Month: June 2012

The guest at Irvine Folk Club on Wednesday 27^th June is the internationally acclaimed singer and songwriter Anthony John Clarke.  Whilst he has played at the Club on several occasions, for anyone who has not heard Anthony John, make sure you put the 27^th June in your diary.

The softly spoken, fast talking and very engaging Belfastborn Anthony John Clarke has been on the folk circuit for many years.  He has played at hundreds of Clubs and Festivals across the UK, Europe, Australasia and USA.  Anthony John has 12 CDs  and two Songbooks to his name –  Laughing at Clowns being his most recent CD.

Anthony John lists Al Stewart, John Martyn, Joni Mitchell, David Bowie and John Prine amongst his favourite songwriters. Songs by Anthony John  are Irish songs, storytelling songs, songs with an edge, songs of love, social comment and songs of everyday life.  His songs will make you sit up, listen to the words and think about the unfolding story they tell.

But don’t think it’s doom and gloom with hard-hitting messages in every song.  Anthony John sees entertaining the audience as his first responsibility. And this he does so very, very well.

Fans of Anthony John are many and loyal and the numerous tributes from his peers reflect his acknowledged talents and hard work…plus the fact that he is one of the nicest guys on the folk scene.

Anthony John Clarke being the guest at Irvine Folk Club on 27^th June puts that night in the ‘not-to-be-missed’ category.  Make sure you are in the audience at Vineburgh Community Centre in Quarry Road to hear the man with the shiny red guitar – Anthony John Clarke.

The Club starts at 8pm and it’s BYOB.

Finally, look out soon for information leaflets for the 45^th Marymass Folk Festival – the dates of which are Wednesday 22^nd – Sunday 26^th August.  A first class line-up of artists is in place – make sure you get a copy of the programme.

All the way from Winnipeg, Cara Luft is the Irvine Folk Club guest on Wednesday 13^th June – one of only two Scottish dates on her UK tour. Cara’s tour coincides with the release of her third solo album Darlingford.

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Born into a folk music family in Calgary, Alberta, Cara preferred to play with dulcimers and autoharps rather than toys and games.  Music being integral to her growing up, she entered a talent contest the prize for which was studio time. She won!  Cara cites her main musical influences as Buddy Holly and Led Zeppelin.

A solo performer for a few years now, Cara was a former founder member of The Wallin’ Jennys and played with them for 10 years. She is a singer, a songwriter and is described as a guitarist extraordinaire – indeed, she was invited to play at the prestigious Guitar Festival in theUK.  Critics have drawn comparisons with her vocal talent to June Tabor and Linda Thompson. Add these talents to her insightful and evocative song writing and it’s easy to see why Cara Luft has wowed audiences across North America andEurope.   She plays a mix of styles drawing from roots, folk, rock and country music. She also likes to laugh. What’s not to like!

Cara also teaches various workshops on songwriting, harmony singing, guitar technique and ensemble playing. She also loves doing House Concerts – something that is growing in popularity where she comes from.

Cara Luft’s UKagent is former Artisan member Jaycee Bedford and she knows a thing or two about singing.  Therefore, get along to Irvine Folk Club on Wednesday 13^th June for 8pm in Vineburgh Community Centre to hear the talented and engaging Cara Luft.

Two guaranteed-to-be excellent folk nights are coming up in Irvinewithin the space of seven days.  On Wednesday 30^th May it’s Ian Bruce & Ian Walker at Irvine Folk Club and on Saturday 2^nd June Jim Malcolm tops the bill at the Harbour Arts Centre.  The three musicians make a welcome and always eagerly anticipated return to Irvine.

Ian Bruce now resident in Edinburgh and Bo’Ness based Ian Walker are two gifted songwriters and fine singers.  When they joined forces in 1987 as an occasional duo, they quickly established themselves as a winning musical combination.

It’s hard to pin down Ian B’s style – his repertoire includes traditional material, country plus some almost pop items. What’s certain is that his exceptional vocal range and fine guitar playing make him an artist that is hard to match.

The quiet man in the duo Ian W, plays banjo in an uncomplicated fashion and is known for his straightforward way of delivering songs.

The thoughtful and challenging songwriting style of both Ians continues to produce gems.  Ian W’s Hawks and Eagles Fly Like Doves was used on a CD to mark the 200^th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade inBritain and the respect of other musicians is evident from the number of artists who cover material from both Ians.

Ian Bruce & Ian Walker are at Irvine Folk Club on Wednesday 30^th May. The Club meets in Vineburgh Community Centre inQuarry Road and starts at 8pm.  Better get there in good time to make sure of a seat.

Three days later on Saturday 2^nd June it will be Jim Malcolm at the Harbour Arts Centre inIrvine. It’s part of the new Irvine Harbourside Cultural Festival.

Jim from Perthshire sings traditional songs ofScotlandas well as his own material. He has a fine, clear voice and is an outstanding guitar player and accompanies himself on harmonica too. He was lead singer for eight years with Old Blind Dogs but is now back as a solo artist. The concert starts at 7.30pm and tickets are available from the HAC on 01294 274059.

As part of the new Irvine Harbourside Festival, there will be a folk music session in The Ship Inn on Friday 1^st June starting at 8pm.  And on Saturday 2^nd June from 1pm and weather permitting, there will be busking at the Harbourside. Interested in playing? Then contact Joyce on 01294 551047.

Ian Bruce, Ian Walker and Jim Malcolm – three fine musicians of whom we should all be proud. Don’t miss them.