On 13 February we shall be meeting at the Manor Rooms, just up the road from the White Horse, for a singaround with the general theme of ‘Valentines’. Tea and coffee will be available – or bring your own refreshments! All welcome, free entry.
Vicki Swan and Jonny Dyer
Vicki Swan and Jonny Dyer are acknowledged as “one of the best young duos around on the folk scene today” (Famous Willows Folk Club). Although best known for their instrumental skills with Scottish smallpipes, accordion and even Swedish Nyckelharpa, the duo are well recognised for their song arrangements too. With their blend of traditional material and contemporary interpretations, they have developed a sound that is both familiar and fresh.
Themed singarounds always bring a variety of unexpected treats, and the suggestion of ‘Changes’ allows for all kinds of possibilities. This started with the idea of shape-shifting, but of course there are many other ways of interpreting the concept in song – not to mention the potential for changes in performers’ habits – a monologue from a ‘listener’ perhaps, a tune from a singer or the exciting birth of a new combo – however you choose to take the theme! Free entry, as usual on singaround nights.
We look forward very much to welcoming local celebrity, melodeon player and modest wit Tony Hall to the Folk Club on Friday 9 January. Tickets £4 (£2 members). Summed up by Islington Folk Club: ‘East Anglian melodeon player with a distinctive, quintessentially English style, who played on the iconic ’80s Nic Jones release ‘Penguin Eggs’. Hall’s sets are laid-back affairs, interspersed with his dry, sometimes gently surreal humour.’ See the EDP article online from 19 June 2008: ‘Tony draws on squeezebox skills’, where there is also a video.
Club members and friends are all invited to join us at our New Year’s Eve ceilidh and singaround at the Christ Church Centre on Magdalen Road, Norwich from 8.30 pm. Shufflewing will form the core of the band and will welcome assistance from all comers, with Chris Davis as the caller. Fancy dress optional. Bring your own liquid refreshment, and a little food to share would be appreciated – tea and coffee available. Entry free – with a grand raffle, if you would like to contribute a prize.
With apologies from our landlord Andy for the late notice, please note that the venue for Friday 5 December will be the Manor Rooms, just up the Street from the White Horse Inn. Bring your own refreshments or buy drinks at the pub. Tea and coffee will also be available. Everyone is welcome, whether to listen or to take part.
Bill Caddick
Singer songwriter Bill Caddick will be the guest at the club on 12 December. Bill is perhaps best known for ‘Unicorns’ and ‘The Cloud Factory’. His songs have been recorded by the likes of June Tabor, Chris Foster, Alex Campbell, The Yetties, Christy Moore, Peter Rowan, John Kirkpatrick, Artisan and Coope, Boyes and Simpson.
It has been said about Bill:
“The man’s a wonder. Unique. Masterful. Magnificent. Enormous. Essential.” John Kirkpatrick
“Holds your attention from first to last. He has hell of a voice and plays a mean guitar” fRoots
“Simply brilliant. English folksong delivered with passion and commitment.” The Living Tradition
Tickets £8 (£5 members)
Video link
At the singaround at the White Horse on 14 November, the club will host a showcase by Estonian visitors to Norwich. Entry is free.
Norwich folk club member Chris Davis has regularly been visiting Estonia over the past few years, enjoying the rich folk music and dance culture. During these visits, links have grown with a folk-dancing group from Tallinn. Ironically, they had adopted Scottish dance, but Chris has introduced them to the English folk style, which has become very popular.
One of the visitors is Piia Kaljukivi who plays a small hand-made ‘Kannel’, a traditional plucked string instrument, as well as bagpipes, and it is Piia who will be performing two short spots of Estonian songs and tunes at the Norwich Folk Club.
Folk music is an important aspect of Estonian culture and acted as a rallying point in the move for independence from the Soviet Union. Regular massed singing of 100,000 people would take place in Tallinn, bonding the nation during this uncertain period. Maybe we won’t amass that many at the White Horse, but the evening is equally about the Estonians experiencing aspects of English folk, so please bring your own favourite tunes and songs. It will also be a chance to see your MC for the night, Chris Davis (along with guest performer Piia), in traditional Estonian national dress!
There will be another opportunity to meet the Estonians informally at a ceilidh (just £2 entrance) the next (late) morning, and to learn a couple of Estonian dances. Details will be given on the Friday night.
Concert-size Estonian kannel
Just a note that the venue for the singaround on 7 November will be the Manor Rooms, just a couple of doors up the Street from the White Horse Inn. Bring your own refreshments – and coffee and tea will be available.
Jez was great, as always, and we particularly enjoyed the variety of stringed instruments and the harmonica accompaniment in the absence of the Bad Pennies.
What delights will this Friday bring? At the last singaround we had John Barleycorn and Old Brown’s Daughter rubbing shoulders with Eddie Cantor and Shane McGowan – not to mention some rather accomplished concertina harmonies! Everyone is welcome, as usual, whether to play, sing or listen. (Monologues also appreciated!)
Reservations for Tim Laycock on 21 November are coming in, so let us know via the contact form on ‘About the club’ page, if you would like to join the list.