Our Next Event
ROYSTON FOLK CLUB
XMAS PARTY
Friday 17th December
at The Bungalow
Bring your own alcohol
Bring some food
MUSIC FROM
Big Buch Band
Martin Kaszach
Alli Cossor
Karen Macwhinnie
Kelly & Woolley
Mark Gamon
Bill Tarran
Brian Harvey
(And several more!)
CONCERT Friday 28th January
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£15 cash or card on the door
Featuring … Tin Giants
Tin Giants have an “in with the old, in with the new” approach to arranging and performing traditional, self-penned and contemporary music. Their repertoire encompasses delicate instrumentals, mesmerising heart-wrenching ballads, gigantic foot-stomping songs and tunes to set audiences alight. The band shares decades of skilled musicianship, composition, award-winning song writing and a love of all kinds of music, from folk and rock to prog, jazz and classical.
You will probably recognise established faces from the folk club, arts centre and festival circuits from bands including Shave the Monkey, Judy Dyble’s Band of Perfect Strangers, Dragonsfly, Boxwood Chessmen, Causton and Walker, Candleford Band and TV appearances such as Page & Plant (Later with Jools Holland).
They play a dazzling array of instruments, both ancient and modern, drawn from 1,000 years of the best technical musical innovation.
Tin Giants are:
Bryan Causton – Guitars, bass, mandolin, bouzouki, cittern, keyboards, percussion, vocals
Duncan Moss – Electro-acoustic hurdy gurdies, border bagpipes, flute, soprano and alto sax, soprano rauschpfeife, keyboards, oboe, vocals
Fran Broady – Five string and bass electro-acoustic violins, Celtic harp, vocals
Martin Lindridge – Drums, percussion, bass, vocals
John Campbell Armer – Guitars, bass, bass pedals, percussion, vocals
Penni McLaren Walker – Lead vocals, guitars, bouzouki, whistles, percussion
https://www.facebook.com/tingiants/
Support by The Blue Patch
“Two people, many instruments and a quirky take on songs old and new”.
Ruth (voice often reminiscent of Janis Joplin) and Dave are incredibly entertaining playing many instruments including guitar, ukulele, banjo, melodica, saxophone, kazoo, bouzouki, accordion – performing with their own take on songs from as far back as the 1920s to as recent as the 21st century.
https://www.thatbluepatch.com/
SHOWCASE
Friday 11th February
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£7 cash or card on the door
Featuring …
Black Scarr
Andy Lefevre
Mike Excell
Stewart Murdoch
Kelly and Woolley
CONCERT Friday 25th February
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£15 cash or card on the door
Featuring … Freds House
Fred’s House are an award-winning band based in Cambridge. 70’s West Coast inspired folk/rock. This group of musicians have the rare ability to sweep you away with their gorgeous harmonies, moving lyrics, infectious melodies and uplifting grooves.
Cambridge Folk Festival, Bestival, Acoustic Festival of Britain among many others. A 2013 thirteen date tour of China as part of the ‘Nanjing International Music Festival’ playing 1000 plus capacity venues. Heard on BBC 6Music, Amazing Radio, BBC Radio Wales, and invited to perform live for BBC Introducing and Radio 2 DJ Bob Harris’ Under the Apple Tree sessions.
Support by Anna Wells
The hybridity of both her Classical and Popular music interests coalesced at an early stage in her learning development and initiated her flair and desire to song-write from a young age. Showcase spots at local Festivals and music events has also helped gain traction in the last few years for Anna as a performer and a songwriter. Here is just some of the concert venues she has played in … The Royal Albert Hall, The Beacon Theatre Broadway, Brixton Academy, Brentwood Cathedral, Dingwall’s Camden, Watford Comedy Club, 93 Feet East, The American Indian Cafe Lanzarote.
https://www.annawellsmusic.co.uk/
SHOWCASE
Friday 11th March
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£7 cash or card on the door
Featuring …
Thursdays Band
Ali Cossor
Tom Penn
Steve Christopher
David Wilson
CONCERT Friday 25th March
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£15 cash or card on the door
Featuring … Hunter Muskett
Chris George, Terry Hiscock and Doug Morter formed Hunter Muskett in 1969 The band was lucky in having access to the clubs and colleges of London, including The Marquee and The Troubadour. Within a year they were signed by Decca
To cut a VERY long story short “the lads” have been gigging ever since. There folk rock pop blend is as smooth as silk and sweet as honey. Your in for a treat.
in 2009, growing interest in the band’s music led Cherry Red records to release the first official CD of their album featuring master tape quality, the original artwork and a 16-page booklet on the history of the band.
Support by Sascha Osborn
London, UK based, emerging singer songwriter who blends her cocktail of influences, seamlessly dancing between the ‘folk’ and ‘jazz’ worlds utilising these flavours and colours to express tender reflective songs about hope, loss and love. https://saschaosborn.co.uk/
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
Stan Harvey TBC
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
Support by TBC
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 …
Bryan Summers
Silver Lining
Red Velvet
Bill Tarran
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/
Support by Kelvin Davies 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/
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 …
TBC
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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.uk
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 …
TBC
TBC
TBC
TBC
CONCERT Friday 29th July
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£15 cash or card on the door
Featuring … TBC
SHOWCASE
Friday 12th August
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£7 cash or card on the door
Featuring …
Martin Kaszak and Friends
long 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 W
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 …
TBC
TBC
TBC
TBC
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)
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.com
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 …
Carrol Cullen Smith
TBC
TBC
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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
Support by Shelagh’s Acoustic Sessions
Shelagh is bringing a number of the ‘Acoustic Session’ musicians to show us how the sessions work. These sessions rarely have an audience so this is something new for musicians and audience. Shelagh McConnell has done such a stirling job of supporting the community of local sing-around musicians, providing them with safe venues for continued LIVE sing-around sessions as best she can during covid restrictions. She has negotiated a welcome at venues in Baldock, Nuthampstead, Buntingford, Barley etc. These are intimate session (much like the TV program Transatlantic Sessions) where the musicians take it in turn to give a song, sometimes inviting others around the table to “busk in”. Of course some of the songs become a community favourites.
You can find Shelagh’s Acoustic Sessions on this Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/314177353532376
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 …
TBC
TBC
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CONCERT Friday 25th November
DOUBLE HEADLINER
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 W
Also Featuring … Chris Fox
A songwriter from Cambridge who has grown up around ‘Royston Folk’ but has now attracted a lot of attention playing clubs and, increasingly, festivals. Chris has stayed busy through covid lockdown, working in writing, recording, collaborating, and where possible gigging. Whilst he is more than capable in holding an audience on his own with his relaxed presentation and stunning performance of self-written songs, ranging from melancholy minimalistic to some real up-temp numbers that get the foot tapping, he has gone further developing a real skilled ability with the loop pedal. https://www.chrisfoxmusic.org
What a fantastic musician – great player, awesome looper and brilliant vocal. Absolutely mesmerising. (The Rogue Shanty Bouys Facebook comment) 14/8/2020
CHRISTMAS PARTY 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