September Songs & Tunes Night

Our round-the-room format is a relaxed and friendly affair. You can sing a song or play a tune, but  if you dance or are a story teller then that adds nicely to the mix. There's also plenty of room for those who just want to listen, or maybe join in a chorus or an occasional session tune.

We have a half-time break for the re-charging of glasses, general chit-chat, and- of course- a raffle.

No need to book in advance.

 One thing that is always evident at a Carrivick Sisters performance is their joy in playing together, in singing in close harmony and in delighting an audience. Twin sisters Charlotte and Laura Carrivick have grown up playing music together, and at a live show the stage becomes an extension of their kitchen; welcoming you into a warm, musical embrace while cooking up delicious melodies and tasty instrumentals. The sisters draw inspiration from their passion for traditional American old time and bluegrass music, English folklore and the wide variety of instruments they play: guitars, mandolin, fiddle, banjo and dobro.

Performing professionally together since 2006, the Carrivicks have toured internationally, picking up fans and stories along the road and now have 7 albums under their belts. Aside from playing as a duo, Laura and Charlotte have been involved in many other bands and projects through the years, most recently with the twice IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) Award nominated, Island Recording artists, Midnight Skyracer. 

The Carrivick Sisters website here

Ranagri is an award winning folk band from Ireland and England. With a unique

blend of instruments that includes voices, guitar, bouzouki, flutes, whistles, harp/

electric harp, and bodhrán/drums, they create a sound that is both mesmerising and

unforgettable.

Ranagri has established themselves as a standout act, drawing in crowds from around

the world with their captivating live performances and exceptional musicianship.

They have performed at some of the most prestigious venues & festivals across the

UK and Europe, including Cambridge Folk Festival, Bloom festival (Dublin),

Montelago festival (Italy),Towersey Festival, a headline slot at Costa Festival Ibiza

2023, Birmingham Symphony Hall, The Union Chapel, Kings Place London along

with regular tours of Scotland and Europe.

The band has recorded five studio albums to date, with their latest release,

"TRADITION II," receiving critical acclaim upon its release in July 2022. Folk Radio

UK placed the album in their top 10 albums of 2022, cementing the band's status as

one of the most exciting and innovative folk bands in the UK today.

Previous critically acclaimed albums, "Playing For Luck," "Fort of the Hare," and

"The Great Irish Songbook" (with pop legend Tony Christie), were recorded at the

Grammy Award-winning Stockfisch Records label. The band's third album,

"VOICES" - recorded at Real World Studios and produced by Grammy-nominated

producer Graeme Pleeth- and the album "Tradition" were released on

GoatsKin Records.

Fatea Magazine - Band of the Year 2022

Louder Than War - ‘You're unlikely to hear anything more irresistible and more folky

this year’

RTE - ‘Echoes of Pentangle, Jethro Tull and new Celtic folk sounds cemented

by strong contemporary songwriting’

Folk Radio UK - ‘Joyous and thoughtful, with a depth that repays careful listening in

spades. Makes for enthralling listening’

Ranagri website here

This year we will be bringing you a night of variety, with short, seasonal performances from five of our excellent local bands and singers. Between those sets you will get the chance to do some community carol singing led by the Poppy team (words provided) and maybe we'll have the odd song from our own Poppy Carollers. There'll be a raffle drawn throughout the evening, and a mince pie in the interval. All this for just £5 on the door (which will go to the very worthwhile local charity, The Friary). The aim is simple - to have a excellent and fun evening of seasonal music and singing.

Please let us know (at poppyfolkclub@virginmedia.com) if you will be coming as, although we will not be selling tickets in advance, we will be limiting entry to 50 people.

Blair Dunlop is an award-winning British singer-songwriter and guitarist, who has released 5 albums, 2 EPs and toured around the globe. 

Blair burst onto the scene with his debut album ‘Blight & Blossom’ in 2012, showcasing virtuosic musicianship and lyrical maturity, and was awarded the prestigious BBC Horizon Folk Award in the wake of its release. A string of critically acclaimed albums followed, along with headline tours and festival appearances in the UK, Europe, North America and Australia.

His third album Gilded was widely acclaimed, gaining BBC Radio 2 Playlist status for the two single releases (‘The Egoist’ and ‘356’).  

With the release of Out of the Rain in 2024  Blair has now cemented his place as one of Britain’s most exciting talents: 'With songwriting and musicianship of the highest calibre, the expansive, wide-screen sound underlines Blair’s growing stature as one of the country’s most impressive contemporary musical artists, regardless of genre-labelling.' - Americana UK Live

'this is a glorious welcome re-energised return that should comfortably reinstate Dunlop among folk

rock’s upper echelons' - KLOF, Top 20 Albums of 2024

'There is so much to enjoy on this record, and repeated listens unveil level on level of depth that is richly rewarding. Here comes the summer, people, and here comes a record to soundtrack it.' - Americana UK Review 9/10

'The busy crowd… is testament to Dunlop’s talents.  Dunlop brings an air of tenacity while displaying a fine repertoire of well-crafted songs spanning traditional and contemporary.  He’s determinedly taking the traditions of folk in his own direction' - The Independent 

'Dunlop is by far one of the finest singer songwriters to appear from these shore in the 21st century. If that wasn’t enough, he is also one of the finest guitar players' - Americana UK

“From the outside, when listening to the music of Blair Dunlop, you get the impression that

though he’s something of a natural talent he continues to work hard to progress both his

songwriting and musicianship…. you can hear the folk heritage coursing through his veins as

well as the originality he brings to the genre.' - Songwriting Magazine

Spotify- Sweet on You 

YouTube- I Wanna be Running

Gatehouse is a distinguished Irish traditional band known for their thoughtful interpretations, rich musicality, and deep respect for the tradition. Featuring Rachel Garvey on vocals, Jacinta McEvoy on guitar and concertina, John McEvoy on fiddle and mandola, and John Wynne on flute and whistles, the group brings together some of Ireland’s most respected musicians.

Their music blends refined instrumental interplay with compelling vocal performances, offering a sound that is both rooted and refreshing. From evocative ballads to lively dance tunes, Gatehouse strikes a delicate balance between tradition and innovation.

Their debut album, Tús Nua, received critical acclaim for its subtlety and elegance, followed by the well-received Heather Down the Moor, which further established their signature style. Their live performances have been praised for their warmth, precision, and ability to connect with audiences.

Described by Folk Radio as having an “undeniable warmth and spirit,” Gatehouse continues to build on their reputation as a group that brings both heart and craft to the Irish tradition.

YouTube- The Gypsies

Spotify

...blub coming soon!

...blub coming soon!

...blub coming soon!

This unique collaboration draws from the strengths of two of the UK’s most highly regarded folk acts: The Shackleton Trio and Christina Alden & Alex Patterson. With a shared passion for thoughtful songwriting and intricate arrangements, Kitewing brings a fresh and powerful voice to the contemporary folk scene, rooted in tradition but unafraid to explore new ground.

Kitewing brings together soaring harmonies and roaring fiddles, blending guitar, mandolin, and banjo to deliver songs steeped in stories of the sea, migration, and environmental struggle. At the heart of the band lies a deep connection to the natural world — its rhythms, its challenges, and its beauty. Energetic tune sets and evocative instrumentals thread through their performances, carrying audiences on a journey that is both grounded and uplifting.

For our December concert we are promised a 'festive show'; repertoire will be a mixture of traditional carols, self penned seasonal material with an environmental leaning, seasonal tunes, and re-workings of some East Anglian carols. There will also be a handful of material that is performed year round in the set.