...FolknStuff...

When was folk at its best?

2009-06-06T23:05:00.008+01:00

What are your memories of past folk music? When was its heyday on the island? Click on the above link to post a comment

What is your favourite traditional British folk song?

2009-01-06T20:17:00.004Z

Please could you let me know what your favourite British folk song is, as I am considering recording an album made up of people's favourite songs.

The Electric Strawbs - Sunday 1st June, Freshwater Memorial Hall, 7.30pm

2008-05-24T18:23:00.003+01:00

Tickets for the Electric Strawbs concert are selling fast, so get yours today by ringing the Quay Arts Centre on 01983 822490 or drop in to the Centre in Newport.

The concert is being promoted by Vaguely Sunny Promotions and support are Smoke and Mirrors (Acoustic) - local folk rock band in mellow mode.

Gypsy Folk/Jazz at the Woodvale - Friday May 23rd

2008-05-23T13:36:00.001+01:00

Come and hear Donal, Paul and JC doing their jazz thing at the Woodvale. Lots of energy and rhythm. Not to be missed. Starts at 8.30pm - be early for a seat. Free gig.

Newsflash: The Portland Sessions cancelled...

2008-05-20T21:58:00.002+01:00

The Portland Sessions held at the Portland Inn, Gurnard, have been cancelled until the pub has been refurbished. Watch this space for details of their return.

The Big Green Picnic, Newport - 24th and 25th May 2008

2008-05-19T17:02:00.002+01:00

The Big Green Picnic is an eco-friendly event being held over this coming weekend, 10am to 5pm each day.

Go to www.biggreenpicnic.co.uk for details.

It will feature a band stand and live bands all day long. 1pm each day will feature The Wellbeing, with Tali, Becky and Sean playing acoustic folk. Come along and enjoy some great sounds to an eco-friendly beat.

Becky

The Wild Oats - a folk and roll thing!

2008-04-27T19:28:00.004+01:00

the Wild Oats are a five-piece folk rock band from the Isle of Wight, doing original material.

Worth a listen!

Here are their forthcoming gigs -

25th May 2008 12 Noon
Mountbatten Youth Hospice Charity Gig
THE BALCONY. RYDE. ISLE OF WIGHT
.........................................................................................................
25th May 2008 7:30pm
ISLE OF WIGHT RADIO 102 & 107 FM
Live session on Live & Local.
...........................................................................................................
5th June 2008
St George's School Fund raiser and DRAGON awareness gig.
Also performing: Lucid.
£3.00 entry 7.00pm til 11.00pm
MEDINA THEATRE. ISLE OF WIGHT
Click Here For their website.

www.myspace.com/oneswildoats

http://www.thewildoatsonline.co.uk/

When is a session not a session?

2008-04-25T14:40:00.001+01:00

So what, is a folk session? What does it entail, who can play, what is played, how and why?

Can you come up with a definition? Post here...

a session - a meeting devoted to a particular activity; "a filming session"; "a gossip session"
coming together, meeting - the social act of assembling for some common purpose;

The Strawbs, + Smoke and Mirrors Acoustic - Sunday 1st June, Memorial Hall, Freshwater

2008-04-20T17:59:00.002+01:00

A guaranteed sell-out gig, so get your tickets from The Quay Art Centre Box Office - 01983 822490.

Smoke and Mirrors will be performing their first acoustic gig as support. This will feature many of the songs but without the "noise"!

See you then.

Niton - the hub of nu folk on the Isle of Wight!

2008-04-14T14:27:00.003+01:00

There is so much going on in Niton these days, it is hard to keep up with it all.
The latest venture - The Buddle Inn, as a music venue - what a great place to hold live music!
Last night saw Tali Trow and the Well-Being (nu folk), Blue Fox (country/bluegrass), Tommy Ayres (alternative folk) and Pete's Sake (trad folk) playing to a crowd of 80 people. Tali organised the gig - using both stages at the venue, alternating bands with solo/duo sets. This was a well-organised and hugely successful gig.

It is hoped that these nights will become regular features at the Buddle. The next one is planned for June 8th. Also being organised is a mini-festival called "Three Nights in Niton". Watch this space for details.

All things Morris

2008-04-14T11:28:00.003+01:00

Just a quick bit of news - The Oystergirls (Ladies Morris Team) will be tripping off to Hastings for the Jack-in-the-Green festival, May 2 to 5 2008. For details see the website http://www.hastingsjack.co.uk/

Why not come along for a day out, or for the weekend? Sure to be a crazy weekend of dancing, playing and general merry-making!

New music programme at The Acoustics at the Altar, St, John's Church, Ryde

2008-04-06T11:09:00.003+01:00

Acoustics at the Altar has a busy programme ahead of them , and some great music for you to hear as follows -

Bex Marshall - 15th August
An explosion of blue-hot acoustic roots rock poker twisted with a whippin' of bluegrass. Bex Marshall has character and her songs prove it! An artist of jaw dropping talent; a guitarist with a unique melting pot of a voice Joplin Soul, Bonnie Rait slide and the originality of Memphis Minnie. She belts it out, rips it up and delivers a performance undeniably hot!!

Julie Felix - 12th September
As the first solo folk artist to be signed to a major British record company, Julie Felix’s career has spanned four decades, beginning as Britain's First Lady of Folk (The London Times) and selling out the Royal Albert Hall Julie Felix has campaigned tirelessly against war and for Human Rights throughout her career. She celebrates in her own inimitable style for us at Acoustics at the Altar on 12th September 2008.

Graham Robbins - 17th October
If you are looking for magical rootsy music, top class accompaniment and atmosphere by the spadeful, look no further than Graham Robins, one of the finest singer songwriters on the acoustic music scene - and recently nominated for an INDY AWARD.Graham’s career spans four decades with a heart and love of performing that is still as young as yesterday, with material crossing musical borders taking in Soul, Blues, Country and Gospel with a voice that exudes warmth and passion.Graham has shared the stage with numerous artists including The Waterboys, Seth Lakeman, Georgie Fame, Shana Morrison and Chris Farlowe.

For information and tickets ring 01983 611913 or visit the website www.myspace.com/acousticsatthealtar.

Violin/Fiddle Teacher now looking for pupils - children and adults.

2008-04-05T17:30:00.004+01:00

I am now looking to build up my music teaching career, and would love to hear from anyone who wants lessons based on the Isle of Wight.

I have 30 years of playing experience, and have a music degree (BMus Hons) and a professional youth work qualification. I can teach young or old, beginners to more advanced. I can also help with music theory. I am also a pianist.

Please contact me on 01983 523578 for details and rates. For details see -

http://www.musicteachers.co.uk/teacher/af22a422532a4cc2c528

Thanks
Becky

Traditional Dance Display - Saturday 12th April - Sandown

2008-04-05T12:11:00.002+01:00

There will be a display of traditional folk dance and music from England and France on Saturday 12th April, 7pm to 11pm, at Sandown Bay Holiday Centre. People are welcome to join in.

This will be followed the next day by a French Dance Display at 12 noon at Sandown Pier Approach.

Fat Cat Beer Festival 2008

2008-03-31T18:40:00.001+01:00

The Fat Cat Beer Festival will now take place in September this year, and not May. Watch this space for details...

Pete's Sake website updated

2008-03-30T22:31:00.001+01:00

See www.petessake.20m.com for details.

Vaguely Sunny on IW Radio - Sunday 30th March

2008-03-30T21:38:00.001+01:00

If you didn't hear the radio interview, Pete and Vic (and me) talked widely on the subject of Isle of Wight music, with particular reference to Anthony Minghella and Dancer, folk gigs and events coming up, and local talent.

Well done boys!

Irish Session at The Yarbridge Inn, Brading - Wed 2nd April, 8pm onwards

2008-03-30T16:40:00.002+01:00

A message from Bob Huxtable

"That's Dubai out of the way. In Bahrain giving assistance to abroken Mine Sweeper over the weekend, then off to Goa. Here is my usualreminder for the next Irish Session at the Yarbridge Inn on Wednesday 2ndApril. Hope you can all make it."

Ring 01983 524040 for details.

John Renbourn and Robin Williamson - April 11th, Farringford Hotel, Freshwater

2008-03-24T18:43:00.002Z

Tickets are now on sale for the above gig. See details on left-hand side of page, under Vaguely Sunny gigs.

Festival News

2008-03-24T18:31:00.005Z

If you like your folk music with a little culture and some good real ales, then The Gaffers Festival and the Fat Cat Beer Festival are for you

The Old Gaffers Festival takes place in Yarmouth, 30th May to 1st June, and features local and national groups - music to suit everyone's tastes - to see the full programme go to
http://www.yarmoutholdgaffersfestival.co.uk/. You can also see the sailing programme on the site.

Details of The Fat Cat Beer Festival will soon follow but I believe that it will take place from 1st to 8th May 2008 at the Sandpipers Hotel, Freshwater.

Gig Guide Updated...

2008-03-20T15:11:00.000Z

Please see the updated gig guide on the left-hand side of this page. Loads more gigs included, plus details of some exciting artistes and groups visiting the Quay Arts Centre during March and April.

If you have gigs you want to include, please email us at rebpet@btinternet.com. Thanks.

Anthony Minghella Dies

2008-03-19T15:44:00.000Z

The shocking news of Anthony's death has saddened us. Our thoughts go out to his family.

Becky Fiddler

Paddy's Night session at the Portland Inn, Gurnard, 8.30pm

2008-03-16T22:14:00.001Z

Be there! Should be a great night.

Smoke and Mirrors gig - Sunday 23rd March, at the Buddle Inn, Niton

2008-03-16T17:35:00.001Z

The gig at the Buddle is now sold out. If you do turn up, you might not get in, but you risk takers could chance it!

See you there!

Becky

St. PATRICK'S NIGHT BASH AT The Spyglass Inn, with Last Orders

2008-03-16T17:34:00.001Z

Last Orders will be playing at thye Spyglass Inn, Ventnor on Monday 17th March, 8.30pm. Enjoy!