Folk Directory online, from Folklife West
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Performers: Midlands (East & West)

  ​music & song, dance, spoken word
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​We also have a FOLK NEWS website; Midlands folk news is on www.folklife.uk/midlands.html
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When we update this site: also on "Updates webpage" on that site, + in our emailed "Folklife Updates".
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​YOUR DIRECTORY ENTRIES  ●  Also included on UPDATES webpage  on our folklife.uk folk news site
●  Also included in our next emailed UPDATES  - from 6 to 12 per year at irregular intervals  
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    ​​. . . . 
     your PERFORMER details. Those marked * required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      MORE THAN 1 ENTRY ?     please send in separate forms 
    ​​
    Pf.1    FOLK MUSIC & SONG                                                                      Pf.2   FOLK DANCE                 Pf.3  SPOKEN WORD                          
    Pf.1a-c, general Music & Song           Pf.1d-f, specific Music & Song          Pf.2a  Folk Dance Callers          Pf.3a   Folk Shows,Theatre, Mummers
     Pf.1a  Music/Song - Bands/Groups   Pf.1d  Choirs & Quires                      Pf.2b  Folk Dance Bands           Pf.3b   Poetry & Monologuists
     Pf.1b  Music/Song - Duos                  Pf.1e  Community & Street Bands    Pf.2c  Ceremonial & Display (Clog, Morris, Sword)   Pf.3c Storytellers
     Pf.1c  Music/Song - Solo                   Pf.1f   Shanty Groups, Duos, & Solo                     You are welcome to email us to suggest new categories
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​Listings from   🄵  Folklife member.   Ø Folklife Associate member. --- Members' news is in area news webpages on www.folklife.uk   
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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     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    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    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    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]


Herefs   TOM HUGHES        www.tomhughesmusic.co.uk        Tom Hughes
⇒  Contact: tomhughesmusic<at>outlook.com
  See also: www.facebook.com/tomhughesfolk, https://twitter.com/tomhughesmusic
⊕ Musician, Educator & Tunesmith, Tom Hughes is available to offer a variety of different performances, whether a public or private event/meeting,  including performance of folk/traditional music and original compositions on piano, accordion and whistles.  Also available as part of a duo with fiddle/vocals. Please enquire to discuss further.   (updated 12/2022)
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-8:30pm, Thursdays, during term time.
⊕  We provide an opportunity for people to gather and sing in an informal and friendly environment. “Very uplifting sessions”.  New members welcome!      (updated 12/2022)
 
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!  (updated 12/2022)
 
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 welcome.
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  
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    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]
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