Friday Night Folk Club
We have now been running a regular weekly club-night for over a year and have had a succession of excellent guests only losing one evening to the worst winter for many years. You can come to an evening of musical entertainment every Friday evening from 8.00 to the witching hour.
We can fit in an audience of 100 and when we are full - that's it. Because of our limit, to avoid disappointment, tickets will be on sale in advance. Contact John Alderslade 01225 707346
We can fit in an audience of 100 and when we are full - that's it. Because of our limit, to avoid disappointment, tickets will be on sale in advance. Contact John Alderslade 01225 707346
Click for more information
27th August - Open Mic Night
3rd September - Martin Carthy & Dave Swarbrick
£15
No two figures loom larger in the history of English folk music. Martin is amongst the most innovative interpreters of English traditional song. Swarbrick is a much-loved fiddle player who brought his own distinctive flourish to the early Fairport Convention, and has the distinction of having read his own obituary that was printed in error by a national daily after a rumour that he had died in 1999! Much copied but nothing compares to the power of the original.
No two figures loom larger in the history of English folk music. Martin is amongst the most innovative interpreters of English traditional song. Swarbrick is a much-loved fiddle player who brought his own distinctive flourish to the early Fairport Convention, and has the distinction of having read his own obituary that was printed in error by a national daily after a rumour that he had died in 1999! Much copied but nothing compares to the power of the original.
10th September - Mike Scott
£5
Hilarious and meaningful songs about the odd events and characters of everyday life are his hallmark. Occasionally confused with Mike Scott of The Waterboys, instead he shares a similar sense of the absurd to Loudon Wainwright III.
Ironic humour combine with an intuitive understanding of the human condition and a fiercely professional approach result in polished and entertaining performances that are perfectly in-tune with their audience.
Hilarious and meaningful songs about the odd events and characters of everyday life are his hallmark. Occasionally confused with Mike Scott of The Waterboys, instead he shares a similar sense of the absurd to Loudon Wainwright III.
Ironic humour combine with an intuitive understanding of the human condition and a fiercely professional approach result in polished and entertaining performances that are perfectly in-tune with their audience.
17th September - Inu
£5
The band members share a common ground in traditional music that fuses Irish traditional music with Eastern European roots. Skilled musicianship, improvisational flair and a passion for the music they love ensures an authentic sound that is true to its roots as voice, flutes, whistles, guitars, fiddles, mandola, cello and bodhran produce a lively focused sound.
The band members share a common ground in traditional music that fuses Irish traditional music with Eastern European roots. Skilled musicianship, improvisational flair and a passion for the music they love ensures an authentic sound that is true to its roots as voice, flutes, whistles, guitars, fiddles, mandola, cello and bodhran produce a lively focused sound.
24th September - John Tams & Barry Coope
£15
John Tams is gifted singer and songwriter, but equally talented as a writer, composer and actor, notably as Rifleman Hagman in the television series Sharpe for which he also wrote the music. He has that all too rare ability as a songwriter to inspire and tell a story as well as write memorable tunes and there is a decisive and political edge to his work. His roots in a once proud mining and steel working community in Derbyshire are an integral part of his music. Barry Coope, also from Derbyshire, is an equally inspired musician. He is a fine singer and keyboard player whose reputation was made as a member of accapella trio Coope, Boyes and Simpson, and in Blue Murder with The Watersons. Their performances as a duo are compelling, sharp and witty.
John Tams is gifted singer and songwriter, but equally talented as a writer, composer and actor, notably as Rifleman Hagman in the television series Sharpe for which he also wrote the music. He has that all too rare ability as a songwriter to inspire and tell a story as well as write memorable tunes and there is a decisive and political edge to his work. His roots in a once proud mining and steel working community in Derbyshire are an integral part of his music. Barry Coope, also from Derbyshire, is an equally inspired musician. He is a fine singer and keyboard player whose reputation was made as a member of accapella trio Coope, Boyes and Simpson, and in Blue Murder with The Watersons. Their performances as a duo are compelling, sharp and witty.
1st October - Open Mic.
£3
8th October - Scoville Units
£8
As red hot as chilli peppers and featuring some of the best UK based musicians including former members of two now legendary bands Flook and Daily Planet, they play is a distinguished mix of bluegrass, Celtic roots, country blues and jazz. The band features Leon Hunt on banjo, Ed Boyd on guitar, Gina Griffin on fiddle and voice, Rex Preston on mandolin and Josh Clark on bodhran and cajon percussion.
As red hot as chilli peppers and featuring some of the best UK based musicians including former members of two now legendary bands Flook and Daily Planet, they play is a distinguished mix of bluegrass, Celtic roots, country blues and jazz. The band features Leon Hunt on banjo, Ed Boyd on guitar, Gina Griffin on fiddle and voice, Rex Preston on mandolin and Josh Clark on bodhran and cajon percussion.
15th October - String Button Band
22nd October - Phil Coooper
£5
The Pump is keen to encourage exciting new talent. Phil is a talented and inspirational songwriter who has the ability to write thought-provoking lyrics that are a testimony for out times. Combine these with cutting edge arrangements and his bold modern interpretation, this young singer, songwriter and guitarist looks well placed for a successful career in the music business either as a solo performer or with his band The Haiku.
The Pump is keen to encourage exciting new talent. Phil is a talented and inspirational songwriter who has the ability to write thought-provoking lyrics that are a testimony for out times. Combine these with cutting edge arrangements and his bold modern interpretation, this young singer, songwriter and guitarist looks well placed for a successful career in the music business either as a solo performer or with his band The Haiku.
29th October - Jennifer Crook
£8
Jennifer Crook who is a talented singer, musician and composer of intensely lyrical and beautifully measured songs. Her original music is deeply rooted in the English and Celtic folk tradition with an underlying bluegrass influence to which Jenny brings a gentle contemporary edge with free flowing melodies and quietly emotional lyrics. Her stylish performances are always understated and perfectly paced.
Jennifer Crook who is a talented singer, musician and composer of intensely lyrical and beautifully measured songs. Her original music is deeply rooted in the English and Celtic folk tradition with an underlying bluegrass influence to which Jenny brings a gentle contemporary edge with free flowing melodies and quietly emotional lyrics. Her stylish performances are always understated and perfectly paced.
5th November - Vin Garbutt
£15
Vin is a true original who hails from Teeside and one of the top names in folk music for more than 40 years. A fiercely original performer and contemporary troubadour whose self-penned songs performed with great compassion and integrity deal with complex ethical issues ranging from political repression, poverty and social exclusion to the environment which he accompanies with driving guitar work and the occasional tin whistle tune. He is an equally accomplished performer of traditional material from Ireland and North-East England. A brilliantly funny comedian and natural raconteur who makes play of the absurdities of life with rambling introductions and brilliantly funny throw-away lines.
Vin is a true original who hails from Teeside and one of the top names in folk music for more than 40 years. A fiercely original performer and contemporary troubadour whose self-penned songs performed with great compassion and integrity deal with complex ethical issues ranging from political repression, poverty and social exclusion to the environment which he accompanies with driving guitar work and the occasional tin whistle tune. He is an equally accomplished performer of traditional material from Ireland and North-East England. A brilliantly funny comedian and natural raconteur who makes play of the absurdities of life with rambling introductions and brilliantly funny throw-away lines.
12th November - Maire Ni Chathasaigh & Chris Newman
£12
These two virtuoso and cutting edge musicians, a world-class guitarist and Celtic harpist, play a dazzling array of styles from Celtic folk through to jazz, bluegrass and baroque. Great raconteurs whose witty introductions always ensure a great night out. Incidentally, when Chris was a young man back in the 1970s he shared the stage when Stephan Grapelli when he appeared here at The Pump.
These two virtuoso and cutting edge musicians, a world-class guitarist and Celtic harpist, play a dazzling array of styles from Celtic folk through to jazz, bluegrass and baroque. Great raconteurs whose witty introductions always ensure a great night out. Incidentally, when Chris was a young man back in the 1970s he shared the stage when Stephan Grapelli when he appeared here at The Pump.
19th November - Jenna Witts
£8
Jenna Witts from Woolacombe in North Devon is a young singer, songwriter and guitarist who was ‘discovered’ by Steve Knightley of Show of Hands when she was only 13 and has since toured with that band and with Seth Lakeman. Her songs, like theirs, are filled with imagery about people and places and are inspired by her west-country home. They bring memories of sea and surf and of long hot summer days spent on the beach, like the title of her debut CD Barefoot and Eager. We enjoyed her so much last year that we have welcomed her back.
Jenna Witts from Woolacombe in North Devon is a young singer, songwriter and guitarist who was ‘discovered’ by Steve Knightley of Show of Hands when she was only 13 and has since toured with that band and with Seth Lakeman. Her songs, like theirs, are filled with imagery about people and places and are inspired by her west-country home. They bring memories of sea and surf and of long hot summer days spent on the beach, like the title of her debut CD Barefoot and Eager. We enjoyed her so much last year that we have welcomed her back.
26th November - Open Mic.
£3
3rd December - Barron Brady
£5
Devon based acoustic duo who perform well-crafted traditional and contemporary folk songs including an original take on traditional Scottish ballads and songs inspired by their west country home. Their distinctive voices are backed up by Simon’s tight guitar arrangements and Rosalind’s harmonium and whistles. A first time visit to The Pump but unlikely to be their last.
Devon based acoustic duo who perform well-crafted traditional and contemporary folk songs including an original take on traditional Scottish ballads and songs inspired by their west country home. Their distinctive voices are backed up by Simon’s tight guitar arrangements and Rosalind’s harmonium and whistles. A first time visit to The Pump but unlikely to be their last.
10th December - John Alderslade
£5
One of the founding members of the Village Pump - John is a natural entertainer whose perfectly balanced combination of jokes, biting humour and exuberant interpretation of well-loved folk songs always hits the mark. Chorus songs and audience participation are the trademark of this veteran of the early years at `ThePump’.
One of the founding members of the Village Pump - John is a natural entertainer whose perfectly balanced combination of jokes, biting humour and exuberant interpretation of well-loved folk songs always hits the mark. Chorus songs and audience participation are the trademark of this veteran of the early years at `ThePump’.
17th December - Tinkers Bag Christmas Show
£5
Tinkers Bag is a group that brings the history of Wiltshire to life through songs, music and stories. Their shows are a combination of well-researched traditional material and original showmanship. Featuring Bob and Gill Berry, Nigel and Christine Owen, Mick Hiscock and Richard Rees this lively band plays a multitude of different parts and instruments too. This seasonal special will draw on ancient rituals, traditional songs, folk tales and carols. A real winter warmer filled with Christmas spirit but without the hangover.
Tinkers Bag is a group that brings the history of Wiltshire to life through songs, music and stories. Their shows are a combination of well-researched traditional material and original showmanship. Featuring Bob and Gill Berry, Nigel and Christine Owen, Mick Hiscock and Richard Rees this lively band plays a multitude of different parts and instruments too. This seasonal special will draw on ancient rituals, traditional songs, folk tales and carols. A real winter warmer filled with Christmas spirit but without the hangover.