
Folk Updates ~ Keeping Folk In Touch
www.folklife.uk/updates for Folklife Traditions Journal & Folklife West magazines, & for our online Directory
Mainly Wales, West Country & West Midlands; but all areas, UK & International, are most welcome!
Updates on this page emailed to you ~ roughly every 2 weeks (Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday)
Your Updates: please send email text or Word (not pdf, jpg, etc)
Please email with Subject: "Updates" + "Journal" or "Directory" or "Folk News" ~ or may get missed !
- "Journal Updates" for Folklife Traditions Journal (researched articles).~ Open to all ~ societies, researchers; book publishers. Up to 200 words.
- "Directory Updates" ~ Venues, Performers, Media, Services. Open to all, free entries, see Get listed! page
- "Folk News Updates" ~ only Folklife Members (Membership details foot of page) or all overseas readers (= non-UK/Ireland). For each item (club, session, act, festival), title; contact, websites, media; + up to 160 words.

Updates email: week of Sunday 3 August 2025
Updates, email usually about every 2 weeks ~ (1) Journal, (2) Directory, (3) News: Folklife members, & International readers
ØØ International (nonUK/Ireland) Updates-signups who aren't Members can send news for this Updates page (not included in FW)
We also list in Directory, free, 🅄 other UK/Ireland Updates-signups, 🄹 Folklife Traditions Journal other subscribers/contributors.
Bill Wilkes
From the Grand Union Folk Club (Leicestershire) website:
Goodbye Old Friend
It is with deep sadness we report the passing of Bill Wilkes.
Bill was one of the founder members of our club - 25 years ago - and the driving force behind the Grand Union Folk Club. He was a powerful and wonderful singer both individually and as part of GU4. Bill had been suffering with health issues and finally succumbed on the 5th of August 2025. He will be sadly missed by many singers and musicians throughout the country.
Goodbye Old Friend
It is with deep sadness we report the passing of Bill Wilkes.
Bill was one of the founder members of our club - 25 years ago - and the driving force behind the Grand Union Folk Club. He was a powerful and wonderful singer both individually and as part of GU4. Bill had been suffering with health issues and finally succumbed on the 5th of August 2025. He will be sadly missed by many singers and musicians throughout the country.
Garry Walker
From James Eagle, Folk London / Saturday sea songs [Zoom]
Sad news
Garry Walker, a regular at this singaround since the very early days during lockdown, has died of cancer.Garry was a lovely man, a wonderful singer and a writer of some terrific songs (such as Fifty Years a Sailor, which he recorded with his shanty crew, the HogEye Men). He'll be very much missed.
(1) Folklife Traditions Journal: research Updates
Holiday time! Journal no news
(2) Online Directory: Updates
Venues: England, West Country (South-West)
Wiltshire
→ Harnham Community Sports and Social Club, Parsonage Green, Salisbury SP2 8LA.
⊕ A new club started in March 2025. Everyone is welcome to come along to sing, play or just listen. The club is managed by resident band Maerefolk and friends. [Aug 2025, new entry]
Venues: England, West Midlands
Warks/Coventry
Warks/Coventry
🄵 THE SHIFTING SUNDAY SESSION (SSS) ... every Sunday, different pub.
Sunday, 4th Warks LOWER QUINTON SHIFTING SUNDAY SESSION: ASTON CANTLOW CLUB www.sessionfolk.blogspot.com
→ Aston Cantlow Club (01789 488361), Aston Cantlow, Warks B95 6HZ. 7-10pm
Sunday, 4th Warks LOWER QUINTON SHIFTING SUNDAY SESSION: ASTON CANTLOW CLUB www.sessionfolk.blogspot.com
→ Aston Cantlow Club (01789 488361), Aston Cantlow, Warks B95 6HZ. 7-10pm
⇒ Paul Bryan, theflyingmorrisman<at>hotmail.com, 07711 121210
⊕ The Shifting Sunday Session (SSS): weekly folk music sessions in South Warwickshire / North Cotswolds, in four regular venues (different village pubs). Typically around 20 musicians/singers. [Aug 2025, new venue]
Performers: England, West Country (South-West)
Pf.1a Music/Song Bands/Groups
Wiltshire-based
⇒ Email: contact<at>maerefolk.co.uk www.youtube.com/@Maerefolk
⊕ Maerefolk are a Salisbury-based band playing varied music with traditional tunes, thoughtful songs and beautiful harmonies. They are Fiona Hulbert (vocals), Michael Camp (guitar and vocals), Hadrian Cook (bass) and Andrew Fisher (fiddle). Resident band at Salisbury Folk Club. [Aug 2025, new entry]
Performers: England, West Country (South-West)
Pf.1b Duos
Warwickshire-based
🄵 Warks StrumBellow facebook.com/SBHFolkMusic
⇒ Paul Bryan, theflyingmorrisman<at>hotmail.com, 07711 121210
⊕ Paul Bryan and Lol Moran. Playing traditional music with accordion, guitar, concertina and vocals. At The Dirty Duck, Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon, monthly 1st Fridays,12.30pm, and the Shifting Sunday Sessions (see Warks venues). [Aug 2025, details changed]
⇒ Paul Bryan, theflyingmorrisman<at>hotmail.com, 07711 121210
⊕ Paul Bryan and Lol Moran. Playing traditional music with accordion, guitar, concertina and vocals. At The Dirty Duck, Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon, monthly 1st Fridays,12.30pm, and the Shifting Sunday Sessions (see Warks venues). [Aug 2025, details changed]
Cornwall-based
🄵 Cornwall TYWARDREATH MORRIS www.tywardreathmorris.org.uk
🄵 Cornwall TYWARDREATH MORRIS www.tywardreathmorris.org.uk
→ Dancing on Wednesday evenings at various pubs - see website for details
⇒ Contact details: tywardreathmorris<at>yahoo.co.uk Facebook: "Tywardreath Morris Dancers".
⊕ Mixed side, dances mainly from Cotswold tradition, a few border style dances. Formed in 2010, sponsored by the New Inn, to which we repair after practice. New members very welcome, come along and give it a try with no commitment. [Aug 2025, revised details]
⇒ Contact details: tywardreathmorris<at>yahoo.co.uk Facebook: "Tywardreath Morris Dancers".
⊕ Mixed side, dances mainly from Cotswold tradition, a few border style dances. Formed in 2010, sponsored by the New Inn, to which we repair after practice. New members very welcome, come along and give it a try with no commitment. [Aug 2025, revised details]
→ Every Tuesday, September to April, Stroud Old Town Hall, The Shambles, Stroud GL5 1AP, 7:30PM - 9:30PM
⇒ Contact via webform, https://www.miserdenmorris.com/contact, or enquiries<at>miserdenmorris.com www.facebook.com/miserdenmorris, www.instagram.com/miserdenmorris/
⇒ Contact via webform, https://www.miserdenmorris.com/contact, or enquiries<at>miserdenmorris.com www.facebook.com/miserdenmorris, www.instagram.com/miserdenmorris/
⊕ Formed in 2017, mixed Cotswold Morris side based around the Stroud valleys in the Cotswolds, specialising in Gloucestershire traditions. We welcome people of all ages and abilities. All you need is some sensible footwear and a willingness to learn! [Aug 2025, new entry]
(3a) News Updates: from Folklife members
Cheap publicity (from just £9 a year!) in print Folklife West magazine and online this page and email fortnightly Updates !
"p16 🄵" = page 16 in the current Folklife West (print & online)
West Midlands
p22 🄵 Birmingham BLACK DIAMOND FOLK CLUB
Guest Review, for Silvington, by Alan Franklin
July 11th. Tricia Moore and John Connor aka Silvington.
Tricia and John gave a delightful evening of songs and music to an audience that had turned out on the warmest Friday this year. They performed a mixture of traditional and contemporary songs. As they hail from the Plymouth area many of their songs were about Smugglers, Cornish tin mining and even Mermaids, We had plenty of choruses to get our teeth into.
July 11th. Tricia Moore and John Connor aka Silvington.
Tricia and John gave a delightful evening of songs and music to an audience that had turned out on the warmest Friday this year. They performed a mixture of traditional and contemporary songs. As they hail from the Plymouth area many of their songs were about Smugglers, Cornish tin mining and even Mermaids, We had plenty of choruses to get our teeth into.
p28 🄵 Herefs HOMEND POETS & MUSICIANS https://folklife.uk/homend-poets

Updates email: Wednesday 23 July 2025
Updates, email usually about every 2 weeks ~ (1) Journal, (2) Directory, (3) News: Folklife members, & International readers
ØØ International (nonUK/Ireland) Updates-signups who aren't Members can send news for this Updates page (not included in FW)
We also list in Directory, free, 🅄 other UK/Ireland Updates-signups, 🄹 Folklife Traditions Journal other subscribers/contributors.
Read online, as emailed: Update 23 July 2025 https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/497993/emails/160574952340194375
{Editorial}
Yippee - just bought and installed a new MacMini & wonderful Apple display, updating software, etc, and busy learning that. Newsletters every 2 weeks: due to my busy schedule, to be "sent during week starting Sunday...", rather than as before on Sun, Mon, or Tue,.
MailChimp emailing: bounced emails are not immediately notified, so if you miss one, please check this page to see what's been sent.
Only trying to help, they say ...
(1) Santander Bank "Not-for-profit organisations play a crucial role in society, which is why we’re dedicated to helping them prosper" , they say, when announcing the non-profits' free banking goes up to £5/month - & 70p per cheque!
(2) The Post Office: "more reliable and sustainable service", they say, when announcing delivery will be only alternate days! and only Mon-Fri!
~ For September issue, no change to our charges; nor to our deadlines; but may change after that.
On a more positive note, I'm delighted we have more new Members, so more news / info for you in our Sept Folklife West. In particular, our first North-East report by Eileen Richardson - you can view a draft of September 's report on the May-issue pages: https://www.folklife.uk/north
Sam
Next FOLKLIFE WEST, out 1 SEPT. 2025.
News from Folklife Members, including Workshops, and Festivals (Sept 2025 - Aug 2026);
Sam
Next FOLKLIFE WEST, out 1 SEPT. 2025.
News from Folklife Members, including Workshops, and Festivals (Sept 2025 - Aug 2026);
last-minutes changes up to Aug 6, text to be no longer than sent; any deadline problems please email me immediately.
so for your publicity, in print & online, join Folklife - it's only £9 / year !!!
(1) Folklife Traditions Journal: research Updates
🄵 Traditional Song Forum www.tradsong.org TSF Newsletter 132 - July 2025 - extracts edited by Sam
Dr. Steve Roud
The Open University has announced that our Chair, Steve Roud, has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate ‘in recognition of his exceptional contribution to education and culture’. The award will be presented in Birmingham in October—many congratulations on this well-deserved honour.
Zoom meetings for next season
Our next two meetings are on 7th September and 16th of November, with 2 - 3 slots for presentations on topics relevant to traditional song.
We need volunteers to fill these slots. We pride ourselves on being an open forum, so even if you haven’t presented anything before, please consider giving it a try. We’ll help if you need advice. If you are an old hand but haven't presented anything for a while, please think about doing so again.
And if you enjoy the TSF talks, live and online, please pass the word to like-minded friends. Joining the TSF is free, carries no commitments, and is easily done here https://tradsong.org/joining-the-tsf
Folk Song in England Online Classes - Level 2
Steve Roud and Julia Bishop will be running a second level of their online evening classes called Folk Song in England, for the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library of the EFDSS (6 weekly sessions) in October / November. Watch their website www.efdss.org/vwml for details.
Post-War Folk Song Research
We are launching a major project to document and preserve the research and collection activity of the post-war generation, starting with interviews with major players. If anyone has any recordings which they would be willing to share with us, please let us know.
Brian Peters' Collectomania paper on Cecil Sharp
Brian’s important paper on Cecil Sharp, from our Collectomania! conference last year - 'Not to bury Sharp, but to crucify him': A Critical Appraisal of the Academic Assault on Cecil Sharp's Politics is available for free on his Academia.edu page: https://independent.academia.edu/BrianPeters17
It is an interesting paper, and a useful corrective to those who continue to misinterpret Sharp's motives on the basis of poor research.
The Open University has announced that our Chair, Steve Roud, has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate ‘in recognition of his exceptional contribution to education and culture’. The award will be presented in Birmingham in October—many congratulations on this well-deserved honour.
Zoom meetings for next season
Our next two meetings are on 7th September and 16th of November, with 2 - 3 slots for presentations on topics relevant to traditional song.
We need volunteers to fill these slots. We pride ourselves on being an open forum, so even if you haven’t presented anything before, please consider giving it a try. We’ll help if you need advice. If you are an old hand but haven't presented anything for a while, please think about doing so again.
And if you enjoy the TSF talks, live and online, please pass the word to like-minded friends. Joining the TSF is free, carries no commitments, and is easily done here https://tradsong.org/joining-the-tsf
Folk Song in England Online Classes - Level 2
Steve Roud and Julia Bishop will be running a second level of their online evening classes called Folk Song in England, for the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library of the EFDSS (6 weekly sessions) in October / November. Watch their website www.efdss.org/vwml for details.
Post-War Folk Song Research
We are launching a major project to document and preserve the research and collection activity of the post-war generation, starting with interviews with major players. If anyone has any recordings which they would be willing to share with us, please let us know.
Brian Peters' Collectomania paper on Cecil Sharp
Brian’s important paper on Cecil Sharp, from our Collectomania! conference last year - 'Not to bury Sharp, but to crucify him': A Critical Appraisal of the Academic Assault on Cecil Sharp's Politics is available for free on his Academia.edu page: https://independent.academia.edu/BrianPeters17
It is an interesting paper, and a useful corrective to those who continue to misinterpret Sharp's motives on the basis of poor research.
Book Launch - Whitby Folk Week The latest book in the "Marrowbones" series, "A Yorkshire Songster", is being launched at Whitby Folk Week. The event will be in the Coliseum Theatre (1B Victoria Place, Whitby YO21 1EZ) on Wednesday, 30th August at 10.00 am.
There will also be a concert to celebrate the whole series of "Marrowbones" books on Thursday afternoon in the Rifle Club (Sports Ground, West Cliff Ave, Whitby YO21 3EW). All the books will be on sale at both events. You do not have to have a season ticket, as payment can be taken on the door.
The Newsletter also mentioned, as noted in UPDATES 20 JUNE: 20 Aug 2025, Roy Palmer Lecture 2025; 18 Apr 2026. Spring Conference 2026 - Manchester
As noted UPDATES 3 JUNE: 18 Oct 2025. TSF Autumn Conference – Gloucester, 18th October: Folk Songs in the archive – Where can we find them, and are they safe?
As noted UPDATES 3 JUNE: 18 Oct 2025. TSF Autumn Conference – Gloucester, 18th October: Folk Songs in the archive – Where can we find them, and are they safe?
🄵 The Folklore Society https://folklore-society.com
Next Folklore Society Event: Lying in Legend and Tradition: The Nineteenth Legendary Weekend of The Folklore Society Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September, Tullie House, Carlisle, CA3 8TP, details see website
(2) Online Directory: Updates
VENUES
West Country - Cornwall
🅄 Friday, 2nd Cornwall VERYAN PHILLEIGH FOLK www.visittruro.org.uk/whats-on
→ Veryan Sports & Social Club (with club bar), Elerkey Lane TR2 5QS. Gigs 7.30pm, for 8 or 9 months of the year.
⇒ Call Dave Shepperson on 07736 065406 or by e-mail philleighfolk<at>btinternet.com, and see www.facebook.com/PhilleighFolk/
⊕ Great little club. Guest plus club singers: our aim is to bring the finest local/national folk musicians to the Roseland, a lovely part of Cornwall. Enthusiastic amateurs and artists welcome, get in touch, we have a very welcoming audience. [July 2025, new listing]
🅄 Friday, 2nd Cornwall VERYAN PHILLEIGH FOLK www.visittruro.org.uk/whats-on
→ Veryan Sports & Social Club (with club bar), Elerkey Lane TR2 5QS. Gigs 7.30pm, for 8 or 9 months of the year.
⇒ Call Dave Shepperson on 07736 065406 or by e-mail philleighfolk<at>btinternet.com, and see www.facebook.com/PhilleighFolk/
⊕ Great little club. Guest plus club singers: our aim is to bring the finest local/national folk musicians to the Roseland, a lovely part of Cornwall. Enthusiastic amateurs and artists welcome, get in touch, we have a very welcoming audience. [July 2025, new listing]
West Country - Wilts
🄵 Sundays, 2nd Wilts SWINDON THE TRADITIONAL SUNDAY SINGAROUND SWINDON Facebook: The Traditional Sunday Singaround Swindon
→ The Ashford Road Club in Swindon’s Old Town: 17-18 Ashford Road, Swindon SN1 3NT, upstairs in the function room. From 3pm until 6pm.
⇒ Contact Chris Turpin, christurpin2016<at>gmail.com, 07766492415
⊕ A monthly singaround for lovers of traditional folk song. Musicians are also welcome. Free entry, though small financial donations to help pay for the venue are encouraged. (new entry, July 2025)
West Midlands - Worcs
Sadly, this session, announced last Updates, has now been cancelled by the landlord due to lack of support from folk musicians.
Sunday, 1st Worcs DROITWICH FREEMASONS ARMS SESSION [July 2025, cancelled]
VENUES -- LOCAL FOLK MEDIA
North-West: local magazine & listings
PERFORMERS
WALES
Pf.1a Music/Song - Bands/Groups🅄 Powys FIDDLEBOP https://fiddlebop.org
⇒ info<at>fiddlebop.org - 01982 560726 - 07968 950870, https://www.facebook.com/FiddleBop
⊕ Gypsy jazz plus! Violin, Spanish guitar, percussion, fretless bass, and four voices in harmony. We love what we play, and it shows! "An amazing set of wonderful music that delighted everyone" (Brecon Jazz Club). And we're not expensive :-) [July 2025, new listing]
⇒ info<at>fiddlebop.org - 01982 560726 - 07968 950870, https://www.facebook.com/FiddleBop
⊕ Gypsy jazz plus! Violin, Spanish guitar, percussion, fretless bass, and four voices in harmony. We love what we play, and it shows! "An amazing set of wonderful music that delighted everyone" (Brecon Jazz Club). And we're not expensive :-) [July 2025, new listing]
ENGLAND: LONDON
Pf.1a Music/Song - Bands/Groups
🅄 London/South East RUMPLED MUSLIN Bandcamp: rumpledmuslin.bandcamp.com
⇒ Alison Frosdick, Amanda MacLean, Wendy Lanchin. 07305074034. www.facebook.com/rumpledmuslin/. rumpledmuslin<at>gmail.com
⊕ Firmly established as individual singers on the London folk scene they joined forces post Covid and realised they fitted well together. Often a cappella but with some songs accompanied on the harmonium, guitar or whistle.
(3a) News Updates: from Folklife members
Cheap publicity (from just £9 a year!) in print Folklife West magazine and online this page and email fortnightly Updates !
"p16 🄵" = page 16 in the current Folklife West (print & online)
ENGLAND, WEST COUNTRY: Wiltshire-based, event in Dorset
p13 🄵 ROSIE UPTON
Mick Ryan’s musical interpretation The Innocent of the life and unjust death of trade union martyr Thomas Helliker takes place during the afternoon of Branksome Folk Day (Poole) at St Aldhelm’s, Branksome on Saturday 18 October. It features songs and music from Mick Ryan, Steven Faux, Dave Bordewey, Dave Webber and Anni Fentiman, Rosie Upton, Bob and Gill Berry and Bryony McGinty.
ENGLAND, WEST MIDLANDS: Herefordshire
p28 🄵 The Conquest Theatre, Bromyard: Friday 29th August @ 7.30pm LITTLE RUMBA
Little Rumba’s musicians come from very different musical backgrounds, which is why the band presents such a unique blend of styles.
John Hymas (violin, viola and accordion) trained as a professional viola player in the classical world. He is also a highly regarded composer and founder member of the contemporary folk band Hoover the Dog.
Singer and guitarist Pete Mustill was part of the original R&B boom in the 60’s but subsequently had a ‘Road to Damascus’ moment in the late 80’s on first hearing the music of Astor Piazzolla.
Hugh Colvin is the band’s saxophonist. He is another polymath, combining large scale theatre productions with playing his beloved saxophones.
Little Rumba’s inspirational bass player Jacqui Savage has provided the beat for a whole series of Border and Midlands bands – most recently as part of the rhythm section of Paul Bridgwater’s Electric Blues Rebellion.
Coming up - more details nearer the time - The Conquest Theatre, Bromyard: Saturday 20th September @ 7.30pm THE ALMSHOUSE ALLSTARS present THE SWING SHOW ; The Falcon Mews, Bromyard: Thursday 11th September from 7pm LOCAL ARTISTS' SHOWCASE supporting Bromyard Folk Festival.
John Hymas (violin, viola and accordion) trained as a professional viola player in the classical world. He is also a highly regarded composer and founder member of the contemporary folk band Hoover the Dog.
Singer and guitarist Pete Mustill was part of the original R&B boom in the 60’s but subsequently had a ‘Road to Damascus’ moment in the late 80’s on first hearing the music of Astor Piazzolla.
Hugh Colvin is the band’s saxophonist. He is another polymath, combining large scale theatre productions with playing his beloved saxophones.
Little Rumba’s inspirational bass player Jacqui Savage has provided the beat for a whole series of Border and Midlands bands – most recently as part of the rhythm section of Paul Bridgwater’s Electric Blues Rebellion.
Coming up - more details nearer the time - The Conquest Theatre, Bromyard: Saturday 20th September @ 7.30pm THE ALMSHOUSE ALLSTARS present THE SWING SHOW ; The Falcon Mews, Bromyard: Thursday 11th September from 7pm LOCAL ARTISTS' SHOWCASE supporting Bromyard Folk Festival.
Chris Barltrop
ENGLAND, EAST & SOUTH: London-based, on tour
p35 🄵 THE SALTS ⚓ - - note 26 July update + Phil Beer
“The Salts - they were just outstandingly brilliant”, Tim Walker BBC (Costa del Folk 2022).
21st century folk fires a respectful broadside at the traditional. The Salts are a co-operative of seasoned musicians, creating what is fast becomingone of the most exciting and energetic folk concepts of recent times. With their own unique sound that mixes well written original compositions alongside classic traditional tunes, it's a guaranteed blast.
Their debut album ‘She Rises’ and now their second album 'BRAVE' are receiving rave reviews across the board. Their latest album is 'Live in London Town'.
Gigs: 26 July: The Beehive, Honiton, Devon - Songs from the Sea - with special guest Phil Beer
27 July: Folk on the Moor, Wotter
9 August: Fairport’s Cropredy Convention
For details of the band, gigs, and albums, see www.TheSalts.co.uk
“The Salts - they were just outstandingly brilliant”, Tim Walker BBC (Costa del Folk 2022).
21st century folk fires a respectful broadside at the traditional. The Salts are a co-operative of seasoned musicians, creating what is fast becomingone of the most exciting and energetic folk concepts of recent times. With their own unique sound that mixes well written original compositions alongside classic traditional tunes, it's a guaranteed blast.
Their debut album ‘She Rises’ and now their second album 'BRAVE' are receiving rave reviews across the board. Their latest album is 'Live in London Town'.
Gigs: 26 July: The Beehive, Honiton, Devon - Songs from the Sea - with special guest Phil Beer
27 July: Folk on the Moor, Wotter
9 August: Fairport’s Cropredy Convention
For details of the band, gigs, and albums, see www.TheSalts.co.uk
(3b) News Updates: from our ØØ International readers (all those signed up to our emailed Updates).Online: free on Updates page and in email 2-weekly Updates. Print: in Folklife West - only from 🄵 Folklife Members (£9/year).
International - USA International news welcome - send us yours!
CANADA:
Rick Pollay writes:
I was born in the summer of 1940, and as a celebration of my recent 85th birthday, I am sharing a couple of songs with you – one political and one personal.
I was born in the summer of 1940, and as a celebration of my recent 85th birthday, I am sharing a couple of songs with you – one political and one personal.
The political one is a cover of Jay Feldman’s recent writing. While it doesn’t dwell on current events, but offers an historical perspective that perfectly fits my own memories. It doesn’t mention names of the current cast of characters, but most listeners will no doubt think of the clown prince who would be king.
What’s Happening Today https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXgoZ5wohts
The personal one is an original confession that offers context for why I keep on singing despite the inevitable deterioration of my vocalizations, knowing full well that a Tony Bennet I am not! Old Singer’s Blues https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMXrfCXwNwk
Both YouTube links include the lyrics if they are of interest. Enjoy. Rick Pollay: Shanties, blues, folk, jazz
USA
Massachusetts
and ZOOM: LIVE FROM THE MERMAID'S TAVERN Zoom meeting links are MAILING LIST ONLY. Join this mailing list at http://mailinglist.mermaidstavern.com Monthly Zoom sessions usually 1st Sundays 2-4pm ET, special events as the occasion requires.
Sunday BACAMS ~ BOSTON AREA CHANTEY AND MARITIME SING, The original chantey sing of the greater Boston area is BACK! Sing sea chanteys and other maritime songs with like-minded folks! Free – open to the public, held in a private house – sing, listen, or request a song. Please join Lynn's mailing list for details.
- Sun AUG 3 Online Ballad Sing
- Sun AUG 17 Live BACAMS Chantey Sing, Waltham, MA
- Sun SEPT 21 Live BACAMS Chantey Sing, Somerville, MA
New York state
ØØ • Zoom & Live ~ NY state, CORNING. ~ VALLEY FOLK MUSIC SOCIETY www.valleyfolk.org ZOOMS every Monday see Zooms webpageUpcoming 2025 live concerts (Eastern time zone)
Sun Sept 14 at 2 PM - Gathering Time - Trio harmony in the spirit of the folk revival with strong originals, too, this concert will put the songs in historical context.
Sun Oct 12 at 2 PM - James Gordon - Canadian singer-songwriter known for writing wonderful songs for Tamarack and has an interesting and varied career.
Sun Nov 9 at 2 PM - Clements Brothers - Young Americana duo with a hint of a bluegrassy jazzy feel and twin brotherly harmonies.
2026 concerts now announced:
Sun Jan 4 at 2 PM Grammy nominated musicians Laura Orshaw (masterful fiddler, vocalist) & Josh Rinkel (originals and guitar) appearing together as First Far West, seamlessly blending bluegrass, country, and roots music, bringing a deep-rooted passion for storytelling and a love for traditional American music. Hailing from Mount Eden, KY this is Laura’s chance to play for her hometown friends, having made it big.
Sun Feb 8 at 2 PM Sean Dagher - Award-winning singer and composer, renowned for his sea shanties with Ubisoft video games Assassin’s Creed and Black Flag. He is also host of the hugely popular YouTube Series, Shanty of the Week and has toured Europe, Ireland, Canada, and the US with renowned UK group, The Longest Johns.
Sat March 28 - Medusa - With their Canadian Folk Music Award (CFMA) Nominated debut album, Medusa’s dynamic arrangement style cross-pollinates the sounds of Middle Eastern, Scandinavian, Celtic, Appalachian, and Eastern European music, as well as original tunes, to create a new string quartet folk fusion sound.
There are sometimes live sing-arounds - contact us if you will be traveling nearby.
Sun Oct 12 at 2 PM - James Gordon - Canadian singer-songwriter known for writing wonderful songs for Tamarack and has an interesting and varied career.
Sun Nov 9 at 2 PM - Clements Brothers - Young Americana duo with a hint of a bluegrassy jazzy feel and twin brotherly harmonies.
2026 concerts now announced:
Sun Jan 4 at 2 PM Grammy nominated musicians Laura Orshaw (masterful fiddler, vocalist) & Josh Rinkel (originals and guitar) appearing together as First Far West, seamlessly blending bluegrass, country, and roots music, bringing a deep-rooted passion for storytelling and a love for traditional American music. Hailing from Mount Eden, KY this is Laura’s chance to play for her hometown friends, having made it big.
Sun Feb 8 at 2 PM Sean Dagher - Award-winning singer and composer, renowned for his sea shanties with Ubisoft video games Assassin’s Creed and Black Flag. He is also host of the hugely popular YouTube Series, Shanty of the Week and has toured Europe, Ireland, Canada, and the US with renowned UK group, The Longest Johns.
Sat March 28 - Medusa - With their Canadian Folk Music Award (CFMA) Nominated debut album, Medusa’s dynamic arrangement style cross-pollinates the sounds of Middle Eastern, Scandinavian, Celtic, Appalachian, and Eastern European music, as well as original tunes, to create a new string quartet folk fusion sound.
There are sometimes live sing-arounds - contact us if you will be traveling nearby.
Extracts from earlier Updates - edited to remove past-dated events

Updates email: Tuesday 8 July 2025
Updates, email usually about every 2 weeks, on a Sunday/Monday/Tuesday; sometimes delayed~ (1) Journal, (2) Directory, (3) News from Folklife members, & from International readers
Updates, email usually about every 2 weeks, on a Sunday/Monday/Tuesday; sometimes delayed
~ (1) Journal, (2) Directory, (3) News from Folklife members, & from International readers
We also list in Directory, free, 🅄 other UK Updates-signups, 🄹 Folklife Traditions Journal other subscribers/contributors.
ØØ International Updates-signups who aren't Members can send news for this Updates page (not included in Folklife West).
Read online, as emailed UPDATE 8 July 2025 https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/497993/emails/159267714024605055
{Editorial}
Welcome to new Folklife members and to new readers of these emails - quite a few in the last few days, from Ireland and Canada as well as the UK outside of our original area.
Welcome to new Folklife members and to new readers of these emails - quite a few in the last few days, from Ireland and Canada as well as the UK outside of our original area.
Thanks to those who kindly responded to our special email about the future of the Folklife Traditions website (I'm working my way through them and will reply tomorrow).
Sam
(1) Folklife Traditions Journal: research Updates
🄹 "Half-Glaswegian, but all Irishman". An article on Dominic Behan by Dr David McKinstry, The University of Glasgow. You can read this in the online Irish Voice https://www.theirishvoice.com/post/half-glaswegian-but-all-irishman
🄵 Traditional Song Forum www.tradsong.org
Future Meetings
7 Sep, TSF Online 75, details tbc. 18 Oct, Autumn Conference 2025, Gloucester, "Folk Songs in the Archives".
7 Sep, TSF Online 75, details tbc. 18 Oct, Autumn Conference 2025, Gloucester, "Folk Songs in the Archives".
18–21 Oct, Francis James Child at 200, Atlanta. 12–14 Nov, Francis James Child at 200, online
16 Nov, TSF Online 77, details tbc. 7 Dec, TSF Online 78, Christmas Special, details tbc. 18 Apr 26, Spring Conference, Manchester,"Women and Song".
🄵 The Folklore Society https://folklore-society.com
Newer Researchers in Folklore Fri 26 Sept, Todmorden. A one-day series of workshops hosted by The Folklore Society.
(2) Online Directory: Updates
VENUES
West Midlands - Worcs
🄵 Sunday, 1st Worcs DROITWICH FREEMASONS ARMS SESSION pub FB: www.facebook.com/people/Freemasons-Arms/61567085671935/
→ Freemasons Arms, Bromsgrove Road, Droitwich WR9 8LR. 7-10.00pm.
⇒ Contact cindycarvill<at>yahoo.co.uk
⊕ New session for musicians and singers. [July 2025, new listing]
→ Freemasons Arms, Bromsgrove Road, Droitwich WR9 8LR. 7-10.00pm.
⇒ Contact cindycarvill<at>yahoo.co.uk
⊕ New session for musicians and singers. [July 2025, new listing]
VENUES -- LOCAL FOLK MEDIA
West Country - Devon: local magazine & listings
Southern half of Devon and/or within approx. 30 mile radius of Totnes as the crow flies, including Exeter, Plymouth, Tavistock, Okehampton, Sidmouth.
⇒ Contact Email: johnculf<at>harbertonfolk.co.uk (if we don't have your contact details, please give your phone number so we can contact you if your reply email address doesn't work). Click this link http://eepurl.com/dmHlVb to join the Harberton Folk email circulation (sent via MailChimp).
⊕ Information Service for traditional music, song & dance in Southern Devon. Website pages include Folk diary; Regular folk updates by email; Latest e-circulars; Folk song clubs; Folk dance clubs; Ceilidhs/barn dances; Venue database; plus other general links. (July 2025, new listing).
East of England: local magazine & listings
* Unicorn Folk covers Beds, Bucks, Cambs, Essex & Herts, with a bit of overlap into surrounding counties such as Norfolk and Suffolk, as well as elements of the national folk scene.
⇒ info<at>unicornfolk.uk, https://www.facebook.com/FolkFacts/
⊕ The Unicorn Folk website is the online successor to the Unicorn Magazine. Run as a not-for-profit it aims to support and provide information to the folk and acoustic music community and cheap, sometimes free advertising to event organisers & musicians.
(June 2025: new listing)
⊕ The Unicorn Folk website is the online successor to the Unicorn Magazine. Run as a not-for-profit it aims to support and provide information to the folk and acoustic music community and cheap, sometimes free advertising to event organisers & musicians.
(June 2025: new listing)
South-East - Buckinghamshire: local magazine & listings
ONLINE 🅄 Buckinghamshire, and most of East of England UNICORN FOLK, see under EAST OF ENGLAND above
ONLINE 🅄 Buckinghamshire, and most of East of England UNICORN FOLK, see under EAST OF ENGLAND above
(3a) News Updates: from Folklife membersCheap publicity (from £9/year!) in print Folklife West magazine and online this page and email fortnightly Updates !"p16 🄵" = page 16 in the current Folklife West (print & online)
ENGLAND, WEST COUNTRY: Glos
p17 🄵 Glos. CHELTENHAM FOLK CLUB
Hi everyone
CLUB RESTARTS Sun 7 Sept with the gloriously witty and musical Richard Cox.
See you soon! Judith Email list machteltje<at>gmail.com, 01242 571185/577506 Facebook: Cheltenham Folk Club
ENGLAND, EAST & SOUTH: South-East-based
Fri 15 - Sun 15 August WHITE HORSE FOLK FESTIVAL, Grove, Oxfordshire OX12 7JY. (see Festivals, news & advert, p44)
• Fri 15th August, Performance of "Magic, Myth & Mystery in British Folk Music" at the Festival - you can come just for this.
• Sat 16 August Main stage on Saturday evening and a multi-instrumental workshop on Sat morning. Details from White Horse Folk Festival
• Sat 16 August Main stage on Saturday evening and a multi-instrumental workshop on Sat morning. Details from White Horse Folk Festival
Fri 26 Sep St James Church, Leckhamstead, NEWBURY, RG20 8QQ. A relatively new (1859) and lovely church between Newbury and Wantage. 7.30pm £12 on the door. Bar refreshments available.
Sat 27 Sep St Mary the Virgin, STOKE MANDEVILLE, Aylesbury HP22 5XB. Lovely old church not far from Aylesbury. 7.30pm £12 on the door.
Sat 25 Oct St James the Great church , STONESFIELD, Oxon OX29 8PP. 5.00pm. £12 on the door.
Sat 1st Nov St Mary Magdalene church, SHABBINGTON, Bucks, HP18 9HQ. A matinee show - 5.00pm. £12 on the door.
Sat 15 Nov St Mary's Church, WOTTON-UNDER-EDGE, Gloucestershire, GL12 7LS. 7.30pm £12 on the door.
Sun 14 Dec Guest concert at READIFOLK (Reading Folk Club) Community Hall, Watlington House, 44 Watlington Street, READING RG1 4RJ. 8pm Readifolk - Reading's Folk Club
Sat 27 Sep St Mary the Virgin, STOKE MANDEVILLE, Aylesbury HP22 5XB. Lovely old church not far from Aylesbury. 7.30pm £12 on the door.
Sat 25 Oct St James the Great church , STONESFIELD, Oxon OX29 8PP. 5.00pm. £12 on the door.
Sat 1st Nov St Mary Magdalene church, SHABBINGTON, Bucks, HP18 9HQ. A matinee show - 5.00pm. £12 on the door.
Sat 15 Nov St Mary's Church, WOTTON-UNDER-EDGE, Gloucestershire, GL12 7LS. 7.30pm £12 on the door.
Sun 14 Dec Guest concert at READIFOLK (Reading Folk Club) Community Hall, Watlington House, 44 Watlington Street, READING RG1 4RJ. 8pm Readifolk - Reading's Folk Club
[member-festival not previously listed]
2025 July 12-13 RIVERFOLK FESTIVAL 2025 🄵 Facebook: Riverfolk Acoustic Club
→ LECHLADE: The Trout Inn, St John's Bridge, Faringdon Road, Lechlade, Gloucestershire, GL7 3HA.
→ LECHLADE: The Trout Inn, St John's Bridge, Faringdon Road, Lechlade, Gloucestershire, GL7 3HA.
⌂ Email riverfolkacoustic<at>gmail.com, contact number for Riverfolk Acoustic Club is 07587178557.
⊕ We are pleased to announce that this year's Riverfolk Festival will take place over the weekend of 12th and 13th July at The Trout Inn, Lechlade GL7 3HA. Performances starting at 12 noon and finishing at 6pm on both days plus a singaround on the Saturday evening. On Sunday we have Johnny Coppin with a bonus extended set. Yes, it's all free! All welcome.
⊕ We are pleased to announce that this year's Riverfolk Festival will take place over the weekend of 12th and 13th July at The Trout Inn, Lechlade GL7 3HA. Performances starting at 12 noon and finishing at 6pm on both days plus a singaround on the Saturday evening. On Sunday we have Johnny Coppin with a bonus extended set. Yes, it's all free! All welcome.
12-14 Sep Folk Orchestra, Benslow Music, HITCHIN, Hertfordshire, SG4 9RB. The second of our annual residential weekend workshops at Benslow Music. Book early! www.benslowmusic.org 01462 459446.
7-9 Nov Halsway Manor, TAUNTON, Somerset, TA4 4BD. A weekend (2 nights) residential Folk Orchestra Workshop run by Jon & Jacqui. All instruments welcome; intermediate standard (no absolute beginners). Music and videos sent in advance. Limited to 20. Book early because it's always sold out! halswaymanor.org.uk/ Any questions, call 01865 769206.
(3b) News Updates: from our ØØ International readers (all those signed up to our emailed Updates).Online: free on Updates page and in email 2-weekly Updates. Print: in Folklife West - only from 🄵 Folklife Members (£9/year).
International - USA International news welcome - send us yours!
CANADA: Toronto
Toronto folk artist Stan Simon releases new EP Narrow Bridge, out July 9 via Slammin’ Media. With over 50,000 streams, Simon is known for vivid, emotionally honest songwriting. This reflective and urgent release blends grief, climate reckoning, and quiet resilience through poetic folk and Americana textures.The EP’s lead single “Narrow Bridge” is a passionate call to action on environmental destruction and renewal. “Long Way Past Gone,” written before the passing of Simon’s father, offers a raw, intimate portrait of loss and spiritual exhaustion.Recorded with longtime producer Dennis Patterson at Big Smoke Audio, the EP includes contributions from Sebastian Shinwell and Max Trefler. It’s Simon’s most personal work to date, weaving traditional storytelling with modern purpose.For press info, links, and streaming: www.norulespr.com/stan-simon
Toronto folk artist Stan Simon releases new EP Narrow Bridge, out July 9 via Slammin’ Media. With over 50,000 streams, Simon is known for vivid, emotionally honest songwriting. This reflective and urgent release blends grief, climate reckoning, and quiet resilience through poetic folk and Americana textures.The EP’s lead single “Narrow Bridge” is a passionate call to action on environmental destruction and renewal. “Long Way Past Gone,” written before the passing of Simon’s father, offers a raw, intimate portrait of loss and spiritual exhaustion.Recorded with longtime producer Dennis Patterson at Big Smoke Audio, the EP includes contributions from Sebastian Shinwell and Max Trefler. It’s Simon’s most personal work to date, weaving traditional storytelling with modern purpose.For press info, links, and streaming: www.norulespr.com/stan-simon
Read online, as emailed SPECIAL 1 July 2025 https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/497993/emails/158451671637165623
SPECIAL EMAIL (not an Update) about the future of the Folklife Traditions website Tuesday 1 July 2025
Folklife Traditions Journal will move to a new website we have just set up www.folklife-trad.uk~ this should be ready by end of July.
Why?
'Weebly' webhost stopped updating (+ large price increase)! Site still works / is readable, but problems editing old or new material - major layout problems (type size changes, unwanted bold, underline, italic, etc). We've already moved www.folklife.uk (Folklife West folk news site) from 'Weebly' to webhost 'WebMate". We could do the same with Folklife Traditions, but that's costly.
PLAN A.
Ideally... anyone like to volunteer, by Wednesday 16 July, ...as webmaster to manage the new WebMate-hosted site ?or as web designer / webmaster to set up a site on a different platform (not WebMate) ?We realise this is unlikely, but thought we'd ask, just in case...
PLAN B.
Otherwise ... on 16 July, we'll ask WebMate to set up their £179 package to copy 8 webpages.
We'll copy over most* other webpages, including pdf downloads for all issues.
* Since we don't have the time, we'll omit the individual-issue webpages (the entire issue's print pages copied online). They'll stay on the old site: availablity will depend on webhosts Weebly.
Advice welcome from those more web-knowledgable than me (probably most of you).
Existing site has:
Existing site has:
- Archive of Journals, for all issues, now 2 Journals per year, so updated twice yearly.
- Each issue has: contents list; picture of the cover; PDF download link. We consider this is fine as it is.
- An index of Journal articles. Simply a list by author.
- Volunteer welcome, to convert to simple spreadsheet (Excel?) or small database
- A small directory see https://www.folklife-traditions.uk/ft-directory.html
- Volunteer welcome, to convert to small database
- Excellent support by phone and email, small team whom I know quite well.
- My limited webskills. I find WebMate far easier (and much better supported) than Wix, Wordpress, blogging, etc
- But if we had a webmaster, we'd consider any platform they could run.

Updates email: Friday 20/6/2025
Updates, email usually about every 2 weeks, on a Sunday/Monday/Tuesday; sometimes delayed~ (1) Journal, (2) Directory, (3) News from Folklife members, & from International readers
Updates, email usually about every 2 weeks, on a Sunday/Monday/Tuesday; sometimes delayed
~ (1) Journal, (2) Directory, (3) News from Folklife members, & from International readers
More details of 🄵 Folklife members (UK & International), Ø Associate members: see Folklife West.
We also list in Directory, free, 🅄 other UK Updates-signups, 🄹 Folklife Traditions Journal other subscribers/contributors. ØØ International Updates-signups who aren't Members can send news for this Updates page (not included in Folklife West).
We also list in Directory, free, 🅄 other UK Updates-signups, 🄹 Folklife Traditions Journal other subscribers/contributors. ØØ International Updates-signups who aren't Members can send news for this Updates page (not included in Folklife West).
(there's usually some editorial as well, not included on webpage)
Read online, as emailed UPDATE 20/6/2025 https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/497993/emails/157726072804213823
Note this is wrongly headed up Tuesday 3 June 2025 i.e the previous date (don't know how that happened)
19/6/2025. New Webpages !
More webpages! Our main England areas are West Country and West Midlands; and for for all other English regions, we had 'England regions' pages.
Whilst we remain predominantly 'West", we do have a few more Directory entries and Members from other areas, so we'll divide 'England regions' webpages into: East & South: E Midlands, East, South-East, London, --- and --- North: North-West, North-East, Yorkshire.
- Venues: England East & South (EMids, E, SE, London) and Venues: England North (NW, NE, Yorks)
- Performers: England East & South and Performers: England North,
- folk news 🄵🅆 England: East & South and 🄵🅆 England: North.
(1) Folklife Traditions Journal: Updates
If you enjoy reading our Journal, then you should join (free) the Traditional Song Forum, see www.tradsong.org
🄵 Traditional Song Forum From the Traditional Song Forum Newsletter June 2025 (extracts; for details join mailing list, see website )
20 Aug 2025, Roy Palmer Lecture 2025. Jon Boden ‘The Folk Revival - a view from the middle’. In it he will reflect on the ups and downs of an extraordinary cultural movement and make the case for optimism with the green shoots or revival constantly pushing up through – young singers and musicians who are now the generation below him, and who were born a hundred years after Cecil Sharp heard John England singing ‘The Seeds of Love’. Whitby Folk Week , 12:00, Wednesday 20 August in the Coliseum (1B Victoria Pl, Whitby YO21 1EZ). No charge for admission. More on the website, http://www.roypalmerlecture.org.
18 Oct 2025. TSF Autumn Conference – Gloucester, 18th October: Folk Songs in the archive – Where can we find them, and are they safe? See UPDATE 3/6/2025
18 Apr 2026. Spring Conference 2026 - Manchester
We are excited to say that we have booked the wonderful Portico Library (https://www.theportico.org.uk/) in Manchester for our next Spring Conference 2025, where we will be using the Dome Room. The topic is “Women and Song”. Please save the date - we expect this to be a great event.
18 Apr 2026. Spring Conference 2026 - Manchester
We are excited to say that we have booked the wonderful Portico Library (https://www.theportico.org.uk/) in Manchester for our next Spring Conference 2025, where we will be using the Dome Room. The topic is “Women and Song”. Please save the date - we expect this to be a great event.
A new discussion group list : Irish-Traditional-Song-Research@groups.io
A moderated discussion group for those interested in research into traditional song in Ireland - the songs, the singers, the styles, the contexts - in English and Irish; functioning primarily as a forum for communication, support, and information exchange, focusing on research rather than performance, and old-style tradition rather than revival or artistic extension.
To subscribe, go to https://groups.io/g/Irish-Traditional-Song-Research
🄵 Richard Spencer (TSF Assistant Secretary) www.tradsong.org
(2) Online Directory: Updates
Venues ~ UK
West Country - Cornwall
🅄 Wednesday, fortnightly Cornwall PORTHLEVEN AMERICAN OLD TIME SESSION Facebook: Old Time Music Cornwall
→ Out of the Blue Freehouse, Porthleven, 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm.
⇒ For up to date session information find us on Facebook as above, or contact David Mepsted on 07940 937335 or davidmando47<at>gmail.com
⊕ Old Time Music Cornwall is dedicated to American Old Time music and Appalachian music events in Cornwall. We support and promote Old Time sessions, concerts, bands, festivals and dance. [June 2025, new entry]
⊕ Old Time Music Cornwall is dedicated to American Old Time music and Appalachian music events in Cornwall. We support and promote Old Time sessions, concerts, bands, festivals and dance. [June 2025, new entry]
West Country - Gloucestershire
🄵 Sunday, most 2nd, 4th Glos CHELTENHAM CHELTENHAM FOLK CLUB www.facebook.com/people/Cheltenham-Folk-Club/100067641189679/
→ Stanton Hall, Charlton Kings GL53 8AR. Music starts 8pm.
⇒ Chris Beaumont 01242 571185; or Judith 01242 577506. machteltje<at>gmail.com
⊕ Some open nights for more floor spots, some guest nights. All welcome. Prices vary according to guest/open night. Cash only. Do join our mailing list — just email machteltje<at>gmail.com [May 2025, facebook replaces webpage]
→ Stanton Hall, Charlton Kings GL53 8AR. Music starts 8pm.
⇒ Chris Beaumont 01242 571185; or Judith 01242 577506. machteltje<at>gmail.com
⊕ Some open nights for more floor spots, some guest nights. All welcome. Prices vary according to guest/open night. Cash only. Do join our mailing list — just email machteltje<at>gmail.com [May 2025, facebook replaces webpage]
Venues - South-East, Media
⇒ Submissions and contact - editor<at>fash.org.uk From FASH (Folk Association of South Hants). Download from webpage, or join mailing list for emailed pdfs. 10 issues per year. Deadline: 15th of month before. Entries free but donations are never refused.
⊕ Details of the next couple of months' dances and folk club events, and in summer, Morris and other dance displays are also included. Adverts and articles. We are always willing to include events. (June 2025, new listing).
ONLINE 🅄 Hampshire ~ FASH (Folk Association of South Hants) https://www.fash.org.uk
⇒ Contact - editor<at>fash.org.uk
⊕ In addition to Solent Waves magazine as above, the FASH website has diaries covering a longer period than each Solent Waves issue, and also lists dance clubs, folk clubs, more informal music sessions, and local Folk Festivals. Links’ page includes links to local bands and callers. (June 2025, new listing).
⇒ Contact - editor<at>fash.org.uk
⊕ In addition to Solent Waves magazine as above, the FASH website has diaries covering a longer period than each Solent Waves issue, and also lists dance clubs, folk clubs, more informal music sessions, and local Folk Festivals. Links’ page includes links to local bands and callers. (June 2025, new listing).
Venues - Yorkshire, Media and
Venues - North-East, Media
ONLINE 🅄 Durham, Northumberland, Yorkshire ~ FOLK ROUNDABOUT www.folkroundabout.com/⇒ Contacts: Webmaster & Everything Else ~ sammi<at>folkroundabout.com Advertising ~ keith<at>folkroundabout.com
⊕ Folk music, song, dance and customs. What's On ~ Articles ~ Interviews & Music Videos ~ Club and Performer Promoting ~ and much, much more. (June 2025: new listing)
Venues ~ International
Performers ~ UK
Pf.3b Poets & Monologuists
Cornwall-based
Cornwall-based
🄵 Cornwall ROB BARRATT comic poet and singer https://robbarratt.wixsite.com/robbarratt
⇒ Rob Barratt 07795461023. 37, Penpont View, Five Lanes, Launceston, Cornwall, PL15 7RY. mobile 07795 461023 rbarratt<at>cooptel.net
⊕ No one reads poetry any more, They all give it a miss, No, nobody reads poetry, So … why are you reading this? Something completely different for your festival or club! Bodmin-based poet and singer - funny and satirical material. [2025 July, updated description, website & phone details]
⇒ Rob Barratt 07795461023. 37, Penpont View, Five Lanes, Launceston, Cornwall, PL15 7RY. mobile 07795 461023 rbarratt<at>cooptel.net
⊕ No one reads poetry any more, They all give it a miss, No, nobody reads poetry, So … why are you reading this? Something completely different for your festival or club! Bodmin-based poet and singer - funny and satirical material. [2025 July, updated description, website & phone details]
Performers ~ International
Media
Services
(3a) News Updates: from Folklife membersCheap publicity (from £9/year!) in print Folklife West magazine and online this page and email fortnightly Updates !"p16 🄵" = page 16 in the current Folklife West (print & online)
CYMRU•WALES
p5 🄵 Newport: LYCEUM FOLK & ACOUSTIC CLUB
Listing for Thurs 4th Dec 2025. Janie Meneely and Rob van Sante. For previous dates, see May Folklife West & Club website
www.lyceumfolknewport.org.uk, Ruth: info<at>lyceumfolknewport.org.uk, 07966 754366,
Listing for Thurs 4th Dec 2025. Janie Meneely and Rob van Sante. For previous dates, see May Folklife West & Club website
www.lyceumfolknewport.org.uk, Ruth: info<at>lyceumfolknewport.org.uk, 07966 754366,
ENGLAND, West Country
p10 🄵 Cornwall. ROB BARRATT, comic poet and singer ~ added some dates since Updates 18/5/2025
August 30th - Staveley Roundhouse, Main St, Staveley, Kendal LA8 9LU. Evening
Sept 3rd - Headgate Theatre, 14 Chapel St N, Colchester CO2 7AT Essex. Evening.
Sept 4th - Seagull Theatre, Lowestoft. 19-75 Morton Rd, Pakefield, Lowestoft NR33 0JH. Evening.
Sept 5th - Thimblemill Library, Thimblemill Rd, Smethwick, Birmingham. B67 5RJ. Evening.
August 30th - Staveley Roundhouse, Main St, Staveley, Kendal LA8 9LU. Evening
Sept 3rd - Headgate Theatre, 14 Chapel St N, Colchester CO2 7AT Essex. Evening.
Sept 4th - Seagull Theatre, Lowestoft. 19-75 Morton Rd, Pakefield, Lowestoft NR33 0JH. Evening.
Sept 5th - Thimblemill Library, Thimblemill Rd, Smethwick, Birmingham. B67 5RJ. Evening.
Rob Barratt’s mini-tour of Australia Oct/Nov 2025
24th to 26th Oct - Tablelands Folk Festival, Queensland
30th Oct to 3rd Nov - Maldon Folk Festival, Victoria
5th Nov – Melbourne house concert, Victoria
7th to 9th Nov - Maleny Music Festival, Queensland
14th Nov - Humph Hall, Sydney, NSW
16th Nov - Illawarra Folk Club, NSW.
Nov 29th - Blackfordby Old School Room, Main St, Blackfordby, Swadlincote, Staffs. DE11 8AB. Evening.
Note new website and phone, as under Directory Updates above: 07795461023, https://robbarratt.wixsite.com/robbarratt
p13 🄵 Wiltshire. From ROSIE UPTON.
The next performance of Mick Ryan’s The Innocent (see May issue) is taking place at Branksome Folk Festival on Saturday 18 October at 6.45 - 8.00pm. Best wishes, Rosie
ENGLAND, West Midlands
p22 🄵 Birmingham. BLACK DIAMOND FOLK CLUB.
Alan Franklin's review.
On June 6th, talented sisters Ruth and Sadie Price were accompanied on the harp by Lisa Oliver and they gave the audience at the Black Diamond club a very entertaining evening. Quite a few of their songs were influenced by their parents; Bill and Wendy Price who spent some time in Canada and later returned to run a folk club in Yorkshire. The sisters also perform with the female group called She Shanties.
On June 6th, talented sisters Ruth and Sadie Price were accompanied on the harp by Lisa Oliver and they gave the audience at the Black Diamond club a very entertaining evening. Quite a few of their songs were influenced by their parents; Bill and Wendy Price who spent some time in Canada and later returned to run a folk club in Yorkshire. The sisters also perform with the female group called She Shanties.

Updates email: Tuesday 3 June 2025
Updates, email usually about every 2 weeks, on a Sunday/Monday/Tuesday~ (1) Journal, (2) Directory, (3) News from Folklife members, & from International readers
Updates, email usually about every 2 weeks, on a Sunday/Monday/Tuesday
~ (1) Journal, (2) Directory, (3) News from Folklife members, & from International readers
More details of 🄵 Folklife members (UK & International), Ø Associate members: see Folklife West.
We also list in Directory, free, 🅄 other UK Updates-signups, 🄹 Folklife Traditions Journal other subscribers/contributors. ØØ International Updates-signups who aren't Members can send news for this Updates page (not included in Folklife West).
We also list in Directory, free, 🅄 other UK Updates-signups, 🄹 Folklife Traditions Journal other subscribers/contributors. ØØ International Updates-signups who aren't Members can send news for this Updates page (not included in Folklife West).
(there's usually some editorial as well, not included on webpage)
Read online, as emailed UPDATE 3 June /025 https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/497993/emails/155865960832566934
Including lots of new listings, for online listings websites; and news from South Carolina USA.
Emailed all the area online listings I could find, all titles noted; see (2) Directory Updates below
(1) Folklife Traditions Journal: Updates
Traditional Song Forum - from the TSF Newsletter 128, May 2025
TSF Autumn Conference – Gloucester, 18th October 2025 - CALL FOR PAPERS
Folk Songs in the archive – Where can we find them, and are they safe?
When the Traditional Song Forum was formed in January 1998 the key topic of discussion was how we could make the many different archives of traditional song more available to researchers. In the years since, much has happened to achieve that goal, a lot of it down to work that TSF members have played a key role in. We now have some wonderful archives created by organisations, particularly the wonderful archive of the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library, but a lot of other archives are not as easily available and there are several archives owned by individuals which have an uncertain future. There have also been technical issues, such as those affecting the British Library and the Bodleian Broadside Archive, that have, unexpectedly, made material unavailable.
It has become clear that the three fundamental elements in archiving - Make it safe, Make it useable, Make it accessible – can never be taken for granted, and need continuous revision and monitoring. Institutional priorities and resources change, technology goes out of date, websites appear and disappear, search engines are re-designed. Many existing collections need to be processed, and personal collections need to be identified, and their survival ensured. it is up to us, as creators and primary users, to use our expert knowledge and whatever power we can muster, to maintain, support and monitor our essential materials.
We are planning to examine these issues at a full day in-person conference in Gloucester on 18 October 2025. The venue will be the Dunrossil Centre at the Gloucestershire Heritage Hub, Clarence Row, Alvin Street, Gloucester, GL1 3DW. The Heritage Hub is conveniently located for public transport and has ample free car parking for attendees. We are now seeking offers of papers on topics relevant to the issues associated with safeguarding our archives for the future. This will be an in-person meeting but we will be accepting pre-recorded papers from those unable to attend. The timing for the papers will be 20 minutes plus time for questions. The closing date for submissions will be Monday 4 August 2025.
If you would like to submit a paper or short report, please contact Steve Roud steveroud<at>gmail.com
Folk Songs in the archive – Where can we find them, and are they safe?
When the Traditional Song Forum was formed in January 1998 the key topic of discussion was how we could make the many different archives of traditional song more available to researchers. In the years since, much has happened to achieve that goal, a lot of it down to work that TSF members have played a key role in. We now have some wonderful archives created by organisations, particularly the wonderful archive of the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library, but a lot of other archives are not as easily available and there are several archives owned by individuals which have an uncertain future. There have also been technical issues, such as those affecting the British Library and the Bodleian Broadside Archive, that have, unexpectedly, made material unavailable.
It has become clear that the three fundamental elements in archiving - Make it safe, Make it useable, Make it accessible – can never be taken for granted, and need continuous revision and monitoring. Institutional priorities and resources change, technology goes out of date, websites appear and disappear, search engines are re-designed. Many existing collections need to be processed, and personal collections need to be identified, and their survival ensured. it is up to us, as creators and primary users, to use our expert knowledge and whatever power we can muster, to maintain, support and monitor our essential materials.
We are planning to examine these issues at a full day in-person conference in Gloucester on 18 October 2025. The venue will be the Dunrossil Centre at the Gloucestershire Heritage Hub, Clarence Row, Alvin Street, Gloucester, GL1 3DW. The Heritage Hub is conveniently located for public transport and has ample free car parking for attendees. We are now seeking offers of papers on topics relevant to the issues associated with safeguarding our archives for the future. This will be an in-person meeting but we will be accepting pre-recorded papers from those unable to attend. The timing for the papers will be 20 minutes plus time for questions. The closing date for submissions will be Monday 4 August 2025.
If you would like to submit a paper or short report, please contact Steve Roud steveroud<at>gmail.com
Spring Conference 2026
Planning is underway for an in-person conference in the Spring next year, probably in Northern England, with the topic of “Women in Folk Song”. More details to be announced shortly.
Planning is underway for an in-person conference in the Spring next year, probably in Northern England, with the topic of “Women in Folk Song”. More details to be announced shortly.
Latest volume from The Ballad Partners
Ballad Partners are delighted to announce our newest book, Collectomania! Revisiting the Folk Song Collectors. This collection includes ten papers from the major Collectomania conference organised by the Traditional Song Forum and the English Folk Dance and Song Society, held in London in 2024. It includes the keynote papers from Brian Peters on Cecil Sharp and Martin Graebe on Baring-Gould. Visit our store to get your copy today: www.TheBalladPartners.co.uk
Ballad Partners are delighted to announce our newest book, Collectomania! Revisiting the Folk Song Collectors. This collection includes ten papers from the major Collectomania conference organised by the Traditional Song Forum and the English Folk Dance and Song Society, held in London in 2024. It includes the keynote papers from Brian Peters on Cecil Sharp and Martin Graebe on Baring-Gould. Visit our store to get your copy today: www.TheBalladPartners.co.uk
(2) Online Directory: Updates
26/5/2025. Added numerous Media entries below - set up new webpage Media
Emailed all the area online listings I could find, all titles noted; details to be added as & when they reply, some below.
Please let me know of any I've missed in your area.
M.1 Folk Journalists & Reviewers (new -- added: “& Reviewers” - entries welcome)
M.2 Publishers (music & print)
M.3 - M.5 Print & online folk magazine & listings:
Emailed all the area online listings I could find, all titles noted; details to be added as & when they reply, some below.
Please let me know of any I've missed in your area.
M.1 Folk Journalists & Reviewers (new -- added: “& Reviewers” - entries welcome)
M.2 Publishers (music & print)
M.3 - M.5 Print & online folk magazine & listings:
- M.3 Summary for Wales; English local / regional media; Scotland; International; Zoom (see Venue pages for full details)
- M.4 Details of these Folklife publications
- M.5 Details of those covering all of England or all of GB, or GB-based with International coverage
Venues ~ UK none this time
Venues ~ International
SOUTH CAROLINA
ØØ Sundays, 2nd (occasionally varies) ~ SC. OLD-TIME & AMERICANA JAM, Long Bay Folk Society. www.longbayfolksociety.com
→ Mar. - Nov., Huntington Beach State Park, Murrells Inlet ; Dec. - Feb. indoors, Murrells Inlet. 3-6pm, Winter; 4-7pm, Summer.
ØØ Sundays, 2nd (occasionally varies) ~ SC. OLD-TIME & AMERICANA JAM, Long Bay Folk Society. www.longbayfolksociety.com
→ Mar. - Nov., Huntington Beach State Park, Murrells Inlet ; Dec. - Feb. indoors, Murrells Inlet. 3-6pm, Winter; 4-7pm, Summer.
⇒ longbayfolksociety<at>gmail.com Reach out before the event for location updates.
⊕ Jam open to all abilities from beginner to accomplished amateur to seasoned pro. All acoustic instruments welcome (even banjos!). We have a couple of books with chord charts. Music stands are welcome. Sometimes we have an early slow jam. [May 2025, new listing]
ØØ Sundays, 3rd ~ SC. TRADITIONAL IRISH SESSION, Long Bay Folk Society. www.longbayfolksociety.com
→ Smuggler’s Den 4660 Highway 17 Bypass, Murrells Inlet. 2.30pm.
⇒ longbayfolksociety<at>gmail.com
⊕ A meetup to play, enjoy and listen to traditional Irish music - jigs, reels, hornpipes, sea shanties and pub songs. All fiddles, tin whistles, flutes, accordions, concertinas, Uilleann pipes, tenor banjos, mandolins, bodhrans, guitars and acoustic instruments are welcome [May 2025, new listing]
→ Smuggler’s Den 4660 Highway 17 Bypass, Murrells Inlet. 2.30pm.
⇒ longbayfolksociety<at>gmail.com
⊕ A meetup to play, enjoy and listen to traditional Irish music - jigs, reels, hornpipes, sea shanties and pub songs. All fiddles, tin whistles, flutes, accordions, concertinas, Uilleann pipes, tenor banjos, mandolins, bodhrans, guitars and acoustic instruments are welcome [May 2025, new listing]
Performers ~ UK
Pf.1 FOLK MUSIC & SONG ~ Pf. 1a groups
Worcestershire-based
🄵 Worcs The ORCHARD BAND www.orchardband.net
⇒ Ian Craigan, 07879 033823, ian<at>iancraigan.plus.com
🄵 Worcs The ORCHARD BAND www.orchardband.net
⇒ Ian Craigan, 07879 033823, ian<at>iancraigan.plus.com
⊕ A high octane mix of tuneful, soulful and sing-along-ful material, ideal for outdoors entertaining, indoors listening or energetic dancing. Good music for good times – bringing you the pick of the crop with a heady mix of folk, jazz & roots! [May 2025, new listing]
Pf.1 FOLK MUSIC & SONG ~ Pf. 1b duos
Gloucestershire-based
⇒ Contact details: Jan Vaisey, 07979 424897, jan.vaisey<at>btinternet.com
⊕ Acoustic duo performing a wide range of contemporary folk songs on guitar and a variety of folk tunes from around the world on mandolin and guitar. We regularly perform at Folk Clubs and Festivals around Gloucestershire and the South West [May 2025, new listing]
Pf.1 FOLK MUSIC & SONG ~ Pf. 1d Shanty
Gloucestershire-based
⇒ Email: rodpenlington<at>aol.com, gillbowmer<at>aol.com
⊕ With founder Rod Penlington, on guitar, and Flash (AKA Les Griffiths) more vocals. Rod is very well known for powerful sea shanties, traditional and contemporary ballads and humorous songs, and Flash is a well known character on the folk scene. [May 2025, new members]
Pf.2 FOLK DANCE ~ Pf2.a Folk Dance Callers
Yorkshire-based
🅄 Yorkshire JANET PORTER
⇒ Janet Porter, Janetporter789<at>gmail.com
⊕ Dance caller, also play and call with The Polka Dots Barn Dance Band and Les Rustiques French music.
Based near Goole UK. I’m happy to call for other barn dance bands. North Lincs, East and West Riding Yorkshire. (May 2025: details revised)
⇒ Janet Porter, Janetporter789<at>gmail.com
⊕ Dance caller, also play and call with The Polka Dots Barn Dance Band and Les Rustiques French music.
Based near Goole UK. I’m happy to call for other barn dance bands. North Lincs, East and West Riding Yorkshire. (May 2025: details revised)
NORTH-WEST - Media
⇒ Roger Liptrot, folkimagesuk<at>yahoo.co.uk. Home page: original photos of musicians.
Other pages include North-West clubs & sessions; festivals list: https://www.folkimages.com/WHATON.htm;
What's on, North-West concert venues: https://www.folkimages.com/venues.html; Folk music on the radio: https://www.folkimages.com/RAD.htm
⊕ Original photos of musicians, plus North West England what's on guides, folk music on the radio and magazine details. (May 2025: new listing)
Pf.2 FOLK DANCE ~ Pf.2b Folk Dance Bands
Worcestershire-based
🄵 Worcs The ORCHARD BAND www.orchardband.net
⇒ Ian Craigan, 07879 033823, ian<at>iancraigan.plus.com
⊕ A high octane mix of tuneful, soulful and sing-along-ful material, ideal for outdoors entertaining, indoors listening or energetic dancing. Good music for good times – bringing you the pick of the crop with a heady mix of folk, jazz & roots! [May 2025, new listing]
⇒ Ian Craigan, 07879 033823, ian<at>iancraigan.plus.com
⊕ A high octane mix of tuneful, soulful and sing-along-ful material, ideal for outdoors entertaining, indoors listening or energetic dancing. Good music for good times – bringing you the pick of the crop with a heady mix of folk, jazz & roots! [May 2025, new listing]
Performers ~ International
Pf.1 FOLK MUSIC & SONG ~ Pf. 1a groups
USA
ØØ South Carolina THE BLARNEY PILGRIMS www.facebook.com/people/The-Blarney-Pilgrims/61571956576719/#
⇒ Contact Danny Sullivan, dannysullivan4<at>yahoo.com
⊕ Irish & Celtic Music in the Grand Strand. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. (2025 May, new listing)
M.3 MEDIA
M.3 print & online folk magazine & listing listed under Venues - England/Regions
M.3 print & online folk magazine & listing listed under Venues - England/Regions
EAST MIDLANDS - Media
ONLINE 🅄 Leics. LEICESTERSHIRE FOLK DIARY https://lfd.org.uk/
⇒ Contact via website form on https://lfd.org.uk/contact_us.php . LFD is also on Facebook.
⇒ Contact via website form on https://lfd.org.uk/contact_us.php . LFD is also on Facebook.
⊕ Two main sections: Events with a day-to-day listing of "what's on", and a Directory, an A to Z listing of the event organisers and venues. Compiled using information supplied by event organisers. Sponsored by the Grand Union Folk Club. (May 2025: new listing)
SOUTH-EAST - Media
⇒ Submissions - folkonwight<at>aol.co.uk
⊕ folkonwight lists folk events on the Isle of Wight. It also has a section about the history of folk music, dance, mumming and folklore on the island. (May 2025, new listing)
YORKSHIRE - Media
⇒ Kathy Barnes, sheffieldfolkguide<at>gmail.com Monthly emailed list of the events on website: to receive list, simply email. Follow on social media for a weekly what’s on list every Tuesday: Bluesky @sheffieldfolkguide; Instagram @sheffieldfolkguide; Threads @sheffieldfolkguide; Twitter X @shefFolkGuide; Facebook Sheffield Folk Guide.
⊕ The website has a what’s on list of folk and traditional music gigs, ceilidhs etc and workshops in Sheffield, venue and folk club information, links to Sheffield carols and sessions website. Free to use and have events included. (May 2025: new listing)
M.5 MEDIA
M.5 Print & online folk magazine & listings. ~ Those which cover all of GB, or all of England, or GB-based with International coverage
⇒ Sussex-based. Jeremy Keith, https://thesession.org/contact, but check the help page first: https://thesession.org/help Membership is free and only takes a moment to sign up: https://thesession.org/signup You can also install The Session app on your phone or computer.
To get the latest activity on The Session: Follow @thesession on Mastodon. Follow @thesession.org on Bluesky. Like The Session on Facebook.
⊕ An international community website dedicated to Irish traditional music. Find tunes to play, sessions to play them in, events (like concerts and festivals), or explore the track listings of recordings, and join in discussions about the music. (2025 May, new listing)
⇒ Contact Ray Lester, Compiler, via form on website www.open-concerts.co.uk/contact-us.html To suggest a new Entry for the Directory, simply send me its Title and the URL of its Website. I will do the rest.
⊕ A vast range of musical activities. This includes Accordion and Fiddle Clubs, Early Music Ensembles, Early Music Festivals, Folk Clubs, Folk Festivals, Folk Music Ensembles ... (May 2025, new listing)
SERVICES
S.4 Design: including website design & services, print, illustration
ENGLAND NORTH-WEST
🅄 North-West. FOLKIMAGES https://www.folkimages.com
⇒ Roger Liptrot, folkimagesuk<at>yahoo.co.uk. Original photos of musicians. Also, North West England what's on guides, folk music on the radio and magazine; for details see Venues: England regions webpage, under North-West venues.
⇒ Roger Liptrot, folkimagesuk<at>yahoo.co.uk. Original photos of musicians. Also, North West England what's on guides, folk music on the radio and magazine; for details see Venues: England regions webpage, under North-West venues.
⊕ Original photos of musicians, an extensive collection over many years, with an A to Z index of artists and other photos. (2025 May, new listing)
(3) News Updates: from Folklife members, and from International readersCheap publicity (from £9/year!) in Folklife West print magazine and on this webpage + the fortnightly Updates emails"p16 🄵" = page 16 in the current Folklife West (print & online)
Monologue John - Sad news
From: Maggi Huyton, 30 May 2025
Dear All
Sadly, John Bartley (Monologue John), a regular at our Zoom sessions, was found dead at home by his carer on Tuesday morning.
John will be much missed by us all and the folk world will be the poorer without his extensive knowledge and recitations.
Rest in peace John - Zoom won’t be the same without you.
Maggi and Mark (Room at the Top Folk Club / Zoom at the Top)
Dear All
Sadly, John Bartley (Monologue John), a regular at our Zoom sessions, was found dead at home by his carer on Tuesday morning.
John will be much missed by us all and the folk world will be the poorer without his extensive knowledge and recitations.
Rest in peace John - Zoom won’t be the same without you.
Maggi and Mark (Room at the Top Folk Club / Zoom at the Top)
John was a well-known and entertaining figure seen on many UK Zooms.
INTERNATIONAL - report from SOUTH CAROLINA
p40 🄵 Toronto Correspondent Keith Price enjoyed a visit to the Ole Irish Pub,
where The Blarney Pilgrims (www.facebook.com/people/The-Blarney-Pilgrims/61571956576719/# ) run a once a month folk evening.
John Plunkett of the Blarney Pilgrims kindly agreed to write about his area:
The “Grand Strand” of South Carolina (the coast from historic Georgetown to the North Carolina border) is somewhat lacking in a traditional music scene. Charleston has more musical variety; the barn jams at Awendaw Green (www.awendawgreen.com/barn-jams.html) have some local and touring folk acts. The further towards the mountains you go, the more traditional music you can hear. Places like Hagood Mill (https://visithagoodmill.com/third-saturday-events/) offer folk and bluegrass jams and performances.
I was exposed to American folk and Celtic music at an early age thanks to my parents’ musical tastes. I had fiddle lessons for a few years as a youngster, then stopped playing, before picking it up again. I posted an ad on Craigslist looking for others who played similar music. Todd Spiehler, who was learning the mandolin, responded. Todd, with a better grasp of social media, started the Long Bay Folk Society website (www.longbayfolksociety.com) and Facebook page, and gradually we started to attract more musicians. The monthly jam at Huntington Beach State Park is mostly old-time fiddle tunes and bluegrass, but it just depends on who shows up. Sometimes someone camping at the park will wander by, grab their instrument, and join us. It has been going strong for five years, even in the summer heat and humidity.
In 2024, I started the Irish session (www.longbayfolksociety.com/irish-session) and that has been very popular. This area is growing rapidly, and most newcomers are from the Northeastern US, where there is more of a Celtic music tradition. I’ve learned a great deal from these sessions and met a lot of great people. I hope we can continue to grow our do-it-yourself folk music scene on the Grand Strand. John Plunkett
For details of Long Bay Folk Society Old-Time & Americana Jam, Traditional Irish Session, and The Blarney Pilgrims, see Directory Updates above.
WALES: Gwynedd
p8 🄵 THE TRAVELLING SESSION. ~ Updated Travelling Sessions Schedule 2025
1st Tuesday The Union Inn - Tremadog 8.00pm ~ Mar,Apr,May,Jun,Jul,Aug,Sep,Oct,Nov,Dec
2nd Tuesday The Ship Aground - Talsarnau 8.30pm ~ Mar,Apr,May,Jun,Jul,Aug,Sep,Oct,Nov,Dec
2nd Sunday The Union Inn - Tremadog 3pm ~ All year round
3rd Tuesday The Prince of Wales - Criccieth 8.30pm ~ Mar,Apr,May,Jun,Jul,Aug,Sep,Oct,Nov,Dec
4th Tuesday Spooners - Porthmadog 5pm ~ Mar,Apr,May,Jun,Jul,Aug,Sep,Oct,Nov,Dec
4th Friday Tyddn Llwyn - Porthmadog 5pm ~ Apr,May,Jun,Jul,Aug,Sep
5th Tuesday Black Rock Beach Club - Morfa Bychan 8.30pm ~ Apr,Jul,Sep
2nd Tuesday The Ship Aground - Talsarnau 8.30pm ~ Mar,Apr,May,Jun,Jul,Aug,Sep,Oct,Nov,Dec
2nd Sunday The Union Inn - Tremadog 3pm ~ All year round
3rd Tuesday The Prince of Wales - Criccieth 8.30pm ~ Mar,Apr,May,Jun,Jul,Aug,Sep,Oct,Nov,Dec
4th Tuesday Spooners - Porthmadog 5pm ~ Mar,Apr,May,Jun,Jul,Aug,Sep,Oct,Nov,Dec
4th Friday Tyddn Llwyn - Porthmadog 5pm ~ Apr,May,Jun,Jul,Aug,Sep
5th Tuesday Black Rock Beach Club - Morfa Bychan 8.30pm ~ Apr,Jul,Sep
The Travelling Session. Contact 01766 514 811 email: via website, https://musicbars.co.uk ; www.facebook.com/groups/tremadogmusic
p22 🄵 BLACK DIAMOND FOLK CLUB. The advert states that the last night of the season will be on 18th July. The correct information is that the last night of the season will be on 25th July.
* Reviews from Alan Franklin:
Friday 11th April. Bob and Gill Berry . Another well attended guest night at the Black Diamond, We welcomed back Bob and Gilll Berry , who were the main organisers of Chippenham Folk festival for a number of years. They performed a variety of songs mainly from the Wiltshire area. Quite a few of the songs were from The Alfred William collection. Bob mentioned that many of the songs he sings were influenced by his parents, Len and Barbara Berry. A lively night, with plenty of opportunities to join in the choruses.
Friday May 9th. Saw a full house as the Black Diamond welcomed Bob Fox as our guest for the evening, and it lived up to be a fantastic night of music and song. He sang a variety of songs from various projects in which he has been involved including Radio ballads, Pitmen Poets and Warhorse the Musical. Quite a few of his songs originated from the north eastern area of U K from where he was born. Alan Franklin

Updates email: Sunday 18 May 2025
Updates, email usually about every 2 weeks, on a Sunday/Monday/Tuesday~ (1) Journal, (2) Directory, (3) News from Folklife members, & from International readers
Updates, email usually about every 2 weeks, on a Sunday/Monday/Tuesday
~ (1) Journal, (2) Directory, (3) News from Folklife members, & from International readers
More details of 🄵 Folklife members (UK & International), Ø Associate members: see Folklife West.
We also list in Directory, free, 🅄 other UK Updates-signups, 🄹 Folklife Traditions Journal other subscribers/contributors. ØØ International Updates-signups who aren't Members can send news for this Updates page (not included in Folklife West).
We also list in Directory, free, 🅄 other UK Updates-signups, 🄹 Folklife Traditions Journal other subscribers/contributors. ØØ International Updates-signups who aren't Members can send news for this Updates page (not included in Folklife West).
Read Update 18 May 2025 as emailed, online https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/497993/emails/154680101146985540
(1) Folklife Traditions Journal: Updates
🄵 Traditional Song Forum - from the TSF Newsletter 128, May 2025
• TSF Spring Conference, ‘Song and a Sense of Place’ was held on 26 April 2025 with the support of the Contemporary Folklore Research Centre. This was an in-person event, though three of the presentations had been recorded beforehand. More than forty people booked places and it was a very enjoyable day with lots of time for networking and discussion among those who attended. Videos of all the presentations are now available on YouTube. You can find the playlist of the four sessions using this link - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEFtLCJWnIFZ6_pqD1SUp5UlNRR2eozWa
• Roy Palmer Lecture 2025 - This year’s Roy Palmer Lecture will be by Jon Boden.
• Roy Palmer Lecture 2025 - This year’s Roy Palmer Lecture will be by Jon Boden.
The title of Jon’s talk will be 'The Folk Revival - a view from the middle’. In it he will reflect on the ups and downs of an extraordinary cultural movement and make the case for optimism with the green shoots or revival constantly pushing up through – young singers and musicians who are now the generation below him, and who were born a hundred years after Cecil Sharp heard John England singing ‘The Seeds of Love’. The talk will, again, be given during the Whitby Folk Week, and we are indebted to the organisers for their continued support for the Roy Palmer Lecture. The event will be held on 12:00 on Wednesday 20 August in the Coliseum (1B Victoria Pl, Whitby YO21 1EZ). There will be no charge for admission.
You can see more about Jon’s talk, and about past Roy Palmer Lectures, on the website, http://www.roypalmerlecture.org.
You can see more about Jon’s talk, and about past Roy Palmer Lectures, on the website, http://www.roypalmerlecture.org.
(2) Online Directory: Updates
Performers
Pf.1 FOLK MUSIC & SONG ~ Pf. 1b duos
Wiltshire-based
🄵 Wilts SIAN & ROB COLQUHOUN https://sianandrob.co.uk
⇒ Message 07436 588982, Email: penlington.sian55<at>gmail.com, Instagram/Facebook @sianrobbluegrass
⊕ Lively Old-Time country and early Bluegrass, gorgeous harmonies and skilled interpretations of songs and tunes calling on their own Scots-Irish roots.
These Purbeck Rising 2025 finalists deliver an authentic sound driven by guitars, mandolin, clawhammer banjo and percussive step dancing. [May 2025, new members]
These Purbeck Rising 2025 finalists deliver an authentic sound driven by guitars, mandolin, clawhammer banjo and percussive step dancing. [May 2025, new members]
(3) News Updates: from Folklife members, and from International readersCheap publicity (from £9/year!) in Folklife West print magazine and on this webpage + the fortnightly Updates emails"p16 🄵" = page 16 in the current Folklife West (print & online)

We are pleased to announce that Eileen Richardson has kindly volunteered to be our North-East Correspondent from September.Eileen is a Wearside folk song collector, and the organiser of The Stumble Inn Folk & Acoustic Afternoon, Sunderland, 4th Tuesdays. She is a regular at the Wilson's club, the Welly, as well as visiting Tynefolk and South Shields Folk Club.
Eileen Richardson, 07929 599851, or contact on Messenger, or email eileenrich<at>hotmail.com
Workshops & Festivals
📣 We’re Looking for a New Festival Treasurer! 🎶
Our treasurer is stepping down after doing a fantastic job, so we’re now on the lookout for someone to take on this key role in our friendly festival team.
💼 What’s involved?
finances, budget, and keeping records before and after the festival. You don’t need to be an accountant.
👥 You’ll be part of a dedicated, supportive team that’s passionate about making the festival happen each year.
📍 This is a volunteer role, and most of the work can be done from home in your own time, with a bit of extra input around festival time.
If you’re interested – or just want to find out a bit more – send us a message or email chairperson<at>uptonfolk.org - with the heading ‘New Treasurer’.
We'd love to hear from you! Please share or tag someone who might be a good fit. 🙌
#FolkFestival #VolunteerOpportunity #TreasurerWanted #JoinTheTeam
💼 What’s involved?
finances, budget, and keeping records before and after the festival. You don’t need to be an accountant.
👥 You’ll be part of a dedicated, supportive team that’s passionate about making the festival happen each year.
📍 This is a volunteer role, and most of the work can be done from home in your own time, with a bit of extra input around festival time.
If you’re interested – or just want to find out a bit more – send us a message or email chairperson<at>uptonfolk.org - with the heading ‘New Treasurer’.
We'd love to hear from you! Please share or tag someone who might be a good fit. 🙌
#FolkFestival #VolunteerOpportunity #TreasurerWanted #JoinTheTeam
"Buy a coffee [or a broadsheet ?]" for Folklife ?
We're a non-profit group, runs at a healthy loss. Plus these 3 free websites at £300 + per year . . .
So if you find this free website useful . . . you may wish to donate £3 once a year.
(UK) by BACS: Folklife West t/a Folklife, Sort Code 09-01-55, Account 18675181.
(UK and world-wide) Card: "Ko-Fi" link, on right.
(UK) by BACS: Folklife West t/a Folklife, Sort Code 09-01-55, Account 18675181.
(UK and world-wide) Card: "Ko-Fi" link, on right.
(UK) by BACS: Folklife West t/a Folklife, Sort Code 09-01-55, Account 18675181.
(UK and world-wide) Card: "Ko-Fi" link, on right.