Performers - Midlands - FD: Folklife's Directory

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LIST 2: FOLK PERFORMERS --- MUSIC & SONG <PF.1>
Pf.1a-1c = general: Group, Duo, Solo • Pf.1d-1f = specific: eg Community Bands; Shanties

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>

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>

Pf.3a Folk Shows,Theatre, Mummers
Pf.3b Poetry & Monologuists
Pf.3c Storytellers

Pf.1   FOLK MUSIC & SONG

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

Pf.1a   Folk Music & Song - Bands / Groups

Warks    NUNC/DRUNKMONKEY Geoff Veasey has emailed that Nunc and Drunk Monkey have ceased, so now deleted, July 2022.

Worcs    DUBLIN JACKS    www.dublinjacks.uk   Ray    07594 204481
   ⇒ r.hadden94(at)btinternet.com
   ⊕ 4/5 piece band. Specialists in traditional music (often Irish) and “good time” music (more modern music people like); pubs, weddings, birthdays, village events, Burns, St Patrick’s, wakes, ceilidhs. May also be booked as a trio or duo.   [Mar 2018, new Member]

Worcs   FAIRFIELD www.bromsgrovefolkclub.co.uk/bookanact.html   Bob Bignell   0121 476 5938

Worcs     ONEACHORD            www.oneachord.co.uk        Peter Warner             07811 953480
⇒ Please contact Peter by: email:  peter<at>peterwarner.co.uk, phone or text: 07811 953480
⊕ Andy, Percussion; Peter, Acoustic guitar, mandolin and vocals; Glynn, Acoustic bass guitar; Sue, Fiddle; Marc, Mandolin, Bouzouki, Banjo, acoustic guitar and vocals.   [Feb 2020, new member]

Worcs   THE POACHERS   (no website)    Alasdair    01684 892264
   ⇒ alasdair.mckeane(at)gmail.com
   ⊕ Longstanding (since 1966) 4-piece band specialising in well-known songs from around the British Isles, many with choruses, all delivered    with enthusiasm. Weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, village events, pubs, Burns, St Patrick’s, wakes. May also be booked as a trio or duo.   [Mar 2018, new Member]

Worcs SET EM UP JOE   [no website]   Alan Courtney
   ⇒ Contact alanjoecourtney<at>icloud.com for information/bookings.
   ⊕ Fabled Malvern-based band, huge repertoire largely folk, country, jazz music. Jackie Gribble (vocals and concertina), Alan Courtney (vocals and guitar, Dave Young (Roland melodeon and concertina), joined regularly by very talented friends at gigs. Lively evening is guaranteed for all!    [added July 2022]

Worcs     SHEPHERD’S PURSE     www.ericpaynefolksongs.co.uk      Eric & Eileen Payne     01886 880061
⇒   Eric & Eileen Payne, eric_payne<at>btinternet.com
⊕ Eric & Eileen Payne and Jim Preston sing in close harmony - songs with a story to tell! Three distinctive voices that can fill the air, blending gentle, precise and delicate harmonies.  [2018 Dec, new entry]

Worcs    THE TRUCKSTOP TRIXIES    www.facebook.com/truckstoptrixies Contact: see facebook
   ⇒ Contact Tyler for info/bookings: tylerdmassey<at>gmail.com
   ⊕ A musically-renowned Malvern-based band: Tyler Massey (guitar/vocals), Vo Fletcher (guitar/vocals), Dave Young (Roland melodeon), Mikey Mann (keyboards), Eric Haj (percussion) and Neil Poulter (mandolin). Performing mainly classic Americana - Gram Parsons, Bob Dylan, Gillian Welch, Lowell George and others.  [Mar 2018, new listing]

Pf.1b   Folk Music & Song - Duo

Staffs    PAUL WALKER & KAREN PFEIFFER  www.paulwalkermusic.co.uk    Karen Pfeiffer    07772 006427
⇒ karen<at>paulwalkermusic.co.uk ,   www.youtube.com/PaulWalkerKarenPfeiffer , www.facebook.com/paulwalkerandkarenpfeiffer ,
www.instagram.com/walkerpfeiffermusic

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]

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]

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]

Worcs   BILL and SUE SMITH    (no website)   Bill & Sue Smith   01905 423488
⇒ 21 Vernon Park Road, St John’s, Worcester, WR2 4NF. billandsuesmith<at>hotmail.com
   ⊕ Traditional songs in harmony, and with concertina & dulcimer. Available for folk clubs & festivals as performers and/or singaround/session leaders.

Worcs   DIMINISHEDACHORD                         www.oneachord.co.uk        Peter Warner             07811 953480
⇒ Please contact Peter by: email: peter<at>peterwarner.co.uk, phone or text: 07811 953480
⊕ Peter and Sue from OneAchord often perform as a duo 'DiminishedAchord'; Peter, Acoustic guitar, mandolin and vocals; Sue, Fiddle.
[Feb 2020, new member]

Worcs     DUBLIN JACKS    www.dublinjacks.uk    Alasdair    01684 892264
   ⇒ alasdair.mckeane(at)gmail.com
       ⊕ Duo performing a wide range of well-known popular music from 1940s and 50s onwards, as well as traditional material. Two singers, guitar, tenor banjo, fiddle, concertina, mandolin. Birthdays, community or family events, entertainment for elderly folk, wakes. Daytime, evenings.     [new member, Mar 2018]

Worcs   MAMWIG   www.bromsgrovefolkclub.co.uk/bookanact.html Bob Bignell   0121 476 5938

Worcs   STRING BOX (Martin and Jill) .....................................................................    Jill Peer    07754 950939
⇒   Ring 07754950939
⊕   String Box are Martin and Jill, on fiddle, guitar and harmonicas. Lovely, lively harmonious songs. From 1920 onwards   Not too loud - un plugged for relaxing fun. Call 07754950939 to book. Sometimes on Facebook, Jill M Peer

Worcs   THE ENGLISH DULCIMER DUO   www.reverbnation.com/englishdulcimerduo   Lisa
⌂   info<at>englishdulcimerduo.org.uk, Listen at: https://youtu.be/RgMIiyemXZc and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4SqWvUpDis&feature=youtu.be
⊕   Sue Harris (Umps and Dumps, John Kirkpatrick) and Lisa Warburton (Malthouse Passage, Blarney Stone). Mainly English tunes, including a number of jaunty 18th century melodies. Their different styles and qualities of their dulcimers combine to make a powerful and spelling-binding sound.   [new website 2/2017]

Worcs   THE NIGHT WATCH  www.the-night-watch.org.uk   Ian Pittaway 07504 269 855
⇒ contact<at>the-night-watch.org.uk
⊕ 13th—17th century songs and music. We perform and teach early music, deliver primary/secondary school workshops involving music, history and drama, gigs for folk clubs, music clubs, music festivals, weddings, celebrations, corporate events, private events or … surprise us! [added 2017 Feb]

Pf.1c   Folk Music & Song - Solo

Worcs ALAN COURTNEY alancourtney.bandcamp.com
   ⇒ Contact alanjoecourtney<at>icloud.com for information/bookings. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUoY017AW-U
   ⊕ Well known singer and guitarist, folk music ancient and modern in clubs, concerts and festivals, Worcestershire and beyond for many years. His repertoire draws on a variety of songs he’s written about people, places and events from his native Devon.    [added July 2022]

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]

Notts   STEVE TURNER www.steve-turner.co.uk   Steve Turner   0115 9430333
⇒   mobile 07831-265272. info<at>steve-turner.co.uk

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.

Worcs   BOB BIGNELL www.bromsgrovefolkclub.co.uk/bookanact.html   Bob Bignell   01214765938

Worcs   COLIN PITTS   www.colinpitts.co.uk   Colin Pitts   07939 782280
⇒ colinpitts<at>live.co.uk
   ⊕ Singer-songwriter. Writer of ‘Australian Wine’ and ‘Looking For England’.

Worcs    DAVE JAMES (no website)   Dave James    07795 022779
⇒  For more detail[added 2017 Feb]

Worcs   MIKE WEAVER   www.mikeweavermusic.com    Mike Weaver   07887 523770
⇒ Contact 07887 523770
   ⊕ Singer-songwriter. CD ‘Live At The Top Of The Stairs’ (£10) available via www.mikeweavermusic.com

Herefs   DENNIS HOMES        www.dennishomes.net          Dennis Homes 07712 565 590
⇒ Please contact Dennis via leogem3@icloud.com www.dennishomes.net
Music also on https://dennishomes.hearnow.com, Spotify, www.cdbaby.com/cd/dennishomes.
⊕ A very original singer/songwriter with a style influenced by folk, rock and country. Dennis writes and performs all his own songs. These include love songs, songs about people, songs about places, comic songs, sad songs and songs about life.  [Feb 2020, new Member]

Herefs   TOM HUGHES        www.tomhughesmusic.co.uk           Tom Hughes
⇒ Contact: tomhughesmusic<at>outlook.com
   See also:  www.reverbnation.com/tomhughesfolk, www.facebook.com/tomhughesfolk, https://twitter.com/tomhughesmusic
⊕ Musician, Educator & Tunesmith, Tom Hughes offers a variety of different performances, whether public or private events/meetings, including folk/traditional music and original compositions on piano, accordion and whistles. Also available in a duo with fiddle/vocals. Please enquire to discuss further.  [Feb 2020, new Member]

Pf.1d   Choirs & Quires: Folk & Community Choirs & Bands, West Gallery
→ indicates venue and times

Herefs HEREFORD COMMUNITY CHOIR www.herefordcommunitychoir.uk    Tom Hughes
⇒ Contact   tomhughesmusic<at>outlook.com or message us via FB See also:  https://www.facebook.com/herefordcommunitychoir
→ Hampton Bishop Village Hall, Hereford HR1 4JY. 7:30pm-9pm 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month.
⊕ We provide an opportunity for people to gather and sing in an informal and friendly environment. “Very uplifting sessions”. New members welcome!  (11/2021)

Herefs    HEREFORD FOLK ENSEMBLE  www.herefordfolkensemble.uk    Tom Hughes
⇒ Contact: tomhughesmusic<at>outlook.com, or message us via FB See also:  https://www.facebook.com/herefordfolkensemble
→ Hampton Bishop Village Hall, Hereford HR1 4JY. 7:30pm-9pm 2nd and 4th Friday of each month.
⊕ Hereford Folk Ensemble is a community music group creating a positive environment and an opportunity for people to gather and perform instrumental folk & traditional music. A great way to end the week and start the weekend! New members welcome!   (11/2021)

Worcs   VITAL SPARK   www.vitalspark.org.uk   Sue Smith   01905 423488
⇒ 21 Vernon Park Road, St John’s, Worcester, WR2 4NF.   billandsuesmith<at>hotmail.com
→ Practising every Wednesday evening in West Malvern Village Hall.
⊕ West Gallery and American shape-note Quire and band. New members welcom

Pf.1e   Folk Music & Song - Shanty Groups, Duos, & Solo -- entries welcome

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

Staffs    VICTORIA BERRINGER   www.facebook.com/Ceilidh-Dancing-Calling-148536822189704
Worcs   BOB BIGNELL   www.bromsgrovefolkclub.co.uk/bookanact.html Bob Bignell   01214765938

Pf.2b   Folk Dance Bands

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

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

Worcs   5 BAR GAIT   www.bromsgrovefolkclub.co.uk/bookanact.html   Bob Bignell   01214765938

Worcs   STEP ON BOARD APPALACHIAN     (no website)      Cynthia   0121 476 5938

Worcs   THE POACHERS    (no website)     Alasdair    01684 892264
   ⇒ alasdair.mckeane(at)gmail.com
       ⊕ Experienced 4-piece band plus caller: ceilidhs, barn dances, weddings, birthdays, village/local events, Burns, St Patrick’s, all interspersed with song and good humour.   [new member, Mar 2018]

Pf.2c   Ceremonial & Dance Display   (including Clog, Morris, Sword)        arranged by county

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]

Worcs    APPLEYARD LADIES TRAD. DANCERS    www.Appleyardfolk.co.uk   Diana Maiden   01684 565204
⇒ info4appleyard<at>gmail.com, or dianamaiden6<at>gmail.com
   → Thursday. Earls Croome Village Hall, near Upton-on-Severn. 8pm to 10pm. Weekly during winter, dancing in summer at pubs, festivals & other venues.
   ⊕ Dances from all over the country, new and old.   [Email change: FQ Apr 2016]

Worcs   FAITHFUL CITY MORRIS MEN    www.faithfulcitymorris.org.uk   Bill Smith   01905 423488
⇒ 21 Vernon Park Road, St John’s, Worcester, WR2 4NF. billthefiddle<at>yahoo.co.uk
   → Every Wednesday at The Talbot, Knightwick (A44, 7 miles from Worcester).
   ⊕ Cotswold Morris. New members (experienced or beginners) welcome.

Herefds   LEDBURY MORRIS   Facebook: Ledbury Morris Ceri James 07870 382678
→ Sunday afternoons, 2.00-4.00pm, The Royal Oak Hotel Ledbury, HR8 2EY. Contact us first for more details.
⇒ Ceri James 07870 382678, ceridwen.james<at>sky.com
⊕ Ledbury Morris is a new and upcoming mixed side, dancing all the Border Morris dances collected by the late Dave Jones. It is available for bookings now. We welcome new dancers and musicians who want to keep the tradition alive. [new listing, Nov 2019]

Worcs    STEP ON BOARD APPALACHIAN    (no website)    Cynthia   0121 476 5938

Pf.3 SPOKEN WORD PERFORMERS

Pf.3a   Folk Shows & Theatre, Mummers

Coventry   COVENTRY MUMMERS   www.coventrymummers.org.uk   John Havell   02476 672297
⇒ 35 Belvedere Road, Earlsdon, Coventry, CV5 6PG. john<at>havell45.plus.com

Worcs        FOLD THEATRE Folk Plays           www.ericpaynefolksongs.co.uk/Folkplay.html     Eric & Eileen Payne     01886 880061
⇒   Eric & Eileen Payne, eric_payne<at>btinternet.com
⊕ 11 talented local actors, singers and musicians, based at ‘The Fold” at Bransford, near Worcester. The plays are written by Eric and Eileen Payne and involve narration, songs, music, sketches and poetry. [2018 Dec, new entry]

Pf.3b   Poets & Monologuists
None at present

Pf.3c Storytellers

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     LOWE AND PLANT  www.chrislowestories.com Chris Lowe   0121 308 2298
⇒ chrislowe30<at>hotmail.co.uk
⊕ Two of the most powerful and entertaining tellers of tales. Black Country yarnsman, Ron Plant brings English as a second language enhancement. You must hear Ron’s telling of Eli’s Cap, Whose The Saftist and Big Sal. [Added Dec 2022]

Performers: Midlands (East & West)

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