I came as a performer, but I'll definitely be back to join the audience.
Bournemouth folk club is a pleasure. I'd say it is Bournemouth's best kept secret, but it seems that everything creative, marginal and grass-roots in this conurbation is a well-kept secret.
I got lost on my way to "Centre Stage", the venue for said Folk Club. This is not a flaw in the location of the place, it's just that I didn't look up the directions before heading out. I never do; in a sea-side town, it's never difficult to find a place by following signs, rough ideas and by asking along the way. So when, minutes before the performance was due to start, I could still be found (or rather, lost) approaching strangers to find directions to "Centre Stage"I was unpleasantly surprised! It took a grudging chain-B+B receptionist collaborating with a search-engine to find that it was thirty seconds around the corner. Turns out, it's not a well kept secret - it's just that very few people are asking the right questions....
like:
WHO PLAYED?
Andy Stone - ethereal, honest folk by a song-writer who worked seamlessly with his guitar to draw pictures in the air. His songs together told a story through which his wandered like a true folky. Listen out for his tale of African swallows, and his atmospheric instrumental "The Wrong Kind of Snow". He wants the listener to feel and enjoy his songs, guiding us through the lyrics to charm us into joining in- this is a performer very close to his audience. Refreshing
Rabbit Run - intelligent, bluesy music from a distinctive singer. The boy-girl pair have a stripped-back kind of class, as the stunning pair regale us with melancholic tales, told with real consideration for the words - which is rare! Having said this, the lovely singer's voice doesn't lend itself to clarity, so it was sometimes difficult to keep the thread of the stories. Enjoyable nonetheless with her unique vocal texture and a very skilled guitarist.
The Mother Folkers - stole the show for me! A fun, talented 6-piece on tour from Sheffield with great rapport within the band, and a whole range of instruments (gotta love the "Box" percussion instrument - a must-have for added quirkiness in any folk-group). The lasses carry off elegant energy while still maintaining their individuality (well done ladies!), while the lads are happy to take the essential backing-role - their skills on bass, guitar and box speak for themselves where their stubborn jeans-and-t's don't bother to. Clearly a hard-working group, making use of the stage space (and height-levels at one point) and the vocal talents of every member to spin some escalating harmonies. Awesome dance-able folk - go see them while there's still room at the front, but don't be afraid to start off the dancing - you'll regret not doing so!
WHAT TO DO
Check this place out - Lovely community atmosphere, tolerable drinks prices and an impressively diverse audience. Details on upcoming events + prices available here:
WHAT ELSE DO THEY DO?
This folk society are responsible for both Purbeck (25th-29th August) and Bournemouth (March 2012) Folk festivals. They hold a £1 raffle for worthy prizes like wine and vouchers at most events, and while the night had a decent turn-out, it deserves to be one of those stuffed, energetic nights full of people, straw, the sound of feet on wood, the occasional goat...
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