Singers and Musicians Open Mic Night - plus
Big Spot - BILL MALKIN & JOHN SYLVESTER
with Chris Lee and Dave Russell

ALLAN TAYLOR + Vocal Point

A renowned singer songwriter . Having released his 20th album, Leaving at Dawn, in 2009, Allan Taylor enters his 65th year secure in his standing as one of the UK folk scene’s most popular performers.

Christmas Party

Thursday 17th December is the date for the CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHT! - Free Admission

The night promises to be a wonderful evening that will well and truly get you into the spirit of Christmas. The plan is to make it an open mic night for the first half and in the second we will have our specially invited guest act/s performing.... Rosie Mundy & Brian Jones & The Marrowbones & Barber Shop Harmony Group Free admission and free mince pies and sherry or a soft drink available for everyone. Christmas songs, tunes, jokes and a few carols will make it a super night.

FIDDLESTONE

Local band Les, Andy, Dave and Mal known collectively as Fiddlestone. Les plays guitar and whistle, Andy plays guitar, mandolin, banjo, Dave plays english concertina, and Mal plays guitar and bazouki. They all sing and are well known for their four part harmonies.

They firmly believe that the secret of their staying power over such a long period of time, is the passion each has for searching out new song material and developing musical arrangements which their audiences will enjoy and remember. Add to that the thrill of performing live and you have a group of musicians dedicated to their art.

TOM TOPPING BAND

Tom Topping and his band need no introduction if you have been around the folk world on the wirral, but for those who haven't yet encountered The Tom Topping Band you are in for a treat, great songs, lively banter and liverpool humour.....and as musicians you won't hear better anywhere! Come along and join in the fun!

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WELCOMME, FINNAN & CHRIMES

Frank Welcomme, John Finnan and Andy Chrimes are the component parts that make up this band, they are all brilliant musicians in their own right, and have teamed up to produce this threesome. Andy is well known as part of folk stalwarts Fiddlestone, and John and Frank have similarly been around on the local music scene for many years. Don't miss them.

BRAM TAYLOR

Bram Taylor is an entertaining artist with a distinctive voice and relaxed stage presence who gives an evening "Taylored" to suit his audience.  Bram calls on a large repertoire of traditional songs, together with contemporary and humorous material, performed on acoustic guitar, duet concertina, or unaccompanied.

With a wealth of experience behind him, he has established a fine reputation which has gone from strength to strength from tours in the UK and USA of Folk Clubs, festivals and concerts.

Bram has his audiences singing, laughing from his infectious sense of humor, and occasionally, shedding a tear or two from some of the poignant songs he loves to sing.

website

ANTHONY JOHN CLARKE


NEW Double CD LAUNCH NIGHT

One Studio CD"The Man With The Golden Plectrum"

One Live CD

"Lively at the Davy Lamp Folk Club"

2 CDs in a fancy box

ADVANCE ORDER NOW by emailing AJClarke3@aol.com

The New CD will contain 9 brand new songs and duets with members of Fairport Convention,Dave Pegg and Chris Leslie

Anthony John Clarke has often performed at the Hungry Horse and it is a pleasure to have Anthony John launch his new CD here, AJ is one of the most entertaining singer songwriters on the folk scene today.

website | myspace

HARVEY ANDREWS

Harvey Andrews has been writing and performing his own songs, monologues and stories for over 35 years. In that time he has travelled the world, been on "The Old Grey Whistle Test", done sessions for John Peel, appeared in a solo concert at London's Queen Elizabeth Hall, been voted Canada's International Artist Of The Year 1996, produced 14 albums, and had his songs recorded by over 50 artists ranging from Christy Moore to Max Boyce, The Houghton Weavers to Mary Hopkin. He wrote and sang the Theme tune to the Hit TV series "Golden Pennies" and the twelve songs for the musical play "Go And Play Up Your Own End" which sold out 13,000 seats in a week's run at the Birmingham Hippodrome in 1999.

Harvey Andrews has been around since 1966 performing professionally, his shows are full of humour and warmth together with wonderful songs which are full of insights into our lives past and present with themes of parenthood, childhood, work and play. An evening being entertained by Harvey is not to be missed.

website | myspace

PAM WARD & PAUL CHERRINGTON

Pamela Ward and Paul Cherrington are a lively duo presenting a mixture of music from traditional and contemporary folk to ragtime and blues. They started their musical careers after winning the Brewhouse music prize in a U.K. folkfinder competition in the late 80's.

Pam's versatile, mature and melodic voice is equally suited to pure and haunting traditional songs as it is to the more gutsy blues style of Bessie Smith as she takes the audience through the gamut of emotions; from cheeky humour to passion and pathos.

Paul's accomplished guitar playing acts as the perfect foil to Pam's voice whilst never detracting from the vocals.

All in the audience can expect to be delighted, amused, moved and inspired, but most importantly entertained by this dynamic duo who present an impressive and professional performance whilst so obviously enjoying themselves

website

ERIC BOGLE with John Munro and support Vocal Point

Scottish-born singer-songwriter Eric Bogle is renowned on the folk scene for the thought-provoking lyrics and tuneful melodies of his songs which have ensured the longevity of his career which has spanned over 25 years.

In this concert Bogle performs with his long term partner John Munro (guitar/mandolin), with whom he has recorded a staggering 8 albums.

website

GRAHAM BELLINGER & THE DEPORTEES

A new acoustic trio from Chester featuring original songs, americana, and roots music from both sides of the Atlantic

myspace

COLIN HENDERSON & ANDREW JONES

Photo: © John Sharp

CLIVE GREGSON (with Vocal Point)

Photo: © Roger Liptrot

Born and raised in Manchester but based in Nashville, Clive Gregson is an accomplished singer, songwriter, musician and record producer of world-renown. In 1985, he formed the groundbreaking partnership with Christine Collister and toured with the Richard Thompson Band. He’s also toured with Eddi Reader, Boo Hewerdine, Nanci Griffith and Dennis Locorriere. Mary Chapin Carpenter named Clive Gregson as one of her favourite songwriters.

Artists who have recorded his songs include Kim Carnes, Fairport Convention, Claire Martin, Norma Waterson and Nanci Griffith, who recorded I Love This Town on her number one chart topping album.

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myspace

VIN GARBUTT

Vin Garbutt is one of the best known performers on the music scene today, and one of the most sought-after. It is no surprise. His song-writing is witty and powerful, tackling thought-provoking issues which others prefer to avoid, and he is an accomplished guitarist and fine whistle player.Vin has been working non-stop since 1969, touring all over the world as well as playing in virtually every part of this "sceptred isle". Despite the years of performing, the songs always remain fresh and vibrant, and the repertoire is always changing. Vin is genuinely funny, and his quirky observations of life are always very much part of the act, delighting audiences everywhere.

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BLACKHEART (with Ali Parker & Jim Gallagher)

Blackheart are Chrissy Mostyn and Rick Pilkington. Just 2 years in they are widely regarded as the fastest rising stars of the new folk generation having become established for both their live concerts and their outstanding debut album ‘Indigo’. Their songwriting blends folk, country and even rock influences to create a unique style of beautifully crafted, instantly memorable songs that has been christened by the media ‘urban folk’. Their highly personal songs paint pictures of their lives with subjects such as hometowns, marriage, faith, redundancy, bereavement and even suicide all being treated with the sensitive, intellectual lyrical observation that is becoming the trademark of their work. Their live shows combine the unforgettable lemon and honey voice of Chrissy Mostyn and jaw-dropping acoustic guitar playing of Rick Pilkington with highly entertaining audience interaction as they tell the stories behind their songs.

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KIERAN HALPIN (with Vocal Point)

Since 1979 Kieran Halpin has recorded 17 albums, one live DVD and published 2 songbooks with 50 songs in each book. He is a successful songwriter with many of his songs covered by other artists such as Ilse De Lange, Vin Garbutt, Dolores Keane, Tom McConville, Niamh Parsons, The Battlefield Band, Flossie and the late John Wright. He has recorded albums in his native Ireland, Scotland, London, Nashville and Sydney. Whilst his albums are always something to look forward to it is live on stage where Halpin makes his mark. Powerful and passionate, intimate and intense, he is impossible to ignore. His voice has such an edge to it that he sounds like he is living every song. He has managed to marry his intelligent and thought provoking lyrics with great melodies and has developed over the years into a writer with a style of his own.

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HOUGHTON WEAVERS (with Vocal Point)

THE HOUGHTON WEAVERS with their unique blend of popular folk music, humour and audience participation. The UK’s premier Comedy/Folk group, The Houghton Weavers’ have been at the forefront of the country’s music scene for over three decades with a hectic concert schedule.   Since cutting their teeth in folk clubs in their native North West, they have enjoyed non-stop success, with a great following at their concerts, and a large fan club with members worldwide.   They have recorded twenty-five albums and can even boast a Number 1 hit in Tasmania with their perennial favourite “The Blackpool Belle”, a song that also reached Number 3 in New Zealand.  Their experience in the business together with their style and professionalism ensures that, as their motto says, they will always `Keep Folk Smiling` 

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CATHRYN CRAIG & BRIAN WILLOUGHBY

This partnership began when Willoughby, lead guitarist of Strawbs for 26 years,
met Craig, a respected session singer and songwriter, in Nashville.
The rest is history.
website
myspace

MIKE SILVER

The craft of song writing with such sensitivity is not honed overnight. Mike has over 30 years of experience as a writer, singer, guitarist and live performer, his songs give expression to authentic human emotions without becoming sentimental.
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Christmas with ANTHONY JOHN CLARKE with support Vocal Point

(Comedy, Carols, free Sherry & Mince Pies)

JEZ LOWE

Photograph © Alan Bennington

www.jezlowe.com

myspace

County Durham singer-songwriter Jez Lowe is one of this country's best loved folk artists singing songs and tunes that reflect the hard times, the good times, the hard work and hard play of the region where he was born and raised. He has a new album out, his 14th series of original songs of the North Country, and the BBC's "Radio Ballads" - to which he contributed twenty-odd songs last year - has just won a Sony Radio Academy Award. In December 2007 Jez was nominated for the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2008 as 'Folksinger of the Year', alongside Martin Simpson, Kate Rusby and Julie Fowlis.

PETE MORTON

website

myspace

Folk singer Pete Morton is a songwriter and performer from Nottingham, England with a wealth of great songs and stage presence. His show is dynamic and intense as well as approachable and fun loving. He seriously believes there are 'Six billion eccentrics' in the world and that particular song is fast becoming a signature tune for people everywhere. Starting out as a busker on the streets of Europe he has entertained all over the globe with his unique and involving style of songwriting and traditional singing. Pete sings from the heart, delivering songs that tell compelling stories and speak of the human condition from a very unique perspective. With a passionate, strong voice and strident guitar style, traditional songs often rub shoulders with Pete's current writing with remarkable ease. His songs are an unruly mix of humour, politics, love and social comment, wrapping their way around the folk tradition.

CHRIS WHILE & JULIE MATTHEWS with support Vocal Point

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Chris While & Julie Matthews - are breathtaking singers, songwriters, musicians and performers whose dedication to their craft and audience holds no bounds. Though internationally acclaimed, they continue to be a leading force on the UK's acoustic/roots arts circuit, and this year saw Chris and Julie gracing the stage at our own Wirral Folk on the Coast Festival where they went down a storm. Their songs cover life as they see it, from the industrial waste lands of the north, to injustice and freedom, matters of the heart and everything in between.

RUTH FUGA & KEN POWELL (Ex Risky Business) with support Vocal Point

Ruth Fuga and Ken Powell joined forces years ago as part of the much acclaimed trio 'Risky Business'. They are now together as a double act, entertaining us with the same quality sound we have all enjoyed over the years. Ruth remains one of most exceptional female vocalists in the UK. Ken has been admired for his ability to enhance and strengthen the personal achievements of many a singer and musician over the years with his competent, dedicated guitar playing... and if that's not enough, has now started to gain a huge reputation as a serious guitar maker.

FIDDLESTONE

Les, Andy, Dave and Mal known collectively as Fiddlestone. Les plays guitar and whistle, Andy plays guitar, mandolin, banjo, Dave plays english concertina, and Mal plays guitar and bazouki. They all sing and are well known for their four part harmonies.

This four piece band last year celebrated 30 years together. They firmly believe that the secret of their staying power over such a long period of time, is the passion each has for searching out new song material and developing musical arrangements which their audiences will enjoy and remember. Add to that the thrill of performing live and you have a group of musicians dedicated to their art.

18th Sept

THE CHURCHFITTERS

website

myspace

Based in Brittany since 1993, the Churchfitters is one of the most inspired groups on the folk scene today. Their energetic and festive show unites the rythmns of rock and pop with the universal appeal of traditional music.
Three explosive voices and the use of a dozen or so acoustic instruments (fiddle, guitar, double bass, flute, banjo, dulcimer, mandoline, saxophone...) allow them a rich musical language with which to express their varied programme of songs and melodies from Ireland, Scotland, Québec, England, USA and their own compositions.
With their flamboyant personalities, Rosie and Chris Short from London, Topher Loudon from Belfast and Boris Lebret from Brittany present their unique show with good humour and a sense of fun delighting audiences at festivals, concert halls and theatres throughout France and Europe whenever they play.
This is what fRoots says :
" Musically an experimental bunch, Churchfitters are unafraid to mix up and upset the apple cart splicing bits of baroque, jazz, classical and World music influences into their traditional ballad stew. While staying close to their material's melodic roots the overall feel and musical inclinations recall elements of early Incredible String Band with a dozen or so acoustic instruments and varied influences in the pot."

4th Sept

Our Grand Re-opening at The Rake following the pub's refurbishment

ANTHONY JOHN CLARKE with support Vocal Point

website

Anthony John Clarke started songwriting at the age of nine inspired by the sixties but it was only when he left Ireland and came to England that he pursued his passion for writing with any vigour. There are very few places in the UK and Ireland that Anthony John has not played, his supporters are loyal and many and the tributes he receives from his peers bear witness to the talent and hard work of one of the folk scene's nicest guys.With several albums of songs to his name he retains his reputatation as one of the top songwriters on the scene. His hard work and dedication to his craft are a credit to him.. For him, songwriting is indeed a craft.

STANLEY ACCRINGTON
Held at The Boat Museum Theatre,
Ellesmere Port Boat Museum
South Pier Road, Ellesmere Port CH65 4FW

Singer/songwriter extraordinaire - come and laugh your socks off..........

Website

JOHN FINNAN, FRANK WELCOME & ANDY CHRIMES

Held at The Boat Museum Theatre, Ellesmere Port Boat Museum, South Pier Road, Ellesmere Port CH65 4FW

These three local lads, all brilliant musicians in their own right, have teamed up to produce this threesome. Andy is well known as part of folk stalwarts Fiddlestone, and John and Frank have similarly been around on the local music scene for many years. Don't miss this wonderful band.

ROY BAILEY with support Vocal Point

Held at The Boat Museum Theatre, Ellesmere Port Boat Museum, South Pier Road, Ellesmere Port CH65 4FW

One the Folk World's finest voices, Roy Bailey has been performing for more than 40 years both in the UK and abroad. He has sung in folk clubs, in arts centres and in front of huge festival audiences at Sidmouth International Festival, Vancouver Folk Festival, the National Festival in Australia and many, many more. His warmth and humour create a unique atmosphere of humanity and comradeship and as Billy Bragg once said of him, "(Roy's voice is) as powerful and moving as anything I'd heard by The Clash"

Website

ALLAN TAYLOR with support Vocal Point

please note: to be held at The Boat Museum Theatre, Ellesmere Port Boat Museum
South Pier Road, Ellesmere Port CH65 4FW


photograph © Erwin Schütterle
Allan Taylor, the consummate performer, a writer of literary gracefulness whose troubadour chronicles encapsulate the realism of otherwise unsung heroes, otherwise uncharted lives. Few people can convey with such eloquence their life experiences. His songs are written from a lifetime of traveling; always the observer passing through, each song is a vignette of life, like a story told over a drink in a bar; characters come to life like people you know and places become as familiar as if you had been there. His songs have been recorded by more than a hundred other performers of various nationalities (there are more than sixty cover versions of his song “It’s Good to See You”, in ten different languages), proof enough that a concert by Allan Taylor will be an experience to remember. As Allan says at the beginning of each concert, “Sit back and enjoy the journey.”
"Allan Taylor is one of the more literate and sensitive of contemporary songwriters in terms of words and music, and one who is capable of exploring more complex subjects than most of his contemporaries… he should probably be regarded as potentially the most important songwriter of his generation." (Dr. Frederick Woods, The Oxford Book of Traditional Verse)

Singers and Musicians Night

BANDERSNATCH

Bandersnatch (hailing from Bolton) have the ability to move effortlessly from traditional ballads to contemporary songs as well some impressive instrumentals. And, of course, there are the self-penned songs of Clive Leyland, a former member of the band. The band has no lead performer. Roles change to meet the needs of the music. Complex musical and vocal arrangements are delivered with an understated ease that allows the richness of the sound to engage the audience. The flexibility that results from the instrumental versatility allows the band to adapt its performance to the venue. In fact, the band is equally at home in a small club as well as the concert stage.

BECK SIAN (AUSTRALIA) with support VOCAL POINT

Listen here on Becks Myspace

"Some singers have only to utter a note and instantly, you're transfixed. They've reached out, touched your soul. Beck Siàn has that rare quality. In Beck, you sense she's on a journey and, for a short while at least, you're a travelling companion. She draws inspiration from the subtropical rainforests of her native Australia, creating what she fittingly calls 'Haunted Forest Music', through voice, guitar, whistle and didgeridoo. It's mystical, magical music, spiritual and enchanting. There are touches redolent of Kate Bush (to whom Beck is related) but these are mere brush-strokes of influence. Overall, it's as distinctive as it's original. With a soprano voice to die for, her approach is highly individual, the ambience emotional and utterly entrancing. She's charismatic, convivial and funny on stage - in short, a real show- stopper! Her outstanding debut album is called 'Unfurling'. And artistically, that is precisely what Beck is doing. Unmissable" Julian Badcock - Wheaton Aston Folk Festival 2007

BAKERS FABULOUS BOYS

Baker's Fabulous Boys are a Cheshire-based Bluegrass band who, as well as playing traditional Bluegrass, also compose our own material and take songs and tunes from other genres and arrange them in our own unique way. Their objective when they play is to ensure that everyone has a good time, and those who have been to a Bakers gig before will know exactly what they mean.....so come along and join the party!

JULIE FELIX (USA) with support VOCAL POINT

The Theatre
National Waterways - Ellesmere Port Boat Museum
South Pier Road, Ellesmere Port CH65 4FW

SPECIAL GUEST NIGHT

featuring GRAHAM COOPER with support VOCAL POINT

SPECIAL GUEST NIGHT

featuring JOE TOPPING

www.joetopping.co.uk
"Joe Topping is a young singer-songwriter of absolutely genuine class. He has a voice to die for and a gift to write songs that will last and that others will want to sing. Joe has an increasingly humorous and appealing stage presence that makes listening to and watching him a real pleasure. Although there are no absolute certainties in life, he has to be a good each-way bet to succeed, and I for one, sincerely hope he does"- John Wright

SPECIAL GUEST NIGHT

featuring COLIN HENDERSON

photograph © Roger Liptrot

& special guests
As well as playing in 'The Tom Topping Band' Colin is also a fine solo singer/songwriter.

with support from Vocal Point playing an extended set

SPECIAL GUEST NIGHT

featuring HARVEY ANDREWS

www.harveyandrews.com
Harvey has been in the music business for over 40 years and he delivers a fine mixture of songs, humour and insights into life.

with support VOCAL POINT

Special Guest Night - with support Vocal Point

Bernard Wrigley
Bernard (The Bolton Bullfrog) Wrigley. A legend in his own time. Bernard began writing songs and monologues in earnest, round about 1970. He now has many TV, radio, film and stage appearances under his belt, along with books and CD's.

Bernard Wrigley's website

Special Guest Night

Acoustak

Nancy’s earthy and exquisite fiddle and viola playing dances with the striking rhythmic texture of James’s guitar-bouzouki, while their rich singing both as soloists and in harmony evokes the stories of the songs they choose and write. Rapid musical communication with one another and the audience makes their performance spectacular and unforgettable.

Nancy Kerr & James Fagan's website

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS - WE ARE ONE!
On the 1st November, 2007 we held our 1st Birthday Celebrations.
Nancy Kerr and James Fagan were appearing and made the evening very memorable.
Special thanks to Marie for making such an absolutely super cake.

See more photos of the night here
Thanks to all of you who came along on the night and thanks also to everybody who has supported the club throughout the past year!

Special Guest Night

Fiddlestone with Vocal Point (support)
This four piece band are celebrating 30 years together The band firmly believe that the secret of their staying power over such a long period of time, is the passion each has for searching out new song material and developing musical arrangements which their audiences will enjoy and remember. Add to that the thrill of performing live and you have a group of musicians dedicated to their art.

The Boat Band
After playing for many years, trawling the venues of Britain and beyond,
THE BOAT BAND have picked up a huge and varied catch of tunes: Creole, Caribbean, gospel, Cajun, Irish, zydeco and blues-not much slips through the net. If it can be played on accordion and fiddle (or trombone, washboard, trumpet, banjo etc), if it touches the heart and moves the feet, it`s in the repertoire.

The Boat Band website

Isambarde website

Bob Fox with Roger Parker (support)

Velvet voice, lovely guitar work, wonderful songs.......
Bob Fox Website

Singer/songwriter Zoe Mulford was born and raised in the United States, She has lived in Belgium and Japan, studied Chinese poetry and East African drumming, and has most recently fetched up in the great music city of Manchester. Landmarks on her musical journey include English and Scottish folk ballads, the songs of Kurt Weil and George Gershwin, an apprenticeship in the Old Time picking circles of North Carolina, and a long-running flirtation with the Blues.

Zoe Mulford's website

Special Guest Night

Vin Garbutt is an accomplished guitarist and whistle player. Vin is guaranteed to entertain you with his witty, powerful, thought-provoking songs.
Vin Garbutt's website

Houghton Weavers - with Vocal Point
The Houghton Weavers - 'nuff said!
TV & Radio stars. Over 30 years of family entertainment
Houghton Weavers website

The Queensberry Rules

Hailing from Stoke on Trent this band perform original compositions cultivated from rich seams of local history and tradition with a social awareness which belies their years.
The Queensberry Rules website

Shake the Roots

Shake the Roots’ are a Cheshire-based acoustic band. They play an eclectic mix of music including bluegrass, folk, rock'n'roll, country and blues.
Shake the Roots website

Shake the Roots wow the audience!

Fred Wedlock - with John O'Connell (a double bill presentation)
Laugh your socks off with Fred "Now then Ladies & Gentlemen..."

TV & Radio star. "The oldest swinger in town," Fred brings his own unique folk/comedy style all the way from the 'People's Republic of Somerset'
Fred Wedlock website

'Free 'n easy' singers/musicians open session

Tanglefoot - with Vocal PointTop Canadian folk rockers return to blow the cobwebs away!

Canada's finest high energy folk quintet. Tremendous musicianship and harmonies.

Tanglefoot website

See Gallery Page for video footage and photos from the night!

IAN DAWSON

Ian Dawson has been playing guitar for over 25 years. He has run folk clubs on the Wirral (Merseyside) - on and off - for a few years. In collaboration with Denis Candlish and Graham Humphries, he formed The Mersey Delta Hobos with Ian playing guitar and mandolin. They were eventually joined by other friends who played for about 10 years as the cajun band Sack the Fiddler. These days Ian sings the odd solo and plays occasionally with The Bayou Rhythms.