WELCOME TO OUR 2023 EVENTS
Friday 31st March
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£12 pre-booked tickets CLICK HERE
£15 cash or card on the door
Featuring … Chris Wood
SORRY CHRIS WOOD CANCELLED
A CHANGE OF SCHEDULE – Ive just been notified Chris Wood has covid and has cancelled – Mark is also busy caring for Becky who has not been well and he also may not be able to make it … but never defeated …
Thanks to a wealth of AM-A-ZING local talent, at very short notice, we have now re-planned a wonderful night of LIVE music
Thursdays Band …. Rhys Wilson ,Matt Kelly, David Cammish (and hopefully Mark Gamon) …… plus perhaps Gary Woolley….
Lock down Hero … Jeremy Harmer
Blues men … Kelvin Davies with Gary Jones
“Chris takes a traditional song and has you absolutely gripped…. He makes it really obvious why it is of contemporary relevance. On the flip side, he has managed this magical thing, writing songs on contemporary themes, or putting music to Hugh Lupton’s words, that absolutely fit hand in glove with traditional songs, but are totally modern.” — Ian Anderson
Chris Wood started out as a choirboy and much of his music bears the influence of those years spent with the likes of Bach, Handel, Gibbons and Boyce: he describes the album Handmade Life as “church music with drums.”
Self-taught on guitar and violin, he is a lifelong autodidact — and his independent streak shines through in his composition and studio work. Always direct and unafraid to speak his mind, his song writing has been praised for its surgical clarity. His work is typified by his trust in the space music can create and a gift for lyrical understatement. He cites his major influence as “Anon”.
With support from
Mark Gamon and friends
Mark is looking forward to this … Chris Wood is a bit of a hero of Marks …
Friday 14th April
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£7 pre-booked tickets CLICK HERE
£10 cash or card on the door
Featuring … The John Ward Trio
“Life Drawing CD … the hardest thing about writing this review has been trying not to repeat all the superlatives I used up with 2016’s Sargasso” — Fatea
“He is a poet and a lyricist, a writer and arranger of the top order” – Great North Festival
“We were fortunate to have the John Ward Trio … their use of harmonies was spot on … but when John went off on a bodhran solo it was spectacular … I never knew you could achieve that with a bodhran!” Steve Primarolo, Organiser – Bracknell Folk Club
‘A singer and guitarist to watch out for’The Times
The John Ward Trio will make a welcome return visit to Royston Folk Club with John’s acclaimed folk songs which draw on his life on the Suffolk coast and his wider travels in the world. With powerful 3-part harmonies, a range of instruments, guitar, double bass, mandolin, accordion, and John’s show-stopping bodhran playing, the trio’s performances are authentic and heartfelt, and delight audiences across the UK.
The trio will be showcasing a variety of musical styles and some new material from John’s latest CD and book release, Congress, which has twice been serialised on BBC Radio Suffolk.
www.johnward.org.uk
“The quality of the writing, music and production is superb. It’s a programme that would not sound out of place on the likes of BBC Radio 4” – Steve Martin, Acting Executive Producer, BBC Radio Suffolk
“Unmissable storytelling” – Sue Marchant, Broadcaster
“ .. of course, beautiful songs: some uplifting, others haunting .. played and sung with skill, magic, and heart” – Piers Colby, Lowestoft Centre for the Arts & Heritage
“A wonderful production worthy of a wide audience” – Ruth Bramley, Folk Club Organiser
“…magnificent songs… this man and his excellent band are one of the UK music scene’s best kept secrets” — Stephen Foster, BBC Radio Suffolk
“The best folk music set I have ever seen. Literally.” The Morning Star
Along with …
Steve Christopher
Steve performed for us last year and we are pleased to welcome him back.
Steve Christopher Folk Musician on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090700218831
You can look forward to an interesting mix of contemporary and traditional folk songs, together with intriguing self-penned compositions, accompanied by some fine guitar playing”.
Along with …
The Elusive Third
The Elusive Third are … Liz Goddard and Brian Crockett created their acoustic duo 12 years ago and have since developed an individual style of folk’ed-up pop by combining elegant, close harmonies alongside Brian’s deft guitar skills.
Expect some gentle melodies, mixed with toe taping singalongs and the odd power ballad thrown in. Both Liz and Brian are regulars and favourites on the “sing a’round” circuit … Brian also sings in three acapella harmony groups and Liz has a number of musical collaborators of which Brian is her longest serving – enjoying an eclectic set list
Friday 28th April
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£7 pre-booked tickets CLICK HERE
£10 cash or card on the door
Featuring … Charley Foskett Band
a great sing along
the studio with clients
Julie Felix and Peter Knight
Foskett’s Folk Factory is the home of the VERY well connected Charley Foskett and his escapades into all things Folk and Roots Music – His take on old and new stories, all skilfully set to music with the help of his incredible band are a real treat.
‘I do like Foskett’s music and his interpretations – really interesting arrangements and great production – a great find!’ … Sting (2017)
Charley Foskett was born into a working class family, living in poverty in the 1949 post World War 2 period in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England. He wore mothball smelling hand-me-down clothes and drank tea from used jam jars
Inspired by two long running battles with cancer, now past. These home made songs of his have been his Distraction, his Healing, his Salvation – https://www.foskettsfolkfactory.com/
With …. Anna Wells
Anna has defined herself as a versatile performer in many different musical genres. She writes songs and also puts her own unique stamp on covers. She has established a strong and confident profile as a performer and a musician. A lovely lady, an excellent live performer.
With …. Vic Lennard
Handling most styles from folk to funk and heavy rock, he’s spent the past 40 years playing live and recording. Current projects include The Latiesha Maria Band, Let’s Funk and The Friday Night Rock Service.
Tonight its solo material
www.lennard.co.uk
Friday 12th May
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£9 pre-booked tickets CLICK HERE
£12 cash or card on the door
Featuring … Tin Giants
Tin Giants take a refreshing “in with the old, in with the new” approach to interpreting, writing, arranging and performing traditional, contemporary and original music inspired by European acoustic and folk traditions. The band shares decades of skilled musicianship and award-winning song-writing, playing a dazzling array of instruments.
Melody was brought up along side the stage , sleeping in guitar cases whilst her parents performed
With … Melody Causton
Melody is now embracing the tea drinking , story telling life of a singer-songwriter folk songstress.
She has released her own material , supported a number of respected acts within the genre and has gained valuable support from her local BBC-Introducing Cambridge show and BBC Radio Essex too.
Melody has also now won ‘ Best Female Solo Artist ‘ at Cambridge NMG awards three times and came third in the ‘ Best Unsigned Female ‘ category at the 2017 BOB Unsigned Music Awards , in association with Vocalzone
Friday 26th May
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£9 pre-booked tickets CLICK HERE
£12 cash or card on the door
Featuring … Katie Spencer
Raised in the East Yorkshire flatlands on the fringes of Hull, Katie Spencer’s landscape has always been that of open skies and widening rivers. Industry still shapes the city here. The people, as with the land, are moulded by tides and stark horizons. Stand in the same place for long enough and you can watch the sun rise over the North Sea and then sink into crop fields, glowing auburn in late-summer sun. It is this sense of space and movement that flows through Katie Spencer’s music.
The songwriting, 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 Michael Chapman, flow into her sound, carrying with them the warmth and idealism of the early 70’s folk and songwriter movements.
Katie Spencer’s widely celebrated new album, The Edge of the Land (2022), follows her debut release, Weather Beaten (2019) which was praised for its unique song-craft, spell-binding musicianship and crystal sonic clarity, as she brought together fans of music from all backgrounds and walks of life. Delicate and un-rushed, the ten songs on The Edge of the Land drift by like ships on the horizon, yet intimacy and introspection still remain.
The inclusivity found in her recorded works is most apparent when on stage, with a personal connection and humour that allows the listener time to appreciate the emotion of the music. Her historical gig list is extensive, taking in the world-renowned Celtic Connections and Cambridge Folk Festival, whilst performances with Danny Thompson and Alan Thomson have left audiences in awe of her confidence and craftsmanship.
As live music has returned to our world, we can expect to see Katie Spencer where she belongs once more, eyes closed, in the moment, performing.
—
“Her articulate picking, with suggestions of folk and jazz, frames intelligently written songs and is the backbone to her music.” Guitarist Magazine
“One of the most satisfying and spellbinding singer-songwriter collections I’ve encountered in some time.” RnR Magazine ★★★★★
“Imaginative imagery supported by compelling music that summons up the best of early 70s folk, fluently delivered here with its own contemporary power. This is a fine collection of memorable songs by an outstanding writer and musician.” Record Collector
“A timeless English folk album, perfect for the still calm of a Sunday morning.” Shindig!
“Katie Spencer sits gracefully in a vocal nook between Sandy Denny, Linda Thompson and, to conjure a name we hear less often these days, Bridget St John.” Prog Magazine
“The way Katie plays is never contrived, showy or imitative; it sounds true … a world-class folk guitarist” – fRoots
“Katie’s guitar playing has echoes of my dear friend the late great Bert Jansch. Like a musical weaver she threads her poetic lyrics through the guitar’s strings and produces little tapestries of song” – Ralph McTell
With …. Faradena Affifi
Fara has had an amazing lockdown with immense work via zoom and prodigious song writing. Through Tai Chi song lessons and improvisation with ‘ The Noisy Women’ she has developed her voice and focus. As if all of this was not enough she has taught herself double bass and piano to add to her violin and cello … She has even stolen her buddy Martin’s “claw hammer” fingerpicking and applied it to her four strings in a pizzicato stylee … Your in for a treat ..
With … Chris Wright
Local musician Chris from Stevenage has the nack of finding and choosing great songs and adapting them to his skilled flat picking style.
“Fingerpicking, flat picking, anything with an acoustic guitar!” Thats Chris Wright
Friday 9th June
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£7 pre-booked tickets CLICK HERE
£10 cash or card on the
Featuring … Steve Warner and
The Writing of Corran Ferry
Steve Warner is a singer songwriter based in the leafy Hertfordshire village of Kimpton. He has been writing, arranging and performing his own songs locally in folk clubs, open mics, pubs, wine bars, coffee shops and street music.
‘Coran Ferry’ is an album of 9 original tracks written by Steve Warner, arranged by Phil Sheldrake and produced and mastered by Dan Wilde. Available on Download preview at https://stevewarnerfolk.bandcamp.com/
This concert is a sixty minute presentation of imagery, word and song that takes the album back to the notebook, the acoustic guitar and the single voice of the songwriter Steve Warner. The Writing of the Corran Ferry… Is an evening of story and song, about people and places that inspired the writing of the ‘Corran Ferry’
With … Stella Hensley’s Musical Amigos
Featuring Chris Newman / guitars … Art Toper / keys … Magical Myke Clifford/ sax 
flute, clarinet … Malek Hyde Smith – percussion extraordinaire
Expect an evening of heartfelt originals, blues twists and turns along with some old favourites that will leave the audience wanting more .
Friday 30th June
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£?? pre-booked tickets CLICK HERE
£?? cash or card on the door
Featuring … Lloyd Crowley and the Ware Ukes
Friday 14th July
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£?? pre-booked tickets CLICK HERE
£?? cash or card on the door
Featuring …
Friday 28th July
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£?? pre-booked tickets CLICK HERE
£?? cash or card on the door
Featuring …
Friday 11th August
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£?? pre-booked tickets CLICK HERE
£?? cash or card on the door
Featuring …
Friday 25th August
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£5 pre-booked tickets CLICK HERE
£7 cash or card on the door
Featuring … 6 artists 4 songs Showcase
Friday 8th Sepember
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£12 pre-booked tickets CLICK HERE
£15 cash or card on the door
Featuring …
Ken Nicol and on fiddle player Wendy Ross
From the legendary folk band, Magna Carta, comes a new duo. Ken Nicol and violinist Wendy Ross combine in a tour-de-force of music, song, storytelling and comedy. Ken, with a pedigree including such luminaries as Steeleye Span, Al Stewart and The Albion Band is considered one of the UKs top guitarists. Classically trained Wendy, who’s worked in Philharmonic Orchestras to touring bands, adds a true touch of class. An evening that will raise the spirit, move the emotions and make you smile.
“The musicianship is staggering, seldom are the compositions less than inspired.” Acoustic Magazine.
“Rollercoasters of musical virtuosity that spellbind.” Living Tradition.
“Wendy Ross on violin. Her playing was magical, providing perfect harmony to the songs.” FATEA Magazine.
“Humour, great guitar skill and the right drop of humility, and a passion for right, proper, good music.” Ralph McTell.
“Ken Nicol is unquestionably one of this country’s best guitarists, both on acoustic and electric guitar.” FATEA Magazine.
With …. Ali Cosser and Dave Oxley
Our friends Ali and Dave have a new collaboration to introduce to us
With …. TBC
Friday 29th September
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£?? pre-booked tickets CLICK HERE
£?? cash or card on the door
Featuring …
Friday 13th October
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£?? pre-booked tickets CLICK HERE
£?? cash or card on the door
Featuring …
Friday 27th October
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£12 pre-booked tickets CLICK HERE
Click HERE for ‘Tickets’ from Lesley
£15 cash or card on the door
Featuring …
John Reilly and Lewis Nitikman
celebrating the music and lyrics of
Elton John and Bernie Taupin
So how about THIS ….. We have booked the ‘Your Song’ Concert performed by John Reilly and Lewis Nitikman A celebration of the music and lyrics of Elton John and Bernie Taupin … ‘YOUR SONG’ is a 100% live concert celebrating the songs of Sir Elton John, performed by singer-songwriter John Reilly and pianist and composer Lewis Nitikman. This is not a tribute, so no dressing up, no miming and no backing tracks. Just two consummate Professionals celebrating amazing, timeless songs performed from the heart with passion and musical excellence.
John Reilly is amazing in his own right. He was born in Liverpool. He won the British and International Song award. He was signed by Agent /Manager Sam Feldman (who represented Bryan Adams, Diana Krall, and Elvis Costello) resulting in a tour of Canada and the US, where many of his recordings became hit singles.
He opened in concert for major stars, including Bryan Adams, Procal Harum and the late Ray Charles. His songs were played in movies, and TV shows, including Dawson’s Creek, and Quantum Leap.
John returned to the UK where he had a 2500 seater concert sell out, and toured with Ray Davis (Kinks) finishing with a sold out concert at the Royal Albert Hall.
“Your Song is a brilliant night of outstanding musicianship, creating an amazing sound, leaving the audience mesmerised” Paul James, Programme Director of Acapela Studios.
“a classic English songwriter” Sunday Express
“every song is beautifully crafted” Classic Rock Magazine
“I’ve simply got to see him live” Graham Norton (BBC Radio 2)
John appeared at a special Grammy Awards 50th Anniversary concert alongside Gary Barlow and Alfie Boe. John now lives in Sheffield, and his show ‘Your Song’ has been presented across the country, including Sheffield City Hall , The Lamproom Theatre in Barnsley, Alexander’s of Chester, and Acapela Studios in Cardiff, all ending with standing ovations.
John Reilly and his brilliant Canadian musical director Lewis Nitkman now bring ‘Your Song’ to Royston LIVE
Friday 10th November
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£?? pre-booked tickets CLICK HERE
£?? cash or card on the door
Featuring … Ben Smith and Friends
More detail as it evolves … safe to say Ben is a guitar wizard, songwriter and charismatic charmer. So job done
Friday 24th November
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£?? pre-booked tickets CLICK HERE
£?? cash or card on the door
Featuring …
Friday 8th December
CHRISTMAS PARTY
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£?? pre-booked tickets CLICK HERE
£?? cash or card on the door
Featuring …
Friday 29th December
CLOSED … SEE YOU IN 2024 …
Looking Forward to 2024
Friday 8th March
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£16 pre-booked tickets CLICK HERE
£19 cash or card on the door
Featuring … Megson