Club review

Hiya gang, what an excellent night, given the musicians I knew were coming and the ones who arrived I knew we were in for a good night. There were a couple who were unable to make it because of the weather etc or in the case of Roydan Styles who had a battle between an onion and a knife . . . his thumb lost as you can see on facebook! Ian got the night off to a good start as usual followed by our Scottish Jack McCully who returned triumphant after his little war of the words last week with Paddy's Lament (Barrel of Bricks song). It was around about this time I suggested to Steve, he explain that he and Stuart were Guest Hosts and it wasn't a Folk Club coup lol!


We then had the great pleasure of Terry Kliszcz and Ray Greenwood better known to people as Jangles. Ray played Guitar and Terry Concertina they were brilliant with songs like 'Rochdale Mashers' to their version of 'Sally's Garden' (with some in between). Ray lives in Cambridge now so he and Terry don't get to play together as much, I'll keep you updated when I know they are coming to the club. Ray wants to join our facebook page, to keep in contact, two really lovely men. Then we had another one of our Scotts (Well it was the day before burns night) Gordon, Gordon sang songs he had written . Our hosts then took over playing well known songs that everyone could join in with, including one of my favourites 'Barefoot daze', after they had finished singing we had a short break.


Ian opened the second half followed by another one of our regulars, the superb Accordion player, Steven Ireland. Our next Musician came to our club a few club nights ago, he had never played in any club, in fact, he'd never played to an audience, I told him not to worry as we were a nice crowd lol! His name . . . Johnny Rep, when he got up to play he was really good and as the weeks are going by he's becoming more and more confident, keep an eye out for him, what a really nice guy and great Musician. We were then treated to a bit of Folk Rock by Dave Alcock, who was joined by Steve on Guitar and Stuart on Mandolin , Then Steve asked Ian to sing with him, they sang 'Mon like thee'.


There were many known songs played throughout the night, 'Molly Malone' dedicated to Molly a well known Rochdale character and singer/songwriter who sadly passed away recently. Steve and Stuart finished the night with 'Goodnight and God bless' which I thought was nice, on the whole a really great night, lots of lovely people, great Music and warm atmosphere, what more could I ask for. A big thank you to Guest Hosts, Steve and Stuart, who did a great job xx. Next club night is 7th of February, which is a singers night, we'd love to see you there, take care until then, luv Lxx 

club update

Hiya gang, hope you are all well. This Friday is a club week, it's a guest night but with a difference as it's a guest host/MC or should I say MC's who this are the brilliant Steve Woolley & Stuart Thompson. Steve and Stuart are extremely talented musicians in their own right, together they really compliment the other. They've invited other musicians to come along and join them, so it won't be the usual format. Anyone is welcome, if you would like to join them please let me know so Steve and Stuart can make sure you're on their guest list, there will be other musicians who have already confirmed, Roydan Styles and Nicki Chapman, J.P. Slidewell plus our regular members and Ian Sproson our resident singer. Club starts at 20:30 bar till 11:30pm I hope to see you there, luv L xx

club review

Hiya, gang, thank you to everyone who fought the horrible weather and made it on Friday, it was quite a good night which was MC'd by the wonderful Des Basterfield of the 'Flat Cap Three' fame. Ian our resident singer was too poorly to make it, hope you're feeling better now! So Des ran the club for the night quite brilliantly, I might add, he's welcome anytime to MC the club if he wants to. Des started by singing a few well known songs followed by Gordon McCully singing his own songs. We were also fortunate enough to have a new Singer/songwriter to perform, Phil Davis, who was really excellent, loot out for him, I'm sure he'll be back at our club again in the near future. We then had Jack McCully who will be haunted by the 'Barrel Of Bricks' song for a while, lol! Rob Dunsford treated us to the very apt 'January Man' and Gordon sang my favourite song of his 'Rainy Day' I love the lyrics!


It was then time for our Guest J.P. Slidewell, John was just as brilliant as he was years ago when he was a Guest. Rob Dunsford also joined him on a few songs, playing the Bodhran, we took a short break but when I returned I was surprised to find a new Boy Band had been formed, 'The New Cleveland All Stars' feat. Steve W on Guitar, Des B on Guitar, Rob D on Bodhran and Stuart T on Mandolin, lol (They may return on 24th special)!


The second half comprised of Steve W, Stuart T, Jack, Phil, Gordon and Des who all performed again, then John returned for the second part of his performance with Rob playing Bodhran on up tempo songs. John throughout the night played a mix of older songs and songs from his new CD - The Reed Cutters Daughter, although the CD wasn't due out until Spring, it's selling really well, contact John if you wish to purchase a copy, really good value, also look out for John at future gigs.


It's always difficult being the Guest that opens a club after long Holidays like Christmas etc., so I'll be asking John to come back later in the year, for those who missed a really good night I'll keep you updated. Our next club night is the 24th of January and is a Special 'A Night of Music with Steve Woolley, Stuart Thompson and Friends' they will be taking over the club for the night and invite any Musicians to come along and join them, it's like an open mic' night. So if you are interested just come along or you can let me know you'd like to join in and I will let Steve know. Club starts 20:30 hope to see you there, luv L xx

club update

Hiya gang, I hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year, I hope one of your resolutions is to frequent the club more, lol! The club reopens this Friday the 10th of January with a Guest night, our Guest is J.P. Slidewell, John has been out of the folk scene for some time whilst caring for his late Mother. He is now back playing at clubs and festivals, he recently played at our Christmas party and went down quite well. Folk Root Magazine recently wrote, "J.P. Slidewell singing songs from the tradition for today." Tykes News also wrote, "J.P. sings with both energy and emotion and the music is delivered with a characteristic verve, which should make a live performance particularly exciting."
John was also a well known regular at Chorlton Folk Club. Rob Dunsford a well known Bodhran player as well as poet will also be joining, J.P. Slidewell, with some of the up tempo music. Club starts at 20:30, hope to see you there, luv L xx