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​​West Midlands

​all areas of the West Midlands region, 
other than Herefs & Worcs (Herefs-Worcs webpage)
 

Members
Venues,  Performers,  Media,  Services, Workshops

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See "UPDATES webpage"  on our main Folklife website , 
includes our latest  
FOLKLIFE NEWSLETTER
and any further updates

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West Midlands 
​
the whole region other than Herefs & Worcs

Venues, Performers, Media, Services, Workshops
Member Venues are listed by area
​• Shropshire (including Telford & Wrekin) no venues at present
​• West Midlands county - Birmingham & nearby (Walsall), Staffordshire (Tamworth)
​• Warwickshire (including Coventry)
Folklife Members' online Directory ….. homepage
our main site ….. ​folklife. org. uk
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© Chris Beaumont
THIS WEBPAGE  is:   folklife-directory.uk/midlands.html,  and on this webpage (following the same order as the printed magazine)
FOLKLIFE WEST magazine NEWS pages - view or download as PDFs!  West Midlands  news pages on  folklife.uk/midlands.html​
Page-header:  Black Diamond Folk Club's 50th Birthday celebrations: John Crane - John in front of the backdrop he created.  Copyright Derek Catley, 2014

West Midlands: Virtual Folk § from Folklife members 

Day Varies; and  sessions/concerts with several events on different days   

​Ø   West Midlands county - TRADITIONAL ARTS TEAM – various Zoom sessions.  
​For security, we are only sending out links by email.  You can sign up to our monthly newsletter from our website 
tradartsteam.co.uk – enter your email address in the box at the bottom on the left (you may get a message asking you to click on a link to confirm that you want to join).  The newsletter goes out just before the beginning of the month.
All our events are listed in the left hand column of our website 
tradartsteam.co.uk and include:  
* Zoom into Tales and Ales - 
tradartsteam.co.uk/tales-and-ales.html
* Traditional song session online tradartsteam.co.uk/song-sessions.html
* Zoom into Sing Political! and Sing Political Extra! tradartsteam.co.uk/sing-political.html
* Lockdown Storytelling Cafe tradartsteam.co.uk/About-Storytelling-Cafe.html
Normally we don't run anything in August, but if our audiences want us to carry on we may well do so - Pam   [webpage links revised 10 July 2020]


Wednesday

Ø   West Midlands county - TRADITIONAL ARTS TEAM – various Zoom sessions.  
DETAILS please see TOP OF PAGE under 
Day Varies; and  sessions/concerts with several events on different days 

INCLUDING  
* Zoom into Tales and Ales - 1st Wednesdays
* Zoom into Sing Political!  - 2nd Wednesdays, not August
* Lockdown Storytelling Cafe  - 3rd Wednesdays

Thursday

Ø   West Midlands county - TRADITIONAL ARTS TEAM – various Zoom sessions.  
DETAILS please see TOP OF PAGE under 
Day Varies; and  sessions/concerts with several events on different days

INCLUDING * Traditional song session online - 1st Thursdays
​§ Folklife's UK & World list of Virtual Folk includes both members and non-members,
​and is on
  folklife.uk/virtual-folk.html on our Folklife West magazine news site, folklife.uk

​
§  Non-Folklife members can publicise virtual activities on our UK & World Zoom list:  we can draft a listing for you, based on your website details.   To be be added:  sign up for our free emailed Newsletter, top of page, and then email  sam@folklife.uk

Venues

We can help - Folklife Members, email your details (see examples below) and we'll draft new entries for you to approve or change
1st line / summary: this also appears in print, every issue, in Folklife West
How often [e.g. Wkly, 1st]   Day  County    TOWN    CLUB/VENUE NAME     website [links in blue & underlined]    Contact name    Contact phone
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
→   Venue address/phone. Start time. Frequency e.g. term-time, all year.
⇒ or ⌂ Contact details other than name/phone in 1st line.   Emails: replace <at> by @.
⊕    Up to 40 words more details.     Your news is welcome for Folklife West every issue, up to 200 words (more if advertising)

------- Day varies -------

------------  DAY VARIES:  Warks  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day Varies  Warks    RUGBY   RUGBY LIBRARY GIGS            www.warwickshire.gov.uk/rugbylibrary    Call centre     0300 555 8171 
→   Rugby Library, Little Elborow Street, Rugby CV21 3BZ
⌂    Rugby Library gigs enquiries: call centre 0300 555 8171 or email: libraryevents<at>warwickshire.gov.uk
⊕   Some super gigs coming up in Warwickshire!  Tickets in advance through Eventbrite or on the door.  [2019 May, new member] 

Day Varies  Warks  NUNEATON  NUNEATON LIBRARY GIGS     www.warwickshire.gov.uk/nuneatonlibrary     Call centre     0300 555 8171 
→  Nuneaton Library, Church Street, Nuneaton, CV11 4DR
⌂   Nuneaton Library gigs enquiries: call centre 0300 555 8171 or email: libraryevents
<at>warwickshire.gov.uk
⊕   Some super gigs coming up in Warwickshire!  Tickets in advance through Eventbrite or on the door.  [201

------- Sunday -------

------------  SUNDAY:  West Midlands & Staffs  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2nd Sun, alt.mths    Birmingham    MOSELEY     SCANDI MUSIC SESSIONS     www.tradartsteam.co.uk    Trad. Arts Team 0121 247 3856
→    Prince of Wales pub, Alcester Road, Birmingham B13 8EE, 2pm - 5pm
⇒    Traditional Arts Team, 19 Springfield Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham B14 7DU; info<at>tradartsteam.co.uk
⊕     Meet up and play a few Swedish and other Scandinavian tunes.  All musicians welcome - more info and links to tunes via the ScandiBrum facebook page [2019 Nov, new listing]

3rd    Sun    Birmingham    MOSELEY    TRADITIONAL MUSIC SESSION    www.tradartsteam.co.uk    Trad. Arts Team    0121 247 3856
→    Prince of Wales pub, Alcester Road, Birmingham B13 8EE, 8pm
⇒     Traditional Arts Team, 19 Springfield Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham B14 7DU; info<at>tradartsteam.co.uk
⊕    Enjoy playing and listening to English, Scottish & Irish folk music and song. [2018 Nov,  phone number change, no other change]

------------  SUNDAY:  Warks  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1st  Sun    Warks    ILMINGTON     SHIFTING SUNDAY SESSION: HOWARD ARMS www.sessionfolk.blogspot.com  Pub 01608 682226
→    The Howard Arms (01608 682226), Ilmington, Walks CV36 4LT.  8.00pm until 11.00pm
⇒    Paul Bryan, theflyingmorrisman<at>hotmail.com, 07711 121210
⊕    The Shifting Sunday Session (SSS): weekly folk music sessions in South Warwickshire / North Cotswolds, in four regular venues (different village pubs).  Officially 8:30pm until 11pm, but many people arrive (and start playing) before 8pm; typically around 20 musicians.   [new Member, Oct 2019; new website, Nov 2019]

2nd  Sun    Warks    LOWER QUINTON    SHIFTING SUNDAY SESSION: THE COLLEGE ARMS www.sessionfolk.blogspot.com     Pub     01789 720066
→    The College Arms (01789 720066), Lower Quinton, Warks CV37 8SG.  8.00pm until 11.00pm
⇒    Paul Bryan, theflyingmorrisman<at>hotmail.com, 07711 121210
⊕    The Shifting Sunday Session (SSS): weekly folk music sessions in South Warwickshire / North Cotswolds, in four regular venues (different village pubs).  Officially 8:30pm until 11pm, but many people arrive (and start playing) before 8pm; typically around 20 musicians.   [new Member, Oct 2019; new website, Nov 2019]

3rd Sun    Warks    TEMPLE GRAFTON    SHIFTING SUNDAY SESSION: THE BLUE BOAR  www.sessionfolk.blogspot.com  Pub  01789 750010
→    The Blue Boar  (01789 750010), Temple Grafton, Warks B49 6NR.  8.00pm until 11.00pm
⇒    Paul Bryan, theflyingmorrisman<at>hotmail.com, 07711 121210
⊕    The Shifting Sunday Session (SSS): weekly folk music sessions in South Warwickshire / North Cotswolds, in four regular venues (different village pubs).  Officially 8:30pm until 11pm, but many people arrive (and start playing) before 8pm; typically around 20 musicians.  [new Member, Oct 2019; new website, Nov 2019]
[4th Sun see  Glos webpage for  SHIFTING SUNDAY SESSION: 4th Sun ]

5th  Sun      varies    VARIES  SHIFTING SUNDAY SESSION: VENUE VARIES  www.sessionfolk.blogspot.com   Paul Bryan  07711 121210
→    If there’s a 5th Sunday in the month, it’s a variable venues, arranged individually, see website.  8.00pm until 11.00pm
⇒    Paul Bryan, theflyingmorrisman<at>hotmail.com, 07711 121210
⊕    The Shifting Sunday Session (SSS): weekly folk music sessions in South Warwickshire / North Cotswolds, in four regular venues (different village pubs).  Officially 8:30pm until 11pm, but many people arrive (and start playing) before 8pm; typically around 20 musicians.  [new Member, Oct 2019; new website, Nov 2019]

------- Wednesday -------    No Monday or Tuesday listings currently

------------  WEDNESDAY:  ​West Midlands & Staffs  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

​1st    Wed   Birmingham    MOSELEY     TALES & ALES STORY SESSION     www.tradartsteam.co.uk    Trad. Arts Team    07946 718286
→    Prince of Wales pub, Alcester Road, Birmingham B13 8EE. 8pm
⇒     Traditional Arts Team, 19 Springfield Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham B14 7DU   info<at>tradartsteam.co.uk
⊕    Come along to share stories and ales at this great storytelling venue. [2018 Nov,  phone number change, no other change]

2nd   Wed    Birmingham    MOSELEY    POLITICAL SONG SESSION    www.tradartsteam.co.uk    Trad. Arts Team    07946 718286
→    Prince of Wales pub, Alcester Road, Birmingham B13 8EE, 8pm
⇒    Traditional Arts Team, 19 Springfield Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham B14 7DU; info<at>tradartsteam.co.uk
⊕     Come along, raise your voices, let the songs be heard, whether they were written yesterday or hundreds of years ago, let us learn from them and take heart from them.  [2018 Nov,  existing member, new entry]

3rd Wed    Birmingham    KINGS HEATH     BIRMINGHAM STORYTELLING CAFÉ     www.tradartsteam.co.uk    Trad. Arts Team    07946 71828
→   Kitchen Garden Cafe, York Road, Kings Heath, B14 7SA, 7.30pm - 10pm, September to June, 
⇒   Traditional Arts Team, 19 Springfield Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham B14 7DU, 
       email birminghamstorytellingcafe<at>gmail.com, or via website, www.birminghamstorytellingcafe.co.uk
⊕   Doors open and food served from 6.30pm.  The perfect setting to enjoy an evening of storytelling.  We have an exciting line-up of guests and regular tellers from across the Midlands. Tickets £7 from the venue (0121 443 4725) or wegottickets.com [2019 Nov, new listing]

------------  WEDNESDAY:  Warks  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1st  Wed, afternoon     Warks  ATHERSTONE    FOLK AT THE LION   www.facebook.com/groups/1194655407220890/ Phil Benson     01827 711514
→    The Atherstone Red Lion, 99 Long Street, Atherstone CV9 1BB.  2:00 pm – 4:00 pm, all year
⇒     Phillip Benson, Sixth Lock Cottage, Holly Lane, Atherstone, Warwickshire CV9 2SL. phil<at>atherstonefolkclub.org.uk
⊕      Folk in a local hostelry, run by anyone who turns up (not quite, but it gives the flavour).  Singaround format, mostly.
         1st Wednesday afternoon monthly. Come and join a few friends just singing for the joy of it.  Free Entry. (new website May 2019)

1st Wed          Warks     NUNEATON NUNEATON FOLK CLUB   https://blackparrotseaside.weebly.com  Geoff Veasey
→     Queens Hall at the Crew (upstairs), 75-77 Queen's Road, Nuneaton CV115LA.  8.00pm on guest nights.  All year.
⇒    Organiser: Geoff Veasey, abolper<at>yahoo.co.uk   See also NFC Facebook Group Page.
⊕     "Live"     Folk (Traditional and Contemporary), Blues, Acoustic and Open Mic-style performances.  Free!   Parking nearby.  Seating around 60, plus standing room.  Featured guests usually take or share the main spot at the end of each half, with pre-booked floor spots.   [new member, Apr 2018]

2nd,4th Wed   Warks    BEDWORTH      BEDWORTH FOLK CLUB     www.bedworthfolkclub.co.uk     Malc Gurnham    024 7634 5568 
→    Every 2nd Wednesday:  new venue  The Newdigate Club, Smorrall Lane, Bedworth, Warwickshire CV7 9NY.       new start time     8.00pm.   
→    Most 4th Wednesdays:     Bedworth Rugby Club, Rectory Fields, Smarts Road, Bedworth, Warwickshire, CV12 0BP    8.30pm.
⇒     Malc Gurnham, Tel: as above, Mob: 077 6019 0309. Email: mail<at>bedworthfolkclub.co.uk

3rd  Wed   Warks    ATHERSTONE    ATHERSTONE FOLK CLUB    www.atherstonefolkclub.org.uk    Phillip Benson    01827 711514
→   Rose Inn, Main Road, Baxterley, Atherstone, CV9 2LE.   8.00 pm, all year
⌂    Phillip Benson, Sixth Lock Cottage, Holly Lane, Atherstone, Warwickshire CV9 2SL.  phil<at>atherstonefolkclub.org.uk
⊕   3rd Wednesday of each month.  Please see website for latest info.  [2017 May, venue changed]

------- Thursday -------

------------  THURSDAY:  ​West Midlands & Staffs  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1st    Thu   Birmingham    MOSELEY    TRADITIONAL SONG SESSION    www.tradartsteam.co.uk    Trad. Arts Team    0121 247 3856
→    Prince of Wales pub, Alcester Road, Birmingham B13 8EE. 8pm
⇒    Traditional Arts Team, 19 Springfield Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham B14 7DU    info<at>tradartsteam.co.uk
⊕     Sing and listen to traditional songs in a friendly and informal environment.  NB: upstairs room.

2nd,4th    Thu   Birmingham    MOSELEY    MOSELEY VILLAGE BAND    www.tradartsteam.co.uk    Trad. Arts Team    0121 443 5687
→    Post Office Rooms, 149-153 Alcester Road, B13 8JP.  7.30 - 9.15pm
⇒   Traditional Arts Team, 19 Springfield Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham B14 7DU.    info<at>moseleyvillageband.org.uk
⊕    Lively traditional tunes in several parts, with occasional workshops.  All musicians welcome.  [2019 Nov,  email change, no other change]

Wkly    Thu    Walsall    PELSALL    COMMONFOLK FOLK CLUB    https://sites.google.com/site/commonfolkpelsall/home​    Steve & Margaret    01922 685568
    →    Common Folk, Pelsall Cricket Club, Walsall Road (B4154), Pelsall, Walsall WS3 4BP.  8.15pm, 8.30pm on guest nights.  All year.
    ⇒     comfolk<at>hotmail.com, mobile 07910 632695, or Margaret 07954 994745. https://en-gb.facebook.com/commonfolkclub
    ⊕    Singers nights and monthly guest nights. Performers are welcome on singers’ nights, performers are asked to do 2 numbers or more if time allows. We ask for a donation of £1 per person on non guest nights to cover costs and a full P.A is available on these nights.  [2018 March, new member]

------------  THURSDAY:  Warks  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
​
2nd,4th Thu     Warks    STUDLEY    Make & Play HAMMERED DULCIMER Practice Nights  http://dulcimer.org.uk  Sally Whytehead     01527 64229  
→    Studley Baptist Church, New Road, Studley, Warwickshire, B80 7ND, 19.30 to 21.45 all year (please check) 
⇒     Sally Whytehead, 01527 64229.   sally.whytehead<at>gmail.com
⊕    Hammered Dulcimer informal get together where you can learn to play, learn new repertoire, get help with making your own and eat cake!   
        Some instruments available for loan. Please contact Sally before attending for the first time. £1 per dulcimer. [2019 Dec, sessions name retitled]

------- Friday -------  

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------------  FRIDAY:  ​West Midlands & Staffs  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wkly   Fri   Birmingham   HIGHGATE  BLACK DIAMOND FOLK SONG CLUB    http://blackdiamondfolkclub.org.uk  Paul Ryan 0121 357 7326
→    The Lamp Tavern, Barford Street, Highgate, Birmingham. 8pm, Sept-July.  [2018-19 season restarts 31/8 !]
⇒     748 Walsall Road, Great Barr, Birmingham, B42 1EX.   contact<at>blackdiamondfolkclub.org.uk
⊕    Singers’ nights alternate Fridays, guests inbetween.  [2019 Aug, start time change to 8pm]

Wkly    Fri      Staffs      TAMWORTH    TAMWORTH FOLK CLUB     www.tamworthfolkclub.co.uk    Contact:    see website
    →    Tamworth Folk and Rambling Club, Bolehall Manor Club, Amington Road, TamworthB77 3LH. 8.30pm, Sept-July
    ⇒    Bookingsattfc<at>aol.com
    ⊕     The club meets every Friday evening for a fairly prompt start at 8.30pm. We operate an informal sing-around format on most of these evenings and we welcome any visiting performers. You are sure to get the opportunity to do a ‘turn’ or two.  [2019 Aug, club renamed]

------- Saturday -------  

------------  SATURDAY:  ​West Midlands & Staffs  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1st Sat  Worcs, but near Birmingham    ALVECHURCH     ALVECHURCH FRENCH DANCE & MUSIC    www.tradartsteam.co.uk    Trad. Arts Team   
→   Alvechurch Village Hall, Worcs B48 7JX, 2.30pm - 5pm
⇒   Traditional Arts Team, 19 Springfield Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham B14 7DU, 
       email alvechurchfrenchdance<at>gmail.com, website www.tradartsteam.co.uk/French-dance.html
⊕    Monthly traditional dance events.  Come and enjoy a variety of traditional French dances, bourrées, polkas, mazurkas, valses, Breton, etc.  All abilities of dancer and musician welcome, please bring £2 towards the cost of the hall.  Please bring your own refreshments.  [2019 Nov, new listing]
Listed here FYI, as well as under Worcs, but for news see
Herefs, Shrops, & Worcs news pages on www.folklife-directory.uk/heref-shrop-worc.html

Performers, Media, Services, Workshops
We can help - Folklife Members, email your details (see examples below) and we'll draft new entries for you to approve or change
​
​1st line / summary: this also appears in print, every issue, in Folklife West
---------------------->     county  NAME     website [links in blue & underlined]    Contact name    Contact phone
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     ⇒ or ⌂     Contact details other than name/phone in 1st line.   For emails, to avoid spam, we'll replace <at> by @.
      ⊕    Up to 40 words more details.     Your news is welcome for Folklife West every issue, up to 200 words (more if advertising)

​Below is an index - click on a category line (eg LIST 3: FOLK MEDIA) for a drop-down list of catgeories
LIST 2:  FOLK performers --- Music & Song     <Pf.1>
PERFORMERS.   Pf.1    FOLK MUSIC & SONG        • Pf.1a-c, general    •  Pf.1d-h, specific 
Pf.1a   Music/Song - Bands/Groups
Pf.1b   Music/Song - Duos
Pf.1c   Music/Song - Solo
Pf.1d   Choirs & Quires (and see List 5)
Pf.1e   Community & Street Bands
Pf.1f    Shanty Groups, Duos, & Solo
LIST 2:  FOLK PERFORMERS --- Dance     <PF.2>
PERFORMERS.   Pf.2   FOLK DANCE
Pf.2a   Folk Dance Callers
Pf.2b   Folk Dance Bands
Pf.2c   Ceremonial & Display (Clog, Morris, Sword)
LIST 2:  folk PERFORMERS --- Spoken Word     <PF.3>
PERFORMERS.   Pf.3  SPOKEN WORD
Pf.3a   Folk Shows,Theatre, Mummers
Pf.3b   Poetry & Monologuists
​Pf.3c   Storytellers
List 3:  FOLK Media     <M.> 
M.1  Online Folk Magazines & Listings
M.2  Printed Folk Magazines & Listings 
M.3  Folk Radio​
List 4:  FOLK Services     <S.>
S.1  Folk Journalists
S.2  Agents, Managers, Promoters, MCs and Stage Management
S.3  Technical:  PA  &  Sound  Hire,  Engineers,  Studios
S.4  Website Design and Services
S.5  Print, Design, Illustration
S.6  Crafts and Makers
S.7  Shops & other sales

S.8  Tourist Information Centres
LIST 5:  WORKSHOP PROVIDERS & WORKSHOP SERIES     <W.>
W.1   Workshop Providers  --- Study Centres, Folk Teachers, Tutors, Development Workers, Workshop Organisers
W.2  Members’ Continuing (longer-term) Workshop Series (eg termtime)  
<>    For 1-off workshops (whether 1 day or 1 week), see our FESTIVALS & WORKSHOPS DIARY webpage


Picture
Performers  Many performers travel across the country; so we give the home county just for info
 For UK-wide Agencies - which may include local performers - see our webpage: And Elsewhere
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pf.1    FOLK MUSIC & SONG
                                we will be adding your small pictures to the left of entries 

• Pf.1a-1c = general: Group, Duo, Solo    • Pf.1d-1f = specific: eg Community Bands; Shanties


Pf.1a    Folk Music & Song - Bands / Groups - sorted by first name
​• Staffordshire-based

Staffs    MITRE’S WELL    https://mitreswell.wordpress.com       Contact: see website  
    ⇒  sjedkins<at>aol.com  www.youtube.com/user/TheMitresWell/videos
    ⊕  Songs and tunes from Stephen Edkins:  Vocals, Guitar, Mandola, Banjo, Bass, Bodhrun;  Stephen Swoffer:  Vocals, Bass, Guitar, Bouzouki, Ukele, Bodhrun; Malcolm Robinson:  Whistles, Mandolin, Banjo, Backing Vocals.  [Mar 2018, new Member]    

Staffs    THE ANKER VALLEY BOYS    www.ankervalleyboys.co.uk     Contact via website form   
    ⇒  ankervalleyboys<at>gmail.com
    ⊕ Bluegrass, Irish, Folk, Americana. Whatever the genre we'll guarantee to get your foot tapping! Looking for a band, with caller, to play at a Barn  Dance/Hoe Down for your event? Look no further, we can help!   [Mar 2018, new Member]


​• Warwickshire & Coventry-based

Warks    DRUNKMONKEY, see under Warks NUNC/DRUNKMONKEY

Warks    NUNC/DRUNKMONKEY https://blackparrotseaside.weebly.com/nunc--druncmonkey.html     Geoff Veasey  
⇒    Geoff Veasey, abolper<at>yahoo.co.uk
⊕  Flossy McDougal, ex- Pennyroyal:  Geoff Veasey, ex-Black Parrot Seaside; and John Kearney, ex- Romeo's Butcher.     
DRUNKMONKEY is NUNC+ Jon Harrington (blues harps), Paul Moore (Guitars), and John Harris (bass)  [Feb 2020, new website]    
Pf.1b    Folk Music & Song - Duo - sorted by first name
• Warwickshire & Coventry-based
Warks     MALC GURNHAM & GILL GILSENAN    www.malcandgill.co.uk    Malc Gurnham     024 7634 5568
⇒  Malc Gurnham, Tel: as above, Mob: 077 6019 0309. Email: mail<at>bedworthfolkclub.co.uk

Warks      SQUEEZE-BOW HARMONY    facebook.com/SBHFolkMusic    Paul Bryan     07711 121210
 ⇒   Paul Bryan, theflyingmorrisman<at>hotmail.com, 07711 121210
 ⊕    Paul Bryan and Des Wynes.  Playing traditional music with fiddle, accordion, guitar, concertina and vocals. At The Dirty Duck, Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon, monthly 1st Fridays,12.30pm, and the Shifting Sunday Sessions.   CDs: Live At The ‘White’-House, Shutford; A Touch Of The Irish.  [new Member, Oct 2019]

• based in West Midlands county:    Birmingham,  Dudley,  Sandwell,  Solihull,  Walsall,  ​Wolverhampton
B’ham     THE DARING YOUNG MEN  www.chrislowestories.com Chris Lowe    0121 308 2298
    ⇒ chrislowe30<at>hotmail.co.uk
    ⊕  Fabulous Music Hall Duo.  See also Andy Casserley's website   [New entry, existing member, Jul 2018]
Pf.1c    Folk Music & Song - Solo  - sorted by first name
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Ian Pittaway
​​​• based in West Midlands county:    Birmingham,  Dudley,  Sandwell,  Solihull,  Walsall,  ​Wolverhampton

​B’ham    CHRIS LOWE    www.facebook.com/Chris-Lowe-Storyteller-702932336552020  Chris Lowe    0121 308 2298
⇒  chrislowe30<at>hotmail.co.uk
    ⊕  Music Hall Singer and More!  Hear the verses to the choruses you always knew.   [New website, Jan 2018]

W Mids     IAN PITTAWAY    www.ipmusic.org.uk  Ian Pittaway 07504 269 855
⇒ contact<at>ipmusic.org.uk
⊕ Ian performs solo traditional, mediaeval and renaissance music with voice, guitars, harps, lutes and other early instruments, and primary and secondary school and adult workshops in historical music, involving history, drama and dance.  
Pf.1e    Folk Music & Song - Shanty Groups, Duos, & Solo
​• Warwickshire & Coventry-based​
Warks    HAWKESBURY TRAWLERMEN           https://blackparrotseaside.weebly.com      Geoff Veasey      
⇒    Geoff Veasey, abolper<at>yahoo.co.uk
⊕  The country’s most landlocked Shanty Crew, the infamous Hawkesbury Trawlermen. Featuring three North Warwickshire Folk Club organisers and at least four more ancient doyens of the genre, and available for club bookings via Nuneaton, Bedworth or Atherstone Folk Club websites. 
 [new listing, Dec 2019]     
Pf.2   FOLK DANCE  (Social / Country / Display / Ceremonial)
​

     Many callers & bands travel across the country; so we give the home area just for information


Pf.2a    Folk Dance Callers    • for Folk Dance Teachers: see W.2, Workshops pages, every issue        

​• none in this area at present
​

Pf.2b    Folk Dance Bands
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Cotteswolde
​Country Dance Band
• Staffordshire-based

Staffs    THE ANKER VALLEY BOYS    www.ankervalleyboys.co.uk     Contact via website form   
    ⇒     ankervalleyboys<at>gmail.com
    ⊕ Bluegrass, Irish, Folk, Americana. Whatever the genre we'll guarantee to get your foot tapping! Looking for a band, with caller, to play at a Barn Dance/Hoe Down for your event? Look no further, we can help!    [new member, Mar 2018]
​

​• Warwickshire-based

Warks    COTTESWOLDE COUNTRY DANCE BAND     (no website)    Paul Bryan     07711 121210
⇒    Paul Bryan, theflyingmorrisman<at>hotmail.com, 07711 121210
⊕    A ‘fun & energetic’ style ceilidh band from South Warwickshire - with melodeon / fiddle/mandolin / bouzouki / electric bass / drums + occasional whistler !
    Tina Morris is our ‘engaging caller’ - who also plays accordion - available for barn dances - folk evenings - parties - tailored to fit any occasion.
[new Member, Oct 2019, revised description & picture, April 2020]

​Warks    GLORISHEARS CEILIDH BAND     www.folkfax.net/gshears    Malc Gurnham      024 7634 5568 
⇒ Malc Gurnham, Tel: as above, Mob: 077 6019 0309. Email: mail<at>bedworthfolkclub.co.uk


• based in West Midlands county:    Birmingham,  Dudley,  Sandwell,  Solihull,  Walsall,  ​Wolverhampton

B’ham    MAD MOLL    www.tradartsteam.org.uk/MadMoll    Pam Bishop    0121 247 3856

​
Pf.2c    Ceremonial & Dance Display   (including Clog, Morris, Sword)     → indicates venue and times
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Warks    THE TRADITIONAL ILMINGTON MORRIS MEN   http://ilmingtonmorrismen.org.uk    Paul Bryan (Bagman)     07711 121210
→  Practice Wednesday evenings, September to April, Ilmington Village Hall.  Dance around the local villages and towns on Wednesday evenings, May to August. 
⇒  Paul Bryan, theflyingmorrisman<at>hotmail.com, 07711 121210.  Also on Facebook (https://m.facebook.com/TIMM1974/)
⊕  Dancing the traditional dances which have evolved in the village over 300 years. A living tradition, welcoming any Morris man, experienced or beginner, who would like to join us. The side joined the Morris Ring in 2002.  [new Member, Oct 2019]
Pf.3    SPOKEN WORD PERFORMERS


Pf.3a    Folk Shows & Theatre, Mummers

​• Warwickshire & Coventry-based
Coventry    COVENTRY MUMMERS    www.coventrymummers.org.uk    John Havell    02476 672297
⇒ 35 Belvedere Road, Earlsdon, Coventry,  CV5 6PG.   john<at>havell45.plus.com
​
Pf.3b    Poets & Monologuists    
​
​​• none in this area at present
Pf.3c    Storytellers
​
• based in West Midlands county:    Birmingham,  Dudley,  Sandwell,  Solihull,  Walsall,  ​Wolverhampton
​
B’ham    CHRIS LOWE  www.chrislowestories.com  Chris Lowe    0121 308 2298
⇒ chrislowe30<at>hotmail.co.uk
    ⊕   Stories that amuse, stories that intrigue, stories that transport.  All from the West Midlands’ champion teller.     [New website, Jul 2018]
B’ham    GRAHAM LANGLEY    www.storytelling.uk.net    Graham Langley    07946 718286
⇒ 19 Springfield Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham B14 7DU.   graham@storytelling.uk.net
    ⊕   “A twenty first century teller of tales .... he casts a verbal spell over his wide-eyed audience” - The Times. 
B’ham    SPEAKE AND LOWE  www.chrislowestories.com Chris Lowe    0121 308 2298
⇒ chrislowe30<at>hotmail.co.uk
    ⊕  Two of the most powerful and entertaining tellers of tales.   [New website, Jul 2018]
MEDIA   M.1    ONLINE FOLK MAGAZINES & LISTINGS

West Mids [+ West Country]   ARMANDALEG MUSIC    www.armandalegmusic.com    Mike Weaver 
→     West Country: Bath, Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire.  West Midlands: Herefordshire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire,  and Worcestershire.
⇒      Contact via website.  twitter <at>armandalegmusic
            ⊕    Independent organisation, helping original acoustic and traditional artists to promote their music. Listen online to live music, find out what’s on in the Mid-West, get the latest news, view comprehensive list of Mid-West venues and of folk and acoustic festivals. 
​

Shropshire & elsewhere        SABRINAFLU Online Folk Magazine     https://sabrinaflu.wordpress.com     David Harley     07891 999619
⇒  Contact: david.a.harley<at>gmail.com.    See also https://www.facebook.com/groups/27261137852/        
​    ⊕    Promoting folk(-ish) music, song, dance and poetry, especially but not exclusively along the course of the river Severn (hence Sabrinaflu).

​Warks, Coventry, +                FOLKFAX           www.folkfax.net    Malc Gurnham     024 7634 5568
⇒      Malc Gurnham, Tel: as above, Mob: 077 6019 0309. Email: mail<at>bedworthfolkclub.co.uk

Warks & nearby                   COTSWOLD FOLK listings  www.cotswoldfolk.co.uk    Paul Bryan     07711 121210  

Warks & nearby ​                  SHIFTING SUNDAY SESSIONS listings     www.sessionfolk.blogspot.com    Paul Bryan     07711 121210  

West Mids [+ West Country]  MR RED’s MID WEST listings      www.cresby.com   Cresby Brown  
            ⊕    Mr Red’s website gives regional listings, for the ‘Mid-West’, by day and by county.   
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FOLKLIFE
​… and this is the 
FOLKLIFE MEMBERS' ONLINE DIRECTORY,  folklife-directory.uk
including these West Midlands listings 
from Folklife: 
folklife.uk     Sam Simmons    01684 561378
 
who produce    FOLKLIFE WEST print magazine (details: ⇒  M.2 below) available online: 
             (1) FW news pages  are on  folklife.uk
             (2) Listings are in this Directory
             (3) Folklife Traditions folklife-traditions.uk 
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UK & Ireland            LIVING TRADITION    www.livingtradition.co.uk    Office        01563 571220
    ⇒    The Living Tradition, PO Box 1026, Kilmarnock KA2 0LG.  admin<at>livingtradition.co.uk,  www.facebook.com/thelivingtraditionmagazine
    ⊕     The Living Tradition magazine’s website, featuring articles from the trad/folk magazine, festival, club and concert listings, news, reviews and regional links.  There is also an online shop where you can buy many folk and traditional CDs   [Feb 2018, new member]
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MEDIA   M.2    PRINTED FOLK MAGAZINES & LISTINGS   
​
for JOURNALS see list 8: FOLKLIFE STUDIES
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England  EDS (English Dance & Song)  www.efdss.org/efdss-join-us/english-dance-and-song     EFDSS    020 7485 2206
⇒ To join EFDSS [English Folk Dance & Song Society] and receive EDS and other benefits: 
www.efdss.org/efdss-join-us
⇒ ​Editorial: EDS Editor, Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent's Park Road, London, NW1 7AY.  eds.editor<at>efdss.org 
⊕    An international publication, going out to the almost 4,000 members of the Society. It’s the world’s longest-running folk magazine, first published in 1936, and balances professional folk with grassroots folk, both traditional and contemporary. [EFDSS, now a FL member, October 2017]
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​UK & Ireland     LIVING TRADITION    www.livingtradition.co.uk    Office   01563 571220
    ⇒    The Living Tradition, PO Box 1026, Kilmarnock KA2 0LG.  admin<at>livingtradition.co.uk,   www.facebook.com/thelivingtraditionmagazine
    ⊕        A full colour, glossy, folk and traditional music magazine highlighting the rich heritage of traditional music in the UK, Ireland and beyond.  TLT has a worldwide circulation, and is an independent and authoritative voice in the folk world.  Subscriptions available.   [Feb 2018, new member]
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And we are  . . . 
Wales, England West Country & South/West Midlands    
​FW, the Folklife West print magazine   folklife.uk Sam Simmons  01684 561378
West Midlands news pages are on 
folklife.uk/midlands.html​
⇒ see Info webpage for contact details.
⊕   Each issue has (1) Members' news pages (copied online www.folklife.uk); (2) Members' listings inc Festival & Workshop Diaries (from this Directory!);  (3) Folklife Traditions pages, articles & news ( ​www.folklife-traditions.uk )

MEDIA   M.3    FOLK RADIO
Warkwickshire   ANKER FOLK    www.ankerradio.co.uk     Geoff Veasey, Presenter 
⇒    folk@ankerradio.co.uk.  Mixcloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/ankerradio/playlists/anker-folk
⊕    1st and 3rd Wednesdays monthly on Hospicoms, on 1286am and online via station website. Presenters: John Goodman & Geoff Veasey.
For the three most recent broadcasts, www.ankerradio.co.uk   then click on the FOLK button.   [New member, Apr 2018]
SERVICES

​S.1    FOLK JOURNALISTS
​• Warwickshire & Coventry-based
Warks   MAC AWE ON TOUR, Folk Journalist and Blogger     http://macaweontour.blogspot.co.uk   Geoff Veasey 
⇒    Geoff Veasey, abolper<at>yahoo.co.uk
⊕     Folk Journalist and Reviewer.   Blog : Mac Awe On Tour    [new member, Apr 2018]
​S.2   AGENTS,  MANAGERS,  PROMOTERS, MCs and STAGE MANAGEMENT
<> For Dance or Concert Series:  see “1: VENUES” under Series name
​• Warwickshire & Coventry-based
​
Warks   GEOFF VEASEY  http://macaweontour.blogspot.co.uk  Geoff Veasey ​
⇒    Geoff Veasey, abolper<at>yahoo.co.uk
⊕     Compere:  experience of hosting club nights and Festivals  [new member, Apr 2018]
​

S.3    TECHNICAL:  PA  &  Sound  Hire,  Engineers,  Studios
​• Warwickshire & Coventry-based
Warks     FAT SAM MUSIC STUDIO    www.fatsammusic.co.uk    Malc Gurnham    024 7634 5568 

​

S.3    WEBSITE DESIGN AND SERVICES

​• Warwickshire & Coventry-based
​
Warks     FOLKFAX WEB DESIGN           www.folkfax.net/design    Malc Gurnham    024 7634 5568 
⇒     Malc Gurnham, Tel: as above, Mob: 077 6019 0309. Email: mail<at>bedworthfolkclub.co.uk


S.7    SHOPS & OTHER SALES  [ for FOLK PUBLISHERS (Books & Recordings), BOOKSELLERS, see list 8: FOLKLIFE STUDIES ]

• based in West Midlands county:    Birmingham,  Dudley,  Sandwell,  Solihull,  Walsall,  ​Wolverhampton
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B’ham    HOBGOBLIN BIRMINGHAM    www.hobgoblin.com/birmingham    Shop     0121 212 9010
⇒       8 Priory Queensway, Birmingham, West Midlands, B4 6BS.       sales<at>hobgoblinbirmingham.co.uk   
⊕  Hobgoblin Birmingham - Britain’s leading Folk and Traditional musical instrument shop based in the heart of Birmingham. Open 10am - 6pm, Monday - Saturday.
​Also, across England ………    HOBGOBLIN MUSIC, all shops & mail order:       www.hobgoblin.com  0845 130 9500 
⇒   Mail order: P.O. Box 4707, Worthing, BN11 9JA.   Fax: 01903 210011. 
            ⊕    Acoustic and folk musical instrument specialists.  
West Mids     IP MUSIC SHOP    www.ipmusic.org.uk    Ian Pittaway
⇒ contact<at>ipmusic.org.uk
⊕    CDs from Ian Pittaway, ‘Lovers Beggars Soldiers Sailors’; The Night Watch, ‘The Ambassadors’; Captain Swing, ‘Captain Swing’s English Jam’. Hand-made mandolin by Small Strings. Guitar and lute tuition. Instruments: http://earlymusicmuse.com/instruments-for-sale Also CD sale, see http://earlymusicmuse.com/cd-sale   [added 2017 Feb]
MEMBERS - Updates every issue in FW & here online, so don’t delay, send us your entries!

​© Folklife 2020
Workshop Providers
W.1    WORKSHOP PROVIDERS, including Study Centres, Folk Teachers, Tutors, Development Workers, Workshop Organisers.
Many tutors travel across the country; so we give their home area just for information.
<>  See also Folklife Traditions Directory website: List 8, Folklife Studies & Institutions: Fs.2, Lecturers and Speakers
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Early Music Muse
your logos/photos welcome ​- but please note Weebly (this programme) requires jpegs
England - Midlands
 
Birmingham    CHRIS LOWE storyteller   www.chrislowestories.com    Chris Lowe    0121 308 2298
⇒   chrislowe30<at>hotmail.co.uk
⊕  Stories that amuse, stories that intrigue, stories that transport.  All from the West Midlands’ champion teller.  Workshop Organiser [New website, Jan 2018]

West Midlands     EARLY MUSIC MUSE   http://earlymusicmuse.com/school-workshops Ian Pittaway
⇒ contact<at>ipmusic.org.uk
⊕  Traditional, mediaeval and renaissance music workshops for voice and any instrument. Primary and secondary school workshops and adult workshops in historical music, involving history, drama and dance.  [added 2017 Feb]

Birmingham    GRAHAM LANGLEY storyteller     www.storytelling.uk.net    Graham Langley    07946 718286
⊕ Storyteller. Traditional storytelling for all ages, including HE and professional development.  “An uplifting experience...” Times Educational Supplement. Workshop organiser and presenter for Traditional Arts Team storytelling workshops.

West Midlands     IAN PITTAWAY    www.ipmusic.org.uk    Ian Pittaway
⇒ contact<at>ipmusic.org.uk
⊕    Solo traditional, mediaeval and renaissance music with voice, guitars, lutes, harps and other mediaeval/renaissance instruments. Primary and secondary school and adult workshops in historical music and dance.  [added 2017 Feb]
​

around UK    NONSUCH DULCIMER CLUB   http://dulcimer.org.uk    Sally Whytehead     01527 64229  
⇒   Please use our contact pages https://www.dulcimer.org.uk/contact-form/
⊕   We provide workshops for hammered and mountain dulcimer at a range of venues and levels and can also loan instruments. For the latest news and information on what we are doing or to get in touch go to http://dulcimer.org.uk

West Midlands     TRADITIONAL ARTS TEAM   www.tradartsteam.co.uk    Pam Bishop     0121 247 3856
⇒    19 Springfield Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham B14 7DU
W.2    MEMBERS’ CONTINUING (LONGER-TERM) WORKSHOPS SERIES (eg termtime)
    • For 1-off workshops (whether 1 day or 1 week), see our FESTIVALS & WORKSHOPS DIARY webpage
        • none advised, but note that HOBGOBLIN MUSIC BIRMINGHAM offers instrument tuition, see West Midlands region Folk News pages
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