Music in April (UK)?

Subject: Music in April (UK)?
From: michaelr
Date: 22 Mar 03 - 03:13 PM

Hello UK Catters!

My friend Barbara, a mandolin player, will be visiting the UK from California the first three weeks of April. She'll stay mostly at youth hostels. She has no set itinerary but is interested in finding sessions and other folk events in the country. She told me "I want to meet those prolific composers, Trad and Anon!"

I'd be grateful if you guys came up with some info on sessions etc.

Cheers,
Michael

Subject: RE: Music in April (UK)?
From: MairSea
Date: 22 Mar 03 - 03:19 PM

Whereabouts in this country will your friend be based/staying? The Gosport/Fareham Easter Festival is in a few weeks time. Don't know too much about sessions during this weekend but can find out through other friends who are musicians what they will be doing. There are usually workshops.

Details of other clubs in the area (South Hants/West Sussex) see

www.barrattfolk.co.uk

and also for the link to the Festival (can't think of it offhand at the moment). Hope this helps at least a wee bit!

Subject: RE: Music in April (UK)?
From: michaelr
Date: 22 Mar 03 - 04:28 PM

Barbara has no set plans, she told me... she'll be traveling as the whimsy takes her. It would be helpful if those responding could indicate which part of the country they're referring to, e.g. where is Gosport/Fareham?

Thanks a bunch,
Michael

Subject: RE: Music in April (UK)?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 22 Mar 03 - 04:44 PM

There are a number of clubs within easy reach of Heathrow if Barbara
is flying in to this side of London,Hovering Bob , Flying Cat ,Admiral
and myself are usually at some of them.A P M with any possible dates will get a P M reply.

Subject: RE: Music in April (UK)?
From: breezy
Date: 22 Mar 03 - 04:48 PM

where's she flying in and out of? and When.
Y H in St Albans, hertfordshire , 20 miles north of London
folk Club on Fridays at the comfort Hotel
Fri 4th Brad Bradstock as Hawtin Munday,a real show from the Edinburgh fringe fest with songs that are 'Folk'

on Fri 11th Andy Irvine is the headline

Sat 5th Blue Anchor with club residents performing to the lounge audience that comes for the music.

Sunday 6th April Sing/music session at the White Bear Rickmansworth

Thursdays folk club in Redbourn 3 miles north of St Albans

Mondays England's oldest folk club, 40 years in the same location, meets at the Royal Oak in Wealdstone. featuring Johnny Collins, Graeme Knights , Kitty Vernon and George Papavgeris,

Music Session every Thursday at the rose and crown, St Albans
Tuesday 1st get together- singaround - at the blue anchor, St Albans
Tuesday 8th lower Red Lion st Albans for a chorus workshop

I stay in on Wednesdays and listen to Radio 2 Folk Prog


Wherever you go take music with you.

Subject: RE: Music in April (UK)?
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 22 Mar 03 - 05:05 PM

We have a pretty good selection of links to sites providing regional and national listings here.

Subject: RE: Music in April (UK)?
From: GUEST,Val
Date: 22 Mar 03 - 07:42 PM

If your friend is likely to be in the North West of England over Easter (18th to 21st April), could I mention that the Lancaster Easter Maritime Festival will be on over those four days, with loads of brilliant performers taking part, including folk stalwarts such as Louis Killen, Cyril Tawney, Johnny Collins, John Conolly (who wrote Fiddlers Green). 46 acts in all, too numerous to mention - worth having a look at www.shanty.co.uk for full guest list. I'm sure she'll have a brilliant time, wherever she goes.

Subject: RE: Music in April (UK)?
From: michaelr
Date: 22 Mar 03 - 07:46 PM

Great info so far, ta to all... keep it coming!

I'll ask her for flight arrival details etc. She may also decide to check in here herself. (she should consider becoming a member!)

Cheers,
Michael

Subject: RE: Music in April (UK)?
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 22 Mar 03 - 08:10 PM

Just one point Michael, if any of the links from folkinfo are used...

I do try to check for dead links and sort them out but I cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information at these sites. I may well add this at the text I have at the bottom:

Try to check with a venue listed on these type of sites before attending. Clubs and sessions can move nights, venues, or even close for whatever reason and the person running the site may not know of that change (and no, they can't wander round every pub in whatever county to find out what is happening, they do the best they can with thier own experiences and information they are given).

Jon

Subject: RE: Music in April (UK)?
From: michaelr
Date: 23 Mar 03 - 12:42 AM

Understood, Jon, thank you.

Where's the H9ull crowd?

Subject: RE: Music in April (UK)?
From: running.hare
Date: 23 Mar 03 - 07:54 AM

Beverly Youth Hostel is nice (East Yorkshire) & the seem to be loads of sessions in the vercinity.

As for recomendin plases local to me (Dorset) It would depend if your friend planed of renting a car, or if Public Transport were necessary!

Subject: RE: Music in April (UK)?
From: MairSea
Date: 23 Mar 03 - 07:57 AM

Sorry Michael

Gosport/Fareham is near Portsmouth, South Hampshire.

Subject: RE: Music in April (UK)?
From: GUEST,Barbara
Date: 23 Mar 03 - 12:03 PM

Michael told me that you were a great group of fokies.
THanks for all the in put.
His assesment of my travel plans are about right: I am traveling with a pack pack, a mandolin, and no particular plans.
I hope to hit as many sessions, and meet as many folkies as possible, and to drink as much good ale as I can.

I won't have a car, so my travel is limited to where I can get on bus and train, and where I can stay at hostels.

Subject: RE: Music in April (UK)?
From: treewind
Date: 23 Mar 03 - 12:38 PM

Saturday 5 April : mainly English tunes session at Folk Works weekend in Bishop's Stortford, (SE England, about 40 miles Eorth of London). The whole weekend should be good.

Sunday 6 April : Trad English Tunes session in London.

Can't help with accomodation info.
Trains no problem.
I'll probably be at both those and know the organisers.

Anahata

Subject: RE: Music in April (UK)?
From: GUEST,The Bull, Barton-Le-Clay, Beds
Date: 23 Mar 03 - 03:37 PM

Dont't forget our Monday night sessions

Will be the 7th & 21st April

junction 12 on MI - 7 miles north of Luton

See reminder thread

Subject: RE: Music in April (UK)?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 24 Mar 03 - 05:14 AM

Following on from treewind's note on the festival at Bishops Stortford (it's called "Woodworks"), I open the festival on Thursday 3rd April, with a gig at the Bishops Stortford Folk Club. I'll be the one they are throwing the vegetables at... tell her to come and say "hi".

Subject: RE: Music in April (UK)?
From: Pied Piper
Date: 24 Mar 03 - 06:16 AM

If Barbara's interested in a whole week of sessions in one area she could come to Manchester, there are sessions here every day and on some days more than one. Also lots of folk clubs and other events, not to mention western Europe's largest Chinese community and some of the best Asian Cuisine in Britain.

All the best

Subject: RE: Music in April (UK)?
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Mar 03 - 08:27 PM

Ya'll are brilliant! (See I am learning to speak the local language, but when I hit translate, it doesn't seem to get into Ammurican)So Manchester and East Yorkshire are definately on the must do list. As are the Trad sessions in London, if the time works out.
Folk Works sounds like toads of fun, but it is the one time that I have an obligation.

I will be in London for sure Thursday and Friday (3rd and 4th) and I plan on some tunes to brush off the jet lag.

Did I mention that I am a dance caller (contra and southern hash squares)? Perhaps I should bring some dances with me.

Subject: RE: Music in April (UK)?
From: GUEST,Peter from Essex
Date: 25 Mar 03 - 05:15 PM

Clubs and sessions East London and Essex here

On the third Tom McConville is playing at Islington - I doubt if a floor spot would be a problem and its central (Farringdon tube) but you have to be a member - see threads about PELS passim - ad nauseam

Subject: RE: Music in April (UK)?
From: IanC
Date: 26 Mar 03 - 04:47 AM

Monday 7th April is our session at The Bushel and Strike in Ashwell. It's a beautiful village (ask Joe Offer), about 35-45 minutes from London Kings Cross by rail.

She'd be very welcome at a small village session. PM me.

:-)

Subject: RE: Music in April (UK)?
From: Shonagh
Date: 26 Mar 03 - 09:17 AM

Well, if you're in Scotland at all, there are some pretty good sessions in glasgow and edinburgh (so im told!) Or even further up like aberdeen and inverness. I'm doing a wee tour of Scotland in April with the young traditional musicians of the year, there are six of us, plus emily smith (winner 2002) and Gillian Frame(winner 2001) we are doing Glasgow, Edinburgh, inverness, stirling, dunfermline, dumfries, aberdeen and oban. Cant remember the dates offhand! thats awful isnt it!! Anyway, if you'd like some more info about sum sessions/festivals etc in scotland, gimme a shout!

Subject: RE: Music in April (UK)?
From: GUEST,Smallpiper
Date: 26 Mar 03 - 09:46 AM

Loads of stuff in East Yorkshire and North lincs - and I'm sure some one will put you up so accomodation won't be a problem

Subject: RE: Music in April (UK)?
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Mar 03 - 02:47 PM

Oh my back pack is going to be full of your wonderful ideas

I'm still trying to find Ashwell, I don't have a good map yet.

I plan to wake up in Loughton (notLuton, but not far) on Sunday morning, any idea where from there.

I notice that email addresses aren't given on your forum, so I will give you mine [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Music in April (UK)?
From: treewind
Date: 26 Mar 03 - 03:05 PM

You can send private messages to other mudcatters if you JOIN!
Then you get to post with your chosen identity instead of GUEST.
Go on, it doesn't cost anything!

Ashwell is in the middle of nowhere. Good luck getting to it!

Anahata
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Music in April (UK)?
From: Mr Red
Date: 26 Mar 03 - 03:12 PM

If she visits the area of the West Country think Bristol/Gloucester and a big circle from there have a look at cresby.com. Crediton FF is April 5/6/7 singarounds and session but in a small remote village. I link to a lot of sites so it is a good place to start, Martin Nail's site is fairly national and comprehensive - I link on cresby.com

Subject: RE: Music in April (UK)?
From: GUEST,Peter from Essex
Date: 26 Mar 03 - 04:35 PM

If you can find a driver that whole north east quadrant of the Home Counties as a strong session scene, mostly way out of reach of public transport. Use multimap to find these strange places.

Public transport for Loughton will be slow as the railway is out of action but there are plenty of replacement buses. Good late services back from Central London but the only suburban venue in reach will be Old Rose & Crown at Walthamstow. (see my previous set of links for details)

Subject: RE: Music in April (UK)?
From: Nynia
Date: 26 Mar 03 - 05:39 PM

If you are in the South West of Scotland check Galloway Folk for the latest news on gigs and sessions.

All the best,

David.

Subject: RE: Music in April (UK)?
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 27 Mar 03 - 07:01 AM

Lots of stuff every night of the week in Chester,which is also a very nice place to visit Roman Wall ,River Cathedral, Ampitheatre,

April 25, 26 and 27 sees the Raven Folk Club celebrating 25 years of music at the Cross Keys Pub in Chester .
FRiday night 25 has Full house and Taggart and Wright. Have to search Raven Club for more details or Folk Orbit. Great session/singaround on Tuesday at the Ship Victory.

Or if you are up in Scotland try catching a band called Tarneybackle. Well worth seeing.They have a web site.

The Taybank Hotel in Dunkeld used to be owned until very recently by Douggie Maclean. He still pops in every now and then and gives a song or tune. Good singaround on Fridays upstairs or go to the Crown Hotel in Aberfeldy on a Thursday, in the cellar.

Have fun hostels are in all these places, you can even stay at the Taybank if you want.

Subject: RE: Music in April (UK)?
From: IanC
Date: 27 Mar 03 - 07:51 AM

Anahata

Ashwell has a good train service taking just over 30 minutes to get to and from Kings Cross station in London. It's also 5 minutes drive from the main A1(M) London - North motorway.

It's true it's in the middle of nowhere. However, this doesn't mean that it's not very well served transport wise.

:-)

Subject: RE: Music in April (UK)- South Wales
From: Alasdair
Date: 27 Mar 03 - 08:08 AM

My brother Dondald is involved with a session at the Irish club in Newport, South Wales. Contact [e-mail] or [e-mail] for more information.

Cheers

Al

Subject: RE: Music in April (UK)?
From: michaelr
Date: 31 Mar 03 - 07:49 PM

Refresh for the Hull crowd to weigh in. Thanks lots to all who posted! I'm sure Barbara will have a great time.

Cheers,
Michael

Subject: RE: Music in April (UK)?
From: songs2play
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 02:10 AM

Joan Blackburn's Folkal Point is an ideal source for Folk and acoustic music in North West of England.

Subject: RE: Music in April (UK)?
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 05:25 AM

If you're going to be at Loughton, you can catch an underground train to Central London - the train doesn't actually go underground until it gets well into town. Loughton's not far from McGrath's place at Harlow and not far from Manitas, Liz-the-Sqeak, Micca, or myself and Essex Girl. How long will you be at Loughton for ?

Subject: RE: Music in April (UK)?
From: GUEST,Steve benbows protege
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 05:49 AM

April 16th. Red Lion pub. Linkfield road, Isleworth. Middlesex. (west london, near twickenham rugby ground) start time 8.30/9.00pm


AN EVENING WITH JOHNNY SILVO AND DIZ DISLEY.


an oppotunity not to be missed. Two well respected artists. Diz (Grapelli's guitarist) is slowly retiring from the music scene and this intimate venue is perfect for witnessing this giant talent close up. The evenings are always fun and very well attended.

Subject: RE: Music in April (UK)?
From: Mr Happy
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 08:01 AM

for NW Enland,Merseyside, Chester, Cheshire, Welsh Borders & elsewhere see Folk Orbit at:

http://www25.brinkster.com/folkorbit/

Subject: RE: Music in April (UK)?
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 09:39 AM

I will be in Loughton for a night or two..It really depends on how much fun I am having
Oh this is all so exciting. I am leaving in less than 24 hours! I have my mandolin packed, with extra strings. The laundry is in the dryer and I will pack the back pack when it's done.
It is a little hard to leave at this moment. There have been not one, but two tragedies in my community of friends and I will miss the memorials.
And my flowers are just beginning to bloom. The purple lacy Iris and a large cactus flower, as large as a soup bowl are first. (Michael I will be having barbeque in the front garden on Sundays when I get back)

I will be picking up my email on a regular basis, so feel free to contact me at [e-mail]

And thank you to all of you that have helped me plan all of this.
Barbara

Subject: RE: Music in April (UK)?
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 09:46 AM

Do you have a spare evening in Loughton ?

Subject: RE: Music in April (UK)?
From: michaelr
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 12:57 PM

Hint, hint... if anyone wants to meet Barbara or put her up for the night, email her:

[e-mail]

Ta all,
Michael (wish I could go too!)

Subject: RE: Music in April (UK)?
From: Mr Red
Date: 06 May 03 - 03:00 PM

FWIW I had confirmation that the Sunday Barth session is now defunct. The Fri Porter Butt is still popular - so much so that there is a rival session in the pub across the road!