow
Date: 29 Jan 20 - 05:40 AM

Tom Walsh runs a very successful singers/tune night at the Thurlby Club Preston. It starts with 30 minutes of tune playing, then round the room singing until 11pm and then any survivors who still want to sing can jump in with a song when they like, until numbers dwindle. Mainly trad, but with some good chorus singing. Every Friday night. Give it a go.

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: GUEST,Rob Mad Jock Wright
Date: 29 Jan 20 - 05:22 AM

Trading session.????

Trad

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: GUEST,Rob Mad Jock Wright
Date: 29 Jan 20 - 05:18 AM

Although not a Folk Club and simply a pub,the Twa Tams in Perth could be included in the list as it has live music on most nights with a great range of genre and not just the usual loud pop/rock bands.
They have blues nights, jazz nights, and even the occasional swing night. Lots of Folkies attend the Open Mic on a Sunday afternoon. There is a Trading session on a Monday night.
Mid week between 12.00 and 3.00 there are quiet sets played by very talented singers and musicians.
This is a pub not to be missed.

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 29 Jan 20 - 04:37 AM

Incidentally - I remain a member in order to retain the friendships I have made on Mudcat, which I value very much
My main reason for not washing my hands of this forum entirely is that I continue to use it as a contact point for those wishing to acquire access to our archive

Nobody, but nobody on this forum to my recollection has ever at any time claimed there "are no good folk clubs"
If that is not correct, it needs clarification
Jim

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: GUEST,guest
Date: 28 Jan 20 - 03:45 PM

"people singing pop songs in folk clubs". Nothing new there.
"I Don't Like Mondays" - Dave Burland.
"Nothing Rhymed" - "New York Mining Disater 1941" - Martin Carthy
"Games People Play" - "Geronimo's Cadillac" - Dick Gaughan

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: The Sandman
Date: 28 Jan 20 - 01:39 PM

They are full of pop star wannabes singing MOR pop music quote .
well who said that ?. i do not think jim carroll said that , i think you are misquoting
however there are more people singing pop songs in folk clubs than there were 50 years ago, generally they are floor singers . the only guest[40 years ago] i can recall who sang popsongs was andy caven
dave the gnome, are you denying that there has been a change in the repertoire of folk clubs in the last 50 years, why do you have to drag this up, now that jim carroll has left?

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: The Sandman
Date: 28 Jan 20 - 10:40 AM

the wilsons club , plus the club near plymouth that used to be at milton coombe ,bodmin too

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Jan 20 - 10:08 AM

The Nova Scotia Folk Club in Bishopbriggs, Glasgow. Friendly as anything, full of great singers (who always join in), excellent (BOSE) sound system and mixing, and not hard on the pocket!

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: Acorn4
Date: 28 Jan 20 - 09:18 AM

The Grand Union, now at the Horse and Trumpet, Sileby, Leics.

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 28 Jan 20 - 07:37 AM

Well, according to some there are no such things as good folk clubs any more. They are full of pop star wannabes singing MOR pop music ;-)

But for those of us who know better... :-)

I moved from Swinton to Skipton 7 years ago. Only 2 letters different and both with a Monday folk club. I nominated Swinton in 2008. Now it's Skipton's turn :-) Cracking club at a super venue.

Subject: RE: Current Great Folk Clubs?
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Jan 20 - 07:04 AM

Why not start a new thread rather than have a mix of new and out of date information in this one. Preferably a separate thread for each country.