Our Next Event
SHOWCASE
Friday 8th April
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£7 cash or card on the door
Featuring …
Jeremy Harmer and Strings
Along with …
Dave M Pierce
Vic Lennard
Kelly and Woolley
Bryan Summershttps://www.youtube.com/embed/6OsSalN9K_E?feature=oembed
CONCERT Friday 29th April
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£15 cash or card on the door
Featuring … Ken Nicol
Ken Nicol is a guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer whose music covers the spectrum from blues to rock, and effortlessly takes in folk, jazz, ragtime, ballads and more along the way. Ken was a member of the legendary Albion Band from 1997 until September 2001 when he left in order to spend more time on other projects. In December 2002, he successfully joined forces with Steeleye Span, working with the band for eight years, During his time with Steeleye he recorded four albums with the band: ‘They Called Her Babylon’, ‘Winter’, ‘Bloody Men’ and ‘Cogs, Wheels and Lovers’. Ken left the band in 2010.
Ken is frequently on my stereo while traveling in the camper van – making me laugh and cry in equal measure. Your going to enjoy a thoroughly entertaining night … Chris W
https://kennicol.com/https://www.youtube.com/embed/0lXooK1wi80?feature=oembedKen Nicol Dangerous written (somewhat) tongue in cheek during the Lockdowns
Support by Zoe Wren
Zoë Wren has been invited to play shows from the Cambridge Folk Festival to opening for Ralph McTell. Described as “refreshingly bold”, her songs hook you from the first line, and have been heard on BBC Radio 2 and London Live. Zoë’s debut album Reckless River was named Fatea’s Debut Album of the Year 2020, its lyrics “gloriously delivered with intonation, inflections and high notes which evoke Joni Mitchell at her very best” according to Folk Radio UK. http://www.zoewren.com/abouthttps://www.youtube.com/embed/Vbt3ev8DaSI?start=14&feature=oembed
SHOWCASE
Friday 13th May
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£7 cash or card on the door
Featuring …
Linda Moylan and Ian Montague
Along with …
Silver Lining
Red Velvet
Bill Tarran
The String Sectionhttps://www.youtube.com/embed/JqfCOW2Pr9M?feature=oembed
CONCERT Friday 27th May
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£15 cash or card on the door
Featuring … Hannah Sanders and Ben Savage
‘Spellbinding… Hannah and Ben were born to play and sing together’ fRoots
Huddled round a single microphone, singing intimate duets with just mountain dulcimer, dobro and guitar, This is an acoustic duo that sound classically timeless, yet their music is unique. Since emerging in 2016, the duo recorded two studio albums, Before the Sun (2016) and Awake (2018), produced by award winning producer David Travers-Smith in Toronto. Both albums have gathered praise for the craft and skill of their musical writing and arranging.
‘Awesome… a supremely divine album.’ Americana UK
https://www.hannahbenmusic.com/https://www.youtube.com/embed/1OGn4Bcp5Bg?feature=oembed
Support by Kelvin Davis and buddy Gary “the harp” Jones
Why would a fella all the way over in England deserve a full profile in thecountryblues.com, ?
One of the missions of this acoustic blues directory is not just to feature the famous, but those who should be and could be. Musical discovery is as important as crediting the accomplished. Here is one of them, a young bard from Stevenage, whose talent came to light on the Acoustic Blues Pickers forum on Facebook. He works at the Coda Music store and, well, go figure, he plays guitar, and not just a little. Here is one fine fingerpicker and singer.
https://www.thecountryblues.com/artist-reviews/kelvin-davies/https://www.youtube.com/embed/kSgx5QdqSKA?feature=oembed
SHOWCASE
Friday 10th June
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£7 cash or card on the door
Featuring …
Sheri Kershaw
Along with …
Dave Letus (King of the Barstool Rodeo)
Steve Warner
Bay Whitaker
Sarah Munrohttps://www.youtube.com/embed/JVriakbIajw?feature=oembed
CONCERT Friday 24th June
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£15 cash or card on the door
Featuring … The Vanguards
The Vanguards are a young five-piece traditional bluegrass band based in London. They take their musical inspiration from the originators of bluegrass music. Instrumentally, they seek to create a sound which blends the mandolin style of Bill Monroe, the banjo style of Ralph Stanley and the old-time style of fiddling which typified early bluegrass recordings and which continues to influence the sound of traditional bluegrass bands into the present day.
“The future of traditional bluegrass is in great hands with the young Vanguards keeping it alive” – Lisa Kay Howard-Hughes, host of Bell Buckle Radio’s The Old Home Place and former host of WAMU’s Bluegrass Country
Support by Luke Jame Williams
Luke has received glowing reviews for his engaging and emotive live performances and has supported artists such as Megson, Mark Chadwick (Levellers) and The Little Unsaid. Releasing his debut EP ‘Drove’ in November 2018, Luke gained huge support from BBC6 Music DJ Tom Robinson who made ‘Still In Bed’ his 6 Music Recommends Track Of The Week in April 2019, later naming it his Track Of The Year So Far in July. The song was also played across the station by Lauren Laverne, Steve Lamacq and Tom Ravenscroft. Elsewhere, Luke has received airplay from Amazing Radio and BBC Introducing and has been playlisted by Folk Radio UK.
https://www.lukejameswilliams.co.ukhttps://www.youtube.com/embed/QAz0Gj9l3CA?feature=oembed
SHOWCASE
Friday 8th July
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£7 cash or card on the door
Featuring …
Pat Crilly and Greg Camburn
Along with …
Ray Taylor and Anna Bass
Cut the Mustard
TBC
TBChttps://www.youtube.com/embed/1l58YKORT4Q?feature=oembed
CONCERT Friday 29th July
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£?? cash or card on the door
WEEKEND OF CAMBRIDGE FOLK FESTIVAL
SHOWCASE
Friday 12th August
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£7 cash or card on the door
Featuring …
Kaszak and Afifi
long with …
Phil Crawford
Shorelines
Colin Frid
TBChttps://www.youtube.com/embed/x24Sx7LkDLw?feature=oembed
SHOWCASE
Friday 12th August
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£7 cash or card on the door
Featuring … TBC
Along with …
TBC
TBC
TBC
TBC
Winner of the Rising Star award in the Folk Awards.
”… adding lashings of Peter Gabriel stylings to the world of trad arrangements.” – The Guardian
CONCERT Friday 26th August
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£18 cash or card on the door
Featuring … The Joshua Burnell Band
Born and bred in (well, he’s not sure where) Joshua learned at an early age that ‘home’ could be found in music, rather than a place. An upbringing on the move led to a cross-pollination of styles, stories and influences which Joshua distills into his own contemporary sound. As a self-professed album artwork addict, Joshua’s work delivers a dose of escapism and entertainment in equal measure, from the artwork through to the last note.
Having cut his teeth playing folk festivals throughout the UK and releasing his critically-acclaimed arrangements of traditional songs, Joshua now returns to his original songwriting roots.
With music ranging from stomping, acoustic sing-alongs, Bowie-esque music hall epics, and alt-pop singles – whilst keeping a sharp focus on the traditional themes – Joshua is fast carving out his own unique corner of the genre.
Josh’s work during lockdown “saved me”, being the most stunning music I have heard for many a year. I cant remember how many times I listened, picking out a new intricate layer each time … I know you are going to enjoy this concert as much as me – Chris Whttps://www.youtube.com/embed/9wBiyaoFb_g?feature=oembedhttps://www.youtube.com/embed/8SSVFdmkdFk?feature=oembed
SHOWCASE
Friday 9th September
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£7 cash or card on the door
Featuring …
Wickenwood
Along with …
Rhys Wilson
Kelly Burkitt and Hart
Big Buch Band
TBChttps://www.youtube.com/embed/kNDBvZk82vg?feature=oembed
CONCERT Friday 30th September
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£15 cash or card on the door
Featuring … Oka Vanga
Versatile Folk / Americana duo Oka Vanga blend visceral songs with a solid groove. Originally from South Africa, Angie met Londoner Will at an open mic night where they found instant music synergy. With a hybrid of musical influences.
https://okavanga.com/biography/
We have seen them grow and grow at Royston Folk Club over 6 years. My I remember when Angie did not sing. They now match the best I am very proud to have them back at Royston. Chris W
For the very best in folk roots / Americana look no further than Oka Vanga” (FATEA)
“Every track is completely captivating” (FOLK LONDON MAGAZINE)
https://www.youtube.com/embed/1B_-gJmjhqg?feature=oembedhttps://www.youtube.com/embed/SZDnh2_ajE8?feature=oembed
Support by Pembroke Tenneson
“So clever, this. Such a clever lyric. It’s called the Ugly Truth by Pembroke Tenneson. I mean, that’s just brilliant isn’t it? I’m not a judge on the Ivor Novello awards, never would be, but it’s the sort of thing that deserves a nomination. When did imperfection lose its grace? – that line on its own is just brilliant.” – Dean Jackson, BBC Introducing DJ for the Beat
We enjoyed his Royston Showcase very much during covid he has written and stretched and tonight we are going to enjoy the fruits … Chris W
https://www.pembroketenneson.comhttps://www.youtube.com/embed/qj6KS8nBZfc?feature=oembed
SHOWCASE
Friday 14th October
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£7 cash or card on the door
Featuring …
Lizzy Hardingham
Along with …
Carol Cullen Smith
Tom Penn
TBC
TBChttps://www.youtube.com/embed/BorXVoFTzeQ?feature=oembed
CONCERT Friday 28th October
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£15 cash or card on the door
Featuring … Jack Rutter
First time at Royston, Folk Singer, Guitarist and Bouzouki Player Jack is a highly respected folk singer, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist from West Yorkshire. His second solo album Gold of Scar & Shale was available from October 4th 2019.
For me Jack has the earthy honesty of my friends the King Driscolls and the entertaining charm of our very own Megson …. I am looking forward to meeting Jack – Chris W
‘In the spirit of the old traditional singers, Jack Rutter takes a song, shapes it, lives with it and brings out something unique. This album makes my heart sing.’ – Kathryn Tickell OBE, BBC Radio 3 https://www.youtube.com/embed/gxMKPw6YEiQ?feature=oembed
Support by Shelagh’s Acoustic Sessions
Shelagh McConnel has done an amazing job keeping sing around sessions going as safely as possible over the last two years within covid restrictions, around Barley, Nuthampstead, Buntingford and Baldock.
Her communication is via
https://www.facebook.com/groups/314177353532376
Her regular followers play solo for each other and sometimes invite others to join in ad hoc.
This session will replicate on our stage a typical round the table session …..https://www.youtube.com/embed/Vquwb4iEUzQ?feature=oembed
SHOWCASE
Friday 11th November
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£7 cash or card on the door
Featuring …
Sky West
Along with …
Anna Hester
TBC
TBC
TBChttps://www.youtube.com/embed/qSdoYDtfp48?feature=oembed
CONCERT Friday 25th November
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£15 cash or card on the door
Featuring … Katie Spencer
Katie Spencer is a singer-songwriter and guitarist from Yorkshire who writes songs imbued with the Northern landscapes of her home. Originally from Hull, East Yorkshire, the grainy imagery of the industrial docks and sea-fronts seep into her deeply personal songs of nostalgia, loss and love. The music, and most notably her guitar playing stems from a time when the steel-stringed instrument was truly finding its voice. Artists like Joni Mitchell, James Taylor and perhaps most evidently John Martyn, flow into her sound, carrying with them the warmth and idealism of the early 70’s folk and songwriter movements. https://www.katiespencer.net
Of course we claim Katie as our own as she was one of our Royston young musicians of the year back in 2015 but of course that was only one of the many stepping stones to her dreams. She has since played with many of her hero’s. If you havn’t already fallen in love with Katie, your in for a very special night – Chris Whttps://www.youtube.com/embed/-44ojN3DVDs?feature=oembed
AND … Chris Fox
Marking rapid progress through the UK folk and roots scene with his songwriting, vocals and mastery of the loop pedal, he won the Lichfield Folk Festival song writing competition in 2019. Genre-defying and hard to pigeonhole, his perceptive lyrics reflect overlooked stories in everyday life. He underpins his lyrics with a variety of musical styles ranging the roots lexicon of folk, blues, country and Americana. A modern-day troubadour, he’s released three EPs and one studio album to wide acclaim.
Now performing headline shows in his own right, Chris has also supported some of folk’s finest; Peter Knight’s Gigspanner, Trials of Cato, Brookes Williams, Ange Hardy, Granny’s Attic, Boo Hewerdine, Jim Moray and Sean Lakeman & Katherine Roberts to name a few, and achieved his first international booking to play Costa Del Folk in 2022 … www.chrisfoxmusic.orghttps://www.youtube.com/embed/5OxsQ6gadHw?start=26&feature=oembed
SHOWCASE
Friday 11th December
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£7 cash or card on the door
Featuring …
TBC
Along with …
TBC
TBC
TBC
TBC
WELCOME TO OUR 2023 EVENTS
SHOWCASE
Friday 13th January
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£7 cash or card on the door
Featuring …
TBC
Along with …
TBC
TBC
TBC
TBC
CONCERT Friday 27th January
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£15 cash or card on the door
Featuring …
Vicki Swan & Johny Dyer
This thoroughly entertaining duo have developed an enviable reputation for their ability to reimagine folk and folk dance music; creating sounds that are simultaneously new and progressive, and yet entirely sympathetic to the tradition. You are very likely to find yourself dancing to a song – and we dare you not to sing the chorus as you go.
Vicki studied at the Royal College of Music on the double bass. She also plays the various types of bagpipes, flute, recorder, piano and nyckelharpa (Swedish keyed
-fiddle).
Composer and competition-winning guitar player; Jonny’s outstanding technical ability, coupled with a wide-ranging musical taste has made him a tireless and forceful musical innovator. Jonny has been singing and playing choral music, soul, jazz and folk for as long as he can remember.
http://www.swan-dyer.co.uk/https://www.youtube.com/embed/eI0uR74tXIs?list=PL5RNzoGy-zNOeZACevTxKyA6nLM5CRi–
SHOWCASE
Friday 10th February
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£7 cash or card on the door
Featuring …
That Blue Patch
Along with …
TBC
TBC
TBC
TBC
CONCERT Friday 24th February
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£TBC cash or card on the door
Featuring … TBC
SHOWCASE
Friday 10th March
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£7 cash or card on the door
Featuring …
TBC
Along with …
TBC
TBC
TBC
TBC
CONCERT Friday 24th February
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£15 cash or card on the door
Featuring … Chris Wood
Chris in his solo incantation is folk royalty and you are guaranteed a sensational night.
In 2006 the BBC Radio 2 Folk awards, the Best Original Song category was won by Chris Wood (and storyteller Hugh Lupton) for One in a Million, a modern retelling of a widespread traditional tale in which a lost ring is rediscovered in the stomach of a fish. In the same year he was also nominated in three other categories: Best Album for The Lark Descending, Best Traditional Track for Lord Bateman ……and …. Folk Singer of the Year.
In 2009, the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards recognised Wood as Folk Singer of the Year, and his album Trespasser was also recognised as Album of the Year.
In 2011, Chris Wood again tasted success at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, where he was recognised again as Folk Singer of the Year as well as winning Song of the Year for his song Hollow Point, from his album ‘The Handmade Life’, a song about the shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes
http://chriswoodmusic.co.uk/
https://youtube.com/watch?v=xVecC8oNJl8%3Ffeature%3Doembedhttps%3A
Support by Mark Gamon
Our very own Mark with a solo set
‘A fine guitarist, singer and songwriter, in styles from folk to blues to jazz… it’s a great collection of stories and a very good listen…’……….UNICORN MAGAZINE
‘The songs really do sparkle with the journeys that are recounted… lives being characterised in sympathetically expressed lyrics…’…….R2 MAGAZINE
‘Genuinely witty in places – running almost contradictory to a blues undertone that reaches through the album… It definitely grows on you…’………FATEA
https://www.markgamon.com/https://www.youtube.com/embed/gevvJD7Lrlg?feature=oembedEditWhat’s On