Tania Opland and Mike Freeman on Friday 16 May

oplandfreeman

On Friday 16 May we welcome back Anglo-Alaskan duo Tania Opland and Mike Freeman, whose repertoire starts from a base in the traditional musics of North America and the British Isles, spreads through most of Northern Europe and touches on other cultures around the globe. The array of musical instruments includes a rare Eskimo violin, mandolin, hammered dulcimer, djembe, double ocarina and hurdy-gurdy, along with more common instruments such as guitar, recorder and, of course, voice.

Tickets (£10/£7 club members) can be reserved by emailing us via the contact page. Bring your own drinks – fine ales available at nearby establishments, with teas and coffee in the kitchen.

Dónal Maguire on 10 June

Dónal Maguire

Dónal Maguire has been singing and playing in public on and off for forty years. With an exceptional repertoire of Irish traditional songs and a unique selection of English songs, Dónal is known for his outstanding unaccompanied singing, but also has significant other ‘strings to his bow’, being widely recognised as one of the finest players of Irish dance music on mandolin and tenor banjo. A recent project has centred around Michael Davitt, arguably one of the most celebrated statesmen in nineteenth-century Irish history.

Jessica and Tom

In support on 10 June, we welcome recent finalists at New Roots in St Albans, Jessica and Tom, who have been singing together for four years, performing mainly traditional English songs and ballads. They’ve performed in a variety of events and concerts; at local pubs and cafes and even with an Opera company. Inspired by the singing of Martin Carthy, the Waterson Family and Spiers and Boden, they have a laid-back style, singing in close harmony with the occasional bit of accompanying guitar.

Bring your own refreshments. Hot drinks available. Tickets are £8 (£5 members) and can be reserved by emailing via the ‘About the club’ form.

Tania Opland and Mike Freeman on 16 July

Tania and Mike

Tania Opland and Mike Freeman have been touring the world since 1995 with a unique and eclectic

mix of songs in several languages and acoustic music played on a variety of instruments, including hammered dulcimer, guitar, recorders, cittern, violin, Native American flute and percussion.

Their shows feature both traditional and contemporary material from many cultures as well as original compositions, all presented with wit and style – guaranteed to provide an evening of great music and entertainment for all, especially those seeking something just a little off the beaten track. Mike’s irreverent sense of humor and Tania’s stunning vocals provide the springboard for a rollercoaster ride across several continents and back again. Check availability of tickets by email through the link on ‘About the club’ page. Bring your own refreshments. For a clip of Tania on youtube: Dona Nobis Pacem

Sinagrounds every Friday, as usual, throughout the summer, with two spots from local band Showcase guests LongShore Drift on Friday 2 July. Free entry. Bring your own refreshments.