MARIE NI CHATHASAIGH & CHRIS NEWMAN - Thursday 1st December 2011

MAIRE and CHRIS are seasoned performers of the highest order who tend to normally perform at Arts Centres, Theatres and Festivals. That will give you a measure of how talented they are.
CHRIS began playing guitar at the age of four and is a former member of the iconic Irish band - "Boys of the Lough". MAIRE took up with the harp at the age of eleven. Her superb voice, whether a capella or accompanied, together with Chris's dexterity on guitar are a magical mix which has obtained them world-wide critical acclaim. Marie is described as - "One of the world's greatest harpists" - (Edinburgh Evening News) and is a former winner of the presitigious 'Irish Traditional Musician of the Year' award, in 2001. Chris's influences have been Stephane Grappelli and Diz Disley. He is a prolific composer, arranger and record producer and since its inception has been principal guitar tutor for Newcastle University's Folk music degree course. Of this duo, a Belfast Telegraph reviewer said - "This celebrated harp/guitar duo took the place by storm. Stately Carolan tunes, jazzy Django-ish numbers, Doc Watson style flat picking fliers, driving Irish dance tunes - this pair can nonchalantly do the lot. Their musicianship was enviable. Guitar players applauded and went sadly home to burn their instruments!"

Footnote - This duo excelled giving a wonderful display of musicianship on guitar and harp. Although Maire has a super voice their programme this evening did not include any songs. A great pity. Nevertheless, a wonderful evening's entertainment.

TOM TOPPING BAND -- Thursday 12th January 2012

The TOM TOPPING BAND are - Colin Henderson, Brian Jones and of course Tom himself. Probably the most popular and well known folk band on Wirral and Merseyside, they have vast experience of running folk clubs both at the Black Horse, West Kirby and at Parkgate. Always in demand, it is a great pleasure once again to be able to present this wonderful trio. With superb instrumentation, harmonies and chorus singing and comic antics there is no doubt that 'punters' will be buying their tickets well in advance for what promises to be a sell-out occasion.

Footnote - the above evening proved to be a fantastic night with the guys back in true style once again, rolling back the years and producing an excellent night of entertainment. The evening was completely sold out with our largest ever attendance at the Oak Room. Many thanks 'chaps' and thanks to everyone who attended, not forgetting our brilliant 'Team' of helpers of course.

WELCOMME, FINNAN & CHRIMES -- Thursday 2nd February 2012

FRANK, JOHN & ANDY are a local band based in Wirral and Cheshire. They have a wealth of experience of performing on the folk scene. Multi-instrumentalist, they represent all that is good about contemporary and traditional music with John taking the lead generally, their ballads and harmonies are a delight to hear.

Footnote - Another full house night saw the guys provide their usual excellent programme of both contemporary and traditional music. Tales of a broken guitar caused by 'the' Paul Simon - who still hasn't paid for this - brought a laugh. John sings with such feeling with a choice of songs so similar in style to our own. So he always wins where we are concerned. A little group called Vocal Point didn't do too bad either with four of their six songs being performed for the first time publicly. Thanks everybody for a wonderful evening.

STEVE KNIGHTLEY - Friday 10th February 2012

Following last February's sell out concert at The Rake, STEVE paid his second visit to the Hungry Horse FC but this time it was his first visit to The Whitby Club. In the main concert hall the audience were enraptured by his wonderful singing and expertise on mandocello. Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin, who also hail from the West Country, were Steve's support act. They provided a super 45 minutes of folk music featuring Phil on harmonica, dobro and acoustic guitar, subtly accompanied by Hannah on fiddle and vocals. We hope to have Steve with his colleagues from Show of Hands with us in the not too distant future. Watch this space!!