http://www.dartfordfolk.org.uk/

Dartford Folk Club, Essex Road, Dartford (2025)

06/02/2025

Marj Mitchell

DARTFORD FOLK CLUB
11 FEBRUARY 2025 THE TANNAHILL WEAVERS

Born of a session in Paisley, Scotland, and named for the town's historic weaving industry and local poet laureate Robert Tannahill, the Tannahill Weavers have made an international name for their special brand of Celtic music, blending the beauty of traditional melodies with the power of modern rhythms.

As one of the world's premier traditional Celtic bands, their diverse repertoire spans the centuries with fire-driven instrumentals, topical songs, original ballads and lullabies, and humorous tales of life in Scotland. In 2021 these multi-instrumentalists were joined by exciting piper and fiddle player Iain MacGillivray, who is also Scotland's youngest Clan leader.

From reflective ballads to foot-stomping reels and jigs, the variety and range of the material performed is matched only by the band's enthusiasm and lively Celtic spirits.
This is a much welcomed return to Dartford for the amazing 'National Treasure' of Scotland that is The Tannahill Weavers!!

Doors will open at 7.15pm, but please do come early if you are planning to sit with a large group of friends.

For further information, please E-mail: [email protected]

30/01/2025

Marj Mitchell

DARTFORD FOLK CLUB
04 FEBRUARY 2025 WENDY GROSSMAN

Wendy Grossman was a full-time folk singer from 1975 to 1983 with her folk album Roseville Fair released in 1980. She was president of the Cornell Folk Song Club, the oldest university-affiliated, student-run folk song club in the US, from 1973 to 1975.
In her own words, Wendy "has done increasingly sporadic appearances ever since with the last gig being a couple of songs as part of the Southampton Folk Club's afternoon concert at the local folk festival in 1995". These 'sporadic appearances' included a guest performance at Dartford Folk Club in May 1978!

In late 2003, Wendy became a resident singer at the Twickenham Folk Club near where she lives, and in 2004 she began doing occasional gigs again. Her most recent album,' The Last Trip Home', reviewed by our very own Joe Whittaker, can be read in the Oct-Nov Edition of Folk London.

We are delighted to welcome back WENDY GROSSMAN to Dartford Folk Club!

Doors will open at 7.15pm, but please do come early if you are planning to sit with a large group of friends.

For further information, please E-mail: [email protected]

24/01/2025

Marj Mitchell

DARTFORD FOLK CLUB

28th JANUARY 2025 BELLA GAFFNEY

Bella Gaffney is a British singer-songwriter, guitar and banjo player who has established herself as a prominent figure in the folk music scene. Born and raised in Bradford in West Yorkshire, Bella's love for music began at a young age, when she would visit her local folk club, The Topic.

In 2016, Bella won the prestigious 'Danny Kyle' Award at Celtic Connections, a music festival held annually in Glasgow, Scotland. The award recognizes emerging talent in the Scottish folk music scene and has helped launch the careers of many successful musicians over the years. Bella's win was a testament to her songwriting skills and her ability to put a fresh spin on traditional folk pieces.

In 2023 Bella released her new album 'Reflections'. The album was inspired by the connections she made during the lockdown period and features collaborations with some of the most talented musicians in the folk music scene, including Sam Kelly.

Bella's music is characterised by her distinctive voice, intricate guitar playing, and her knack for storytelling. She draws inspiration from a wide range of sources, including her own life experiences, the natural world, and the rich history of folk music. In addition to her solo work, Bella is also a member of the popular folk band, The Magpies.

Doors will open at 7.15pm, but please do come early if you are planning to sit with a large group of friends.

For further information, please E-mail: [email protected]

16/01/2025

Marj Mitchell

DARTFORD FOLK CLUB
21st JANUARY 2025 LIZZY HARDINGHAM

Folk infused singer songwriter Lizzy Hardingham sings songs that drive straight to the heart, giving audiences a chance for genuine connection and empathy. Lizzy is paving her way as a powerhouse performer with beautifully delivered songs, her wonderful voice grabbing the listener from the very first note and holding on until the last. Think Christine Collister, Joni Mitchell, Sandy Denny and KT Tunstall all wrapped into one.

After appearing as a finalist in 2018's New Roots competition, Lizzy has gone from strength to strength. Her sensitively penned songs have been spun on radio stations throughout the UK, across the pond and in Europe; with BBC Cambridgeshire heralding her as "A truly passionate and important voice." The following year saw her storm the UK folk club and festival scene, including Cambridge Folk Festival, while in 2020 she captivated online audiences with "a voice that could fill a stadium and the sensitivity to bring a room to attentive silence."

Lizzy Hardingham means business outside of performing too, having run her own songwriting competition alongside the St Albans Folk Festival as well as helping organise online efforts for New Roots in 2020. Her newest record, Seven, features a varied mix of traditional and self-penned songs bout our seas. Half of the proceeds go towards the great work done by the RNLI.

Doors will open at 7.15pm, but please do come early if you are planning to sit with a large group of friends.

For further information, please E-mail: [email protected]

10/01/2025

Marj Mitchell

DARTFORD FOLK CLUB

14th JANUARY 2025 THE KIMBERLEYS

Yorkshire born Isobel, a singer songwriter, met Essex boy Jim while seeking instrumentalists to collaborate on her original material.
Her folk influences were gathered from an early age, initially in the folk clubs of Yorkshire, at university (where she opened for Dick Gaughan) and later whilst living in the USA. On moving to London, Jim became a session drummer and he numbered several folk musicians among his connections, one of which lead to him depping on drums with The Albion Band.

Whilst recording and touring Isobel's original songs, the pair had always enjoyed making folk music just between themselves so, in due course, it seemed obvious to take folk music more seriously.... The Kimberleys had the material and the experience to go it alone.

Their ability to create daringly creative arrangements of well-loved ballads, whilst remaining completely respectful to the origins of the song, immediately attracted attention and appreciation.

Doors will open at 7.15pm, but please do come early if you are planning to sit with a large group of friends.

For further information, please E-mail: [email protected]

03/01/2025

Marj Mitchell

DARTFORD FOLK CLUB

EVERYONE ON THE DARTFORD FOLK CLUB TEAM WOULD LIKE TO WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Thank you for supporting us and we look forward to seeing you soon.

*** 7th JANUARY 2025 RATTLE on the STOVEPIPE ***

Rattle on the Stovepipe brings together three of British folk scene's most admired musicians, Dave Arthur, Pete Cooper and multi-instrumentalist Dan Stewart.

Touring folk clubs has led to a dedicated grassroots following with Shirley Collins, a self-declared fan, presenting them at London's Queen Elizabeth Hall in 2008. The band has regularly appeared at Whitby Folk Week and other festivals, as well as performing in France (2009) and Japan (2010).

Dave plays guitar, 5-string banjo, melodeon and percussion, Pete plays fiddle and mandolin, while Dan plays 5-string banjo, guitar and fiddle. Lead vocals are Dave with Dan providing harmony.

We are delighted to welcome RATTLE ON THE STOVEPIPE back to Dartford Folk Club as our first guests of 2025.

Doors will open at 7.15pm, but please do come early if you are planning to sit with a large group of friends.

For further information, please E-mail: [email protected]
Photo Credit _Courtesy Petersfield Museum

28/12/2024

** STAY SAFE ** 'HANDS FACE SPACE' ** STAY SAFE **

WE ARE STILL CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS SO THERE WILL BE NO FOLK CLUB ON: 31st DECEMBER 2024

EVERYONE ON THE DARTFORD FOLK CLUB TEAM WOULD LIKE TO WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Thank you for supporting us throughout the year and we look forward to seeing you on:

*** 7th JANUARY 2025 RATTLE on the STOVEPIPE ***

Doors will open at 7.15pm, but please do come early if you are planning to sit with a large group of friends. The evening starts at 8pm.

For further information, please E-mail: [email protected]

12/12/2024

Marj Mitchell

DARTFORD FOLK CLUB
TUESDAY 17TH DECEMBER 2024

PHIL BEER and his special guest Siân Monaghan

'Phil is one of the most popular ambassadors for acoustic roots music. A dazzling instrumentalist, he is perhaps best known as a top flight fiddler.'

The Truth... from the man himself:
"Whilst the above quote may be the perception, I would actually take issue with that statement. I didn't write it. I'm very good at what I do but, the trick is to design what you do in order to accommodate your limitations. That's why I don't teach. I leave that to the pros and I'm too busy gigging or making albums anyway."

Talking of being busy, Phil has recently completed a tour with his Trio, having previously 'survived' a 75-show tour with Steve Knightley.
So, we are absolutely delighted to welcome him back to Dartford with his Special Guest Siân Monaghan, a member of the Phil Beer Trio, and also an amazing percussionist in her own right.
Be prepared for a slightly more bluesy evening, but with all the wonderful treats and trimmings of a typical Phil Beer December visit!

Doors Open at 7.15pm with the evening starting at 8pm.

NO RESERVED SEATING! Please do come early if you are planning to sit with a large group of friends.
For further information, please E-mail: [email protected]

Photo Credit: Natalie Shaw

09/12/2024

Marj Mitchell

DARTFORD FOLK CLUB
Only TWO more Tuesdays before we take our Festive break! 🎶🪕🎸🥁🎻 🎵

10 Dec 2024 Edwina Hayes
17 Dec 2024 Phil Beer and his special guest Siân Monaghan

We are delighted to welcome back both Edwina Hayes, tomorrow, and then Phil Beer the following Tuesday.

Both are regular guests to our amazing Folk Club! We are also very excited to 'host' Phil's own special guest, Siân Monaghan, who will be joining him on stage for the evening.

Tickets are £8 (DFC members) and £10 (Guests).

Doors Open at 7.15pm with the evening starting at 8pm.
NO RESERVED SEATING so please do come early, especially if you are planning to sit with a large group of friends.

For further information, please E-mail: [email protected]

Phil Beer and Siân Monaghan: Photo Credit - Natalie Shaw

06/12/2024

Marj Mitchell

DARTFORD FOLK CLUB
TUESDAY 10TH DECEMBER 2024 EDWINA HAYES

With the 'voice of an angel', Edwina Hayes has quite rightly earned the reputation of being a true natural talent of gentle Folk-Americana.

Born in Dublin and growing up in Lancashire, Edwina moved to the east coast of Yorkshire in her teens, and has been based there ever since. Dividing her time between the UK and America, Edwina's second home is Nashville where she is much loved as a songwriter and artist.

She has opened numerous shows for Jools Holland and Van Morrison as well as playing gigs in her own right. The title track of her album 'Pour Me A Drink' was covered by Nanci Griffith, who called Edwina 'the sweetest voice in England' whilst her version of Randy Newman's 'Feels Like Home' was featured in the Cameron Diaz film, "My Sister's Keeper".

Prepare to be mesmerised by Edwina's beautifully written songs and charmed by her infectious stage presence.

Doors Open at 7.15pm with the evening starting at 8pm.
NO RESERVED SEATING! Please do come early if you are planning to sit with a large group of friends.

For further information, please E-mail: [email protected]

22/11/2024

Marj Mitchell

DARTFORD FOLK CLUB

TUESDAY 26TH NOVEMBER 2024 SUNJAY

Sunjay is a multi award-winning, critically acclaimed artist who effortlessly straddles the musical worlds of Americana, Blues, Folk & Country. Well known on the UK folk scene, he is an artist with a seemingly effortless mastery of the acoustic guitar.

Born to Anglo-Indian parents, Sunjay began playing the guitar at the age of 4. His father introduced him to as much music as possible in the hope that he would develop a life-long passion.

Sunjay's first musical love was Buddy Holly, closely followed by Don McLean, firmly rooting him with a blues and folk mix. He has now developed these influences (and also drawn heavily from country and rock), into a musical maturity far beyond his years. Reminiscent of Ralph McTell, John Martyn and early Tim Buckley, Sunjay's guitar playing has been hailed as "superb, brilliant, experienced, intricate & faultless".

A finalist in the 2012 BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award, Sunjay has supported Wizz Jones, Steeleye Span on several of their winter UK tour dates and also tour support for Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman on their "Persoane" spring tour in 2018.

Clearly a fine musician, composer and performer in his own right, we are delighted to welcome SUNJAY back to DARTFORD FOLK CLUB!

Doors Open at 7.15pm with the evening starting at 8pm.
NO RESERVED SEATING! Please do come early if you are planning to sit with a large group of friends.

For further information, please E-mail: [email protected]

Photo Credit_Charlie Barker

07/11/2024

Marj Mitchell

DARTFORD FOLK CLUB
TUESDAY 12TH NOVEMBER 2024 REG MEUROSS

"Intelligent and thought-provoking songs, beautifully made and skilfully delivered" - The Times

Reg's clever and imaginative lyrics have earned him the title of "Master Storyteller" (PennyBlack Music) and led Mike Harding (Mike Harding Folk Show) to introduce him onto the stage of The Royal Albert Hall as "one of the finest singer-songwriters this country has produced". Whether it's a village hall or the Albert Hall, Reg brings to the stage a collection of extremely beautiful songs, performed with humour and depth, and sung with the voice of an angel.

Reg has that rare gift of being able to touch people, through his songs and performance, on a really human level. His words and music paint pictures that remain with the listener long after the song has been sung.

"A mighty songwriter and an equally fine singer." - Martin Carthy

"Powerful and moving songwriting." - Martin Chilton, The Telegraph

Doors Open at 7.15pm with the evening starting at 8pm.
NO RESERVED SEATING! Please do come early if you are planning to sit with a large group of friends.

For further information, please E-mail: [email protected]

02/11/2024

Marj Mitchell

DARTFORD FOLK CLUB TUESDAY 5TH NOVEMBER 2024

PAUL WALKER & KAREN PFEIFFER

"With two grand voices - individually and in harmony", (Folker-German Folk Magazine), the Anglo-German duo Paul Walker & Karen Pfeiffer offer a versatile miscellany of self-penned and imaginatively arranged songs, delivered with guitar, woodwind instrumentation and occasional percussion.

Whilst Paul Walker & Karen Pfeiffer are acclaimed for their image provoking songwriting, expressive vocals and authentic musicianship, they are frequently recalled for their warmth, humour and their remarkable ability to engage with their audience. Karen's natural theatricality and life affirming playful energy compliment charmingly with Paul's calm geniality and combined they magically turn a great performance into a real event.

The duo has toured its shows extensively in most corners of the UK including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, but also in New Zealand, Australia and Europe, wooing audiences with Karen's southern German accent tinged with an 'oatcake induced' North Staffordshire dialect from Paul's heritage.

The pandemic has seen them focusing their attention on writing and developing their online presence. Their live stream 'Afternoon Tea with Paul & Karen' is now in excess of 100 shows and still attracts a dedicated international following. The new album 'Auf Wiedersehen, Me Duck' has been released in May 2022 and received glowing reviews in folk magazines around the UK and Europe.

Doors Open at 7.15pm with the evening starting at 8pm.
NO RESERVED SEATING! Please do come early if you are planning to sit with a large group of friends.
For further information, please E-mail: [email protected]

29/10/2024

Marj Mitchell

A fab line-up of live music at Dartford Folk Club for the second half of the autumn term! Don't miss it! 🎵🪗🎻🎸🪕🎶

25/10/2024

Marj Mitchell

DARTFORD FOLK CLUB
TUESDAY 29TH OCTOBER 2024 LUKE JACKSON

Blessed with a distinctive, bluesy, soulful voice, UK based singer-songwriter Luke Jackson has developed an enviable reputation for himself in the Roots, Acoustic, Folk & Americana circuits by virtue of his acclaimed recordings and dynamic live performances, be they solo or trio.

Between his debut album released in 2012, through to his latest release in 2022 are five records, including a live album Solo, Duo, Trio, which were all released to high praise and 5-star reviews. In the summer of 2019 Luke played the Costa Del Folk Festival in Portugal, September marked his first full solo tour in the USA and his last full length studio album Journals, released in November that year, was made 'Album of the Year' by Fatea Magazine.

During Covid, Luke kept himself busy and engaged with the musical community through a series of themed live stream shows and, after a bit of a creative writing surge, released a 7 track EP in early 2021 of songs written during lockdown called Of The Time later voted 2021 EP of the Year by Fatea Magazine.
Move on several years, and Luke continues to tour relentlessly in his own right, either solo, with either a bassist or drummer, or as a trio with both of them.

We hope you will join us to welcome back LUKE JACKSON for his third visit to DARTFORD FOLK CLUB!

Doors Open at 7.15pm with the evening starting at 8pm.
NO RESERVED SEATING! Please do come early if you are planning to sit with a large group of friends.

For further information, please E-mail: [email protected]

18/10/2024

Marj Mitchell

DARTFORD FOLK CLUB TUESDAY 22ND OCTOBER 2024

CHRISTINA ALDEN & ALEX

Christina Alden & Alex Patterson are multi-instrumentalists and songwriters from East Anglia. Their music is rich with intertwining harmony, sensitive accomplished musicianship and a creative song-writing style that is both delicate and moving. Deeply inspired by the world around them, they have a keen environmental eye to craft stories with the natural world at its heart, reflecting on the relationship between humans and the wild.

They have toured extensively in the UK and Europe; including a twenty-three-date concert hall tour with Show of Hands, a show at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall for Celtic Connections, headline and main stage performances at some of the UK's most prestigious folk festivals and performances in Norway, Belgium, France and Ireland.
They have written and self-released four albums, composed music for a BBC Radio 4 documentary series and have had over a million streams on Spotify.

'A bright, lively collection of songs that plays so sweetly it evokes the sensation of a summer folk festival' - The Guardian

'Gorgeous harmonies and lush melodies' - BBC Countryfile

Doors Open at 7.15pm with the evening starting at 8pm.
NO RESERVED SEATING! Please do come early if you are planning to sit with a large group of friends.

For further information, please E-mail: [email protected]

11/10/2024

Marj Mitchell

DARTFORD FOLK CLUB

TUESDAY 15TH OCTOBER 24 CHRIS WHILE & JULIE MATTHEWS

In case Chris While and Julie Matthews have so far passed you by, they are the longest-lasting female duo in Britain and have played more than 3,000 gigs, appeared on over 100 albums, written hundreds of original songs and reached millions of people around the world. Now, 30 years after their debut, they sound as fresh and vital as ever.

Chris & Julie are generally regarded as folk/singer-songwriters but their outlook is more akin to the DIY philosophy of punk. Their story is remarkable, one of two empowered women doing it their way, without compromise. They run their own label and publishing company; record and produce their albums from their own studio; perform all their own material, and have always valued their complete autonomy and creative freedom. And all from a small village near Sheffield, nearly 200 miles north of the London-centric UK music industry.

Their songs are varied and colourful and draw inspiration from the overtly political to key social issues and real-life human stories.

Doors Open at 7.15pm with the evening starting at 8pm.
NO RESERVED SEATING! Please do come early if you are planning to sit with a large group of friends.

For further information, please E-mail: [email protected]

03/10/2024

Marj Mitchell

DARTFORD FOLK CLUB
TUESDAY 8TH OCTOBER 2024 DAVE ELLIS & BOO HOWARD

"Dave Ellis and Boo Howard simply exude class. With Boo's wonderful voice and Dave's stunning song writing and guitar playing, they are always classy, imaginative and engaging... a lot of superlatives, but they are that good." - (Chesham FC)

Dave left Liverpool and headed to London with his guitar at the tender age of 18. He was soon headlining at major venues, getting rave reviews or his extraordinary guitar playing, duetting with Gordon Giltrap and touring with his hero Bert Jansch. Melody Maker listed him as 'one of the 6 best guitarists in the world'. With the release of his solo album, radio and TV beckoned and after a spot on the Old Grey Whistle Test, Dave decided to form 'The Dave Ellis Band'.

Boo joined as the bass player and soon became the main singer. The pair became a solid partnership renowned for their unusual blend of powerful songwriting, exquisite guitar playing and beautiful harmonies. Dave & Boo are now an integral part of the British acoustic folk scene and firm favourites with audiences up and down the land.

Doors Open at 7.15pm with the evening starting at 8pm.
NO RESERVED SEATING! Please do come early if you are planning to sit with a large group of friends.

For further information, please E-mail: [email protected]

Dartford Folk Club

06/02/2025

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22/11/2024

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