any folk clubs in or around Belfast

Subject: any folk clubs in or around Belfast
From: TamthebamfraeScotland
Date: 18 Feb 01 - 05:03 AM

Hello My name is Tom Hamilton,

Myself and my father are going to Belfast on Friday 13th of April, and I was just wondering if there are any folk clubs in Belfast. We will be there for the weekend.

Yours sincerly Tom Hamilton

Subject: RE: any folk clubs in or around Belfast
From: Mr Red
Date: 18 Feb 01 - 06:10 AM

Take advice locally, just in case.

Subject: RE: any folk clubs in or around Belfast
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 18 Feb 01 - 12:35 PM

Just in case of what, Mr Red?

Tom, Irish Music magazine lists some Belfast sessions - click here or you could try the prof's pages which also have quite a few entries for Belfast. Not all the venues are just Irish traditional. But being mostly in England now, I'm losing touch with which are which. Certainly Kelly's, the Kitchen and the Rotterdam for instance, used to cater for more general folk. (Come to think of it, I'm not sure the Rotterdam survived urban renewal in that part of Belfast). Fealty's (Bangor), which you will see listed for Friday evening Irish traditional sessions, has a more general folk session on Saturday nights, 9pm-ish till around 1am.

If you search using keywords like Irish" and "Belfast" and maybe "sessions" you will find some other useful threads on this topic, and you will see the names of mudcatters who have better info than me. You could send them personal messages if they don't drop by here. Annraoi is one name that comes immediately to mind, and I'm sure he'd be pleased to help.

Subject: RE: any folk clubs in or around Belfast
From: alison
Date: 18 Feb 01 - 11:48 PM

the "Rotterdam" down in the docks usually has things on most nights...

try annraoi as suggested.... another name to try is mikeireland... (but he may be a guest)

I have a friend who runs a singing club in Holywood, (about 6 miles from Belfast) on Sundays (although not every Sunday)..... if you want PM me and I'll give you a phone number.....

also PM me.. if you can't get through to Annraoi and Mike, (I've got their email addresses)

Mike had a great session on a Wednesday night (again just outside Belfast), but he might know of others at weekends. and I'm sure if you knew the right pubs to go to in Belfast you'll find sessions......

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: any folk clubs in or around Belfast
From: GUEST,Fibula Mattock
Date: 19 Feb 01 - 05:18 AM

Kitchen Bar on a Friday night.

Subject: RE: any folk clubs in or around Belfast
From: Mr Red
Date: 19 Feb 01 - 08:14 AM

Fionn

- advice - was told by people who had made the mistake in all ignorance - some sessions can be polarized - about things other than the music. Lets hope this history, now or soon.

Subject: RE: any folk clubs in or around Belfast
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 19 Feb 01 - 05:36 PM

Mr Red, you've got more chance of being killed by a falling coconut that running into trouble at a music session in Belfast, regardless of whether (and which way) they may be "polarized." My experience was mostly in the worst of the troubles, and it was true then, too.

Alison, glad to know the Rotterdam is still thriving. I just had a moment's doubt - thought it might have gone the way of the late lamented Liverpool bar. Where are Mike's sessions, or could you PM me his email address?

Subject: RE: any folk clubs in or around Belfast
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 19 Feb 01 - 05:36 PM

or did you mean Belfast, Maine or ...?

Subject: RE: any folk clubs in or around Belfast
From: alison
Date: 20 Feb 01 - 02:10 AM

Mike's sessions were in the "Coast Road Hotel" in Carrickfergus on a Wednesday from about 9.30pm... but I think they may haved moved venue....

apparently the Rotterdam was still on... but it was bands with a covercharge......

I'll PM you with an address

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: any folk clubs in or around Belfast
From: GUEST,Mike Ireland
Date: 20 Feb 01 - 02:31 PM

Hi Alison,Fionn et al.

The 'open' session is still going in the Coast Road Hotel, Carrickfergus (Northern Ireland) every Wed night from around 9.30. Its a real mixmatch of folk, irish folk, irish trad, blues. Anything from 5 to 15 players depends who turns up. If you play or sing and want a bit of fun come and join us. The hotel is under new management and the session now stops at midnight, however its still good craic.

Alison its good to hear from you. I'll reply to my tune request in the other thread. Thanks for the plug. I've changed my email address so I'll send it to you.

Mike

Mike

Subject: RE: any folk clubs in or around Belfast
From: GUEST,Mike Ireland
Date: 20 Feb 01 - 02:45 PM

Hi again

I forgot to mention that I'm involved in the Newtownabbey Councils Arts Festival. The second Folk spot is this coming Sat (24th) in 'The Crown and Shamrock Bar', 584 Antrim Road, near to the Sandynose Roundabout just off the M2 motorway. Its from 2.00pm to 5.00pm and is folk and traditional open sessions - in different rooms in the pub. All are welcome, players, singers or anyone just wanting to enjoy an afternoons craic.

Mike

Subject: RE: any folk clubs in or around Belfast
From: alison
Date: 20 Feb 01 - 06:12 PM

what???? you mean no more nice sandwiches and sausage rolls at 1.30am....... that's a shame......*grin*

thanks Mike

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: any folk clubs in or around Belfast
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 22 Feb 01 - 07:06 AM

Mike, I used to live that side of the lough, but now my connections are mostly on the south side. Should be back in Ireland for a week or two, late March, and I'll try to get to the Coast Road.

Would the musicians include the bluegrass/old-time fiddler (and fiddle repairer) who has a shop in Bangor? Name's gone.... mental block.... he rides a bike.... zzzz

Subject: RE: any folk clubs in or around Belfast
From: Jimmy C
Date: 22 Feb 01 - 02:53 PM

Guest Mike Ireland - Good to hear about the Antrim Road session. I will be in Belfast 11th May - 25th May, mostly on family business so I don't know how much time I will have. I usually stay in the Newingtom area, but this time will be down the Shore Road, I will check it out when I get there, If I can free up some time I will drop in. I also have to be in Dundalk, Donegal, Tyrone, Co, Down etc and only have 2 weeks to do everything, plus vist my numerous family members also. Is this session a weekly/monthly or ?.

Subject: RE: any folk clubs in or around Belfast
From: alison
Date: 22 Feb 01 - 07:00 PM

Jimmy C.. it was a weekly thing.. I assume it still is.... it was great.. you'll love it...

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: any folk clubs in or around Belfast
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 23 Feb 01 - 12:42 PM

Are posters at cross-purposes about Mike's sessions? I've taken it that it is the Coast Road Hotel (Carrickfergus) sessions that are every Wednesday, and that the Antrim Road event is a one-off. Have I got that wrong?

Subject: RE: any folk clubs in or around Belfast
From: GUEST,Mike Ireland
Date: 23 Feb 01 - 08:37 PM

Hi Fionn and Jimmy C

Tomorrows Crown and Shamrock event is a one off. Its the second of an arts festival week that I got conned into organising - heck I enjoy it anyway. The Coast Road Hotel session is every Wed night 9.30 onwards.

Mike