Woodman Folk Club - Newsletter

Hi Folks,

Well, that’s our reopening month almost over and done with and we can safely say that we’re now enfolded in the ‘season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’. The nights are drawing in and the heating has begun to go back on…..well for the wealthier patrons of the club anyway! However at least we can all be gathered in the warmth of the club once a week so without further preamble this is what you can expect this month….

Friday 4th will be another of our legendary Singers Nights. You must know the drill by now but as a memory jogger suffice to say get there early to book your spot as Singers' Nights are very popular and slots are limited Alternatively, to be sure, it would be best to book a spot in advance by contacting Debby & Derry - contact details are on the home page.

Please note that if you have pre-booked a spot you need to be at the club before 8:00 to confirm, or the slot may be re-allocated.

Then on the 11th we will be welcoming another new act to enthrall and delight you, An Evening Without Jake or Les. This is a one man show by John Watterson. John is an accomplished performer and is delighted to bring his new show to the Woodman Folk Club – ‘An Audience without Jake or Les’, celebrating the life, songs and wonderful wordsmithery of the great Yorkshire chansonnier (Jake Thackray), and the hilarious poetry of ‘the finest Poet Laureate we never had (Les Barker). The set includes many Jake classics (Sister Josephine, On Again On Again, The Bantam Cock etc), anecdotes from the recent biography plus some recently discovered ‘lost’ Thackray masterpieces. John is the UK’s leading performer of Jake’s songs. As Fake Thackray he has toured with Fairport Convention and Jasper Carrott and has performed at festivals, theatres and clubs across the UK and on local and national radio, as well as appearing with Jon Richardson on 'Meet the Richardsons'. Les Barker’s wonderful poetry is celebrated through such gems as Reg was a Lonely Glow Worm, Dachshunds with Erections, Spot of the Antarctic and Déjà vu. John was a friend of the late Les Barker and continues to sell Les’s merchandise to raise money for Amnesty International, Les’s nominated charity. This will be a different night indeed and an extremely humorous one at that!

On Friday 18th We are once again featuring our friends The Lost Notes. This will be an extremely popular return of this very lively and extremely polished local band. Perennially popular, home grown, (well, Brummagem), rootsy band that never fail to ‘let the good times roll’! This’ll be their fifth visit and if we’re to believe their website, “The Lost Notes are a five-piece band from Moseley, Birmingham, where politics, drunkenness and glee abound. It makes for a great night out”. Expect a fusion of several different styles all delivered in a very accomplished performance from excellent musicians with stunning harmony vocals. A warm Woodman return welcome for The Lost Notes.

Finally for October, on the 25th, well what can I say? This evening brings us another real treat. We are proud to present the stunning musical talent that is Julia Porter, ably assisted by her accompanist Anthony John Clarke! Well, you know what I mean. It was November '22 was when AJ last graced our stage, treating us to his finely honed act, now very much a mix of comedy and music, featuring his enormous catalogue of self-penned songs. What CAN you say about AJC? Almost a club resident, he’s only missed a couple of years since the beginning of the century!! Now performing regularly with his wife Julia and I’d be very surprised if they’re not ably assisted here and there by one Derry Jones of this parish, on bass! AJ loves coming to the club, we love having him to entertain us so it’s perfect symmetry. Seriously, he really is an excellent singer/songwriter, something of a raconteur and an all round nice fella. You’ve all seen him many times before but he never fails to deliver a superb nights entertainment so sit back and enjoy.

And that, as they say, is yer lot…..until next week of course when further musical delights await…….but for now……

Tarrarabit

Rob xx