February on the horizon already, I don’t know…...the year is already running away with us! Soon be time to dig out the sun-loungers and shorts in preparation for the summer festival season!! Well I can safely say that January was a cracker of a month at the club, and featured ALL local artistes of whom we can be justifiably proud! February is set to continue in the same excellent form staring with…….

Friday 5th which will be another of our legendary Singers’ Nights. Don’t be disappointed, these singers nights are normally over-subscribed so do please contact Debby or Derry on 01384 560462 to ensure you get a floor spot, we have a maximum of 14 slots. Alternatively just come and enjoy the talent on display. A great night is guaranteed!

The 12th of February will see the return of another brilliant local act who are taking the folk world by storm at the moment, namely Kim Lowings & The Greenwood. Kim and the band have been regular guests at the club for several years now and their musicianship, Kim’s vocals - backed up by Dave’s haunting harmonies - and their general charisma and stage presence have simply gone through the roof over the last couple of years. Their new CD (Historia) is now released and it’s a cracker and will no doubt be on sale at the show along with previous releases.

Then on the 19th we welcome back old friends Hicks & Goulbourn. With only one previous appearance at the club, and that was almost four years ago, I’m sure you’ll agree that their return is long overdue. During that time they have cemented their place on the UK folk scene and are now firm favourites at festivals and clubs all over. Steve is the unusual combination of master luthier, as well as masterful guitarist and the music that they make as a duo is beautifully played with reflective lyrics and well crafted arrangements. Lynn’s vocals are a joy to listen to and their performances are liberally sprinkled with anecdotes and humour. Not to be missed.

Finally on the 26th and back for a second appearance we are delighted to be presenting Broom Bezzums. Mark Bloomer & Andrew Cadie, currently based in Germany, are top flight songwriters and multi-instrumentalists. As well as beautiful harmonies they bring to the stage fiddle, guitars, mandola, Northumbrian pipes and bass drum. With all hands, mouths and feet in action you could be listening to a five-piece band! Broom Bezzums strike a keen balance between traditional music and the creative freedom of new wave folk. This will be their return to the club after a real stunner in February 2014!

And that shallot........as they would say in the Kingswinford & district Allium Fanciers Society!

Cheers

Rob