19 April: The Carrivick Sisters + support from Calico Thieves

One thing that is always evident at a Carrivick Sisters performance is their joy in playing together, in singing in close harmony and in delighting an audience. Twin sisters Charlotte and Laura Carrivick have grown up playing music together, and at a live show the stage becomes an extension of their kitchen; welcoming you into a warm, musical embrace while cooking up delicious melodies and tasty instrumentals. The sisters draw inspiration from their passion for traditional American old time and bluegrass music, English folklore and the wide variety of instruments they play: guitars, mandolin, fiddle, banjo and dobro.

Performing professionally together since 2006, the Carrivicks have toured internationally, picking up fans and stories along the road and now have seven albums under their belts. Aside from playing as a duo, Laura and Charlotte have been involved in many other bands and projects through the years, most recently with the twice IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) Award nominated, Island Recording artists Midnight Skyracer.

“One of the best young duos I’ve heard… Not only very talented instrumentalists
and singers but they write really good songs as well” – Ralph… Continue reading. →

26 April: Johnny Coppin

Johnny Coppin is a singer/songwriter, composer and poetry anthologist. Formerly with the folk-rock band Decameron, he has released many solo albums, supported Gerry Rafferty, Jasper Carrott and the Albion Band on tour and appeared at festivals in Britain, Ireland, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Holland and Belgium. TV appearances include his own programme, “Song of Gloucestershire”, for the BBC, “Stars in a Dark Night” for Channel 4 and “Music Writers on TV” for HTV, while his radio work includes Radio 4 and Radio 2 as well as many appearances on British local radio shows.

Johnny has also created music for theatre, including “Songs on Lonely Roads” (the story of composer/poet Ivor Gurney) with David Goodland, the Shrewsbury Theatre Guild’s production of “Arthur’s Plough”, as well as writing and directing the music for the Festival Players Theatre Company and their touring productions of Shakespeare, which culminate in the Three Choirs Festival.

He has edited two poetry anthologies – “Forest & Vale & High Blue Hill” and “Between the Severn and the Wye”. His third book, “A Country Christmas”, is a collections of prose, poetry, carols, songs and folklore.

“Strong, clear vocals, and… Continue reading. →

3 May: Singaround: Informal, unplugged song circle

Another of our popular singaround evenings.

Expect anything from sea shanties to psychedelia, with a mix of original songs, traditional songs and covers of well known and less known songs.
Some performers will take requests on the night.

If you fancy a go at singing in public, then this is the place to start.

If you just want to sit back and listen, that’s also fine. In fact listening, and paying attention to the words and music, is what an evening of folk is all about.

We welcome anyone with a song or a tune to play. Or a poem or a story tell. Expect a warm welcome and a supportive ring of singers and audience.

Non-performers are welcome to come and there is no need to pre-book.

… Continue reading. →